frightening pleasures

 

Hi Folks,

 

     What a pleasure it is to be here in Puerto Cabezas, serving God Almighty, as best we can! 

 

     It truly IS a pleasure to serve our Lord, every day, all day long.  From the moment we wake up in the morning (6:00am or so), until we go to bed at night (around 8-10pm) we have the privilege of wondering how best we can serve God TODAY...and tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future.

 

     The subject line of this little note says "frightening pleasures".  It says that because although we have the privilege of being here, working for the Lord in every way we can, we also have the RESPONSIBILITY of working for the Lord, all day long in every way we can.  That is the frightening aspect of our call.

 

     We are but poor pitiable human beings, not "missionary machines", and so there are times when we wonder if perhaps we have made a misstep; in our relationships with other people, in our energy level towards the job we want to accomplish, and in many others ways...in challenges which we face on an hourly basis here in this outpost of humanity.  We do sometimes fall short. 

 

     I know that this is ALSO the will of God.  Whatever we accomplish, through God here, HE WILL GET THE GLORY.  What a testimony it is that God can even use Richard and Carolyn Becton to accomplish His Divine Will in Nicaragua.  How can He NOT get the glory, when we (dull tools though we are) are His implements of choice?

 

     We just had a visit from the ChristWalk church of God's vision team, headed by Pastor (and Doctor) Jim Chamberlain.  It was a truly fun, and blessed visit by this team!  Brad Watson, Jimmy Hudson, LaVoy Newton Sr., LaVoy Newton Jr., Luddy Navarro, and Roy Villegas joined Pastor Jim Chamberlain for this life-changing experience.  The team prescribed for 335 patients, and probably put at least 350 pairs of glasses into this little community of ours.  BUT EVEN BEYOND THAT...the team ministered on the radio, and preached in several churches while they were here.  The LaVoy/Jimmy team, was a powerful force on Sunday morning at the Nuevo Jerusalem Iglesia de Dios service!  I think everyone in the church came up for individual prayers of healing, and rebirth, and rededication.  One young man even came up to give his life to Jesus, hallelujah!  We also had a salvation celebration at the Muelle Iglesia de Dios on Saturday evening, as a man was standing outside, peering in the window, during LaVoy Jr.s service.  He was invited inside and he dedicated his life to Jesus, double hallelujah!  This ministry is an ongoing one, from Fernandina Beach Florida, and the ChristWalk Church of God.  They visit this area about every four months, and if your desire is to serve in this way...you can contact Pastor Jim Chamberlain about joining one of his devout teams.  (chambgang@yahoo.com)

 

     Most of you know that we have TWO major projects going on right now in our portion of Jesus' world, La Miskitia.  The first is a project to build a school of exceptional educational quality, which I mentioned in my last blog.  We need financial help with that project.  The second project is to bring a group of local (native) musicians to the United States for a month.  There are nine of us in the group.  We are coming in February, driving up from Nicaragua.  We can use some help there too folks, financial help.  We need gas money and money for lodging. The group will be singing songs native to La Miskitia, and some passionate songs in English as well.  The presentation of our region, the reason we are performing, consists of about an hour and a half of singing, stories about this region, and some preaching in the Miskito Style.  I think that people will find it interesting and hopefully our passion for Christ will come through.  As I mentioned, we are saving a lot of money by driving to the United States, so we don't have to rent vehicles when we arrive, and do not have to pay for airline tickets.  We can really use some help, both financially, and with your suggestions of churches that may be interested in having our musical group come for a visit.  We ask only for an offering to be taken up for gas money, as the main intent of the visit is to raise awareness about La Miskitia, and the plight of the poor people there.

 

     Know a church interested?

 

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
3005 Pine Dr NE
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America

happy news!

 

Hi Folks,

 

     For those of you that have been wondering...Carolyn is back in Nicaragua as of tonight!  Yippee!

 

I have more than several things I would like each of you to keep in prayer.

 

The School (we need money for construction costs, right away).

Our Indian Brethren

Our Mission

An opportunity for increased income into our mission which is "up in the air" right now.

 

I am keeping this short, because I sent out my last BLOG just a day or two ago.

 

Richard

 

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
1135 Ponderosa Dr
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America

The Lord blesses us, and its time to put "feet to prayer".

Hi Folks,

 

     NOW is the time.  We need to have the school in Puerto Cabezas finished by the end of January.  We have a team from Pennsylvania coming on the first of January, and staying for approximately one week.  This team coming from Praise Cathedral (http://www.pccog.org/) we pray will be used to FINISH THE WORK! 

 

     We have the men in Puerto Cabezas to build the school.  God has also blessed us with the land upon which to build the school...what we need is materials.  And we need them badly.  All the materials we need can be purchased locally, we need funds.  We MUST raise $30,000.00 to complete the school.  I have a promise of $6,000.00 coming our way already, and so we are short about $24,000.00 for construction materials and costs of men and concrete.  YOUR donation can start the ball rolling, but keep it coming in.  REMEMBER, you cannot "outgive God".

 

     We have 125 lovely little native children ready to attend this school, in February.  We need to get it built.

 

     You can see the hand of God in your movements when you keep prayer first in your life.  Let me explain how we came to already have 125 students, ready for school in four short months.

 

     The Church of God in Puerto Cabezas, namely the Central Church of god, has a small existing school.  They have had to turn away students because the school is located at the church, which is a small piece of property.  The school really was kind of "cramped into" this small locale. 

 

     The pastors house was almost literally falling down, and so it was necessary that his home be rebuilt.  In the process of rebuilding it was determined that there was no space, while construction was going on, for the school to operate. 

 

     As it happens, and it ALWAYS seems to happen this way, God's timing is PERFECT in this case.  If we can get our school building constructed and open by the end of January we can give these students a "home". 

 

     The government of Nicaragua is supplying the books, teachers, administrators etc.  All we need is the building!  If you have NEVER responded to our blog before, we NEED you to RESPOND NOW, please.  This is a seminal moment in our mission here.  We can accomplish so MUCH MORE than we thought we would be accomplishing. 

 

     THIS is YOUR CHANCE to get in on the "ground floor", and to really and truly make a difference in the lives of 125 children (and probably many more).  Please help.

 

In His Grace and Mercy and Favor...

 

Richard and Carolyn Becton

 

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
1135 Ponderosa Dr
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America

Wonderful visit from North Carolina, upcoming visits from Florida and Pennsylvania

 

Hi Folks,

 

     I just spent the last four days with some wonderful people from North Carolina, Lou and Rosa Politowicz, and their friend from Managua Herman Urcuya.  Lou and Rosa have a ministry called "Bread of Life" (www.bolmm.com).  Please visit their website for more information on what God is doing through their lives.  Please pray that He will bless their ministry as they shift it's focus here to La Miskitia.  Praise Him!

 

     We are also excited about the fast-approaching visit of the optical team from Fernandina Beach!  Pastor (Doctor) Jim Chamberlain and team will be in Nicaragua on the 2nd of October and will be in Puerto Cabezas on the 3rd, on the first flight.  Some of you may remember their words "everyone should be able to see clearly enough to read their bibles".  THAT is what they accomplish when they come here to the Atlantic coast.  Please keep them in your prayers, that their journey will be safe, and comfortable.

 

     Lou and Rosa Politowicz will be back in Puerto Cabezas during the last week of November with a group of 25-30 young evangelists! Praise God! 

 

    We also have a new group of about 20 devout Christians coming to Puerto Cabezas from Pennsylvania, the Praise Cathedral church with Pastor Mike Grove, on the first day of next year.  This group is a hard-working construction oriented, and skilled group.  One which we very badly need here in Puerto Cabezas, for the bilingual school which we are breaking ground on next month.  Praise God!

 

     We pray blessing on each and every one of you which receives this blog, and upon your families and ministries.

 

Richard

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
1135 Ponderosa Dr
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America

I finally figured it out!

Hi Folks,

 

     I think I have finally reached a conclusion here.  After some in-depth research (not really)...I have determined that I begin to feel the need for a change after approximately 73 cold showers, consecutively.

 

     It seems that after about 2 1/2 months of bone-chilling showers, my body begins to crave "hot water".  Over a period of some-odd (sometimes very odd) 49 years I have developed the unfortunate habit of showering in the mornings.  I really wish I could become acclimated in the realm of personal cleanliness in the same way which my Miskito brethren are.  My brother Miskitos tend to take their "banyar" in the afternoon, in the heat of the day.  An imminently practical adaptation, I must say.  When I try this, I inevitably end up taking at least two showers a day, which even for a devout Christian that truly believes that "cleanliness IS next to Godliness" is a bit much.

 

     I am excited about the visit of my new friend Luis Politowisc who is one of those brave, adventurous and devout souls daring to penetrate to the eastern portion of Nicaragua to visit our Miskito brethren.  Please keep brother Lou, and his wife Rosa in your prayers, that their visit here will be filled with blessings...both for THEM and the Miskito people which they come into contact with.

     I do not usually gripe...but the showers DO get old, quick.   GRIN!

 

Richard

 

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
1135 Ponderosa Dr
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America

Wow..I don't know what we would do without your prayers!

Hi Folks,

 

     I cannot imagine life without YOUR prayers right now.  We have been beset with one calamity after another in the last three weeks.  Without your prayers to cover us in protection, I can only imagine how much worse it would have been!

 

     First, as you know, I spent a week on my back in bed with Dengue Fever.  Very bad.

 

     Secondly, on the drive to Puerto Cabezas I had TWO flat tires, and only had one spare.  So now I am in Managua trying to buy two new rims for the Suburban.  I am pleased that through your prayers, and the Lord's leading we decided to wait to bring the trailer to Puerto.  We would not have made it right now.  The road to Puerto Cabezas is in the worst condition I have EVER seen it in.  I mean it is truly horrible. Pessimo!

 

     Thirdly, the house which I was to rent in Puerto Cabezas isn't ready, and I have been forced to stay in a hotel.  I was able to find a hotel that is only $13.00 per night, but that is still a lot of money when I am looking at staying there for about a month.  At least on a missionary budget it is a LOT OF MONEY.

 

     Thank the Lord that through your prayers we have avoided anything permanent happening to our bodies, or our spirits. We are both healthy and happy and working in God's Grace and Mercy.  What more can a couple of missionaries ask for?

 

     Financially, we are beset, but spiritually we are humbly proud of each and every one of your prayers that have acted as a guard against worse dangers and bodily harm.  Thank YOU!

 

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
1135 Ponderosa Dr
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America

Driving to Puerto

 

Hi Folks,

 

     I am leaving Managua tomorrow morning, Tuesday the 9th of September, and driving to Puerto Cabezas.  I am taking a new friend along with me, his name is Ernesto.  Ernesto was introduced to me two days ago by Brother Rolando Almazan of community bank in Cleveland, GA. 

 

     Brother Ernesto is enamored with the idea of becoming a missionary pilot, and so I have invited him to come out to Puerto Cabezas for a day or two to see how he likes the "frontier areas".  This works out very well for me, because I was slightly, ever so slightly, worried about traveling alone. 

 

     The trailer is NOT coming with us on THIS trip.  It will remain safely ensconced in the driveway of the Iglesia de Dios en Nicaragua oficina national, for now.  I will return to Managua in a week or so, to finalize the paperwork for the upcoming medical team from the ChristWalk Church of God in Florida.

 

     I covet your prayers, as always, for my journey, and for the visiting team.

 

God bless!

 

Dios le bendiga grandemente a su familia y ministerio.
 
Casa de Servicio, International
Missionary Aviation, Medical Evacuation
Church of God, World Missions Project #: 065-0497
http://www.casadeservicio.org
 
Richard & Carolyn Becton
1135 Ponderosa Dr
Cleveland, TN 37312
210 392-9574 (for dialing from the US, and for messages)
011 505 613-5824 (Our number in Nicaragua)

 

flight@flash.net
http://www.myspace.com/rbecton
http://www.casadeservicio.org/blog/

 

ADDRESS IN NICA:

 

Iglesia de Dios, Central
Missionero Richard Becton
Barrio: 19 de Julio
Puerto Cabezas, R.A.A.N.
Nicaragua, Central America