The man I have called my pastor for 25 years, Melvin Tisdale, passed away last night. I will miss him like a brother & mentor. He was a highly spiritual man and made a difference in his world and those around him. He was on my board from the inception. Every phone call to me ended with “Love you brother!”  Our love goes out to his wife Clo and his children and grandchildren.

Josue and I drove to locate the hospital were my surgery will be held next Saturday. It is off of San Juan de Dios highway.

1. It takes courage to admit when you are wrong. Fear makes us boldly continue to push our agenda even when it is not of God.
2. It takes courage to do what is right even when no one else does. Peer pressure at all ages controls too many Christians. We compromise if we lack courage.
3. It takes courage to say “NO” when someone is trying you to do something you know is not right. You must be strong and resist those temptations.
4. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe even if it means ridicule or rejection. It is so easy to just follow the crowd. Know what you believe and then stand behind if regardless of what others think.
5. It takes courage to stand up for someone who is being rejected. In high school two boys did a horrible thing to a female classmate that the majority thought was hilarious. It became my only fistfight in the high school years but I knew they had demeaned her so I did what I did. I was not a Christian.
6. It takes courage to face a fear without running away. If I would have let fear control me I would not have lasted even one year in Guatemala. My instincts even today sometimes tell me just walk away, return to Louisiana because these battles are not worth it.
7. It takes courage to share your heart honestly. Many have told me they can feel my emotions just from the daily updates. As Popeye said, “I am who I am”. I do not need to hide myself from the wonderful people who know our ministry. I am no giant of faith. I tremble and doubt often. But my sharing honestly with you gives you the knowledge of how to pray for my weaknesses.