Orphan Crisis

We are wonderfully tired. Tonight my wife and I lay on the couch of a local orphanage, giddy with fatigue. But tonight we are reminded of our desire to be exhausted from serving the helpless. And does it get any more helpless than this? Click here to watch the new video.

What's sad is the fact that there are thousands more just like these precious boys. We believe one of the reasons we are here in Guatemala is to help rescue more children who have been abused or abandoned. We have been connected with a loving family who for the last 5 years has trekked down the long and corrupt road of red-tape required before being able to receive abandoned/abused children in their orphanage. During that time, they have lost some support as well as some steam.

For the next 3 weeks, we are running The Great Commission Children's Home while the original founders visit the US, trying to raise additional support. For more information, you can check out our website at www.deepstreamguatemala.com or the website for the home www.hogardeninos.net.

There is an orphan crisis in Guatemala, and we are praying that through the body of Christ, together we can make an impact.

Be Done: Party Like Jesus

By Beth Harmon

For many years now, we've given our kids Christmas presents galore and been baffled that they weren't getting the "Christmas isn't about Santa" thing. I kept saying "it's about Jesus' birthday". As if we are supposed to just think about his birthday during our Christmas tree stress, shopping insanity, and endless partying. Just keep his little birthday in your mind as you continue to do all the things you normally do, chanting to yourself "this isn't really what it's about". It hit me the other day...if it is about the birthday of Christ, what gifts could we bring to him?? What kind of party does he want?? And do we really have to say "look kid, it's Jesus or Santa"? Should Santa actually get to play a part?

The BIGGER lie we've been telling our kids about Santa:
The big lie we've been telling our kids isn't that Santa is real when he's not. The bigger lie about Santa is that he's someone we're all supposed to be waiting for. The truth is, Christmas IS about Santa. It is! I mean come on. Did we really think we were going to get away with taking Santa out of Christmas? There's just a major, but simple flaw in our story. We've reversed it. Listen to it.....

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

St. Nicholas was imitating Christ as he gave to the needy, the sick, the poor, the suffering. And we've simply imitated the wrong person in the story. We've become the poor waiting for Santa, which is fine, except for the very small problem that we are RICH. And we're giving to our rich family and friends. What if we told our kids the truth about this? "Kids, someone got the story jumbled up years ago and we've been doing it backwards ever since! The part we are supposed to play in this come-to-life story is SANTA....not the poor children."

We are the santas. So does Jesus have anything to say about our Christmas festivities? Read this verse....

"He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers* or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid."

Jesus was teaching us how to love. Why? So we can be nice and do kind things for suffering people? Yes. But is that it? No. The whole purpose in helping the poor and the suffering is the gospel. We want to live out the gospel. We want to bring redemption in every way shape and form. We bring it with our words, we bring it with our actions. We say, this is what Jesus did for me, now I do it for you so you will see Him. Your house is run down and broken? Let us fix it. That's what Jesus did for me. I was run down and broken. He fixed me. He redeems. That's what He does. We are His followers and so we make our lives about giving people pictures of redemption.

So, what if we applied that verse to our Christmas parties? I wonder if St. Nick would look down and say......FINALLY!!!! And by the way, I realize that this is not new idea to everyone...but it's one that I suddenly feel passionate about spreading to others. Because we can do some really cool things alone as believers, but oh, what could we do together? What if we changed roles? What if believers all over the world decided to forgo the American style Christmas madness this year? Ok, I know it's December and like me, you've already drawn a name, and made your promises, and purchases. But don't lose hope. Just start telling the story - to your kids, your friends, your family, to all....the reverse Christmas story. Us as Santa. Let's reverse this thing. Let's start dreaming. And begin where we can. Who knows what could happen by next year if the truth about Santa got out?

Jesus is all about the Christmas parties and gift-giving......He's just got a little piece of input on the guestlist.....

So, let's be done with this self-serving kind of partying and join some other believers in a REAL party....a bigger party.....an eternal one. Here's an example:

www.adventconspiracy.org (check out the video)

Prez Obama

I voted for John McCain. I was more of a Huckabee guy during the primaries, but still had a liking for McCain. For me, social issues like abortion tip the scale when I am casting my vote. There’s never a perfect candidate, but I try to look for Christlike characteristics when choosing a leader (a near impossibility when talking about politicians!). Huckabee was bold about his faith in Christ, to the point where it hurt him politically, and I liked that.

Protecting the right to life, dealing with world poverty and disease, defending the biblical definition of marriage, discrimination, and immigration are a few of the social issues that mean more to me than the ones of the more political or economical variety. In some of these areas, I think democrats tend to carry a more Christlike view. In other areas it tends to be republicans.

That being said, today I am a typically-conservative-Jesus-loving-missionary-living-in-a-third-world-country who is celebrating a special moment in American history. (I have heard all of the "Obama is evil" warnings and I am aware of his shady associations. I also know that if I ran for president, the associations of my past would raise a few questions to say the least. Some of Obama’s history alarms me too, but he has renounced these relationships and I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt.)

More importantly, this election symbolizes incredible progress for a country that not long ago treated many individuals no better than a stray dog because their skin was black. When I was in high school the KKK still marched down Main Street in my hometown. African Americans have overcome what I believe to be the most cruel, ridiculous, and vicious discrimination in American history.

Political views aside, this election is a monumental defining point for America. Whether we voted for Barack Obama or not, and even if we deeply disagree with his political views, we must celebrate the significance of this day. For the black population, and all Americans for that matter, today is a day to claim victory over some of the darkest days in the closet of American history.

In many ways, I think politics are overrated. Government is critically important for sure, but it gets too much attention and can distract us from remembering who is actually in control. Despite having a long list of disagreements with the president-elect, I will embrace Barack Obama as my president. I’ll pray for him and the leadership of the country, and I will no doubt celebrate what I believe his being elected represents.

Sophi Grace

Not long ago we had some friends over. As we were visiting the question came up as to whether or not we are finished having children. We answered generally that we did not plan on having any more, but we would be open to adopting or foster parenting an abandoned/abused child if the God brought the opportunity our way.

The next day we received a call. A child had been abandoned at birth, and we were given the opportunity to legally adopt her on the spot.

We froze.

How could this be? What would we do? What is the process? What are the legal ramifications? Is the child sick? Does she have HIV? Would the mother come back to find her? What should we do?

Kerrie and I took some time to talk, pray, and make a few phone calls.

Then we remembered our conversation with our friends just one day earlier. We remembered the times we had talked about this before. We had committed to God and to each other that we would make ourselves available for this very opportunity.

We were convicted. What were we even talking about? Praying about? What situations could we possibly be “weighing” that outweigh the reality that a newborn baby has been abandoned. A response of “no thanks” would shuffle her through a corrupt adoption process that would likely find her thrust into a despicable child labor system by age 10. Truth be told, her reality could be much worse than that…

In that moment, the holy spirit came upon us, helping us to look outside ourselves. We picked up our phone and made the call. “We’d love to have her.”

We were asked for personal information, documents, etc, so they could prepare the paperwork. They told us to stand by, make preparations, and we would be able to pick her up the next morning.

That night we prepared, physically and mentally, for the arrival of a new daughter and sister. We bought diapers, formula, and various baby needs. We prayed together and began getting excited. As a family we decided on the name Sophia Graciana. We would call her Sophi Grace.

The next morning we received a call telling us to be patient - that it was probably going to be later in the day. We waited. That evening, we finally got the call.

We were shocked to hear that the mother had come back. She had come back early that morning, claiming to want her child and was apologetic for her actions. A social worker spent the day with her and ultimately decided that she was a fit mother, genuinely apologetic, and had a unique reason for her behavior. The decision had been made that she could keep her daughter.

We were stunned. We didn’t know how to react. The kids, especially Madi, were crushed. Madi had been thanking God for “answering her prayers” in providing this opportunity. Our emotions were all over the place. Its very hard to describe how we felt.

We were sad. We cried. We had questions for God. We couldn’t figure why he would put us through this.

Maybe it was a test of our faith. Maybe it was preparation for a future opportunity. We finally settled on the conclusion that its not our place to figure out God's reasoning.

The more pressing issue is that of the children. Like Sophiana, so many are left abandoned. Many are literally thrown out in the street immediately following birth. Others are abused, beaten, raped, and exploited.

I pray that Sophi Grace is in warm, loving hands today. But even more than that, I pray for the hundreds of thousands of others who are in alone or in danger.

While the problem at times seems too large to even comprehend, we believe the only way we can make a difference is one child at a time.

Juan Daniel, and so many more...

Imagine this… You get pregnant as a young teenager. There is no way you can tell your family, especially your father. You are poor and live in a third world country, making the option of abortion impossible. So you live with a friend for nine months, deliver the baby, and the day he is born you toss him into a ditch on the side of the road. He is left to die. Problem solved.

Unimaginable? Sadly, this is commonplace in Guatemala. It is to Guatemalans what abortion is to North Americans. A solution to the inconveniences that come with having a child.

But in the case of Juan Daniel ("Danny", pictured with me here), God had other plans. A local couple was on a walk and discovered the 2-day old boy, barely alive, and took him to the fire station. The fire station got him to the hospital, and soon he was placed in the court system. About 3 weeks later, a judge would give him a name and place him in an orphanage.

Unlike most abandoned Guatemalan children, Danny was placed in a small, family-like orphanage with loving Christian parents. Today, I hold this miracle child in my arms, and take great joy in making him chuckle as I tickle the chub under his chin.

Today, we have the blessing of overseeing a small orphanage, and providing the owner’s family a much needed day off. Each baby (all under 5 months) has its own story of abandonment, similar to that of Danny. Unloved by their moms and dads, but perfectly loved by their Father in heaven.

As we consider our own struggles today – work, busy schedules, the market crash, health, finances, etc – let us not forget those whose concerns are far greater. Our brothers, sisters, and children around the world are literally dying on the side of the road.

I thank God today for the opportunity to serve him, and these children.

the need to redefine safety

Lately we have been reminded that we’re not in Kansas anymore.

Here are a few things we have been told, and learned for ourselves, during our first month in Guatemala:

1. Don’t get lost. There are several places you should never go, some of which are very close to the main areas and easy to accidentally end up in.

2. Lock your car doors and travel in groups. Car jackings are every day occurrences here. Men with guns force you from your car, stealing it as well as all your belongings. This happens in broad daylight and on main public roads.

3. Tint your windows. There is an assumption that North Americans have money, so the chances of being robbed go up dramatically once the thief sees you are not Guatemalan.

4. When you get robbed, do not resist. Typically when people are injured or killed in a robbery it is because they fought back.

5. Do not trust the police. They are corrupt, involved in criminal activities, and in cahoots with the criminals and banking institutions.

6. Do not trust the banks. Don’t withdraw or deposit large amounts of money.

7. Do not us the same ATMs frequently or develop any predictable patterns.

8. Don’t wear jewelry, watches, Ipods, expensive shoes, or high-end clothing. All of these items help the criminals make assumptions.

9. You can do everything right, and still get nabbed.

10. Don't live in fear. (Gee, thanks!)

In addition, here are some recent happenings familiar to us:

~Our neighbor was recently car-jacked on the major road leading into San Cristobal, a road we travel on each day. She was forced from the car by 4 men with guns.

~A teacher at CAG (where the kids go to school) was recently robbed by a man with a gun. She was walking directly in front of the school last Saturday when it happened. She was alone and carrying a purse.

~Last weekend, one of the security guards protecting our neighborhood was intoxicated, entered a residence and threatened the mother and children with his gun. The owner put out notices to all of us warning us not to trust the guards.

~UPDATE: 3 days ago (now 9/25) the father of some classmates of our kid's (one 3rd grader and one middle schooler) was kidnapped while shopping at Cemaco (a hardware store we shop at regularly). We don't know a lot of details regarding the reason, and can only speculate that in some way he appeared to be (financially) worth kidnapping. The missionary community has been praying for his return and PRAISE GOD he was returned today. We don't know any other details at this time, except that his family is leaving the country today for a 2 week break.

Unfortunately these stories continue. My intention is not to scare/worry anyone regarding our safety (or discourage anyone from visiting us!). Nor did I write this to falsely pat ourselves on the back for “living dangerously” or “suffering for Jesus.” I am only trying to be honest about the reality we are in, and ultimately bring glory to God as he uses us to accomplish his work in Guatemala.

This is where we are. This is where God wants us to be. This is our reality. Sometimes we get scared, and other times we are brave. Sometimes we are paranoid, and other times we are too carefree. But most importantly, we are learning to seek HIM in balancing and discerning these feelings. There are times I consider whether or not living here is worth the risk. Anytime I (or we, as a family) seek Jesus on this topic we come away with an overwhelming YES...it is worth the risk, without question, absolutely.

A couple nights ago I was tucking Brooke in, and she told me that sometimes she wants to move back to the states. When I asked why, she said, “because we never had to worry about being safe.” In the quiet of her room, her comment echoed loudly and I heard it over and over again. Because we never had to worry about being safe.

Interestingly, I am realizing how naive I am to think we are any safer in north Florida than we are here. To believe so would be to presume that my worldly-wise decision making can trump God's control. I know this perspective annoys the common sense, practical thinker. But it's frustrating to me when Christians are quick to make (or point out) the "smart choice", or the safe decision - while unintentionally discouraging others who have been called by God to throw some caution to the wind. My bible speaks of few who chose this safe, practical route, yet is littered with radicals who took jesus literally, and even followed him to the death. The "decision making process" of such heroes would today be considered mentally unstable and require treatment and meds.

To be clear, I am not saying that, statistically, living in the 10/40 window is no more dangerous than living in Harvey, North Dakota. What I am declaring is that when following Jesus, it is necessary to reevaluate the concept of safety. Because if everything the bible says is true, a reckless, unstable life devoted to bringing the hope of jesus to the ends of the earth, and even a premature death, is actually much "safer" than a long, healthy, prosperous life of spiritual idleness.

...keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness...we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies... 2 Thess 3:6-15

...I know you're works, that you are neither hot or cold... because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say I am rich, I have prospered, I need nothing - not realizing you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked... Rev 3:15-22


So, what is safety? I have drafted my own personal definition.

Safety: To realize my life on earth is but a vapor; to be willing to give it fully (not partially) to the cause of bringing the hope & love of jesus to all, even at the "risk" of all things worldly including comfort, wealth, success, personal safety, and reputation; to pursue bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth with every thing I have, in anticipation of hearing the words "well done faithful servant." And In doing this, securing a place in eternity with my heavenly father, creator, lord, and king.

For me, this is the safest bet.

Regarding Brooke's comments in bed the other night, I assured her that I understood her feelings, and at times feel exactly the same way. But it has lead to some great conversation within our family about why we're here. Not just why we're here in Guatemala, but here in this life.

We concluded, collectively, that we have never felt closer to God than we do now, and that is a beautiful place to be.

If not certain this is exactly where God called us, I’d probably have my family on the next plane. But he has been clear in showing me that he is ahead of us, and our job is to keep following. He has our back. He is God, and he deserves our willingness to do anything for his glory!

Thank you to all of our partners – prayer partners, financial partners, friends and family. Always know that we pray for all of you and love you very much. If I could ask for a specific prayer for me, pray that I can remain steady with the passion that I have on this day. I realize how weak and sinful I am, and fear that my perspective today can slip and weaken tomorrow. Please God, give me steadfastness.


https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=80860

PATIENCE... OR THE LACK THEREOF

Written By Brenda Young

In the age of having every worldly need instantly at our fingertips, we become quickly frustrated and angered when it is not. Our selfishness quickly takes over and turns our focus from what He wants for us to what we want in our timing.

Lately, Rich and I are finding that God is working in our hearts more than ever. We have been greatly humbled in our lack of patience and dependence in Him. Even though we feel as though we were totally in tune with Him and know that he has everything worked out, we still continue to struggle with letting Him control all aspects of our life. We become so impatient that anger settles in. The stresses take over and begin to control us. Why can’t we ‘just be’? Why is it so easy to let the worldly ways seep into our souls? Why is it so hard?

Looking back now, I can see how God has been slowing testing us in different areas of our lives. He tested our boldness through being vocal about our beliefs through several job interviews. He has tested our trust by making us comfortable walking away into the unknown of a new job in a new location with less money. He is testing our humbleness by having us move in with my parents (Eight is Enough!).

But the hardest test to this point has been one of patience. It seems as though we are playing the waiting game. The process has been slow with the transition into the new job, the house still has not sold and we are having difficulties feeling settled. We know in our hearts that God will take care of it, in His own timing. But we continue to ask, “God why is this taking so long?“ We try to remember to wait and all will be fine in due time, but in the next breathe we begin complaining and taking it into our own hands to fix what has already been decided.

So our daily (sometimes hourly) prayer has become:

God please help me to be patient.
Help me to be patient with my children, especially as they struggle the same way I do. Help me to be patient with everyone I come in contact with throughout the day so I can show them your love.
Help me to be patient with myself if I am not accomplishing all I think I should.
Help me to wait on you.
And thank you ahead of time for forgiving me every time I become angered, frustrated, and forget that you are in control.

And as I say this prayer, yet again, I feel God’s love all over me. I am comforted and can just sit back and let Him take control. I know with everything within me that He knows what is best and that we will walk out of these times much better people better able to accomplish all he has in store for us. And I can better enjoy this life he has given me.