High Impact Missions

I would like to ask for your prayers for my husband, and a few others from our church who will be leaving tomorrow morning at 4 a.m. for Nicaragua.  They will be working with a group we have worked with several times before, Voice of Hope Ministries, and will be in the city of Leon, and other surrounding areas, on a high impact missions trip.  Voice of Hope does SO much in Nicaragua, as well as other parts of Central America, and I cannot wait to hear what God does this week while the team is down there!  I will try to post updates and accounts from team members during the week, if they have a chance to let me know what they've been doing.

This is a picture of the interpreters, as well as one of the local pastors and his family, the last time I was down there.  They will probably be working with a lot of these same people.  They will also be helping our friends from Virginia who live and serve in Leon.  I wrote about them and my love for Nicaragua here, and I hope you will check out their blog to see what they've been up to lately.

I'm so excited to hear about everything that God accomplishes this week, and look forward to sharing with you.  I only wish I could be there as well!  Thank you for your support and prayers for everyone there this week!!   

Let's be honest...

Ok, so scripture has a lot to say about jealousy. For instance: "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime...not in dissension and jealousy." Romans 13:13. Or: "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3. And so on and so on. So, I think it's safe to say that jealousy is not really seen as an admirable character trait, or something the godly, mature Christian is aspiring to. But does it always have to be an emotion worthy of condemnation?

Because let's be honest...sometimes I get jealous.

But not in a oh-my-gosh-that's-so-not-fair-that-I-can't-have-what-you-have kind of way. No, I don't ever get jealous like that. (Well, at least that's not what I'm talking about tonight...I am human, after all). But, surely I can be jealous in a righteous, Christian, I'm-so-proud-of-what-you're-doing-and-wish-I-could-do-it-too, kind of way, right? Maybe?

Because if I am totally, completely, from the bottom of my heart, honest today, I would have to say that I am struggling with jealousy.

In the past few days, some dear friends of ours packed their bags/tubs/backpacks, boarded a plane, flew to Nicaragua, and then proceeded to get settled in for their new life in the heart of Central America. Let me be clear: they not only flew to Nicaragua, they moved there. To live. To serve. To love. And yes, suffice it to say, I am just the tiniest bit jealous. Ok, maybe more than a tiny bit. Because as much as I love Texas (like Texas?), Nicaragua is where my heart is. I was admiring their recently updated photos tonight and found myself pining for the beauty of the beaches, the hustle and bustle of the city, and the take-your-breath-away (due in part to the gushing sulfur pouring out of its mouth and into your lungs) volcanoes. Ah, how I wish I was there.

I mean, look at that view!

Isn't it beautiful?

Such sweet children, ready and willing to serve the Lord. What a precious sight!

Sigh. Oh well. I guess for tonight I will just have to pray for forgiveness of my jealous heart, and for the protection and provision of my friends. And, of course, begin the countdown until I get to visit and share in everything they are accomplishing!