Two weeks from today, I will leave to come back to the US. I am ready to see my family and friends but I will also miss the people here. I love the work the Lord has provided for me. "My cup runneth over with joy." There is nothing sweeter than being where God wants you and doing what He wants you to do. It doesn't matter where or what it is...just being in the will of God is such a blessing.
I was thinking this morning as I started to write about different ideas I could write about. Several things came to mind, one of them was how thankful I am for the people in the US that provide time, money and prayers for the mission here in Honduras. The staff here could not function if not for the board in America and the people that come here on mission trips. They are the backbone of our ministry.
The staff here at Ministerio Sal y Luz works so hard to fulill the Great Commission. The staff is focusing on families instead of individual parts of the family. They feel that to be able to change the ways things are done here, they will have to change the whole family. Especially the parents. They are focusing on spiritual change for the parents. If spiritual change happens, then the other will follow.
We have had several meeting with families from the soup kitchens, from the education program and from the patients that come to the clinic.
We are having the meetings Saturday and Sunday mornings on the porch of the clinic or under the shed for the buses. The staff talks to the families about health prevention topics in groups and then a pastor leads a Bible study for the parents. The staff takes the children and talks to them about Jesus and how their lives can change.
The goal is to help them learn to take care of their families in a better way and to provide spiritually guidance.
We have a new team coming today from Texas so that is exciting. Next week, St. Matthews from Madison will be here and then we come home with them.
Henry and Hemi will be coming with us to spend several weeks in the US promoting Salt and Light Ministry and trying raise money for our operations so we can continue to serve the people of Honduras. The dinner will be held Oct. 6 at Galloway UMC in Jackson. Henry will speak and show a video of the accomplishments for the year and give his vision for the ministry. He will also sing which is my favorite thing. Hemi will share at some of the churches about the Ladies Ministry she has started. It should be an exciting time for all of us.
Got to go. Love you all.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Last Two Weeks have been exciting.
Henry Alvarenga, our director at Ministerio Sal y Luz, has talked about his vision for the ministry here in Honduras for over a year and this last two weeks, his vision started coming to life. It will only continue to grow and expand as God blesses the work here.
Of course, the first thing I always want to share is the growth of the ladies and their ministry. The original ladies group has added over 200 other ladies and 5 villages to their list. Now, the ladies have rented a house on credit in Pena Blanca and are making uniforms to sell to the stores in the area. They are working 5 days a week in a poorly lit, hot room but they are faithful. Henry's vision is to provide a way for the men and women in the area to have a means of providing income for their families and also to share the Love of God with them at the same time. The ladies in the group will share the profits from the sell of the uniforms when they start selling them. At the moment, they are building inventory and some of the women are having a real problem paying for their transportation to and from their villages to work every day. As Henry always reminds me, GOD IS IN CONTROL and He will provide for us if we seek Him.
Last Friday, parents of children were here at the clinic for a morning of Bible Study and health prevention. The staff did the health component and some of the local pastors held joint meetings with the parents and then separate meetings for the men and women. Alcoholism and abuse are two of the big problems here in Honduras. The men want to provide for their families but there is not enough work for them to do an adequate job, then that produces problems in the families.
On Friday of this week, we had a diabetes training and prevention clinic. Over twenty patients attended and received information about diabetes and how to control it. They also were given other information about the disease and a local pastor provided a time of devotion.
Yesterday was a very busy day. The staff of an eye clinic from another town came and did eye exams on the children in the education program. We will be sending the results of that exam to the board in America to determine how to best help the children with problems.
Yesterday morning, I started my day by helping prepare over 300 chicken sandwiches for a ladies ministry conference to be held in the afternoon. We deboned a lot of chickens and then made a type of sandwich spread out of the chicken mixed with other ingredients. A lady, originally from Honduras but now living in Miami conducted the conference. We had over 300 ladies attend from all the villages around our area. The conference was held in the auditorium at the University down the road. Many women were saved during the conference.
It is such a privilege to see God at work in the ministry here. Henry and Hemi have done an excellent job of leading the people and finding avenues to get the job done. We know that God has more plans in store and is blessing the spread of evangelism at our ministry.
Thank you for your prayers and support. None of this is possible without your help, especially to support the operations budget of the ministry. Without this money, we would not be able to pay the staff, or maintain the clinic and vehicles.
Of course, the first thing I always want to share is the growth of the ladies and their ministry. The original ladies group has added over 200 other ladies and 5 villages to their list. Now, the ladies have rented a house on credit in Pena Blanca and are making uniforms to sell to the stores in the area. They are working 5 days a week in a poorly lit, hot room but they are faithful. Henry's vision is to provide a way for the men and women in the area to have a means of providing income for their families and also to share the Love of God with them at the same time. The ladies in the group will share the profits from the sell of the uniforms when they start selling them. At the moment, they are building inventory and some of the women are having a real problem paying for their transportation to and from their villages to work every day. As Henry always reminds me, GOD IS IN CONTROL and He will provide for us if we seek Him.
Last Friday, parents of children were here at the clinic for a morning of Bible Study and health prevention. The staff did the health component and some of the local pastors held joint meetings with the parents and then separate meetings for the men and women. Alcoholism and abuse are two of the big problems here in Honduras. The men want to provide for their families but there is not enough work for them to do an adequate job, then that produces problems in the families.
On Friday of this week, we had a diabetes training and prevention clinic. Over twenty patients attended and received information about diabetes and how to control it. They also were given other information about the disease and a local pastor provided a time of devotion.
Yesterday was a very busy day. The staff of an eye clinic from another town came and did eye exams on the children in the education program. We will be sending the results of that exam to the board in America to determine how to best help the children with problems.
Yesterday morning, I started my day by helping prepare over 300 chicken sandwiches for a ladies ministry conference to be held in the afternoon. We deboned a lot of chickens and then made a type of sandwich spread out of the chicken mixed with other ingredients. A lady, originally from Honduras but now living in Miami conducted the conference. We had over 300 ladies attend from all the villages around our area. The conference was held in the auditorium at the University down the road. Many women were saved during the conference.
It is such a privilege to see God at work in the ministry here. Henry and Hemi have done an excellent job of leading the people and finding avenues to get the job done. We know that God has more plans in store and is blessing the spread of evangelism at our ministry.
Thank you for your prayers and support. None of this is possible without your help, especially to support the operations budget of the ministry. Without this money, we would not be able to pay the staff, or maintain the clinic and vehicles.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Daily Activities at Salt and Light Clinic in Honduras
It occurred to me today that a lot people don't have any idea of what we do at our Ministry on a daily basis. Most people come for a week and are involved in a group that are building a house or conducting VBS or working with a medical group. Maybe they would like to know what goes on when there is not a group here.
I was going to say we rest but that is not true...we do all the things that didn't get done while the team was here. In June and July, we had very few days that there was no team at the lake area. When the last team left, I think we all just took a breath.
There are no typical days here, every day is different and I like that. I enjoy the variety and the experience of doing and going different places.
Every morning around 5:15, the patients begin arriving to get in line to see the doctor or dentist. Only 45 patients are seen every day so they arrive early to get a place in line. They walk mostly, some arrive in a vehicle or taxi. They bring their breakfast or lunch with them. If a person is very ill, they are seen first but the others have to wait. Most patients are seen by 2:00.
Carmen, our maid and the person that gives out the numbers arrives around 6:00. Rigo arrives at 6:30 to begin taking care of things around the clinic. He also starts the morning devotion for the patients when the pastor arrives. The rest of the staff arrive at 7:30 and we have our devotion time together.
I get up at 5:15 because with all the patients arriving, babies crying, radios playing and the dogs being tied up outside my window, it would be difficult to sleep any later. Morning are good for me so I do my devotion, read my Bible and drink coffee. I also answer emails and talk to my children on their way to work.
Most of my time is spend working with Henry on emails and attending meetings with different communities. There are always meeting to attend, sometimes more than time allows. I have become involved in the ladies ministry with Hemi and Loida. I spend a lot of time writing which is something I never enjoyed or was good at. God is doing the writing, I am just doing the typing. I always pray that whatever I put on paper will glorify God.
Today I am going to San Pedro Sula with Dr. Ondina and Lesly to buy things for the clinic and I will be able to buy some American groceries. After I buy groceries, I will be picked up by some of the staff and we will go to some poor and dangerous areas of San Pedro to make videos for the meeting in October at Galloway. This week my focus has been on helping with the video and working on a newsletter for Henry.
Tomorrow, Lesly, Evis and I will work on the education program to get July report done. Lightening struck the computer and we lost all our data and the program, but fortunately we had someone in the states that helped us get in back together.
Every day we have people that come here to see Henry for advise or help with problems. Henry is very good with people and has Godly wisdom. Yesterday, two ladies came that needed help for their children to go to the university. They both worked at the orphanage and needed help. It is so hard when you can't help everyone and you want to. We have requests every day for one kind of help or another.
It is such a blessing for me to live here and work with this ministry. God has blessed me so much during this time. I miss my children and grandchildren but I know this is where God wants me now. The last several weeks I have been missing home more and my family but I think it is the devil trying to get to me. Please pray that I will be open to God's will for my life and give Him the glory. Henry says the devil is always trying to work on us, especially when we are working for the Lord. He creates doubts in our minds and hearts to keep us from doing God's work but we will pray for peace in our hearts.
Our ministry is growing every day and the Lord continues to bless us. Evangelism has really grown and God is certainly blessing this area of the ministry.
On Saturday, we will have a lady from the US conduct a conference for women and I will help make sandwiches for 300 women and greet the ladies at the door. I hope Sunday will be a day of rest for me so I will be able to make the next week.
On Friday, of next week, the staff and their families are all going to Roatan for the weekend. I have never been so that will be an experience. We leave at 3:00 am so we can catch the ferry at 8:00 to go the island. I dread that part of the trip, especially in the yellow bus.
Gotta go to San Pedro. Dr. Ondina just arrived.
I was going to say we rest but that is not true...we do all the things that didn't get done while the team was here. In June and July, we had very few days that there was no team at the lake area. When the last team left, I think we all just took a breath.
There are no typical days here, every day is different and I like that. I enjoy the variety and the experience of doing and going different places.
Every morning around 5:15, the patients begin arriving to get in line to see the doctor or dentist. Only 45 patients are seen every day so they arrive early to get a place in line. They walk mostly, some arrive in a vehicle or taxi. They bring their breakfast or lunch with them. If a person is very ill, they are seen first but the others have to wait. Most patients are seen by 2:00.
Carmen, our maid and the person that gives out the numbers arrives around 6:00. Rigo arrives at 6:30 to begin taking care of things around the clinic. He also starts the morning devotion for the patients when the pastor arrives. The rest of the staff arrive at 7:30 and we have our devotion time together.
I get up at 5:15 because with all the patients arriving, babies crying, radios playing and the dogs being tied up outside my window, it would be difficult to sleep any later. Morning are good for me so I do my devotion, read my Bible and drink coffee. I also answer emails and talk to my children on their way to work.
Most of my time is spend working with Henry on emails and attending meetings with different communities. There are always meeting to attend, sometimes more than time allows. I have become involved in the ladies ministry with Hemi and Loida. I spend a lot of time writing which is something I never enjoyed or was good at. God is doing the writing, I am just doing the typing. I always pray that whatever I put on paper will glorify God.
Today I am going to San Pedro Sula with Dr. Ondina and Lesly to buy things for the clinic and I will be able to buy some American groceries. After I buy groceries, I will be picked up by some of the staff and we will go to some poor and dangerous areas of San Pedro to make videos for the meeting in October at Galloway. This week my focus has been on helping with the video and working on a newsletter for Henry.
Tomorrow, Lesly, Evis and I will work on the education program to get July report done. Lightening struck the computer and we lost all our data and the program, but fortunately we had someone in the states that helped us get in back together.
Every day we have people that come here to see Henry for advise or help with problems. Henry is very good with people and has Godly wisdom. Yesterday, two ladies came that needed help for their children to go to the university. They both worked at the orphanage and needed help. It is so hard when you can't help everyone and you want to. We have requests every day for one kind of help or another.
It is such a blessing for me to live here and work with this ministry. God has blessed me so much during this time. I miss my children and grandchildren but I know this is where God wants me now. The last several weeks I have been missing home more and my family but I think it is the devil trying to get to me. Please pray that I will be open to God's will for my life and give Him the glory. Henry says the devil is always trying to work on us, especially when we are working for the Lord. He creates doubts in our minds and hearts to keep us from doing God's work but we will pray for peace in our hearts.
Our ministry is growing every day and the Lord continues to bless us. Evangelism has really grown and God is certainly blessing this area of the ministry.
On Saturday, we will have a lady from the US conduct a conference for women and I will help make sandwiches for 300 women and greet the ladies at the door. I hope Sunday will be a day of rest for me so I will be able to make the next week.
On Friday, of next week, the staff and their families are all going to Roatan for the weekend. I have never been so that will be an experience. We leave at 3:00 am so we can catch the ferry at 8:00 to go the island. I dread that part of the trip, especially in the yellow bus.
Gotta go to San Pedro. Dr. Ondina just arrived.
Monday, August 1, 2011
News from Salt and Light Ministry
I pray that all of you are doing well. I went home for a couple weeks to see my children and grandchildren. While I was there, I attended the first birthday party of my only grandson. God has blessed me greatly with my children and grandchildren and I am very thankful.
As most of you know, we have a team every week from the middle of May until the end of July and this year has been very busy. I like to do a little summary of what each team accomplishes while they are here but I missed two teams while I was in the US.
Rubenia ran away from her home in Puerto Cortes last Monday and that had us all concerned but she showed up at the clinic about 4:00 that afternoon. She had been fighting with her sisters and gotten into trouble and needed extra attention I guess. Allison, the young lady that has the home she lives in was waiting here for her when she got here. Rubenia then came to stay with me for a few days the end of the week and I took her to see her family in the mountains. We enjoyed being together and didn't do much as I was very tired from the last week of work. I told Rubenia to just call if she felt the need to come and visit and I would pick her up.
Northminister Baptist Church from Jackson was here while I was in the US. They built three houses, had medical clinics and VBS in El Tigre. They also collected crocs for the children in El Tigre.
Since I have returned, Galloway UMC and Bellwether teams have been here with us. Both teams are from Jackson and really blessed the people of Honduras. Galloway took their team to a new village in the mountains called Las Quebradas. It is a very small village with poor people and a great view of the mountains and valleys around the area. The team built a house for one family and had VBS at the village. Their team consisted mostly of young adults and we really enjoyed working with each one of them.
Bellwether had a total of 46 members in their team. They built three houses in Los Laureles and had a medical team in four different villages. VBS was also held in the different villages. Bellwether's pastor also conducted a seminar for pastors and their wives at the hotel. The team distributed clothes at the orphanage one day and the doctors checked the children. They discovered one young boy with an abdominal blockage that needed immediate attention. In one of the villages, there was a young lady that needed surgery to be able to survive.
It is always a blessing for the medical teams to go to the villages because so many people don't have the resources to go to a doctor when they need medical attention. They don't have a vehicle or money to pay the doctor or money to buy medicine.
God bless all of you and thank you for the prayers.
As most of you know, we have a team every week from the middle of May until the end of July and this year has been very busy. I like to do a little summary of what each team accomplishes while they are here but I missed two teams while I was in the US.
Rubenia ran away from her home in Puerto Cortes last Monday and that had us all concerned but she showed up at the clinic about 4:00 that afternoon. She had been fighting with her sisters and gotten into trouble and needed extra attention I guess. Allison, the young lady that has the home she lives in was waiting here for her when she got here. Rubenia then came to stay with me for a few days the end of the week and I took her to see her family in the mountains. We enjoyed being together and didn't do much as I was very tired from the last week of work. I told Rubenia to just call if she felt the need to come and visit and I would pick her up.
Northminister Baptist Church from Jackson was here while I was in the US. They built three houses, had medical clinics and VBS in El Tigre. They also collected crocs for the children in El Tigre.
Since I have returned, Galloway UMC and Bellwether teams have been here with us. Both teams are from Jackson and really blessed the people of Honduras. Galloway took their team to a new village in the mountains called Las Quebradas. It is a very small village with poor people and a great view of the mountains and valleys around the area. The team built a house for one family and had VBS at the village. Their team consisted mostly of young adults and we really enjoyed working with each one of them.
Bellwether had a total of 46 members in their team. They built three houses in Los Laureles and had a medical team in four different villages. VBS was also held in the different villages. Bellwether's pastor also conducted a seminar for pastors and their wives at the hotel. The team distributed clothes at the orphanage one day and the doctors checked the children. They discovered one young boy with an abdominal blockage that needed immediate attention. In one of the villages, there was a young lady that needed surgery to be able to survive.
It is always a blessing for the medical teams to go to the villages because so many people don't have the resources to go to a doctor when they need medical attention. They don't have a vehicle or money to pay the doctor or money to buy medicine.
God bless all of you and thank you for the prayers.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
St. Marks and Covenant Mission Teams' Visits
Honduras and especially Salt and Light Ministry is a very busy place in June and July. Since May 24th, there has been a team with us every day. The people that come from the churches in the states and give up their time to minister to the people in Honduras are very special people and we love for them to come and spend time with us at the clinic and Lake Yojoa.
The last two weeks of June we had teams from the Jackson area. St. Marks UMC is from the reservoir area and Covenant Presbyterian is from Jackson. St. Marks was suppose to fly in on a Thursday but when they got to the airport, their flight had been cancelled so they rescheduled the group for Friday. On Friday, the flight was cancelled again with small groups of the team rescheduled on different planes on the next few days. Eleven people had to cancel because of work conflicts and will not be able to come at all this year. Three team members drove to New Orleans and caught a flight out of there.
About the time that we got all of their team to the lake with us, Covenant started arriving with their team. They made it on one plane but then it was time to start taking the St. Marks team back to the airport to return home. It took four trips back to the airport to get them back home.
Considering the problems with Delta, the teams were able to accomplish a lot in the time they were there. St. Marks build three houses, taught ladies to sew, conducted VBS and did door to door evangelism. They had a good week in spite of the problems with their flights. Everything was done in a small mountain village called Los Lamitos. The people are poor and only one young lady from their village has been able to finish high school because of the distance to the nearest high school. God is in Control.
Covenant Presbyterian and New Hope Baptist that always come as one team build four houses and visited four mountains villages with doctors and nurses to tend to the sick. The bus could not make it up the hill at the first village so they had to walk part of the way which was a little difficult for some of the team members but they made it. The group showed the Jesus Film to the people at San Buenoventura one night and that was a very good production.
I came home with Covenant on the 30th to attend my grandson's first birthday party but will be returning on Thursday. Henry has two teams there by himself so I am anxious to get back and try to help him.
Henry took Hemi to the capitol to get her visa so she can make the trip here with him in September. We are hopeful that she was able to get the visa. Lesly is going today to try and get her visa also. We pray that both of them are successful.
Thank you for all your support and prayers. We will try to keep you updated on all the wonderful things happening at with the teams that are visiting us this year. We are growing and God is blessing our mission.
The last two weeks of June we had teams from the Jackson area. St. Marks UMC is from the reservoir area and Covenant Presbyterian is from Jackson. St. Marks was suppose to fly in on a Thursday but when they got to the airport, their flight had been cancelled so they rescheduled the group for Friday. On Friday, the flight was cancelled again with small groups of the team rescheduled on different planes on the next few days. Eleven people had to cancel because of work conflicts and will not be able to come at all this year. Three team members drove to New Orleans and caught a flight out of there.
About the time that we got all of their team to the lake with us, Covenant started arriving with their team. They made it on one plane but then it was time to start taking the St. Marks team back to the airport to return home. It took four trips back to the airport to get them back home.
Considering the problems with Delta, the teams were able to accomplish a lot in the time they were there. St. Marks build three houses, taught ladies to sew, conducted VBS and did door to door evangelism. They had a good week in spite of the problems with their flights. Everything was done in a small mountain village called Los Lamitos. The people are poor and only one young lady from their village has been able to finish high school because of the distance to the nearest high school. God is in Control.
Covenant Presbyterian and New Hope Baptist that always come as one team build four houses and visited four mountains villages with doctors and nurses to tend to the sick. The bus could not make it up the hill at the first village so they had to walk part of the way which was a little difficult for some of the team members but they made it. The group showed the Jesus Film to the people at San Buenoventura one night and that was a very good production.
I came home with Covenant on the 30th to attend my grandson's first birthday party but will be returning on Thursday. Henry has two teams there by himself so I am anxious to get back and try to help him.
Henry took Hemi to the capitol to get her visa so she can make the trip here with him in September. We are hopeful that she was able to get the visa. Lesly is going today to try and get her visa also. We pray that both of them are successful.
Thank you for all your support and prayers. We will try to keep you updated on all the wonderful things happening at with the teams that are visiting us this year. We are growing and God is blessing our mission.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Conchusa (Church of Christ (Holiness) USA
Last week we had a group of people at Salt and Light in Honduras that was composed of mostly younger adults with a few older ones for wisdom and guidance. They were from California, Illinois, Ohio, Arkansas and Mississippi. A very diverse group as far as their home and some in age but they all had a BIG HEART for spreading the WORD. While they were here for seven days, they sponsored four conferences with large attendance. There was a conference for young people on Saturday morning, a conference for women on Saturday afternoon and a conference for families on Saturday night. There were so many people in attendance Saturday night that some of the people had to sit outside and try to hear through the windows. They estimated the attendance to be around 2,000 people. On Monday, there was a conference for pastors and their wives with 33 pastors. Bishop Robert Winn and his wife Mattie from California spoke at all the meetings. They have been married for over 30 years and have 9 children and 9 grandchildren. The people here really responded well to them and their message.
The group also spent a lot of time walking the streets and telling other about Jesus and inviting them to church. They gave out clothes one afternoon to a place in Pena Blanca that is really poor with the help of the woman's ministry of Salt and Light.
The group visited a village of indigenous people from Honduras called the Lenka. The day was spent with clothes distribution, VBS, blessing some families with food and the doctor seeing patients. It was a long day because the roads are bad so the bus could only go so far and then we had to take the boxes and people in the trucks with 4 wheel drive the last miles to the village.
On Wednesday, we went to the waterfall and had a baptismal service for Douglas that lives at the orphanage. He had made a profession of faith earlier but had never been baptized. Lillian Brown talked with him one day to find out why he had not been baptized and he decided to do it while they were here.
Every team that comes is special and God has a purpose for each one of them being here, I meet so many wonderful people that I would not have a chance to meet if I was not in Honduras.
We were expecting another team yesterday but their flight was cancelled and only two of them made it out of the US. Three more will come tonight and others will come Saturday and Sunday. We are praying that their flights will not be cancelled and they will make it without any more problems. Eleven people on the team will not be able to come because they could not rearrange their schedules.
Please pray that the rest of the team is able to get here without any more troubles.
The group also spent a lot of time walking the streets and telling other about Jesus and inviting them to church. They gave out clothes one afternoon to a place in Pena Blanca that is really poor with the help of the woman's ministry of Salt and Light.
The group visited a village of indigenous people from Honduras called the Lenka. The day was spent with clothes distribution, VBS, blessing some families with food and the doctor seeing patients. It was a long day because the roads are bad so the bus could only go so far and then we had to take the boxes and people in the trucks with 4 wheel drive the last miles to the village.
On Wednesday, we went to the waterfall and had a baptismal service for Douglas that lives at the orphanage. He had made a profession of faith earlier but had never been baptized. Lillian Brown talked with him one day to find out why he had not been baptized and he decided to do it while they were here.
Every team that comes is special and God has a purpose for each one of them being here, I meet so many wonderful people that I would not have a chance to meet if I was not in Honduras.
We were expecting another team yesterday but their flight was cancelled and only two of them made it out of the US. Three more will come tonight and others will come Saturday and Sunday. We are praying that their flights will not be cancelled and they will make it without any more problems. Eleven people on the team will not be able to come because they could not rearrange their schedules.
Please pray that the rest of the team is able to get here without any more troubles.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Vicksburg Honduras Mission
Last week, we had a team at Sal y Luz from Vicksburg, MS. The team was composed of five different churches with all ages. There were 38 in the team and everything was well organized and went well. The team installed a water purification system in a village not far from here called La Virtud. The people in the village were very excited to have clean water to drink.
There was VBS in the same village every day. At the end of the week the children planted a garden of beans, squash and radishes. It was quite a site to see around 80 children with machetes, hoes and other implements transform the bare ground into rows with seeds planted. The Vicksburg team provided seeds and guidance for the planting.
The team also build two houses, one for a widow in La Virtud and another for Walter's family in El Eden. Walter is a young boy who has some type of brain injury, he is probably around 10 year old and cannot do anything for himself but he has the brightest smile I have ever seen. His mother takes very good care of him and carries him where ever he goes. They only have two small rooms to live in and there are three children, including Walter. The Lord puts things on our hearts all the time that He wants us to do. The Lord put it on our heart to tell the Vicksburg team that they needed to built Walter a house. We called the leader of the team to ask him if they could build Walter a house and he said they didn't have enough money for another house but he would look at the numbers and see. The next day he called and told me that they had received a call the night before from another church and they wanted to give some money for the team. It was enough money to build Walter a house. Walter will have a shower large enough for his mother to roll his chair in and she will not have to put him in the yard to give him a bath. She will have room to roll him around in his house in his wheel chair. ISN"T GOD GOOD. He provided just what was needed for Walter and his family. We have so many opportunities to watch God work His plan here. We all have the opportunity to see God at work but it is so much easier to see here.
The team from Vicksburg also had a nurse practitioner with them that went into the villages in the area and did health prevention training for some of the leaders in the communities. She also saw some patients with Dr. Karla in the clinic one day.
The team sent over 30 sewing machines down on the container the week before so there were 15 ladies and two men that were given the opportunity to learn to make shirts and blouses for the children's uniforms here. Henry is very determined to give the people the opportunity to earn money so they can improve their living conditions. In the past, they have been given without having the opportunity to learn skills to help them improve their lifestyle.
We are very grateful to the groups that come to Honduras and help the people in many ways. Evangelism at the clinic is growing with the pastor's Bible Study and the Ladies Ministry. We have a team coming next week that will go to the villages of the indigenous people of this area and evangelize them. I have never been to one of the villages where these people live so that will be interesting.
Please continue to pray for the efforts of the teams and staff as they try to help the people of Honduras.
There was VBS in the same village every day. At the end of the week the children planted a garden of beans, squash and radishes. It was quite a site to see around 80 children with machetes, hoes and other implements transform the bare ground into rows with seeds planted. The Vicksburg team provided seeds and guidance for the planting.
The team also build two houses, one for a widow in La Virtud and another for Walter's family in El Eden. Walter is a young boy who has some type of brain injury, he is probably around 10 year old and cannot do anything for himself but he has the brightest smile I have ever seen. His mother takes very good care of him and carries him where ever he goes. They only have two small rooms to live in and there are three children, including Walter. The Lord puts things on our hearts all the time that He wants us to do. The Lord put it on our heart to tell the Vicksburg team that they needed to built Walter a house. We called the leader of the team to ask him if they could build Walter a house and he said they didn't have enough money for another house but he would look at the numbers and see. The next day he called and told me that they had received a call the night before from another church and they wanted to give some money for the team. It was enough money to build Walter a house. Walter will have a shower large enough for his mother to roll his chair in and she will not have to put him in the yard to give him a bath. She will have room to roll him around in his house in his wheel chair. ISN"T GOD GOOD. He provided just what was needed for Walter and his family. We have so many opportunities to watch God work His plan here. We all have the opportunity to see God at work but it is so much easier to see here.
The team from Vicksburg also had a nurse practitioner with them that went into the villages in the area and did health prevention training for some of the leaders in the communities. She also saw some patients with Dr. Karla in the clinic one day.
The team sent over 30 sewing machines down on the container the week before so there were 15 ladies and two men that were given the opportunity to learn to make shirts and blouses for the children's uniforms here. Henry is very determined to give the people the opportunity to earn money so they can improve their living conditions. In the past, they have been given without having the opportunity to learn skills to help them improve their lifestyle.
We are very grateful to the groups that come to Honduras and help the people in many ways. Evangelism at the clinic is growing with the pastor's Bible Study and the Ladies Ministry. We have a team coming next week that will go to the villages of the indigenous people of this area and evangelize them. I have never been to one of the villages where these people live so that will be interesting.
Please continue to pray for the efforts of the teams and staff as they try to help the people of Honduras.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Honduras News
Henry's wife Hemi and her sister Loyda started a women's Bible study several months ago and Henry asked me to meet with them so I could give them ideas. I can tell you, they don't need my ideas. Henry asked me to go and take pictures of the crafts they are making to sell that will enable the women to produce an income and support their families. I was truly impressed by what they had done. Some are crocheting purses with raffia, others are using discarded chip bags to make items to sell. There are ladies that are using pieces of plastic drink bottles to make jewelry. One lady is making coffee to sell so I am judging her coffee this morning to see if the teams would like to buy it.
Some of them do beautiful crochet work and as soon as I can get some knitting needles, I am going to teach them to make knitted items to sell. I would also like some ideas on jewelry making. They are working with items they have on hand but I would like for them to have access to other materials that are available here. It is an established group and Hemi and Loyda will be monitoring the group each week. Any help and ideas will be appreciated.
It is with much humility that I watch them share ideas and help each other. Can you imaging picking up dirty chip bags, cleaning them and then spending hours folding the pieces to weave into a purse? It is also a good solution to help the litter problem.
Today we are going to pick up the team from Vicksburg so I might not have much time to write. They are building a house for Walter and his family. His mother is so happy to have room to for Walter's wheelchair in the house so she won't have to carry him.
On Tuesday and Friday, we will have English lessons with the staff. Angie, the new dentist, will help me.
Pray for us and the women that are trying so hard to make a difference for their families.
Some of them do beautiful crochet work and as soon as I can get some knitting needles, I am going to teach them to make knitted items to sell. I would also like some ideas on jewelry making. They are working with items they have on hand but I would like for them to have access to other materials that are available here. It is an established group and Hemi and Loyda will be monitoring the group each week. Any help and ideas will be appreciated.
It is with much humility that I watch them share ideas and help each other. Can you imaging picking up dirty chip bags, cleaning them and then spending hours folding the pieces to weave into a purse? It is also a good solution to help the litter problem.
Today we are going to pick up the team from Vicksburg so I might not have much time to write. They are building a house for Walter and his family. His mother is so happy to have room to for Walter's wheelchair in the house so she won't have to carry him.
On Tuesday and Friday, we will have English lessons with the staff. Angie, the new dentist, will help me.
Pray for us and the women that are trying so hard to make a difference for their families.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Oh, Lord
My devotion this morning was.. Look at the birds of the air...Consider the lilies of the field...Matthew 6:26,28. We should keep our eyes focused on our Source, God. He knows our circumstances and He will provide. This morning as I was having my devotion and praying, I thought about how I get so uptight about little things that do not matter instead of just focusing on serving the Lord and let Him take care of everything. I think I have learned since I have been in Honduras to depend more on God and that everything is from Him, that He will provide all our needs, not our wants. He doesn't need me to do things for Him but He does need me to serve Him and be willing to go when He calls.
We have had a busy week at Ministerio Sal y Luz as always. There is very seldom a slow moment and when there is, you are grateful. Wednesday, we had a bad electrical storm and then no internet and occasional power or water for several days. Angie and I filled a plastic container and put in the shower to fill with water for a bath, then we found out that we had both hot and cold water in the shower all the time. Our water system at the apartment is complicated because some of the water comes from the tank on the hill and some of it comes from the water system in the clinic. I am discovering by power outages and water system problems what water comes from where.
Every year our board in the US sends a container down with things for the teams and medical supplies for the clinic. This will be my third container to help unload and get in the boxes in the proper place. It is getting more difficult to get the container out of the port because of government paper work. Tonight there will be lots of trucks and people from the villages along with the staff to help unload the boxes. Every year, it has rained while we unloaded the container, maybe this year it will wait until we are finished unloading.
We have a team from Vicksburg coming on Saturday and they need the sewing machines and materials that are on the container. One of the things they will do is conduct sewing classes for the people so they can make uniforms and hopefully establish a way to earn some money for their families. They will help to plant a garden in a village, install a water purification system and have Bible School. The team is also building a house for Walter and his family. Walter is about 9 years old and lives with his family in two small rooms. Walter has a disability that keeps him from walking, talking or any of the things that we would consider normal for his age, but he has the biggest smile and loves everyone. His mother carries him every where and he is getting really big. They have a wheel chair but the two rooms are too small for the chair to be used except outside. They have no bathroom but the new house will have a bathroom large enough for the chair to be rolled into the shower. Isn't God good?
We have a new staff member this year. Her name is Angie Rodrigues from San Pedro Sula. She finished dental school and all medical graduates in Honduras have to work for one year at a government approved facility without pay. She is living in the apartment with me and I think we are doing well. She is a pretty young woman, who speaks very fluent English(Thank you Lord). She has never been away from her family so I hope my being here will make her feel more comfortable. I enjoy being here by myself after working all day but she is young and not use to being by herself. Her father calls every night to make sure she is alright. Angie also taught English for three years so she and I are going to have English classes for the staff.
All the staff members are doing well. Lesly and I went to the doctor to have her eye checked and I think she got a pretty good report. Evis is busy working of grades for the students that are sponsored through the education program. Joseph is trying to keep the internet going and all the computers. The medical staff is working hard to see the regular patients and get ready for the group that is coming.
On Saturday, I went to a retreat with the ladies Bible Study group led by Henry's wife, Hemi and her sister Loyda. Loyda led the discussion by comparing the ladies to flowers and how they have some of the same traits. We all had to locate a flower, which is not hard to do here. Then we had to describe some of the properties of the flower. The ladies had a wonderful time. Some of them brought their children and they played well while their mothers listened to Loyda. We played games and ate and swam in the river. There was one lady there that had a boy around 12 years old that had be held all the time because he couldn't communicate and would leave the group if she didn't hold on to him. She also had to feed him at mealtime. She doesn't have any help and has to work to put food on the table. I was amazed at how well she handled him and how much she loved him and provided for all his needs... just like God does for us.
We have had a busy week at Ministerio Sal y Luz as always. There is very seldom a slow moment and when there is, you are grateful. Wednesday, we had a bad electrical storm and then no internet and occasional power or water for several days. Angie and I filled a plastic container and put in the shower to fill with water for a bath, then we found out that we had both hot and cold water in the shower all the time. Our water system at the apartment is complicated because some of the water comes from the tank on the hill and some of it comes from the water system in the clinic. I am discovering by power outages and water system problems what water comes from where.
Every year our board in the US sends a container down with things for the teams and medical supplies for the clinic. This will be my third container to help unload and get in the boxes in the proper place. It is getting more difficult to get the container out of the port because of government paper work. Tonight there will be lots of trucks and people from the villages along with the staff to help unload the boxes. Every year, it has rained while we unloaded the container, maybe this year it will wait until we are finished unloading.
We have a team from Vicksburg coming on Saturday and they need the sewing machines and materials that are on the container. One of the things they will do is conduct sewing classes for the people so they can make uniforms and hopefully establish a way to earn some money for their families. They will help to plant a garden in a village, install a water purification system and have Bible School. The team is also building a house for Walter and his family. Walter is about 9 years old and lives with his family in two small rooms. Walter has a disability that keeps him from walking, talking or any of the things that we would consider normal for his age, but he has the biggest smile and loves everyone. His mother carries him every where and he is getting really big. They have a wheel chair but the two rooms are too small for the chair to be used except outside. They have no bathroom but the new house will have a bathroom large enough for the chair to be rolled into the shower. Isn't God good?
We have a new staff member this year. Her name is Angie Rodrigues from San Pedro Sula. She finished dental school and all medical graduates in Honduras have to work for one year at a government approved facility without pay. She is living in the apartment with me and I think we are doing well. She is a pretty young woman, who speaks very fluent English(Thank you Lord). She has never been away from her family so I hope my being here will make her feel more comfortable. I enjoy being here by myself after working all day but she is young and not use to being by herself. Her father calls every night to make sure she is alright. Angie also taught English for three years so she and I are going to have English classes for the staff.
All the staff members are doing well. Lesly and I went to the doctor to have her eye checked and I think she got a pretty good report. Evis is busy working of grades for the students that are sponsored through the education program. Joseph is trying to keep the internet going and all the computers. The medical staff is working hard to see the regular patients and get ready for the group that is coming.
On Saturday, I went to a retreat with the ladies Bible Study group led by Henry's wife, Hemi and her sister Loyda. Loyda led the discussion by comparing the ladies to flowers and how they have some of the same traits. We all had to locate a flower, which is not hard to do here. Then we had to describe some of the properties of the flower. The ladies had a wonderful time. Some of them brought their children and they played well while their mothers listened to Loyda. We played games and ate and swam in the river. There was one lady there that had a boy around 12 years old that had be held all the time because he couldn't communicate and would leave the group if she didn't hold on to him. She also had to feed him at mealtime. She doesn't have any help and has to work to put food on the table. I was amazed at how well she handled him and how much she loved him and provided for all his needs... just like God does for us.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
April 26, 2011
Good Morning Everyone,
It is very early in the morning but I couldn't sleep and decided I needed to write in my blog while thoughts were going around in my head. I have to go to the hospital in a few hours to sit with a family of a friend while my friend has serious surgery. I woke up thinking how God puts people in our lives for a special reason and sometimes we don't know ever know why until later or ever. He put her in my life to teach me things that I needed to learn. She has listened and encouraged me many times when I needed support.
I love living in Honduras and working for Salt and Light but I have days that I get lonesome and wonder why I am there and not at home in the US. I really miss my family, friends and church family but I know I am where God wants me. I think about all the missionaries that served before they didn't have internet and cell phones and had no communication with their friends and families. That was hard...they knew they were doing God's work but having no way to talk to friends had to be difficult. It is so wonderful to be able to call someone that speaks English and is a friend and have them give you words of support and encouragement when things are not going well or when the Devil is trying to get to you.
I am very blessed with Godly family and friends, here and in Honduras and I thank God for their support and love.
Yesterday, I was blessed again by a phone call from a young lady that I taught over 30 years ago. We could have talked for hours and did. She told me about her family and her work in a large church as director of missions and I am so grateful that I have her back in my life. She told me about some of the other students I taught and where they are now. It was just such a blessing to talk to her and share experiences with her. God has put the love of missions in her heart. He has also put her back in my life for a reason. It was so good to hear the love of the Lord in her words while we talked.
Please pray for my friend as she has surgery this morning and pray for me as I get ready to go back to Honduras.
Love,
Carolyn
It is very early in the morning but I couldn't sleep and decided I needed to write in my blog while thoughts were going around in my head. I have to go to the hospital in a few hours to sit with a family of a friend while my friend has serious surgery. I woke up thinking how God puts people in our lives for a special reason and sometimes we don't know ever know why until later or ever. He put her in my life to teach me things that I needed to learn. She has listened and encouraged me many times when I needed support.
I love living in Honduras and working for Salt and Light but I have days that I get lonesome and wonder why I am there and not at home in the US. I really miss my family, friends and church family but I know I am where God wants me. I think about all the missionaries that served before they didn't have internet and cell phones and had no communication with their friends and families. That was hard...they knew they were doing God's work but having no way to talk to friends had to be difficult. It is so wonderful to be able to call someone that speaks English and is a friend and have them give you words of support and encouragement when things are not going well or when the Devil is trying to get to you.
I am very blessed with Godly family and friends, here and in Honduras and I thank God for their support and love.
Yesterday, I was blessed again by a phone call from a young lady that I taught over 30 years ago. We could have talked for hours and did. She told me about her family and her work in a large church as director of missions and I am so grateful that I have her back in my life. She told me about some of the other students I taught and where they are now. It was just such a blessing to talk to her and share experiences with her. God has put the love of missions in her heart. He has also put her back in my life for a reason. It was so good to hear the love of the Lord in her words while we talked.
Please pray for my friend as she has surgery this morning and pray for me as I get ready to go back to Honduras.
Love,
Carolyn
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Rubenia
I wanted to put a picture of Rubenia on my blog so all of you could see the results of our journey for a new leg for her. She returned to Honduras on February 11 with Dr. Brannon who arranged for the leg. Rubenia or Ruby as most people call her now is doing really well with her new leg. She is continuing therapy to make the muscle in her leg stronger but she can walk, run, jump and swim almost as well as she did before. Ruby didn't really understand why we thought she should get a prosthesis but now that she has it, she is very happy with it. She is back in bilingual school in Puerto Cortes and doing well. I am sure the fact that she has learned English so well while she was in the states is helping her in school.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
March 13, 2011
Meadow Grove Baptist Church arrived yesterday, it is so good to see everyone. We sat in traffic yesterday for over an hour just trying to get out of San Pedro Sula. It was my first time to drive a team back from the airport so 6 peoples got a new and different experience. I have driven in San Pedro with Henry or Joseph but never by myself. We made it fine, no problems.
Today we had devotion on the lake and then all went to Calvary Chapel to church. After lunch, we took the team to the water fall and some of them did the zip line.
Rubenia called me today and she will be here next weekend to spend the night. I haven't seen her except for the airport when she returned from the US. We will go shopping for gifts for her family. She is walking so well on her new leg and seems to be very happy with it. She didn't think that she needed one at first and thought people would stare at her.
Tomorrow all the team will go to a new village in the mountains called La Mica where they will build a church and a house. I will go with the water team and work on some of our purification sites.
Pray for us as the Lord leads us into new experiences next week. Pray for safety and guidance and a love for the people.
Today we had devotion on the lake and then all went to Calvary Chapel to church. After lunch, we took the team to the water fall and some of them did the zip line.
Rubenia called me today and she will be here next weekend to spend the night. I haven't seen her except for the airport when she returned from the US. We will go shopping for gifts for her family. She is walking so well on her new leg and seems to be very happy with it. She didn't think that she needed one at first and thought people would stare at her.
Tomorrow all the team will go to a new village in the mountains called La Mica where they will build a church and a house. I will go with the water team and work on some of our purification sites.
Pray for us as the Lord leads us into new experiences next week. Pray for safety and guidance and a love for the people.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10, 2011
Meadow Grove Baptist Church will be in Honduras on Saturday. Looking forward to seeing everyone. We are going to a new village in mountains called La Mica. They are finishing a church and building a house for an older couple who have a disabled son. The view from their house is spectacular. Mountians all around. They will also do some health surveys and VBS while they here.
We will be busy next week. God is good.
We will be busy next week. God is good.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Lord is my sheppard, I shall not want. Psalms 23:1
It is a beautiful morning again this morning, the patients are waiting to see the doctor. Some of them arrive at 5:00 in the morning carrying their babies or pulling along the small children. Some bring tortillas with them and share them with the children as they wait. Some will still be here at lunch..waiting. Their patience amazes me.
I was walking from the bedroom to the computer and I thought of the verse above and how thought grateful I am that my grandmother made me learn all these verses when I was small. God can always give me a verse when I need it. It is very difficult for me to memorize Bible verses now
Today, we are going to see the governor of Santa Cruz to get his permission to do some things in this area. I always enjoy going to another place and seeing the different views and people. Santa Cruz is a small city and the "county seat" of our area. All the licenses and permits have to be gotten there. It is probably 30 minutes from here.
The staff is also getting ready for my church, Meadow Grove Baptist Church, to be here on Saturday. That will be special for me to see all my church family. They will be working in a small village about an hour away called La Mica. Yesterday, we went to check the progress of the house and church that will be built and the views were breath taking. I can even describe the beauty. It is a long drive but filled with wonderful evidence of God's creation all the way.
When I was first convicted that God wanted me to come to Honduras and work, the first thought I had was...How am I going to live? I had to quit my job and leave my family and friends that I miss greatly but you know God has blessed me so much by being here. I still miss my family and friends and my church but God has given me more family and friends and I have met people that I would never have gotten to know if I had stayed at home. I have the best of both worlds because God has supplied all my needs.
Gotta go, time for devotion at the clinic with the staff.
I was walking from the bedroom to the computer and I thought of the verse above and how thought grateful I am that my grandmother made me learn all these verses when I was small. God can always give me a verse when I need it. It is very difficult for me to memorize Bible verses now
Today, we are going to see the governor of Santa Cruz to get his permission to do some things in this area. I always enjoy going to another place and seeing the different views and people. Santa Cruz is a small city and the "county seat" of our area. All the licenses and permits have to be gotten there. It is probably 30 minutes from here.
The staff is also getting ready for my church, Meadow Grove Baptist Church, to be here on Saturday. That will be special for me to see all my church family. They will be working in a small village about an hour away called La Mica. Yesterday, we went to check the progress of the house and church that will be built and the views were breath taking. I can even describe the beauty. It is a long drive but filled with wonderful evidence of God's creation all the way.
When I was first convicted that God wanted me to come to Honduras and work, the first thought I had was...How am I going to live? I had to quit my job and leave my family and friends that I miss greatly but you know God has blessed me so much by being here. I still miss my family and friends and my church but God has given me more family and friends and I have met people that I would never have gotten to know if I had stayed at home. I have the best of both worlds because God has supplied all my needs.
Gotta go, time for devotion at the clinic with the staff.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
March 6, 2011
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Psalms 19:1
It is a beautiful day here in Honduras. The sun is shining and there is a breeze off the lake. We have had a busy week with Dr. Anand, his wife Susan and their daughter Nina. Dr. Anand is an ear, nose and throat doctor and Susan is an art therapist. Nina is a student at a college in Charlotte, NC. They did a great job with the people here in Honduras. Dr. Anand found several cases that needed surgery but of course, there was no way to perform it here at the clinic. I think it gave us new things to look into and maybe work out a partnership with a hospital here for doctors to perform surgery. Susan worked with mostly young girls from the area, one day we went to an orphanage in Talube to visit them and do some therapy.
Henry's father is better and was able to go home yesterday. Lesly will go back to the doctor tomorrow to have more tests for her eye. We pray that the vision has improved in her eye.
The team from Meadow Grove Baptist Church comes on Saturday and I am especially looking forward to seeing people from my church.
I spent all day yesterday resting and getting ready for the coming week. There are so many things to do and the time goes so fast. We cleaned out the basement Friday and got rid of some things that have been sitting there.
It is such a blessing to be able to live here and work with the staff at Salt and Light Ministry. I get tired but it is so fullfilling to be where the Lord wants you.
It is a beautiful day here in Honduras. The sun is shining and there is a breeze off the lake. We have had a busy week with Dr. Anand, his wife Susan and their daughter Nina. Dr. Anand is an ear, nose and throat doctor and Susan is an art therapist. Nina is a student at a college in Charlotte, NC. They did a great job with the people here in Honduras. Dr. Anand found several cases that needed surgery but of course, there was no way to perform it here at the clinic. I think it gave us new things to look into and maybe work out a partnership with a hospital here for doctors to perform surgery. Susan worked with mostly young girls from the area, one day we went to an orphanage in Talube to visit them and do some therapy.
Henry's father is better and was able to go home yesterday. Lesly will go back to the doctor tomorrow to have more tests for her eye. We pray that the vision has improved in her eye.
The team from Meadow Grove Baptist Church comes on Saturday and I am especially looking forward to seeing people from my church.
I spent all day yesterday resting and getting ready for the coming week. There are so many things to do and the time goes so fast. We cleaned out the basement Friday and got rid of some things that have been sitting there.
It is such a blessing to be able to live here and work with the staff at Salt and Light Ministry. I get tired but it is so fullfilling to be where the Lord wants you.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
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