Leaving It All Out on the Table

One of our favorite things about being in the U.S. for HMA (Home Ministry Assignment) is the opportunity to take part in family camps across the country. We spent this week at Camp Sharon in Wadsworth, Ohio.

The Challenge: 
One week to build meaningful relationships with complete strangers

The Goal: 
To make an impact on lives and for the mission in Honduras

The Strategies:
Serve. Interact. Start conversations. Listen. Be open and vulnerable.Bless and be blessed. Love people.

Of course we played games and interacted with kids and teens. That comes naturally to us. But we also got out of our comfort zone, met some amazing people, heard their amazing stories and shared our hearts. We poured our entire selves into the people of Camp Sharon this week and we are spent. We left it all out on the table and now there's nothing left but to trust God to use it for His glory and our good.

Conquering the Language Barrier

On our recent short visit to Honduras to renew our residencies, we were thrilled to find that our Spanish hasn't suffered quite as much as we'd imagined after six months in the U.S. Nevertheless, we took the opportunity to visit the Spanish Institute of Honduras in Siguatepeque, Honduras. We plan to attend full-time classes at the school for several months after returning to the field. We were impressed with the teaching methods used by the school, including clear goals to accomplish, complete grammar workbooks and extensive verbal practice. We have also heard great things about the school from fellow missionaries and former students. It was exciting to see classes in-person and get an idea of what to expect when we arrive.

Here some photos taken on tour last month:

DAY 40 – 40 Days of Prayer: Praise

Father,

You are Great and Mighty. We stand in awe of Your power and righteousness. You love us when we don’t deserve love and You free us from destruction when we are worthy of nothing less. Thank You, Father. Thank You for making us a tiny part of Your perfect plan. Thank You for the call You’ve placed on our hearts. And thank You for those You’ve called to pray, give and serve alongside us for Your glory in Honduras. We lift up our praises to the One who makes all things possible. We love You!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 39 – 40 Days of Prayer: Rest

Lord,

Thank You for the work with which You’ve entrusted us. We pray that You would remind us every day that we don’t labor alone. We pray that Your Spirit would fill us up each morning and give us encouragement and wisdom throughout the day as we go about the work You would have us accomplish. But we also pray for sweet, refreshing moments of calm. Help us to know when to push forward and when to rest in You, Father. Teach us to still our hearts and listen to Your voice. Give us comfort and peace in midst of chaos and frustration.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 38 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Support Staff

Lord,

Whether they work in the tienda, administrative areas, grounds keeping, kitchen or maintenance, we know that without the dedication of the support staff, Escuela El Sembrador would not function. So we thank You for the people that make day-to-day life and ministry there possible. God, they work so hard for Your glory and we pray a special blessing for each of them today. Encourage and strengthen this team. And as they grow closer to You, Lord, may their lives be an example to us, the students, staff and community.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 37 – 40 Days of Prayer: 4-14 Window

Father,

We know how precious children are to You. And we know that what we teach them when they are young will have a lasting impact in their lives and for Your kingdom. Thank You for giving Your church in Honduras the mandate and vision to focus on reaching children between the ages of 4 and 14, when they are so receptive to Your Spirit. Please bless each teacher, worker, pastor and missionary as they passionately pour their hearts into children. Provide wisdom and direction so that they might know how best to demonstrate Your love. Lord, our desire is to see a new generation of transformed lives thirsting after You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 36 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Bible Institute

Lord,

You have grown Your kingdom in Honduras through Your church. Thank You for the pastors and leaders You have put in place to lead Your people. We thank You especially for using the Bible Institute at Escuela El Sembrador to prepare and train the church’s pastors. We ask that special wisdom and discernment be given to the instructors as they develop the future church leaders. We ask You to be with Pastor David Quiroz as he manages this program and the church at El Sembrador. And we pray that through the ministry of the Bible Institute You will raise up a new generation of passionate, anointed leaders equipped with a Biblical worldview to transform communities around the globe.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 35 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Students

Lord,

Thank You for each precious student that You’ve brought to El Sembrador. It is an amazing gift to be a small part in these remarkable young lives. It is also an awesome responsibility. Yet we know that You have a plan for each one. And we pray that their time as Escuela El Sembrador students draws them closer to Your will and purpose for their lives. Put their feet on firm ground, Father, and make their path straight. Most of all, show them that they are valued and loved by the Almighty God in Heaven so that they might come to know You as Father.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 34 – 40 Days of Prayer: Spiritual Growth

Father,

What is man that You should be mindful of him, son of man that You should care for him? Thank You that we can know and have relationship with You, the King of Kings. We need You, God. And we want to know You more. We ask that You would draw us closer to You and help us to grow so that we can serve You better.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 33 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Sponsorship Program

Lord,

Thank You for the people who have come alongside our students to provide financially for their education and personal needs. We pray that each one would be blessed by the relationships they are able to form with the students and staff of Escuela El Sembrador. Father, we lift up the Sponsorship Program and pray that You would provide even more people burdened for the youth of Honduras and willing to partner with the school prayerfully and financially. We pray for Your outpouring of abundance through this program so that even more students can be touched by this powerful ministry.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 32 – 40 Days of Prayer: Humility

Father,

We can do nothing without You. You are in control and Your plan is perfect. You are doing wonderful and powerful things in this fallen world and in the hearts of mankind. God, please don’t let us stand in Your way. Teach us to give all things over to You. We want all glory and honor to be Yours, but sometimes we are selfish and give in to pride and boasting. Forgive us and make us teachable and God-honoring servants.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 31 – 40 Days of Prayer: Short-Term Missions Teams

Lord,

Thank You for raising up teams of people willing to give their time, gifts and resources to come to Honduras and serve at Escuela El Sembrador together. Prepare their hearts for what You would have to teach them through their experiences in Honduras. Grant them health, safety, wisdom, peace and courage as they prepare and travel. Strengthen their team and give them a strong, loving bond. And use them to encourage and support their Honduran brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless their ministry and give them a powerful witness to everyone around them. Allow them to leave Honduras having been transformed by what You are doing in and through their work.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 30 – 40 Days of Prayer: Happy Anniversary Steve and Kelly!

Lord,

Thank You for walking with us throughout our marriage. We pray that You would continue to bless the little family You’ve created through us. Help us to demonstrate forgiveness, mercy, support and love to one another daily. And draw us closer to You even as we draw closer to one another. Father, make our marriage a better witness of You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 29 – 40 Days of Prayer: Ministry Financial Needs

Father,

You are a God of abundance. For You, resources are never limited. Thank You for being Our Provider. One of our biggest fears is meeting the financial needs of the ministry You’ve given us. Please continue to equip us to meet this need. Go ahead of us and prepare the hearts of those You would call to partner with us financially. Most of all, Lord, give us peace and a sense of awe as we watch You provide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 28 – 40 Days of Prayer: Iglesia Redención

Lord,

Thank You for providing a precious church home for us in Tegucigalpa. Thank You for the spirit-filled congregation faithfully serving You through Iglesia Redención. Lord, we lift up this community of our brothers and sisters and ask You to bless their ministry. We pray for Pastor Jorge Gomez and his family. Continue to give him the courage to speak Truth into lives every day. Make Your presence known in the church in such a powerful way that it becomes a beacon of light to those who encounter its people.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 27 – 40 Days of Prayer: Field Leadership

Lord,

Thank You for the leadership You’ve put in place for the Honduras mission field. Thank You for the vision and direction You’ve given them. And thank You for the advice, counsel and wisdom they so freely share with us. We ask You to give David and Debbie understanding and guidance as they lead us. We lift up Laurie as she supports them and deals with the daily business of the field while they are away. Lord, encourage all three of them and give special them grace as they genuinely seek Your will for the ministries in Honduras. Allow them to receive just a tiny taste of the fruit of their labor and be refreshed.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 26 – 40 Days of Prayer: Our Champions

Father,

Thank You for the people You’ve called to partner with us prayerfully and financially. We are in awe of how You use Your people to fulfill Your plan for the nations. Thank You for the sacrifice and provision of our champions. We pray that You would teach us how to adequately convey our deep gratitude for the incredible support that they provide our family and ministry. Lord, don’t ever let us take it for granted. Make us good stewards of the many blessings we receive through our support team. And, Father, we ask You to rain down Your blessings on each of our partners today.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 25 – 40 Days of Prayer: Patience

Lord,

Your plan is supreme. And Your timing is perfect. Yet we find it so difficult to wait on You. God, give us a special understanding and patience. Relieve us from our anxiety and worry as we learn to trust You more and more. Remind us to celebrate even the little victories and to enjoy the path upon which You’ve set our feet. Most of all, give us the wisdom to rest in the knowledge that the Creator of the Universe, Our Father, is in control.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Day 24 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Residential Life

Father,

Thank You that El Sembrador is more than a school. It’s a home. Thank You for the workers, counselors and pastors that are a family for our students. Thank You that they are leaders driven by their love for You. Lord, we ask You to soften their hearts for the kids with whom they work. But also give them strength and courage to discipline and correct when it is needed. Show them new, creative and innovative ways to connect with the students in meaningful ways. Lord, may their lives be a reflection of Your love for the next generation of leaders in Honduras.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 23 – 40 Days of Prayer: Kelly

Lord,

Thank You for the heart and spirit You’ve given Kelly for Your service. Thank You for her creativity, passion and gifts. We pray that You would give her peace and encouragement for the months ahead on our Homeland Ministry Assignment. Comfort her mother’s heart as she grows more and more accustomed to her empty nest. And, Father, allow her to grow closer to You each day.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 22 – 40 Days of Prayer: World Gospel Mission

Father,

We are so grateful for this family of workers You’ve brought together in service to You as World Gospel Mission. Thank You for those ministering around the globe. But we want to especially lift up those working in the home office, without whom these ministries would not be possible. Allow them to see fruit from their labors and be encouraged as they manage the day-to-day operations of the mission. Lord, thank You for the years of experience and expertise You’ve surrounded us with through WGM. Give us open hearts and minds to learn and grow through their ministry to us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 21 – 40 Days of Prayer: Broken Hearts

Lord,

You have called us to love Your people. But the needs of our fallen world are overwhelming. In our own self-centeredness, it is so easy to tune out. Our hearts become hardened to brokenness that surrounds us. Father, give us hearts after Your own heart. Teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others. Show us how to love as You have loved us. And break our hearts each day for the lost and hurting.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 20 – 40 Days of Prayer: The North American Church

Lord,

Thank You for the community of believers with which You’ve surrounded our family and ministry. And thank You for the churches who serve You around the continent. We lift up our North American churches. God, please encourage Your people as we face persecution, fear and disappointment. Give us the strength to speak Your Truth into our fallen world and give us the wisdom to know how to best demonstrate Your love. Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts willing respond to the work You have set before us here and around the world. Unite us when we are divided and give us passionate leaders who seek Your will above all else.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 19 – 40 Days of Prayer: Happy Birthday Nick!

Lord,

Thank You for the privilege of being part of Nick’s life. Thank You for his sweet spirit and compassion for others. He is a young man committed to following You. Please put Your hand of protection over him. Lord, strengthen him for the challenges of life and bring good people into his life to encourage and support him in his faith. Empower him each day to use the gifts You’ve given him for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 18 – 40 Days of Prayer: Language Learning

Father,

Thank You for the teachers, tutors and friends You’ve brought into our lives so that we can study and learn the Spanish language. Lord, it’s not always easy, but we understand how critical good communication is for our ministry here. Open our minds and keep us motivated for this important task. Remove distractions and roadblocks that would keep us from learning. And provide encouragement through meaningful conversations and deepening relationships.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 17 – 40 Days of Prayer: The Honduras Church

Lord,

Thank You for growing Your Church in Honduras. Thank You for our brothers and sisters committed to seeing Your Kingdom advanced. We lift up the pastors and workers who are engaged in Your ministry. Father, give them encouragement and allow them to see the fruit of their labors. Use the Church to open hearts and minds to Your purposes. And help us to develop meaningful partnerships that enable us to serve effectively among Your people in Honduras.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 16 – 40 Days of Prayer: Residency and Legal Paperwork

Father,

Thank You for the missionaries, legal representatives and advisors whose expertise You’ve allowed to work with us as we tackle the paperwork for our residency in Honduras. Thank You that we don’t have to go through this sometimes-frustrating process alone. Lord, just remove roadblocks and enable things to move forward smoothly. Provide for the financial obligations that residency requires and make it possible for us to travel to Honduras when needed to complete the process.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 15 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Leadership

Lord,

You have blessed Escuela El Sembrador with a leadership team thirsting after You. Thank You for the gifts and hearts You’ve given them and the desire You’ve instilled in them to serve. Teach them to rely on You more and more each day and give them wisdom as they make decisions. Strengthen them as a team and enable them to encourage one another in difficult times. We lift up Enoch Ulloa and Osman Echevarria. Give them the courage to lead boldly and with hearts sensitive to Your leading. Lord, bless this team and anoint them in a special way for the task You’ve set before them. And as they lead us, Father, open our hearts and minds so that we might learn from their example.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 14 – 40 Days of Prayer: Friendship

Lord,

Thank You for the love You’ve given us for the people of Honduras. As we work alongside people of a different culture, we pray that You would allow us to build strong friendships with our brothers and sisters. Help us engage people and build the support system we need in order to thrive so far from home.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 13 – 40 Days of Prayer: Family

Father,

Thank You for the loving and supportive family You’ve given us. Thank You for their understanding and participation in the ministry to which You’ve called us. Most of all, thank You for the precious time You’ve given us with them over the last months. Lord, protect them when we can’t be with them. Enable us to stay connected and engaged even across the miles and years. And even as they pray for our needs so far away, use them to minister to others within their own communities who may be far from home.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 12 – 40 Days of Prayer: Wisdom

Father,

We thank You that we never have to walk alone. Please continue to guide our family as we make decisions and plans about the future of the ministry You’ve given us. Give us wisdom as we seek to raise financial support and develop partnerships. And open our eyes to new ministry opportunities.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 11 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Farm Operations

Lord,

Thank You for the resources You’ve given Escuela El Sembrador through the farm operations. Thank You for the years of guidance and vision You’ve provided. Lord, we lift up the leaders of each of the farm areas and ask that You would give them wisdom and grace as they make plans and execute them. We thank You for the farm workers and ask that You would bless their work at Escuela El Sembrador. Give them good health and continue to provide for their needs. We ask that You would rain down Your abundance on the farm operations so that it can be fruitful for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 10 – 40 Days of Prayer: Safety

Heavenly Father,

You have called us away from where we feel comfortable and safe. Call us out from our shelter each day and go before us lest we become afraid. We thank You for Your protection while we are on the road and while we are in Honduras. Show us the path we should take and remind us that You are in control. Always.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 9 – 40 Days of Prayer: Missionary Co-Workers

Lord,

Thank You for the team of workers with whom You have surrounded us. Bless our missionary brothers and sisters and their ministries in a very special way as they seek to serve You. Give us unity as a team and teach us to encourage and strengthen one another. Give us sweet times of fellowship together so that we might grow and learn from each other.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 8 – 40 Days of Prayer: Cultural Understanding

Father,

Thank You for allowing us to live and work in a unique and vibrant new culture. Please help us to appreciate and grow in our love for the Honduran people. Enable us to let go of our own ingrained worldviews so that we can come to embrace Your perspective. Lord, grant us understanding and patience when we are confronted with potential frustrations. Give us grace and wisdom as we learn and adjust to our new culture.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 7 – 40 Days of Prayer: El Nido Ministry

Father,

Thank You for the ministry You’ve given us in El Nido (the El Sembrador rec room). Thank You for the many blessings that You’ve given us through the relationships we’ve built there. We pray that You would use us and this ministry to build up and encourage our students. Help us to demonstrate Your love on a daily basis and remind each student of his precious worth in Your eyes. Lord, please begin building a new passion for this type of ministry in the hearts of those You would have serve alongside us in the years to come. Give us wisdom, patience and direction as we think about how best to continue and expand upon the ministry in El Nido. Help us think creatively about new opportunities and new ways to impact Young lives. Give us open hearts and open ears as You direct our paths.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 6 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Teaching Staff

Lord,

Thank for the life of each teacher You’ve called to train up a new generation of leaders at Escuela El Sembrador. Thank You for their desire and dedication for education. We lift each of them up that You would daily strengthen them for their work. Give them the wisdom, patience and grace required to mold the minds of these young people. We pray that You would speak powerfully through them. We ask Your special blessing on Cindy Bardales as she leads the academic program. Use and anoint the El Sembrador teaching staff to influence each young life for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 5 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador

Father,

Thank You for the vision You placed in the hearts of one family to leave their home to serve You. Thank for the ministry of Escuela El Sembrador that is the result of their obedience and compassion. Thank You for the thousands of lives that have been impacted by the school. Make El Sembrador a beacon of Your love. Allow its ministries to have a growing impact on its community, the nation and the world. Bless all those who serve You there and anoint their work. Open the heart of each student so that they will hear and respond to the Truth they are taught. Lord, make this place Holy and radiant with Your presence.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 4 – 40 Days of Prayer: New School Year at Escuela El Sembrador

Lord,

We lift up 2016 at Escuela El Sembrador. Thank You for Your protection and guidance over 62 years of ministry there. We thank You for the staff, teachers and leaders that have been preparing for this school year to begin. Strengthen and encourage them for the year ahead. Father, as the new and returning students begin to arrive at the school allow them to sense Your presence in a very special way. Prepare their hearts and minds for what You have for them to learn this year. And give them comfort and peace as they begin to settle into life at El Sembrador.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 3 – 40 Days of Prayer: Happy Birthday Steve!

Father,

Thank You for Steve. Thank You for making him a man of unwavering faith and steady assurance. Thank You for the ministry he has with his family and among Your people. Lord, give him wisdom as he leads us and give him encouragement along the way. Help him to see and hear Your presence active in his daily life. And give him strength to face any challenges and hardships with grace.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 2 – 40 Days of Prayer: Travel

Lord,

Thank You for opportunity You’ve given us to experience new and different parts of this country. And thank You for the amazing brothers and sisters we’ve met along the way. Father, please keep us safe as we travel and give us wisdom and guidance as we plan our trips. Give us times of rest when they are needed. And continually renew us and refresh us for the work You have for us at each destination.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 1 - 40 Days of Prayer: Praise

Father,

Thank You for Your love and plan for the nations. Thank You for giving Your people purpose by choosing to use us to accomplish Your will in the world. God, thank You for allowing us to serve in Honduras and the ministry You’ve given us there. Thank You for molding, teaching and preparing us for this work. And most of all, thank You for loving us even when we don’t understand Your ways.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Intro

One of the best things we’ve been able to do as missionaries is be part of a large (and growing!) ministry team. We believe that each one of our partners has been called by God to fulfill a very special purpose for His glory in Honduras. And we stand amazed at His plan unfolding as we serve alongside our brothers and sisters.

We really are a team. And God has recently reminded us of how important it is for us to pray together. Since we can’t all be together in one place for an old fashioned prayer meeting, Steve and I thought we would share our some of our daily prayers for our family and our ministry on our blog and Facebook. We are inviting you to share in our joys and our burdens over the next 40 days and pray alongside us. So check back every day for our 40 Days of Prayer posts.

And because we are a team, it would be our joy to lift up your needs as well. You can share them with the entire team in the comments section or e-mail them to us privately. We believe that the Lord is honored when we pray together and that He is eager to respond in His wonderful and powerful way.

Day 1 of our 40 Days of Prayer starts tomorrow!