Gifts Worth Giving

I have spoken with several family members about how we'd love to just give gifts that truly have meaning.  Deep meaning beyond ourselves.

What does our Savior and King desire for His Birthday?

I had to share this story~which continues from a post back in April.
 
   “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’     “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
    “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40

Deep in the mountains of Honduras there is a family that lives across from a Christian church.  They have seen the church grow in number and transform in appearance.  New windows, new floors, paint and colorful murals adorn the walls.  A well of water...fresh, clean water...was dug next to the church for all in the community to have access to~Christian or non-Christian. (The well alone was a true miracle and life-giving gift but that is another story by itself.) Missionaries have traveled in and out in groups.  One faithful lady, Lavearn, has given years of her life to the community to see God change it from the inside out. 

But somehow, this family still felt forgotten by God.  Alone.  Searching.  Needing more.  They didn't feel as if they belonged even though invited.  They had feelings of anger that arose from the seeds of confusion and hatred began to manifest itself in their home and towards their community...even lashing out at the church.  Broken windows...well pipes dug up...fences torn.  And all the while...God's love poured out for them.

The well.

The Giver of all Good Gifts still wanted to give to them.  

Stove pipes.

The first week in April 2010, some families in the community of Santa Cruz received new stove pipes and comals (cooking surfaces) to help filter out the smoke which wreaks havoc on their health by filling their lungs daily as they cook their food.  

Place of old comal.

 New comal.

Roof Tiles.

One family wasn't on the list. They didn't want to be. They didn't want anything the missionaries or the church had to give. Until...

"Margot, what is that lady doing?"
The three of us gazed over to the house next door to the one where the men were installing a new stovepipe.
"She is cooking bread."
"Do you think we can go and see how she does this?"
Margot agreed, never telling us that they had always rejected gifts from the church and missionaries.

As we approached, she seemed reserved but pleasant.
She and Margot spoke briefly as Margot explained why we were there. To see her oven with cooking bread.

Little did we know, God had intentions of sharing with her the Bread of Life that day. 

With time and conversation, she softened and asked Margot more. 
How to know His love~His peace~How to have eternal life.

Margot shared with her in her native Spanish tongue.  We listened. The words sounded beautiful and gracious.  Gifts being given.  Life starting new.

She mentioned after we prayed that her husband was not a Christian.  He didn't believe and was not an easy man to live with.  She wept as she spoke. Her heart broken over her marriage and home. Again, we prayed. Only God can hear and answer those prayers. 

We hugged and waved bye~promising to keep her in our prayers~ Our new friend and sister in Christ. Berta.

Margot, Berta, and Vanesa.

Three months later...another mission team came in to do concrete floors and Berta was on the list.  Again, this team didn't know the story of this family and how they had rejected kindness for so long.  The husband was at the home that day to help with the project, as they are required to do. 

  Their new home with dirt floor.

Mixing cement.

At the completion of the project the team asked if they could pray with the family.  First, Berta prayed.  Her husband also joined in the prayer.  After it was over he said how much he  appreciated all that they had done.  He also said he had felt as if God had abandoned and forgot about his family.  Now, he knew God remembered them.  They felt the love of the Father wrap around them like never before.

Little seeds with time...and water~and God makes them Grow.

He visited the little church for a special service the Friday before the mission team left.  He and his family have been attending ever since. Ms. Lavearn says their lives are changed.  Their hearts are different.

Berta's family.

A new start for this family this year.  New Life.  Gifts of God's love and goodness.

They now attend the little church across from their house.  The same one that they used to vandalize.  They are a part of the community and growing in their faith.  Eager to know more about the One who has such Great Love for them.

I am amazed at God's love for this family and this community. Sending so many over time...so one and then two can come to HIM and then later more.  Reaching out in HIS NAME. With His love.

Gifts worth giving.  Worth receiving.  

Through these trips, the unfolding stories, and the lives of these people I have been given so much.  God has spoken of His faithfulness and love.  I believe we were blessed just as much as the people of Santa Cruz.

Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel. 

Thank you, Jesus, that we are not alone. Not abandoned.

You are God with us. Emmanuel.