Greg, Is no easy

"Greg, is no easy!" This was the consistent refrain that I heard from Edgar on a recent visit to Casa Hogar Manantial de Amor. Earlier today, I traveled to this home to spend some time with the kids and the encargadas (care givers). As I am B2B's new captain for this area of ministry, I am beginning to make a concentrated effort to better know these kids, their caregivers and all of their needs so we can better come alongside them.
I first traveled to the boys home and saw how the improvements that the Anderson Hills (my childhood church) group had made in early November. All that they had done was doing well and holding strong. But as I spoke with Samuel, one of the caregivers, he let me know of a couple lights that weren't working and of two window spaces where there is no glass at all. They've done their best to cover the openings, but with temperatures dipping into the low 50's at night, you can only imagine how chilly it must be in their rooms.
After my visit there, I traveled a short distance to visit the girls home and found Edgar, the director there. As I spoke with him. I asked him if there was anything the home needed or if his family needed as well. As he answered, over and over he would say, "Greg, is no easy." I want to make it clear that he was in no way complaining and never gave the impression that he thought the ministry to which he has been called should be easy. But I know from experience in various ministries, there are just times when you are compelled to say, "Man, this is just not easy" whether it is paying unexpected medical bills, trying to provide for his family, or just wanting to provide something simple and nice for his family (like coffee for his wife). He mentioned as well that on the rare occasion when he has a 'day off' the funds are not there to be able to do anything, even having money for gas to just get away. Sometimes, being in ministry means these simple things make life 'not easy'. So having experienced many of these at various times, my heart really exploded with empathy for Edgar and Connie and their two little girls, Damaris and Hannah.
On top of this, there are the constant needs of trying to run a children's home. Edgar and Connie listed need after need that they could use help in meeting. From needing new cabinets in the kitchen (the old ones have many rotted boards that the doors are just falling off to the floor), clothes, lice shampoo, dishes, feminine products for 17 teen age girls, etc. You can imagine the ongoing cost of trying to meet the needs of running this home. We at B2B do help as much as we are able, (almost half of their monthly needs are met by B2B), but while he is grateful for the money and resources we send, he said with a snap of his fingers, "it is gone like that!" I can only imagine!
Edgar is also a part time pastor at his church, doing various things, but it is a voluntary role that he fills. He is also discouraged that his senior pastor doesn't share his heart for missions and the church gives no assistance to meet the needs of the home. He has begun searching the papers looking for a job he can take on to help their situation. But that would mean working all day and then coming home to work in the casa hogar and you can imagine how draining and emptying that would be.
So while I am looking here for more ways to better meet their needs, I am also seeking your help. Mostly, I am asking that you pray for Edgar and his family and the kids of the casa hogar. They have great faith (as I was leaving, Edgar said, "As it says on American money- 'In God we trust'- that is what I do!"). Pray for God's resources to come to bare on this home in regular ways to help meet their regular needs for food, utility bills, clothes, toiletries, etc. Pray for opportunities for Edgar to be able to take his wife and kids out and enjoy some time away and the means to do so. Pray for an encouraged spirit for Edgar and Connie as well.
I am also asking you to consider spreading news of these needs to people you know (if you feel led to do so). Maybe a Sunday school class or a small group Bible study or a church's mission committee or whomever might be interested in coming alongside this home and being a regular partner to meet their needs. If this is of interest to you and you want more information about what partnering with this home might look like you can contact me at huffer@back2backministries.org.
I want to say that we will not use this blog space often to ask for financial assistance. I was just so compelled by Edgar and his position (having been there for many years myself) that I feel led to share this with other caring people.


Thank you in advance for your earnest prayers on behalf of a brother in need.

Greg

Happy Birthday Greg

With all the work that goes on around here, we make sure we take some time out for fun. Last night we celebrated Greg's birthday (early as it is Nov. 30th) with a 1970's murder mystery party. Fun was had by all. Here are a few photos from the party.

A week of things to be thankful for.....

These pictures give a summary of our thanksgiving week. Greg and I lead 4 outreaches between the 2 of us. We spent time at the Rio and Cadereyta with three groups building a soup kitchen at each location, giving testimonies of what Jesus has done in our lives, sharing food and clothing and blankets (as it is getting colder reaching 40-50 degrees at night) and creating new friendships. The boys had a great time joining Dad in working on the property one day this week. They initiated joining Dad. It is fun to share as a family. As I mentioned before we all gathered on Thursday however I underestimated. The final count was somewhere in the 90's. We have so much to be thankful for. It was a great week.

Connection that God makes...

Recently God brought a couple to B2B with a heart to help those in the Rio and Cadereyta. Because of them Carlos Antonio has a Nebulizer to help with his severe asthma and breathing issues. Praise God. Below is Carlos and his mom Maribelle.

Feliz Accion de Gracias.....Happy Thanksgiving

There are so many things to be thankful for. Jesus, family and friends top the list for sure. Spending the holidays away from home really make you appreciate what we have always had. It can be easy to get caught up in what we are missing. Greg is on an outreach to the Cadereyta today and I went on one yesterday to the Rio. Spending time with these great people allow me to see what is really important. It's not always the gigantic meal, but those around the table. (this is something I'll have to remember when I'm making the turkey and it is dry....) Tonight the staff of B2B will all eat together. We will have something like 60-70 people sharing in a meal together sharing what we are thankful for. Its such a loaded question. If we are honest with ourselves each one should be able to share for hours. As I am counting my blessings with my family and B2B family please know you will be among those that I am thankful for.

Thank you for your continued prayers on Nuri's behalf....

She still hasn't had her baby yet. She is doing well though. It is amazing how a girl can be so ignored within this community. Please continue to pray for her. I believe she is anxious about having this child. Due dates are random out there as no one really keeps track of time. Pray for her and her babies safety. Pray for Nuri's anxiety and that she would know God has her surrounded by His love. Thank you.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. " James 5:16

It's raining, and hailing,,,,,

Yesterday a handful of us were on the porch talking. As we stood there we began to notice a storm coming in over the mountains. We saw the streaks of rain developing over the mountains. As we continued to watch, we heard a slight roaring sound. To me it was like listening to rain on our tin roof while we are inside of our apartment. However here we were sitting outside. We were hearing the hail approach our property. It was a wild experience. Before we knew it, it was upon us. pea size hail . What seemed so cool soon became scary and harmful. I was reminded by my neighbor that my oldest boys were in our apartment alone and I might want to check on them. Upon entering our house, I couldn't see them. I had to yell over the pounding hail on our roof. After a short bit I found them hiding in their bunk beds. Scared and wondering what was happening. After a little coaxing I drew them out to see the beauty of the hail and the storm. It was interesting to me that my feelings toward the hail had everything to do with where I was. Inside I felt safe and interested in the storm. Outside I was overwhelmed and scared. I think this is true with many things like trials, suffering and death. When we have Christ in our lives we aren't spared the hardships but we are assured His divine power for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Its difficult to put into words when God impresses my heart. I pray that he will connect the dots for you.