Rodeo Viejo – Vision

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For the past few months I have been questioning life and ministry. I have frequently been asking the question “what am I doing and what is God’s plan?” Sometimes that can be a good way to realign ourselves with what His will is for our life and ministry but that was not where my heart was. My heart was thinking that I am not seeing the results or having the easy path so this can’t really be God’s will, right? Even with those thoughts crowding my mind and heart daily the wonderful, loving, and purposeful Father keep reminding me and confirming to me that He has called me to a life of ministry. He actually chose me and wants to use me for his kingdom work.
Just before my trip to Panama I was seriously considering taking a job and getting out of full time ministry. I have to take care of my family and pay bills right?

After the second day in Rodeo Viejo a very godly man named Victor that I had be privileged to get to know, came to me late one evening and told me about a dream that he had had a couple of nights prior. So this is what he told me as I stood there with my eyes opened wide, heart filling up, and mouth on the floor.

I had a dream the other night and after talking to God about it I believe that it was from Him. I was nervous about telling you about it since we just meet and I did not want you to think that I was one of those weird people that have crazy vision that they say are from God. But He keeps laying it on my heart so I have to tell you if I am going to be able to lie down and go to sleep. I saw a picture of you…you were overseeing many and many were following your lead. You were being a great influence for the Kingdom and your influence and power keep growing the more you lead. After the dream I asked the Lord what it means and He told me to tell you “do not give up! Don’t stop! Keep following me and serving! I am going to use you in great ways but you have to keep diligent in My work!”

Victor then asked me what I thought. After a few gulps I said that I believe that this was from God. I shared with Victor that just last week I was thinking about putting this work aside but I felt like God was telling me not to and the his dream was proof that the Almighty was telling me this. It was a great comfort to me to here Victor say with such confidence and passion, “Don’t give up! Don’t stop! Keep following me! I’m going to use you in great ways.”

God is not done with me, the road is not going to be easy, and my family and I will have to suffer some pain but God is going to use us in ways that we cannot even imagine today. He will be glorified in our lives, family, and ministry for many years to come. We praise Him for this privilege!

Rodeo Viejo – Over the river and up the mountain

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I am blogging a series of stories that comes from my experiences on my last trip to the mountains and jungles of Panama.

We left base camp heading to peoples homes to share the Gospel this morning. I found myself in knee deep mud with in 20 minutes. The rain is really making many of these roads impassable by car, horse or foot. I made one wrong step and I began to sink. With my back back on I began to crawl, literally, out of this swampy mess. When i reached the other side of the village I was covered from head to toe in mud. I was not looking forward to the rest of the day since it was only 10am.

After visiting a few homes we found a man who owns the local store in the village so we stopped to have a cold drink with him. After he stopped laughing at me for being covered in the mud he offered to show us where there was a nice clean river to wash off in. That sounded like music to my ears! It was a about a 20min hike but completely worth it.

The store owner then told us of two families that were close that he thought they would like for us to visit them. So we hiked to the top of this mountain and found the farthest home was an elderly couple. The man was 81 years old he thinks. They were both full of energy and very welcoming. After talking about everything from chickens to my red mud boots we began to share the story of Jesus with them. Being catholic they knew a lot about Jesus and the bible but you could tell that it was mostly in there head and not in their hearts. Me, my translator, and a team of 3 other local believers spent about an hour there sharing all about the love of God, the bible, and God’s plan for them before they asked, “how can we start a relationship with God?” So we lead them in a simple, short prayer and then worship and fellowship broke out in that small bamboo hunt on the top of the mountain in the middle of no where. The Spirit was there moving!

It has been a couple of days and we are going to re visited the elderly couple over the river and up the mountain. They wanted us to come read the bible to them and teach them more about Christ. They are soaking it up like a sponge and are so thrilled. They can’t read so our store owner who also came to know the Lord last night said that he would visit this area every week and bring the supplies from the store that they had ordered and help teach them the bible using our discipleship materials. He is helping them go through the first worksheet now and it is cool to see that it is basic enough that a baby christian can understand.

New believers gathering for bible reading and studying in homes in the middle of the jungles with a local man of influence leading it…that sounds like the book of Acts coming to life!!! That is so exciting! God has had his hand upon us.

Rodeo Viejo

Posted on by Spanky Rouse
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I am going to tell a few of the stories that I had a chance to journal on my last trip to Panama. They are stories where I was privileged to see the hand of God and I believe that they can be encouraging to you too.

Today was our first day in the village and it was low key due to the massive amounts of rain that has fallen for the past 12 hours or so. We were not able to be a mobile as we wanted to be because the roads and paths are literally rivers. About mid morning we decided that we came here to do a work so went got dressed in all the rain gear that we could and headed out. Rain gear, for the locals that means a large trash bad at best.

I started walking with my translator Aaron and 4 other believers down this muddy trail while our mud boots began filling up with water. Aaron and I were getting to know each other since we had never meet nor worked together. I wanted to make a relationship with him before we reached the first home where we were planning to share the gospel. After about 30 minutes and being totally soak i found out that Aaron was born into a Catholic family, goes to a local University, has never been on a camping trip like this, and he had know idea that a person could have a personal relationship with Jesus(God). He said that he knew that is what he needed and has known that for a while but he had no idea how to do that. I began to ask him some questions, really I was trying to talk him out of this right now because I didn’t want it to seem as though I talked him into salvation or praying a prayer during our first conversation. I couldn’t! He was almost begging me to share with him how you start a real relationship with God. So, we stopped right there in the rain and mud and I shared with him how he can talk to God, and God can actually start working in his life. His eyes lit up and I asked him if he wanted to talk to God right there. He said, “Here? You can talk to God here? and He will come in to my life and forgive me, here?” I told him that he could do this anywhere and anytime but he said he wanted to right there and right now. I stopped the other men that were with us and shared with them our conversation. We lead Aaron in a simple prayer and a huge smile took over.

I hope that this is going to be a great week of disciplining for the guy and a great start to his personal relationship with God. I could go home happy right now!

Sufficient

Posted on by Spanky Rouse
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This one comes from one of my recent journal entries.

I have been struggling a lot lately and I feel like many others around me are fighting the same battle. Life as a Christ follower is not always easy and who ever has taught that it is, should be beat! Not really but I feel like I could do the job if someone said that to me today.

It has been one of those times in life when I feel like I suck at being or doing anything! Providing for my family, being excellent in ministry and making a difference, fathering, loving my wife effectively, planning for the future, not worrying and trusting God, taking the right steps, really I feel like I fail at everything some days. The bigger problem is that I find my self in these time trying to fix it or figure it out on my own. That is probably the last thing that I need to do! “Trust in the Lord…lean not on my own understanding(prov.3:5-6)” keeps ringing in my head. I know that it is no accident that that is the first bible verse that my mom taught me as a child.

Today Father, you allowed me to land on 2 Cor. 3:4-6 and I am so thankful!!!

vs.4, I CAN trust you Father because you have already proven your love and faithfulness to me through Jesus. There is no reason for me to not trust You, that is actually the only logical and rational thing to do.

vs. 5, This one hit me hard 3 days ago and I can’t get away from it. “I’m not sufficient for anything! But you are sufficient for everything and through you I can be sufficient no matter what comes my way. No matter what You are able and are the best answer to the equation.

vs. 6, Not only are you sufficient in my life but You chose to make me sufficient in ministry. Through you I am able, adequate, competent to be a minister of the Gospel(new covenant) that brings life. Now that is encouraging!

Father, help me to trust in and rely on You. You can, You are able, You are the best for me! I’m Yours and Your mine.

Real Love

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Do you know what “Real Love” is? I think that real love is something that you don’t just have or get but rather it is apart of God that He develops with in us. We are selfish and disgusting creatures that care only for ourselves so if there be any kind of love with in you it has to be the image of God coming out. The bible says that even my best is still in the likeness of filthy, dirty rags so how could I ever really love someone. I can only love through the love that my Heavenly Father has given me. Before I was apart of God’s family, while I was still at my worst, Jesus stepped out of Heaven in all of its glory and willingly died for me. He did what I could not do but what I should have to do all because He loves me more than anything else. That is “Real Love”.

This love should change the way we live and act. Every relationship and situation would be effected if we truly walked in this love. Beginning with our family. I have to put them first and become a servant if I want to love them with “Real Love”. As we have been learning at Ridge Church the past few weeks, love is a verb so put it into action.

This love should also cause us to take action for the people in this world that are in need physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. How can we, followers of Christ not step up to the plate and stand in the gap for those all over this world that are in need. The least we could do is give but we should be going to help too. We, who live in America that say,”What can I do” should be ashamed! We live in the top 5% of the most wealthy people in the whole world and we wonder what we can do. There are children, widows, and families all over this world that are homeless, hungry, dying of sicknesses that are easily curable, crippled and crawling, dehydrated, hopeless, joyless, and empty and we seem to be okwith that. What can you do? You can start right where you are. Acts 1:8 Go serve, give $20 a month, step up to the plate and help, and at least be praying for those in need. 1 John 3:16 ” By Jesus we know love, and now we ought to lay down our lives for others.”

The gospel, what Jesus has done and is still doing for you, should put love into action in your life! 1 John 4:11 “If God so loved us, then we ought to love one another.” It’s not what I can achieve in life that matters it is who I can affect for the glory of God that matters.

Watch this 3 minute video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXh_tgjnYJw

Update from Uganda

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Hello family, friends, and partners,Wow! God is so awesome! He truly amazed me moment after moment on this trip. We talk regularly about what is a “win” so we will recognize the hand of God moving and it seemed as though we saw win after win. Our team was made up of 29 people from the US, 3 from the UK, and many Ugandans. We worked in the area of Kaberamaido, Uganda planting 5 Ugandan lead churches by evangelizing, disciplining, sports evangelism, HIV/Aids education, and Medical ministry. Some conditions were tough and circumstances difficult to work through but God was there and at work. I know that each one of us returned back home changed forever and filled up more with a zealousness and fire in our spirit for the Lord and to serve! That is what it is all about for Lara and I!

CIMG2924Everyday I would wake up and say, “Father can today really be any better than yesterday?” and everyday He would amaze me. Close to 400 people received Christ into their heart for the first time, 340 of them were revisited for a time of discipleship, and over 275 of the new believers were coming for cell group meetings where there was a time of worship and bible study. We had over 750 medical patients and close to 400 eye glasses patients come through our medical clinics. The newest part of our ministry, sports evangelism was a huge success too. Each day the soccer fields were filled with people of all ages ready to play and hear the gospel. I know that success is not measured in numbers but in the lives that are changed when we are dealing with ministry. I saw success this week. In the eye of a little child that has cancer and has lost one eye already. In the words of a pastor that said the he is giving his life to disciple, nurture, and teach these new believers in his village. In the voice of a lady who had giving her heart to Jesus and then said,”I feel like I have hope and joy now”. On the smiling face of a boy with no arms. And in the voice of an American team member that said as we returned home,”Now what am I suppose to do since my life has been changed?”

This was a life changing week for all of us, American, British, and Ugandan. I am left asking the Father this morning,”Can today be any better than that?” Lara and I are so excited to see what He has in store for us next! We know that this is only the beginning.

We are planning on putting some pictures together to send out to you also. Thank you for your prayers and support!!! We know that we can’t do this with out you and we are sure that in Heaven many will tell you thank you. God bless you!

Looking back at 2009

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018This time of the year I normally start reflecting on the past year and start dreaming for the year to come. When replaying 2009 I am left speechless at the awesomeness and sovereignty of what the Lord has done for us and in our lives. He has shown us that he really is the “I am”. No matter what day, circumstance or situation our Heavenly Father has been the I am. I am…your Provider, Sustainer, Help, Strength, Blessing, Hope, Peace, Protector, Joy, Life, Able One, Teacher, Care Taker, Director, All in All!

This has been our first full year of ministry and it has been exciting! We have been in the far reaches of Africa ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Uganda, in jungles and mountains of Panama teaching about the love and goodness of the Almighty Creator, in cities of Costa Rica being prepared to be used more for the Lord’s work, and at Ridge Church in Charlotte, NC serving the Lord with our gifts and talents. My heart and mind is over taken by the memories of many people and places we have seen the Hand of God move. We could not have imagined the opportunities the Lord has put in front of us or the ways He has proven Himself over this year. We have realized and are understanding more everyday that He is in total control and is worthy of praise! Habakkuk 1:5 ““Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed and astounded. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

This year has been the hardest year for us too. We feel like we have been in a fight and have barley come out the other side but are reminded in the scriptures to keep our eyes looking toward the Cross. Romans 15:13 says that abundant joy and peace comes from walking in faith. When we feel empty He seems to fill us up and satisfy us once again. We praise God for allowing us to serve in His ministry of seeing lives change. How great is our God!!!

We know that 2010 will be a year of God’s direction too. We don’t know all that He has in store for us or all of the places He will send us and use us this year. We as a family and partners together in ministry have decide to follow the Lords path where ever He leads. There will probably be valleys and struggles so we continue to ask that you join us in prayer. Pray for the glory of the Lord to be displayed in our lives and ministry and of course pray for what ever else He lays on your heart for us. We are also waiting in expectation because we know that there is going to be great victories and miracles in this new year. He is faithful and mighty! “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion, which can not be shaken, but endure forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people, from now to forever!” Psalm 125:1-2

Mac’s first mission trip

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Costa Rica and Panama Nov 09 188We had the opportunity to take Mac with us on our last trip to Panama. It was one of the coolest experiences that we have had as a family. The couple of weeks before the trip you could tell that he was getting nervous. He would ask a lot of questions about the people, food, what was he going to be doing, etc. It is not unusual for Mac to ask a lot of questions but when most of his questions are centered on one topic you know that things are stirring around in his head. I think that one of his biggest concerns was what he was going to eat. Half of his backpack was filled up with food and snacks just to be safe.

Mac did very well with the traveling. No matter how long or bumpy the flight he just keeps talking. Long bus rides were no problem either. He just fell asleep on who ever was beside him. The first night we slept in a hotel in Panama city. I got a little worried for Mac and the rest of the week when he looked at his bed and said with a cracky voice,”there are bugs on my bed”.

When we arrived in the small village of Alto de Jesus Mac quickly became the focus of attention with the children. He quickly made friends and fit right in when he brought out his bag of Legos. I remember him sitting on the dirty ground playing along with the kids and then turning to me and saying,”Dad, I don’t know what they are saying!” It was pretty cool for me to sit down with him and his new friends and help them talk to each other. These new friends would become his partners in ministry and entertainment for the rest of the week. Two of his best friends were a brother and sister named Arnon and Rose. By the end of the week you would have thought that they had known each other forever.

Some of Mac’s favorite things about Panama were sleeping in a tent, playing all day with his new friends, feeding chickens, riding in the back of a truck, and telling other children about Jesus with his Evangecube. He ate great, loved the extreme part of the trip(except all of the hiking up hill), and hardly ever complained. He is filled with a sweet spirit and built for ministry. Mac is one of the best trip participants that we have ever had and the three of us are so glad that we have this experience of serving the Lord together to remember forever. Praise the Lord! Serving the Lord alongside of your family is one of the coolest things you could ever do.

Week 4 of Spanish in Costa Rica

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12642_166109457757_694427757_2799761_7407941_n-2Estoy en morada! I am Home!!! I finally made it home on Saturday night at 10pm. I was so good to see Lara and the boys. I have had a couple of good days getting reacclimated to life in the US, family, and cold weather. After waking up sick and cold the past few mornings I realized that I have to move back south, way south.

This last week of school was great! I learned a lot and found that I had made some great friends. We finished a entire semester in just four weeks. The regular 4 month(semester) students said that we were crazy and after doing it I think they are right. My brain really did hurt at the end everyday. I am nowhere near being fluent but I feel that I am much further along than where I began. I feel like I at least have the basics now. In my grammar class I finished with a 90(A) and in conversation I finished with a 98. I think that they grade on a giant curve.

I still believe that this month was more than just a time for me to learn Spanish. It was time for the Lord to speak and move in our lives and ministry. The word became more clear and faith was strengthened daily. After living in the culture and with the people for this time I have to admit that I feel stronger than ever about the Lord leading us to move to Panama. It was like I felt at home. It was comfortable and natural to me. Maybe the Lord wanted to give me a taste of what life might be like for us to help me keep my eyes on the goal or to give me a little more peace about leading my family there. Either way I enjoyed ever bit. I can’t wait tho see what the Father has in store for us next!

¡Gracias a todos ustedes por sus oraciones y apoyo para hacer esto posible para mí! Yo alabo a Dios todos los días para usted! Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support in making this happen for me! I praise God every day for you!

Week 3 of Spanish in Costa Rica

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I am finishing am finishing up my 3 week in Costa Rica with a cup of coffee and a good meal made by my Mamá Tica. I have to say I thought that I may loose a few pounds here in Costa Rica but if anything I will probably return home bigger. Good food and a lot of it. This week has been great. I have learned a lot and I believe that everyday I become more familiar with this language. I went to a Catholic mass last night with my Tico family a I think I understood more this week than I have ever. Praise the Lord! Believe me I still have a lot to learn. One month of learning Spanish goes by so fast but I thank God for letting me be here and learning the things that I am learning. I believe that I can get around with no problem, read the majority of a newspaper, and understand the main points in a conversation but I fell that I am still behind in speech. I keep praying daily that God will allow me to have the gift of Spanish in my mind, ears, mouth, and heart and I believe that He will grant it to me over time. Hopefully He will grant me opportunities in my everyday as I return to the States for the next few months before we follow Him to the great place of Panamá.

I was going to say, on the spiritual side of this trip but the Lord stopped me because I believe that the trip in its entirety has been a spiritual journey. The Lord is at work in my heart and life and He is teaching me about Himself, the gospel, and who He wants me to be. I have been reading a book called “The Gospel Primer”, that my best friend gave me earlier this year. It has sparked a fire in me for the gospel and a passion for Christ. God is amazingly big, unimaginably perfect, righteous, holy, just in His ways, merciful, forgiven, gracious, and supremely worthy. All that I have in life, every blessing, He put there when I deserve the total opposite. My cup, my life, is overflowing when there should not even be a drop in it. Actually there should not even be a cup. That is what I should get from God but He gives me the privilege to come before Him with confidence and ask anything. ¡Cuán gran es El que sirve! How great is the One that I serve.! That’s another point, He calls me and allows me to serve in His work! Hallelujah

I have enjoyed my time and have grown in my walk with the Father but man I miss my family! I was not made to be apart from them for a long period of time. This trip has also made me realize how blessed I am to have a wonderful wife like Lara and two amazing boys like Mac and Grey. I dream of the day that I get to huge and kiss each of them. They have been doing great, because God has had His hand on them and because Lara is an awesome woman. Things have not been easy or smooth sailing but God has been gracious and Lara has been strong. In this month of not being able to actively pursue more funding and support for our ministry needs like I want to or need to be doing, God has provided some new financial partners. How great is He! I am sure that they are ready for me to come home as I am ready to be there. Please keep praying for them and Gods mercy and blessings to cover them over this next week. And please keep praying for me as I learn Spanish for His glory and future Kingdom work. We know that Christ is preparing us to be used in some mighty ways and we are so excited! Dios te bendiga! God bless you!