I'm moving to Honduras!!

in 5 days!! DECEMBER 28TH!!

Hello to all of my wonderful family, friends, and supporters!! I NEED YOUR HELP! As I am looking forward to making the big move to Honduras, I am still in need of financial support!

One-time donations are great, but I am also looking for some consistent, faithful monthly supporters to cover my everyday living expenses. Here is a tentative break-down of the budget:

HONDURAS MONTHLY BUDGET:

Food & Lodging: $200

Transportation: $30

Student loan: $80

Visa fees: $10

Phone & internet: $30

Flights (to US every 6 months): $150-200

Spending money: $100

Miscellaneous, emergencies, etc.: $200

Overall Goal (for first year): $10,000...I have already raised $2200 so I am currently at 22% of my goal!!

Please prayerfully consider partnering with me as I minister to street kids in Honduras!! Every little bit counts!!

Make a tax-deductible donation:

1. Online Donation:

www.WorldOutreach.org 
Click DONATE & select Cassandra Schott #135

(choose one-time or monthly gift)

2. Mail Checks to:
World Outreach Ministries
P.O. Box B
Marietta, GA 30061
(designate for Cassandra Schott #135)

full circle.

It all started the summer of 2009...

I was in Colorado nannying for the summer. I had finished my senior volleyball season at CCU, but still had a few outstanding classes to take the following year. One Monday evening after work, I was on my way to a women's ministry gathering with Living Faith Church. I began praying about what God wanted me to do after I graduated because I felt like teaching wasn't really my thing. I was asking God for clarity and direction.

At the gathering, Brother Harry Gomes from India shared a message about walking by faith. I thought that was interesting, but wasn't really sure at the time what that meant for me in my next steps after college. At the end of the sermon, he began praying...and praying....and praying. It went on for a good 20 minutes and I could not understand a single word of his prayer until about the middle when he said, 

"I feel the Holy Spirit telling me someone in this room is going to be raised up as a missionary and travel around the world to help people and children." 

BOOM. I could not understand a single word of his prayer after that. By the time he finished praying I was paralyzed in my seat, tears streaming down my face. I knew that was exactly the part that the Lord wanted me to hear--He was speaking that directly to me! That was just the beginning of my call to missions...

[taking a leap of faith]

Fast-forward to October 2010: I was boarding a plane to Guatemala to begin my first month of The World Race. My team soon found out that there were not enough contacts in Guatemala so we would be traveling to Honduras along with another team for the month. It was an incredible month doing life together and working with street kids. I didn't want to leave, but I had 10 more months on the trip and 10 more countries to go to. And God had so much more to show me and teach me before He would bring me back to Honduras long-term. 


As many of you know, God has called me back there to be a mom for Luis (if you haven't already, please read I'm going to be a mom!!). I will also be starting a Bible study with the girls, going through the book Captivating. I want to begin a worship night once a week and eventually a youth group. And ultimately, I want to open a community center for street kids in the abandoned school building in Los Pinos.

[praying over the building--October 2010]

About a month ago, I was able to share a testimony of God's calling on my life to continue as a missionary in Honduras at Renovation Church (formerly Living Faith Church, where I had received my initial call to missions). God is so faithful! God called me out of that church and that place in my life and into something new--missions. And then He allowed me to go back to that church to share about my experience. Honduras was the first country, the first month of the World Race. And now He has called me back there!! God is so good at bringing things back around full circle.

an opportunity for private education.

As we move forward in ministry, we continue to look for more opportunities to radically change the lives of these teenagers. One way we are currently doing that is through sponsoring the teens to ride the bus to and from school, purchase school uniforms and supplies, and attend public schools. However, as the public school system is becoming more corrupt, this is becoming a greater concern for us. The government often does not pay the teachers so they do not to show up at school to teach. 

This is a problem.

Our idea for a solution:

We currently have five teens that will be moving on to high school at the beginning of the next school year (February 2012)--Dania, Fanny, Jennifer, Ariel and Luis. These five have continued to work hard and are all doing well in their classes. Because of their work ethic and the progress they have each shown, we are looking into sending them to a private Christian High School next year. The school is called La Escuela Gran Comisión (The Great Commission School), and is run by highly trained teachers and staff. They focus not only on providing the students with high-level education, but also on building good Christian character and values. 

[Dania & Fanny]

[me & Jennifer]

[Tony with Ariel & Luis]

By giving these teens the opportunity to study in a private Christian school setting, we are hoping this will bring another radical change to their lives and their families. As they continue their education and eventually graduate, they will be able to go on and achieve more in their lives. This will enable them to become leaders in their families and a great example to others in their community.

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Will you prayerfully consider partnering with us to give these teens an opportunity to study in a private Christian school? The cost will be about $100/month per teen.

God answers prayers.

Last week, I told the story of Fernando, a 12 year old boy in Honduras, who decided to quit school and return to the streets. (If you haven't already, please read "We all just want to belong.") His older brother, Josue, was buying drugs for him. When I looked deeper at the root issue, I came to the conclusion that what these boys want, really what we all want, is to feel loved and accepted...to feel like we are a part of something...we want to belong. My prayer was that Fernando and Josue (and others who daily choose street life) would begin to see the hope, love, and acceptance that we find in Christ.

[Fernando in the colegio in Los Pinos]

Well, in the past week, Fernando has come off the streets and is staying on the property with Tony & Nidia. He is enjoying life surrounded by Christians and beginning to experience the love and acceptance he was searching for. He is able to be a kid again! Now, his days consist of playing with toy cars, climbing trees, eating three meals a day, watching movies, and being wrapped up in warm blankets and hugs. A week ago, he was living on the streets, getting high on paint thinner, eating from the garbage dump, and robbing people. 

His brother, Josue, used to live with Tony & Nidia for about 5 months. He was studying one-on-one with a volunteer teacher learning how to read and write. He had a huge collection of Hot Wheels matchbox cars to show for his accomplishments and good work. Then one day in September, he got up and left without telling anyone where he was going. He took his bike and backpack full of cars and left. We found out later that night that he had returned to Los Pinos.  

[me & Josue--movie night on the patio in September]

I have been worried about him ever since he left. The word on the street was that he was getting high almost daily and buying drugs for Fernando. One day last week, he disappeared. Nobody knew where he was, not even his mom or brothers. I began to pray that the Lord would protect him and bring him back safely. Yesterday, Josue came to Tony with tears in his eyes. Yes, a teenage boy--a tough guy who lives on the streets and takes care of himself--crying!! He told Tony he wants a second chance in the ministry. 

I am so thankful that God is using people like Tony & Nidia to show the love of Christ to a broken and hurting community, and I can't wait to go back and be a part of it all! Please continue to pray for their ministry and for provision, wisdom, and discernment as they continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Honduras.

[Nidia & Tony]

Herman: becoming a leader.

If you haven't already, please read Herman's story.

Quick re-cap:

About three months ago, Herman made the decision to get on the bus at 5:30am six days a week to go work on the new property instead of continuing his life on the streets. He came knowing he would not get paid for his labor. It was completely his choice. After about 3 weeks of seeing Herman show up and work hard for 8 hours/day, his commitment and work ethic paid off. He is now getting paid $5/day four days a week to work at the property. He is also taking English and computer classes. 

A year from now, his life will be RADICALLY different in many ways!!

[Cristofer, Herman, & Luis]

A few weeks ago, after much thought and prayer, Tony and Nidia invited Herman to live with them so that he wouldn't have to ride the bus out to the property every day to work. Herman agreed and has been doing GREAT! I talked to him a couple of weekends ago and he told me that his friends had invited him to a party with drugs and other bad things. He turned them down. For the first time ever. I am so proud of my brother!! 

That is a huge step for him! 

A few days ago, Herman asked me when I was coming back to Honduras and told me he was praying for me! (Let me remind you--he told me 2 months ago that he wasn't ready to give his life to the Lord, but he enjoyed going to church and discipleship class.) I really had a feeling that the Lord was going to use this to draw Herman into a relationship with Him. 

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" --Hebrews 12:28-29

This past week, Herman lost a good friend. Jimmi was killed as he was attempting to rob someone on the streets of Los Pinos. A month ago, Herman may have been with him. Now, his life is RADICALLY different! God is transforming his heart and his life! 

[Today, Tony and the group chose to fast for lunch and use the money to prepare a special meal for Jimmi's family. They also gave the family a photo album with pictures and memories of Jimmi, since they do not have a single picture from his life.]

I have been able to talk to Herman on Skype a few times this week and he is always smiling and laughing about something! When I asked how he is doing with the death of his friend, he said he's fine, but I know he is still hurting on the inside. I have been praying that God will use Jimmi's death to bring LIFE to others in the community. That the Lord would raise up Herman as a leader and use him as an example to others who continue to daily choose street life. Well, God is beginning to answer my prayers!

[Herman & Ariel, photo by Natii]

Today, Herman stood up in front of the church and gave his testimony!!

This is what Tony says about Herman:

"His testimony is FRESH as it is not a story from the past but of the present. This young man everyday makes the decision to be away from paint thinner and other drugs. Every day he makes the decision to hang out with his new Christian friends and no longer with gang members. Yesterday he said with a smile, 'I am growing so much in my faith!'" 

[Herman sharing his testimony at church, photo from Ashley]

I truly believe God is going to use Herman to call his friends into the abundant life and love of Christ. Please continue to pray for Herman as he begins this new life of faith and begins to step into leadership! Pray that he will continue to be bold and confident in sharing his faith with friends, family, and others!!

We all just want to belong.

In light of some of the recent events in Honduras, I have been thinking a lot about what the root issue is. Let me explain: A few weeks ago, Fernando (12 years old), quit school and returned to the streets of Los Pinos to live in the dump with his mom. Rumor has it, he is hanging out with older boys doing paint thinner daily and also smoking pot and attempting to rob people. His 15-year old brother, Josue, is buying the pot for him. The boys' older brother Cristofer is also back on the streets getting high daily. A few days ago, Jimmi, 16 years old and a dear friend to many, was shot and killed as he tried to rob someone in the streets of Los Pinos. 

These kids are putting their lives in danger daily. 

The big question is:

Why?

[Fernando, 12--playing with toy cars]

I think one of the main reasons that many of them continue the street life is to feel like they are a part of something. To feel like they belong. To be accepted and loved by their "friends." Isn't that what we all really want in life? To feel like we are a part of something, like we belong...to be accepted and loved by others? The thing is, most of us have families, friends, churches, small groups, jobs, and other environments we are involved in that make us feel welcomed and loved. These street kids don't have that. Most of them don't even have parents who love or care for them. 

So they go looking in other places to feel loved and accepted. 

For many years of my life, I did the same thing. Before I met Jesus in a real and tangible way, I turned to alcohol and relationships with guys to fill the longing I felt in my heart to be accepted and loved. It was dangerous, destructive, and never truly fulfilled the desires of my heart. But because our God is a God of grace, he has brought me out of that lifestyle and has given me an abundant life in Him. I no longer have to look to other things to fill the longings of my heart. 

God has filled that hole completely and perfectly.

[crushing the old life]                       [being filled with the new]

"They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them."  --Ezekiel 34:27

I have been freed from the things that used to enslave me, and it is only because of the Lord! He has broken the chains in my life that tied me to my past and used to hold me back. Now I am springing forth into something new. 

This is where I belong.

I long to see these kids turn their lives fully over to the Lord and never look back! I pray that they will come to experience the love and FREEDOM that God has for them. I want them to know that they are loved and that the Lord has a unique plan for each one of their lives, if they are willing to accept it in obedience. Most of all, I want them to know that as a part of the body of Christ they are needed, loved, and accepted. 

And this is where they BELONG.

Please join me in praying for Fernando, Josue, Cristofer, and others who have chosen street life to feel a sense of belonging, love, and acceptance. Pray that the Lord would use Jimmi's death as a message to others that are following the same path. Pray that their minds and hearts would be AWAKENED to something new. That through Jimmi's death, LIFE would spring forth. 

A new and abundant life in Christ.

Photo blog: update from Colorado!

I LOVE living only an hour away from my sister, Erin! 

We get to spend almost every weekend together :)

[sister time in Boulder, CO]

[hiking Hanging Lake]

[enjoying Yogurtland!!]

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Also LOVING time with my best friends in Colorado--enjoying fall activities!!

[apple cider & pumpkins]

[Jeramie, Kaitlin, & Kelsey]

[Lynda & me]

[our jack-o-lanterns]

[finished jack-o-lanterns]

[with Kelly]

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And babysitting for some of my favorite kids on the planet! :)

[Princess Torrey & Bryce, as Captain Jack!]

[eating Nerds]

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Birthday weekend celebrations!!

[getting wings @ B-Dubs!!]

[ice cream cake with best friends!]

[Coors Brewery Tour]

[taste test]

[getting lost in the corn maze]

[corn maze w/ Kelsey & Erin]

[Senior Night volleyball game]

[lunch with Abby!]

[cheesecake--thanks, Kels!]

I will be in Colorado for about 3 more weeks before heading back to Indiana for Thanksgiving. My time here has been amazing and blessed! It's hard to believe this chapter of my life is almost over, but the friends I have here will be life-long!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!

On October 16th, I had the opportunity to share about my plans to move back to Honduras at True Life Church during their Sunday morning service. They took up a special offering and were able to bless me with $500 to add to my support account! Praise God! I was able to use that money to purchase my plane ticket to go back on December 28th, 2011!! IT'S OFFICIAL!!

[Dania, Fanny, me, and Amalia]

These are some of the girls I will be discipling when I move back to Honduras! I plan on starting a Bible study with them once a week. I love these girls so much and want to see them grow up to know the Lord in a very intimate and personal way. I want these girls to learn how to seek God and His plans for their lives. I want them to find FREEDOM in Christ. I want them to know how much they are loved. 

[God has blessed me with some amazing brothers!!]

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to share at Westwoods Community Church about some of the things I learned on the World Race, and more importantly how God has been working in my heart and changing my life! I talked about how I have lived most of my life to fulfill my own selfish desires. And yet, I never felt completely satisfied. I was always searching for something more. But now that I have given my life to serve the Lord, I have begun to find complete and total satisfaction in Him. I am experiencing the abundant life Jesus talks about in John 10:10--

"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Pastor Rick Schmitz also shared a passage from 1 Timothy 6:17-19...

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 

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If you believe in what I'm doing, would you consider partnering with me in prayer, making a one-time financial donation, or committing to supporting me monthly? Please email me for more information on how you can support me!

Photo blog: life in the states.

I am back in the US visiting family and friends while raising support to move back to Honduras in January. Here is a sneak peek of my past two weeks in the states!

ATLANTA

Rebecca & Mary picked me up from the airport in Atlanta when I got back from Honduras--THANKS girls!! :)

I stayed in Atlanta for The Awakening--a weekend retreat for World Race Alumni, then  

 found a ride up to Virginia to visit my WR teammate, Alex!!

VIRGINIA

Coffee date with Alex in Williamsburg, Virginia

Virginia Beach

Hanging out at the beach with Alex--so refreshing!!

INDIANA

Back in Indiana--breakfast date with Muriah

Dinner with Beth and Mom

Daddy/daughter date night!!

Welcome home party with family--Anna, Uncle Brian, Aunt Diane, and Miles

I was in Indiana for about 5 days unpacking, spending time with family, and repacking to go to Colorado. 

COLORADO

Hanging out with friends--Carmen and Kelsey

Enjoying the beautiful fall weather and Aspen trees--with Kaitlin and Kelsey

 Sister time with Erin

 I will be in Colorado until Thanksgiving, then heading back to Indiana through Christmas. Please pray for me these next three months in the states--that God would continue to teach me and prepare me to go back to Honduras, and that He would provide the funds to get me back there.

on the road to recovery.

meet Ronnie.

This is his story:
Ronnie is 18 years old. He lives with his mom, younger brother, and two younger sisters. His dad is an alcoholic and left the family a few months ago. Ronnie dropped out of school when he was in 5th grade because he preferred street life over school. He got involved with drugs and alcohol which resulted in him assaulting people, stealing, and getting in fights. 


One year ago, he was living out at the farm with our World Race group, completely clean from drugs and alcohol. He read stories from an illustrated Bible for hours every day. When we went into Los Pinos to hold programs for the kids and youth, Ronnie taught the kids Bible stories. He told us his dream was to be a pastor one day.

[October 2010--Ronnie reading Bible stories]

[October 2010]

A few weeks ago, I went into Los Pinos to pick up Luis and I was met by the sight of Ronnie--shirtless and stumbling down the path towards me, clearly high. I hadn't seen him in nearly a year, but that was not at all how I remembered him...I could tell he was shocked to see me.

When I got to Ronnie, I opened my arms wide and gave him a HUGE hug. I was immediately hit with the fumes of paint thinner on his breath. I told him it was good to see him and that I love him and have missed him so much this past year. I walked away with tears in my eyes, not knowing what to do other than pray. 

A few days later, his mom told us she was worried about Ronnie and asked if we would go with her to visit a drug rehab center in downtown Tegucigalpa. We went with her to find out more information, and the next night we had a meeting with Ronnie at his house explaining the program. He was completely against it at first--saying he did not want to be away from his family for 3 months. We assured him that they would be able to visit him regularly, and he reluctantly agreed to at least think about this opportunity. At the end of our meeting I took some time to pray over him and remind him that God still loves him so much--no matter what he has done--and He has BIG plans for Ronnie's life!!

[meeting with Ronnie and his mom]

As we were leaving Ronnie's house that night, we invited him and his mom to come to church with us on Sunday. Not only did they show up, but Ronnie also took a huge step of faith during the worship service. As we were singing, Ronnie went over to Pastor Nicolas and got on his knees as Pastor prayed over him. Ronnie was crying and completely broken. Once the service began, Pastor Nicolas invited Ronnie up to share his testimony and his desire to change. Pastor invited the congregation to join him in a time of prayer for Ronnie.

[Ronnie sharing his testimony]

After church, we invited Ronnie to join us for a few days to detox and have more time to talk, think, and pray more about his options. He was very excited about the opportunity to come out to the property and be off the streets. During these few days, I was able to spend more time with him one-on-one to encourage and pray for him. One day, I took him to get a Coke and we talked for nearly an hour about many different things. I told him that it made me sad to see him high and reminded him about our time together a year ago. 

He became excited when I talked about how he used to read Bible stories and teach the kids. I also asked him if he still wants to be a pastor. He looked down and seemed to be ashamed of the past year of his life. I could tell that he thought he could never be a pastor now, after all he has done. I went on to tell him I believe in him 100% and if he wants to be a pastor, I want to help him make that happen!! I also told him that he will have so much influence as a pastor coming from his background. He will have the ability to minister to people coming from broken homes, drugs, alcohol, and violence with absolutely no hope. His testimony is powerful and God is going to use it to CHANGE his community.

[Luis & Ronnie]

About one week ago, Ronnie took his first step on the road to recovery by entering the drug rehab center and committing to spend 3 months there. We are currently working on finding options for his next steps when he finishes the program in December.

Please keep Ronnie in your prayers as he continues on the road to recovery!