Weekly Challenge

James 1:9-11We are all RICH compared to the rest of the world.  Spend time this week in prayer asking God to give you an eternal view of those riches.  What actions and attitudes do you need to adopt in order to glory in the reality of your humiliation?

Secondly, in preparation for class this coming Saturday, read and meditate on the verses we will be covering.  The syllabus calls for us to study James 1:19-20 however, those verses must be studied in their context.  Spend time this week reading and meditating over the following passage:
James 1:18-25

In Him,
Aaron

Day 4 - LOI Puebla Update

Our final day in Puebla was bittersweet. Our first stop was to visit an organization called Casa Hogar Remar. They have been handing out calendars in Puebla to try and get volunteers to help get a facility up and running. From our visit we were able to find out that they serve children, as well as, single moms, teens with addictions and the terminally ill. Their organization is 25 years old and has 70 homes Internationally. Three of those are in Mexico. Monterrey and Guadalajara are the other two locations which are already established. The one here in Puebla is hurting for volunteers and funding. They have a Bazar (Thrift Store) and furniture resale shop to begin raising funds for a home or land, but that's about all. We don't really feel like this is a fit for us because of their broad scope. However, we did like the fact that the other homes that are up and running serve in the community by providing food, clothing and other supplies. Which ideally would be a great aspect in the future plan for the orphanage we are wanting to be involved with.

Next we went to Casa Hogar "Alto Refugio." This is an orphanage that the Swanson's visited on their trip last year. It provides a model to what Alfonzo and David's vision is for an orphange for the kids in DIF. And is actually based off of a model that Maria Louisa had invisioned for an orphanage. Alto Refugio houses 45 children, from infants to teens.  The children are divided into four living quarters with Christian "foster Moms." Three of the families are all girls, and the fourth is all boys. They have a community playroom, computer/library, study room, washeteria, and playground. They also have an extra building on the property to provide Christian counseling, sewing classes, and tutoring for kids who have fallen behind. They all attend a school together on the adjoining property and attend church. We learned that they have requested that they only receive children from the DIF who have no family ties to ensure that they are not taken from the orphanage. This is so they are able to keep the orphanage families together. Some of the children who have already been released from DIF at age 18 are still living at the orphanage while they go to college. This prevents them from just being thrown out on the street with out any resources, as is the case with most children who exit DIF. It gives us a great vision of what we would like to be a part of in Puebla.

                                            

 

                    

We wrapped up our last day by going to Downtown Puebla to see the Zocalo (City Center). While there we looked at a Catholic cathedral built in the 1600's and did a little shopping at El Parian (Mexican Market).  There were some beautiful historical sights to see. Then we ended with dinner at El Balcon together. We had an amazing time this week seeking direction from God on how we can meet the needs of children in Puebla. God's hand was evident during our visit by closing and opening doors and having a vision of bringing hope to children in need. We are excited to see this work begin in order to help children in the DIF, share the Gospel, and bring glory to our Father.

                                        

                                        

                

Special thanks to the Bult Family. They were great host and we look forward to many more trips to spend time with them while being about the Lord's business!

Crystal (:

 

Day 3 - LOI Puebla Mission Update (Part II)

Tuesday afternoon we visited Maria Louisa and her six girls in their home.  A quick summary of their story is Maria Louisa used to work for the DIF. She decided she wanted to quit her job and begin "fostering" girls in her home. The DIF placed six girls under her care. She solely relies on God's provision through donations, cutting hair, and selling crafts that the girls make. Last year, when the Swanson's were introduced to her, their home had a lot of work that needed to be done. We had been praying over the past year that God would continue to provide for their needs as well as the restorations that needed to be made to the home. During that time a non-believer who is an architect volunteered to refurbish their home and went above and beyond Maria Louisa's expectations and needs.  The Swanson also provided funds for them to buy bunk beds and furniture for the living room. It was amazing to see how God had answered our prayers and blessed her and the girls over the past year. Maria Louisa is now in process of adopting the girls. One of the six adoptions have been finalized. Due to complications from family members of the other girls the process has been delayed. So their prayer request is that family members have a change of heart and allow the girls to be adopted. As well as God speeding the process up through paperwork and finalization for the adoptions. 

                 2011                                                                              2012

                    

Day 3 - LOI Puebla Mission Update (Part I)

This turned out to be a very productive day. It was filled with seeing God through answered prayers and conformation for direction. We began our day meeting with David and Angie Pedraza and their friend Alfonzo. They presented their vision for starting an orphanage for the children who are in DIF, the Mexican version of CPS. One stunning statistic they gave was that only 1,000 of the 40,000 children are adopted each year in Mexico. This is mainly due to the complicated and under managed adoption process. Alfonzo and members from his church are currently working in these DIF children's homes. However, they are not able to share the Gospel during their weekly visits due to government regulations. They would like to build a facility where they can provide a nuclear family setting. This would consist of individualized "homes" with in the orphanage where eight to twelve children would be placed under the care and supervision of "foster parents" that are believers. This would allow them to present the Gospel while caring for the children under their supervision. As well as, provide them with an education and job training for when they turn eighteen and are released from DIF. The first step in this process is to apply with the Civil Association to receive permission from the government to start this orphanage. This would allow them to be a non-profit organization in order to receive minimal funding from the government, as well as receive tax deductible donations from individuals and businesses. After our meeting we went to visit the DIF for youth. We were given a tour of the facility and Alfonzo introduced us to a couple of the girls. It was apparent that they feel comfortable with him and he genuinely cares for them. Before leaving we were able to give them a soccer ball and a few members of our team played a quick game of soccer. We were able to give $222 from our mission fundraising for them to apply for the CA. Then received conformation when Kevin returned home from a meeting at the seminary. The person he was meeting with asked what he had done today and when Kevin told him he said that he teaches a class to pastors on how to apply with the Civil Association. So God clearly opened a door through our raised funds and this contact to begin the process.

Day 2 - LOI Puebla Mission Update

Monday was our first attempt at seeking what direction God is leading us. In preparing for this trip we have been praying for unity with in our team and that God opens doors to where he wants us to begin work. The day turned out to provide both of those for us. We piled five adults and six children into the Bult's Honda Pilot. Eleven folks in a small SUV definitely forms unity. Our first visit was to the Salvation Army Orphanage. Upon arrival we were greeted at the door by a gentleman who said the children were out on an excursion. We didn't even step foot into the orphanage. So we loaded back in the car and headed over to Casa Hogar Franciscano, a boys orphanage which the Swanson's were able to visit last year. There was a funeral in progress on the same street which resulted in us parking a ways from the orphanage, praying that our car would be there when we returned. We knocked and rang the bell at the orphanage, but there was no answer. The door was locked which Andrea said was usually not the case. Aaron made the comment, "Nothing's clearer than a closed door." On our way back to the car the funeral procession began down the street. So we piled back into the car quickly, as Andrea worked her way down the narrow street in reverse with the funeral procession in pursuit. Next on our agenda was a quick visit to the seminary where Kevin teaches. Followed by lunch and a visit to the pyramids in Cholula. On the way up the kids found a small grass snake to look at and hold. The most interesting thing about the pyramid was the Catholic church that was built at the top. While walking through the church we found ourselves trying to explain to our children why there were all different saints placed around the church. A mural painted at the entrance was probably the best explanation we could have given.(see picture below) At the end of the tour we visited a museum that had some of the history of the pyramids and artifacts that have bee found there. We ended the day with dinner at Suprema Salsa and more fellowship back at the Bult's home. They have been great host and fed us very well.

This is the mural at the entrance which depicts the Catholic view of communication with God.

Day 1 - LOI Puebla Mission Update

We arrived in Puebla Saturday night with cloudy skies and drizzle. Sunday it rained most of the day and was a pretty low key day. We were able to attend the Bult's church, Comunidad Biblica. It was very free flowing, beginning with prayer as a small group. Then family worship began as more people began arriving. I have to say the greeting portion was a little different from what we are use to a Lakepointe. We learned to greet each other with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Women greeting on the left side, and men greeting to the right. Several of us received some good smacks on the cheek. Although there were some that obliged us with our usual handshake. It was a unique experience which made us feel welcome as a community of believers. Another surprise was breaking for snack and fellowship in the middle of the service. Some ladies provided crackers, a type of pineapple pudding, and a cinnamon coffee. We then returned to the sanctuary for a couple more songs. All the "Padres" were called to the front for a special recognition for Father's Day. In which they were warmly greeted by everyone once again. After service we enjoyed lunch at Especial de Acuca. The pork tacos were delicious and we all had our fill. We then headed back to the Bult's home. The rest of the day was spent in fellowship with one another.

Prayer Warrior

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

Prayer Warrior carrying "legal fire-arms!"

We had a great discussion about foolishness and wisdom, a visit by "Prayer Warrior," and rounded out the evening with a visit to the re-modeled Prayer room at the Church.  Will challenged each of us to read all of James this week.  God is our source of wisdom - if we will just ask!

Weekly Challenge

Another night of great discussion in class last Saturday.  As we continue through the book of James we are looking for ways to "do" the Word rather than just "hear" it.  This week we were told to consider trials pure joy because God's means for maturing us into the Christians He intends us to be is by way of trial, testings, and temptations.

The Challenge:
Read a different passage each evening over dinner with your family.  Discuss the promises and lessons that can learn about trials in each one.  Come to class prepared to share what your family discussed:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Hebrews 10:32-36
1 Peter 1:3-7
Romans 5:3-5

In Him,
Aaron

Weekly Challenge

This week, we started our study in the Book of James, where in Chapter 1 James instructs us to be “doers” of the Word and not “hearers” only. 

1)      Read James 1

2)      Question:  “What needs do you know about that you need to act on this week?”

3)      Go and Do!

Be intentional!

"Love Thy Neighbor” Family Devotional

Love Thy Neighbor

Last month we focused on the greatest commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  This means we put God before all the other things that can quickly fill up our day. After Jesus’ response in Matthew 22:37, he quickly gives the second part in the next verse, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Key Points

·         God calls us to love others, just as He loves us.

·         We show love to others by forgiving, accepting and honoring them.

·         We can only love others when we are full of God's love.

Lesson: One day an expert on God’s law asked Jesus, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment?"  Ask if they remember how many commandments there are? There are ten, aren't there? Explain there were ten on the tablets of stone that God gave to Moses, but the Jews actually had 613 laws. There were 248 do's and 365 don'ts. Wow! That is a lot of do's and don'ts isn't it? Can you imagine trying to remember all of that? I don't think we need to. Listen to what Jesus said to the lawyer.

Jesus answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,' this is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."  In other words, Jesus was saying that if we could keep these two commandments, we would not have any trouble keeping the others.

The New Testament contains 54 "one another" passages that teach us how to love. We’re going to take a look at three of them today. (Divide the following scriptures between family members to read.)

Colossians 3:13 - This verse tells us we love others by doing what? Forgiving others The ultimate example of forgiveness was displayed when Jesus hung on the Cross and cried out for those who were crucifying Him: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). We should forgive others even when they don't deserve it or ask for it. That demonstrates a love that keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Romans 15:7 - This verse tells us we love others by doing what? Accepting others for who they are To truly love someone, you must avoid trying to change the person for your own purposes. Accepting love is patient and kind, even when someone does not do what you want them to do or doesn’t meet your expectations (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Romans 12:10 - This verse tells us we love others by doing what? Honoring others Honor means to think of someone as highly valuable. It leads us to treat others as though they are personally autographed by God. When we value others more than ourselves, we are emulating the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:3-5).

Application:  All these scriptures tell us to put others before ourselves. Forgiving, accepting, and honoring others should not be based on how you feel about the person or what that person does. We are going to practice putting others before ourselves this week as a family. Place note cards and pencils on the table. Each person takes the same number of note cards as family members. (If you have four members in your family, each person gets four note cards.) Have each person write their name and something that another family member can do for them this week, but set aside the last card. Examples: give a back rub, empty the dishwasher, clean their room, etc. Once everyone is done, have each person pass out one of their cards to each family member. Remind them that loving others is not about whether they like to do what is written on the cards, or if they think the other person deserves it, or even whether or not they feel like loving that person. It’s about loving as Jesus loved. He loved thieves, tax collectors, diseased people, poor people, children and His followers. He loved people who were devoted to Him and those who were different from Him. He even loved difficult and dangerous people.

Gather hands and lead the family in prayer asking God to help your family love others as themselves. To be forgiving, accepting, and honoring towards each other and the other people in their lives to show what the true meaning of love is. Loving others the way Christ loves each one of them.  Ask for God to speak to each person’s heart on how they can show love to someone they don’t really feel like loving. Whether it be through providing forgiveness, accepting someone just the way they are, or valuing someone more than you have in the past. Give time for the Spirit’s leading. Thank God for his Word and direction in each of your lives and the ability to follow his commands through His guidance, strength, and examples of love.

On the last card, have each person write something they can do for a friend or “neighbor” this week to show forgiveness, acceptance, or honor. Examples: write a letter of forgiveness to someone, invite someone to play or have coffee with that you don’t really like to be around or annoys or frustrates you, call or send a card to let someone know how much you appreciate them, etc. Have each person share their cards. Explain for accountability each night at dinner everyone will share way(s) they put others before themselves that day. It is up to each person on whether they want to do one a day or more. Continue sharing throughout the week until everyone’s cards are done. You can also open the conversation up for family members to share other ways they showed love or saw love being shown by others. Have a small basket or bag on the table that cards can be dropped in.

John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.