The Ladies

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From Brian Shuler…

We went back to Emmanuel Village…it was awesome to see God move on that hill…4 salvations, in wood, mud, and block shack huts, dirt floors and broken lives…the first home we entered today was breath taking…I introduced myself and she started weeping…she finally started speaking…4 years ago he son named Brian was killed in a car accident…on and on each house had their own story and each time someone in our group could share something from their story to show His grace.

Brian got to see his buddy Osmond again…he loves the iPhone…he is 12 and he going to be a pastor…he was baptized 2 months ago…he already helps lead service in his grandfathers church.

Devan fell in love with a sweet little girl named Nidia. She was born with special needs and can’t talk or walk. She lives in the very poor part of the village but has a family that loves her and cares for her.  Once she was in Devan’s arms, she lost it and broke. It was a special moment. The faith of Nidia’s mom was such an encouragement. She has complete trust in God and that He is taking care of her miracle! Great day! A lot of witnessing opportunities too! So much to tell, a text can’t do justice.

No Caption Necessary!

Brian and Jessica

Joel Acosta and Brian Shuler in Emmanuel Village

Emmanuel Village, Honduras

Brian Shuler responds to being in Honduras for the first day:

What do you do with this?  My gut is wrenching from visiting Emmanuel Village.

I’m standing on the hill in the Emmanuel village. My material possessions at the moment:  phone, shoes, sunglasses, etc. probably equate to one-third of the annual wage. As we distribute the food and meet the people my heart is breaking.

I walk away with more questions than answers. I feel overwhelmed. It is actually a great place to be. I feel helpless yet hopeful. I see grace even in the midst of despair. My mind races, my heart pounds, my soul aches, but the Spirit is rejoicing because the same grace that covers the American dream is waiting to be shared with the greatest poverty I have ever experienced. Dirt floors, no running water, outhouses, sickness, recycled water from the rain is used for everything else.

I continually ask what am I suppose to do with this? I am not sure I really have an answer. All I know to do is walk by His grace and let it be known to all nations.

I guess when I told God I wanted to be radical for Him, I forgot to read the fine print.

Devan Brown and new friend

Autumn Hash loving on kids

Tegucigalpa at Night

Taken from Pastora Acosta’s Facebook page:  ”ELBC team is officially in Honduras….woohoo!!!”

We hope to post updates and pictures during the week so check back!

A few pictures of the Lebanon GO Team from their week of ministry:

The team and church members of Rahbe Evangelical Baptist Church

Progress on the church building

Working with church members distributing Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes in one of the villages

Click on picture for larger view

After a long flight through Cairo, Egypt and a day of sight-seeing in Beirut, the Lebanon GO Team is now in Northern Lebanon ready to begin their week of kids camps, leadership training and Samaritan’s Purse shoebox distribution.  Please pray for the children and families within the communities this team will be ministering to.

Most of the team at the Hariri Mosque in downtown Beirut

Thursday was another great day of ministry in Santa Rosa and Kaka. We had more children even late in the week. One of those was a 9 year old named Vanace. He was supposed to have come on Wednesday but his big brother did not let us know he was to go. When we dropped of big brother, we learned that Vanace had been left behind! He tried walking across the desert but was found out (thankfully as it was 100+ degrees!). Of course, Vanace was with us on Thursday. We had a blast loving on him and others in the name if Jesus!

Pictured below:

Brad Sawyer and friend.
Anita Whitaker at sports camp.
Pastor Jay Juan of First Papago Baptist Church encourging the groups.
Susan Loach leading craft time.
Mike Smith and Darytt in Santa Rosa.

The team is now in flight and on their way to Jiquilillo, Nicaragua!

Please pray for this GO Team as they minister in Nicaragua:

• That the team will have opportunities to build long-term relationships within their team and the community of Jiquilillo.
• They will allow the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions.
• Each team member will represent and convey the Gospel with all boldness.
• That God will prepare the hearts of the Nicaraguans and draw them to Himself.
• The team will overcome any obstacles on the field.
• They will grow spiritually with a new vision of God, the world and how God wants to use them to make His Name known among the nations.