On Second Thought...

There is a cave in Belize, just south of Pook's Hill called Actun Tunichil Muknal.  Recently discovered in 1986, it is considered one of the most spectacular in the country.  Dennis and I saw the sign and decided to investigate.  After traveling well off the beaten path I was feeling a bit uneasy about being out in the middle of nowhere so we turned around an went back.

After reading about Actun Tunichil Muknal, ATM for short, I have decided that I'm glad we didn't go.  From the standpoint of an archeologist, it is an amazing find.  However, I have decided that what they found there must have broken God's heart.

This is what is said in "The Rough Guide to Belize":   There are fifteen individual skeletons including six infants under 3 years old and a child of about 7; the adults range from their 20s to 40s.  None was actually buried: they were simply laid in shallow pools in natural travertine terraces.  Perhaps the most dramatic sight is the skeleton of a young woman lying below a rock wall, with the stone axe that may have killed her nearby. These ceremonies took place here over 1200 years ago.

The book of Psalms tells me that "God's love endures forever".  And since God has always existed,  the God I know today is the same God present during the time of human sacrifice experienced by the Mayan culture. I can only think of the souls of the people in those caves, and all over South and Central America.  When ever I have visited places like this I always walk away sad.  I cannot disconnect from the spiritual aspect of these events.  Every human ever born since time began was made by God.  Like I said, it must have broken His heart to see what His creation did, and is still doing to each other.

Just as a side note here, abortion has killed more than 1,285,390,341 babies world wide, since 1980.  I wonder if that number is close to the number of human sacrifices during the time of Mayan reign.  You can go to numberofabortions.com to see the latest count.

December/January Mission Team Trip

Thought I would share some photos of our trip about a month ago.  You may get a glimpse of why our hearts were touched.

Getting to know the kids in Buena Vista

Snacking during VBS

Pastor Jamie, Zack Trundy, and Santos.  We were working on a home.

Our team must take credit for introducing Thumb Wrestling to the village.

Love the pig picture.

A great shot of these little guys under a purple flowering tree nearby.

Katie observing

Danielle, our Childrens Ministry Leader

It was an amazing trip!  We came away greatly altered.  I think that is why some people choose not to go on missions trips, they are afraid of what God might do.  I say, Go For It!!  Don't you know that your supposed to let God be in charge anyway.  It is humbling to be a part of God's plans.  It brings a sense of fulfillment and peace for those who have been searching.  God is good like that!

Sharing With Our Church Family

Yesterday, at church, the Missions Team had a chance to share what the Belize trip meant to us. I don't mind getting up in front of my church, I kind of enjoy it.  I wanted everyone to know how God has begun this great work in Dennis and I.   Of course we all cried a bit.  Some of us will cry at the drop of a hat or a good commercial on TV.  Sharing from our hearts is one thing that God desires of us and for most, it's one of the hardest things to do.  It makes  us vulnerable. (We shall overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, it's somewhere in Revelation).  I am so humbled to be with this group of people.

Dennis is working on selling his baby (Chevy Pickup).  We are getting older vehicles to take to Belize.  Wouldn't do to be driving around in a nice pickup while trying to minister to people who live in dire circumstances.  Giving up some of the "stuff" we have isn't too hard when its God directing you to do it.

So, the official deadline for moving is September 1, 2013!

The Masterpiece Takes Shape

Welcome! You have found the blog spot (thing) for Dennis and Vicki Lucas.  Actually, it will be Vicki on here most of the time.  Not wanting to bore you with too many details in the beginning, I would want you to know that we are just a couple of God's children who have chosen to seek, listen, and respond to His plans in our lives.

We are on our way to Belize to be salt and light in the world.  Both of us have spent about three years knowing that there was more to life, and feeling like there is something out there.  We have been living great lives with family and friends, yet with a strong sense of  expectation in our hearts.  So now God has led us to this awesome place called Belize.  God is creating a beautiful work of art that includes Dennis and I spending part of our lives with people we have yet to meet.  We are excited to know that God's masterpiece is still being shaped and formed in us.  (Sort of like Michelangelo's, David.  When Michelangelo looked at the large block of marble he could see David in there.  It was his job to help reveal David to the world.)  God is forming our story little by little, in His own time, which means that Dennis and I are just along for the ride!  Feel free to join us on this "ride".

The real Dennis

Me, truly enjoying God's calling