Wisdom from Above...

As 2014 was nearing its end, naturally I was thinking about the new year.  What’s going to happen?  When will new children come into our care? What projects do we want to accomplish? How should we spend our resources? How many missions teams should we host? How can I be a better husband and dad? And so forth!

During those thoughts and final days of 2014, I found my myself constantly praying forWISDOM.  Oh how badly I need wisdom beyond my years, especially in this new year.  I came across this very this morning that was perfect timing…

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).

Not only should I pray for wisdom, but the kind of wisdom that James describes in this verse, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

After ringing in the New Year, I found myself desperately needing wisdom, as I was stuck up in El Paso.  We finished 2014 and began 2015 with a missions team from Calvary Wedgwood in Seattle WA.  It was a wonderful time and we were sad to see them go, especially because my sister and her family were leading the team.

As I was driving back down to Mexico, I heard this horrible loud shaking in our van.  Great, I’m 5 minutes from the border and now this.  Fortunately, I was still in the states and was able to turn around and get to a mechanic.  This began my first of four days in El Paso TX.  Of course the part they needed wasn’t available and would take 2-3 days to get there.  So, obviously I had a lot of time on my hands…especially time to think and pray.  I wan’t peaceful, I wasn’t gentle, I wasn’t open to reason, I was being a grouch because I wanted to be home.

However, the Lord in His wonderful timing, wanted some uninterrupted time to speak and minister to my heart.  He began reminding me of His faithfulness this past year….His kindness, love, provision, blessings, and everything else that makes our Lord incredible.

“I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12).

God did incredible things last year, that I’d like to take a moment to remember, meditate on and talk about.

• The doors of Casa de Bendicion officially opened, Saturday, January 18th when our first young man came into our care.  Over the next 11 months, we were able to care for a total of 16 children, ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old.  9 children (3 girls and 6 boys) are currently in the home full-time.

• A total of $124,774.15 came into the House of Blessing.  $60,081.99 was fromthe 10 missions trips that we hosted.  $13,440.25 was donated for special projects. $51,251.33 came in through general donations from individuals, families, churches, schools and businesses.  AMAZING!

• We were able to hire 2 more staff members, Jairo Gonzalez (our children administrator) and Guadalupe (our amazing cook/cleaner).

• Another family joined us on the missions field from Bellingham WA.  The Heist family moved down in October and have been settling in.  They have been a big blessing both here at the orphanage and at the church.

• Not 1, not 2, but 3 vans were donated to the ministry.  2, 15 passenger vans and 1, minivan.  Perfect timing for our growing family.

• I was able to travel quite a bit throughout the states to share and teach at churches about the ministry.  What a blessing to see the list of our supporters continue to grow.

So, we are greatly looking forward to this new year and all that the Lord has in store.  No matter what it looks like, good or bad, I know it will be another blessed year.  None of this would be possible without the continued support and prayer from all of our dear friends and loving churches.  We are forever thankful for each and every one of you!

Happy New Year…

Jason and the Casa de Bendicion team!