His hands and feet

I never cease to be amazed at how God is always ready to use those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones. Whenever I've done that, I've always found that there is a special grace that has flowed to and through me to those around me.  Having led countless mission teams through the years of all ages, I've watched God use His people and bless and change them in the process, but I'm not sure when it's ever meant more than now, when my team members will go home with me because they are my family.

Without any doubt, the family dynamic also brings plenty of its own challenges like sibling disputes and very close quarters for a week, but it's all completely worth it to have front row seats as we watch Jesus change the lives of our children as He stretches them physically, mentally and spiritually.  

These pictures tell some of the story of how God's hands and feet are being extended through us to orphans and children in extreme poverty.  Through us, Jesus has given piggy back rides, fave painting, hugs, high fives, smiles, soccer games, craft help, songs, prayers and the precious gospel to some of the amazing kids He has created for His glory and none of us will ever be the same.  

Thanks for joining us on the journey in prayer!

Loving the least of these

Yesterday was an amazing day at The Father's Heart orphanage in Manaus.  We love the way this ministry takes care of some of the most vulnerable children in this society and there are so many. Barry and Vania Hall are heroes of the faith as they work tirelessly to rescue children from horrendous circumstances that the local authorities find the kids in.  When they arrive at the Father's Heart, they are home.  Even non-believers who visit have said how strongly they feel God's love here.  

We had the privilege of joining in their work by playing with happy kids, calming the upset, rocking babies to sleep, helping with homework, making crafts and sharing the story from God's Word of how incredibly special each one of them is in God's sight.  

Our kids have been amazing and it's awesome to see how quickly they are able to connect with kids and how effectively God can use them on the mission field.  

We are headed back today for more fun and we will be sharing the gospel through special gospel soccer balls and hoping to work on some soccer skills as well in a local park.  

Please continue to pray for these precious ones to believe the truth about how much God loves them and how much they need a Savior.

Thanks for joining us on the journey!

Everything you have for us.......

" I receive everything you have for us today, Lord."

This is the prayer the Holy Spirit has placed in my heart this morning and I'm honestly not sure I want to pray it.  One of my favorite references to Jesus in literature is when he is represented by Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia. In that ageless story of the adventures of some chosen children they realize that he isn't safe, but He's good.  

That's what my prayer feels like:  not safe, but good.  Late last night, this team of ten made it to our home for the week in beautiful Manaus safely, but I don't think that's the ultimate goal for us.  As we continue to follow the Master, He may lead us wherever He wishes.  As we step out in His name into unknown territory, we give Him the right to stretch us, to change us and to create more out of us than we knew was possible.

Thanks for joining us on the journey and we continue to covet your prayers.

Here we go!

The Pennings and the Humphreys are ready to serve as we depart for Panama and then on to Manaus.  

Back to Brazil!

24 hours from now, we'll be waiting at the airport to board a plane headed back to our beloved Brazil for yet another mission opportunity with our kiddos.  At 10, 11 and 13, we are amazed at the doors God has opened for our kids to serve alongside us in the land of their birth.

We can hardly wait to serve and share the gospel with our brothers and sisters in Manaus as we love orphans and impoverished kids through Backyard Bible Clubs and Soccer Clinics.

I'll do my best to keep the updates coming so you can keep us covered in prayer.

Thanks for praying for us and joining us on the journey!