Mama Barb's Update: Matthew 15:11 (NIV)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Matthew 15:11 (NIV)

"What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' "

I think this is one of my favorite chapters in the book of Matthew. Jesus is very firm with the Pharisees...they were so focused on the outside of the body...what was clean or unclean. They never considered the heart.

Although the Pharisees were experts in God's Law, they lacked proper understanding of the purpose of the Law. Most importantly, they lacked faith in God.

The Pharisees had faith in the religious system Jesus pointed to God who was beyond the system they worshiped.

I have to laugh at the disciples here...they say to Jesus in verse 12: "Do you know that the Pharisees are angry because of what you said?" And Jesus responds with "Stay away from the Parisees; they are blind leaders. And if a blind person leads a blind person both will fall into a ditch!"

But the disciples still don't get it! The ask Him to explain what He means! This must be where the phrase comes from "It's like the blind leading the blind". Jesus is trying so hard to help them understand that God doesn't care about our outer self. It is the heart He is looking at. The condition of the heart reveals the true life of that person! And the condition of the heart comes out in the very words we speak! If we have a bitter uncaring heart...our mouths will reveal it in all it's glory!

When you obey certain rules today, stop and think through why you obey them. "I don't speed because...I don't cheat on my income taxes because...I honor my family because..." What condition is your heart in today? Will it reveal Jesus? I know I have to pray everyday that the condition of my heart is full of God's love for me!

Mama Barb

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SPERO MINISTRIES

We have now have a Non-Profit called SPERO Ministries. It is a fund raising organization the helps support our daughter on mission in the Dominican Republic. It also supports the local community through Helping Hands.

My main reason for posting this information right now...is Cara Jane is seeking funds for her mission in the DR. She is being lead by God to build a building for the women of La Tienda and their Coop.

Please take the time to pray how you can partner with God's work through Cara Jane. We pray that God will bless you as you walk this journey of love with us.

Mama Barb

Cara Jane's Ministry in the Domincan Republic

Hello Loved Ones,

You’ve been with me on this journey for three years now, starting with my first one-week trip to the Dominican Republic. I give thanks to the Lord for how he has used each of you to carry me all this way. It has not been easy, or simple, but my life here has been made possible. God has given me hope in the manifestation of His power.

Once again change is happening in my world here. My dear friend Robin, who has been with me since the beginning is leaving back to the states. And another friend Ashley that has been here two years is leaving as well. The constant change adds to the difficulty of living far from my family and comforts, and this time I feel it will be the most difficult. I’m gearing up for what I feel may be my last year here. Pray for me that God would continue to show me what I can live without and how I can use every blessing to love others.

I spent the past year working with a friend from Canada, Rachel Sticklee, among a cooperative of women called La Tienda. Rachel started the coop as a means of work for women that would provide dignity and keep them from resorting to other unacceptable means of finding money. It has been a joy this year to see how working creatively has improved the quality of their lives. We began the year with the hope that we could create a system of independence for the women. We opened bank accounts; we’ve started teaching them where to buy and how to prepare supplies. We’re nearing the end of a construction project. We were given a 100 year lease of our building, which was such a blessing. So we started making improvements. Now we have a huge storage room where materials for work can be prepare, stored, and sought.

Currently I have been gathering information for each item that we make, how much of each material is used, which ladies do what parts. Everything will eventually be translated into Spanish so that the women can use the information to prepare and make their own work, and then fill orders that will be sent to Canada and the US. Our hope for this year is to do a trial run with the women running the art coop independently, working out all the kinks, and then preparing ourselves for the next step. Pray. In the past three years I have spent here one thing is certain, any and all successes are because of what the Lord has done. He gives me strength each day to face the challenges ahead.

Please consider partnering with me once again on this journey that God has begun and will complete. I am working freelance under a new non-profit, Spero Ministries. My goal for now is to raise enough support for this next year at $1000/m, as of now I have enough to get me through August. Spero will be sending me 100% of the support that I raise to go towards my living expenses and needs. Checks can be made out the Spero Ministries and sent to 2002 Aster Way, Round Rock, TX, 78665 along with a note indicating that the money should be applied to my support. For information about La Tienda visit latienda.ca, and for information about Spero Ministries contact mikedonwelch@gmail.com.

All my love and the peace of the Lord upon you,

Cara Jane

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Matthew 15:11 (NIV)

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