To God be the glory. The challenge was real and it was a great learning experience for me. The language barrier makes everything much more difficult especially so with this size production. The end result: Amazing!

I woke up just before 4am Thursday morning the 17th of August. I had some devotion time and coffee with God before riding in the dark to the property where there was already about a hundred men waiting. At 5am the selection began and the number outside the gate was closer to 200. After trying to pick guys through the gate and letting them force their way through the crowd, we opened the gates for all and finished the selection process of choosing and listing all names of the men while standing from the top of the house. I agreed to 100 men then raised it to 110 and then remembered the day before when some cement was delivered and one of the men had his 14 year old son with him who asked me for a job. I had asked the boy, Boris, to get me a bag of cement, (weighing 100#). He ran across the yard grabbed a bag, threw it over his little shoulder and ran it back to me.  I then said to him to “please take it back.” And he did, so that made 111 plus the five ladies it took to cook for all of us, plus nine full time guys made it 125 total. Pastor Ludy led us in prayer then the ladies served us coffee and bread before work began at 8am. Brother Randy did some calculations for me via Instagram and came up with 50 yards of cement, that’s 5 cement truck loads all mixed by hand and bucketed up then dumped onto the floor.

At noon we took turns of about 40 men eating at a time and began winding down at 3:30 or so when the cooks started to give out food again and the guys were somewhat out of steam. It was difficult to get men back to work to finish, the floor was very close to finished but the steps needed to be poured as well.  In hindsight I should have called it a day and paid all but about twenty and paid the twenty extra to finish the steps but as it was I kept everyone around until the job was completed, at about 7pm. One important side note:  As you can see much water was needed to do this job in one day. And as you also know prior we had some difficulties with getting good water on the property, which included one well just outside our fence that had water but was bad for drinking, another existing well located under the home that we tried to dig out to make useable and then our current well with good water. As God would have it, it took moving the gas well pump to each of the three wells multiple times for water as we would pump one dry and go to the other while the one would replenish. God knew, we didn’t only need one well but He needed us to dig several. What an amazing God, that I love!

It got real interesting when I began to pay the guys – while they didn’t think the pay was fair I was thinking they agreed to work for a flat price and to work until it was finished. After talking with Pastor and Chuck we decided I would pay them double because of the time they were here. That’s when a handful started shouting they wanted 100 more! No, 200 more! And on and on. lt felt as though things could go sideways very quickly as a handful were getting people all wound up, funny thing is a couple of the instigators were guys I mostly saw standing around leaning on a shovels, regardless,  I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and was told by Pastor and Chuck that doubling the pay was fair, so I held my ground and most agreed it was fair.  After sleeping on it and talking more with Chuck we came to the conclusion that I would pay the 6 finishers an extra 100 to have everyone feeling good about their day’s work. Friday, Chuck and I found and paid three of the six men. I told Chuck to please continue searching for the other three – it won’t be difficult in this size community. Anyhow that proved to be a good choice as they appeared to be grateful. That is something you would think abounds due to lack of work and difficulty in finding monies in this area? Not so with everyone; please pray for softening of hearts.

I confess that situation had me battling with the flesh of the “old-Mike.” Hearing certain people yell at me, words I didn’t understand, had gotten my heart rate up and feeling the hair standing up on the back of my neck, I was beginning to feel a bit froggy. I was ready to defend myself and my heart sank. I love these people, we are here to help, how could this be? I feel God certainly had his hand on this situation, and I’m grateful He carried me through this making sure the monies were available to double everyone’s pay, keeping arms, machetes and shovels from swinging and allowing such a massive undertaking to be successfully completed.  After everyone had left, our crew, Pastor Ludy and I gathered in prayer over all the workers giving thanks for the completion of the casting. Big difference in ten to twelve guys working or a crew of 125, all in a days work in La Moskitia.

Friday was spent running errands getting materials to finish hooking up the solar pump for the well, ordering block and locating yesterday’s finishers to give more monies.

I forgot to get good pictures of the well progress but the solar panels are mounted, the pump is set and pumping about three gallons per minute, 180 gallons per hour, 6-10 hours per day, everyday! And the well is not running low on water. Praise God!! I did also forget to pack a water testing kit, but the water is running clear so I drank it…it’s all good. Thank you Lord.

We were also able to layout all the walls, doors and windows by marking the floor and going over the drawings with Chuck, Winsis and Jonny.

Lisa and I also got to spend some time with Miguel and Deneve, two of the IVA students we have been blessed to sponsor since they began 7th grade.  They are now 10th graders and doing very well!  They will be part of the first class to graduate high school in 2019! Also included is a picture of Marco and Irais (pronounced Edious).

 At 5:30 pm Friday I remembered I had told a prisoner at the jail on Wednesday that I would come and purchase a boat he built for me on Friday before lockdown at 5:00 pm.  It helps him to purchase food, laundry soap, body soap, toothpaste that sort of thing. At about 6 pm I arrived at the prison, and thankfully the guards and warden know me from visiting the men on Wednesdays. I explained how I had given my word to purchase a boat from one of the guys and asked if there was anyway they would allow this man out from lockdown to sell me his boat.

(Picture of the craftsman with his boat and the area where they can cook their food inside the prison yard.)  Again I’m grateful the warden was moved and allowed me to keep my word. 

From top left: Alli, Winsis, Lucas. Lower top left: Delino, Jonny, pastor Roberto standing and Marcos brother Pablo. Not pictured, Chuck project manager, Aldolpho watching, and Ebenor who we call Romeo worker.  Please continue prayer and safety over these men who God is using to build Casa Del Camino.

Mark 16:15-18 (HCS)

15 Then He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.  16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly it will never harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.”

Thank you all for reading. May you be deeply blessed for praying and supporting this ministry. We are currently 72% funded.  If you are feeling led to give a one time donation or to give monthly to support the boys who will be living at Casa Del Camino please check out our mission page ACTION International: Mike and Lisa Brenner.

Thank you all for the prayers. Things in La Moskitia have been extremely hot and humid, upper 80’s to low 90’s 100% humidity. We have been just trying to keep up, initial perspective we had easy days working up to the pour day scheduled for tomorrow.  With a closer inspection of the form work for the steps, they were not to code…. there is no code here.  Regardless, I needed to have the steps rebuilt, adding two stairs and decreasing the slope that in turn created the need for the lower stairs to be moved two feet to the south with additional form work for all three landings.

Monday was spent removing first attempt, Tuesday spent reworking stair forms along with marking all plumbing location in the home with 6 bathrooms including additional rebar added to wall column locations that will reinforce future walls. Today, Wednesday August 16th we put plumbing in place before floor pour, stair forms were completed and began to pour concrete steps.  Also we started the installation process for the solar well – the pump is functioning correctly and the solar panel mounting assembly was built. Oh yeah, it’s Wednesday so Pastor Ludy and I went to the prison for prison ministry. *Note to self, when told visiting hours pay attention what time it is. I wasn’t quick enough in checking out before they began lock-down so I didn’t get cut loose till all that was finished.

Lisa and I were able to enjoy some wonderful fellowship with Alex and Laura Waits, friends, brother and sister in Christ and Directors of the IVA Christian school that the Casa Del Camino boys will be attending.  They continue to share invaluable experience and wisdom to help equip us for the years ahead.

Its been all I can do to keep things on schedule. *Note to self, one week not long enough here.  Time is a funny thing in third world situations, no one cares about it other than you. Grateful for God’s timing and timing is everything. As God would have it, out of the additional rebar and concrete I had ordered three weeks prior to this trip that would complete the stairs, only the rebar was delivered so the steps were unable to be poured until after we arrived. Funny how you can begin to see God at work. I promise to follow up on our way out with another blog detailing more of our experience here as we continue to strengthen our relationships and understanding of this beautiful culture. We are truly blessed to be included in God’s gracious works here deep in La Moskitia.

Please pray today for the floor pour where at least 100+ Miskito men will come together in order to complete this in one day. Asking God for safety and blessings throughout this day of work for each of the men, helping them to provide for their families, and blessings over the women who will be preparing coffee and bread starting at 5am and for all their hard work in preparing the lunch to feed the crew. Please also pray for wisdom in directing these men and peaceful interactions among all at the property.  I am so excited I could probably write all night but will be riding to the property before sunrise, so until next time here are a few pics.  Gracias A Dios. 

Caught sunset looking east

Pump pushing water with sun power

Carne

Well tower/battery bank, location of future solar array

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

I would like to give thanks for all the prayers that have been lifting and blessing Randy and my time here in La Moskitia. We have been very busy and have much joyous news to share of our wonderings.  I can say that this trip has been filling me with an overflowing joy, especially as I begin to become more aware of how our life here will be dedicated to serving and obeying God, and being blessed by Him.  Realizing that my desire for the boys lives to be changed and deepened by God, has really deepened my appreciation and love for our Lord and savior, as He has become my main focus here; it’s all about helping people, the ones that are unable to help themselves at a very critical point in their lives, by sharing the free gift we have so undeservingly obtained.  My close friend and brother Patrick once asked me, “How much must you hate someone to not tell them of this free gift?” And I would like to ask you, “Who have you recently shared your faith with?”

Recently, I had some issues with a couple of the boys who stole from me on the last trip. I am happy to report they have been reconciled.  I saw them the Sunday after we landed, and I was able to talk with them about their actions.  They appeared to be sorry, asked for forgiveness and assured me that it would not happen again.  One of the boys was also struggling with disobedience in school, and was on the verge of being discharged from the school.  I spoke with him regarding that situation as well – days later I ran into the Director of the school and she shared with me how this boy immediately sought out to speak with the her on Monday, apologizing for his behavior,  asked for forgiveness and also apologized to a teacher for his disrespectful attitude.  Only time will tell us where his heart truly is but I am proud of  both of the boys for taking responsibility for their actions and looking for forgiveness.

At Casa Del Camino I have seen the work crew open up in conversation with Pastor Ludy.  They are asking good questions, and are hungry for the word of God which is such a satisfying feeling – knowing that with faith, comes undying hope.  One of the work crew men shared with us today that he has worked in Roatan and in Nicaragua for many years, (he’s in his mid 30’s) and he has never experienced a work environment quite like Casa Del Camino.  One that is Christ-centered, where they start each day by studying the Bible before work, being able to give his first hour to God with his co-workers.  He gave thanks for his job and the blessings it has been to his family.  I believe by doing this, God is blessing each of the men’s days in the way they need it most. That is what so many of these impoverished boys and lost men desperately need, and already I already see God being glorified!  This is obedience to God, by faithfully living out the great commission.

It is late here almost 2am.  So I will try and condense the last week for you.  During my last trip here I was very focused on Casa Del Camino and ashamed to say, that I didn’t take the time to visit the jail.  This time, God put it very clearly on my heart that I was not to put those men off again.   Since I see pastor Ludy every morning I asked him if he would like to go to the jail with me this past Wednesday – He told me that he would like to do that, and I shared with him that I had recently been studying the Holy Spirit and that I would like to see what the inmates knew of the Spirit within us.  I  put together some questions and verses to get things opened up and pastor had me lead in English, then one of the prisoners who spoke English translated into Spanish and then Pastor Ludy added his comments and translated into Miskito.  It was a bit uncomfortable for me, but I feel it was well received.  This upcoming week when we return on Wednesday,  I thought we could discuss the topic of being grateful in every situation.  It is tough to be grateful in prison so I thought we could look at the life of the apostle Paul.  That being said, I’m not sure how much time I will have for blogging Monday or Tuesday.  Please pray for the wisdom and words to share to be given to me.  Here are a couple pictures of the new chapel at the prison (I did notice the white board in the back where they were teaching evolution and the Bible, which is little confirmation that those men could use more Bible, and less “evolution”).

Pastor Ludy

Randy at prison

We have gotten a lot done with the foundation of the home, and below are pictures taken from when we arrived, also on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and today.  You can see the progress of the rebar and concrete forms along with building of the scaffolding.

Below are a couple pictures of all the materials being brought in.

Should be in school

If only I had this at home….

Without getting people’s hopes up too much, I feel the Lord is faithfully providing “much, good, clean and fresh water” as David our well driller came the other day and when I left the property tonight (Friday) they were still drilling at 75′ with a 7″ bit, then the 8″ bit then removal of drill.  After they will insert an 8″ pipe and pump it out to see what we have.  So far it has been 75′ drilling, and all sand! Exactly what is wanted!! Please continue to pray. I will surely let you all know when I know.  Thank you to all our prayer warriors.  This new drilling site is 20′ from the first hole that was drilled when he hit rock.

1st well on left

Nope, no gold

What we find at 75′

Long workday, still at it.

Lastly, a picture of our eleven man work crew minus Pastor Roberto who is still needing prayer for healing.  His first scheduled day back is the day Randy and I fly out of Puerto Lempira, June 10, 2017.

From left. Herman, Randy, Alley (kneeling), Delino, Aldolpho “Little man”, Joseway, Romeo,Mike, Jonny, Chuck, Wins is, Pablo and Chocolate (Kissenger) Pastor Roberto missing.

Sorry so long, been working hard, God is good.

God bless you all, thank you for reading and God bless these men.

In Him,

Mike

To Donate to Casa Del Camino, click here.

This is what you can see of the property as you fly into Puerto Lempira. The big house just to the right of Casa Del Camino property would be the house Roger and Katrina are building.

We spent the day (Sunday May 28th) riding around the Puerto Lempira area introducing Randy to some of our friends here.  As they each shared some of their experiences, coupled with my own issues I am having with a two of the boys from my last visit, it has only been reinforced in me, the need for Christ to be authentically known and truly followed here.

First, Randy and I rode our bikes over to Dr. Marianne’s  house to spend roughly an hour with her talking of her ministry to the Miskito people.  She employs six full-time people in order that she may house six children and feed 90, two meals a day!  God bless her.  She is also running a home school of sorts, a program that intends to help some succeed in getting an education.

We then headed over to Mama Tara’s Orphanage and visited with Linda, who runs the orphanage.  There too, have been many struggles over the past few months.  I am praising our Lord for sustaining her through various storms.   From Mama Tara’s we rode to  Marcos’ home and visited with him.  Please pray for Marcos to make wise decisions and to follow through with some Godly encouragement and advice that we shared with him.

By being here and hearing the stories, having to work through the process of being disappointed in some of the boys’ actions, but yet, needing to forgive them and by doing so, showing them God’s grace and love for them, my hope is that I am encouraging them to be different from the rest.  Not to give into sin, but to fight sin and to make glorifying God their priority.

It is my prayer that each of us not take this life for granted and use what God has given you for His glory. We only have one life and time is short – it is easy to take life for granted, thinking you will always have more time, but then we die.  What are you going to tell God when He asks you what you did with what He blessed you with? That’s a good question for us all to ask ourselves, as I know I take much for granted.

We headed from Marcos’ place over to the I.V.A. School for Randy to learn about the incredible efforts going on there.  We discovered that Alex and Laura weren’t there because they were treated to a little get away in town to celebrate another blessed year of marriage.  Congratulations!  Aiden, their oldest son stepped in and toured us though the stages of the school – filling us in with some short-term visions for the school.  By this time it was three o’clock and that was perfect timing to ride over and introduce Randy to our dear friend, Pastor Ludy Washington.  We joined in with his scheduled church service that he holds in his house every Sunday at 3pm.  This week he had a baby dedication and we all shared in the Lord’s supper.

Afterwards we headed back to the hotel.  Upon arriving there we were met by Jerbin.  So I spent another hour or so communicating with him.  Amazing how quickly word gets around when a couple gringos come to town.

On a side note.  Here are a couple pictures of progress at the property.  I took these on Saturday just after our arrival.  The crew has been hard at work.  Also on the property there are lots of mangos, and I learned of five cashew nut trees! Apparently people pay good monies for the cashew apple jam you can make with them.  Enjoy.

Cashew Still on the Apple Fruit

Casa Del Camino 5.27.17

Casa 5.27.17

Mangos, Coconuts, Mangos

Casa Progress 5.27.17

I continue to feel blessed to  be a part of God’s work here in La Moskitia.  Feeling that nothing should be taken for granted, especially our relationship with our Lord and savior.  I can remember thinking as if I had nothing but time, plenty of time to do things I wanted to do.  Now I am realizing that we have one life, and there will come a point where we live our last day.  I find myself asking the question, “What have I done with what He gave me?”  I think it would be good for each of us to ask that question.  Being given the gift of salvation in Christ, I look to share that same hope I now live with, with those who have no hope.  I pray this gets us all thinking and that it will lead us into action.  How much must you hate someone to not share the truth of the gospel with them?

Romans 10:14 ” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Casa Del Camino, a home of refuge for boys in need.

Thank you for reading and may God bless you,

Mike

Mike & Lisa Missionary Web Page

Hello out there.

I am letting you, “the faithful” know that Randy and I are doing well.  We both were able to sleep a few hours on the plane and this is what I saw when my eyes opened.  So far this has been the easiest trip ever to this point.  There has not been much in the way of crowds (seeing that this is Memorial Day weekend), we rested on the plane, our arrival gate at Houston was our departure gate for San Pedro, all items are still in all of the bags, we landed in La Ceiba at 3:30 pm, checked into a room, set A/C to “HIGH” and were able to get across town to Ferrecosa (the construction supply store) by 4:27 pm – they close at 4:30 pm.  Thankfully, I was able to run through purchase orders and material lists, confirming the items sent and agreed on the amount owed for the remainder of items previously ordered – all within $5 USD.  Thank you LORD for travel blessings on day one!

As I continue to look at the amazing amount of work that has been done and all that still needs to be accomplished with this vision, I am encouraged by the simplest of things, like this mornings devotion speaking on:

Isaiah 48:15 “I, even I, have spoken; Yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way will prosper.”

This verse reminds me that when God decides to use you, He will make things happen.  I am resting in God and His faithfulness.  As we get further into this trip I pray that this experience blesses Randy richly, that our faith in our Heavenly Father continues to strengthen, and that He, is seen clearly at work within this mission.  To God be the glory. This God given vision Lisa and I share has brought some hesitation and a little fear our way, but as we continue to walk by faith in the presence of Him who called us, I am full of sweet joy!

I pray for God’s tender mercies to continue to light our way; for safety for Randy and me and for peace and comfort to be washed over our loving wives while we are away; for a cohesiveness with all the crew – I pray Lord, for fresh clean plentiful water to be reached; for healing over Pastor Roberto and his injured ankle; for blessings upon Pastor Ludy as he continues to disciple the work crewmen.  I pray for God to show Himself to the boys that will be reached at this home and for a softening of their hearts; and I pray for blessings over “Instituto Vida Abundante” for all of their sacrifice.  And Lord, I humbly ask that you go before us to prepare the people we will come in contact with, giving us your words to share and your loving attitude towards all.

I want to share a few more pics but understand three planes and 14 hours of travel you can probably guess what the pictures will be.  I have captioned them for your enjoyment.

Entering Honduras

No more “it’s Boeing, or I’m not going!” Mamas got me riding the bus.

They keep getting smaller

Thank you for reading ~ Mike

In the month since our last post, all forty house columns have been constructed, the bathroom is plumbed with floor poured, the pila for clothes washing has been completed, steps up to pila and bathroom were finished and we are prayerfully awaiting the return of our “wellman” with the needed rock bit to get past the rock that stopped his first attempt.

A close friend of ours Randy Noll, and I will be heading down to Puerto Lempira the last weekend of May in hopes to pour the house floor.  This will be a scouting mission mostly for Randy, as he will be the team lead when bringing down groups from our home church, Highlands Community Church. In order for the floor to be poured during this trip it will definitely be a God thing, as there is much work to be completed before that can happen.  The work crew will need to have all the beams in place connecting all the columns, with all forms in place and rebar tied for the floor on top of that. Regardless, there will be plenty of work to get done while in country.  Looking forward to busting a sweat and getting much done with our Honduran counterparts, grateful for all they have continued to accomplish for God’s glory.

I can’t help to think about what our Lord has laid before us, the size and scope of work in which He has called,  I could not have ever imagined.  And if He had told me what would be completed in the first year, I would not have believed it.  As faithful followers of Christ Jesus our perseverance is the target of all our spiritual enemies.  We are told to put on The Whole Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefor take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (KJV)

 In verse 18 Paul tells us that each piece of armor must carefully be put on in prayer, drawing on divine resources; that this prayer is Spirit-energized, Spirit-enabled, and Spirit-directed.  Praying in the Spirit is an admission of a believer’s ignorance and dependence on God.  Thank you Lord God for Your Spirit!

Lisa and I would like to thank all of you who have given and continue to give to this mission.  We could not do it without Your faithful giving.  We are currently 40% funded.  Meaning, we are still prayerfully seeking monthly donors who have been blessed to be a blessing, to come along side us, partnering with us in order to further His Kingdom on earth, for His glory.  Donate Here.  Thank you and God bless you.

Remembering that this is God’s mission and His timing is perfect.  As God’s plan is being worked out, we continue looking to God for His divine provision.  Including our enduring in faithfulness to the end.

Only by Grace,

Mike