Monday, June 29, 2015

Honduras Hope Missions Update

Honduras Hope Missions 2015

Email Newsletter

    Good Monday Morning!  I hope this email finds you doing well!  God has blessed us to be in the final preparation stages for the trip.  I have been emailing with Oscar Chineros from the Baxter Institute and Leopoldo Villacorta, the primary evangelist who serves in Guajire.  They are excited about our arrival and are getting service opportunities ready for us.

Our Bibles are Here!
  • As you can see in the photo above, our Bibles are here!  An anonymous church member donated the funds for each of us to take with us a Spanish/English parallel Bible.  You are welcome to use it for your own personal study, or leave it in Honduras with someone that God inspires you to bless with it.  We hope to visit homes in Honduras and have the opportunity to open hearts to the Words of Life contained within.
Monday evening meeting - 5:30pm - dinner at 6pm.
  • Tonight at the Wiles home, Christopher will host a meeting for those in Southern Indiana area going on the trip.  If you have extra materials such as shoes, socks, underwear, blankets, etc, please bring it tonight as we will be stuffing duffles this week.  
  • Our primary efforts will be building relationships, going over final packing lists, and sharing wisdom learned from experiences, making final plans, and praying together for the trip.
Thursday evening meeting - 
  • Thursday evening in Bowling Green, at the Kim Essig's home.  If you have extra materials such as shoes, socks, underwear, etc, please bring it this night.  We will bring it back to Indiana and stuff it in large duffles to take with us to Honduras.   
  • Our primary efforts will be building relationships, going over final packing lists, and sharing wisdom learned from experiences, making final plans, and praying together for the trip.
Flight Information - see below
  • As you can see, we all wake up pretty early on Monday morning.  Part of our group will fly out of Indianapolis while part flies out of Nashville.  We'll meet up in Atlanta our our flight gate.
  • You do not need any printed documentation.  Just show up at the Delta Airlines Counter with your passport.  After scanning your passport, they will print your ticket information.
The Marshall Family
  • It's with a heavy heart that I let you know of some of the challenges facing our dear friends, the Marshall Family.  As many of you know, for the last three years we've been blessed to have either Casey, Rachel, or Chad Marshall with us on these trips.  The family has recently been grieved as their father, Ken Marshall, while gaining access to God's heavenly home, struggled as his body succumbed to a battle with cancer. Please continue in prayer for peace and healing for the Marshall Family.  For any in the area, visitation is tonight, from 4-8pm at the Lost River Church of Christ (Bowling Green).  Ken will be honored with a memorial service on Tuesday, June 30th, at 6pm.   You can find updates here: Ken's Fight Against Cancer

I'm looking forward to the work effort with you soon!
In His Love,
Christopher Wiles 

"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!" - 1 Chronicles 16:24


FLIGHT INFORMATION - INDIANA GROUP
Travel DetailsDate(s)FromToDepartureArrival






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 1575
06JUL
MONDAY
INDIANAPOLI IN
INDIANAPOLIS I
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
710A851A
CLASS: K ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: BOEING (DOUGLAS) MD-88






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 849
06JUL
MONDAY
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
TEGUCIGALPA
TONCONTIN INTL
1010A1149A
CLASS: K ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-700 (WINGLETS)






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 552
15JUL
WEDNESDAY
TEGUCIGALPA
TONCONTIN INTL
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
109P643P
CLASS: T ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-700 (WINGLETS)






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 1261
15JUL
WEDNESDAY
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
INDIANAPOLI IN
INDIANAPOLIS I
900P1034P
CLASS: T ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-800

FLIGHT INFORMATION - KENTUCKY GROUP
Travel DetailsDate(s)FromToDepartureArrival






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 2485
06JUL
MONDAY
NASHVILLE TN
NASHVILLE INTL
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
530A732A
CLASS: U ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A319






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 849
06JUL
MONDAY
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
TEGUCIGALPA
TONCONTIN INTL
1010A1149A
CLASS: U ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-700 (WINGLETS)






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 552
15JUL
WEDNESDAY
TEGUCIGALPA
TONCONTIN INTL
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
109P643P
CLASS: X ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-700 (WINGLETS)






DELTA AIR LINES
DL 2268
15JUL
WEDNESDAY
ATLANTA GA
HARTSFIELD JAC
NASHVILLE TN
NASHVILLE INTL
905P916P
CLASS: X ECONOMYAIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A319
Our travel Agent with Golden Rule Travel is Annie Hostetler (annie@goldrule.net).  If you have any additional questions, the company contact information is here: 
GOLDEN RULE TRAVEL
PO Box 413, Berlin OH 44610
(800) 950-3599 (FLYY) * FAX (330) 893-1502
www.GoldenRuleTravel.com

Thursday, June 25, 2015

A Peaceful Living Lesson


Living Lessons: Peace
by: Christopher Wiles

Whether it's Facebook or Twitter, CNN or Fox News, the Times Herald, or the Evansville Star, the media that I consume is often disheartening, discouraging, and disparaging.   Like the 1970's mantra and the symbol teens flash today in their selfies, I desire PEACE. 
 
Instead of peace, media fills my brain with dramatic tension concerning everything from the Confederate Flag to Conflicts in Falkland Islands.  What about you?  Are you getting tired of the constant barrage of images, articles, and sound bytes encouraging more conflict, getting you riled up and your blood boiling?

In a search for peace a CNN writer says Iceland and New Zealand are the places to go.  Can I stow away in someone's luggage?  In their search for peace an anonymous internet contributor said, "My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start.  So far today, I have finished 2 bags of chips and a chocolate cake.  I feel better already."  Potato chips and cake to achieve peace?  Sign me up! 

Unfortunately, peace doesn't work this way.  If you're like me and you seek to enjoy peace, be filled with peace, and live peaceably with others (Rom 12:18), then we're going to have to work together to find our peace from something different than modern media, baked goods, and foreign travel.  We're going to have to find it in Jesus.

"I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" - Isaiah 26:3

I'm humbled by and proud of the disciples in Charleston, SC, who continued their study of God's Word this past Wednesday night, just one week after their terrible tribulation.  I hope last night's Bible study brought some much needed peace and I hope we learn from their example.

My desire is for all of us to enjoy a measure of God's eternal peace this week.  Let's start by throttling back our time focused on the tribulation of the world and begin investing our attention in trusting the truth of the Word.  May the "peace of God which passes understanding" be yours.


Living Lessons are practical every day lessons that Topher writes from his learning experiences.  They are featured weekly in the Washington Church of Christ bulletin.  Click here to find more: LIVING LESSONS.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Ben and Amanda Wedding Ending


As one of my favorite weddings to participate in, this moment where Ben and Amanda are pronounced husband and wife holds a special place in my heart.  God knew what He was doing when He instituted the joining of a man and woman together in marriage.  It is beautiful and precious to behold.  You can click here to enjoy the audio portion from the end of Ben and Amanda's Wedding.


Don't forget, to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 often and in this way concerning Love. Live the Love out and God will bless your marriage.
"Ben is patient, Amanda is kind. Ben does not envy, Amanda does not boast, Ben is not proud. 5 Amanda does not dishonor others, Ben is not self-seeking, Amanda is not easily angered, Ben keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Amanda does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 Ben always protects, Amanda always trusts, Ben always hopes, and the Daniel family always perseveres."

Friday, June 19, 2015

Gods Redeemptive Plan - Message Minute


Several years ago the state was rebuilding an overpass near my house in Nashville, TN. Three lanes reduced to one, transforming a morning commute into a gridlock. The project, like human history, seemed like it was in development since before time began.  My neighbors played parts of highway engineers.  Everyone acted as if they were consultants to the department of transportation. But the best clarity about the road came from one who said, “It’ll take time,” “but it will all get finished.” They had faith in the plans.

In the Old Testament story of Joseph, God allows us to study His plans. Brothers dumping brother. But watch the Master Builder at work. He cleared debris, stabilized the structure. And the chaos of Genesis 37:24…They cast Joseph into the pit..became the triumph of Genesis 50:20 God intended it for good and life for many people. God redeemed the story of Joseph. Can’t He redeem your story as well?

Don't despair.  Trust today in God's redemptive plan.  You'll be glad you did.  
 Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

God Our Father - Living Lesson

Living Lesson: God Our Father
by: Christopher Wiles

It was a busy day; Wednesday's always are.  The boys rested after enjoying a fun afternoon stomping mud puddles all around the neighborhood, the evidence was tough for Ashley to scrub off their faces.  Around 4pm,  I passed from the house to the church building to notice the back wall graffitied with a mud spray that could have come from Serangeti sized elephants running amuck.  My little pachyderms were in hot water.  How dare they ignore the soiled sanctity of church property while enjoying afternoon snacks and leisure time at home?

You may say, "Boys will be boys" but I seethed with, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children." (Prov 13:24).

I immediately marched two young men outside, ready to spank at the sight of the desecration of the white brick wall.  Yet their attitudes were completely repentant when they saw the result that they had been oblivious to in their muddy battle royale.  Heartfelt apologies came immediately and young men began vigorously scrubbing the wall.  This dad's heart was softened and he relented because they repented.

God's righteous anger at the blatant disrespect of his children burns hot doesn't it?  "God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day." (Psa 7:11)  Even for all His righteous wrath, He still has a soft spot for His repentant kids, as evidenced in the following passage, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14.  God  acknowledges our apologies, hears our humbleness, and honors our efforts to seek His face. I'm grateful for our Heavenly Father, showing us how to be better dads.

My prayer for all you God-fearing father figures is that you seek and understand the nature of God, who gave us the model for how to train, discipline, and love our children.  May you and your family be blessed by our Father who is in Heaven. 

Living Lessons are practical every day lessons that Topher writes from his learning experiences.  They are featured weekly in the Washington Church of Christ bulletin.  Click here to find more: LIVING LESSONS.

Father's Day Message Minute



Good morning, this is Topher, from Washington Church of Christ bringing you your message minute.

Father's Day is starting to weigh on our hearts and minds.  What gift do you give Sunday for that guy that has been so steady, so consistent, so helpful, and so dependable?

I struggled for years with what to give my dad because if there was anything he ever needed, he would just go out and buy it.  My gift options always seemed superfluous and completely unworthy of the appreciation I had for my dad. 

Then I remembered the sad dad lyrics from the hit song, "Cats in the Cradle" when he sang, "When you coming home son?  I don't know when.  We'll get together then."

As a dad to three boys now, what I want most is just an afternoon to spend with them.  I want time to reflect on how all my blood sweat and tears for them has benefited their lives.  I want to be reminded why I should rejoice in my children. 

Solomon spoke this way about dads in Proverbs 23:24   "The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him."

This year, don't stress about what to buy that man you love and appreciate.  Just spend time with him letting dad know how he's made you a wiser, more appreciative child.  It's a simple thing to do, and you'll both be glad you did.

Message Minutes are recorded for 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program and air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Wiles SlipnSlide Fun!

Message Minute about "Rain Rain Go Away"


May I suggest something other than video games and complaining about the rain?  Go make some cheap/fun memories!
"A glad heart makes a cheerful face!" - Proverbs 15:13a

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Grateful for the Little Helpers

In returning to a house remodel from 5 days at Bible camp with no cell phone reception or internet connection, one can quickly feel stressed by the list of home and church tasks on the to-do list. Finishing the cabinets is one of those to-do items, but these little helpers are making the mound of tasks much more fun!

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'" - Psalm 126:2


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

We Thank God for our Public Servants

Just a few days ago, my eight year old son re-declared his belief that God is actively calling him to be a missionary sharing hope through the Good News to the impoverished of the world.  He studied hard his Spanish lesson for the day as he prepares to share hope specifically to children on a mission trip to Honduras this summer. He could not declare his purpose and calling so freely and openly without the protection that God has allowed through our public servants' hard work.  We thank you for your diligence in keeping Indiana a place where 8 year-olds can still believe in God and openly serve Him. 

Just yesterday, my six year old son took his first long bike ride with family on his brand new two-wheeled birthday present.  East Side Park, where many of you public servants gathered tonight, was his destination of choice and a fun two mile round trip for the little guy.  He could not enjoy the ride had not you public servants faithfully devoted your time and efforts in making Washington and Indiana safer places to be.  We thank you for your dedication in providing safety for 6 year-olds and their families to adventure on their birthday bicycles.

Today, my eighteen month old son cried little and laughed often.  His biggest worry was when daddy was too busy fixing a plumbing leak to read to him the story, "Corduroy's Day".  He couldn't enjoy the security and peace that he does without you public servants committing countless hours to making sure families are healthily supported by our local and state governments.  We thank you for your commitment to strengthening God's first human institution, the family.

Speaking of plumbing leaks, today my wife and I fixed two of them in the new home we have purchased and are in the process of remodeling.  It felt good to know that my rights and property are secured by your legislation and oversight from would-be scam artists and cheats, even if they still suffer from my amateur plumbing skills.  We thank you for your wisdom that protects our dwelling and property ensuring that we have a place of peace to call home.

I travel to third world countries annually.  Government corruption plagues the everyday individuals' freedom of religion, safety, security, and peace.  We thank God for you and for His use of you to care for the people He created in Washington, Daviess County, and Indiana.

It was a pleasure to be with you this evening at the Daviess County Republican Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner. It was an honor to thank God for you and to continue to ask His forgiveness, faith, and favor on your public service.  No matter our political party affiliation, generation, gender, religion, or social class, we all owe you our thanks for your efforts of servant leadership.

May you rest well tonight in the knowledge that God uses you and will continue to do so as long as you pursue His principles and put people as a priority over personal gain, popularity, and pride.

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, Godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4