from Cory

Given the option of working, playing or relaxing I have found myself choosing in the reverse order – resting, playing, and then maybe deciding to work. Spending time in Ezra and Nehemiah, spending time with the team in the book of James and watching the kids of Nicaragua I have been deeply convicted of the importance of experiencing my faith through my actions.  My heart is broken when reflecting on the expression of my faith, thinking of how easy it is for me to choose to be in the background or to choose the simple and easy rather than the challenging and demanding. I watch as the kids in the Verbo Orphanage live such a simple yet expressive life. Their actions, without question, express their faith and/or their appreciation for the life given to them through the orphanage. They work and study all day, fellowship and play with each other all night and it seems as though they usually do it all with smiles and laughter.  Sure the work they do is difficult and they would rather be playing with each other, but their “sacrifices reflect their priorities, as our work reflects our faith.” In only a couple days of being here, God is convicting me of the importance of living daily a life that reflects my faith and my appreciation of Him through seeing it so freely expressed in the lives of the kids.

Cory Hand