Where does the power come from?

 

 

A simple question but have you ever thought about what happens when you walk into the kitchen and flip a simple switch.  We wait for the expected result, as the light comes on we give no thought of what path it has taken to get to the little piece of filament inside the glass ball hanging over our heads. For many around the world this is a foreign concept.  There is no switch nor is there any light bulb hanging from a finished ceiling.  A large portion of the world is still living life without an outside power source.

 

 

We have been blessed to see God bring the Children's Home in Honduras be brought to life before our very eye's and quicker than we could have even imagined.  As we move into the next steps a major part in the process is the installation of electricity.  With it comes the ability to light the rooms for late night Bible study.  The energy needed to power a computer that will allow sponsors to talk face to face with the child they are pouring there life into.  The turning of a fan blade to give relief to young men and women as they lay there head down to rest.  The power to drive a a piece of dental equipment to offer relief to young lady with a toothache. To cool the chickens and other meats that will be served to the children, workers, and community. 

 

Unlike America, in Honduras property owners are responsible to pay for the materials needed to get power to the property.  We are in the process of collecting the funds through God's provisions for this step and it has brought into mind a deeper question.  Where does our power come from.  Are we the walking dead, or are we living a life plugged in to the full 220 volts that God has supplied.

 

This project has taught those involved one thing over and over if nothing else.  Any task preformed without the power of the Holy Spirit  as it fuel is as destined to fail as is a car with no gas trying to run the Indy 500.  For much of my life I attempted to do many things on my own and always wondered why I would fail or get burnt out trying to keep it going.  You see much in the same way as a child spinning a ceiling fan is only a temporary movement with no lasting impact, so is a life without Christ.  God is willing and able to supply you His power to move mountains.  The same power that raised Lazarus from the dead is available for you and I today.

 

 

Acts 17:6

 

Paul and Silas are described in this passage as the men who have turned the world upside down.  Isn't it encouraging to know that the same thing that drove these two men is available to you and I.  All we have to do is surrender and submit to the will of God.  Notice I did not say agree and be a fan.  This is where we see the greatest failure in the lives of Christians today.  We take our spiritual plug and admit we not to be plugged in and then lay our plug close to the outlet and wonder why we are tired all the time.  We let the prongs touch the outside of the box but refuse to push in and let the power guide our every step.  You see the Holy Spirit is not a suggestive whisper, but a might rushing wind that must consume you.

 

 

 

Last June while working near Pena Blanca Honduras I was privileged to take a small group of people to Pulphazanik waterfall near our children's home.  We had an amazing bible study out of Ezekiel and where able to pray with an elderly gentlemen who was loosing his eyesight.  Afterward I was foolishly convinced to take a tour of the cave behind the waterfall.  As part of the tour we where required to jump from two different rocks into pools below.  As we followed this man with no fear I couldn't help but question what I was doing.  After the tour was concluded we where on the way out and he offered one last thrill.  There before us he pointed to a young boy as he lept off a rock into the water some 40 feet below.  As I watched I herd the cheers of the college students urging me to lead them into the water.  Not to be out done I jumped to be the example they desire.  In hindsight not the best decision.  As they jumped from the cliff there was a common command.  You can not do this half way.  You have to jump to clear the rocks below.  As one of the students got close to the edge the guide became nervous and shoved her from the edge.  You see the danger is just half committing to the jump.  In the same way you can not give part of your life to Christ.  He demands full surrender.  He never asked to be called your friend, spiritual guide, or companion.  He must be called Lord. 

 

 

I pray that we all completely plug in to the life giving power of the Holy Spirit.  God use this ministry as a mouthpiece to proclaim your glory.  We give it all to you. 

 

 

Please pray for God's provision of the needs for the electrical materials.  We need $5,000 to cover the expense of transformers, wire, and poles.  If you would like to donate you can do so by Tax-Deductible check written to Carpenters Heart or via pay pal.  Donations can be mailed to the Carpenter's Heart at PO Box 1220, Weaverville  NC 28787.



 Little beginning's can bring large results in the right hands and planted in the right place!!!!!!

A single grain of corn while on the cob is a great thing to those in the south.  This time of year gardens are ready for the picking and we are preparing to enjoy the harvest of hard work and God's growth.  Its easy at this point to enjoy the fresh and refreshing corn on the cob fresh of the grill and forget that there was sacrifice that brought this bounty to our plates.  Much in the same way as our lives as Christians.  You see last year there was a single grain that was pulled from its life giving plant and pulled from it's comfort zone.  As it died to itself a process of rebirth began within itself.  We as Christians are called to do likewise.  We often cling to our cob even though we know it is only a temporary life support system.  Yet it is comfortable and known.  Christ says we must die to ourselves and be born again of the spirit.  This is where we can experience life more abundant.  You see in the same way as this little kernel passes and brings birth into a new plant the produces 100's if not 1'000s of knew kernel's we should be the same. 

Christ can show us this illustration again and again all throughout His creation but it is being played out before our eye's on a piece of land in Honduras.  What was once a field of corn that gave feed to cattle and flour for tortilla's has since turned into a hub of activity seeking to die to itself and bring glory to the Lord.  A nice field that brought a meager yield of food will soon be a home that will bring forth first fruits to the King of Kings.  Where corn once grew know is the mixing place of concrete sweat and love.  This mixture on God's land is birthing a home of ministry and love.  Before our eye's we have seen a mighty and powerful God answering prayer after prayer and showing His provision.  As this field has been destroyed a home has been born.  Where corn was once grown souls are being saved by God's grace. 

There have been some key elements to all the blessings we have witnessed over the past few months in Honduras.  We have to be willing to get out of our comfort zone.  We have seen people that love the Lord step away from home, give sacrificially, pray without ceasing, and work without regard to there own time.  This group is always seeking Gods wisdom and timing in what He would have us to do.  Just like corn planted in November we must be in His season if we are to see a fruit full harvest.  There have been times of growing that seem to be unproductive, but just like the grain in the ground that begins to grow, we know not Gods timing. 

Just a few days ago we witnessed the roof structure being finished and the tin being delivered to the work site.  As I stood and watched I couldn't help but cry as i looked at what God has done and is doing.  If God can grow a forest from an acorn, why couldn't He build an orphanage in Honduras.  We say we have faith in God yet seem so amazed when He continues to fulfill His promises.  I pray we live a life expecting Him to do great things in and around us as we see His name exalted. 

From June to august there has been a transition in this work site.  It is no longer a grouping of concrete boxes, but now taking form of a home.  We have seen the same changes in people that have became involved in what God is doing.  From someone afraid to share to praying openly with an unbeliever.  To a teenage girl carrying a toy monkey to the young lady leading others in a prayer of salvation.  Lives are being transformed through God's power and strength. 

Just as a farmers work is never done, nor is ours.  We have not been called by God to sit idly by as He works.  We are to be partners in His work.  Please be in prayer that we will always seek His timing as we continue in this ministry.  Pray for God to release the provisions needed to finish this project and impact more lives for the glory of Christ. 

Please join us Sat Aug 25 from 11-6pm @ Tractor Supply in Weaverville as we sell BBQ for $5 per plate or $7 per lb.  We will also be raffling off a $500 gift card for Dick's Sporting goods as well.  Tickets are $5 each.  If you would like more info about this or maybe you would like to here more about what God is doing in the lives of His people call Andy @ 828-231-5843



God has the key to it all

Chains that only God can break!

In the month of June Carpenters Heart partnered with six different churches as people from age 11 to 60 lived out the Great Commission.  From June 1 through the 20th fifty two people put there "Faith in Motion" in and around the countryside near the orphanage site in San Francisco De Yajoa.  While in the country God saw 22,000 lbs of rice, 22,000 lbs of beans, and over 500 lbs of flour distributed as we mirrored Gods example of meeting physical needs to show the need for the "Manna from Heaven".  God allowed us to replace two families roof's as well medical attention for a young girl that had been severally burned.  We where able to pay for the extraction of an abscessed tooth for a twelve year old friend, and help pay for asthma and allergy medicine for a 2 year old boy.  Over twelve suitcases full of clothing where given to those in need, not to mention the many toys that where given as we shared door to door.  All of these things are good and are definitely needed but the truth is that as you read this the food has been eaten.  The toys may have been broken, and the new clothes are now dirty and will one day be worn out. 

However, we where blessed to be sent for a much greater need.  God has designed us all for one reason.  In Genesis God tells Adam that He is to cover all of the Earth we creatures made in His likeness to bring glory to glory and praise that shows His greatness.  When sin was born into the garden through mans decision that command did not die.  We are now commanded, not called, to go unto all nations proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  As rewarding as it is to give food to the hungry, or clothe the naked. We are designed to bring the good news of Christ.  For He is the bread of life.  In response to His call God allowed us to distribute over 50 copies of His word as well as over 300 copies of the book of Romans with the Roman Road printed in the front of each book.  Doors where open to give away over 1,500 salvation bracelets in orphanages, schools and on dirt roads to children who will lay down in a dirt floor for a bed tonight.

We saw a young man who just last year gave his life to the Lord enter into the baptismal waters and make a public confession of his decision to follow Jesus.  Then as we left we saw this man live out the decision as he replaced a roof for a family in great need.  We meet a woman willing to walk 7 miles to have a group of strangers pray for her sick daughter.  We cried with this same mother just a few days later as we prayed for God to comfort her as we prepared that young girls grave.  We walked into a children's hospital and helped feed children whom the world has forgotten but Christ holds in His hands.

We sat in a barn and prayed with a young man who has been chained to a concrete pillar to keep him from running away.  This young mans mom has no other choice to keep him safe.  The mental disability he has calls for action that on the surface seems in human.    God used this situation to show me that we all have chains in our life.  For the majority of the world those chains come in the form of a profession, alcohol, sports, lust, or even something as good as fitness.  You see our Earthly desire for what we want becomes our chains.  Chains of sin that keep us from a right and Holy life.  The only one to hold the keys to the chains of our life is Christ through His sacrifice on the cross.  God seeks us and designed us to live life abundant.  This life is found when we surrender to Him and live for His glory.

The life of abundance looks different for us all but there will always be a common thread.  We will all bring honor, glory, and praise to the only one worthy.  When we do this this the whole world will see Christ in us.  Break through the chains of the world and live for him!

Less of me. More of HIm.

No one will look at this picture and think that they shouldn't do something.  The problem is what can one person do?  Or even more, we may think that the worlds problems are so big we cannot make a difference.  This is one of Satan's greatest lies, yet there is a biblical truth in it.  You see we can not make a difference in our strength or power.  What we forget so quickly is that as a believer in Christ the power of the risen savior is in us.  If we where to seek His will and purpose for our lives we could fill blogs day after day of the great miracles and stories of praise.  You see Satan is right when he whispers you can't make a difference, there is nothing in your power to change the live of this little girl.  If the story where to end here, what a sad world we would live in.   God has an answer for you and for me.  The answer is proclaimed throughout scripture and boiled down it is simply  "Less of you and more of ME".
I write this on mothers day and as many Christians Proverbs 31 was a large part of our service.  The scripture that beautifully describes the wives, mothers, and ladies that so many of us have come to love.  The true definition of what a Godly woman will look like in the eyes of the Lord.  But what if we take that same verse and alter the application just a bit.  We read that as the Church we are called to be the Bride of Christ.  So what if we looked at that chapter as what we should look like as a church.
Verses 10-19 describes a Church body that is trusted by the Bridegroom because of her actions and pure heart.  It goes on to show a church in motion.  Frankly speaking as I read these verses a grow tired just of thinking of the work she is doing.  From gathering wool and flax, and going afar to get food.  Then rising early to prepare meals for her household and dealing wisely in business as she seeks the best land for there work.  I wonder as a church if we would measure up to these standards.  Are our hands calloused in the work of the Lord, or are we more just a blister on the Hand of the Lord showing up after the work is done.  There are several very good books out that speak of the lack of commitment to Gods work.  The wife or bride described in this passage has no doubt in her heart as to whom she loves.  You see that's what motivates her.  Love for her husband.
In Verse 20 we see that her heart is pure not only towards her husband but to all humanity.  You see it is one thing for us to serve those who can pay us back, but what about those who can't?  You see its easy to love those who love you back.  Christ loved those who hated him.  The child above will never know if you give money to send her food.  She may never know who has prayed for her or cried as we think of the life she faces.  You see our heart is revealed in moments when only God is watching.  The women in Proverbs "stretches her hands to the poor:she reacheth her hands to the needy".  You see as the Church we should never wait for needs to come to us,  we should be stretching our hands, gods Hands to those around us.
She is not afraid of needs because she understands that she will be provided for.  Have you ever wondered if that ministry need may just not fit into our budget as a church.  What if this women ignored the needy because it just wasn't in the budget.  it says in verse 21 she is not afraid of the snow because her house is clothed.  To me this screams of Gods provision through the Holy Spirit as well as the material blessing God has given His body.  Imagine if those who claim to be followers of Christ sold out and bought in like the lady described in this passage.  never do you her in these verses of the women putting things back.  She is not crippled by doubt or fear of what she doesn't have.  She is motivated from love to bring glory to her husband.
Verse 26 talks of the words she speaks.  Words of wisdom, words of kindness.  It's easy to sit behind a computer screen and bash what we are doing wrong.  Please do not think that is the intent of this Blog.  The opposite is true.  I hope that we can all realize the beauty of this women, and hopefully our church, is that each day we are called to this life of less of us.  You see the true beauty and wisdom of her words are that they never pointed to her but always to Him.
She raised children that called her blessed just as the church should be raising children that will sing praise of the ones who taught them of the Lord.  The ultimate goal of the church is to bring glory to God by raising fruit bearing, reproducing children.  As Christians what are we encouraging?  Sports, education, recreation, wealth, or maybe even health.  Where we have gone astray is that we worship the tools of success, instead of the true meaning of success.  All these things are gifts of God to be used to fulfill His will.
You see the danger of the world, Satan's lie, is that we seek favour of man.  Everyone wants a pat on the back.  You would not find many pastors that would not be happy if their church had 50 visitors next Sunday.  However Gods truth is revealed for this woman and us as a church in verse 30.  We are called to Fear the Lord.  Do we fear the Lord?  I'm not talking about running from service to service waiting for His judgement and condemnation.  I see a loving spouse seeking to live there life to bring honor and glory to her husband.  What if our church where to operate under the premise of these verses.  Do you think there would be a lack of volunteers for children's ministry?  Would the nominating committee have to meet five times just to fill the spots in your church?  Would church staff really have to organize visitation?
I would assume that across America many parents may have participated in a baby dedication today.  As you stood before the church you committed to raise your child in the nurturing and admonition of the Lord.  What does that look like?  For us in our American dream maybe like this.  My daughter will grow up going to church as she learns to ride horses, she will learn to play the violin.  Her days will be spent playing and laughing as she goes to college to further her education.  She will graduate and become a veterinarian as she gets married in her 30's and brings her proud daddy grandchildren.  You see I can say that because that's what I used to think.
Today my daughter is 12 and Gods plan for her life may be a little different than mine.  She does ride horses, and loves animals.  However the violin has never been picked up, instead a flute.  College may well be in her future but beyond that my dreams are fading.  You see when I have been blessed to see her in Honduras serving in an orphanage I see the will of God.  I never imagined 10 years ago that I would want my daughter to move to another country to live a life of poverty serving people who can never pay her back.  But that is what God describes in this verse.
The scary part is how this scripture ends.  In verse 31 it says to give us the fruits of our hands and let our work be our praise.  What fruits are coming from our hands?  What will our praise be at the gate? 
The little girl at the table above is fighting as we speak.  The world tells us it is OK to change the channel on the TV.  Flip the page in the paper,  Or maybe even close the lid on the laptop.  That is what Satan is hoping for.  Indifference,   you see no one willingly proclaims that want to live a life without compassion or charity.  What we do is live a life of feeling overwhelmed and under equipped.  Proverbs 31 is not just a story of a Godly Women, it is a story of what we can be when we realize that God has given us all we need to fulfill His will. 
I pray that everyone that reads this blog will do two things.  The first is to seek to live a life that each day would be less about what we want and more about what God wants.  The second would be to live a life described in verse 20.  We should all be reaching out to those in need.  From the lady who needs her yard mowed or the child with a swollen belly needing food.  Gods people depend on Him for there supply.  Have you ever wondered if God could use you to supply the need of one of His children.  Be obedient and see where He sends you.   

Race 2 Reach

RACE 2 REACH

Join us May 5th as we partner with Locust Grove baptist Church as we Race 2 Reach the world with the Gospel of Christ.  This charity 5k will help to raise funds to build a church in Brazil and a children's home in Honduras.  This is a great opportunity to come out and spend a morning serving through running.  Bring your youth group or Sunday School group and run/walk to reach the world.  Entry fee is $25 per person with the first 100 registered to receive a race shirt.  Sign up now at www.carpentersheart.org by clicking on the race link.  We would like to thank Burnsville Chevy, Kaleidescope day care in Asheville for there sponsorship of this event.  Please help us spread the word as we race to reach.

Raising a roof

What would a roof mean to this building?  More importantly what would a roof mean to children who's parents are gone, or are unable to feed their family?  In a few words, Home, safety, hope, food, education, and a chance to know the Savior.  That is exactly what the dream and vision for this home for children has been since day one.  God has placed this project on the hearts of this group and we are blessed beyond measure to have seen God  provide for His work.  We are now ready to raise the roof.
Tonight as I sit in a heated living room watching TV with my daughter I know I am blessed.  The question is why did God place us in a land of plenty and others in a place of desperation.  The answer is simple.  To help others by giving back what God has given to us. 

We have just received quotes for material to complete the roof.  Materials alone will cost between $34,000 and $53,000.  This will be the largest expense of the project to date, but what is the cost of hope for a child walking the dirt streets of Honduras tonight.  What is it worth to give a meal to a crying little girl laying on a dirt floor in the mountains above lake Yajoa.  How valuable is it to give a dose of Worm Medicine to the little barefoot boy walking the back alley's of Pena Blanca.  The true and honest answer is priceless.  None of us may be able to write a $56,000 check but we all could give something.  As we come to Easter and the time of year we celebrate our saviors resurrection, shouldn't we sacrifice in His name for His glory?  If you have been blessed by God and would like to help give to those who are struggling please consider this ministry.  100% of money given to this organization will go directly to helping people physically and sharing the Gospel of Christ. 

Your donation will help with a race against time.  Every day we are in construction is a day that children are without a home. A day without a meal for hungry children, or a day without chance of education.  Please consider a donation to the Carpenters Heart to help care for the least of these.

You can send checks to PO Box 1220  Weaverville NC 28787 or donate via pay pal.  Just think what 50 people giving $50 would do to help raise a roof.  Thank you for your time and heart.

Join us on Sat March 3rd in the field beside Sheena's Restaurant on Barnardsville Hwy.  We will be starting at 8am.  Money raised from this event will go towards several projects all with the same purpose, to share the Gospel of Christ.


Please help spread the word as we join to have some fun and raise some money to spread the Gospel.

Have you made a decision or a commitment?

You may have walked an isle and said a prayer.  You may have been baptised as a believer, or you might even be teaching a Sunday School class.  But the question that has been on my heart lately is  "did you make a decision or a commitment?" 
I am not asking how much knowledge you have of the Word, or even if you can repeat the Lords prayer.
Have you ever made a commitment to God.  I am not talking about lip service, or public words. What I am talking about is much deeper than the surface knowledge. 
You see as a fan of the Clemson Tigers I can recite there wins and loses.  Past coaches and players, even tell you about players they are recruiting to come there in the future.  But I am just a fan,  I am not personally committed to this team.  I can go to the games and even the practises but I am not committed.  Committed would be running sprints, lifting weights, getting hit, in other words it would mean sacrifice.  You see to have a true relationship with Christ we must sacrifice to truly be dedicated to Him.  Not simply following Him by sitting in His house.  We must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.  That is more than a decision, and sitting in a pew. 
To be called one of His children we must align ourselves with Him.  This is more than words spoken, this is giving ourselves over to His will.  Life today is lived in the greys.  Not the black and white.  We live a life of half truths and not really lies.  The simple fact is this is not the life described by Jesus.
There is a simple line or fence.  On one side is Christ and on the other is the world.  I feel many Christians want to live on this fence.  In the day of Christ this fence was defined and clear, honestly uncomfortable.  A fence made of razor wire, leaving you to decided follow or stay behind.  Satan has skewed this fence.  The world wants you to think that the fence is wide and comfortable, almost like the great wall of China.  A fence wide enough to stand and walk upon.  The truth still remains,  you are either in or out, and on the fence is still not all in. 
What would the face of local churches look like if we got up, got off of our fence, and got all in with Christ.  Not just in church but in our community.  Working with the homeless, volunteering with the elderly, building for those in need, feeding the hungry, loving those who need love.
GOD does not want us to decide to follow Him,  what He desires is a life saving all in commitment to allow Him to lead.  Life changing commitment is what the Bible describes, not a Sunday morning relationship.  I challenge us all to look at ourselves and examine if we are fans or committed followers.

Love in the trenches

  And the King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the lest of these my brothers and sisters, you where doing it for me!"

Mathew 25:40

What is ministry?  What does it look like?

A ditch is not the first thing that may come to mind when you say you are involved in ministry.  A shovel, pipe, pry-bar and some sweat equity are not usually tools associated with sharing the Gospel of Christ.  But if you read the New Testament closely you will see these would be the tools most likely for Jesus to have used.  Christ spoke to those in need where they where.  He talked fishing to fishermen, planting to the farmers, and even about debts to tax collectors.  Christ comes to people in need where they are.  He does not wait for someone to bring them to church.  He doesn't depend on organizations to meet there needs.  He loves them now.  Listens to there needs, and helps to meet those needs. 

Sometimes the physical need was meet as a means to introduce the Gospel and yet others the physical need was used a tool to open there hearts to the Gospel.  Christ was about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and healing the sick.  Should we as His followers not be doing the same.  Look around your city and I would imagine you can quickly identify a need if you look with your heart and not just your eyes. 

Christ came that through His perfect life, voluntary death in our place on the cross, and His resurrection we may be saved to glorify God the father.  It is simple to understand, simple to explain, but hard for us to share.  Why?  We are afraid of conflict maybe.  Afraid we won't know what to say, or even afraid we are not good enough.

We are called to make disciple's in the book of Acts.  Not some of us, all of us.  Give your life to ministry in the name of Christ and see what might happen.  Whether serving in a nursing home playing games with some senior saints.  Cutting firewood for those in poor health, serving in a soup kitchen to share the food of life.  The opportunities are endless, and the reward of being in Gods will is unexplainable.