“You will keep him in perfect peace, who’s mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) 

I am happy to report all the concrete work for the well tower is done at Casa Del Camino! Monday we will begin plumbing the bathroom as well as building a burn pit for our other waste. Looking ahead, I plan on starting house columns Wednesday or Thursday the 15, 16th February. Picture below: Guys tying rebar for water tank pad, looking West, NW

Chuck tying some tank tie downs he manufactured – notice the galvanized pipe used for ladder anchor. Next preparing to mix concrete, that is four, one hundred pound bags of cement mixed with four wheelbarrows of sand, four wheelbarrows rock, per 100# bag cement.  It took 5 1/2 bags cement to cast the top pad.  Next picture shows bucketing cement up to the final section, lifted by rope and as you can see those buckets were full!  Last picture showing Winsis doing final bit of trowel work. We’ll show finished product tomorrow. 👍🏻

More good news to the glory of God – Pastor Ludy is continuing to minister to the men before work each day. I am feeling led to give a supplement and am praying about that amount. (1 Cor. 9:14) says, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” We will definitely have Pastor Ludy worked into our ministry budget when he comes to Casa Del Camino to teach bible study to our boys.On another, bit more sobering note, we need much prayer over the well as they were able to drill down 57’in two days then hit rock. They spent the next four days trying to break through only to break equipment – first the bits then the coupling that attaches bits to the transmission. (Below): Picture removing ruined threads from coupling and broke bits.

We ended up trying to see what water would be produced from where we were at 57 feet, and found it not to be sufficient. They will be relocating the drilling equipment on Monday and try again. I am confident in God meeting our need for much clean, fresh water for Casa Del Camino and the boys we will be serving. We are seeking God’s work, prayerfully doing it in God’s way, to serve God’s people, for the glory of God. This is how I know He will provide much clean, fresh drinking water on this property, also we read in 2 Cor.

2 Corinthians 9:8                                                                                                

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiently in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

I feel that if we would have just drilled down 75′ in one or two days and hit water easily, it may not be seen as the muraculous gift from God that it is, as we will  through this experience of struggles and trial.

I want to share a couple more pictures that may help to see what a different world it is here.  For example one of the men’s bicycle handlebars rusted through the other day and you can’t just order Amazon to be delivered next day- so they made a set out of scraps.  (Below/Bottom pic) From the job-site also you will see locals paddle by in their kyukos (Miskito for “boat”) like our neighbors at home driving by in Range Rovers heading to store for milk and eggs. What a difference there is in the world.

Grateful for this calling, and to be able to share with you all. Please continue in your prayer and support as there is much work to yet be done. All glory and praise to our God and Heavenly Father.  ~ Peace ~ Mike

Hello y’all, I’m trying to start writing this first thing in the morning because I am having difficulties finding a quiet time as the need here is great; there seems to never be enough time. First I would like to ask for prayer over this place, Puerto Lempira, over my time management skills and for the boys God is working in, and also those He will yet reach and change.

Pictures below: Jerbin gathering coconuts, Marco and Jerbin enjoying frozen fresco on a hot day.

Through conversation with our friend, Walter, I was able to locate our common friend and Miskito Pastor, Ludy Washington. Ludy is who we first came down here to serve along side in 2012 with medical clinics and church building projects in remote villages outside Puerto Lempira – and for each of the following three years we continued serving with him. Pastor Ludy’s heart is to reach his people with God’s Word and the free gift of salvation that comes with it.  Approximately two thirds of the Miskito people live in NE Nicaragua, making it a logical choice for Ludy to move there, but God had other plans and has closed some doors and opened others.  Because of this Ludy has changed his plans and decided to move his family to PL and to grow the church here.  We are praising God for bringing another great resourse to this area that will surely help grow our Lord’s kingdom, not to mention the blessings he will provide us and the boys at Casa Del Camino.

Below are a few pics of our first gathering for service and worship at Pastor Ludy’s house this past Sunday.  Four of the work crew came and four of the local boys I’ve been ministering to also joined in. Picture (below left) is of Pastor Ludy and then from left to right – Pastor Roberto, our freind and translator Walter, our crew foreman Chuck, Herman and Ebenor fondly referred to as Romeo.

Work is progressing nicely on the well tower as today they were able to finish the top beams, leaving only the top pad to be formed, rebar placed and tied and concrete poured. Tomorrow, Thursday the 8th we should be able to build forms in place, and Friday we will place and tie all rebar and on our half day Saturday, we will pour the last of the concrete for the tower construction. All God willing of course.

The well is also coming along, getting close to having all the drilling done.  I am very excited to see fresh, clean water come out of the ground.  Still waiting for materials I purchased in Ceiba to be delivered.  The boat was in and was off-loaded on Monday, I also was sure to go and pay shipping charges straight away to ensure a timely delivery. Like any third world country they seem to operate on a different clock – I was told materials would be delivered Monday afternoon or Tuesday at the latest, tomorrow is Thursday and we’re still waiting. I’m quite certain this is part of my training and I have to say it is getting a bit easier when I put things in the correct perspective of who’s really in charge, and let go of wanting to be in control.

I am learning that this culture is blessed to be poor, for the poor shall inherit the earth, but they also look at the gringo Christian as being here to give them monies and to help them in all their need.  I feel that desire, the desire to help many and then again, just like home, I realize giving money to beggars isn’t always the best answer yet it can be difficult to say “no.” We will need to remain focused on our particular ministry in order to do it well, and God willing that will help to perpetuate a love for our Lord and a desire to follow Him by those with whom we interact.

Thank you all for reading and like the beggars continually begging to be given something, I too am a beggar of Christ constantly praying and asking for Him to “do this” or “provide that” and definitely to “forgive me for this and forgive me for that.” I am grateful for His mercy and consistent grace, surely answering all my prayers.  I give our Heavenly Father praise and thanks for each of you reading this, for praying over this ministry and for your giving that helps to support what God is accomplishing through this ministry.  Your brother and friend in Christ ~ Mike

As you may or may not know, I left Monday night (Jan. 30th) on a red-eye arriving in Houston Tuesday morning just in time for sunrise.  I transferred onto a smaller plane, to San Pedro Sula, Honduras and went through customs, then to exchange monies which is always exciting -bartering for a fair rate; then transferred to an even smaller plane, a twin prop jet stream 3100. The 3100 carries 21 passengers including the two pilots and it took me to La Ceiba where I got a room after 15 hours travel time. God willing, the flight into La Ceiba is always scheduled to land at 3:30 pm, which allowed me to get checked into a room and make it across town to Ferrecomsa (building materials store) that is open till 5 pm.  Once there I bought needed supplies to be shipped via boat to Puerto Lempira – a three or four day journey depending on weather.  The two passenger flights daily from La Ceiba to Puerto Lempira are both early morning flights so I was back at the airport by 5am on Wed. Feb. 1st.  The picture above is what it’s like as you disembark the smallest plane of the four leg flight, and it only holds 17 including the two pilots.  You must be remote when they drive up to top off the aircraft fuel with the fuel truck towing the luggage cart all while you’re mulling around.

I arrived into PL safely, minus one of my bags. I’ve come to realize your bags don’t always arrive when you do, (but I’m thankful that it did come later). I was glad to see Chuck our project forman who was there to greet me at the airstrip.  We then went to the hotel I normally stay at (Yu Biwan) which is “sunrise” in Miskito.  At that point I was met by our other friend and Director of IVA, Alex, who had kindly brought my bicycle to me, my mode of transportation while working here.  Thankfully I had the foresight to ask another one of our friends, Osiris to reserve a room for me because the hotel was full and since check out wasn’t till 10 am, I asked to leave my one piece of luggage at the desk and headed to the property with Spanish study bibles in hand for each of the property workmen.

Pictures below of the Houston sunrise, our friendly security at Ferrecomsa, and the guys building forms to hold rebar and concrete for the well tower.

The first week was spent tying much rebar, building forms and pouring concrete for the well tower, all with two of my closest allies hanging from my shirt tails.

 

Picture below of Marco and Jerbin, two of my closest amigosOn Friday they began drilling the well.  A BIG thank you goes out to our church, Highlands Community Church for coming along side us, as well as to all our supporters who have helped immensely in making this well project happen!  We are continuing to pray for good clean water and asking for God to pour out His blessings upon each one of you for partnering with us, as it could not be done without your support -both in finance and prayer.  Please continue to pray for good clean water to be reached.

Only yesterday, Saturday the 4th, was I able to track down and purchase a different SIM card for my phone along with some internet. Thanking God for helping me resolve this issue as I had begun to feel quite defeated not being able to share His work that is happening down here.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in everything for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus” It is easy for me to feel as though this would be possible, I know I love the Lord, and I am certain He loves me, and still I am finding these soft areas in my life where I see much work to be done. I am still accustomed to my creature comforts; it’s part of the blessing or a curse that comes with being a gringo in the United States. Anyone can thank God after the prayer is answered it’s the giving of thanks for the trial while your struggling that I feel God stretching me, all the while strengthening and growing my faith. In this I am truly grateful.

Asking for prayer over the work men and their families, and the boys as they come to know our great Lord and Savior; for the work to continue safely and mostly for God to be glorified in my words and actions with the Honduran peoples. Thank you for reading and thank you for joining me in prayer, may you too be blessed. ~Mike

Hello,

As we welcome the new year with all of our expectations, goals and dreams fresh in the front of our minds, I am eager to get my boots back on Honduran soil!  It seems a bit more like home with every landing on that ol’dirt airstrip.  Looking ahead, I am excited to be flying out on January 30th, 2017, for yet another opportunity to deepen our relationships with our friends and neighbors in La Moskitia.  Not to mention the tremendous joy I experience in ministering to the Kids.  So often I think about the opportunities and blessings Casa Del Camino will provide for these children, and then I see, we are the ones truly blessed by the desires that God has placed in our hearts.  How good is our God?  Let me tell you a little bit of background; as I was growing up and far too late into my adulthood, “obedience” was a bad word.  For to “obey” couldn’t be fun.  In most situations, if I were to obey what I was told, it would either cost me too much of my time, or take away the risk.  Let me also share, that I loved taking risks!  So back to our question, How good is God?  He is a God that uniquely shapes each of our lives to fulfill His purpose and as I seek His face He has shown me, His purpose for my life and the desires in my heart, are one in the same.  As I pray to walk in obedience with Him, I discover this mission will cost me all the time I have left here this side of heaven, and it is full of risks.  Sounds like a match made in heaven!

Below are a couple pictures of the next phase of infrastructure for Casa Del Camino.  Construction of full bathroom and clothes washing area incorporated into and alongside the well tower.

Thank you, to all of you who have been praying for this mission, and who have donated thus far.  This mission will continue to grow, at what speed only God Himself knows.  He knows our need.  At this time we are currently 12% funded, we need to be 100% funded before we can leave, along with our onetime outgoing expenses; for example, five months of live in language school in Honduras, and much building that needs to happen.  We are praying for God to bring partners to come along side us, also for people to continually pray with us and for us and Casa Del Camino.  And now you all know our needs as well.

As I have begun to struggle in meeting the financial needs in keeping a project of this size and scope up and running, I awoke this morning to a timely and comforting word from God, one that tells us we may “Cast all our care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.   What an amazing truth, so what I would pray for you to come away with from this short post is that we may live with hope, being a child of God, no matter what burdens may be weighing us down at this time, that we can be joyful in our patience, knowing  God is a gracious God, and He will provide.

Rest in Him,

Mike.      Donate to Casa Del Camino

*All donations 100% tax deductible.

Hello everyone, all is well with the men and the project “Casa Del Camino”. The guys continue to rid the property of poisonous snakes as our fence has been completed in total, the sea wall is complete and the four chamber septic system is finished!  Praise God for all He has been doing behind the scene.  As I have included in our newsletter that was recently mailed out, we have begun work on a well tower, a clothes washing pila below the well tower and a bathroom with shower adjacent; all being built as a single structure.  Here are a few pictures of the progress:

The plan is, God willing, for me to return to Puerto Lempira the end of January.  I plan to stay four weeks, during which if monies are available, we will drill a 75′ deep well with a submersible pump that will provide for a good clean water source.  (I will most definitely have extra Dediacol pills with me in case it is not clean water 😅).  Along with the $3500 well drilling cost (pump included) we will need to purchase a 1350 gallon water storage tank for the well tower and nessesary plumbing to complete bath/shower and water transfer.  At the completion of these things property infrastructure will be complete and we will be ready to start work on the home “Casa Del Camino”.  🤗👍🏻

As we come to one of our favorite times of the year, let us believe and receive all God has intended for us.

“That Christ may make His home in your hearts by faith…”     Ephesians 3:17.

” Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”  Colossians 3:17

Thank you Father for Your word and truths, we give you thanks for our families and friends Lord, we ask for strength and healing over our loved ones who are suffering and give You all glory and honor for allowing us to rest in You.  God, we thank you and give you all praise and thanksgiving for what Jesus did for us on the cross and for allowing us to be a part of furthering Your kingdom on earth.  And all God’s people said…..                                               

 Amen,                                                                                                

Thank you for reading,

Mike

All donations to construction fund 100% tax deductible http://www.actioninternational.org/brenner

Sunrise Tuesday morning, I never get tired of watching the beginning of a new day. I am very happy to be returning home to Lisa, my loving wife. At the same time I find myself juggling my emotions of leaving the friendships that continue to grow, the relationships with the kids and the ability to get a smile for smile from the many locals. I’m sure they have to be wondering, what is another gringo doing here and why is he always smiling? And saying “hola” or “knocksa”? Also I have noticed my lack of being in the Word, I feel that is is adding to my fatigue, weighing me down. I have been spending most of my time with the locals whom I’m finding difficult to share the gospel with, due to the language barrier (Looking forward to language school). Perhaps this experience is what God ordered, stamping an exclamation point on what  I have been told many times, that His Word is food for my soul. In order to grow, and be strengthened one must be in the Word. I have allowed the mission to be my priority over the last several days, that along with trying to spend adequate time with everyone. It’s like going back home for a quick visit knowing someone is bound to feel shorted because you didn’t apropreate enough of your time to spend with them, to only hurt yourself by not taking time for “you”, or in this case “Him”. I know. Dust myself off and open the Bible. Prayers welcomed.

Monday I got up early to meet Chuck at the airport for coffee as that is the only place open by 6:30 am. As I got to the property some of the guys had started dinging footings for columns for the water tower, pila and property bathroom, as we laid out the locations days earlier. I was concerned about the coming rains and was determined to have some semblance of a drainage ditch prepared to alieviate the standing water on property along with another 3-4 yards dirt brought in to fill and level.

The idea is to turn the trench outside the property into a concreted culvert and have a 75′ or so dry river bed with large rocks inside the property where I noticed the majority of heavy runoff from the rains. As we prayed at the end of the day, thanking God, giving praise for His provision asking for Him to bless not only this place but all of La Moskitia with His undeniable presence, for the people here to feel and be moved by His mighty hand at work, at that point I had lost all my composure and began to weep. Sharing with the men how honored I was to sweet along side them and to please remember, they are not working for “me” but for God Himself in order to bring Him glory. As I left I embraced each of them and told them I loved them and that God loves them for Jesus died for “them”. Pretty sure the man hug hasn’t made its way to La Moskitia, hard to believe I could be the first?

On a side note. The term “Miskito” is relatively new and didn’t exist pre Colombian era, they are a people group made up of a small Indian population that began to intermix with the fleeing  black slaves coming from various Caribbean locals. Through contact with European traders they acquired guns and ammunition distinguishing them from their neighbors as a literal “musket” bearing group. Thought this was interesting.

Sunday I was allowed to take some of the older boys from House Of Hope to church, three hour church then to ice cream and a little game of pig.

Saturday is pay day for the guys and a half day. We got the plan of attack for the water tower/bathroom hammered out. Spent rest of time with kids at HOH. And holding baby “N”asking for Gods will to be done in the life of the precious baby boy.

Friday was a big day, work getting done on septic system and beginning of the drainage system.

Even though I thought we would have the fencing delivered in time for Pat and I to work on finishing the fence and the fact that the materials I purchased on my way in, (epoxy paint for gates and container, 100 rolls of razor wire, 200 galvanized 1/2″ tubes to weld frame for razor wire, 25-1/2″ rebar, 150 3/8″ rebar, 125 100# bags cement, 80# galv. Wire, 40# rebar tie wire, 5 pair welding gloves to install razor wire.) Most of which did not arrive, with exception of 100 rolls razor wire and the epoxy paint that took several calls to track down late Monday afternoon. Today when I landed in Ceiba I took taxi to Ferreteria to inquire of the rest of materials, when they gave me two large sun/rain umbrellas one for myself and one for my wife. LOL, Then told me they should be on next boat meaning Wednesday or Thursday placing them in Puerto Limpera about the same time as the 15 100′ rolls of fencing. Guys are gonna get busy! Even though I thought I’d be doing something totally different God provided the plans to keep His mission moving forward and helping me to become aware of the importance of being in the word, daily. Keeping fit spiritually, not complacent  with where your at. If your coasting, you must be going downhill. Amen?

Thankyou for reading and allowing me to share many blessing, some struggles and the growing friendships of the Miskito people. Asking for continues prayers for this region and hopefully through these few blogs they have brought to life this God given purpose. I will continue to post updates when I receive them.

Thank you again, God bless.

From left to right: Pastor Roberto (Pastor of a Miskito Baptista Iglesia), Winsis (my foreman Chuck’s righthand man), Herman (the happiest guy on the crew – always smiling), Chuck (our foreman, who I am completely confident in, not to mention he speaks Miskito, Español, Garifuna and English), yours truly, and finally the youngest on the team, Ebenor, who I have nicknamed “Romeo” because he talks to his girlfriend several times a day. LOL.  The only one not shown here is the night watchie, Aldolfo. These guys are great, hard workers who love the Lord. I am blessed to have this group of guys and they tell me that us coming to Puerto Lempira has blessed them as well. “Grateful all the way around.”

I was sad to see my bro Patrick leave on Wednesday; I so enjoyed what he helped us to accomplish with his trip.  As God would have it, we awoke Wednesday to a beautiful sunrise I wanted to share.  Isaiah 45:6 So that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting, there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. 

After Pat’s plane took off I stopped by Mama Tara’s to see Linda, a single gal who with the help of a couple of locals takes care of 27 orphans ranging in age from 1-22 years, not including Moses, and I’m not sure of his age.

After a short visit I made my way to Red Sea Ministry property where changes were being made to the sea wall. Over the last few days the sea wall is finished and we couldn’t ask for a better job.  Hopefully you can see how the extra section provides much better protection for that corner fence post.

Osiris has brought in a crew of guys to help with the septic system, headed up by my friend William who I call “Willie”.   I met Willie several years ago as he works for  Habitat for Humanity, and I have in past visits down here helped him build several roofs on Habitat homes.

Osiris also brought in a truck with four guys to move the dirt that was dug out of this 7’x7’x25′ septic hole – turned out to be 16 truck loads, moved to the low area on property.

I woke up this morning to thunderstorms. Incredible amount of rain.

Needless to say the ride in on my bike was a challenge. By the time I got out to the property the rain had quit though and within an hour the sun was out causing a sauna effect yet we were still able to move all the dirt to level out what we could.  I’m really going to miss the camaraderie with all these guys; what an amazing plan that God is unfolding right before me.

Glad we moved that dirt today because it’s dumping outside as I write this, complete with lightning storms. God’s timing is perfect.

 

At the end of each day we gather at the bodega and give thanks and praise to God for this place and for it to be filled with His presence, for the relationships that are built here to grow into lasting friendships, and for what He accomplished for once and forever, for all who believe.Missing my beautiful wife who couldn’t make this trip and praying for our reunion. Otherwise there is a lot to be done here – I could be here a minute!

Today I am grateful to have spent the last week hanging out with one of my best friends, doing what we love to do, mostly exploring the area by bicycle on our way to and from the property, getting some exercise as well as discovering the lay of the land.  We located all the important commodities – hardware stores, bike shops, solar store, restaurants, hotels, the best place to find apples and liquados, all while introducing ourselves to new and old friends and stopping and talking with people best we could, whenever we could.  I thought I would just share some pictures of some of what we saw today.

The dock and downtown, including the improved prison. It appears they no longer allow the inmates to sit out on the street.

Progress on septic system and backfilling the low areas.

A boy playing in front of his house, acouple guys fixing their fishing net and a lady trying to beat the heat.

Adding a bit more sea wall.

Visiting kids at House of Hope.

The workers who prayed over then said good-bye to Patrick.

Dear Lord, Heavenly Father I thank you and give you praise for bringing along side me Patrick, who has blessed me with his time, his wisdom and encouragement. I pray for his safe travels back to his wife Naomi and to their boys Titus, Levi and Shad.

Thank you brother for helping strengthen my walk and keeping me accountable. You are loved and missed already. Godspeed my Brother.

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

~Update on Katrina, I was told the surgery was a success removing 95% of the tumor and she is expected to be released within two days. Thank you for all your prayers and thank you God.