Galan del Noche

Last night was a long awaited night because the Galan del Noche ("handsome fellow of the night") showed its glory.  It blooms once a year, one night for only a few hours and if you miss it...you miss it.  Last year there were three blooms and we were privileged to see one of them.  This year we have 11 blooms - 6 have bloomed with 3 more growing.  Last night was the beauty of 3.

 

It will be soon!

 

There was a light rain that only added to their beauty and heighted their fragrance.

And after it is over...it is over.

 

 

But there is the hope of several more blooms

 

 

Thought these would brighten your day as well.

 

Waiting for them to bloom brings to mind,

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act."

Psalm 37:7

Keep them rising to the Throne!

Well, the journey continues.  Paula was able to see several doctors today and then the final visit was to a national hospital.  But when they arrived, the doctors said it was too late in the day for her exams.  So keep those prayers a'rising.  They returned back to Salitron today; David returned to Jocotan.  He will return to the capital with the team tomorrow.  Friday they will come to Antigua for some shopping and sightseeing before returning home on Saturday.  Sunday afternoon, David will return to get Paula and parents and Rolando, return to the capital for her Monday early morning appointment and then return to Salitron.  David will return home either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Raise those prayers to the Throne!  We are so thankful for the grant that Brainerd Baptist Church received for medical work among the Chorti which is financing the appointments and all the physical details to improve Paula's life.  Your prayers will make the spiritual difference in her life, her family's and the entire village.

Keep them rising!

Many miles to go before he sleeps...

 

 

Paula from Salitron

We first met Paula and her parents back in January at a medical clinic in Chaunco' with the first partnership team from FBC, Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Iglesia Bautista Shalom, Zacapa.  They had walked about an hour to the clinic from their home in Salitron.  Her malformed ears are crossed with nasal passages.  At this time, due to severe infection, she was unable to hear or talk.  After being treated by a local doctor her infection cleared and he recommended a ear and eye hospital in the capital that specializes in unique cases. 

 

In March, David and I and the national partnership pastor accompanied she and her parents to the capital for her first appointment.  It was the first time for either of them to travel that far from home, first time to visit the capital...so many firsts for them.  After exams from a couple of doctors and several technical scans, they believe there are things that can be done to help correct Paula's problems and scheduled her next visit...April 24.  Yes, it is right in the middle of the medical clinic in Nearar.  Makes things a bit interesting for sure.

 

So PRAY

 

*PRAY for the medical clinic and open doors in Nearar these next several days

*PRAY for hearts to hear, understand, receive, and desire to grow in Christ

*PRAY for open doors in the Lemus family as physical needs are being met in Paula

*PRAY for their salvation and the salvation of many in Salitron

*PRAY for the doctors to know how best to treat and correct her problems

*PRAY for physical strength for David

 

Tuesday afternoon, he and Pastor Rolando will meet the Lemus family again and travel to the capital,  They will spend the night at the mission house before her appointment early tomorrow...it is the "arrive before 6 am and get in line...first come, first seen" appointment.  After all the exams and appointments, they will return to Salitron Wednesday night and David will continue on to Jocotan where the medical team is staying for their return trip to the capital on Thursday. 

Thus the title...

Many miles to go before he sleeps.

 

PRAYER Covering requested

 

 





How do you go back?

There is no way to go back in time.  Just suffice to say, I haven't been diligent in blogging and I will commit to returning to my return.  Just as a highlight, I will say that the past several months have included some wonderful adventures:
* visits from long time friends
* visiting touristy places in country
* visits from other long time friends
* visiting fellow missionaries throughout the country
* "retreating" with fellow missionaries from throughout the country
* meeting grandson #1 John Mark Adams and spending time storing up snuggles and loving
* being the hands and feet of meeting physical needs in a little girl's life offering financial aid for doctors to care for her
* sharing the Miller Bed and Breakfast with new future longtime friends
* celebrating abundant eternal life through Jesus Christ in the midst of the litany of religion
* saying tearful goodbye to fellow laborers - twice - but celebrating with them the hope of a new dawn
* giving and receiving of unconditional "doggie" lovin'
* receiving and working alongside teams opening new doors in at present un-evangelized areas
* experiencing the joy of seeing new brothers and sisters in Christ receive salvation in Christ alone
* launching out again in ministry sharing the love of Christ in remote areas still living in darkness
* anticipating the arrival of grandson #2...almost any time now

And since, we are in the anticipation of almost soon arrival, I remain at home manning the phones and emails while David and the team from Brainerd Baptist in Chattanooga have returned to Nearar sharing Jesus love and salvation message through medical care.  Today was the first day of the clinic but this time held at Reyes' home.  Remember the tales of the trail to Reyes' house?  Well, all the medicine, medical supplies, food items, and people had to traverse that trail...down and up.  And least you think it is easier going down than it is up...think again, deep crevices on the side of the mountain with sandy pebbles sprinkling the STEEP incline...only about 25 minutes down and then the return trip in the afternoon...up...up...up...breathe...breathe....breathe.  It is HOT there these days.  They were praising God for the "cooler" weather...only 98 instead of the recent 107 degrees.

PRAY for fruitful ministry.  As the doctors and dentists meet physical needs, may the deeper spiritual needs come to light and the hope of Christ be implanted in many hearts and lives.

PRAY for fear to be dispelled through VICTORY in CHRIST.Though many have received Christ in the past, some are falling away from fear and confusion.

PRAY for spiritual growth.  Pray for the ones who have genuinely received Christ to have a desire and longing to know Him and His word.

PRAY for safety, health, and stamina. It is difficult at best.

PRAY for rest for the weary and refreshment to the body.