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.