CHILD-LIKE FAITH
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
This verse has been my 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders’ memory verse the past 2 weeks at school. They had to memorize it side by side in English and Spanish. In one of our conversations about this verse we got on the topic of if the students were too young to set an example for those that are older than them. I always want to encourage critical thinking, so I was encouraged that the conversation had reached this level.
However, when asking the question, the kids didn’t and probably still don’t realize how they have impacted me with their child-like faith. And this got me thinking. God isn’t focused on our age, our ability, or our circumstances. He isn’t a God of limitations. His love doesn’t change from you to me based on our skills, age, level of education or how much money we have. We don’t have to be at a certain “readiness” to serve Him. He meets us where we are and equips us with spiritual gifts to do the good works He has set before us.
I am so grateful that God is using me in these kids' youth to encourage them in Christ and I am so encouraged that God has brought you all on this journey with me.
When I originally joined CTEN I was told that I would probably have to go back to the states to support raise. But here I am, close to reaching my monthly support goal. A friend of mine had the great idea to allow people to become monthly supporters by claiming one of the departments of Honduras. Out of the 18 departments, 9 have been claimed! Support amounts range from $5 to $50. If you’re interested in claiming one of the remaining departments please let me know or donate directly through this link https://cten.org/missionary/chasegray/ !
It has been awhile since I sent a detailed letter of what is happening here in Honduras. I currently work half days at school and half days at the Children’s Home. At the school I see students from 1st grade to 9th grade. My class sizes vary and so does my curriculum, student attitudes, depth of material, and interest levels (HAHA). Classes are going really well and I am enjoying getting to focus so deeply on the Bible. In the younger grades we do a lot of learning about Bible characters and stories and in the upper grades we do a lot of reflection and application. I am taking and using my Bible certificate from Word of Life and applying everything that I learned while being in other teachers' classrooms the last two years. We are hard at work doing a lot of verse memorization and some other very fun Bible topics, such as the books of the Bible!
We have been busy at the Home. Since I last updated you we gave the downstairs of the house a fresh new coat of paint! It looks and feels sooo good. Even better was the opportunity to work on the project with the kids where they got to take ownership of improving an area of their home. We have hosted several events at our home. Our favorites being our Children's Day celebration and our origami making party. As always, have several birthday parties in one month from staff and their kids to the kids in our home! I still consistently do Bible Club with our middle school age boys on Wednesday nights. It never fails to be a blast and has truly become a lot more enjoyable and easier. Our kids are growing and maturing. They all desire to learn and for the most part really excel in their schooling. It is so fun to walk alongside them during this season of their life. Additionally, our team that works at the home is growing together. It is so great to work with like minded people that have the same desires for the kids.
Last, I had a visitor. Tim, a friend from Word of Life, came and visited me. It was such a good time. The kids and I took him to the beach and a few local waterfalls. He joined all of my classes at school and all of my activities at home. It was a crazy week and he definitely got to see what life is like here.
Praises
Fundraising is going very well.
Kids and I have gotten into the swing of classes and have a full schedule again.
Tim, my friend, came to visit.
God, continually shows me that he is faithful. I am blown away by His leading.
Prayers
For the school year.
Strength and Endurance.
That I will be able to stay spiritually full.
For wisdom, God truly is carrying me through this. I need his wisdom and guidance with every step.
I am still not fully funded BUT close and am so grateful. Please if you have any questions about support, reach out!
Well, again, I say thank you. I could not do this without your love and support. I am blown away by your compassion and desire to support the work God has called me into. I could not be here without your prayers and encouragement.
Thank YOU!
Chase Gray
