A Beautiful Place

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I am sure that is true. Gracias, Honduras is a beautiful place in my memory. It is beautiful to view, the friendships are unique and beautiful, my visits are spiritually beautiful and our work among the poor is a beautiful expression of Christ's love.
I know that our motivation to serve the poor and the disadvantaged is not always beautiful. Sometimes we go on these trips for the fun, to be in warm weather and have an adventure. I marvel at how God can take something not so pretty and accomplish something beautiful. He can take our selfish ambitions and make it God glorifying. He can take a lack luster Christian and change a heart to seek Him earnestly. Here is a picture of God's shabby servants that He is using to bring His joy and love to those He has chosen for us to serve.

What a privilege to be used by God! Paul describes God in Acts 17 "...God made the world and everything in it...He is Lord of heaven and earth...He gives to all life, breath and all things...." It is clear that God does not need us to accomplish anything but in fact, that is His way. We would not choose to serve the poor in Honduras if not for the motivation put in our heart by God, for we are selfish. He provides the means for each of us to work in Honduras: God gives us health, families who encourage us, time from the workplace, money, freedom to leave our country and safe travel. It is not only for the good of the people we treat but also to renew and strengthen our faith. We experience daily team devotions, prayer with our Honduran friends and patients and prayer with a church in Gracias. The entire experience is a respite from USA politics, world calamities, television and radio. We enjoy fellowship and beautiful vistas of a not so developed country.


Although we don't speak the Spanish language, we communicate with our eyes, smiles and touch. We become friends through our caring for them and certainly their care for us. They entertain us with songs and games, cook our meals, translate our words and clean our surroundings. We are grateful and safe in their care and love.




The simple beauty of Gracias brings contentment and peace. We seek endlessly for the latest technical marvel or luxury. When in Honduras I'm aware that our pursuits separate us from God. We must learn to rest in His providential care and follow His leading and not our own. In Matthew 7, Jesus says we are not to worry about what we eat, or drink or what we wear but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.... Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil or spin...

Thank you Gracias for teaching me about beauty. May all who read this find Christ's beautiful plan for your life in walking in His good and perfect will.

Good-bye Gordie

All my life, I have known my brother, Gordon. He had lived a life of an only child until my sister was born when he was twelve, then two years later I was born and a year after that our little brother joined the family. Boy, did his life change!

Obviously, my mother needed some help with dad sailing the Great Lakes from March until December and no other family in town. I never heard him complain that his teenage years were busy helping mom watch all these babies.

And that is the constant memory of Gordon Tremaine Burke. He was not a complainer. He worked hard by following in his father's footsteps and sailed the freighters on the Great Lakes for 39 years. The last 15 as a ship's captain. Those who came to visit us at the funeral home told us of their respect for him and his easy manner even as the chief officer on the ship. It couldn't have been easy sailing in those November storms.

Gordon was the father of seven children and his wife Doris' brothers each had at least seven. Their home was a sea of children running in and out the doors, laundry, dishes, diapers, toys... everywhere. It was a house full of love and action. My sister, Kathy and I were often recruited to babysit our nieces and nephews, a little payback for when we were young.

Gordie loved to have fun. He and Doris always had a house full of family and friends. There was always room for more. Always a warm greeting, hug and a kiss. The kitchen was busy from morning until night for whoever showed up had a ready meal or snack. Evenings at the lake around the camp fire brought out stories of great and fun memories.

When Gordie's wife Doris became sick, he cared for her and was by her side until the end. His second wife also became sick and he was there to supply every need. He and are brother Mike took care of dad on the night shift when he was near the end and gave Kathy and I a report as if he was still the Navy Corpsman of his youth. He would drive hundreds of miles to support and help those he loved. His children and siblings could count on him and they did. This is a picture of his children.

Gordie's last two years were different than all the rest. He pretty much stayed home, gave up driving but continued to read his mysteries, watch TV and listen to Garrison Keillor on Prairie Home Companion. Friends and family came for visits and he would go out for birthdays and holidays. He slept and ate when ever and what ever he wanted. He never complained of being lonely or discontent. I called him the day before he died and when asked how he was doing, said, "I'm fine."

Gordie was fine, even though he knew his life would soon be over. I don't feel so fine as I write this because I will miss him, miss his kindness, miss his hugs and I love yous. I thank God for Gordie's life and for giving me a brother who enriched mine.