The Lord is so good!
Let me share with you one of Harry's recent blogs "I don't have a ton to say this morning but I want to share what the Lord is doing in the lives of this family. Here is a little back story. I met these two little girls, Daniella and Susanna, last year right on my doorstep. I heard two voices yelling "buenas, buenas...... Doughnuts." It was love at first bite. This 12 and 13 year old were selling homemade doughnuts on the street and lucky for me, they do this everyday. After eating doughnuts for about two weeks, Amy and Jessica started to have the little girls come in and hang out with them. We built an amazing relationship with these two girls, we cooked together, took them to the dentist, played a lot of games, practiced each others languages and gave these kids a chance to be kids and feel the love we all deserve. This year I don't live as close to them but I have been by there house a few times. We have been blessed with the opportunity to partner with a non-profit organization called dwellings who is going to come down to the island and build them a house in Feb. as long as we can raise the money and get some extra hands to help in the building process. I am so excited to be able to give this family a more comfortable and safe place to live. Their home right now has mud walls and dirt floors, you can imagine what it must be like when it is raining. Keep this whole situation in your prayers, things have fit together very well up to this point, now we are waiting to here back about what we do next from dwellings. At some point in the near future, this project will be listed on their website for donations. Much love!"
Amazing news- this family asked for help to get floors, NOW THEY WILL HAVE A NEW HOME! I don't think that it ever crossed their minds as a possibility, but the Lord desires to take care of and bless his children! Their lives are about to be completely changed- and we get to go tell them and share the joy with them tomorrow :) Praise the Lord!
We need to raise $9,500- which I trust will happen. Please join us in prayer, that the Lord would continue to blow them and us away in this process! Check out
http://www.ministrysync.com/event/website/?m=551383
, and if you feel led please donate to make this dream a reality (cheesy- yes, but true )! THANKS SO MUCH, EXCITING STUFF! We will keep you posted :)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Holla!
Yesterday as I was walking into the school I saw Tonito carry out of the cafeteria a huge mouse/rat. Next thing I know Nina's dad runs out, pulls a sneak attack and just wHackS it with a huge hammer. Did I mention that this was at 6:55am in front of about 30 students and a few teachers. Maybe its one of those " I had to be there things", but I literally was crying in laughter!
After school we got to watch the girls rock it in a volleyball match! So fun to join in and help make up school cheers. We are the crabs :) After the game we had a big bus filled with kids and headed over to the Alvarado's house for our first high school night! So fun to move past being Miss Erin in my hunter green CPBS polo and khaki's, and become friend. Loved playing soccer/ volleyball, helping teach them the fine art of making s'mores, and to just not hold back in having fun with them! Jess and Amber led worship, and then I got to share the Lord with them! My talk was about the Samaritan woman at the well, and how our wells are where we run to be satisfied. I loved getting to be raw with them, to not just speak out of knowledge, but thankfully out of experience- what he's done in my life! We had a blast and I can't wait to see what is to come :). Praise the Lord, it was a beautiful start!
This morning little Ederick ( my neighbor with autism) who wouldn't speak to us the first 2 months of being here decided to come play and hang out! We got to sit at the table and shuffle through ipod songs, learn spanish & english words associated with pictures, draw, color, and watch All Dogs Go to Heaven! That's a good first day together :) What an amazing morning surprise- he is precious! That's a huge prayer answered to be building a relationship with him- it's taken a little while! The Lord is so good, and SO intentional down to the little details- LOVE IT!
Right now we are on hurricane lock down. Richard, or Little Dicky as I prefer to call it is supposed to roll through very early in the am. I am not worried, but pray for the large amount of people here that either don't have a home or their homes are made of tin scraps. We shall see what the morning looks like, it could end up BEAUTIFUL like the last 2! Usually the power is the first thing to go. On that note- must go shower! Love to you all :)
After school we got to watch the girls rock it in a volleyball match! So fun to join in and help make up school cheers. We are the crabs :) After the game we had a big bus filled with kids and headed over to the Alvarado's house for our first high school night! So fun to move past being Miss Erin in my hunter green CPBS polo and khaki's, and become friend. Loved playing soccer/ volleyball, helping teach them the fine art of making s'mores, and to just not hold back in having fun with them! Jess and Amber led worship, and then I got to share the Lord with them! My talk was about the Samaritan woman at the well, and how our wells are where we run to be satisfied. I loved getting to be raw with them, to not just speak out of knowledge, but thankfully out of experience- what he's done in my life! We had a blast and I can't wait to see what is to come :). Praise the Lord, it was a beautiful start!
This morning little Ederick ( my neighbor with autism) who wouldn't speak to us the first 2 months of being here decided to come play and hang out! We got to sit at the table and shuffle through ipod songs, learn spanish & english words associated with pictures, draw, color, and watch All Dogs Go to Heaven! That's a good first day together :) What an amazing morning surprise- he is precious! That's a huge prayer answered to be building a relationship with him- it's taken a little while! The Lord is so good, and SO intentional down to the little details- LOVE IT!
Right now we are on hurricane lock down. Richard, or Little Dicky as I prefer to call it is supposed to roll through very early in the am. I am not worried, but pray for the large amount of people here that either don't have a home or their homes are made of tin scraps. We shall see what the morning looks like, it could end up BEAUTIFUL like the last 2! Usually the power is the first thing to go. On that note- must go shower! Love to you all :)
Monday, October 18, 2010
I have been given a gift today!
Today I have been given a gift! I have been given such a beautiful picture of the power behind serving as a body! I am so proud pf everyone!
We are starting a youth group and last week was supposed to be our first meeting. Due to rain it had to be post poned untill this Friday. Can't wait to hit the groung running and stay open to what that's supposed to look like. Harry and I both have Young Life background, so our first meeting naturally looks a bit like "club". Will keep you posted! Last week, kids started to stay after school to “talk”. Many are opening up about their family lives, and why they are behaving the way they do. Although so many days are challenging at school, thank you for your prayers! The Lord is breaking down so many walls and I know that will only continue! I love them and am crazy thankful for who they are!
This is just a tiny glimpse of big picture what all God is stirring up, providing for, and making happen. Keep praying that his kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven! Be reminded that whether you work at a hotel, in the hospital, a lab, cubicle, school- wherever you are and whatever you are doing… you have an amazing gift to give! Investing in lives, changes lives! I am so thankful for every one who has taken time to believe in me and invest in me over the years. SO many come to mind :) Thank you!!!
Yesterday, Zach, Amber, and Jessica stood in front of church leading worship. I loved the freedom I experienced just to sing genuine praise to God, and then look around and realize so many were experiencing the same thing. What an amazing sound, just like we are joining the heavenly angels. Proud of you guys, what a gift to share!
Harry got to know and invest in some really set apart guys from the French Harbourlast year. It has been such a blessing to watch the huge impact he has already had over their lives and the exciting part is that is only continuing to grow! They are so alive with personality! These guys are known by everyone on the island for two reasons; because they are good with people, but also due to extreme poverty they have to find a way to have every need met by themselves. The guys range from 13 to 17 years old, and the highest grade reached is 5th (some are still in 2nd). They don’t have parents at home encouraging them and speaking truth into their lives. The Lord has better for them however, these boys are being loved on, they are getting glimpses of the Lord’s heart for them! A friend gave Harry a key to his office so that we can tutor them! Traditions Harry started last year are carrying on. Sundays they come over as a safe get away, where they fish, cook, relax, dance, goof off, and read. It’s so fun to simply walk with people! This morning Harry, Kelly, and I got the precious gift to take 3 of the boys ( Pablo, Memphi, and Gos) to Clinic Esperanza, where they got their teeth cleaned for the first time! They each have cavities that have either already destroyed teeth, or were heading in that direction. I literally had a tear in my eye as I rubbed their arms, warming them up and sitting with them while Dr. Sanchez worked his wonders on them. Growing up I didn’t think twice about having parents that would bend over backwards to make sure that I was taken care of in every way, but I know that I am beyond blessed! These boys mothers have never had the means to take them to be cared for, and their fathers aren’t present. I am so thankful that today they were reminded their worth, that the Lord’s thoughts over them outweigh the grains of the sand, and that they are precious children of a loving Father. They already had glowing smiles, but now they are excited to have radiant smiles without dark holes all over! It will take a few more visits to fix all the cavities, but this is an amazing start to healthy mouths :)
Ms. Peggy had a vision about 10 years ago to start a health clinic that would reach the community and it is doing exactly that! That vision is being carried out by volunteers year round who serve faithfully, while only charging about $2 per visit. To see all the people lined up at the door at 7am gave a sweet glimpse of daily life at the clinic. I was so encouraged to watch my friend John, and so many others work so hard and enthusiastically behind the scenes to make this possible. About 50 people per day walk in and leave helped/ healed/ and loved on! That is HUGE! I am thankful for my sister and brothers like Ms. Peggy who believe and trust that Jesus is who is says is, and because of that the provision of the Lord is visible daily!
Ms. Peggy had a vision about 10 years ago to start a health clinic that would reach the community and it is doing exactly that! That vision is being carried out by volunteers year round who serve faithfully, while only charging about $2 per visit. To see all the people lined up at the door at 7am gave a sweet glimpse of daily life at the clinic. I was so encouraged to watch my friend John, and so many others work so hard and enthusiastically behind the scenes to make this possible. About 50 people per day walk in and leave helped/ healed/ and loved on! That is HUGE! I am thankful for my sister and brothers like Ms. Peggy who believe and trust that Jesus is who is says is, and because of that the provision of the Lord is visible daily!
Harry ( the pioneer), Kelly (the spanish queen), and Zach (photographer extra-ordinare) got to go back to the doughnut girls house, where it is looking promising that support is coming to bring together the troops to build a home for these girls and their families. Pray that this family would be left in awe over the Lord’s provision for them! I can’t wait to see all the details of what God is working out! Also, I got to spend the afternoon with beautiful Miss Kendall at the orphanage she lives/works/ and volunteers at. I am so thankful that I get to watch the ways the kids respect her and soak up the fact that the way she loves them is different, her joy is different, and her life is completely different! The Lord told Kendall to take time off of school, which she thought was crazy at the time but she was obedient! In her obedience these orphans are discovering that whats different about her, what compels her to love them is the way she has experienced the Lord’s love in her own life. Once you experience it, you just can’t hold it in! I am loving a way to get to be involved with this ministry and to get to visually watch these kids grow, and be healed from crazy scars from the past. Kendall is walking with them towards the freedom that God provides. We got to tutor beautiful Destiny today, and at age 7 we are starting with shapes and colors. I see Jesus’ face so clearly in these kids, words just don’t come close to describing it! Thank you Kendall for daily surrendering the details of your life and just be willing to GO!
We are starting a youth group and last week was supposed to be our first meeting. Due to rain it had to be post poned untill this Friday. Can't wait to hit the groung running and stay open to what that's supposed to look like. Harry and I both have Young Life background, so our first meeting naturally looks a bit like "club". Will keep you posted! Last week, kids started to stay after school to “talk”. Many are opening up about their family lives, and why they are behaving the way they do. Although so many days are challenging at school, thank you for your prayers! The Lord is breaking down so many walls and I know that will only continue! I love them and am crazy thankful for who they are!
This is just a tiny glimpse of big picture what all God is stirring up, providing for, and making happen. Keep praying that his kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven! Be reminded that whether you work at a hotel, in the hospital, a lab, cubicle, school- wherever you are and whatever you are doing… you have an amazing gift to give! Investing in lives, changes lives! I am so thankful for every one who has taken time to believe in me and invest in me over the years. SO many come to mind :) Thank you!!!
Normally I don't ask this, but if ever you feel led to invest in or bless any of these people or ministries please email me at erinepayne@gmail.com. I know often our heart desires to give but we are not sure of good places to pour into, these are some beautiful people worthy to be loved on!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Always Enough!
Hello lovely ones!
Missing a lot of you right now but just continue to pray over your lives in excitement of what is being done/ will be done in and through you! Sorry that my blog posts have been few and far between, but thank you for caring about me and desiring to get some glimpses of life here. I really am constantly amazed at all the wonderful people the Lord has placed in my life, love walking and learning from yall!
Since our trip to Copan.....
It was a wonderful feeling to get back from a long weekend so ready to hug my kids and get to hear about their vacations. School continues to be a challenge- I am still facing a large number of behavioral issues, negative attitudes, complaining, lack of willingness to work/ turn in work, etc. This past week I created a new rule that it's mandatory to stay in during recess if you haven't finished your work. Although its hard to have breaks taken up and to be tuturing students after school (12 hour days), I really praise the Lord for the opportunity to help teach and hopefully help mold them. I am praying that far beyond them learning Science and Math, that they would learn who the Lord is, his heart for them, and also what he calls them to be. A lot of these kids come from broken homes, or their fathers are gone most of the time on cruise ships trying to make enough money to be housed and eat meals.... so attention, encouragement, affirmation, love, and guidance is huge! I have been learning a lot about having grace with myself, especially the days where I am exhausted and frustrated. Last weekend it really hit me that I have been trying to work and serve in so many ways within my own strength. It's possible to a certain extent, but its exhausting and completely robs Jesus from being able to truly move, bless, and use this time/ the relationships in life changing ways! I am continueing to learn what a beautiful place it is to be on my knees hungry and desperate for the Lord's love :). The amazing thing is when I become less, he becomes more- and thats when there are crazy amounts of room for his love to overflow!!
Last year a lady at church encouraged me with some words from the Lord, in which Heidi Baker was mentioned. At the time it didn't mean much to me because I had only heard of her name. Once again, the Lord has really spoken to me though, through that encouragement and through her book. ( Reading Always Enough- HIGHLY recommend it :). This gives a beautiful picture of what the Lord invites us into- a picture of two people who trust that the Lord is who he says he is and beause of that they have gotten to experience the limless power he desires to unleash. They have gotten to rescue hundreds of throw away kids in Africa, and have started 5 thousand churches...it's story after story of the Lord miraculously healing sicknesses, providing in crazy ways, restoring the completely broken, and even raising others from the dead. We hear this and get freaked out, but if the Lord says " you will do this and more", why would we want to miss out on his limitless power? I realize how much I am held back by my "self" -wanting to be noticed, by my selfishness and pride. But I continue to encounter his grace, mercy, and love over me and continue to be changed. My life is his, and my prayer continues to be that he would take and do as he pleases- to stop talking about who he is but to actually walk in trust of who he is! Please continue to join me in this prayer!
Even before I ever stepped onto the island I felt that teaching at the school was only a portion of what I would be doing on this island. The past couple weeks have been encouraging to get to start building relationships and get involved on the island in different ways. There is a couple at our church that has started ESL classes in the colonia (poorest section of the island), which has been exciting to get a glimpse of that ministry and get to be a part of it. I have decided that thats just a little too much teaching, especially since my heart is in so many different places. I met another Heidi Baker, excepts hes a man and lives on the island. Harrison had told me about his ministry on the island, and praise the Lord I met him in the line to get lunch last week. He invited us over thursday night and so many prayers have been answered. Thankful that he saw a need on the island and was bold enough to step out in faith and allow the Lord to reach the people here. It's taken MANY different forms, but basically those who are at risk or have been sucked into sex trafficking/ drug trafficking are being rescued, healed, and taught so many other ways of life!!!! Sewing classes, computer classes, hospitality training, health clinics, housing, soccer leagues, english/ spanish classes, counseling.... the list goes on! So encouraged and excited to join these faithful and bold people.... praying what exactly that is supposed to look like- but ready to jump in!
Missing a lot of you right now but just continue to pray over your lives in excitement of what is being done/ will be done in and through you! Sorry that my blog posts have been few and far between, but thank you for caring about me and desiring to get some glimpses of life here. I really am constantly amazed at all the wonderful people the Lord has placed in my life, love walking and learning from yall!
Since our trip to Copan.....
It was a wonderful feeling to get back from a long weekend so ready to hug my kids and get to hear about their vacations. School continues to be a challenge- I am still facing a large number of behavioral issues, negative attitudes, complaining, lack of willingness to work/ turn in work, etc. This past week I created a new rule that it's mandatory to stay in during recess if you haven't finished your work. Although its hard to have breaks taken up and to be tuturing students after school (12 hour days), I really praise the Lord for the opportunity to help teach and hopefully help mold them. I am praying that far beyond them learning Science and Math, that they would learn who the Lord is, his heart for them, and also what he calls them to be. A lot of these kids come from broken homes, or their fathers are gone most of the time on cruise ships trying to make enough money to be housed and eat meals.... so attention, encouragement, affirmation, love, and guidance is huge! I have been learning a lot about having grace with myself, especially the days where I am exhausted and frustrated. Last weekend it really hit me that I have been trying to work and serve in so many ways within my own strength. It's possible to a certain extent, but its exhausting and completely robs Jesus from being able to truly move, bless, and use this time/ the relationships in life changing ways! I am continueing to learn what a beautiful place it is to be on my knees hungry and desperate for the Lord's love :). The amazing thing is when I become less, he becomes more- and thats when there are crazy amounts of room for his love to overflow!!
Last year a lady at church encouraged me with some words from the Lord, in which Heidi Baker was mentioned. At the time it didn't mean much to me because I had only heard of her name. Once again, the Lord has really spoken to me though, through that encouragement and through her book. ( Reading Always Enough- HIGHLY recommend it :). This gives a beautiful picture of what the Lord invites us into- a picture of two people who trust that the Lord is who he says he is and beause of that they have gotten to experience the limless power he desires to unleash. They have gotten to rescue hundreds of throw away kids in Africa, and have started 5 thousand churches...it's story after story of the Lord miraculously healing sicknesses, providing in crazy ways, restoring the completely broken, and even raising others from the dead. We hear this and get freaked out, but if the Lord says " you will do this and more", why would we want to miss out on his limitless power? I realize how much I am held back by my "self" -wanting to be noticed, by my selfishness and pride. But I continue to encounter his grace, mercy, and love over me and continue to be changed. My life is his, and my prayer continues to be that he would take and do as he pleases- to stop talking about who he is but to actually walk in trust of who he is! Please continue to join me in this prayer!
Even before I ever stepped onto the island I felt that teaching at the school was only a portion of what I would be doing on this island. The past couple weeks have been encouraging to get to start building relationships and get involved on the island in different ways. There is a couple at our church that has started ESL classes in the colonia (poorest section of the island), which has been exciting to get a glimpse of that ministry and get to be a part of it. I have decided that thats just a little too much teaching, especially since my heart is in so many different places. I met another Heidi Baker, excepts hes a man and lives on the island. Harrison had told me about his ministry on the island, and praise the Lord I met him in the line to get lunch last week. He invited us over thursday night and so many prayers have been answered. Thankful that he saw a need on the island and was bold enough to step out in faith and allow the Lord to reach the people here. It's taken MANY different forms, but basically those who are at risk or have been sucked into sex trafficking/ drug trafficking are being rescued, healed, and taught so many other ways of life!!!! Sewing classes, computer classes, hospitality training, health clinics, housing, soccer leagues, english/ spanish classes, counseling.... the list goes on! So encouraged and excited to join these faithful and bold people.... praying what exactly that is supposed to look like- but ready to jump in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
