Attitude Is Everything

 El Elspino, Honduras

This young girl looks like she's ready to take on the world, or least that crazy old guy pointing that camera at her.

You might think that I got lucky with this picture, catching this girl at just the right moment. That's partially true, but I have another picture of her, and guess what? She's sporting the same attitude.

Attitude is everything.

"Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:5 God's Word to the Nations

Jesus didn't just take on the world, he also took on Satan and death, but he did it with an attitude of humility. God calls us to this same attitude. We are called to live with an attitude of humility, but what does this attitude look like?

Jesus did not consider equality with God as something to be seized.

Jesus humbled himself to the point of death on the cross.

Humility looks like what Jesus accomplished for us is his life, death and resurrection. If attitude is everything then this is the attitude to which we have been called.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.

Perspective

 Lepaterique, Honduras

It had been a long day back in March of 2014. Some of us from our Honduras mission team spent the morning and afternoon with children in Lepaterique, others spent time on the road visiting two small villages. Whether we were on the road or hanging with children, by the evening we were tired.

Looking to the next day, when we'd spend time with other children in other villages, we still had work to do. We had to assemble these toy cars for the children.

There wasn't much to this task. You pass a screw through a wooden wheel, washer, body, another washer and another wheel. Finally you hand tightened a screw. Not difficult, right?

Though the task might not have been difficult, when you're tired even the simplest tasks can be troublesome. We were exhausted, a long day awaited us, and we still needed time for reflection.

It was this time of reflection that saved the day.

Wanting nothing more than to go to bed, we gathered around a table in a corner room at Betesda. It was in the midst of our exhaustion that we were challenged to take the identity of someone we had met in Lepaterique, someone who had touched our lives.

We started our conversation with the words, "Hello, my name is..." and then we told the story of a person who had touched our lives. There was laughter and there were tears. There was renewed strength.

Our exhaustion was nothing compared to what our brothers and sisters in Lepaterique were enduring: A young man who had been abandoned by his mother, a family of four who ride a motorcycle to a remote community to proclaim Christ, a man who is worried that his dreams of going to university might not happen if he cannot find his high school transcripts.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 English Standard Version

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.

Dreams

 Lepaterique, Honduras

This is the sponsor child of one of our team members. It was Sunday afternoon and we were making our Compassion Project home visits. This was our first stop of the day. I'm sure that our visit was a little overwhelming because of the sheer number people in her living room. She was a little shy, but that was okay.

When I look at this picture I see a person who has dreams. What are those dreams? I don't know. Maybe they're big dreams or maybe small, but my gut tells me that they're important dreams.

God invites us to dream.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 English Standard Version

It's one thing to hear these words from God it is another to believe them.

Maybe the problem is with our heart and what it desires. The key in this psalm is the first part of the verse. The psalmist calls us to delight in the Lord, not in our pleasures or wants. When we find pleasure in the presence of the one who has given everything for us we'll find ourselves dreaming about what he desires.

So, it's okay to dream especially when those dreams are rooted in the God who takes delight in us.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.

God's Plan

Acaguaque, Honduras

You have to love this smile.

I do not know this young girl's name, nor her condition, but God has spared her life.

If you look closely at this young girl you will notice that something isn't quite right. Her blouse is covering up a physical problem with her heart. It is my understanding that she is a miracle, a miracle that God produced through the love of the pastor and his family in Acaguaque who too her into their home. They love her, pray for her and care for her.

God has a plan for this girl.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 English Standard Version

You may not have medical condition that threatens your life, or high powered joy that influences thousands of people, yet God has plan for your life.

His plan is to give you hope and future that is rooted his love for you.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.

Now This Is Cooking!

Acaguaque, Honduras

This kitchen belongs to the pastor's family in Acaguaque. There were a number of people gathered in this kitchen, all of them Honduran. There were no electrical lights, only the ambient light from outside and the glow of this wood burning stove.

I was the only English speaking person in the room, so, instead of listening to what was being said, I enjoyed the atmosphere created by the conversation.

Though I didn't know what was being said (later I learned some of it had to do with snake meat that was cooked and hanging above the over), everyone talked and everyone laughed.

Doesn't something like this happen often around food?

After Ezra read the Torah to the people who had returned from exile they wept, but Nehemiah encouraged the people to rejoice, and with their rejoicing, to eat.

"And Nehemiah continued, 'Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!'" Nehemiah 8:10 New Living Translation

May we, who have heard and believed the message of Jesus' resurrection, celebrate Christ's victory over death by eating with each other and sharing the abundance of what God has given us.

Good things happen around food.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.

Partnership

Acaguaque, Honduras

This picture is a lesson in partnership.

The people of Acaguaque have built this kitchen next to their church. The did everything themselves. It's my understanding that they not only nail these timbers in place, they cut them. Everything looked good except for one thing. The kitchen needed a metal roof.

Everything they did cost blood an sweat but very little money. The roof would cost more than they could afford at this time...and the rainy season was just around the corner.

These kitchens, which are built next to the churches supported by Betesda, play a critical role in feeding the children of these communities. Without a roof, this kitchen would sit unused, meaning that the children might go hungry.

When I returned to Colorado Springs I shared the need with a couple of people. The money was raised that week, and is now in the hands of Betesda to purchase the material and install the roof.

All it cost was $400; such a meager amount for us, but gold to the people of Acaguague.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with , for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now." Philippians 1:3 New Living Translating

NEXT...chickens!

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.

God's Invitation

Near Acaguaque, Honduras

We were en route from Ocote Pando to Acaguaque when we stopped along this creek for lunch. At first we thought we were going to take out the coolers and eat beside this nice stream, but Pastor Omar signaled us on further along this creek until we came to these waterfalls.

These were not massive waterfalls, thundering with thousands of gallons of water spilling over their overhangs.  The sound was gentle, soothing and inviting. I wished for my tripod and neutral density filter so that I could create a silky stream flowing into this pool.

Our picture of God is often different from this picture.  Instead of seeing God as gentle, soothing and inviting, we view God as harsh and demanding, someone that we can never please. It is true that left to ourselves we cannot please God, but God has been pleased in his Son.

It is through Jesus, and his life poured on for us on his cross, that God invites us to experience compassion and kindness. His yoke and his burden are light.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 English Standard Version

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Vote for Pedro

Ocote Pando, Honduras

It probably doesn't come as a surprise for many of you that I'm a fan of the movie, Napoleon Dynamite. The movie makes sense to those of us who've spent time in Idaho.

A major character in the movie is Napoleon's friend, Pedro. My oldest son still proudly wears his "Vote for Pedro" t-shirt.

I met the real Pedro in Ocote Pando, and I would vote for him any day.

It was Monday morning when we made our trip to Ocote Pando. I had been informed that I was to speak to the adults while the children spent time with the other three members of our team. Pedro led us in singing. Since I don't know Spanish, I didn't understand the songs, but I could tell that there was a genuine spirit of worship in Pedro's leadership.

Then he sat and listened to my message, engaged the entire time I spoke. Many of us who lead step outside or find something else to do when we're done leading. Not Pedro, he expectantly waited for God to speak to him.

Pedro was a picture of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the mount: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6 English Standard Version

Pedro struck a balance between giving and receiving. He was willing to lead us in singing and yet hungered to receive from God. May our thirst for righteousness produce both a desire to serve God and receive from him.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Lesson in Communication

Ocote Pando, Honduras

I had finished speaking to the adults at Ocote Pando when I joined the children outside as they gathered under the pine trees.

I was taking pictures of the children when this young man came up behind me. I thought he hoped to look at my camera, but he wanted something else. He didn't speak English and I didn't speak Spanish. So, we did a lot of pointing.

After a couple of minutes I figured out that he was asking me to take his picture. I took a few quick pics and showed him the results. He seemed satisfied and happy to see his picture, but I wondered if he forgot what he looked like. You see, he asked all of us to take a picture of him.

It's easy to forget what we look like. Our memory isn't that good.

Does God forget what we look like?

"Can a woman forget her nursing child? Will she have no compassion on the child from her womb? Although mothers may forget, I will not forget you." Isaiah 49:15 God's Word to the Nations

God's memory of us goes deeper than outward appearance. He hasn't forgotten us. He hasn't forgotten you.

He knows your joys.

He knows your pain.

He knows you...and he will never forget you. The empty tomb is God's guarantee that you are never be forgotten.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Scars

Ocote Pando, Honduras

As we traveled from Ocote Pando to the village of Acaguaque the question was asked of Pastor Omar as to what people in this remote area did to make a living. He pointed out to us these scars in the pine trees along the road. What we had missed on our way in to Ocote Pando was now obvious.

One of the resources for making money was pine sap.

If you look closely at this picture you will notice that the sap from this pine tree drips down into a small cup. This sap is sold for use in cleaning products.

Through these wounded trees, the people live.

"As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!" John 20:20 New Living Translation

We don't know what these scars looked like, nor where they were exactly placed in his hands, but there was no mistaking it for the disciples. These were Jesus' hands, the hands that had been nailed to a cross.

These hands now moved freely. They blessed. They picked up food. These hands were alive, though they carried the imprint of the nails.

And through these scars we live. These scars poured out blood that has cleansed us and saved us. And unlike the trees around Ocote Pando, there is only one set of scars that brings life. These scars belong to your Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Victory!

Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado

These burial plots are often referred to as someone's final resting place. I'm not sure what that means.

On the one hand I believe that statement is a way of softening the blow of death. We often speak of those who have died as passing away, or resting because it seems to make death more palatable.

On the other hand, with emphasis on the word "rest," we know that these bodies will not remain in these graves, or scattered to the wind. This is only a place of rest. Today the Church confesses that we believe in the resurrection of the dead.

Today is the day of victory in much the same way as Israel was raised from the dead through the miracle of the Red Sea.

"Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, 'I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.'" Exodus 15:1 English Standard Version

Yesterday we gave ourselves permission to feel the brunt of death as Jesus' body lay in its tomb. Today we join with Moses in God's song of victory over death. Jesus has risen from the dead, and he promised that all who die in him will also rise to life.

This is the mystery of our confession as Christians, a mystery that gives us hope.

CHRIST IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Day to Grieve

Ocote Pando, Honduras

Many of us in the United States would love to have the view of this house in Honduras. This home is surrounded by mountains and secluded from other people.

However, it looks like this building might collapse at anytime.

There is evidence that someone lives here. There's smoke coming out of the chimney. In fact, this might have been the home of someone who worshiped at the church where I stood when I took this picture.

This home represents our lives. We're surrounded by the beauty of God's creation, but there's something wrong. We call that something death. Like this house, our lives will finally give in to decay and we'll die.

Jesus died. Today we remember that his body laid cold in death in a tomb.

"And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking [Jesus] down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb." Mark 15:46 English Standard Version

Today we not only think of Jesus's death, but we also consider our loved ones who have died. We feel the pain and the separation, yet we grieve with hope because we know the rest of the story. We know what's coming tomorrow.

However, it is okay to feel sad today. It's okay to take out pictures of our spouse, parents, children and friends who have died. It's okay because death is painful, but it is not the end.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Our Boast

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

I live in a very comfortable home. Sure it needs a fresh coat of paint, carpet and other things I might deem necessary. I have a yard, a vegetable garden, and a fence.

This family had none of what I consider to be the necessities of life.

They had no yard, no garden, no carpet. They had one room with a curtain dividing where they sleep and where they sit. I don't remember a light, though if they did, there was probably just one.

They had a creek that served as a sewer. They had a first floor to their apartment complex with no rooms, just trash and other unmentionables.

There was a sense of hopelessness.

On Good Friday we remember the hopelessness of the cross for Jesus. I know, that sounds radical, but what I'm suggesting is that there was no hope for Jesus to come off of his cross except through death. He had determined that he would accomplish the will of his father.

He had nothing on his cross so that we might possess everything.

The message of Christ crucified reaches into the poverty of Tegucigulpa. The message of Christ crucified reaches into the riches of America. Whether we're rich or poor it is Christ crucified that gives us hope.

For this reason the Apostle Paul could boast in nothing more than Christ crucified.

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14 English Standard Version

This day, may we also boast in Christ's cross.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Raising Our Hands

Ocote Pando, Honduras

I don't know the song we were singing, and even if I did I, wouldn't have understood the words as they were sung in Spanish, but I do understand the motion of raising hands.

Even though I understand the language of raised hands it is still something with which I'm not quite comfortable. I'm a Lutheran...need I say more?

However, I can't argue with the fact that the Bible speaks to raising hands in worship.

"Let my prayer be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence. Let the lifting up of my hands in prayer be accepted as an evening sacrifice." Psalm 141:2 God's Word to the Nations

I can't argue with the fact that we're called to make a "joyful noise" to the Lord (Psalm 94:1). I can't argue with the fact that we're called to give thanks to the Lord with musical instruments (Psalm 33:2). I can't argue with the fact that we're called to be silent before the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7).

The Bible calls us out of our comfort zone, especially when it comes to worship.

So...I raise my hands in worship.  My salvation is not in jeopardy if I keep my hands to my side and my head bowed.  In fact, this can be an appropriate position for worship, but not always.  God's Spirit calls us to lift holy hands (1 Timothy 2:8).

Over the next couple of days our hands will be raised to one who was exalted on a cross, buried in a grave, and risen victorious over death.

Can you think of anyone more worthy of our praise?

Today's Challenge: Raise your hands in prayer to God.  Do this in the privacy of your home where no one can see you. Then take note of how your felt as you raised your hands in prayer.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Letting Go

Ocote Pando, Honduras

I'm not sure this young man had seen a camera before I pointed mine at him. He didn't seem scared just curious, yet to make sure everything was okay he held on to his grandma.

I find this boy expressing something that many of us experience. We're curious about the world all the while we're holding on to what is familiar. We have a desire to explore God's creation, but only as long as we can hold on to what we know.

"And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." 1 John 2:17 New Living Translation

There will come a time for this boy when he'll let go of his grandma and live the life to which God is calling him. You are I are called to let go of our desire to hold on to worldly ways of living and to follow Christ.

We often take one step of faith, doing what pleases God, yet with our hand grasping the old ways of doing things; ways that haven't work for us in the past and will not work for us in the future.

God's Spirit invites us and empowers us to let go of the old and embrace his life. It's not easy letting go, and at times we'll reach for the garments of the world, but in the end it is worth saying goodbye to the old and embracing the wonder of God's love.

Today's Challenge: As Jesus let go of everything on his cross, pray that God would empower you to let go of your old ways and embrace his future for you.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

"To the Ends of the Earth"

Ocote Pando, Honduras

Welcome to Ocote Pando, a remote village in Honduras. Four of us made the trip to this village, and I must say it is one of the most spectacular settings of all the villages we visited (more blogs on the way).

It was no small feat to get to Ocote Pando. It was a nearly a two hour ride in a high clearance vehicle to get here. We crossed a couple of streams (without bridges), climbed some pretty steep hills and passed many people who rode donkeys and horses. In fact, during the rainy season the only mode of transportation is on a beast of burden.

It felt like we had reached the end of the earth when we arrived at Ocote Pando.

Out where you didn't see homes, out where all you noticed were hiking trails heading off into the forest, there were children, children whom Jesus embraces.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Act 1:8 New Revised Standard Version

The gospel has reached Ocote Pando because of Jose and Laura who, with their two children, ride their motorcycle from Lepaterique to speak of Jesus.

I don't know where these families live in Ocote Pando, but I do know that Jesus meets them where they live.

Today's Challenge: You don't have to ride two hours on a motorcycle with your family to tell someone about Jesus. Talk with someone about your faith today. It doesn't have to a long conversation or a deep theological dialog. It might be as simple as telling someone, "God bless you."

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Mystery of Story

Lepaterique, Honduras

There are somethings that men have to know no matter the culture. For many of us guys that means BBQ. And no matter where the food is grilled, the meat tastes great. This was our Sunday night meal that we shared with pastors and students of Betesda.

It was an evening of joy and laughter. We played name Bingo. We listened to the pastors talk about what God was doing out in the remote villages around Lepaterique. We heard the university students talk about their hopes and dreams.

The lights even went out on us at the end of the evening. We laughed and made makeshift table lamps with our cell phones.

It was a night of stories. The mystery of the church is often told in stories.

We learned a lot about the community called Betesda that night, about the mystery of how God is using this group of faithful people to change his world.

"Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables." Matthew 13:34 New Living Translation

Jesus communicated through stories, through parables.  Many times the people didn't understand his stories, and sometimes, when they did understand them, they didn't like them. Stories have the power to communicate the mysteries of life.

When people tell you stories about their lives, they're giving a gift greater than any Christmas present. They are explaining the mystery of their lives.

Today's Challenge: Either tell someone a story about your life, or, listen to someone else tell you a story about his or her life.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

"Glory!"

Black Forest, Colorado

We human creatures have a fear that we're going to be forgotten, and if we're forgotten then our lives are meaningless. Somehow, in some way, we want to leave a legacy.

We seek glory and fame.

You're probably thinking, "not me! I could care less about reaching Hollywood fame!" That's probably true. I'm with you. I really don't need to have my name plastered in the tabloids.

Yet we don't want to be forgotten either.  We're like the religious leaders described by John.

"Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." John 12:42-43 English Standard Version

The authorities didn't want to make waves and take a chance they'd be kicked out of the synagogue. They were attracted to Jesus. They believed in Jesus, but only to a certain point. They didn't want their legacy tarnished.

For most of us, chances are that all we'll be someday is a picture in someone's genealogy book, but not in God's eyes.  We are never forgotten by God.  Jesus sought only the glory of his Father and through Jesus our legacy is in heaven.

Does that mean that we twiddle our thumbs until we die, or Jesus returns?  No.  It simply means that our life's focus is not to make a name for ourselves, but that we live in such a way that others might join us in the glory of heaven.

Today's Challenge: Instead of being concerned about your reputation today, add value to someone else's life, and do it without being noticed.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Room With a View

Lepaterique, Honduras

It was Sunday. We had already worshiped with our brothers and sisters in Lepaterique. The afternoon was spent walking through the village making home visits with children who participate in the Compassion International project.

It was a good day of exercise, especially getting to this home of one of the Hafer's sponsor children. The room has a stone floor; no, not tiled stone, stone, like solid rock.  My back was facing this window for most of the visit.  I was struck by this view when I turned to leave.

Then it dawned on me: There's no glass in the window. It's like camping outside all year long. Granted, there are shutters to block the wind and rain...to a degree. However, the family that lives in this home is always aware of what's going on outside.

Isn't that the way God calls us to live. It's easy to shut our glass windows and close our storm doors to keep the outside world, well, outside.

[Jesus prayed,] "As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world." John 17:18 English Standard Version

So God sends us into the world, a world that we see through our windows and that blows through our homes.  We are sent with a message that we declare and reflect in our lives.  It is a message of God's love for all. It is a message of hope in Jesus.

Today's Challenge: Open a window in your home and let the world blow through being mindful that it is to this world that we are sent to bring Christ.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Holding Hands

Lepaterique, Honduras

Most children love to hold hands with adults. And if we're honest, most of us adults love to hold the hands of children. There is something magical about the relationship between an adult and a child when hands are held.

Words need not be spoken to communicate love when holding hands.

Holding hands communicates love when children experience both joys and sorrows in life.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15 English Standard Version

We hold children's hands when they are happy.

We hold children's hands when they are sad.

We hold children's hands as a means of communicating that we care for them both when times are tough and when times are good. We hold their hands because God has grasped our hands when he sent his Son into our world, taking on our human flesh.

By taking hold of hands we communicate the love of God to each other.

Today's Challenge: I invite you to hold a hand today.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Place of Gathering

Lepaterique, Honduras

A lot happens in the marketplace. It is a place of selling and of buying. It is a place of gathering. Day in and day out people gather to do business in the marketplace, yet it is more than a place of commerce. It is a place for connecting with others.

On this Saturday evening in Lepaterique there were people gathering throughout the community, walking the dusty roads from one shop to another. There were probably more conversations than buying or selling. Connecting with others is an important aspect of life.

So, why do we find it difficult to connect in the church? We enter through the front door, sit in our pew and find our way back to the parking lot with the possibility of never saying hello to another person. Yet our purpose of being in worship is so that God can connect with us, and maybe, just maybe, we might connect with another pilgrim in life.

We look for connections when we enter God's house. We want to connect with God and we want to connect with another person. In one sense, we'd like the church to become a marketplace, not for the selling of goods, but to connect with others.

We'd like the church to be a place where we truly connect with another person who loves us.

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:11 New International Version

Today's Challenge: Seek to connect with another person. This doesn't have to be a theological conversation. It can be simply asking the person how they're doing then actually listening to their response.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

All Means All

Lepaterique, Honduras

Not all is well in Honduras. These glass shards and barbed wire are evidence that Lepaterique has its struggles.

When I took this picture I was standing in a beautiful city park. Every time I past this park it seemed that someone was watering the grass and taking care of the plants. It was like many parks in Colorado Springs, though a bit on the small size.

This brick wall separated the park from a school. Believe me, the barbed wire was deterrent enough for me, but the broken glass removed any thought of trying to cross to the other side.

This barbed wire and broken glass were a common sight in Honduras, as were armed security personnel and soldiers, a reminder that Honduras is as broken as any country including the good ole USA.

"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:22b-24 English Standard Version

Everyone has fallen short of God's glory no matter where they live. It doesn't matter whether they live in rural Wisconsin or rural Honduras for all have fallen short. People in Chicago and people in Tegucigalpa have fallen short of God's glory. You and I have fallen short of God's glory.

Jesus did not fall short of God's glory.

Through Jesus all of us have been declared right with God no matter how far we have fallen short. His grace is meant for every human creature. God's grace is meant for you. God's grace defines you. God's grace embraces you, because it is meant for you. It is meant for all.

Today's Challenge: Allow the grace of God define you today, not your failures or sin. You have been redeemed. You are a child of God through Jesus.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Whistle While You Work

Lepaterique, Honduras

Ahren Reiter, along with other Holy Cross team members, joined the youth of Betesda in painting the interior of their new worship center. Young men were already painting the structure when we arrived on Friday. They continued painting on Saturday and the church was ready for the worshipers on Sunday.

This was no small task.

The spirit with which the youth of Betesda painted was captivating. There was joy in their labor. If I hadn't been so exhausted when we arrived on Friday I probably wouldn't have gotten much sleep from the laughter and talking as they painted.

These youth of Betesda reflected Paul's encouragement to the Philippians. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." Philippians 4:4 English Standard Version

We don't often equate joy with work, yet when God created Adam (and before the fall into sin) he commanded him to care for the Garden. Adam reflected God, who had worked to create the cosmos, by caring for God's creation.

We have lost the joy of work as a consequence of sin. However, the fact that we have been redeemed by Christ sets us free to once again find joy in work, or maybe even to whistle while work.

As we find joy in our labor, we reflect Christ to world; a world that is baffled when someone rejoices in work.

Today's Challenge: Though it may be difficult to find joy in your work, hear the words of Paul ringing in your ear as a call to rejoice even when it's hard to rejoice. Remember joy is not the same thing as happiness.

Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Boys Will Be Boys

Lepaterique, Honduras

There are somethings that transcend culture, and with guys that often involves sports. This was a brutal game of throw the football and everyone try to catch it (though wisdom comes with age as you'll note Jerry Handlon standing in the back).

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1 English Standard Version

What we discover every time we travel to Lepaterique is that there is much more that unites us "in the bond of peace" than separates us. We speak different languages. We live in different countries. We have different customs, yet we are united by God's work in us.

We are united by our faith in Jesus Christ.

We are united by our human struggle to live our faith in Jesus Christ.

We are united by our joy being in each other's presence.

Yes, boys will be boys no matter the culture. In the same way, the church will be the church no matter the culture.

Today's Challenge: Pray for the church in a nation you have never visited. You might search the internet to find out something about that country to help you pray of the work of the church in this nation.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Life Is Hard...Sometimes It Stinks

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

This is not a pretty picture (actually, the picture is better than the smell).

On Thursday, March 27, our team spent the day visiting two Compassion International projects. We made home visits at both of these projects. Compassion does a wonderful job of helping children live in poverty. People around the world support these children who are then connected to a project in their community.

It is in these projects that they feel safe, eat nutritious food and hear the good news of God's love for them in Jesus. These projects are places of hope for impoverished children.

However, these projects are much different than the homes in which they live.

On this day we visited homes next to this creek. This creek smelled of sewage. There was no escaping the stench. This is the condition in which these children live, and around which they play. 

"Jesus said to [Martha], 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'" John 11:25 English Standard Version

Life stunk for Martha. Her brother was dead. Jesus entered the stench of Martha's life and gave her hope by speaking these words and raising her brother from the dead.  

We are given that same hope in the stench of our lives. It is the power of Jesus' resurrection that meets us where life is most putrid and gives us hope. What Martha saw with her eyes, we see with the eyes of faith.  

Yes, sometimes life stinks, but its when life stinks the most that we hold on to Jesus.

Today's Challenge: Most of us have a place in our lives where things are not going well. Today picture Jesus standing in the middle of this situation and crying out the words of the above Scripture.  

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Stand Up for Jesus

Lepaterique, Honduras

The youth at this year's retreat in Lepaterique were a rather shy group of young people. Toward the end of the morning retreat we gave out hygiene products. These teenagers look forward to receiving these products, especially anything that has to do with hair.

It was like pulling teeth to get some of these young people to come forward, but not for this youth. When asked who knew John 3:16 he quickly rose to his feet and made it known that he was aware of this passage.

This is also a young man who had buried his head in his Bible all morning, searching the Scriptures as it related to God's plan for his life.

"And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth." Act 17:11 New Living Translation

This young man had a thirst for God and what God was speaking into his life. I don't know what God has planned for him. I don't know his future. However, at this moment he's willing to dig into his Bible and proudly stand for that which he believes.

May we have that same hunger and thirst for God, as well as the same courage to stand up for Jesus.

Today's Challenge: Try committing a portion of God's word to memory. Try memorizing Psalm 100.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

On the Outside Looking In

Lepaterique, Honduras

At one time or another, most of us have felt like we were on the outside looking in. These two girls might have felt this way as they peered into the youth retreat being held at Betesda in Lepaterique. They were too young to attend, but old enough to know what was happening.

"When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.'" Mark 10:14 New Living Translation

Don't get me wrong, no one was preventing these girls from coming to Jesus.  Two days later we held a one day Vacation Bible School for the younger children.  There were more children who attended the VBS than youth who attended this retreat. However, this picture reminds us that children are never on the outside looking in on God's love.

Children are front and center when it comes to God's heart.

The problem is that they're not always front and center on our hearts.  Spending time with these children in Honduras reminded me how precious children are to God.  They are not the church of the future.  They are the church of today, and Jesus invites them to receive a blessing from him.

Today's Challenge: When you see a child today, get on your knees and talk with that child face-to-face. And if the child gives you a hug, return that hug. In this way you can be Jesus to that child.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Answered Prayer

Lepaterique, Honduras

This is Nissy, one of Jeff and Lorrie Faunce's Compassion sponsor children in Honduras. At age six, Nissy is evidence that God answers prayer.

When we first arrived at Lepaterique, Nissy made the rounds of all the people she remembered, giving them hugs and a big smile. On this day Nissy was in heaven as she had our ministry team all to herself. Her parents had left her at the church while they made the journey on motorcycle to a remote village to do ministry.

I said that Nissy is evidence that God answers prayer. You're probably thinking that she was healed of some disease, but that is not the prayer God answered.

Since her birth her parents, Jose and Laura, prayed that God would do a mighty work through Nissy, and he already is. This six-year-old girl has been given a beautiful singing voice. With her dad playing the keyboard, she sang during the offering at the Tuesday night prayer service and brought most of us to tears.

"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19 English Standard Version

There are many Bible passages which remind us that God answers prayer, but in the context of Nissy's life, this one intrigues me most. Her parents were in agreement about their daughter. They both had the desire that God would do a mighty work through her, and even though they didn't see an immediate answer to their prayer, they are now watching God's gift unfold before their eyes.

Today's Challenge: This might be tough for some of us, but I encourage you to find someone with whom you will pray. It might be a close friend, spouse or even your parent or child. Share your heart with each other and then agree to storm the throne of God in prayer. Be patient. Jesus didn't promise to immediately answer prayer, but do pray expecting God to answer.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

God Has a Plan

Lepaterique, Honduras

Meet Marlon, one of Betesda's young pastors. He preaches in the village of Los Ingleses. This picture was taken during the youth retreat in Lepaterique. The theme of this retreat was based on Jeremiah 29:11.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" New Living Translation

In this picture Marlon is responding to a question based on this passage. I don't know what he said. He answered the question in Spanish. What I remember was the boldness with which he spoke. He spoke as a man who believed that God has a plan for his life.

He knows that God's plan for him is to preach Jesus Christ in Los Inglesia.

He knows that God's plan for him is to help his community raise crops.

He knows that God's plan for him is to feed children.

I don't imagine that God wrote this plan on his wall or gave him a vision. Knowing how things work in Lepaterique, Pastor Omar took note of Marlon's character, chose him, trained him and is equipping him for this ministry.

Isn't that how God often reveals his plan for our lives? God's voice is heard through the call of the Christian community. I know without a doubt that it was God's plan for me to make this trip to Honduras. That plan was affirmed by both the Holy Cross and Betesda communities.

God has a plan for your life too. Listen to what other Christians are saying about your life. God might be using them to reveal his plan.

Today's Challenge: Think over the conversations you've had with other Christians. What might they be saying about God's plan for your life?

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Remember Your Leaders

I'd like you to meet two very important people: Pastor Omar and his wife, Guisel.

"Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith." Hebrews 13:7 New Living Translation

When I traveled to Lepaterique eight years ago our team visited two villages around Lepaterique. Betesda church, which Pastor Omar serves, is still present in these communities, however, this year the entire team visited seven villages, with four of us visiting two more.

Two things are done quite well in these villages: the gospel is preached and children are fed.

Holy Cross is privileged to be a part of feeding these children. Our congregation provides money for Betesda to purchase fertilizer which more than doubles the produce the people raise. Yes, they raise their own food. They save and plant their own seed. They cultivate and harvest their own crops.

There are many good things that come from the heart of Pastor Omar and Guisel. The communities they serve are being changed by the power of God's love both preached and lived.

The same thing can happen in our communities. It takes people like Pastor Omar and Guisel who are open to the leading of God's Spirit.

Oh, and by the way, Pastor Omar recently became the head of the Boy Scouts in Honduras.

Today's Challenge: Identify one area where you feel the tug of God's Spirit leading you to make a difference. Ask God to create a spirit of openness that you might hear from him how you can serve him in that arena.

Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.