This is My Father's World

It's just another day in paradise and it's one of our favorite parts of the trip.  We swam with pink dolphins in the Amazon River, fed monkeys, held a sloth, anaconda and a baby alligator, fished for enormous strong Amazon fish called Pirarucu, saw lily pads that could hold up a small child, ate delicious Brazilian food at a floating restaurant, and had a wonderful day enjoying creation.

I could hardly stop singing one of my favorite hymns:

This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, The birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white, Declare their maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong Seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world: The battle is not done:

Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and Heav’n be one.  

Here's my favorite version: Jadon Lavik This is My Father's World

Please pray for us as we head home tonight and I'll send a final update of our last day of service when I get home.

 

How crazy do you have to be to take your kids on an internationalmission trip?

It's day 7 and we've reached a point in the trip that sometimes takes me by surprise........again.  I've had it many times before but it feels so selfish and unspiritual especially with a title like Family Life Pastor and all.  It's that point where you ask yourself, "Why did we bring the kids?"  Yes.  I said it. It's a question that goes through your head when the heat and the exhaustion and the stomach aches and the mosquito bites take your mind where you really "feel" like going.

The thought is fed by the fact that the sibling rivalry, laziness, respect challenges and general messiness that come with taking kids anywhere actually follows you on a mission trip, too.  Don't ever let the pictures deceive you into thinking that our kids have been unstoppable warriors for the gospel all week, never complaining or making faces when the food on their plates was unrecognizable or when other parents let their kids do it so "why don't you let us?"  

This week our kids have been kids.  Nothing magical happened when they stepped on the airplane for a mission trip.  They came just as they were, and just as we all are...works in progress.

But amazing progress we have truly seen.  They have prayed for the sick, boldly shared the gospel and loved the least of these and they will never be the same.  Perhaps the best part is that we have shared these kingdom experiences together. That means that the "God stories" that the rest of our friends and family just won't ever fully understand no matter how hard we try to explain them have become part of our family's shared history.  If taking kids on an international mission trip makes you crazy, then crazy we are. 

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!