"This is the message we have heard
from him and declare to you: God is light;
in him there is no darkness at all.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." -1 John 1:5-10
The death of Marvin's sister Amavilia at the beginning of this month was a dark time for us. We were so sad, and we missed her so much. We still do. But we "do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13b-14. Ultimately her death has brought all of us closer together. Despite the darkness of death, we were reminded of the light of eternity.
 |
| Thomas holding Joanna after we landed in the USA |
An especially bright spot in this month was our trip to the states. I had the opportunity to share with various groups and churches about the work that God is doing here in Honduras- from Eternal Family Project girls home to the hearts of Manuel and Josue who moved in with us January 2016. Sharing with others always reminds me of God's amazing provision and love towards us despite our imperfections and weaknesses.
 |
| Sharing about experiences on my first trip to Honduras |
 |
| Josue volunteering at the Home of Blessing |
 |
| Manuel tutoring at the Home of Blessing |
The chance to be with my parents, siblings, and other family and friends was so special. Marvin and I especially enjoyed investing in our marriage by going on a few dates. We also heard a great sermon at Scenic City Church about marriage. Despite the fact that the world tells us that our spouse should complete us, it is God who we need to be complete. When God is our first priority and our spouse is our second, our marriages can thrive. We were also reminded that our children are a temporary assignment from God, but we have a lifelong covenant with our spouse.
 |
| Walking across Walnut Street Bridge at sunset |
 |
| My parents with all 5 grandchildren |
 |
| 4 generations |
 |
| Marvin and Thomas having fun with the Burgess boys |
 |
| Scenic City Discipleship group reunited at Coolidge Park |
 |
| Joanna and Thomas with Grandpa and Grann Grann- how can 2 people share so much love? Thank you Mom and Dad! |
I hope that you allow Christ's light to shine into any dark areas of your life- addiction, discontentment, jealousy, pride, grief, hate, or anything else. His love and the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross can break through and shine brightly even in the darkest area. Please pray for us as we reflect his light to the ones we interact with in Honduras and that the dark places in our own hearts would be flooded with His light.
