THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME

Everyone can agree that 2020 has been absolutely crazy. Every corner we have turned has held unexpected bumps in the road. Yes, there have been so many challenges, but God has continually shown himself to be Faithful. God has prevailed again and again, and WOW have I seen Him answer so many prayers. I am so grateful for the God that we serve. 

Two weeks ago our ministry, situated on the north coast of Honduras prepared for Hurricane Eta. And by “the north coast” I mean we are so close that I can hear the waves from my bedroom. The storm rolled through our area over the course of three days bringing heavy rains and wind resulting in four days of no power and a week of canceled school.  Once the water receded and clean up commenced, it was clear to see that there was almost no lasting damage in our area. This was not the same case for others in Honduras. Many people found themselves displaced, their homes flooded and all their possessions caked with orange mud. Complete communities were under water, bringing another economic devastation following COVID. This was not the end of devastation, brewing in the Carribean was another category 4 hurricane named Iota, on a similar path. Again we canceled class and hunkered down. After a day of pounding rain and heavy winds, our area was spared major damage as Iota’s route bent slightly further south. Because of the winds, there were multiple trees down knocking out our power for another three day stretch. Unfortunately, many of the same areas and communities in both Honduras and Nicaragua were hit again. 


Now sitting here, honestly feeling pretty tired. I reflect on what is going on in this world, and I remember that this world is not my home. I am here building my life to build heaven. Asking repeatedly that God would use me as a tool in this greater mission that He has so intricately gone before. Clinging to the fact that one day I will find myself before His throne, in humble adoration, praising him for eternity. 

This world is not our home:

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:14-16


Update

First, I am sorry to have missed sending out an update for the month of October. I think many can relate with the feel of surprise seeing Thanksgiving on the calendar for next week. AH WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?! I guess I’ll start with this; I MOVED. Several weeks ago on a Sunday morning I woke up and said “I think that I am going to see if the casita across the way from me is available for me to move into.” Only a few hours later on that same day I received a text asking if I’d be interested in moving into the smaller casita across the way. I immediately called my friend to see why she was randomly asking. I came to find out that the housing committee here was talking about the need for a little bit bigger home for a new missionary couple that is moving down. Clearly this was God’s timing and He went before me to prepare my heart in such a way. Within about a week the smaller “casita” was ready to be occupied. I loaded all my belongings into suitcases and bags and the boys from the children’s center acted as a free moving service, carrying the bags and then curiously helping me arrange all my things in the places they saw fit. Don’t worry though, I paid them due wages for their hard work (in a large pizza). I LOVE MY NEW HOME! I still have a direct view of the children’s center from my front door and the kids don’t hesitate to knock and then promptly make themselves at home. It has great big windows and high ceilings that allow for great airflow in this hot and sticky climate. 


Children’s center 

Now, Children’s center. There is always something fun going on next door. For halloween, we had a fun little fall festival. We carved watermelons, played a few small outdoor games, and went around “Trick or Treating” to get candy at the missionary houses. Since last time I wrote, I have started Bible club back up. We are having so much fun talking through middle school talksheets which give a framework to address topics and common trends in the life of a middle school boy. The boys keep the conversation going and I can see they are eager to learn and grow each week. 


School 

Everyday I work with my friend Ms. Reagan, tag-teaming the teaching of 2nd and 3rd grade. All I have to say is the children will never again have a teaching duo like us. We are loud, high energy, and constantly singing something to the kids. One of our main goals is to create an environment where the kids really love to learn and see school as a joyful and safe place to be. We have a blast and while the kids sometimes look at us like we are crazy, we can see that they love it. Due to COVID, Our school is still only allowed to do tutoring instead of full classes so we are making it work to the best of our abilities. We rotate 2nd and 3rd grade throughout the week. 2nd grade comes Monday and Wednesday and 3rd grade comes Tuesday and Thursday. We are jamming in a lot of learning in a little amount of time but the kids are showing amazing growth. Specifically, in our Bible classes we just finished going through the life of Jesus for 3rd grade. In 2nd grade we are working through the Old Testament focusing on God’s greater plan for His children. 

Praises 

  • My safety and ongoing health

  • We are so grateful to be able to continue education with our school students. 

  • The relationships with the students and kids at the children's center are continually strengthening. 

  • God, has really allowed me to see a huge growth in my Bible club boys

Prayers 

  • I am working on trying to come home for christmas. The airport I usually fly out of is closed due to terrible flooding from the hurricanes. Unfortunately, tickets from  the other airports are more expensive. 

  • For the country of Honduras as they recover from the most recent natural disasters. 

  • Wisdom in working with kids, support raising, language learning and day to day cross-cultural interactions

  • I am in need of financial support. I am currently exploring the options that exist surrounding joining a sending organization.

Thank you all for taking the time to read, for your prayers and continual support. I so greatly appreciate all that you do for me, and praise God for those of you He has brought alongside me during this experience.

Thank YOU!!

Chase Gray

Email- chasegray98@gmail.com       

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Classroom Wish List-

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Chase Gray