If you read the title of this post and think of a clock, well, you are pretty perceptive! The clock is ticking and time is running down to our Summer 2006 Mission.
Next Monday is May 1 and that is the due date for your airfare. As you all know, gas prices are through the roof and that means that the airlines are also looking for any way they can find to increase revenue - even if it means raising prices on a bunch of people going to Honduras to help others. If we are late in submitting our airfare to the airlines, they will gladly ask for and expect to get more money for our tickets.
I need everyone to understand this. You need to be putting a check for $650 in the mail to our TORCH address ...about NOW!
Have you forgotten the address? Not to worry your happy little self - here it is -
TORCH MISSIONS
7948 Winchester Rd
#308
Memphis, TN 38125-2311
There you have it. Airfare needs to be in the mail this week.
Thanks,
Marc
Monday, April 24, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
Early Reminders
Early Planning will make your Honduras experience much better. Today I’d like to give you a few tips on what to expect and what you should be doing to get ready for a great mission to Honduras.
1) We don’t run the airlines and that means we can’t guarantee that your luggage will follow you from the point where you check it to the airport in Honduras. Luggage almost always shows up on time but, I’d recommend that you bring a few essentials in your carry-on...just in case.
2) Speaking of carry-on luggage, a back-pack is an almost essential piece of equipment. If you don’t have a good one, I highly recommend getting one. I have seen some that are monsters with wheels and those just don’t work as well as the traditional ones designed to be carried on your back.
3) You still have plenty of time to learn a few words of Spanish before you leave. We will have interpreters but, the Hondurans would like to hear you stumble a few words in their own language......especially if you are from the south. There is nothing that can describe how funny it is to hear “donde esta el bano” with a southern accent.
4) While you are out and about, pick up some of the trial size Purel at the dollar store. This is really good stuff that can keep you from getting sick. Remember what your mama always told you about keeping your hands clean and away from your mouth and you are about 98% there on keeping the bad bugs away.
5) I’ll send a list of all the things that you’ll need so don’t worry too much about that. Just make sure that you are able to travel by keeping up with your passport and making sure it has at least 90 days of validity after our scheduled return of July 30th. You will not be allowed to leave if you don’t have the required days of a valid passport. This isn’t my rule, it is the airlines interpretation.
6) Are you working to raise some of the benevolent funds that we’ll need?
7) Try to find a English / Spanish version of the Bible.
8) Don’t plan to bring an I-Pod, a CD Player, a portable DVD, or any other distractions. We will sing together and I promise you won’t miss any of these things.
9) We will open a bank and keep your money safe while you are in Honduras.
As always, feel free to give me a call or an email any time that you have questions.
My email is marclt2003@yahoo.com and my cell is 901-598-0356.
Thanks,
Marc
1) We don’t run the airlines and that means we can’t guarantee that your luggage will follow you from the point where you check it to the airport in Honduras. Luggage almost always shows up on time but, I’d recommend that you bring a few essentials in your carry-on...just in case.
2) Speaking of carry-on luggage, a back-pack is an almost essential piece of equipment. If you don’t have a good one, I highly recommend getting one. I have seen some that are monsters with wheels and those just don’t work as well as the traditional ones designed to be carried on your back.
3) You still have plenty of time to learn a few words of Spanish before you leave. We will have interpreters but, the Hondurans would like to hear you stumble a few words in their own language......especially if you are from the south. There is nothing that can describe how funny it is to hear “donde esta el bano” with a southern accent.
4) While you are out and about, pick up some of the trial size Purel at the dollar store. This is really good stuff that can keep you from getting sick. Remember what your mama always told you about keeping your hands clean and away from your mouth and you are about 98% there on keeping the bad bugs away.
5) I’ll send a list of all the things that you’ll need so don’t worry too much about that. Just make sure that you are able to travel by keeping up with your passport and making sure it has at least 90 days of validity after our scheduled return of July 30th. You will not be allowed to leave if you don’t have the required days of a valid passport. This isn’t my rule, it is the airlines interpretation.
6) Are you working to raise some of the benevolent funds that we’ll need?
7) Try to find a English / Spanish version of the Bible.
8) Don’t plan to bring an I-Pod, a CD Player, a portable DVD, or any other distractions. We will sing together and I promise you won’t miss any of these things.
9) We will open a bank and keep your money safe while you are in Honduras.
As always, feel free to give me a call or an email any time that you have questions.
My email is marclt2003@yahoo.com and my cell is 901-598-0356.
Thanks,
Marc
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Noel Aragon Update
Last week I posted this -
Noel Aragon
If you were in Honduras last summer - with this TORCH Team, you would have met my friend Noel Aragon. Noel was the guy in Santa Ana that was always smiling. He is the preacher in the new church that was planted in that community.Noel is married and has two beautiful children.This past week, Noel emailed to let me know of some difficulties that he and his family have encountered. They have a 2 year old daughter and over the Christmas holidays, she fell down a flight of stairs at the apartment complex where they live. She landed hard on her face and the initial consultation with Dr's made them think she would be okay - no eye or brain damage. Now, after almost 3 months, there appears to be continuing problems and the Dr's are thinking that little Karina has broken 3 bones in her face and will require surgery. We won't know till she is able to secure more scans and see's a couple more Doctor types.Noel doesn't have the money to pay for surgery and our TORCH Team is going to do whatever it takes to take care of this child. I will keep everyone posted on what is happening and will post some pictures of little Karina as soon as possible. In the mean time, pray for her healing.I am travelling to Honduras this week and will be scouting areas for our work this summer. Please keep me in your prayers as we are planning for our mission this summer.
Marc
Here is the update -
Karina was able to go to the Doctor on Monday of this week. I will hear back from Noel shortly and know if she is going to have surgery. It appears from seeing Karina this weekend that she has recovered well from her injury and we all need to pray that she will get a great report.
Noel Aragon
If you were in Honduras last summer - with this TORCH Team, you would have met my friend Noel Aragon. Noel was the guy in Santa Ana that was always smiling. He is the preacher in the new church that was planted in that community.Noel is married and has two beautiful children.This past week, Noel emailed to let me know of some difficulties that he and his family have encountered. They have a 2 year old daughter and over the Christmas holidays, she fell down a flight of stairs at the apartment complex where they live. She landed hard on her face and the initial consultation with Dr's made them think she would be okay - no eye or brain damage. Now, after almost 3 months, there appears to be continuing problems and the Dr's are thinking that little Karina has broken 3 bones in her face and will require surgery. We won't know till she is able to secure more scans and see's a couple more Doctor types.Noel doesn't have the money to pay for surgery and our TORCH Team is going to do whatever it takes to take care of this child. I will keep everyone posted on what is happening and will post some pictures of little Karina as soon as possible. In the mean time, pray for her healing.I am travelling to Honduras this week and will be scouting areas for our work this summer. Please keep me in your prayers as we are planning for our mission this summer.
Marc
Here is the update -
Karina was able to go to the Doctor on Monday of this week. I will hear back from Noel shortly and know if she is going to have surgery. It appears from seeing Karina this weekend that she has recovered well from her injury and we all need to pray that she will get a great report.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
March Is Here
Well, March 1 has come and gone and that means two things - first, if you haven't sent an application, you are late. Let's get 'em in as soon as you can. If you plan to be a part of the July group and you haven't contacted me - DO IT NOW. The second thing that March means is that we are only 41/2 months away from our mission. WOW - this year is rapid!
Planning for this year is well under way and we - as usual are going to be right in the middle of some pretty amazing work. Our group will be a little smaller - about 75 or so - so we won't be going to 3 mountains at the same time but, that doesn't mean that the work will be any less rewarding. Our plans are to build - several houses as well as a Sunday School building in Santa Ana, we'll pack tons of food and distribute it to very hungry people, we'll be working in several days of medical clinics, the children's home- Casa de Esperanza will be open and we will have teams working there every day, Hospital Esquala will be part of our ministry, and every day we will send teams of people out to teach the Good News to the people in the communities where we are working.
I have had several questions about our work and how everything will be done - well, the best way to describe it is to outline a typical day -
We'll all get up to a beautiful morning- some of us have coffee about 6:00 and talk till breakfast at 7:00. At about 7:45 we meet for devotional and following that I make announcements about the ministry opportunities for the day. Most days we will have a construction crew that will be working on the Sunday School building and one person will be in charge of that. We'll probably average 2 houses per day and there will be crew leaders for those teams. We will have a VBS program and one or more evangelism teams. We'll send people to the hospital for ministry with the kids and we'll send a small team to Casa de Esperanza to work. There will be a food distribution team as well as medical teams. Once you know all the opportunities, you choose your work, meet up with your team leader and we all leave the mission house about 9:00 for our work. After a day of service, we all return to the mission house at about 6:00 for showers & dinner. At about 7:30 we have devotional and then we are off to bed so we can go & do it again the next day.
It always seems to come together.
If you are wondering about what shots to get - here is my answer - the most important shot is tetnis - make sure that you are up to date. Some folks get Hep A&B all good - if you plan to travel in your life, it wouldn't hurt to get those anyway. We have never encountered Maleria so I wouldn't go out and pay for those pills unless you just want to go and blow away extra money.
Please feel free to call or email anytime you have a question - and send your stuff to me ASAP.
(Pics of work from last year- the church in Santa Ana where we will build classrooms.)
Now that we are getting close, I will be updating this BLOG more often. Feel free to post comments and let everyone know about your plans, etc. Let's challenge each other to raise the bar. We all need to work together to raise the dollars that we will need to do the work that God has planned for our team. Never be afraid to ask people to join the team by supplying the funds to build a house, buy food, or send out a missionary.
Get ready for a great day in Honduras!
Marc
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
TORCH 2006
The time is here for moving beyond planning and taking action to be a part of TORCH 2006. As you know, we are big enough that we are taking 2 teams this summer. The first team will depart on June 20th and return on July 1 and the second team will be in Tegucigalpa from July 20 till July 30.
Each mission will continue the work of previous summers – building, feeding, healing, teaching, caring, loving, and growing. Jesus said to “Go and make disciples” and that is exactly what happens. You can find an application right here – on the December 1 post – it’s easy to cut & past to a word document and fill in the blanks. Attach your check and mail it as soon as possible. There are only going to be about 75 slots on the June trip so you will need to get your application to me as soon as you possibly can if you are going to go in June. The July trip will probably be more like 100 however, you can’t wait too long or you will be faced with the uncertainty of rising airfares. Get me an application before the end of February (with a deposit) and you can lock your trip in at $1250. Wait till March and I can’t promise you a fixed price.
Here is the payment timeline for June –
Applications & deposits due in my hands by February 28th.
Airfare of $650 due in my hands by May 1.
Balance due by June 1 – (including the $200 pledge for benevolent work)
The deadlines for July are the same except for the final payment & benevolent dollars – the July trip deadline for those are on July 1st.
All checks need to be made out to TORCH and mailed to the address on the application. Please understand that all payments are non-refundable – if you change your mind at the last moment – tough! The money is spent and we can’t get it back.
Get ready for “another great day in Honduras”
Marc
Each mission will continue the work of previous summers – building, feeding, healing, teaching, caring, loving, and growing. Jesus said to “Go and make disciples” and that is exactly what happens. You can find an application right here – on the December 1 post – it’s easy to cut & past to a word document and fill in the blanks. Attach your check and mail it as soon as possible. There are only going to be about 75 slots on the June trip so you will need to get your application to me as soon as you possibly can if you are going to go in June. The July trip will probably be more like 100 however, you can’t wait too long or you will be faced with the uncertainty of rising airfares. Get me an application before the end of February (with a deposit) and you can lock your trip in at $1250. Wait till March and I can’t promise you a fixed price.
Here is the payment timeline for June –
Applications & deposits due in my hands by February 28th.
Airfare of $650 due in my hands by May 1.
Balance due by June 1 – (including the $200 pledge for benevolent work)
The deadlines for July are the same except for the final payment & benevolent dollars – the July trip deadline for those are on July 1st.
All checks need to be made out to TORCH and mailed to the address on the application. Please understand that all payments are non-refundable – if you change your mind at the last moment – tough! The money is spent and we can’t get it back.
Get ready for “another great day in Honduras”
Marc
Thursday, December 01, 2005
2006 Application
TORCH APPLICATION FORM ’06 Cost of trip is $1250.
TORCH MISSIONS
7949 Winchester #308
Memphis, TN 38125-2311
Choice TORCH trip Dates June 21-30____ OR July 21 – 30_____
Email address___________________
Name_________________________________ Date of Birth_____________ Age______
Street Address______________________________________________
Home Phone______________________
Cell Phone_____________________________
Social Security Number_______________________
Passport Number_______________________
City Issued_________________________
Date Issued____________________________
Expiration Date_____________________
Are you a Christian? Yes____ No_____
Name of Church you attend_________________________________________________
Address of Church you attend_______________________________________________
Male____ Female____ Adult____ Teen____ Child____ Single____ Married______
If married are husband and wife on the trip together?? Yes_____ No_____
Do you prefer staying with your spouse on the trip? Yes_____ Will Chaperone______
Adults occupation__________________________________________________
Students academic classification & name of school____________________________
Languages you speak__________________________________________________________
Foreign Countries you have visited______________________________________
Are you in good physical condition? Yes_____ No______
Are you taking prescription medication on a regular basis? Yes____ No_____
If yes, List medications and conditions being treated _________________________________________________________
Allergies___________________________________________________
Adult T shirt size Small_____ Medium_____ Large_____ XLarge ______ XXL_____
I have read and accept the conditions listed in the information section of the TORCH Program AND I commit to raising a minimum of $200 over and above the cost of the trip to support the benevolent work of my team.
___________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
IMPORTANT
Everyone traveling must fill out an application
This application is due February 1st & must be accompanied by:
$150 deposit
Spanish Parent consent form, signed and notorized
Copy of your passport
One Passport sized photo
Letter of recommendation for TORCH trip (if it is your first trip)
Essay: Why do you want to participate in this trip
TORCH MISSIONS
7949 Winchester #308
Memphis, TN 38125-2311
Choice TORCH trip Dates June 21-30____ OR July 21 – 30_____
Email address___________________
Name_________________________________ Date of Birth_____________ Age______
Street Address______________________________________________
Home Phone______________________
Cell Phone_____________________________
Social Security Number_______________________
Passport Number_______________________
City Issued_________________________
Date Issued____________________________
Expiration Date_____________________
Are you a Christian? Yes____ No_____
Name of Church you attend_________________________________________________
Address of Church you attend_______________________________________________
Male____ Female____ Adult____ Teen____ Child____ Single____ Married______
If married are husband and wife on the trip together?? Yes_____ No_____
Do you prefer staying with your spouse on the trip? Yes_____ Will Chaperone______
Adults occupation__________________________________________________
Students academic classification & name of school____________________________
Languages you speak__________________________________________________________
Foreign Countries you have visited______________________________________
Are you in good physical condition? Yes_____ No______
Are you taking prescription medication on a regular basis? Yes____ No_____
If yes, List medications and conditions being treated _________________________________________________________
Allergies___________________________________________________
Adult T shirt size Small_____ Medium_____ Large_____ XLarge ______ XXL_____
I have read and accept the conditions listed in the information section of the TORCH Program AND I commit to raising a minimum of $200 over and above the cost of the trip to support the benevolent work of my team.
___________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
IMPORTANT
Everyone traveling must fill out an application
This application is due February 1st & must be accompanied by:
$150 deposit
Spanish Parent consent form, signed and notorized
Copy of your passport
One Passport sized photo
Letter of recommendation for TORCH trip (if it is your first trip)
Essay: Why do you want to participate in this trip
Monday, November 28, 2005
November News
TORCH 2006 -
WOW , in a month we will be in 2006 and we will be counting down to the annual team(s) travels to Honduras. This year we will be travelling in two groups - one in late June and the other in late July. This part is pretty much a done deal and I will be getting applications out as soon as this week. I plan to post an applicaiton right here but, you can email me and I will attach a copy to your response - marclt2003@yahoo.com
Some of the details for 2006 -
Airfares are WAY up and that means that we do some things differently or make the price go way up. I have chosen the - do things differently side of the fence and that means that we can still have a very effective mission for about the same price as last year - about $1250. That will include all of your travel & most meals but, new for this year, it will not include Roatan. The time working in Tegucigalpa will be about 10 days. Going to Roatan would add at least $350 to that total and the needs are so great in Tegucigalpa that I (and I am sure that you too) would prefer to see those dollars spent on helping people with food and housing. s
So -
Another difference that you will see on your application is a comittment for raising money above the cost of just going to Honduras. I am asking 2006 applicants to committ to raising an additional $200 per person for the benevolent work that we will be doing. If you are part of a team or a group, your team will be making the committment together.
And -
Your application will need to be complete and in my hands by the end of February 2006. (an application won't be considered complete without a $125 non-refundable deposit)
If you are past the end of February with an application, you will be subject to the ever increasing airfare proce increases.
Right now I have the following reservations for the July group -
Memphis, TN - 40 seats
Dallas, TX - 25 Seats
St Louis, MO - 15 seats
Houston, TX - 10 Seats
Miami - 15 seats
I need to hear from Charlotte and to confirm that they want to be part of this team. Please let me know.
Please email or call me with any questions.
Thanks & Love,
marc
WOW , in a month we will be in 2006 and we will be counting down to the annual team(s) travels to Honduras. This year we will be travelling in two groups - one in late June and the other in late July. This part is pretty much a done deal and I will be getting applications out as soon as this week. I plan to post an applicaiton right here but, you can email me and I will attach a copy to your response - marclt2003@yahoo.com
Some of the details for 2006 -
Airfares are WAY up and that means that we do some things differently or make the price go way up. I have chosen the - do things differently side of the fence and that means that we can still have a very effective mission for about the same price as last year - about $1250. That will include all of your travel & most meals but, new for this year, it will not include Roatan. The time working in Tegucigalpa will be about 10 days. Going to Roatan would add at least $350 to that total and the needs are so great in Tegucigalpa that I (and I am sure that you too) would prefer to see those dollars spent on helping people with food and housing. s
So -
Another difference that you will see on your application is a comittment for raising money above the cost of just going to Honduras. I am asking 2006 applicants to committ to raising an additional $200 per person for the benevolent work that we will be doing. If you are part of a team or a group, your team will be making the committment together.
And -
Your application will need to be complete and in my hands by the end of February 2006. (an application won't be considered complete without a $125 non-refundable deposit)
If you are past the end of February with an application, you will be subject to the ever increasing airfare proce increases.
Right now I have the following reservations for the July group -
Memphis, TN - 40 seats
Dallas, TX - 25 Seats
St Louis, MO - 15 seats
Houston, TX - 10 Seats
Miami - 15 seats
I need to hear from Charlotte and to confirm that they want to be part of this team. Please let me know.
Please email or call me with any questions.
Thanks & Love,
marc
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Construction Progress
One week makes a lot of difference! The walls are up and we are well on the way to really becoming the House of Hope for a bunch of kids that need some hope in their lives!
This photo was take on Saturday the 5th of November - big change from the previous picture.
Please continue to pray about the construction funds. We have made big strides in the past two weeks but, the fund is still about $17,000 short of the target.
Please consider becoming one of the team that has comitted to raising $1,000 or more.
(or just send a check)
marc
ps: TORCH applications will be out before the end of November!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Casa de Esperanza
Progress is rapid on Casa construction.
Please pray for the dollars to complete this project.
Here are construction pictures from Saturday the 29th -
Monday, October 24, 2005
An Open Letter
This is an open letter to everyone and anyone that has an interest in TORCH and the ongoing work that we all love.
Dear TORCH’ers,
I have been involved in TORCH for more than 5 years now and am more excited than ever about the work that God has planned for us. TORCH 2006 will be here before we know and we will be able to continue our work.
As we end 2005 and look ahead to 2006, I would ask all of you to examine where we have been and what we can personally do to make our work better. One area where I am convinced that we all need to apply more focus is really answered with a question – What happens in the communities where we work – after we leave?
Our whole team and our supporters focus hard to make our 2 weeks in Honduras one of the most incredibly productive 14 days of the year. Our productivity is blessed with an amazing harvest and we leave feeling great about what we were able to be a part of. Here is the dilemma that being so productive creates. We plant churches and we find preachers to work in those areas. We need missionaries on the ground in Honduras and we get wonderful people like Tim & Gena Hines and Joe Merrilat to devote their lives to this ministry. We build clinics and church buildings, we build children’s homes and all sorts of other great works – and all of this is wonderful and we are blessed to have been a part of it. We come home and we give reports to our sponsors and our home churches and we start planning for the next years work. On the surface all of this is great however, we need to think about what it takes to keep all of the work that we do in our 14 days – working for the other 351 that we are not in Honduras.
Quite frankly, we need your financial help every month.
We planted a church in Los Pinos 2 years ago and there are 4 men that are Baxter graduates working full time in that community. The Los Pinos church is now one of the strongest in all of Central America and we are not helping any of these men with their living expenses.
We planted a church in Santa Ana this summer and asked Noel from the Los Pinos team to move out to the community to work there and so far, we have only 50% of his needs covered. We still need another $200 per month for Noel.
Joe Merrilat needs a raise and we are short by about $300 per month on his support.
Tim & Gena could probably use a raise.
We are still not 100% funded for the construction of the children’s home and we are going to need monthly support for the kids that will live there.
We need you and your support.
Here is what I am asking everyone that reads this to do – pray & sacrifice.
Thanks & Love
marc
Dear TORCH’ers,
I have been involved in TORCH for more than 5 years now and am more excited than ever about the work that God has planned for us. TORCH 2006 will be here before we know and we will be able to continue our work.
As we end 2005 and look ahead to 2006, I would ask all of you to examine where we have been and what we can personally do to make our work better. One area where I am convinced that we all need to apply more focus is really answered with a question – What happens in the communities where we work – after we leave?
Our whole team and our supporters focus hard to make our 2 weeks in Honduras one of the most incredibly productive 14 days of the year. Our productivity is blessed with an amazing harvest and we leave feeling great about what we were able to be a part of. Here is the dilemma that being so productive creates. We plant churches and we find preachers to work in those areas. We need missionaries on the ground in Honduras and we get wonderful people like Tim & Gena Hines and Joe Merrilat to devote their lives to this ministry. We build clinics and church buildings, we build children’s homes and all sorts of other great works – and all of this is wonderful and we are blessed to have been a part of it. We come home and we give reports to our sponsors and our home churches and we start planning for the next years work. On the surface all of this is great however, we need to think about what it takes to keep all of the work that we do in our 14 days – working for the other 351 that we are not in Honduras.
Quite frankly, we need your financial help every month.
We planted a church in Los Pinos 2 years ago and there are 4 men that are Baxter graduates working full time in that community. The Los Pinos church is now one of the strongest in all of Central America and we are not helping any of these men with their living expenses.
We planted a church in Santa Ana this summer and asked Noel from the Los Pinos team to move out to the community to work there and so far, we have only 50% of his needs covered. We still need another $200 per month for Noel.
Joe Merrilat needs a raise and we are short by about $300 per month on his support.
Tim & Gena could probably use a raise.
We are still not 100% funded for the construction of the children’s home and we are going to need monthly support for the kids that will live there.
We need you and your support.
Here is what I am asking everyone that reads this to do – pray & sacrifice.
Thanks & Love
marc
Monday, September 19, 2005
TORCH Update
Planning for 2006 is slightly stalled. Almost all of the TORCH and IRC leaders are involved in hurricane relief and there will be time to plan for TORCH when the clean-up from Katrina is in a little better shape.
There are teams of people heading to both New Orleans and to Gulfport almost every week and weekend and that will continue for the next couple of months. The needs are changing almost daily but, one thing will be constant for the next few months – help is needed! If anyone is interested in making the trip to either area, we can help you find work. Just give me a call or an email and I will make sure that you get a place to stay and a job to do.
I do not have any firm dates for our team – but, you can count on the last week of July as one of our times. He other team – yes, we will have 2 teams in 2006 will be in June or perhaps directly prior to the last trip. Either way, the trips will be about 9 days each and the cost should be in the $1150 to $1200 range – depending on where you will be coming from.
I will get applications posted to the blog before the end of October and we can go from there.
We have a group going down to the opening of Casa de Esperanza – opening on December 10th and you are welcome to join us – let me know and I’ll help you with reservations.
Keep on praying for the people hurt by Katrina and for our team members that are working for them.
marc
There are teams of people heading to both New Orleans and to Gulfport almost every week and weekend and that will continue for the next couple of months. The needs are changing almost daily but, one thing will be constant for the next few months – help is needed! If anyone is interested in making the trip to either area, we can help you find work. Just give me a call or an email and I will make sure that you get a place to stay and a job to do.
I do not have any firm dates for our team – but, you can count on the last week of July as one of our times. He other team – yes, we will have 2 teams in 2006 will be in June or perhaps directly prior to the last trip. Either way, the trips will be about 9 days each and the cost should be in the $1150 to $1200 range – depending on where you will be coming from.
I will get applications posted to the blog before the end of October and we can go from there.
We have a group going down to the opening of Casa de Esperanza – opening on December 10th and you are welcome to join us – let me know and I’ll help you with reservations.
Keep on praying for the people hurt by Katrina and for our team members that are working for them.
marc
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Casa de Esperanza Needs
List of Needs
Here is a list of needs for Casa de Esperanza. The plan is to load a container in mid November for shipment to Honduras.
We all need to encourage our donors to follow the “No Junk For Jesus” policy.
Washer & Dryer – This pretty much looks done
Deep Freeze (2)
Refrigerator (2)
Ice Maker
Twin Mattresses – tops only (20)
Baby Beds (2)
Computer Desk
Office Chair (2)
Twin Sheet Sets (20 to 30)
Towels & Wash Cloths (lots)
Tricycles (3 or 4)
Small Bicycles (3 or 4)
Microwave Oven (2)
It would be nice to have a Big Screen TV (anybody upgrading?)
Stereo
DVD Player
Cookware (Big pots & pans)
Deep Fryer
Sofas (good condition 2)
Room Size Rugs (2 or 3)
Blankets (20 to 30)
Dishes & Eating Ware
I will be adding to the list as we see needs.
Here is a list of needs for Casa de Esperanza. The plan is to load a container in mid November for shipment to Honduras.
We all need to encourage our donors to follow the “No Junk For Jesus” policy.
Washer & Dryer – This pretty much looks done
Deep Freeze (2)
Refrigerator (2)
Ice Maker
Twin Mattresses – tops only (20)
Baby Beds (2)
Computer Desk
Office Chair (2)
Twin Sheet Sets (20 to 30)
Towels & Wash Cloths (lots)
Tricycles (3 or 4)
Small Bicycles (3 or 4)
Microwave Oven (2)
It would be nice to have a Big Screen TV (anybody upgrading?)
Stereo
DVD Player
Cookware (Big pots & pans)
Deep Fryer
Sofas (good condition 2)
Room Size Rugs (2 or 3)
Blankets (20 to 30)
Dishes & Eating Ware
I will be adding to the list as we see needs.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
TORCH 2006
It is really hard for my fingers to type 2006. That seems like it should be years away but, the simple fact is, we will be in 2006 in a short 125 or so days. That means that it is already time to begin thinking and planning for TORCH 2006!
We don’t yet have the trip dates for TORCH 2006 but, you can be assured that planning is already in full swing. The MS TORCH family has grown so much that one of two things must happen – we can stop the growth where we are and fix the number at somewhere between 150 and 170 or, we can divide and conquer. Personally, I like the idea of dividing.
SO –
My current plan is something like this –
I will plan to lead two 9 day trips in 2006. The trips will be sometime in June and we will keep our place for the second trip in late July. We will plan our arrivals in Honduras on a Friday and our departures on the second Sunday. The Roatan retreat will be an optional addition and will no longer be included in the cost of the trip.
Our 2006 cost will not be finalized until sometime in October however, I expect the total of the 9 day mission to be in the neighborhood of $1150 to $1200 per person. (It looks like airfares will be 4100 to $150 per person more than in 2005) In addition to airfares, we all see what the rapid rise in fuel cost has meant to our own budgets – our team alone spent almost $10,000 for bus and truck fuel when we were in Honduras.
Please feel free to share your comments here or email them to me at marclt2003@yahoo.com
We don’t yet have the trip dates for TORCH 2006 but, you can be assured that planning is already in full swing. The MS TORCH family has grown so much that one of two things must happen – we can stop the growth where we are and fix the number at somewhere between 150 and 170 or, we can divide and conquer. Personally, I like the idea of dividing.
SO –
My current plan is something like this –
I will plan to lead two 9 day trips in 2006. The trips will be sometime in June and we will keep our place for the second trip in late July. We will plan our arrivals in Honduras on a Friday and our departures on the second Sunday. The Roatan retreat will be an optional addition and will no longer be included in the cost of the trip.
Our 2006 cost will not be finalized until sometime in October however, I expect the total of the 9 day mission to be in the neighborhood of $1150 to $1200 per person. (It looks like airfares will be 4100 to $150 per person more than in 2005) In addition to airfares, we all see what the rapid rise in fuel cost has meant to our own budgets – our team alone spent almost $10,000 for bus and truck fuel when we were in Honduras.
Please feel free to share your comments here or email them to me at marclt2003@yahoo.com
Monday, August 15, 2005
PRAY!
I just had a call from my friend Les Ferguson. Les is the dad of my other good friend Cole and Les called to let me know of some of the difficulties that Cole has experienced since he returned home ffom Honduras.
Cole developed what was thought to be a case of the revenge in Honduras however, even with meds, the problem didn't go away so, he has been through several tests and now knows that he has contracted E-Coli. He is pretty sick and could use our prayers and our encouragenment.
Please feel free to use the comment section of the blog to send Cole messages of encouragement. I know that he will get every message and will like hearing from everyone.
Also, If you have a CD or DVD of all of your pictures and video, would you please burn a copy for me?
Please send copies to me at 124 Spyglass Ct., O'Fallon, IL 62269
Thanks & don't forget Cole!
Marc
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Robin White's Comments
**** Reflections from Robin****
Hello Team!
Wow! We did it - we went to Honduras and are back and it almost seems like a dream to me!
I know there is so much that happened - oodles of fantastic memories were made; so many people were helped - physically and spiritually. We built houses! We played with lonely babies and children at orphanages. We prayed for and brought smiles to those children who were really sick at Hospital Escuela. We were a part of Bible studies that brought people to the Lord, not only in baptism but then also to a changed life of hope - of walking in the Light and then of Eternal Salvation!! How rich!! We got to witness weddings!! I loved making the cross necklaces with the children - boys and girls alike and well, women too, because each time it was telling a Bible story - The Story of Christ's Love! Thanks, Lowell, for once again buying those special gifts! And Jacob gave out lotsa cars - what a hit! And he made friends and friends and more friends!! And all you girlies -- what nice necklaces and bracelets you made for/with the children and beautiful pictures you colored, 'juntos' with the little ones. Kyrystal, you were so tough! Thanks for putting up with 'pee-pee' on the pant legs - not once but several times. Cuddling those babies was worth it, huh? And "my girls" thanks for looking out for 14 year old pregnant Jaimi and buying her groceries and just for loving her - you made a difference!! (you know that song "Let the Beauty of Jesus be seen in Me." ? well, you did! I saw Jesus and you were beautiful!) Ethan -- do I have it right? you have been a part of building 25 houses in Honduras?? You're the Man!! Also, Laurie fell down the steps in the rainy dark but, talk about attitude!! - bless your heart, girl, for being tough - those bruises were bad but you just kept on going and going, like that everready bunny! even with that rotten headcold! Jessi W., in spite of downright yuckiness with being sick, you were a leader and helper, thanks - again and again and again. Jessi Y., you're a 'roofer' girl! is that your new chosen profession? Honestly, isn't it soooo cool that you're helping keep the rain off those babies in the cold, dark nights? David, I saw you help nail down that floor, and you made some Honduran friends - great going!! Nancy, among other stuff, helping with that food assembly - what an awesome chore! (and it wasn't easy!) Allison tried to stay well and smiled even when she felt rotten - you done good, girl! Russ McC actually turned into a builder by the end of the 2 weeks - and before that, stayed soooo busy with evangelism! and my Lowell - forever the humble, hard-worker - was busy with whatever was given him to do...making kids smile, hammering, putting up lofts, fellowshipping with Hondurans and team members wherever he went...
I actually wouldn't change anything - even though I never knew from day to day how I would be used, I let God just kind of lead me and He always surprised me. At first I sometimes had to work on my attitude if it was something I wasn't expecting (which like was almost everyday) but then, after "sucking it up" and getting over my selfishness, I let God have His way and it was great! I am soooo glad I had exercised beforehand and been on vitamins and was ready because we never stopped! Yeah, echinecea and zinc! And I praise God for giving me the health and fortitude I had...
We had some "not so good happenings" too - so sorry for the several who got sick - Jessi White, Laurie, Allison and Nancy -- but Praise God! we had doctors with medicines available and that we had a comfortable campus if we had to stay out for a day (like about 20 + did various days, including our Allison) - but hey guys, you were in a safe place, there were real beds, water, showers, food, a roof over the heads, and plenty of people coming back within hours, includung 3 doctors with more meds if needed so, even staying behind you all were blessed... while allowing others to be out serving those who did not have doctors available normally, or their own roofs over their heads, or ever, ever water enough for showers, much less hot showers, or electricity, or beds - just pallets on the floor and the beds we built - they were wooden platforms! -- and never, ever enough food and some who had never been taught the gospel...Praise to God that there were those still able to go out and Praise God that they did!!
Well, everything wasn't perfect but it was Perfectly Amazing!!
My challenge to each of you is this: if you have to remember anything negative about our trip, write it down, take it to the Lord, and then tear up that paper in put it in the trash with the devil and his workings - don't give satan a stronghold in your hearts to ruin this trip - we had lessons on this already, but I challenge you to apply it!
There were so many Great things that we were privileged to be a part of and that is what should be coming out of our mouths and hearts - We saw so many terrific examples of servanthood during our time in Honduras. Now that we are home we need to bring the lessons home and bring them to life. Give up selfishness, crucify pride, allow yourself to be a servant where ever and whenever you are needed. Look for opportunities here in the states and allow God to use you up for Him!! We are soooo rich materially and spirtually, there is no room for "oh, woe is me!" Practice living positively - talk positive, walk positive, and treat others with honor. Work on being a part of those who make a choice to make a difference - that's what YOU have been a part of for the last two weeks and it was a God- thing!
I am soooo glad each of you were a part of the time there. I am moved and honored for having been a part of your team. Thanks!
I remain joyful
- Robin
Hello Team!
Wow! We did it - we went to Honduras and are back and it almost seems like a dream to me!
I know there is so much that happened - oodles of fantastic memories were made; so many people were helped - physically and spiritually. We built houses! We played with lonely babies and children at orphanages. We prayed for and brought smiles to those children who were really sick at Hospital Escuela. We were a part of Bible studies that brought people to the Lord, not only in baptism but then also to a changed life of hope - of walking in the Light and then of Eternal Salvation!! How rich!! We got to witness weddings!! I loved making the cross necklaces with the children - boys and girls alike and well, women too, because each time it was telling a Bible story - The Story of Christ's Love! Thanks, Lowell, for once again buying those special gifts! And Jacob gave out lotsa cars - what a hit! And he made friends and friends and more friends!! And all you girlies -- what nice necklaces and bracelets you made for/with the children and beautiful pictures you colored, 'juntos' with the little ones. Kyrystal, you were so tough! Thanks for putting up with 'pee-pee' on the pant legs - not once but several times. Cuddling those babies was worth it, huh? And "my girls" thanks for looking out for 14 year old pregnant Jaimi and buying her groceries and just for loving her - you made a difference!! (you know that song "Let the Beauty of Jesus be seen in Me." ? well, you did! I saw Jesus and you were beautiful!) Ethan -- do I have it right? you have been a part of building 25 houses in Honduras?? You're the Man!! Also, Laurie fell down the steps in the rainy dark but, talk about attitude!! - bless your heart, girl, for being tough - those bruises were bad but you just kept on going and going, like that everready bunny! even with that rotten headcold! Jessi W., in spite of downright yuckiness with being sick, you were a leader and helper, thanks - again and again and again. Jessi Y., you're a 'roofer' girl! is that your new chosen profession? Honestly, isn't it soooo cool that you're helping keep the rain off those babies in the cold, dark nights? David, I saw you help nail down that floor, and you made some Honduran friends - great going!! Nancy, among other stuff, helping with that food assembly - what an awesome chore! (and it wasn't easy!) Allison tried to stay well and smiled even when she felt rotten - you done good, girl! Russ McC actually turned into a builder by the end of the 2 weeks - and before that, stayed soooo busy with evangelism! and my Lowell - forever the humble, hard-worker - was busy with whatever was given him to do...making kids smile, hammering, putting up lofts, fellowshipping with Hondurans and team members wherever he went...
I actually wouldn't change anything - even though I never knew from day to day how I would be used, I let God just kind of lead me and He always surprised me. At first I sometimes had to work on my attitude if it was something I wasn't expecting (which like was almost everyday) but then, after "sucking it up" and getting over my selfishness, I let God have His way and it was great! I am soooo glad I had exercised beforehand and been on vitamins and was ready because we never stopped! Yeah, echinecea and zinc! And I praise God for giving me the health and fortitude I had...
We had some "not so good happenings" too - so sorry for the several who got sick - Jessi White, Laurie, Allison and Nancy -- but Praise God! we had doctors with medicines available and that we had a comfortable campus if we had to stay out for a day (like about 20 + did various days, including our Allison) - but hey guys, you were in a safe place, there were real beds, water, showers, food, a roof over the heads, and plenty of people coming back within hours, includung 3 doctors with more meds if needed so, even staying behind you all were blessed... while allowing others to be out serving those who did not have doctors available normally, or their own roofs over their heads, or ever, ever water enough for showers, much less hot showers, or electricity, or beds - just pallets on the floor and the beds we built - they were wooden platforms! -- and never, ever enough food and some who had never been taught the gospel...Praise to God that there were those still able to go out and Praise God that they did!!
Well, everything wasn't perfect but it was Perfectly Amazing!!
My challenge to each of you is this: if you have to remember anything negative about our trip, write it down, take it to the Lord, and then tear up that paper in put it in the trash with the devil and his workings - don't give satan a stronghold in your hearts to ruin this trip - we had lessons on this already, but I challenge you to apply it!
There were so many Great things that we were privileged to be a part of and that is what should be coming out of our mouths and hearts - We saw so many terrific examples of servanthood during our time in Honduras. Now that we are home we need to bring the lessons home and bring them to life. Give up selfishness, crucify pride, allow yourself to be a servant where ever and whenever you are needed. Look for opportunities here in the states and allow God to use you up for Him!! We are soooo rich materially and spirtually, there is no room for "oh, woe is me!" Practice living positively - talk positive, walk positive, and treat others with honor. Work on being a part of those who make a choice to make a difference - that's what YOU have been a part of for the last two weeks and it was a God- thing!
I am soooo glad each of you were a part of the time there. I am moved and honored for having been a part of your team. Thanks!
I remain joyful
- Robin
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Amazing
It is difficult to decsribe the amazing events of the past two weeks without becoming somewhat emotional. This family of workers was united in everything and the results can only be described as AMAZING....
CONSTRUCTION
Our God assembled a group of builders and....build they did! The final count of 35 houses included 31 from scratch and 4 that were completed for another mission team that was unable to finish the job before thay left the country. Our builders worked in Nuevo Oriental, Santa Ana, Valle de Angels, San Miguel, Via Nueva, & 21 de Octobre. Every home built was completed with lots of love in in the name of Jesus.
Our crews were led by many excellent & dedicated builders including Jim Kelly & his son Austin, Kyle Ferguson, Andrew Kurgenivitch, Mark Halbert, John Rogers, Paul Bennett, Caleb Yates, Ryan & Kirt Hunt, & others that I am sure that I have missed. Everyone agrees that the addition of floors is the best thing on the mountain since outhouses.
Our construction story wouldn't be complete without thanking my friend and brother Mark Connell. Mark's amazing love for putting roofs over the heads and floors under the feet of families that need them is just like mine. He worked tirelessly to make sure that we coule build every home that was humanly possible. Mark, I see Jesus in you every day (except for possibly the hair thing)
More Construction
The community of Santa Ana has a new church building and it was completed - from start to finish in a week. Simply amazing!
We celebrated communion on Sunday the 24th of July on a plot of land that was almost untouched and one week later we worshiped together in a new block building.
This amazing work was led by Don White and he was assisted by Aaron Hill, Andy Hill, Wally Sweedenburg, & Larry Allen. The family of builders looked at what appeared to be an impossible task and said that "With God, All things are possible"...and it was. The work was non stop and it was hard. It included moving 1000's of block, mixing 100's of loads of concrete, moving dirt, and sweat....lots of sweat.
Even more Construction!
The builders also moved dirt in the area of the new children's home and build sidewalks. They worked on rock walls and on block houses that are being build in the area of the new church building.
Food Distribution
Terri Tindall and her team of food packers did amazing work. This team packed more than 10 tons of food for the hungry. Probably closer to 25,000 poubnds of food was packed and distributed to hungry families.
There were a couple of people that turned out to be "professional" packers and they deserve to be thanked and recognized - Mary Sharky was a packing machine and she was joined by Nancy McCullough, Gayla Kenser, Sharen & Jenny Seldomridge, & many others.
Because of the hard work of the food team, we were able to feed about 1500 families.
Clinics & Medical Ministry
This year we were blessed to have Dr's Jason Kelly & Dan Kellum as well as Jim Lup a P.A.
This medical team completed 3 medical clinics and two dental clinisc and were able to treat over 900 people with medical needed ranging from surgery to remove a bullet that was lodged in a mans arm for more than a couple of years to a lady with elephantitus, to having to remove every tooth from the head of a woman. These men were joined by Esperanza Massana, Michelle Rachl, and several other translators that made communication work. Additionally, there were many clinic volunteers that mad the process work for the docs and the people being treated.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank our medical team for always being there for our team - especially for those that fell ill while serving in Honduras.
Evangelism
Amazing, the harvest was simply amazing!
Billy Ferguson & Cisco Vega have established a simple way to deliver the gospel to the people of Honduras and have been joined by several others including Les Ferguson, Wesley Thompson, Jeremy Stewart, David Kenser, John Palmer, Russ McCullough, Lowell White, and many others. Because these and others were willing to step out onto the mountai, there are now 54 new Christians and 2 new churches have been planted.
More than 30 in the community of Nuevo Oriental alone!
UPDATE on Los Pinos - we were able to visit the community of Los Pinos a couple of times and we are happy to report that the church that was planted in Los Pinos two years ago is continuing to grow. More than 120 adults and 12o children meet there every Sunday.
We are praying to see the same sort of results in Santa Ana and Nuevo Oriental.
Other Ministries -
We sent teams of workers to the public hospital every day to spend time playing and praying with the many children with needs. We also sent these teams of servents to several childrens homes and places like the Special Needs Orphanage. Our workers were blessed as much as any of the children that they came into contact with.
Gayla Kenser spent 3 days in Nuevo Oriental teaching a manacure class to 7 ladies from that community. On graduation day many of our ladies allowed the newly trained ladies to test their skills on them for a total of 30 Limpera (about 1.80 US). Each of the ladies earned close to $20 that day and many are going to be able to apply for jobs that they previously were not qualified to do.
As usual, our morning and evening times of devotional were amazing. The singing was the best ever and the thoughts that were shared were inspiring. Most of us weren't quite ready to come home and re-join the routines that we didn't miss.
I'd be remiss in closing this summary without letting all of you know how much we need to thank Tim & Gena & Joe for their unending work and love for making things happen. Nobody knows the amount of time that they put in to making TORCH Missions work. Tim, Gena, Joe, Dalton, & Dylan - We love you with the love of the Lord & we see Jesus in you every day!
Interns - you were all great and we love you too! Thanks!
Team.... Family, If you would like to share your thoughts on the blog, please email them to me at
marclt2003@yahoo.com and I'll post them. I will continue to post at least weekly on this spot as this is the best communication tool for letting you know about TORCH 2006.
It has been a Great Year In Honduras
Love all of ya'
Marc
CONSTRUCTION
Our God assembled a group of builders and....build they did! The final count of 35 houses included 31 from scratch and 4 that were completed for another mission team that was unable to finish the job before thay left the country. Our builders worked in Nuevo Oriental, Santa Ana, Valle de Angels, San Miguel, Via Nueva, & 21 de Octobre. Every home built was completed with lots of love in in the name of Jesus.
Our crews were led by many excellent & dedicated builders including Jim Kelly & his son Austin, Kyle Ferguson, Andrew Kurgenivitch, Mark Halbert, John Rogers, Paul Bennett, Caleb Yates, Ryan & Kirt Hunt, & others that I am sure that I have missed. Everyone agrees that the addition of floors is the best thing on the mountain since outhouses.
Our construction story wouldn't be complete without thanking my friend and brother Mark Connell. Mark's amazing love for putting roofs over the heads and floors under the feet of families that need them is just like mine. He worked tirelessly to make sure that we coule build every home that was humanly possible. Mark, I see Jesus in you every day (except for possibly the hair thing)
More Construction
The community of Santa Ana has a new church building and it was completed - from start to finish in a week. Simply amazing!
We celebrated communion on Sunday the 24th of July on a plot of land that was almost untouched and one week later we worshiped together in a new block building.
This amazing work was led by Don White and he was assisted by Aaron Hill, Andy Hill, Wally Sweedenburg, & Larry Allen. The family of builders looked at what appeared to be an impossible task and said that "With God, All things are possible"...and it was. The work was non stop and it was hard. It included moving 1000's of block, mixing 100's of loads of concrete, moving dirt, and sweat....lots of sweat.
Even more Construction!
The builders also moved dirt in the area of the new children's home and build sidewalks. They worked on rock walls and on block houses that are being build in the area of the new church building.
Food Distribution
Terri Tindall and her team of food packers did amazing work. This team packed more than 10 tons of food for the hungry. Probably closer to 25,000 poubnds of food was packed and distributed to hungry families.
There were a couple of people that turned out to be "professional" packers and they deserve to be thanked and recognized - Mary Sharky was a packing machine and she was joined by Nancy McCullough, Gayla Kenser, Sharen & Jenny Seldomridge, & many others.
Because of the hard work of the food team, we were able to feed about 1500 families.
Clinics & Medical Ministry
This year we were blessed to have Dr's Jason Kelly & Dan Kellum as well as Jim Lup a P.A.
This medical team completed 3 medical clinics and two dental clinisc and were able to treat over 900 people with medical needed ranging from surgery to remove a bullet that was lodged in a mans arm for more than a couple of years to a lady with elephantitus, to having to remove every tooth from the head of a woman. These men were joined by Esperanza Massana, Michelle Rachl, and several other translators that made communication work. Additionally, there were many clinic volunteers that mad the process work for the docs and the people being treated.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank our medical team for always being there for our team - especially for those that fell ill while serving in Honduras.
Evangelism
Amazing, the harvest was simply amazing!
Billy Ferguson & Cisco Vega have established a simple way to deliver the gospel to the people of Honduras and have been joined by several others including Les Ferguson, Wesley Thompson, Jeremy Stewart, David Kenser, John Palmer, Russ McCullough, Lowell White, and many others. Because these and others were willing to step out onto the mountai, there are now 54 new Christians and 2 new churches have been planted.
More than 30 in the community of Nuevo Oriental alone!
UPDATE on Los Pinos - we were able to visit the community of Los Pinos a couple of times and we are happy to report that the church that was planted in Los Pinos two years ago is continuing to grow. More than 120 adults and 12o children meet there every Sunday.
We are praying to see the same sort of results in Santa Ana and Nuevo Oriental.
Other Ministries -
We sent teams of workers to the public hospital every day to spend time playing and praying with the many children with needs. We also sent these teams of servents to several childrens homes and places like the Special Needs Orphanage. Our workers were blessed as much as any of the children that they came into contact with.
Gayla Kenser spent 3 days in Nuevo Oriental teaching a manacure class to 7 ladies from that community. On graduation day many of our ladies allowed the newly trained ladies to test their skills on them for a total of 30 Limpera (about 1.80 US). Each of the ladies earned close to $20 that day and many are going to be able to apply for jobs that they previously were not qualified to do.
As usual, our morning and evening times of devotional were amazing. The singing was the best ever and the thoughts that were shared were inspiring. Most of us weren't quite ready to come home and re-join the routines that we didn't miss.
I'd be remiss in closing this summary without letting all of you know how much we need to thank Tim & Gena & Joe for their unending work and love for making things happen. Nobody knows the amount of time that they put in to making TORCH Missions work. Tim, Gena, Joe, Dalton, & Dylan - We love you with the love of the Lord & we see Jesus in you every day!
Interns - you were all great and we love you too! Thanks!
Team.... Family, If you would like to share your thoughts on the blog, please email them to me at
marclt2003@yahoo.com and I'll post them. I will continue to post at least weekly on this spot as this is the best communication tool for letting you know about TORCH 2006.
It has been a Great Year In Honduras
Love all of ya'
Marc
Friday, August 05, 2005
Thursday
Our Teguc team was smaller today as we sent about 110 to Roatan. There were 35 of us that chose to stay and work. We spent most of our day in Nuevo Oriental working on houses and taking care of the many needs that were in front of us. We finished a new house for a new Christian named Noae and helped he and his family move in. He was so thankful for his new home - he gave all the credit to our God.
Our doc's were busy following up on people that they had seen earlier and also performed surgery on the mountain. There was a man that had a bullet lodged in his arm for several years and our doc's took the time to remove it.
The day closed with a young man in Nueva Oriental choosing to become a Christian. It was awesome!
God continues to bless us and we will send a summary by the end of the weekend.
Marc
Our doc's were busy following up on people that they had seen earlier and also performed surgery on the mountain. There was a man that had a bullet lodged in his arm for several years and our doc's took the time to remove it.
The day closed with a young man in Nueva Oriental choosing to become a Christian. It was awesome!
God continues to bless us and we will send a summary by the end of the weekend.
Marc
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Tuesday / Wednesday
First let me start by thanning my daughter Nicole for keeping all of you updated on the blog. There isn´t any way that I would have had the time to¨get er done¨these past two weeks.
Really cool stuff has been happening...Gayla Kenser has been teaching a class of 7 women the skill of manicure and they all graduated on Wednesday. They were all very excited to be a part of the class and we finished the class with the graduates offering manicures to our ladies for 30 limpera ... about 1.80 US. The ladies were way excited to earn dollars fo their own.
We have continued to build and over the past 2 days there have been about 7 new homes completed. We also built 2 new classroms for the school in Nueva Oriental.
There was a clinic in Los Pinos on Tuesday and over 200 were treated. Our Doc´s have been great and have worked hard.... both in the villages and here on the mission house campus. Thanks Jason Kelly and Jim Lup... you are both great.
Every day we have continued to send a team to Hospital Esquela and various childrens homes. We all see how blessed we are with the health care system in the USA and how much the new childrens home is needed.
This morning we sent a group of about 110 to Roatan for a retreat and we have about 35 here in Tegucigalpa that will continue to build and work. Those that are staying are making a big contribution to the work of building Casa de Esperanza... the new children´s home in Santa Ana. The money that would have gone to Roatan is now going to be used to help children.
We will update tomorrow and then have a summary on Sunday.
Thanks for reading and praying for our work.
We are continuing to have ¨great days in Honduras¨
Marc
Really cool stuff has been happening...Gayla Kenser has been teaching a class of 7 women the skill of manicure and they all graduated on Wednesday. They were all very excited to be a part of the class and we finished the class with the graduates offering manicures to our ladies for 30 limpera ... about 1.80 US. The ladies were way excited to earn dollars fo their own.
We have continued to build and over the past 2 days there have been about 7 new homes completed. We also built 2 new classroms for the school in Nueva Oriental.
There was a clinic in Los Pinos on Tuesday and over 200 were treated. Our Doc´s have been great and have worked hard.... both in the villages and here on the mission house campus. Thanks Jason Kelly and Jim Lup... you are both great.
Every day we have continued to send a team to Hospital Esquela and various childrens homes. We all see how blessed we are with the health care system in the USA and how much the new childrens home is needed.
This morning we sent a group of about 110 to Roatan for a retreat and we have about 35 here in Tegucigalpa that will continue to build and work. Those that are staying are making a big contribution to the work of building Casa de Esperanza... the new children´s home in Santa Ana. The money that would have gone to Roatan is now going to be used to help children.
We will update tomorrow and then have a summary on Sunday.
Thanks for reading and praying for our work.
We are continuing to have ¨great days in Honduras¨
Marc
Monday, August 01, 2005
Sunday and Monday
Yesterday was beuatiful. We were able to worship in three different places. A group went to worship in Los Pinos which has grown so much in the last two years since this church started. An old friend, Verjillio greeted us when we got there. He now lives in Copan, so this was a big surprise. The other groups worshiped in Nueva Oriental with the new Christians. Finally, a group worshiped at Santa Anna. This was neat because only one week ago, we worshiped here in the rain and had communion, but yesterday we worshiped in the building that the group built. About 65 people from the community joined us in worship. God is amazing.
Nueva Oriental... Today we had the opportunity to work on four houses that God had already sent groups to start on. Tomorrow we will finish these. One house was started and finished today. Everywhere we looked around we saw groups of people studying the Bible with small groups of Honduras. We now have 46 new family members in our Christian family. Praise God!! Many of the new Christians are so excited; they are telling everyone they know.
Also today in Nueva Oriental, we had a Mi Esperanza class that will last thru Wednesday to teach women of the community to give manacures and pedicures. This class was a great success today. There were 7 women in the class today, and they all were very eagar to learn.
The hospital crew had a very good day. They spent the morning at the hospital. Many of the kids enjoyed singing with the children. When they finished at the hospital, the group came to the Mi Esperanza. I'm sure everyone loved seeing first hand what this ministry is about.
Lastly, a group went to Santa Anna to work on the land. This land is going to be so important to so many people in Honduras. when we are all here next year, this place will not even resemble the same place that it is now. It will be so full of life. God is going to use this place in so many ways.
Its been another great day in Hoduras. Please pray for us.
Nueva Oriental... Today we had the opportunity to work on four houses that God had already sent groups to start on. Tomorrow we will finish these. One house was started and finished today. Everywhere we looked around we saw groups of people studying the Bible with small groups of Honduras. We now have 46 new family members in our Christian family. Praise God!! Many of the new Christians are so excited; they are telling everyone they know.
Also today in Nueva Oriental, we had a Mi Esperanza class that will last thru Wednesday to teach women of the community to give manacures and pedicures. This class was a great success today. There were 7 women in the class today, and they all were very eagar to learn.
The hospital crew had a very good day. They spent the morning at the hospital. Many of the kids enjoyed singing with the children. When they finished at the hospital, the group came to the Mi Esperanza. I'm sure everyone loved seeing first hand what this ministry is about.
Lastly, a group went to Santa Anna to work on the land. This land is going to be so important to so many people in Honduras. when we are all here next year, this place will not even resemble the same place that it is now. It will be so full of life. God is going to use this place in so many ways.
Its been another great day in Hoduras. Please pray for us.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
This morning our devotional went a little longer tha planned because we had a prayer with thosegoing home today. Also, some of the people going home wanted to say a few words to the group. As soon as devotional ended, each of the five busses went to a different place.
The first bus went to the airport to take a group of about fifteen to go home today. This group included the Chaffin family who everyone hated to see leave because they were all such an asset this year to our evangelism program, Deborah and Jessica Pyle, Caitlyn Grimes, Dr. Dan the dentist from Tupelo, Nikki, Beverly, Earl, and Sarah Ardnt, Sarah's boyfriend Kenny, Denny Madux, Mark McCain, and Jen and Karen that will run the children's home that will open in December. Each of these people were an important asset to our team in their own way. We hate to see each these people have to leave, but I am confident that they will each find their way back here next year. Also, I am confidant that each of these people's lives have been touched immensely from the time that they did spend here.
After this bus dropped the group off at the airport, another group went to Santa Anna to work on the land. Amazingly the building that peopl will use to worship God in was built in one week. The most amazing thing is that last Sunday, the land still was not cleared for this area. There were still three trees in the area where the building is now.
Another bus went to a village that Torch groups have not worked in for several years. This was the village of San Mateo, and the group did a medical clinic there today. As we were telling people about the clinic, we came across a woman who was very ill and could not get up. The only way she could get the help she needed was to go to the hospital, but she and the family refused for her to go; therefore, she likely will die. Here in Mateo, Emily Mathes dressed as a circus clown as entertainment for the children in line for the clinic. I must say that she makes a very bonita clown.
A third bus went to a village called 21 de Octubre or in English it is October 21st. Here we built three houses, one of which was for our truck driver's mom. The house built for Will's mom was bjuilt in memory of Mary Beth Willis' grandmother and Rick Willis' mom. She died only 4 days before the group came, so we are all very thankful that Rick still came.
All of the houses were finished by 3:00, and so Mark Connell aided each group in building beds that are attached to the walls of the house. When we are able to build beds, it is a wonderful addition to the house.
A fourth bus went to Nueva Oriental to deliver food. The delivered about 200 boxes of food in this village. While they were there Billy and Cisco were busy evangelizing, and we had two more baptisms here. Unexpectedly, when our group got to this village, another group was already working there. It was Steve Davidson's group from Nashville, TN who is staying at Baxter Institute of preaching. They were building three houses there, so part of our group decided to help them and swing a few nails. God's family is so huge; it is amazing that no matter where we go, we can always come into contact with people that are in God's family. This bus later met up with the group in October 21.
The fifth bus left to go to the hospital and the blind school. Today we decided to go to a different state hospital, Hospital San Felipe, which is the oldest Hospital in Honduras. After the hospital we went to the blind school, which is one of my favorite parts of coming to Honduras. It is so amazing to watch the children who can't see anything play soccer or to help each other find their way around. One of the most wonderful parts about this place is when we are able to here them sing. It is like God has sent little angels down to earth so that we can enjoy some of his music. The day we visit the blind school is always very emotional. Very rarely does anyone leave here with dry eyes.
Finally, a small group met together at 2:30 for a graduation ceremony in Los Pinos. It was unexpected, so we all ended up being very underdressed. We were all dressed for work, and they were all dressed in their best. It was so good to see many of the people that we have gotten close to over the last three years. It was also neat to see that the church is such a part of the community that it's building held a high school graduation ceremony, and there was even a short sermon in it. What a blessing!
It has been another great day in Honduras. We only have three work days before the group goes to Roatan on Thursday, August 4. Pray for us for strength in the last lfew days.
The first bus went to the airport to take a group of about fifteen to go home today. This group included the Chaffin family who everyone hated to see leave because they were all such an asset this year to our evangelism program, Deborah and Jessica Pyle, Caitlyn Grimes, Dr. Dan the dentist from Tupelo, Nikki, Beverly, Earl, and Sarah Ardnt, Sarah's boyfriend Kenny, Denny Madux, Mark McCain, and Jen and Karen that will run the children's home that will open in December. Each of these people were an important asset to our team in their own way. We hate to see each these people have to leave, but I am confident that they will each find their way back here next year. Also, I am confidant that each of these people's lives have been touched immensely from the time that they did spend here.
After this bus dropped the group off at the airport, another group went to Santa Anna to work on the land. Amazingly the building that peopl will use to worship God in was built in one week. The most amazing thing is that last Sunday, the land still was not cleared for this area. There were still three trees in the area where the building is now.
Another bus went to a village that Torch groups have not worked in for several years. This was the village of San Mateo, and the group did a medical clinic there today. As we were telling people about the clinic, we came across a woman who was very ill and could not get up. The only way she could get the help she needed was to go to the hospital, but she and the family refused for her to go; therefore, she likely will die. Here in Mateo, Emily Mathes dressed as a circus clown as entertainment for the children in line for the clinic. I must say that she makes a very bonita clown.
A third bus went to a village called 21 de Octubre or in English it is October 21st. Here we built three houses, one of which was for our truck driver's mom. The house built for Will's mom was bjuilt in memory of Mary Beth Willis' grandmother and Rick Willis' mom. She died only 4 days before the group came, so we are all very thankful that Rick still came.
All of the houses were finished by 3:00, and so Mark Connell aided each group in building beds that are attached to the walls of the house. When we are able to build beds, it is a wonderful addition to the house.
A fourth bus went to Nueva Oriental to deliver food. The delivered about 200 boxes of food in this village. While they were there Billy and Cisco were busy evangelizing, and we had two more baptisms here. Unexpectedly, when our group got to this village, another group was already working there. It was Steve Davidson's group from Nashville, TN who is staying at Baxter Institute of preaching. They were building three houses there, so part of our group decided to help them and swing a few nails. God's family is so huge; it is amazing that no matter where we go, we can always come into contact with people that are in God's family. This bus later met up with the group in October 21.
The fifth bus left to go to the hospital and the blind school. Today we decided to go to a different state hospital, Hospital San Felipe, which is the oldest Hospital in Honduras. After the hospital we went to the blind school, which is one of my favorite parts of coming to Honduras. It is so amazing to watch the children who can't see anything play soccer or to help each other find their way around. One of the most wonderful parts about this place is when we are able to here them sing. It is like God has sent little angels down to earth so that we can enjoy some of his music. The day we visit the blind school is always very emotional. Very rarely does anyone leave here with dry eyes.
Finally, a small group met together at 2:30 for a graduation ceremony in Los Pinos. It was unexpected, so we all ended up being very underdressed. We were all dressed for work, and they were all dressed in their best. It was so good to see many of the people that we have gotten close to over the last three years. It was also neat to see that the church is such a part of the community that it's building held a high school graduation ceremony, and there was even a short sermon in it. What a blessing!
It has been another great day in Honduras. We only have three work days before the group goes to Roatan on Thursday, August 4. Pray for us for strength in the last lfew days.
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