Like a lot of people, we are locked down in our house in Honduras. We are allowed out one day per week to buy groceries based on the last digit on our ID card. There’s time for anyone who thinks they can buck the system.
At the time of this writing, there are over 400 cases of COVID and 32 deaths. The rate of infection was progressing geometrically at first but has since slowed and appears to be restricted to three or four municipalities.
The US State Department keeps us updated with daily “get out while you can” emails announcing what might be the last charter flight out of Honduras.
A fair number of missionaries have taken the warning seriously and returned to the USA. Meanwhile, there is a rumor circulating that the lock-down may be ending on the 20th.
Like a lot of people, we’ve tried to piece together truth regarding COVID. Unfortunately, it’s hard to engage in a discussion without people getting offended. We’ve intentionally remained centric in accordance with Acts 10:34-35, regarding political and personality cult wars. That hasn’t stopped some people from name-calling, blowing up and even blocking us on Facebook. I could be wrong but the apparent inability to think critically and engage in civil debate is our greatest risk factor as a nation. It’s only gotten worse since I last actively engaged in discussions on social media.
My most recent conclusion on COVID: it’s a lot crazier than we imagine.
Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against those who practice iniquity? Psalm 94:16
Speaking of critical thinking, not every Honduran believes that COVID is real. Many believe that it is an invention of their president to get money. The result is “Tomas” which means blocking roads with burning tires and throwing rocks at police. Life is hard here. While most people in the USA live paycheck to paycheck, most Hondurans live day to day. The good news is that some Honduran police take a slightly different approach to their jobs than what you might expect.
These are interesting times. Lots of people are praying that God restores life back to normal. Lots of people forget that God’s mercy sometimes looks like judgment in the eyes of man. One thing is certain, He is in control. Proverbial monkey wrenches don’t get thrown into the gears of our goals apart from His will and Satan can’t sift us without His permission.
Speaking of Satan our friend Chad McGinnis made a good point about him on Facebook.
“The tree took it’s slow sweet time to do this, and 20 feet up and a few years later, you’re trapped. The devil will too, he will simply eat at you until you are devoured. Seek Godly truth. Subject your thoughts to Christ, don’t let fear in. Take time to find God in the smallest things.”
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15.
We’d best appreciate what have today. Tomorrow is not promised.
Right now, apart from helping an occasional passing neighbor ( his name is Feliz) with his firewood and mule, missions and ministry look like stillness and finding God in the smallest things.
Cathy is good at capturing the little things.
All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah Psalm 66:4
The Lord is speaking.
Thank you for your word of truth of God and his word. You are much appreciated peace in this world of chaos. God is using me 2 help eradicate fear out of some. And helping others this God sees fit. Do I fear let’s say not, am I cautious I would say yes to that. It is my hope and desire that I will see you guys soon but only asked the Lord wills. Pete Witner
Thanks Pete
Thanks guys. Even though we are miles and continents apart our thoughts are similar. We are control with and by our faith as we, in stillness seek to hear what the Father is saying in all this. I agree, we live in a day when to question, think critically and have open dialogue falls on uninterested ears. Thinking has become labeled hateful or closed and debating together is seen as hostile within and outside the body of Christ. Your journey is amazing, thanks for staying connected.
Thanks Mark!
You do such a beautiful job of expressing the heart of God and displaying His beauty! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jane.