Dear Friends:
Last month, we thought we had found a missionary couple to act as houseparents so that we could fill the orphanage back up with girls. Unfortunately, the couple we were talking to decided that they were not able to do it, so the search continues. I’m sure if God wants us to minister to a new group of girls, he will lead the right missionary couple to us! Please keep this in your prayers.
In the Alas program, our theme verse this year is Deut 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." NKJV
If you think about it, we all have fears. It is an important emotion. Fear warns us of dangerous situations so that we can avoid them. But sometimes, we can’t avoid them. And sometimes we have fears related to our security. For example, we may fear that something bad is going to happen in the future. It may be caused by a situation we can avoid, but it may also be caused by something over which we have no control. For example, we may be facing a financial crisis, and we have no solution. We may be facing a health crisis that looks very bad. We may be in a dangerous situation, but there is no way to get out of it. What are the main things you fear/or are worried about?
We often think that if we had more money, it would solve all of our problems. But, of course, that is not really true. Jesus addressed fear, worry, and anxiety frequently in the gospels. These things can affect both our physical and our spiritual health. In addressing those who put finances at the top of their “important” list, he said, Matt 6:24-34
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. NLT
Jesus’ answer to misplaced Fear is stated in the first sentence above—you can’t serve 2 masters. Are you going to trust God, or are you going to trust other things? Jesus makes it clear that the solution to Fear is Faith. Fear has a way of nagging at us, getting under our skin, robbing our peace and our joy. The Bible teaches us that the primary cause of fear is lack of faith in God. For example, in Phil 4:4-7 we read Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. NKJV Did you know that the Bible tells us about 365 times “Do not fear”? It is the most frequently stated command of God in the Bible. However, at the same time, there are about 200 verses in the Bible that tell us to “fear God.” Obviously, there is constructive fear—fear of God, and then there is destructive fear—fear that is harmful to our living in peace and up to our full potential. This year in our program, we will be trying to help our kids overcome their destructive fears while at the same time embracing a healthy fear of the Lord. It all comes down to faith. How close are we to Jesus? When terrible things happen, or are about to happen, or we think they might happen, what do we do? Jesus promises us that if we pray and seek His face, His Peace will come upon us. His Peace will take us through every circumstance if we only draw close and put our faith in Him even when it feels like He is not answering our prayers. We must operate in faith, and not by feelings. We must trust Him and avoid trusting in ourselves or our circumstances.
This month at Casa, our lesson continued with the kids and their parents to consider their need to make Jesus their personal Savior, friend, redeemer. We confronted the possibility that those who lack a relationship with Jesus as their Lord are headed for pain and suffering without relief, and that it can extend into eternity. It was a good exercise, and I think it really got people’s attention. We had 13 adults who decided they needed to dedicate their lives to following Jesus. They repented and asked Him into their hearts. We are thankful for God using this ministry to touch people’s lives by helping with resources to keep the kids in school, and even more importantly, to help them find the path to Life. This month was shoe month at Casa. The kids all got a new pair of athletic shoes and a new pair of school shoes. Emiliano started practice sessions with the kids so that they will be ready to sing some Christmas Carols for the Christmas Fiesta. We took pictures of young siblings of students in our program so we could provide them with Christmas presents, right along with the students in our program. We had about 38 siblings come for pictures, most of them toddlers and pre-schoolers.
It is time to shop for your students you are sponsoring for their Christmas! We suggest spending about $50 each, getting them clothing, toys, basketballs or soccer balls, games, anything you think they would enjoy! Our next weekend in Palomas is November 8 & 9, if you would like to come! We will be meeting with Pastors to plan the Christmas Fiesta, which will be held Dec. 14. It is a big deal, and we really appreciate all of you who come and help us with all of the things that need to be done! We will have food, games, drawings, a drama about Christmas, Christmas Carols, and a piñata! It requires a lot of volunteers to help make things run smoothly, so we hope you can come and help!
Also, please note that our January meeting at Casa will be the third weekend of January, on the 18th, because our grandson, Tommy Noble will be marrying his fiancé, Sienna Ruiter on the second weekend, and we can’t miss that!
Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Please make sure you get out and vote in the upcoming election. If there ever was a time when we need godly priorities and values, it is now.
The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
Jim and Pat