Mama Barb's Update: Matthew 27:51-54

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Matthew 27:51-54

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

This section of Scripture is one that truly causes me to stop and reflect, "What do I do with that day in history? What do I do with its claims?"

If it really happened...if God did commandeer his own crucifixion...if he did turn his back on his own son...If he did storm Satan's gate, then those six hours that Friday were packed with tragic triumph. If that was God on the cross, then the hill called Skull is a granite studded with stakes to which I can anchor.

Those six hours were not normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God embedded in the earth three anchor points sturdy enough to withstand any hurricane.

Anchor point #1 My life is not futile! This rock secures my very heart. Its sole function is to give me something which I can grip when facing the surging tides of futility and relativism...Someone is in control and I have a purpose!

Anchor point #2 My failures are not fatal. It's not that He loves what I did, but He loves who I am...The one who has the right to condemn me has provided the way to acquit me. I make mistakes. God doesn't. And He made me...I am no mistake!

Anchor point #3 My death is not final. There is one more stone to which I must tie...It blocked the door of a grave. It wasn't big enough, though...He only went in to prove He could come OUT!. And on the way out He took the stone with Him and turned it into an anchor point...Tie it to His rock and the storm of the tomb becomes a spring breeze on Easter Sunday!

Three anchor points that can secure me to eternity...the cross!

Some people would rather see Jesus dead than controlling their lives. What room in the castle of your life - career, family, church - needs to be placed under Christ's control? Don't hesitate a day...Pray now! Give your life fully to Him. He tore the veil from top to bottom...so you and I might enter in...but more importantly...is that He could come out!

"At one time you were separated from God. You were his enemies in your minds, and the evil things you did were against God. But now God has made you his friends again. He did this through Christ's death in the body so that he might bring you into God's presence as people who are holy, with no wrong, and with nothing of which God can judge you guilty" 1 (Colossians 1:2-22 NCV).

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

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Matthew 27:51-54

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