Encouragement from Francisco

As I have spent time here in Honduras, I have once again found myself challenged. It is clear that people around the world have so much in common. As I have watched the work of the misisonaries and the locals here, I have been blessed by their intensity and their desire to serve. Last night we had an odrination service for Pastor Joseph Francisco Cordova. It was a wonderful event and John Paul's blessing of he and his family was perfect. As I watched Pastor Francisco, the joy that came over him was visible not just in his smile, but in the glow that encompassed him. I listened to him speak and watched him interact with the guests and I was reminded of what it was like when Elisa and I first planted a church. While I know the road has been hard on us and that Pastor Francisco will also face difficult challenges in the days ahead, my joy in ministry has been strengthened yet again by watching the life of another. I am reminded to pray for he and all those who enter into service for the Lord, that they not grow weary in well doing, but that they will be strengthened to finish the course. As you are reading this, if the good feelings that serving God brings have lessened for you, it is my prayer that the Lord will cause you to see the joy in the life of those around you who are just entering into their destiny and remind you that each day is filled with new opportunities to fulfill your own.