Spock with a beard

My blogs seem to be getting somewhat more emotional and serious.  I'm currently in the process of ridding most emotions and seriousness from my life.  Like Spock with a beard.   I don't know how they get into my blogs though.  But, as always, I figure if it bothers anybody they won't read it.

So this was a short trip home.  I made it for 2 weeks.  I was banking on working about 10 days, but fell pretty short there.  Turns out little muscles and busy schedules lead to many days off.  I want to say that like an indian real quick.  Hold on.  "Little muscle......busy schedule.....many days off".  Ok.  But one really cool thing from this trip is how many people have been giving to me.  Now, I live with so many people that have nothing, I haven't been able to ask people for money in my time in Honduras.  I've just decided that if I needed money for something, I would learn to go without something else.  I still plan to venture down that path, but its still nice to recieve gifts.  I had a large amount of money in my ministry account that I wasn't planning on and don't know where it came from. Also, my church decided to sponsor me for what turns out to be about half of my yearly expenses.   So I just want to thank those people and those groups.  I also want to thank Rod and Betty Shearouse as their consistent contributions have helped me beyond what I can describe.

There are definite difficulties about my job.  I love my girls and am thankful for my calling, but its always hard to say good-bye to friends and families.  Its hard leaving soft beds, warm showers, and rooms with no scorpions.  Its hard leaving friends and churches that are in English.  But it makes a really big difference when money isn't something that I have to worry about. When I can take the good and the bad without checking my wallet.  Through my ministry thus far, God has taken care of me.  He has given me provision beyond what I could imagine.  Thank you to those who have helped me financially.  Moreso, thank you for your prayers and for the prayers for my ministry and my girls.

By His grace,
Ben Heath

Wiggidy What You Say?

I decided not to stick with my last blog.  I meant it, but I think I portrayed my thoughts in a bit too much of a negative light.  What I really meant to say is that if you feel God is calling you to serve for any amount of time in a foreign country, personal safety should not be a real concern.  Choosing to follow Christ means being less of a servant and more of a slave.  If He calls you to serve, trust that He is in control and has the specifics figured out.  And if that means that harm might befall you, "to live is Christ".  There hasn't been a time in the last 2 years that I have been worried to return to Honduras.  In fact, whenever trouble turns up, it makes me desire more to be in Honduras with the girls that God has called me to serve.  And if I'm ever robbed or beaten up or mocked or poor....er, then that will be because I have chosen to serve Christ as whatever the cost.

Pero yo pienso que mis palabras estaban verdad.  Honduras es un pais demasiado hermosa a faltar por algunas reazones.  Tambien, el llamado a servir y amar mis chicas es demasiado fuerte a faltar.  No estoy serviendo gringos, pero para el ministerio, oculpamos mas amigos y menos enemigos.