by David Hanson | Aug 1, 2013 | The Youth Ministry Blog
No Excuses
“Excuses are like armpits. Everyone has them and they all stink.” I can still hear my first high school coach saying this. Our whole lives we make excuses for not doing things or for why we mess up. We even try these excuses out with God, hoping He will see our flawless logic and give us a pass for messing up or ignoring His prompting.
In Costa Rica I have met two men who don’t make excuses despite obvious physical weaknesses.
Tim grew up a farm boy in Minnesota. He tried to run from God and ended up in a wheelchair. Yet despite being in a wheelchair he now runs orphan homes with his wife in Haiti, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. He could make countless excuses and try to blame God for his disability, but he chooses to be faithful. Tim places his own comfort below the will of the Father.
Oldemar grew up in the poverty of Costa Rica. In addition, he is blind in one eye and only has 5% vision in the other. Yet God didn’t see this as a roadblock to Oldemar being a pastor. While this may not seem like a big deal to us, many Costa Ricans look down on people with disabilities.
I love seeing such bold faith and men who trust that God is in control. Each have thriving ministries and adults and children know Jesus because of their faithfulness.
I pray that we all would have faith like Tim and Oldemar. Know that He is in control. Know that God does not see weakness but rather and opportunity for faithfulness. He has and will equip you to carry out His will.
You can make excuses or you can be faithful. Where is He calling you?
by David Hanson | Jul 30, 2013 | The Youth Ministry Blog
HIS LOVE & STRENGTH
These are the words that one of my students used to describe what we are doing in Costa Rica.
In the short week we will be in Costa Rica our objective is simple: We are here to love on orphans and help the local church.
Part of out team is spending the week simply being present with children, reflecting the love of Jesus, and giving the Tia’s (ladies who work there) a well needed break! The other half of our team is helping a local church build a student center that will house a mid-week Bible study as well as technology, music, and language classes throughout the week!
As we sat and reflected at dinner tonight, one of my students pointed out that we are here to reflect both Christ’s love (at the orphan home) and His strength (joining the local church).
But as everyone who has ever been on a mission trip will tell you: We will learn far more from our brothers and sisters in Costa Rica than they will learn from us! I appreciate your continued prayers!
by David Hanson | Jul 29, 2013 | The Youth Ministry Blog
I’m headed to the airport as I write this post. We are taking a team of 19 to Costa Rica to share the love of Jesus with orphans and help a local church.
Would you please join me in prayer that God would use our team and that my students eyes would be opened to how God is present and moving throughout the world.
Earlier in the year our student ministry took a team to Haiti to do similar work. It’s AMAZING to see the hearts of students opened to global missions!
Tell me about your trips? Where did you go this summer with students?
Thanks for your prayers!
