Monday, April 7, 2014

Paradoxology

I just got off a FaceTime call with my friend/brother/co-minister Steve Metcalfe. He's leading the Compassion team this week and had so many exciting stories to share. It's just another reminder of the depth of love that the Lord has given to us for the people of El Salvador. What a privilege to hear about it, pray into it and celebrate with them!!

Aynsley and I also just wrapped up our debrief with our Shelter team tonight. It was more of a somber, reflective time, however, it ended in a resolve to continue what we're called to do and in united song of praise - the Doxology.

Why the somber mood: After the events of yesterday (See Aynsley's post below), we went back out to the community, prepared to build the 8 remaining houses. However, as we arrived that number had dwindled to 6. Why?  The shooting we had heard yesterday, sent one man to the hospital (where he remains in serious condition). In fact, it turns out that we saw the gunman leaving on his motorcycle. The result of this activity - the families we were to build for have decided to leave the community.  6 new homes, dwindled to 3...which we built and then made a hasty exit. Later this afternoon, we sent a group of local people in, and they removed 2 of the homes we built. Everyone, but one family, has left that community.

Part of our prayer, everyday is for God to protect us from evil and for God to shine light into the darkness. We need both these powerful acts of God continually. These last two days has been a sober reminder of those realities. We are thankful that this community has been forced to face the reality of the evil that often stays hidden and that they made a choice to leave. We pray that the Lord would provide for them in the days, weeks and months to come. Please join us in that prayer.

We pray for the resolve to (re)build 9 homes over the course of the next couple of days in a different community and to be able to bless 9 families. Please join us in that prayer.

We pray that God would continue to deepen our love for Him, His purposes and the way in which He is coming against the present evil in this country. Please join us in that prayer.

We pray that God would rescue and redeem men, women and children in El Salvador, bringing them into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Please join us in that prayer.

The paradox, as Steve and I talked about is this: how could we witness lives being changed by Jesus Christ, and the resultant praise and joy, in a country where such evil and violence exists.  This much we know that God is at work here and we're privileged to be a part of it; in different ways - all of which is making a tangible Kingdom difference.

This paradox of God's grace in the midst of evil leads us to doxological praise, knowing that God's purposes will prevail. Please join us in this:

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen."

Deve

We all worship the same God.......

Wow what an amazing day. The Lord not only showed me the love and strength He provides to us but how our obedience to Him is life changing.  Today we met a thirty year old mother of three, for those of you who don't know me well I am a thirty one year old mother of three.  Ana Elizabeth was her name and her testimony will forever change me. A year ago today I lost the women who raised me, who showed me compassion and unconditional love, my aunt dee. To see where God has taken me in one year is unexplainable. But today, in the strength and faith Ana showed it made the day I dreaded for a whole year I most powerful moment God has showed himself to me. Words will not describe how loved and thankful I am to have such an amazing saviour call me his own.  Today I thank God for every miracle He has preformed in Anas family life. I thank Him for how faithful He is to me and I am just so excited for what is in store the next few days for our team.

Erin Norcross-Cain

Scared but Fearless

Being scared is hearing gunshots at the work site. Being scared is leaving the work site early. Being scared is not knowing what will happen to those families.

Being fearless is Tomasita and Basillio as they risk their own safety for us to find answers. Being fearless is Carrie and Stuart as they raise four little children in a very scary country. Being fearless is the congregation of Rio Frio as they worship God. Being fearless is trusting that God has a plan.

We live in a scary world. I think that sometimes we forget that, or just push it over. But, we live in a real world, with scary real life problems. I'm not saying we shouldn't be scared. Being scared is a normal, human thing. But being fearless, being fearless is giving it all up to The One who gave it all.

As we go back to that work site tomorrow, we would so appreciate your prayer for our safety. We will be building all the houses tomorrow, minus two that are no longer being built.

Aynsley

P.S. There is more to this story, and we'll share it sometime soon...for now your prayer continues to be needed.