Stories of a Son

Friday, October 25, 2013

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Friday, September 6, 2013

Focus

Hey Everyone,

Well, honestly I don't really have much to say, but this morning the Lord made a drastic shift in my focus. This should have been my focus all along, but hey... it's a process right?

Since we have been here in England (even before we touched the ground) I feel like my mind has been spinning its wheels in mud at 100 mph going absolutely no where. Thinking thoughts of "why are we here in England?", "why are we STILL here in England?", "God, what are you doing?", "What's going on with Dira?", "Why hasn't her breathing got better?", "Why can't any doctor find anything?"...etc. I could go on and on and on, but I will spare you.

The only answer I can come up with is, "I don't know." I have been trying to figure things out constantly, and all of my efforts have been futile. I go to try and post another update on Facebook to inform everyone, and I realize I don't have any news other than "I don't know."

SO. I am finished! I am finished trying to figure everything out and having a "plan." I am finished trying to carry all of this unnecessary pressure. I am finished at trying to figure everything out.

I do know that I need more of God. I do know that I want more of Him. I have to have more of Him. I do know that I love Him and He loves me. I do know that He is always good, all the time. I do know that His ways are far better than mine. I do know that He is our provider. He is our guide. Frankly, all I care to know at the moment is Him. No more spinning the wheels of my mind in the metaphorical mud. I am taking my rightful place in Heavenly places and getting perspective. I want my thoughts to be His thoughts. I can't afford to think anything else.

I do know that things are just going to work out. In the mean time, I quiet my soul. I still my being and know the He is God. I wait on Him. That is the only thing I know to do. That is the only thing that really truly works. Everything else is futile.

My Joy is in Him through my wife, my child, my family, and my friends. All of my Joys are wrapped into one and it's all in the Heart of God which I desperately need. I am counting everything as joy.

SO. I gladly give up my right and desire to understand and receive the peace that passing all understanding.

I gladly say this of my circumstances "I don't know" and I gladly say this of my God "I want to know Him"

Sorry, if this seemed like I rambled, but this is where I am at the moment.

I love you all very much. May this peace of God overwhelm you, the presence of God fill you, and the love of God be your very heartbeat.

Yours truly,

Andrew Soreano

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

In the Storm

Hey Everyone,

I am so sorry that I haven't posted anything about this sooner... but I have tried to keep people updated through Facebook, email, and by other people spreading the word. Dira has been really sick for the past month, but hasn't been feeling normal since we have been here. Dira and I both have really contended for a miracle and we still believe one can happen. God is the Almighty Physician and He heals supernaturally and through medicine, and at this point either will do .. Even though we prefer the first option. However, at this moment since she hasn't got better we are taking action and going to England to get her better medical treatment. We will come back to Pemba as soon as possible.

This decision was very hard for us because the last thing we want to do is leave Pemba... We made the decision today...with many tears.

THANK YOU! To all who have prayed for Dira and who are still praying. Words can not express our gratitude. She hasn't felt alone at all through this time which is a huge testimony! She has been truly overwhelmed by love and by the fact that so many people are praying for her. You all are absolutely amazing! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We love you all very much.

Through all of the contending we have done and through all the waiting for the Lord to do a miracle, we have not lost sight of His goodness for a moment. May the living God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be praised! He is always good no matter what the circumstances are. God does not make people sick, but we know that He does make all things to work for the good of those who love Him; Therefore, we believe that He has need of us in England at this time. We will stand and not be moved by lies, fear, or doubt. We will stand in faith, keeping hold of the truth that we have our Daddy in heaven who loves us and has us in His loving embrace through this whole process. The questions that present themselves in times like these are "Are you going to stand and dig your heels in through this storm?" or "Are you going run and hide to somewhere "safe"?"

We will always choose the first one, because friends authentic Christianity isn't safe, pretty, easy, or reasonable.

For us, we dig our heels in shouting praises to our King Jesus, who is always good, so loud and so bold that the enemy hears and trembles. He will be the one to run and hide in"safety."

Trust me... The enemy isn't "safe" either, because my Daddy always gets the last word and my Daddy always wins. God, Dira, and I will come out victorious on the other side of this and the enemy will go off limping and crawling his way back to where he came from.

In conclusion: YAWEH IS VICTORIOUS OVER SIN, DEATH, AND ALL SICKNESS. It is our joy to serve the one and only living God. Thank you Jahovah Rapha! (the God who heals)

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Best Grades + Best Behavior = PARTY!!!

Hey Everyone!

I know it has been awhile since the last post and I am sorry for that. God is doing amazing things with our Iris kids on base. These pictures show you the "cream of the crop" out of the children on base. The missionaries that work with the children decided that we will put on an annual party for the ones that are doing great in school and behaving well. This will motivate them to continue doing what they are doing and challenge others to come up to a high standard of living. This party was a blast! The children had so much fun and I as well! May God get so much glory from these pictures of His little ones achieving greatness and living in the joy of the Lord. Stay tuned! Dira and I are working on a big update video for you all, so pray for good internet connection! Love You All!!!!

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Children's Day!!!

Today in Mozambique was Children's Day! Iris Ministries fed Chicken and rice to over 6,000 children from the surrounding villages, over 200 kids that live on the base, around 70 missionaries/ mozambican staff, and around 600 Harvest School students/ Bible School pastors. God bless the Kitchen Staff! HAHA! Dira and I handed out presents to all of my boys today as well! Here are some photos! Enjoy! I love you all!