What is God doing?

What a year 2012 has been.  From the Block being completed on the orphanage to the roofs final piece of metal being put into place.  The electrical workl has been started and most importantly the year has seen people come to His redeeming grace through and because of this project.  In the last year we have seen over 3 tons of food given to families who have none.  We have seen feet washed, and adorned with new shoes(over 600).  We have seenover 500 copies of the book of Romans distributed, and over 150 copies of Scripture given.  There have been countless desicions for Christ, as well as Baptisms as they stepped out to live that faith.  We have had 12 different churches send team members totalling over 70 team members work to serve the Lord in Honduras.  What an amazing God we serve to see how He has accomplished so much this year.

   What does He use to provide?

The Carpenter's Heart prayerfully seeks God's will to provide for His project.  We know anything done outside of His will is done in vain.  It is after much prayer we would ask you to join us again in 2013 to be the hands and feet of Christ.  We have made a consious effort to expand what we are doing locally as well as complete the task God has given us in Honduras.  We have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing men and women downtown.  We seek to serve as disciples out of love as we point to Christ.  Please pray for what God has layed ahead.  He will always provide the tools, people, and opportunities to glorify His kingdom.  Would you consider partnering with us as we follow Him.  You see for what ever fundraiser we may try the fat is the Holy Spirit is the thing that provides for His work.  The perfect will of God will always provide for itself,  if we are only obedient.  Please pray for his ministry.  Pray for us to always see His will, and be obedient to listen.  Pray for doors to be held open as we walk in His steps.  Pray for hearts to be open to the the grace of the cross.  Pray for His supply.

   How does He supply?

Praise God for all those who gave last year to do God's work.  We understand that it is ultimately the obedience of His people that allows us to do His will.  We can organize no meal or race that can raise money if it isn't for the people of God willing to show up and give.  Thank you for your obedience.  Please know that we see every dollar given as a gift from God that should be used for Him and His glory.  As this year rolls in we are prayerfully seeking to do things that are pleasing in His sight.  We ask that if God allows you would join us in following His steps again in 2013.

   When can we help?

Here is a list of opportunities to come and be a part of what God is doing in 2013 for January and February.

January 13th 10:45 @ Crosspoint Community Church
Luis Luna will share out of Romans as Crosspoint takes a Love offering for Carpenter's Heart

January 20th @  Trinity of Fairview  5pm 
a night of music and worship with Ryan Larkins 
we will take a love offering for the plumbing

January 26th @ Locust Grove Baptist 5-7pm
Fish Fry
White fish, hush puppies, fries, and slaw for a suggested $5 donation

February 9th @ Fletcher Park 9:30am
Levi Industrial Freezin for a Reason 5K
enter online at www.carpentersheart.org
$5 of each entry goes to the Carpenters Heart as the High School seniors raise money for there June trip from Trinity of Fairview

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. 

What did you get for Christmas?

                                                         What did you get for Christmas?
In our youth we may have called our best friend on Christmas day and asked "What did you get?".   Even as an adult the question has been asked hundred of times over the last few days "Did you have a good Christmas?.  Our immediate thoughts may turn to what we received or even what we where able to give to our children.  These are not bad things, it is blessed to give and receive.  We give because of our love of for others and in some cases because of the love that Christ has shown us.  God is pleased to see His people giving,  right? 

I think the question I have seen this year is more, what have you seen this Christmas.  Many of us may have spent our first Christmas without a loved one.  Or struggled through this season without the security of a job.  You see when we look back on life there will be very few things that we count as valuable.  What we will hold dear are memories.  Memories of family around a tree, or friends at the table, serving together for the cause of Christ. 

The things I am most thankful for this Christmas are memories of this year.  A year in which we have seen lost souls come to Christ.  A year that has seen families in Tennessee pull together in the aftermath of tornado's to love as Christ loved.  A smile on one of the saints at the Brian center as she received a pair of socks for Christmas.  A young boy who just wanted a Christmas tree for Christmas.   Hundreds of families smiling as they are provided food for the next few days.  A family who's mom is sick and unable to feed them move into a home where food and education are guaranteed.  Christ has truly blessed the Carpenter's Heart over the last 12 months.

These last months have seen the land be paid off, grading completed, water brought to the property, foundation completed, and the block structure complete to the roof.  There where over 300 families feed, over 200 salvation's, 4 baptism's, two baby christening's, beds bought, a child provided with a wheelchair, a debt paid for a refrigerator and all this occurred in a third world country. 

In Tennessee there where 4 families that received some help with things from clean-up after the tornado's to hanging insulation, siding, roofing , and building decks.  All those are things that will one day fade but the love and bond of those involved will never disappear.

We saw over 100 new shoes distributed and many children received backpacks here in northern Buncombe Co and Madison.  Teachers and children alike have seen the stress of going back to school eased as we shared that Christ provides for our needs. 

This year has seen a family receive a simple wheelchair ramp built to ease the burden of access to there house. 

Over the last several months there have been many smiles and even some laughter as members have spent time with the wonderful family of friends at the Brian Center.  Christmas was a time of carolling and handing out over 130 pairs of socks and cards.  Even more than that was time spent talking to dear friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. 

What a year God has blessed us with!!  The things that have been done this year have nothing to do with the people of this ministry, but occur through the power of the Lord.  Christ has blessed this year.  It is always good to reflect on what God has done, but we want to focus on what is ahead as well.  The reason the rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield is to make sure you are always going forward.  We feel God is still calling this ministry to serve, share, and love. 

We want to thank you for the many prayers, the wonderful words, and the financial support that so many have given to allow God to complete His work over the last year.  We want to encourage anyone who may read this to get involved in what God is doing either here or elsewhere.  There are many opportunities for every age and ability to serve the Lord.  We are always seeking volunteers to pray, serve, and love in the name of Christ.

We are planning on continuing all of the ministries listed above into 2012.  To do so we will need prayer warriors, volunteers, and funds.  If you feel led to help in any of these areas we would love to plug you in and get you going to serve the Lord.  You may email us at thecarpentersheart@yahoo.com   or find us on Facebook.  If you would like to make an end of the year tax deductible donation you may do so through pay pal at www.carpentersheart.org  You may also make checks out to the Carpenters heart and mail them to PO Box 1220 Weaverville NC 28787.  Remember 100% of all money given will go directly to the mission field and sharing the love of Christ. 

Thank you for your support.  May God bless you and keep you.  Help us eat this elephant one bite at a time.

Seeking to Serve: How do you eat an elephant

Seeking to Serve: How do you eat an elephant: James 1 : 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep...

How do you eat an elephant

James 1 : 27
Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

What does that mean in todays terms?

We can reason in our minds that we could never make a difference, that the problems are far greater than we could ever take on ourselves.  The large numbers of children without parents in the world is an issue for governments to take on, not individuals, right?

Matthew 17: 20
Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have the faith as a grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.


The lasting saying from the trip in November will be "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

On day one of the work at the orphanage there was a pile of dirt that was going to have to be moved by hand and spread throughout the interior of several rooms.  The dirt had the consistency of play-doogh, and the shovels we had just bought seemed to break like toothpicks.  The work was, to say the least discouragingly slow.  As the day progressed one of the team members made the statement that we where eating an elephant.  We laughed until he explained that the only way to do it was simply one bite at a time.  What a statement,  one bite at  a time.

Since God has given us this project their have been days where we have been overwhelmed.  Their has been times of frustration.  Days that we just felt to small to make a difference.  It is on those days I pray that we all realize it is not us who will make a difference, but Christ alone.  You see in the parable of the mustard seed the truth isn't that you just need faith.  The truth is you need faith in Christ and His power to do all things to bring glory to the Father.  As the dirt pile disappeared as the day went on, God was reaffirming that we are on the right path with this project.

From the blessing of seeing a family rescued from a hillside shack, to seeing God raise walls from a corn field.  The little bites only seem little to those on the outside looking in.  You see to the 250 families that received food, or the families who are no longer sleeping on the floor, to the new brothers and sisters in Christ who are no longer headed to eternal suffering there where some very big bites taken out of the elephant.

You see we can't fix the hurts of all the orphans in the world, but it isn't our job.  God calls each and every one of us to minister as He has gifted us.  For some it means building.  For others it may be singing.  Yet others will teach.  Whatever your spiritual gift may be, use it for the glory of the Lord.  As we celebrated Thanksgiving I wondered why has God given so much to my family, and the only response I can think of is that God gave to us to give to others.

We are just around $5,000 short of finishing the block work on the orphanage site.  God truly has blessed this year to see so much of the elephant be eaten away, yet there is more to do.  If you have been blessed by God this year would you consider a donation to this project.  God may not have called you to Honduras, but that doesn't mean He isn't calling you to take a bite.  Pray for this project and the leadership team to stay in the center of Gods will.  Give if you can to this project, every day spent in construction is a day that we are unable to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, and care for the fatherless.

Help us move this mountain and make a difference in the lives of those in Honduras.   Donate today through check @ PO Box 1220, Weaverville NC, 28787 or online via paypal @ www.carpentersheart.org.

Seeking to Serve: Beans, rice and flour for Christ.

Seeking to Serve: Beans, rice and flour for Christ.: What can a couple hundred pounds of rice, beans, and flour do to advance the kingdom of Christ? ...

Beans, rice and flour for Christ.

What can a couple hundred pounds of rice, beans, and flour do to advance the kingdom of Christ?

                                                     James 2 : 15
 "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food.  If one of you say to him  Go, I wish you well ; keep warm and fed, but does nothing about the physical needs, what good is it?"  NIV

On November 4th a team of 36 Americans and five Hondurans followed Christ's example to feed His people.  For a week the Carpenter's Heart was allowed to serve Christ simply by handing out a four day supply of food for a family of four to over 250 families.  You may wonder why food, or what good is a week of food?  Simply put, it is what Christ called us to do.

You see all throughout the gospels Christ show us the way to demonstrate true love.  Meet physical needs as an example of the love we have in our hearts for a person.  After we have shown our love in an outward example we can then tell of the reason for our love.  In the same way that Christ came to the world and met physical needs through miracles before He paid the final price for our greatest need, we can do the same as we point to Him.

IN a country the size of Tennessee, there are 7.8 million people living in mostly rural farming communities struggling to survive.  Over 50% of this population lives below the poverty level of less than 745 dollars per year(US).  over 80 percent of the poorest population leave in the mountain's with less than 40% having access to safe drinking water.  To us a week of food doesn't sound like much, but imagine being in the shoes of a 15 year old girl.  Abandoned to care for your 3 younger siblings in a 5 X 5 house on the side of a rain drenched mountain.  As you lay down each night on the dirty floor you pray that you can protect your family and maybe give them a hot meal.  You awake to the reality that you must go to the river to get dirty water and hope that no one will hurt your siblings or even worse take what you may have while you are gone.  You pull a bucket of somewhat clean water and return home to hungry brothers and sisters.  Crime is all around and starvation is a reality you know to well.

This is why Christ fed the hungry, clothed the poor, and loved the hurting.  We are called to do the same.  You have herd and read over the last few years that we are raising money to build an orphanage, but we want you to understand that this is more than an orphanage.  This will be a ministry center that is already  glorifying Christ.  Just last week two of the local residents that are helping build this home came to know the Lord while working with a group from Enon Baptist in Marshall NC.  This is just one of hundreds of stories of what God is doing through this ministry.

Last week while visiting a village around the work site we where amazed to see over 100 families come from the mountains to get a few simple gifts and here the Gospel.  Thanks to the prayers and support of so many this team of 36 was allowed to love on people in the name of Jesus.  It has an eternal impact not only on those who received the food but even more those who where able to share in the giving. 

This building can not be built fast enough.  There are many more families that are hungry, more children without clothes, and most importantly there are children without parents or a home.  We pray that as Thanksgiving approaches you consider giving to complete this project and allow the real work to begin.  Block, mortar, and steel are the necessities of the building but just as Christ described the church as the people this project is the same.  The sooner the structure is in place, the sooner lives can be changed.  Not just food or education but the hope for eternal salvation.

Help make the dream of  daily meals and the security of a family a reality for children just like these.  Your donations will further the  kingdom of Christ as we all show the love first showed us.

                                                                      Luke 11: 11-13
If  a son shall ask bread any of you that is father, will he give him a stone?   Or if he asks a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?  Or if he shall ask and egg, will he offer a scorpion. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

What will you give?

Why go to Honduras?

In less than two weeks 36 men, women, and young adults will board a plane from Atlanta and head towards San Pedro Sula Honduras.  Many may ask why leave?  Why risk your family and there safety?  Why not just send money?  Why not someone else?

The simple answer is, God commanded us all to go and make disciple's of all nations.  In a time where there is pain and suffering next door, why go a world away?  The love of Christ was not withheld from anyone due to proximity, color, or economic background.  Plan and simple the Gospel of Grace was given to all so that the Glory of God will be known to all.  As followers of Christ this group seeks to show love to those who are without love.  To help feed those without food, and cover those without clothes.  In James it clearly spells out the works that faith will produce when it is truly alive. 

From November 4th - 12th this group will have many opportunities both planned and unplanned to minister in love.  From holding a abandoned child, to mixing concrete for a house of hope, cooking rice for the hungry, but most importantly a smile and simply sharing some time with a creation of Christ.  You see this trip is about realizing that each and every person is a beautiful creation of the Father.  That we are all worthy of love no matter how much money we may or may not have, the color of our skin, the language we speak.  God calls us simply to love as He loves us. 

Missions are not about the flight, or about the work.  Missions in its simplest definition is loving others where they are and just how they are because Christ loved them first.  What is important to the master should be important to the servant. 

Please pray that this team from 8 different churches, and with a 50 year difference from young to old.  Pray not for safety or comfort.  Pray that each and every member of team will be open to the moving of the Holy Spirit.  Pray for the the hearts and minds of those we may meet to be open and ready to hear the Gospel.  Pray for the needs of those in Honduras.  Remember to lift up the translators as they convey Gods message from one language to the other.   Lastly please pray that not only in Honduras but wherever we may be that we glorify God by our words, service, and actions.

If you would like to give to this trip there is still time to make a donation to be used for ministry to orphans and the hungry.  We will be visiting two orphanage's who are in need of supplies as well as several villages that are struggling to find enough food to survive.  You may make a donation via pay pal at www.carpentersheart.org or mail your checks to PO box 1220, Weaverville, NC 28787 with Nov trip in memo section.    For more infoyou may also call Andy @828-775-6646

Fish Fry Sat Oct 15 from 4-7pm

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily foo, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 
                                                                                                                               James 2 : 15-16  ESV

God truly has blessed thus far this year.  The response from several trips to Tennessee, Operation Soul Saver, and the amount of work done on the orphanage is all far greater than the Carpenter's Heart team could have ever imagined.  We are continually amazed by the outpouring of love and service from the people that have been involved with Gods work this year.  We want to thank you for the continued prayers and support that has poured in this year.  We realize that the hliday season is quickly approaching and know how busy this time can become. 
We will be traveling to visit our brothers and sisters in Christ in Honduras the first week in November and are making a last push to raise money for the orphanage before this trip.  For the past few weeks we have been blessed to keep the guys working on a week to week basis in attempts to finish on or near our November trip.  In response will are having a Fish Fry @ Locust Grove Baptist Churc in Weaverville this Sat Oct 15 from 4-7pm.  This will be one of the final fundraisers for this calendar year.  We will be serving fish(or hot dogs), fries, slaw and drink for $5.  Where can you find a deal  like that.  Please pass this along to any and all of your family and friends.  We realize how much you have sacrificed this year to make this project such a success and thank you form the bottom of our hearts.  Please consider joining us and bringing this verse in James to life as we not only pray for the hungry and naked but work to serve those in Honduras.

The Church is located at 305 Locust Grove Rd in Weaverville NC 28787
Please help pass this along to any and all your friends as we hope to see 150 -250 of our dearest friends come out and help share the love of Christ.

Carpenters Heart 5k - 10/8/11 Results

What can a few miles and a few dollars do?

                                                           Fall 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run
Have you ever heard the saying "if you could only walk a mile in my shoes"?  Think just a minute if you where to exchange the life we have here in the US and instead where born into a typical Honduran family.  The life of a child for an average family in this Central American Country is very different from that of our own children.?  In America we ask whats for supper,there the question is are we going to be able to eat supper.  Here we ask if the children like school, there the question is do you have the money to be able to attend school.  We ask when was our last check-up from the doctor, there the question is how can we get to a doctor, and then how can we pay.  Here we are concerned with the up keep of our homes there many people are asking where they might sleep each night.


Join us October 8th @ Carrier Park off of Amboy Rd in Asheville for a 5k and fun run to help make a better life for the children of Honduras.  There are two ways to get involved.  There will be a 1 mile fun run starting at 9am with an entry fee of $10 per person.  There is also a 5k that will start at 9:45 with an entry fee of $25.  Registration for both events can be done online at www.carpentersheart.org now until October 6th at 5pm.  There will also be race day registration available starting at 8:15am on race day inside the racetrack.  We would like to invite you to come and walk a mile or 5K in there shoes.

Seeking to Serve: Urgent Call for Help.

Seeking to Serve: Urgent Call for Help.: What really is important as Christians? What truly pleases God? What are we doing that fits into these categories? These questions seem ...