Well where do I start? Lots of changes around House of Hope. First off most notable is how few kids are here, (around 20) many have gone back to their villages of origin or to their relatives for the holidays and should start trickling back in this week. Also, sadly to say some have died and even more sad to me are the children that have been kicked out! How is it that this is a children’s home, a place of opportunity for the less fortunate, and can turn away or release kids that have grown up here and call this home, all because of what I see as normal childhood issues? At least from my point of view, “smoking or viewing porn” (two of the known reasons for kids being kicked out) is certainly unacceptable behavior, one that needs to be corrected, but, do I think removing them from the house and the schooling offered with this house is going to help correct anything? Certainly not! Furthermore, it is certainly not showing the kids here the love that Jesus has shown us. All this makes me think of the parable in Matthew 18:12-14 in how we should rejoice more of the one that was gone astray and was found, than the ninety nine that has not gone astray. We are told it is not the will of our Father in heaven that even one of these little ones should perish. And then again in Matthew 18:21 about the number of times we should show forgiveness to one another. The thing is, without a loving parental guidence or the God loving and fearing rolemodel in the kids lives how can we expect for them to grow in Christ? How are they going to hear if they have no one to tell them? Still, even though I have this dilemma filling my head, I am grateful and feel blessed to be with the people here in La Moskitia. We took the kids swimming in the lagoon this afternoon and are having a New Years party with the kids watching movies in Espanol and eating pizza from a new pizzeria in town and when Lisa placed the order they asked if she was the “new Katrina?” Not sure how I feel about that. Kinda achey….
Praying for discernment for us all here at House of Hope and blessing upon these beautiful children. Amen.
chosen2followHim 
Mike and Lisa…I am so proud of you for doing God’s work. I know your work is cut out for you but also know that God is leading you….and Matthew 18:1-5
The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All I can refer to is Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
I am so proud of you for doing God’s work! God Bless you!!
LikeLike
Well go out and pick some little ones off the street. 20 is not very many. I think once they hit 18, they should be out of there anyway. Help the younger ones.
LikeLike
Well you are there to work and help kids. Go out and pick some of the little ones off the street and bring them in for a home. i think after 18, they shouldn’t be there anyway.
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a hard thing…i’ll be praying all the more we need wisdom and understanding It is the Lords tho
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brother, I know that the Lord is with you and I know he will do his work his way!! I pray for your strength to not weaken and that you stay focused to your purpose there.. I know it must be hard for you but God will provail. Happy New Year!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mike, keep the faith. God will prevail. Do what you can while you are there. We are praying for you. Remember, you cannot save everyone. That is God’s job. God is with you. We love you.
LikeLiked by 1 person