It is so hard to believe that 2005 is about to come to an end. One month and counting. And a very busy month at that. During 2005 so many things have happened and it just seems that life is going by faster and faster. I know that sounds a bit clique, but I am here to tell you that it is true. There just isn’t enough hours in a day to get all the things done that are needed. Of course, I am not an “up at the crack of dawn” type person, as many of you out there are, but I also do not turn into a pumpkin at 10:00 at night either. I do most of my best work after the midnight hour. So I figure the same amount of working hours are evenly distributed between us all. All that brings me back to the fact that there are not enough hours in a day to get everything done.
Right now the pressing matters are getting all of my group leaders to get their applications and deposits in for the 2006 trips, which, by the way, seem to be going pretty well. I have not heard from all but several have told me that “the checks are in the mail,” which could mean a lot of things. I am also working on lessons for a youth rally I am speaking at up in Pennsylvania in January. And of course, getting weekly lessons ready for my Bible classes here are a daily task. I am planning out the details about the scouting trip in March and trying to get a big picture of our goals for the summer mission trips.
But other things are mixed in there too, from yard work to staying in touch with family and friends. I am blessed with so many good friends and it is such a joy to talk with them on a regular basis. We are spread out all over the place, literally. And many of my friends live so far away that we rarely see each other. But, thanks to telephones and e-mails, we stay in touch and keep up with each other. Which is really nice. We can instantly share photos, stories, memories, and the newest news with a click of a button.
Where would be without friends and relationships? How boring would life be without them? My world would be small, so contained. But, because of friends, my world is as big as can be, and it makes life so much more fun and interesting. And it keep s things fresh and fun too. Not a week goes by that someone recounts an event that has slipped my mind. My roommate from college brings up “activities” we were involved in during our college days that brings a smile to my face and generates a lot more memories in the process. When I read blogspots from Jennifer Arnold, Jen Wright, Tim Hines, and others, living in Honduras, it floods my mind with memories because I can almost feel and smell the story as well as reading the details! And it makes me realize that we are all in this great big production together.
God in His infinite wisdom, has brought us all together for a blockbuster production. We all have our parts, we all have our scripts. God is the director and He puts it all together. And the final cut is amazing because we all get to see different versions of the production, from our own perspectives. God has put some incredible people in my life. All along the way He put the right people in the right place at the right time to influence me to be who I am today. The list is endless. All kinds of people too. Some were quiet and unassuming. Some were loud and commanding. Some lead by example, others led by following. Some were smart and scholarly, others had simple wisdom and common sense. Some were popular, others shy. But make no mistake, they all played a role and they played that role to perfection.
During the past few years I have written some of these people to tell them what an influence they had on my life. Coaches, teachers, preachers, professors. Team mates. Class mates. High school and college friends. But there are so many I have not written too or spoken with. For some, I will never get the chance, for they have now passed on from this world. Others I have lost contact with and have no idea where they are now. And still others simply because I haven not gotten around to it yet. And that is the sad part, because I am taking time for granted. Somehow I have convinced myself that I have plenty of time to get around to it someday.
Isn’t that ironic? I am taking advantage of the one thing that I just talked about earlier. Time. We don’t have enough hours in a day to get everything done and yet I am taking time for granted. How crazy is that? But I do it, and I bet you do too. We get so involved in our own little worlds that we forget about the bigger one out there and the ones that played their parts to get you to where you are today. Maybe it is time for all of us to slow down for a while, even if it is just a few moments each week, and start making a phone call here and there, dropping an e-mail more often, and sending one of those sappy Hallmark cards. You know the ones, like on the commercials. And you know what, we DO react that way when we get them!!!!! I am the same guy who laughs at the commercials and pokes fun at them that tears up when the card comes in the mail!
To all of you out there that reads this blogspot, thanks. I don’t know who reads these thoughts of mine from week to week, but I want you to know that I love and appreciate you. My journey has been a fantastic trip. I have been able to experience life at its fullest, and have seen a lot of things and been to a lot of places. I have met some important people during my life, which is kind of cool, shaken hands of presidents and dignitaries. I have friends that would drop everything and would be at my side in a blink. I have hundreds of prayer warriors in my behalf. And the best family I could ever have dreamed for. I have been a small part of God’s work in His kingdom and have been humbled to know how fragile life is.
But, as 2005 comes to an end, I am so excited about what the future has in store for us. 2006 will be here soon and the work goes on. The circle keeps getting bigger and the work becomes more and more important. The boarders of the Kingdom are growing, and being stretched. The lost are being saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. The enemy is on the loose, the battle is at land. Winner takes all. And we are going to win. it’s a guarantee. But it is a fight to the finish, our foe will not give up. We must keep fighting, climbing, marching to the top. There is too much at stake to let up, ease up, or give up. God has led you to where you are right now, but make no mistake about it, where you are now is not where He wants you to be tomorrow. You are either moving forward or falling back. Come on, get up, its time to get moving…. Are you with me?
TR
Tuesday, November 29
Monday, November 21
WOW!
Dear Family and Friends:
Casa de Esperanza
The fruits of ministry have been a blessing to us this year. Being a part of the unfolding of God’s plans is a privilege and an honor. The work in Honduras has been growing and changing on almost a daily basis. Land was purchased in Santa Ana in May. Already, 14 houses have been built for the poor. All complete with electricity and water. A church building was completed in August, a minister hired, and currently there are 70 members with 30 baptisms since it’s opening. The medical clinic is near completion
and the children’s home construction was begun on Nov. 1st and will be completed by Dec. 10th. A 4,800sf building with four large children’s rooms a large kitchen with a dining room capacity of 36 people, there is a large 25’ by 25’ living room with 10 ft ceilings. A laundry room a big 18’ by 14’ storage area with a 14’ roof and an independent apartment for the two American girls that have been called to this ministry. It has a large office, two bedrooms with their own bathrooms, living room and dining room,
kitchen with hot water. WOW! Oh did I mention the big porch on the back with an endless view of the majestic mountains that seem to go on for ever. All the appliances have been donated and the Beds for the first 20 children have been donated by the First Lady of Honduras, who will be there for the inauguration of the project on the 10th of Dec. We hope to have 20 children in the home by January. I know that many ministries have children’s homes
but this one will be different, You’ll see. Mark my words, this will be a home like no other.
Mi Esperanza
Our plans also include the expansion of our Mi Esperanza program (women’s loan program), established to create a way for the countless women to become educated in ways to support themselves and their families. The training centre in Tegucigalpa, “The City Center” will continue with it’s already established programs of sewing, cosmetology, computer training, English classes and our famous Inter-Personal skills class. Our next move is going
to be bigger than you can imagine. We are purchasing another tract of land that is right across the street, that has been newly paved I might add, where we intend to build a 10,000 sf. building to realize the dream of the Mi Esperanza Artisan Center. We already have the artisans lined up to help us train these women how to make some really incredible stuff that we will export to states for sale at high end stores. This is really exciting because it will totally change a town that has been struggling to have a healthy economic base to build on and this program will involve no less than 100 Families from this town. It will change their lives because they will receive the profits realized by their efforts. And we believe that these profits will be significant.
TORCH Missions
Approximately 750 adults and teens came down this summer to work on the various projects through Torch Missions. This program continues to grow and bless the poor of Honduras. I have been so amazed at the amount of lives that are touched spiritually by the teams that come here to serve. To set up clinics in any community and stay there for days until their need is met, seeing some 400 patients a day, giving them free medicines and on at least six occasions through out the summer saving the lives of those patients. Way to go Docs. They build over 150 homes a year, deliver countless bags of food, pray for and visit thousands of hospitalized children; Honduran Children’s Homes are so excited to see these groups. Vacation Bible Schools and evangelism teams that are preaching, teaching and delivering God’s Word to all they encounter, baptizing them into the Kingdom and changing their spiritual lives forever. They plant Churches and build buildings, and schools in communities that have none. They build playgrounds for children. They play tournaments and even put on carnivals in communities that have no idea what cotton candy and popcorn is. These groups have ministered to a vast amount of people. But of course the most amazing thing is how theythemselves are transformed. Many Torchers leave Honduras having found the
Jesus they were looking for. A Savior that they can walk with on a daily basis, a Savior that cares enough to use them for His Glory. They leave Honduras with a renewed sense of purpose and longing to serve the Lord, and this is the greatest gift they encounter. Many of these Torcher’s are changed forever. Several of them have returned to be missionaries and school teachers. Some have gotten married in Honduras and still some have proposed and the girls said “yes” to the question. All in all this adventure into
ministry has changed many lives; it has certainly changed mine and my families. God has continued to bless and lead us where he wants us to go.
Clinic in Santa Ana
Which brings me to the Clinic that is almost ready in Santa Ana that will give continuous free medical care to those in need to seven surrounding communities that total some 15,000 people. Gayle Davidson’s dream of having a clinic that will reach many people as the preacher from the Santa Ana Church of Christ will be evangelizing all that come there for help. Good plan Huh? The clinic will be staffed by Some Honduran Docs that will donate
pro bono consultations. We will also be working with various Doctor groups from the States that will come and help with running the clinic.
Just this last week a group of Docs came to evaluate the possibility of doing free surgeries in the country. We met with the Minister of Health and he approved this program and recommended us to the newest hospital in the country in a town called Danli. The facility was just completed by a Foundation in Spain at a cost of $19,000,000. It is a one hundred and fifty
bed hospital with three, state of the art, operating rooms, and two, state of the art, ICU units. When we met with the Doctors that run the hospital they were so excited to be getting this kind of cooperation and we intend to bring our first surgical team in March if all goes as planned. How exciting is that. Being that there are very few groups that are approved for surgeries from outside nations.
Tattoo Removal
And today, 30 minutes before boarding the plane we signed a special agreement with the First Lady, The Director of Anti-Gang and Rehabilitative and Reintegration services and IRC to purchase, manage and administer a Tattoo Removal Yag-Q Laser. This program is designed to give rehabilitated ex-gang members the ability to return to a normal life. Under the current Honduran Law, if you are caught with any gang related tattoo you are automatically incarcerated for a minimum of four years. This has drastically
reduced the gang population and more and more are looking to get out of gangs and get back to a normal life. This will be a great ministry because all the rehab centers are run by Christian organizations and must go through a two year rehabilitative process before they can be considered for Tattoo removal.
Other Ministries
God continues to open doors of opportunity and we are doing all we can to meet the many needs that are revealed to us. We have always tried to listen to the Spirit when it comes to the ministries we are involved in. These times are no different. We are praying that the current political party will win the elections that are to happen on Nov. 27th. The future of TORCH and our other Honduran ministries are securely in place. Our ability to receive
containers without them being taxed has saved ministries over $45,000 in taxes. Our free warehouse that we are able to have through the ministry of health has been invaluable. We have received over 20 containers a year that are full of help for the poor. God has provided us with huge resources that many of you have been involved in making happen and for that we are eternally grateful. These ministries could never be realized without your
prayers, time and finances. Many of you have sacrificed beyond the call of duty. I am asking you to continue your support of the Hines family so that we may continue to be involved in the works of God whether we are in Honduras or in the States.
Future Plans
As you all are aware, I was called to assist with disaster relief effort in New Orleans. I have been going back and forth from Honduras since September. We have been working with the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ and there is an ongoing need there to continue the outreach. After much prayerful consideration, Gena and I have decided to base our family out of New Orleans
until these needs are met. We don’t like for our family to be apart for such long periods of time and I feel more secure having them watched over here in the states while I go back and forth. Dalton and Dylan will be enrolled in a Christian School in Mandeville and I will be traveling back and forth to
Honduras, being there at least a week a month. The work in Honduras will continue, we are just expanding our missions to include disaster relief and ministering to people in need here in our own country.
In being involved in the Katrina effort, many of us Volunteers realized that there are resources that are lacking in our fellowship concerning the disaster response effort. We intend to create, through the coordination of over 1,800 volunteers, numerous regional response teams that will assist Churches for indefinite period of times in the management of volunteer groups and resources to bring the affected area help while assisting those churches to bear the burden of helping out their community and the people they serve. These response teams would come complete with Counselors, Evangelist, workers, young and old excited to sacrifice some time and energy for those in need. These teams will come totally self sufficient with cooks and mobile kitchens, equipment and trucks and a continued line of resources to help all those affected by the tragedy. We believe that with our logistical and coordination skills that have been developed in Honduras that we are can bring a lot of experience to this endeavor.
It is our desire to be a part of a new ministry that has been revealed to us and many others. This ministry is a response and management team that will coordinate all resources available at any given time. Please pray that God will continue to use us as He wills to bring glory and honor to His name.
None of the work would have been possible without your prayers and financial support. We hope that you will continue to be a part of the work that has been set out for us. Should you have any other questions concerning this new direction of our ministry feel free to write me at Waywalker@msn.com and I will attempt to answer any questions you might have.
Running with you to win the prize,
Tim, Gena, Dalton and Dylan Hines
Additional notes from me:
Tim was in Sarasota this weekend to team up with me to do Jaimi Horn's wedding. We had a great deal of time to talk and to go over the decision and what it means for future Torch Mission teams, especially those going this summer. As mentioned, Tim plans on spending at least one week a month to oversee current works that are being done in Honduras and to research new areas of work for summer projects.
Tim plans on being in Honduras for most of the summer when Torch teams are in full swing in Honduras. He will still help in locating building sites and making sure lumber is ordered. Plans for our trips will continue to go as planned and team leaders will continue to do what they do. This is a time to watch Torch Ministries stretch and grow in ways we have never seen before.
I am excited for Tim and His family as they move back to the states. The sacrifice they have made over the past 4 years is beyond what anyone knows. In time, money, possessions, you name it, the Hines' have given beyond the means that they had to keep the ministry going. They have had to endure problems that would drive us all crazy. They have had personal items stolen from time to time, had things broken by groups that have borrowed them, and have used up materials that have never been replaced. Yet, thrugh it all, they always have a smile on their face and a willing heart to make sure the work continues. You can't help but admire them.
I personally wish the Hines' a smooth transition to Louisiana, from finding a house to shipping their belongs back home. I wish Dalton and Dylan good luck going to a new school, I am sure it will be a big change for them. Good luck to Gena, as she learns to drive like an American again!!!! (those of you that have been with her in Honduras know exactly what I mean!) And especially to my best friend, Tim, I wish him the very best as he continues to work in Honduras and take on the new work in Louisiana. His plate obviously is bigger than mine and it was not considered full! FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Casa de Esperanza
The fruits of ministry have been a blessing to us this year. Being a part of the unfolding of God’s plans is a privilege and an honor. The work in Honduras has been growing and changing on almost a daily basis. Land was purchased in Santa Ana in May. Already, 14 houses have been built for the poor. All complete with electricity and water. A church building was completed in August, a minister hired, and currently there are 70 members with 30 baptisms since it’s opening. The medical clinic is near completion
and the children’s home construction was begun on Nov. 1st and will be completed by Dec. 10th. A 4,800sf building with four large children’s rooms a large kitchen with a dining room capacity of 36 people, there is a large 25’ by 25’ living room with 10 ft ceilings. A laundry room a big 18’ by 14’ storage area with a 14’ roof and an independent apartment for the two American girls that have been called to this ministry. It has a large office, two bedrooms with their own bathrooms, living room and dining room,
kitchen with hot water. WOW! Oh did I mention the big porch on the back with an endless view of the majestic mountains that seem to go on for ever. All the appliances have been donated and the Beds for the first 20 children have been donated by the First Lady of Honduras, who will be there for the inauguration of the project on the 10th of Dec. We hope to have 20 children in the home by January. I know that many ministries have children’s homes
but this one will be different, You’ll see. Mark my words, this will be a home like no other.
Mi Esperanza
Our plans also include the expansion of our Mi Esperanza program (women’s loan program), established to create a way for the countless women to become educated in ways to support themselves and their families. The training centre in Tegucigalpa, “The City Center” will continue with it’s already established programs of sewing, cosmetology, computer training, English classes and our famous Inter-Personal skills class. Our next move is going
to be bigger than you can imagine. We are purchasing another tract of land that is right across the street, that has been newly paved I might add, where we intend to build a 10,000 sf. building to realize the dream of the Mi Esperanza Artisan Center. We already have the artisans lined up to help us train these women how to make some really incredible stuff that we will export to states for sale at high end stores. This is really exciting because it will totally change a town that has been struggling to have a healthy economic base to build on and this program will involve no less than 100 Families from this town. It will change their lives because they will receive the profits realized by their efforts. And we believe that these profits will be significant.
TORCH Missions
Approximately 750 adults and teens came down this summer to work on the various projects through Torch Missions. This program continues to grow and bless the poor of Honduras. I have been so amazed at the amount of lives that are touched spiritually by the teams that come here to serve. To set up clinics in any community and stay there for days until their need is met, seeing some 400 patients a day, giving them free medicines and on at least six occasions through out the summer saving the lives of those patients. Way to go Docs. They build over 150 homes a year, deliver countless bags of food, pray for and visit thousands of hospitalized children; Honduran Children’s Homes are so excited to see these groups. Vacation Bible Schools and evangelism teams that are preaching, teaching and delivering God’s Word to all they encounter, baptizing them into the Kingdom and changing their spiritual lives forever. They plant Churches and build buildings, and schools in communities that have none. They build playgrounds for children. They play tournaments and even put on carnivals in communities that have no idea what cotton candy and popcorn is. These groups have ministered to a vast amount of people. But of course the most amazing thing is how theythemselves are transformed. Many Torchers leave Honduras having found the
Jesus they were looking for. A Savior that they can walk with on a daily basis, a Savior that cares enough to use them for His Glory. They leave Honduras with a renewed sense of purpose and longing to serve the Lord, and this is the greatest gift they encounter. Many of these Torcher’s are changed forever. Several of them have returned to be missionaries and school teachers. Some have gotten married in Honduras and still some have proposed and the girls said “yes” to the question. All in all this adventure into
ministry has changed many lives; it has certainly changed mine and my families. God has continued to bless and lead us where he wants us to go.
Clinic in Santa Ana
Which brings me to the Clinic that is almost ready in Santa Ana that will give continuous free medical care to those in need to seven surrounding communities that total some 15,000 people. Gayle Davidson’s dream of having a clinic that will reach many people as the preacher from the Santa Ana Church of Christ will be evangelizing all that come there for help. Good plan Huh? The clinic will be staffed by Some Honduran Docs that will donate
pro bono consultations. We will also be working with various Doctor groups from the States that will come and help with running the clinic.
Just this last week a group of Docs came to evaluate the possibility of doing free surgeries in the country. We met with the Minister of Health and he approved this program and recommended us to the newest hospital in the country in a town called Danli. The facility was just completed by a Foundation in Spain at a cost of $19,000,000. It is a one hundred and fifty
bed hospital with three, state of the art, operating rooms, and two, state of the art, ICU units. When we met with the Doctors that run the hospital they were so excited to be getting this kind of cooperation and we intend to bring our first surgical team in March if all goes as planned. How exciting is that. Being that there are very few groups that are approved for surgeries from outside nations.
Tattoo Removal
And today, 30 minutes before boarding the plane we signed a special agreement with the First Lady, The Director of Anti-Gang and Rehabilitative and Reintegration services and IRC to purchase, manage and administer a Tattoo Removal Yag-Q Laser. This program is designed to give rehabilitated ex-gang members the ability to return to a normal life. Under the current Honduran Law, if you are caught with any gang related tattoo you are automatically incarcerated for a minimum of four years. This has drastically
reduced the gang population and more and more are looking to get out of gangs and get back to a normal life. This will be a great ministry because all the rehab centers are run by Christian organizations and must go through a two year rehabilitative process before they can be considered for Tattoo removal.
Other Ministries
God continues to open doors of opportunity and we are doing all we can to meet the many needs that are revealed to us. We have always tried to listen to the Spirit when it comes to the ministries we are involved in. These times are no different. We are praying that the current political party will win the elections that are to happen on Nov. 27th. The future of TORCH and our other Honduran ministries are securely in place. Our ability to receive
containers without them being taxed has saved ministries over $45,000 in taxes. Our free warehouse that we are able to have through the ministry of health has been invaluable. We have received over 20 containers a year that are full of help for the poor. God has provided us with huge resources that many of you have been involved in making happen and for that we are eternally grateful. These ministries could never be realized without your
prayers, time and finances. Many of you have sacrificed beyond the call of duty. I am asking you to continue your support of the Hines family so that we may continue to be involved in the works of God whether we are in Honduras or in the States.
Future Plans
As you all are aware, I was called to assist with disaster relief effort in New Orleans. I have been going back and forth from Honduras since September. We have been working with the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ and there is an ongoing need there to continue the outreach. After much prayerful consideration, Gena and I have decided to base our family out of New Orleans
until these needs are met. We don’t like for our family to be apart for such long periods of time and I feel more secure having them watched over here in the states while I go back and forth. Dalton and Dylan will be enrolled in a Christian School in Mandeville and I will be traveling back and forth to
Honduras, being there at least a week a month. The work in Honduras will continue, we are just expanding our missions to include disaster relief and ministering to people in need here in our own country.
In being involved in the Katrina effort, many of us Volunteers realized that there are resources that are lacking in our fellowship concerning the disaster response effort. We intend to create, through the coordination of over 1,800 volunteers, numerous regional response teams that will assist Churches for indefinite period of times in the management of volunteer groups and resources to bring the affected area help while assisting those churches to bear the burden of helping out their community and the people they serve. These response teams would come complete with Counselors, Evangelist, workers, young and old excited to sacrifice some time and energy for those in need. These teams will come totally self sufficient with cooks and mobile kitchens, equipment and trucks and a continued line of resources to help all those affected by the tragedy. We believe that with our logistical and coordination skills that have been developed in Honduras that we are can bring a lot of experience to this endeavor.
It is our desire to be a part of a new ministry that has been revealed to us and many others. This ministry is a response and management team that will coordinate all resources available at any given time. Please pray that God will continue to use us as He wills to bring glory and honor to His name.
None of the work would have been possible without your prayers and financial support. We hope that you will continue to be a part of the work that has been set out for us. Should you have any other questions concerning this new direction of our ministry feel free to write me at Waywalker@msn.com and I will attempt to answer any questions you might have.
Running with you to win the prize,
Tim, Gena, Dalton and Dylan Hines
Additional notes from me:
Tim was in Sarasota this weekend to team up with me to do Jaimi Horn's wedding. We had a great deal of time to talk and to go over the decision and what it means for future Torch Mission teams, especially those going this summer. As mentioned, Tim plans on spending at least one week a month to oversee current works that are being done in Honduras and to research new areas of work for summer projects.
Tim plans on being in Honduras for most of the summer when Torch teams are in full swing in Honduras. He will still help in locating building sites and making sure lumber is ordered. Plans for our trips will continue to go as planned and team leaders will continue to do what they do. This is a time to watch Torch Ministries stretch and grow in ways we have never seen before.
I am excited for Tim and His family as they move back to the states. The sacrifice they have made over the past 4 years is beyond what anyone knows. In time, money, possessions, you name it, the Hines' have given beyond the means that they had to keep the ministry going. They have had to endure problems that would drive us all crazy. They have had personal items stolen from time to time, had things broken by groups that have borrowed them, and have used up materials that have never been replaced. Yet, thrugh it all, they always have a smile on their face and a willing heart to make sure the work continues. You can't help but admire them.
I personally wish the Hines' a smooth transition to Louisiana, from finding a house to shipping their belongs back home. I wish Dalton and Dylan good luck going to a new school, I am sure it will be a big change for them. Good luck to Gena, as she learns to drive like an American again!!!! (those of you that have been with her in Honduras know exactly what I mean!) And especially to my best friend, Tim, I wish him the very best as he continues to work in Honduras and take on the new work in Louisiana. His plate obviously is bigger than mine and it was not considered full! FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Tuesday, November 8
Thankful for Thanksgiving
Here we are in early November, 2005. Around the country signs of winter are being seen. Leaves have changed color in most of the country and have begun their annual foliage. It won’t be long before they will be on the ground and cold weather settles in. For some, this is their favorite time of the year (although personally I think they are just trying to rationalize the fact that they have to endure several months of winter weather). Here in Sarasota, we are entering our winter months as well. The temperatures have dropped down to the low 80’s during the day and 60’s at night. Soon we will be facing temperatures in the 70’s. Flowers are blooming, the sun is shinning, and the sweet ocean breeze comes in from the west. Yeah, its rough down here.
But, along with the weather, winter brings on a lot of other things. Holidays, shopping, wonderful dinners of turkey and dressing with all of the trimmings. Thinking of family and friends, getting together with loved ones. College students coming home for semester break. Lights and decorations. This is definitely a wonderful time of the year. Not just here, but everywhere.
Of course, the holiday season doesn’t always bring good cheer and happiness. There is sadness attached to this time of the year as well. Some have lost loved ones during this time of the year and every time it rolls around it brings back precious memories of those who have gone on. For others, it brings on the stress and strain of providing for their families beyond their means. It is painful to stare at the monthly bills, see the income coming in, and payments going out and what is left over to pay for all of the things they want and need for the holidays. When outflow exceeds income it brings in a lot of stress and feelings of sadness, resentment, and depression that is felt from those who are in this boat.
And there are those, by no fault of their own, who are so poor and lacking, that the holiday season means little more to them than any other time of the year. They wake up in the morning, put in a hard day’s work, and buy, hopefully, enough food to feed their family for the day. They don’t have to worry about paying the utility bill, or the water bill, or the cable bill, none of that even exists where they live. They pray for a rainless night, a night where the inside of their “house” will stay dry, and hope the cold wind doesn’t blow too hard. Then it is up at dawn, starting from scratch all over again.
It is when I stop to think about the people we see and work with in Honduras, stop to REALLY think about it, do I realize just how good I really have it here in Florida. We live in the greatest country in the world, in the lap of luxury. A Place of abundance, a place of comfort and fulfillment. Man, do we have it great. And we need to be THANKFUL for it, too.
The book of Job says that God knew him before he was ever born and implies that He knows all of us the same way. If this is true, God knew before we were born who we are, and more specifically, who are parents were going to be and where we were going to be born. It is by the grace of God that most of us were born right here in the good ole’ U.S. of A. Oh how THANKFUL we should be!!!!! So, before the Christmas holiday completely sweeps over our land, please take time to observe a holiday that is almost forgotten in our society today, THANKSGIVING. A time to recognize the blessings we have to enjoy. To be THANKFUL to God for the blessings He has given us. To be THANKFUL for our friends, our families, our congregations. We need to be THANKFUL for our educations, our wonderful paved roads (even the ones under construction), our means of transportation. I could go on and on, but I am sure you are getting the picture.
With all of that being said, I am pumped and THANKFUL for the 2006 trips that are coming. And it is not just me, people from all around are saying the same thing. Building houses with wood floors and painted walls! Water barrels and water purifiers! Food boxes! Care packages! Hygiene packets! Clothes and shoes to give away! I could go on and on, but the point is the machine is in motion and things are starting to happen. It is time to begin collecting donated supplies and raising money. Our theme, “NO JUNK FOR JESUS” is going to go out far and wide. And again, we need to be THANKFUL that we live in a place of such abundance that we can collect stuff to take with us to give away. We need to be THANKFUL for the opportunity to be able to give, to collect, to sort, inventory, and box.
Each month we are going to post certain items that we want to collect for our supplies drive. I want to encourage all of us to work hard to obtain these items and inventory them and get them ready for shipment. The collection months will be November, December, January, February, and March.
The following items are on the collection list for November (medical month):
* Large bottles of Tylenol
* Large bottles of Advil
* Large bottles of aspirin
* Antibiotic creams
* Large bottles of Pepto Bismol
* Plastic Bandages (all sizes)
* Cotton balls
* Q-tips
* Latex gloves
* Empty pill bottles (labels removed!)
Good luck with your collections. This will be a banner year for Torch and I am confident that we will achieve our goals for all of the supplies that we will need to accomplish the projects that we have planned for 2006. Please contact me if you have any questions. On your mark…… get set…… GO!
Serving with a THANKFUL heart,
TR
But, along with the weather, winter brings on a lot of other things. Holidays, shopping, wonderful dinners of turkey and dressing with all of the trimmings. Thinking of family and friends, getting together with loved ones. College students coming home for semester break. Lights and decorations. This is definitely a wonderful time of the year. Not just here, but everywhere.
Of course, the holiday season doesn’t always bring good cheer and happiness. There is sadness attached to this time of the year as well. Some have lost loved ones during this time of the year and every time it rolls around it brings back precious memories of those who have gone on. For others, it brings on the stress and strain of providing for their families beyond their means. It is painful to stare at the monthly bills, see the income coming in, and payments going out and what is left over to pay for all of the things they want and need for the holidays. When outflow exceeds income it brings in a lot of stress and feelings of sadness, resentment, and depression that is felt from those who are in this boat.
And there are those, by no fault of their own, who are so poor and lacking, that the holiday season means little more to them than any other time of the year. They wake up in the morning, put in a hard day’s work, and buy, hopefully, enough food to feed their family for the day. They don’t have to worry about paying the utility bill, or the water bill, or the cable bill, none of that even exists where they live. They pray for a rainless night, a night where the inside of their “house” will stay dry, and hope the cold wind doesn’t blow too hard. Then it is up at dawn, starting from scratch all over again.
It is when I stop to think about the people we see and work with in Honduras, stop to REALLY think about it, do I realize just how good I really have it here in Florida. We live in the greatest country in the world, in the lap of luxury. A Place of abundance, a place of comfort and fulfillment. Man, do we have it great. And we need to be THANKFUL for it, too.
The book of Job says that God knew him before he was ever born and implies that He knows all of us the same way. If this is true, God knew before we were born who we are, and more specifically, who are parents were going to be and where we were going to be born. It is by the grace of God that most of us were born right here in the good ole’ U.S. of A. Oh how THANKFUL we should be!!!!! So, before the Christmas holiday completely sweeps over our land, please take time to observe a holiday that is almost forgotten in our society today, THANKSGIVING. A time to recognize the blessings we have to enjoy. To be THANKFUL to God for the blessings He has given us. To be THANKFUL for our friends, our families, our congregations. We need to be THANKFUL for our educations, our wonderful paved roads (even the ones under construction), our means of transportation. I could go on and on, but I am sure you are getting the picture.
With all of that being said, I am pumped and THANKFUL for the 2006 trips that are coming. And it is not just me, people from all around are saying the same thing. Building houses with wood floors and painted walls! Water barrels and water purifiers! Food boxes! Care packages! Hygiene packets! Clothes and shoes to give away! I could go on and on, but the point is the machine is in motion and things are starting to happen. It is time to begin collecting donated supplies and raising money. Our theme, “NO JUNK FOR JESUS” is going to go out far and wide. And again, we need to be THANKFUL that we live in a place of such abundance that we can collect stuff to take with us to give away. We need to be THANKFUL for the opportunity to be able to give, to collect, to sort, inventory, and box.
Each month we are going to post certain items that we want to collect for our supplies drive. I want to encourage all of us to work hard to obtain these items and inventory them and get them ready for shipment. The collection months will be November, December, January, February, and March.
The following items are on the collection list for November (medical month):
* Large bottles of Tylenol
* Large bottles of Advil
* Large bottles of aspirin
* Antibiotic creams
* Large bottles of Pepto Bismol
* Plastic Bandages (all sizes)
* Cotton balls
* Q-tips
* Latex gloves
* Empty pill bottles (labels removed!)
Good luck with your collections. This will be a banner year for Torch and I am confident that we will achieve our goals for all of the supplies that we will need to accomplish the projects that we have planned for 2006. Please contact me if you have any questions. On your mark…… get set…… GO!
Serving with a THANKFUL heart,
TR
Wednesday, November 2
LET GO!!!!
Its Wednesday night and I am back home from Bible study. Tonight we discussed the idea of selling out to something you really believe in with all of your heart. I love my Wednesday night class, the teens always have something to say and our discussions are always good. Random at times, but good. Tonight we read a story about a guy named Daniel, a 38 year old man who sold out to God at the age of 24. He had lived a rough life, made some bad decisions and had to reap the consequences of them. Then , in Daytona Beach, Florida, he attended a revival and became a Christian.
His incredible journey took him all across the United States, on foot, with all of his earthy possessions in a back pack. He wasn’t homeless, he was on a mission. The mission? To pass out bibles to people that he met along his way. He sold out to God and that is what he got, a life of loneliness, void of earthy possessions, and empty of life’s luxuries that it has to offer.
He had a sign that he carried with him that read, “Will work for food.” He meant it. He used the money to buy food and Bibles. Occasionally a new pair of shoes or a shirt. Just the basic essentials. He met a lot of people along the way during his journey. Many were rude and opinionated. Others were cynical or uncaring. Still others that simply ignored him and tried to pretend that he didn’t exist. And a few that stopped to help. Some of them gave a token offering, a dollar here and a couple of coins there. And a very small number stopped to help, really help. They took time to talk to him, to take him out for a hot meal. To pray with him.
Some life, huh? But it brings up a very interesting thought. What would happen to you, or me, if we decided to “sell out” to God. What would happen? Where would we go? What would we do? And more importantly, would WE DO IT? I have come to the decision that selling out would be hard to do. Really hard. And what is sad is the fact that many of us actually think that we have. But when I read this story I ask myself the question, “Have I sold out to God?” I look at the story of Daniel and I say to myself, “No way, I could not do that.” And I couldn’t. I wish I could say I could, but deep down I know I couldn’t. But thankfully, God hasn’t asked me to give up everything that I own, and hit the road for Him. He has asked me to do some other things instead. Other crosses to bear.
Some of you might be thinking, “I am glad I don’t have to walk the path that Terry has been asked to walk, to endure the fight against cancer, the surgeries, the radiation, the chemo. I just couldn‘t do it.” But that is the point, God hasn’t asked you to do it. He asked me to do it. When I sold out to God I took the path that God set before me. What has God asked you to do? Where has He sent you? Where is your path leading? And more importantly, have you sold out to God yet? For until you sell out to God, you will never be the person that God wants you to be. And, in case you didn’t know it, God is a great judge of character. Why settle for less than what God can allow you to be?
Our churches are filled with half hearted believers, hanging onto what the world has to offer with a death grip. They are too scared to let go and to let God take control. And because they can’t let go, they are being held back. And our churches are being held back. LET GO!!! WHAT DO WE REALLY HAVE TO LOOSE? And, more importantly, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO GAIN? Something to think about. If you dare.
TR
His incredible journey took him all across the United States, on foot, with all of his earthy possessions in a back pack. He wasn’t homeless, he was on a mission. The mission? To pass out bibles to people that he met along his way. He sold out to God and that is what he got, a life of loneliness, void of earthy possessions, and empty of life’s luxuries that it has to offer.
He had a sign that he carried with him that read, “Will work for food.” He meant it. He used the money to buy food and Bibles. Occasionally a new pair of shoes or a shirt. Just the basic essentials. He met a lot of people along the way during his journey. Many were rude and opinionated. Others were cynical or uncaring. Still others that simply ignored him and tried to pretend that he didn’t exist. And a few that stopped to help. Some of them gave a token offering, a dollar here and a couple of coins there. And a very small number stopped to help, really help. They took time to talk to him, to take him out for a hot meal. To pray with him.
Some life, huh? But it brings up a very interesting thought. What would happen to you, or me, if we decided to “sell out” to God. What would happen? Where would we go? What would we do? And more importantly, would WE DO IT? I have come to the decision that selling out would be hard to do. Really hard. And what is sad is the fact that many of us actually think that we have. But when I read this story I ask myself the question, “Have I sold out to God?” I look at the story of Daniel and I say to myself, “No way, I could not do that.” And I couldn’t. I wish I could say I could, but deep down I know I couldn’t. But thankfully, God hasn’t asked me to give up everything that I own, and hit the road for Him. He has asked me to do some other things instead. Other crosses to bear.
Some of you might be thinking, “I am glad I don’t have to walk the path that Terry has been asked to walk, to endure the fight against cancer, the surgeries, the radiation, the chemo. I just couldn‘t do it.” But that is the point, God hasn’t asked you to do it. He asked me to do it. When I sold out to God I took the path that God set before me. What has God asked you to do? Where has He sent you? Where is your path leading? And more importantly, have you sold out to God yet? For until you sell out to God, you will never be the person that God wants you to be. And, in case you didn’t know it, God is a great judge of character. Why settle for less than what God can allow you to be?
Our churches are filled with half hearted believers, hanging onto what the world has to offer with a death grip. They are too scared to let go and to let God take control. And because they can’t let go, they are being held back. And our churches are being held back. LET GO!!! WHAT DO WE REALLY HAVE TO LOOSE? And, more importantly, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO GAIN? Something to think about. If you dare.
TR
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