Mama Barb's Update: Mark 6:1-3

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Mark 6:1-3

"Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him."

This passage really spoke to me this morning. In reading all of Mark, chapter 6 I was amazed at all the things Jesus did in this one day! He began it on the Sabbath teaching in His home town. Now the friends and relatives who saw Jesus grow up...did not believe in Him. The Bible says they, "took offense". They only saw a man...a man that came from a simple, humble beginnings. How could he have such knowledge and wisdom that we should listen to anything he as to say.

So Jesus takes His disciples and leaves His home and travels on. He then went to other villages and He teaches there. He brings His disciples together and He commands them to go out two by two then He gave them authority over evil spirits.

He tells them how to conduct themselves on their travels. "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:8-11)

This is exactly what Jesus did to the people of His home town. They refused His teaching...the Bible tells us He was only able to heal a few in that place. When they refused to listen or welcome Him, Jesus dusted off His feet and moved on.

The next passages quickly reveal Jesus feeding of the five thousand. Ok, I think He was able to make His point pretty quickly!

Have you ever been rejected by your own family and friends. Have you seen the doubt from a loved one...and had to just shake it off and move on. This speaks to me in so many ways. I have been there...I have had to rely on the One who gives me all strength. To trust that He is in control and no one can take that blessing from me. No one can remove me from His hands.

I have learned to pray for those who have doubted my efforts. I have learn to forgive those who don't listen. I have learned to worship Him in the times that He calls me to just sit at His feet. I pray that you will be encouraged today by this message.

Jesus has felt rejection much worse than those that won't listen! He was nailed to a cross and died for you and me! I can live with a turned head or eyes that roll in disbelief...I just have to remember the cross!

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

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Mark 6:1-3

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