2005 is about to come to a close and what a year it has been. In some ways it seems like the year flew by like those stars do in Star Wars when they jump into hyperspace, and in some ways this year has seemed one of the longest I can ever remember. Weird, if you ask me, how it can be both. But it was to me, and maybe for some of you out there, too. But, no matter how you look at it, 2005 is about to go into the history books and 2006 is about to open up a brand new year.
Its been a hard year for me, in a lot of ways. I am pretty sure, without even exaggerating, that I spent more time in the hospital and in doctor’s offices this year than my entire life combined. Fighting cancer has proven to be the toughest thing I have ever had to do, and the fight seems to just keep on coming from all sides. But every time I turn, I see rays of light, rays of hope, in the procedures, surgeries, and treatments that I am going through right now. I know I am not the only one out there battling this, or other challenges, but each step I take forward makes it all worth while. It reminds me of the Lord of the Rings, the guys that made up the fellowship of the ring. They knew the odds were against them, but they fought on, knowing they would either win the battle or fall on the battlefield knowing they gave it their absolute best. I’m no Aragorn, Legolis, Gimli, or Pippin, but I am a soldier of God fighting in a war with victory in the end, and that is comforting and exciting.
It is hard to sum up what Torch, IRC, and Mi Esperanza, was able to accomplish this year. So much was done that I am not sure that even Tim could tell us all that happened in Honduras in 2005. All I can say is that it was A LOT! Several 40 foot containers (at least a dozen), HUNDREDS of houses, literally TONS of food, hundreds of thousands of pieces of clothing and shoes, was distributed. Thousands attended VBS and Bible classes, at least 2 church buildings were built and congregations were planted. Over 700 participated in Torch Missions teams, from over 20 states and a half dozen foreign counties. Thousands of Bibles were given away. Thousands received medical attention from one of our medical clinics.
And all of this does not include DOZENS of other mission trips conducted by other groups and congregations of the churches of Christ in Honduras. All of this in a tiny country in Central America. Mission work is alive and on the move within our fellowship. All across the world mission teams are going and doing their thing. Knocking doors. Conducting Bible studies. Baptizing new believers. Making new contacts. Spreading the good news about Jesus. It is so amazing, so exciting. So REWARDING.
There is a lot of junk and garbage out there; it seems every time we take time to look up and take a deep breath we see fightings, disagreements, and fracturing going on. You would thing we are in a great religious civil war, and I guess in a way, we are. But don’t mistake the fact that God wants unity, and that we all need to be working towards it. And in places like Honduras, where dozens and dozens of congregations are working together for the common good of the people of Honduras, I know that unity can exist. And it is exciting.
Honduras just demonstrated their democracy in free elections a few weeks ago. A new president, and a new administration, will soon be in place. I am sure there will be changes that will take place, and that Honduras will feel the effects of the new government right away. I am hopeful that the new president will work hard to help the people of Honduras to continue to have progress, for Honduras has come a long way in the past 15 years. I am hopeful that the new president will be receptive of groups like Torch, IRC, and Mi Esperanza, along with the churches of Christ, who want to continue coming into the country to help the people who live there.
2006 will certainly be a challenge for us. It is going to be an exciting year, and I hope and pray that we will all be up to the challenges we will face. As 2005 comes to an end, I wish you a very merry Christmas, may your holiday be bright and blessed. I also wish you a very happy new year. May 2006 bring you new challenges, new opportunities to grow in the Lord that you never dreamed of before. May the days to come challenge us to grow and to do what is right, to do what God has called us to do. God has seen fit to give us yet another year, month, week, day, and hour to live in His Kingdom to be light and salt to a dying world. Use your time wisely, dedicate yourself to things that are really important. Rise up to the challenge and be victorious and claim your reward at the end! To God be the glory!
TR
Saturday, December 17
Tuesday, November 29
you are here to get there
It is so hard to believe that 2005 is about to come to an end. One month and counting. And a very busy month at that. During 2005 so many things have happened and it just seems that life is going by faster and faster. I know that sounds a bit clique, but I am here to tell you that it is true. There just isn’t enough hours in a day to get all the things done that are needed. Of course, I am not an “up at the crack of dawn” type person, as many of you out there are, but I also do not turn into a pumpkin at 10:00 at night either. I do most of my best work after the midnight hour. So I figure the same amount of working hours are evenly distributed between us all. All that brings me back to the fact that there are not enough hours in a day to get everything done.
Right now the pressing matters are getting all of my group leaders to get their applications and deposits in for the 2006 trips, which, by the way, seem to be going pretty well. I have not heard from all but several have told me that “the checks are in the mail,” which could mean a lot of things. I am also working on lessons for a youth rally I am speaking at up in Pennsylvania in January. And of course, getting weekly lessons ready for my Bible classes here are a daily task. I am planning out the details about the scouting trip in March and trying to get a big picture of our goals for the summer mission trips.
But other things are mixed in there too, from yard work to staying in touch with family and friends. I am blessed with so many good friends and it is such a joy to talk with them on a regular basis. We are spread out all over the place, literally. And many of my friends live so far away that we rarely see each other. But, thanks to telephones and e-mails, we stay in touch and keep up with each other. Which is really nice. We can instantly share photos, stories, memories, and the newest news with a click of a button.
Where would be without friends and relationships? How boring would life be without them? My world would be small, so contained. But, because of friends, my world is as big as can be, and it makes life so much more fun and interesting. And it keep s things fresh and fun too. Not a week goes by that someone recounts an event that has slipped my mind. My roommate from college brings up “activities” we were involved in during our college days that brings a smile to my face and generates a lot more memories in the process. When I read blogspots from Jennifer Arnold, Jen Wright, Tim Hines, and others, living in Honduras, it floods my mind with memories because I can almost feel and smell the story as well as reading the details! And it makes me realize that we are all in this great big production together.
God in His infinite wisdom, has brought us all together for a blockbuster production. We all have our parts, we all have our scripts. God is the director and He puts it all together. And the final cut is amazing because we all get to see different versions of the production, from our own perspectives. God has put some incredible people in my life. All along the way He put the right people in the right place at the right time to influence me to be who I am today. The list is endless. All kinds of people too. Some were quiet and unassuming. Some were loud and commanding. Some lead by example, others led by following. Some were smart and scholarly, others had simple wisdom and common sense. Some were popular, others shy. But make no mistake, they all played a role and they played that role to perfection.
During the past few years I have written some of these people to tell them what an influence they had on my life. Coaches, teachers, preachers, professors. Team mates. Class mates. High school and college friends. But there are so many I have not written too or spoken with. For some, I will never get the chance, for they have now passed on from this world. Others I have lost contact with and have no idea where they are now. And still others simply because I haven not gotten around to it yet. And that is the sad part, because I am taking time for granted. Somehow I have convinced myself that I have plenty of time to get around to it someday.
Isn’t that ironic? I am taking advantage of the one thing that I just talked about earlier. Time. We don’t have enough hours in a day to get everything done and yet I am taking time for granted. How crazy is that? But I do it, and I bet you do too. We get so involved in our own little worlds that we forget about the bigger one out there and the ones that played their parts to get you to where you are today. Maybe it is time for all of us to slow down for a while, even if it is just a few moments each week, and start making a phone call here and there, dropping an e-mail more often, and sending one of those sappy Hallmark cards. You know the ones, like on the commercials. And you know what, we DO react that way when we get them!!!!! I am the same guy who laughs at the commercials and pokes fun at them that tears up when the card comes in the mail!
To all of you out there that reads this blogspot, thanks. I don’t know who reads these thoughts of mine from week to week, but I want you to know that I love and appreciate you. My journey has been a fantastic trip. I have been able to experience life at its fullest, and have seen a lot of things and been to a lot of places. I have met some important people during my life, which is kind of cool, shaken hands of presidents and dignitaries. I have friends that would drop everything and would be at my side in a blink. I have hundreds of prayer warriors in my behalf. And the best family I could ever have dreamed for. I have been a small part of God’s work in His kingdom and have been humbled to know how fragile life is.
But, as 2005 comes to an end, I am so excited about what the future has in store for us. 2006 will be here soon and the work goes on. The circle keeps getting bigger and the work becomes more and more important. The boarders of the Kingdom are growing, and being stretched. The lost are being saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. The enemy is on the loose, the battle is at land. Winner takes all. And we are going to win. it’s a guarantee. But it is a fight to the finish, our foe will not give up. We must keep fighting, climbing, marching to the top. There is too much at stake to let up, ease up, or give up. God has led you to where you are right now, but make no mistake about it, where you are now is not where He wants you to be tomorrow. You are either moving forward or falling back. Come on, get up, its time to get moving…. Are you with me?
TR
Right now the pressing matters are getting all of my group leaders to get their applications and deposits in for the 2006 trips, which, by the way, seem to be going pretty well. I have not heard from all but several have told me that “the checks are in the mail,” which could mean a lot of things. I am also working on lessons for a youth rally I am speaking at up in Pennsylvania in January. And of course, getting weekly lessons ready for my Bible classes here are a daily task. I am planning out the details about the scouting trip in March and trying to get a big picture of our goals for the summer mission trips.
But other things are mixed in there too, from yard work to staying in touch with family and friends. I am blessed with so many good friends and it is such a joy to talk with them on a regular basis. We are spread out all over the place, literally. And many of my friends live so far away that we rarely see each other. But, thanks to telephones and e-mails, we stay in touch and keep up with each other. Which is really nice. We can instantly share photos, stories, memories, and the newest news with a click of a button.
Where would be without friends and relationships? How boring would life be without them? My world would be small, so contained. But, because of friends, my world is as big as can be, and it makes life so much more fun and interesting. And it keep s things fresh and fun too. Not a week goes by that someone recounts an event that has slipped my mind. My roommate from college brings up “activities” we were involved in during our college days that brings a smile to my face and generates a lot more memories in the process. When I read blogspots from Jennifer Arnold, Jen Wright, Tim Hines, and others, living in Honduras, it floods my mind with memories because I can almost feel and smell the story as well as reading the details! And it makes me realize that we are all in this great big production together.
God in His infinite wisdom, has brought us all together for a blockbuster production. We all have our parts, we all have our scripts. God is the director and He puts it all together. And the final cut is amazing because we all get to see different versions of the production, from our own perspectives. God has put some incredible people in my life. All along the way He put the right people in the right place at the right time to influence me to be who I am today. The list is endless. All kinds of people too. Some were quiet and unassuming. Some were loud and commanding. Some lead by example, others led by following. Some were smart and scholarly, others had simple wisdom and common sense. Some were popular, others shy. But make no mistake, they all played a role and they played that role to perfection.
During the past few years I have written some of these people to tell them what an influence they had on my life. Coaches, teachers, preachers, professors. Team mates. Class mates. High school and college friends. But there are so many I have not written too or spoken with. For some, I will never get the chance, for they have now passed on from this world. Others I have lost contact with and have no idea where they are now. And still others simply because I haven not gotten around to it yet. And that is the sad part, because I am taking time for granted. Somehow I have convinced myself that I have plenty of time to get around to it someday.
Isn’t that ironic? I am taking advantage of the one thing that I just talked about earlier. Time. We don’t have enough hours in a day to get everything done and yet I am taking time for granted. How crazy is that? But I do it, and I bet you do too. We get so involved in our own little worlds that we forget about the bigger one out there and the ones that played their parts to get you to where you are today. Maybe it is time for all of us to slow down for a while, even if it is just a few moments each week, and start making a phone call here and there, dropping an e-mail more often, and sending one of those sappy Hallmark cards. You know the ones, like on the commercials. And you know what, we DO react that way when we get them!!!!! I am the same guy who laughs at the commercials and pokes fun at them that tears up when the card comes in the mail!
To all of you out there that reads this blogspot, thanks. I don’t know who reads these thoughts of mine from week to week, but I want you to know that I love and appreciate you. My journey has been a fantastic trip. I have been able to experience life at its fullest, and have seen a lot of things and been to a lot of places. I have met some important people during my life, which is kind of cool, shaken hands of presidents and dignitaries. I have friends that would drop everything and would be at my side in a blink. I have hundreds of prayer warriors in my behalf. And the best family I could ever have dreamed for. I have been a small part of God’s work in His kingdom and have been humbled to know how fragile life is.
But, as 2005 comes to an end, I am so excited about what the future has in store for us. 2006 will be here soon and the work goes on. The circle keeps getting bigger and the work becomes more and more important. The boarders of the Kingdom are growing, and being stretched. The lost are being saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. The enemy is on the loose, the battle is at land. Winner takes all. And we are going to win. it’s a guarantee. But it is a fight to the finish, our foe will not give up. We must keep fighting, climbing, marching to the top. There is too much at stake to let up, ease up, or give up. God has led you to where you are right now, but make no mistake about it, where you are now is not where He wants you to be tomorrow. You are either moving forward or falling back. Come on, get up, its time to get moving…. Are you with me?
TR
Monday, November 21
WOW!
Dear Family and Friends:
Casa de Esperanza
The fruits of ministry have been a blessing to us this year. Being a part of the unfolding of God’s plans is a privilege and an honor. The work in Honduras has been growing and changing on almost a daily basis. Land was purchased in Santa Ana in May. Already, 14 houses have been built for the poor. All complete with electricity and water. A church building was completed in August, a minister hired, and currently there are 70 members with 30 baptisms since it’s opening. The medical clinic is near completion
and the children’s home construction was begun on Nov. 1st and will be completed by Dec. 10th. A 4,800sf building with four large children’s rooms a large kitchen with a dining room capacity of 36 people, there is a large 25’ by 25’ living room with 10 ft ceilings. A laundry room a big 18’ by 14’ storage area with a 14’ roof and an independent apartment for the two American girls that have been called to this ministry. It has a large office, two bedrooms with their own bathrooms, living room and dining room,
kitchen with hot water. WOW! Oh did I mention the big porch on the back with an endless view of the majestic mountains that seem to go on for ever. All the appliances have been donated and the Beds for the first 20 children have been donated by the First Lady of Honduras, who will be there for the inauguration of the project on the 10th of Dec. We hope to have 20 children in the home by January. I know that many ministries have children’s homes
but this one will be different, You’ll see. Mark my words, this will be a home like no other.
Mi Esperanza
Our plans also include the expansion of our Mi Esperanza program (women’s loan program), established to create a way for the countless women to become educated in ways to support themselves and their families. The training centre in Tegucigalpa, “The City Center” will continue with it’s already established programs of sewing, cosmetology, computer training, English classes and our famous Inter-Personal skills class. Our next move is going
to be bigger than you can imagine. We are purchasing another tract of land that is right across the street, that has been newly paved I might add, where we intend to build a 10,000 sf. building to realize the dream of the Mi Esperanza Artisan Center. We already have the artisans lined up to help us train these women how to make some really incredible stuff that we will export to states for sale at high end stores. This is really exciting because it will totally change a town that has been struggling to have a healthy economic base to build on and this program will involve no less than 100 Families from this town. It will change their lives because they will receive the profits realized by their efforts. And we believe that these profits will be significant.
TORCH Missions
Approximately 750 adults and teens came down this summer to work on the various projects through Torch Missions. This program continues to grow and bless the poor of Honduras. I have been so amazed at the amount of lives that are touched spiritually by the teams that come here to serve. To set up clinics in any community and stay there for days until their need is met, seeing some 400 patients a day, giving them free medicines and on at least six occasions through out the summer saving the lives of those patients. Way to go Docs. They build over 150 homes a year, deliver countless bags of food, pray for and visit thousands of hospitalized children; Honduran Children’s Homes are so excited to see these groups. Vacation Bible Schools and evangelism teams that are preaching, teaching and delivering God’s Word to all they encounter, baptizing them into the Kingdom and changing their spiritual lives forever. They plant Churches and build buildings, and schools in communities that have none. They build playgrounds for children. They play tournaments and even put on carnivals in communities that have no idea what cotton candy and popcorn is. These groups have ministered to a vast amount of people. But of course the most amazing thing is how theythemselves are transformed. Many Torchers leave Honduras having found the
Jesus they were looking for. A Savior that they can walk with on a daily basis, a Savior that cares enough to use them for His Glory. They leave Honduras with a renewed sense of purpose and longing to serve the Lord, and this is the greatest gift they encounter. Many of these Torcher’s are changed forever. Several of them have returned to be missionaries and school teachers. Some have gotten married in Honduras and still some have proposed and the girls said “yes” to the question. All in all this adventure into
ministry has changed many lives; it has certainly changed mine and my families. God has continued to bless and lead us where he wants us to go.
Clinic in Santa Ana
Which brings me to the Clinic that is almost ready in Santa Ana that will give continuous free medical care to those in need to seven surrounding communities that total some 15,000 people. Gayle Davidson’s dream of having a clinic that will reach many people as the preacher from the Santa Ana Church of Christ will be evangelizing all that come there for help. Good plan Huh? The clinic will be staffed by Some Honduran Docs that will donate
pro bono consultations. We will also be working with various Doctor groups from the States that will come and help with running the clinic.
Just this last week a group of Docs came to evaluate the possibility of doing free surgeries in the country. We met with the Minister of Health and he approved this program and recommended us to the newest hospital in the country in a town called Danli. The facility was just completed by a Foundation in Spain at a cost of $19,000,000. It is a one hundred and fifty
bed hospital with three, state of the art, operating rooms, and two, state of the art, ICU units. When we met with the Doctors that run the hospital they were so excited to be getting this kind of cooperation and we intend to bring our first surgical team in March if all goes as planned. How exciting is that. Being that there are very few groups that are approved for surgeries from outside nations.
Tattoo Removal
And today, 30 minutes before boarding the plane we signed a special agreement with the First Lady, The Director of Anti-Gang and Rehabilitative and Reintegration services and IRC to purchase, manage and administer a Tattoo Removal Yag-Q Laser. This program is designed to give rehabilitated ex-gang members the ability to return to a normal life. Under the current Honduran Law, if you are caught with any gang related tattoo you are automatically incarcerated for a minimum of four years. This has drastically
reduced the gang population and more and more are looking to get out of gangs and get back to a normal life. This will be a great ministry because all the rehab centers are run by Christian organizations and must go through a two year rehabilitative process before they can be considered for Tattoo removal.
Other Ministries
God continues to open doors of opportunity and we are doing all we can to meet the many needs that are revealed to us. We have always tried to listen to the Spirit when it comes to the ministries we are involved in. These times are no different. We are praying that the current political party will win the elections that are to happen on Nov. 27th. The future of TORCH and our other Honduran ministries are securely in place. Our ability to receive
containers without them being taxed has saved ministries over $45,000 in taxes. Our free warehouse that we are able to have through the ministry of health has been invaluable. We have received over 20 containers a year that are full of help for the poor. God has provided us with huge resources that many of you have been involved in making happen and for that we are eternally grateful. These ministries could never be realized without your
prayers, time and finances. Many of you have sacrificed beyond the call of duty. I am asking you to continue your support of the Hines family so that we may continue to be involved in the works of God whether we are in Honduras or in the States.
Future Plans
As you all are aware, I was called to assist with disaster relief effort in New Orleans. I have been going back and forth from Honduras since September. We have been working with the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ and there is an ongoing need there to continue the outreach. After much prayerful consideration, Gena and I have decided to base our family out of New Orleans
until these needs are met. We don’t like for our family to be apart for such long periods of time and I feel more secure having them watched over here in the states while I go back and forth. Dalton and Dylan will be enrolled in a Christian School in Mandeville and I will be traveling back and forth to
Honduras, being there at least a week a month. The work in Honduras will continue, we are just expanding our missions to include disaster relief and ministering to people in need here in our own country.
In being involved in the Katrina effort, many of us Volunteers realized that there are resources that are lacking in our fellowship concerning the disaster response effort. We intend to create, through the coordination of over 1,800 volunteers, numerous regional response teams that will assist Churches for indefinite period of times in the management of volunteer groups and resources to bring the affected area help while assisting those churches to bear the burden of helping out their community and the people they serve. These response teams would come complete with Counselors, Evangelist, workers, young and old excited to sacrifice some time and energy for those in need. These teams will come totally self sufficient with cooks and mobile kitchens, equipment and trucks and a continued line of resources to help all those affected by the tragedy. We believe that with our logistical and coordination skills that have been developed in Honduras that we are can bring a lot of experience to this endeavor.
It is our desire to be a part of a new ministry that has been revealed to us and many others. This ministry is a response and management team that will coordinate all resources available at any given time. Please pray that God will continue to use us as He wills to bring glory and honor to His name.
None of the work would have been possible without your prayers and financial support. We hope that you will continue to be a part of the work that has been set out for us. Should you have any other questions concerning this new direction of our ministry feel free to write me at Waywalker@msn.com and I will attempt to answer any questions you might have.
Running with you to win the prize,
Tim, Gena, Dalton and Dylan Hines
Additional notes from me:
Tim was in Sarasota this weekend to team up with me to do Jaimi Horn's wedding. We had a great deal of time to talk and to go over the decision and what it means for future Torch Mission teams, especially those going this summer. As mentioned, Tim plans on spending at least one week a month to oversee current works that are being done in Honduras and to research new areas of work for summer projects.
Tim plans on being in Honduras for most of the summer when Torch teams are in full swing in Honduras. He will still help in locating building sites and making sure lumber is ordered. Plans for our trips will continue to go as planned and team leaders will continue to do what they do. This is a time to watch Torch Ministries stretch and grow in ways we have never seen before.
I am excited for Tim and His family as they move back to the states. The sacrifice they have made over the past 4 years is beyond what anyone knows. In time, money, possessions, you name it, the Hines' have given beyond the means that they had to keep the ministry going. They have had to endure problems that would drive us all crazy. They have had personal items stolen from time to time, had things broken by groups that have borrowed them, and have used up materials that have never been replaced. Yet, thrugh it all, they always have a smile on their face and a willing heart to make sure the work continues. You can't help but admire them.
I personally wish the Hines' a smooth transition to Louisiana, from finding a house to shipping their belongs back home. I wish Dalton and Dylan good luck going to a new school, I am sure it will be a big change for them. Good luck to Gena, as she learns to drive like an American again!!!! (those of you that have been with her in Honduras know exactly what I mean!) And especially to my best friend, Tim, I wish him the very best as he continues to work in Honduras and take on the new work in Louisiana. His plate obviously is bigger than mine and it was not considered full! FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Casa de Esperanza
The fruits of ministry have been a blessing to us this year. Being a part of the unfolding of God’s plans is a privilege and an honor. The work in Honduras has been growing and changing on almost a daily basis. Land was purchased in Santa Ana in May. Already, 14 houses have been built for the poor. All complete with electricity and water. A church building was completed in August, a minister hired, and currently there are 70 members with 30 baptisms since it’s opening. The medical clinic is near completion
and the children’s home construction was begun on Nov. 1st and will be completed by Dec. 10th. A 4,800sf building with four large children’s rooms a large kitchen with a dining room capacity of 36 people, there is a large 25’ by 25’ living room with 10 ft ceilings. A laundry room a big 18’ by 14’ storage area with a 14’ roof and an independent apartment for the two American girls that have been called to this ministry. It has a large office, two bedrooms with their own bathrooms, living room and dining room,
kitchen with hot water. WOW! Oh did I mention the big porch on the back with an endless view of the majestic mountains that seem to go on for ever. All the appliances have been donated and the Beds for the first 20 children have been donated by the First Lady of Honduras, who will be there for the inauguration of the project on the 10th of Dec. We hope to have 20 children in the home by January. I know that many ministries have children’s homes
but this one will be different, You’ll see. Mark my words, this will be a home like no other.
Mi Esperanza
Our plans also include the expansion of our Mi Esperanza program (women’s loan program), established to create a way for the countless women to become educated in ways to support themselves and their families. The training centre in Tegucigalpa, “The City Center” will continue with it’s already established programs of sewing, cosmetology, computer training, English classes and our famous Inter-Personal skills class. Our next move is going
to be bigger than you can imagine. We are purchasing another tract of land that is right across the street, that has been newly paved I might add, where we intend to build a 10,000 sf. building to realize the dream of the Mi Esperanza Artisan Center. We already have the artisans lined up to help us train these women how to make some really incredible stuff that we will export to states for sale at high end stores. This is really exciting because it will totally change a town that has been struggling to have a healthy economic base to build on and this program will involve no less than 100 Families from this town. It will change their lives because they will receive the profits realized by their efforts. And we believe that these profits will be significant.
TORCH Missions
Approximately 750 adults and teens came down this summer to work on the various projects through Torch Missions. This program continues to grow and bless the poor of Honduras. I have been so amazed at the amount of lives that are touched spiritually by the teams that come here to serve. To set up clinics in any community and stay there for days until their need is met, seeing some 400 patients a day, giving them free medicines and on at least six occasions through out the summer saving the lives of those patients. Way to go Docs. They build over 150 homes a year, deliver countless bags of food, pray for and visit thousands of hospitalized children; Honduran Children’s Homes are so excited to see these groups. Vacation Bible Schools and evangelism teams that are preaching, teaching and delivering God’s Word to all they encounter, baptizing them into the Kingdom and changing their spiritual lives forever. They plant Churches and build buildings, and schools in communities that have none. They build playgrounds for children. They play tournaments and even put on carnivals in communities that have no idea what cotton candy and popcorn is. These groups have ministered to a vast amount of people. But of course the most amazing thing is how theythemselves are transformed. Many Torchers leave Honduras having found the
Jesus they were looking for. A Savior that they can walk with on a daily basis, a Savior that cares enough to use them for His Glory. They leave Honduras with a renewed sense of purpose and longing to serve the Lord, and this is the greatest gift they encounter. Many of these Torcher’s are changed forever. Several of them have returned to be missionaries and school teachers. Some have gotten married in Honduras and still some have proposed and the girls said “yes” to the question. All in all this adventure into
ministry has changed many lives; it has certainly changed mine and my families. God has continued to bless and lead us where he wants us to go.
Clinic in Santa Ana
Which brings me to the Clinic that is almost ready in Santa Ana that will give continuous free medical care to those in need to seven surrounding communities that total some 15,000 people. Gayle Davidson’s dream of having a clinic that will reach many people as the preacher from the Santa Ana Church of Christ will be evangelizing all that come there for help. Good plan Huh? The clinic will be staffed by Some Honduran Docs that will donate
pro bono consultations. We will also be working with various Doctor groups from the States that will come and help with running the clinic.
Just this last week a group of Docs came to evaluate the possibility of doing free surgeries in the country. We met with the Minister of Health and he approved this program and recommended us to the newest hospital in the country in a town called Danli. The facility was just completed by a Foundation in Spain at a cost of $19,000,000. It is a one hundred and fifty
bed hospital with three, state of the art, operating rooms, and two, state of the art, ICU units. When we met with the Doctors that run the hospital they were so excited to be getting this kind of cooperation and we intend to bring our first surgical team in March if all goes as planned. How exciting is that. Being that there are very few groups that are approved for surgeries from outside nations.
Tattoo Removal
And today, 30 minutes before boarding the plane we signed a special agreement with the First Lady, The Director of Anti-Gang and Rehabilitative and Reintegration services and IRC to purchase, manage and administer a Tattoo Removal Yag-Q Laser. This program is designed to give rehabilitated ex-gang members the ability to return to a normal life. Under the current Honduran Law, if you are caught with any gang related tattoo you are automatically incarcerated for a minimum of four years. This has drastically
reduced the gang population and more and more are looking to get out of gangs and get back to a normal life. This will be a great ministry because all the rehab centers are run by Christian organizations and must go through a two year rehabilitative process before they can be considered for Tattoo removal.
Other Ministries
God continues to open doors of opportunity and we are doing all we can to meet the many needs that are revealed to us. We have always tried to listen to the Spirit when it comes to the ministries we are involved in. These times are no different. We are praying that the current political party will win the elections that are to happen on Nov. 27th. The future of TORCH and our other Honduran ministries are securely in place. Our ability to receive
containers without them being taxed has saved ministries over $45,000 in taxes. Our free warehouse that we are able to have through the ministry of health has been invaluable. We have received over 20 containers a year that are full of help for the poor. God has provided us with huge resources that many of you have been involved in making happen and for that we are eternally grateful. These ministries could never be realized without your
prayers, time and finances. Many of you have sacrificed beyond the call of duty. I am asking you to continue your support of the Hines family so that we may continue to be involved in the works of God whether we are in Honduras or in the States.
Future Plans
As you all are aware, I was called to assist with disaster relief effort in New Orleans. I have been going back and forth from Honduras since September. We have been working with the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ and there is an ongoing need there to continue the outreach. After much prayerful consideration, Gena and I have decided to base our family out of New Orleans
until these needs are met. We don’t like for our family to be apart for such long periods of time and I feel more secure having them watched over here in the states while I go back and forth. Dalton and Dylan will be enrolled in a Christian School in Mandeville and I will be traveling back and forth to
Honduras, being there at least a week a month. The work in Honduras will continue, we are just expanding our missions to include disaster relief and ministering to people in need here in our own country.
In being involved in the Katrina effort, many of us Volunteers realized that there are resources that are lacking in our fellowship concerning the disaster response effort. We intend to create, through the coordination of over 1,800 volunteers, numerous regional response teams that will assist Churches for indefinite period of times in the management of volunteer groups and resources to bring the affected area help while assisting those churches to bear the burden of helping out their community and the people they serve. These response teams would come complete with Counselors, Evangelist, workers, young and old excited to sacrifice some time and energy for those in need. These teams will come totally self sufficient with cooks and mobile kitchens, equipment and trucks and a continued line of resources to help all those affected by the tragedy. We believe that with our logistical and coordination skills that have been developed in Honduras that we are can bring a lot of experience to this endeavor.
It is our desire to be a part of a new ministry that has been revealed to us and many others. This ministry is a response and management team that will coordinate all resources available at any given time. Please pray that God will continue to use us as He wills to bring glory and honor to His name.
None of the work would have been possible without your prayers and financial support. We hope that you will continue to be a part of the work that has been set out for us. Should you have any other questions concerning this new direction of our ministry feel free to write me at Waywalker@msn.com and I will attempt to answer any questions you might have.
Running with you to win the prize,
Tim, Gena, Dalton and Dylan Hines
Additional notes from me:
Tim was in Sarasota this weekend to team up with me to do Jaimi Horn's wedding. We had a great deal of time to talk and to go over the decision and what it means for future Torch Mission teams, especially those going this summer. As mentioned, Tim plans on spending at least one week a month to oversee current works that are being done in Honduras and to research new areas of work for summer projects.
Tim plans on being in Honduras for most of the summer when Torch teams are in full swing in Honduras. He will still help in locating building sites and making sure lumber is ordered. Plans for our trips will continue to go as planned and team leaders will continue to do what they do. This is a time to watch Torch Ministries stretch and grow in ways we have never seen before.
I am excited for Tim and His family as they move back to the states. The sacrifice they have made over the past 4 years is beyond what anyone knows. In time, money, possessions, you name it, the Hines' have given beyond the means that they had to keep the ministry going. They have had to endure problems that would drive us all crazy. They have had personal items stolen from time to time, had things broken by groups that have borrowed them, and have used up materials that have never been replaced. Yet, thrugh it all, they always have a smile on their face and a willing heart to make sure the work continues. You can't help but admire them.
I personally wish the Hines' a smooth transition to Louisiana, from finding a house to shipping their belongs back home. I wish Dalton and Dylan good luck going to a new school, I am sure it will be a big change for them. Good luck to Gena, as she learns to drive like an American again!!!! (those of you that have been with her in Honduras know exactly what I mean!) And especially to my best friend, Tim, I wish him the very best as he continues to work in Honduras and take on the new work in Louisiana. His plate obviously is bigger than mine and it was not considered full! FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Tuesday, November 8
Thankful for Thanksgiving
Here we are in early November, 2005. Around the country signs of winter are being seen. Leaves have changed color in most of the country and have begun their annual foliage. It won’t be long before they will be on the ground and cold weather settles in. For some, this is their favorite time of the year (although personally I think they are just trying to rationalize the fact that they have to endure several months of winter weather). Here in Sarasota, we are entering our winter months as well. The temperatures have dropped down to the low 80’s during the day and 60’s at night. Soon we will be facing temperatures in the 70’s. Flowers are blooming, the sun is shinning, and the sweet ocean breeze comes in from the west. Yeah, its rough down here.
But, along with the weather, winter brings on a lot of other things. Holidays, shopping, wonderful dinners of turkey and dressing with all of the trimmings. Thinking of family and friends, getting together with loved ones. College students coming home for semester break. Lights and decorations. This is definitely a wonderful time of the year. Not just here, but everywhere.
Of course, the holiday season doesn’t always bring good cheer and happiness. There is sadness attached to this time of the year as well. Some have lost loved ones during this time of the year and every time it rolls around it brings back precious memories of those who have gone on. For others, it brings on the stress and strain of providing for their families beyond their means. It is painful to stare at the monthly bills, see the income coming in, and payments going out and what is left over to pay for all of the things they want and need for the holidays. When outflow exceeds income it brings in a lot of stress and feelings of sadness, resentment, and depression that is felt from those who are in this boat.
And there are those, by no fault of their own, who are so poor and lacking, that the holiday season means little more to them than any other time of the year. They wake up in the morning, put in a hard day’s work, and buy, hopefully, enough food to feed their family for the day. They don’t have to worry about paying the utility bill, or the water bill, or the cable bill, none of that even exists where they live. They pray for a rainless night, a night where the inside of their “house” will stay dry, and hope the cold wind doesn’t blow too hard. Then it is up at dawn, starting from scratch all over again.
It is when I stop to think about the people we see and work with in Honduras, stop to REALLY think about it, do I realize just how good I really have it here in Florida. We live in the greatest country in the world, in the lap of luxury. A Place of abundance, a place of comfort and fulfillment. Man, do we have it great. And we need to be THANKFUL for it, too.
The book of Job says that God knew him before he was ever born and implies that He knows all of us the same way. If this is true, God knew before we were born who we are, and more specifically, who are parents were going to be and where we were going to be born. It is by the grace of God that most of us were born right here in the good ole’ U.S. of A. Oh how THANKFUL we should be!!!!! So, before the Christmas holiday completely sweeps over our land, please take time to observe a holiday that is almost forgotten in our society today, THANKSGIVING. A time to recognize the blessings we have to enjoy. To be THANKFUL to God for the blessings He has given us. To be THANKFUL for our friends, our families, our congregations. We need to be THANKFUL for our educations, our wonderful paved roads (even the ones under construction), our means of transportation. I could go on and on, but I am sure you are getting the picture.
With all of that being said, I am pumped and THANKFUL for the 2006 trips that are coming. And it is not just me, people from all around are saying the same thing. Building houses with wood floors and painted walls! Water barrels and water purifiers! Food boxes! Care packages! Hygiene packets! Clothes and shoes to give away! I could go on and on, but the point is the machine is in motion and things are starting to happen. It is time to begin collecting donated supplies and raising money. Our theme, “NO JUNK FOR JESUS” is going to go out far and wide. And again, we need to be THANKFUL that we live in a place of such abundance that we can collect stuff to take with us to give away. We need to be THANKFUL for the opportunity to be able to give, to collect, to sort, inventory, and box.
Each month we are going to post certain items that we want to collect for our supplies drive. I want to encourage all of us to work hard to obtain these items and inventory them and get them ready for shipment. The collection months will be November, December, January, February, and March.
The following items are on the collection list for November (medical month):
* Large bottles of Tylenol
* Large bottles of Advil
* Large bottles of aspirin
* Antibiotic creams
* Large bottles of Pepto Bismol
* Plastic Bandages (all sizes)
* Cotton balls
* Q-tips
* Latex gloves
* Empty pill bottles (labels removed!)
Good luck with your collections. This will be a banner year for Torch and I am confident that we will achieve our goals for all of the supplies that we will need to accomplish the projects that we have planned for 2006. Please contact me if you have any questions. On your mark…… get set…… GO!
Serving with a THANKFUL heart,
TR
But, along with the weather, winter brings on a lot of other things. Holidays, shopping, wonderful dinners of turkey and dressing with all of the trimmings. Thinking of family and friends, getting together with loved ones. College students coming home for semester break. Lights and decorations. This is definitely a wonderful time of the year. Not just here, but everywhere.
Of course, the holiday season doesn’t always bring good cheer and happiness. There is sadness attached to this time of the year as well. Some have lost loved ones during this time of the year and every time it rolls around it brings back precious memories of those who have gone on. For others, it brings on the stress and strain of providing for their families beyond their means. It is painful to stare at the monthly bills, see the income coming in, and payments going out and what is left over to pay for all of the things they want and need for the holidays. When outflow exceeds income it brings in a lot of stress and feelings of sadness, resentment, and depression that is felt from those who are in this boat.
And there are those, by no fault of their own, who are so poor and lacking, that the holiday season means little more to them than any other time of the year. They wake up in the morning, put in a hard day’s work, and buy, hopefully, enough food to feed their family for the day. They don’t have to worry about paying the utility bill, or the water bill, or the cable bill, none of that even exists where they live. They pray for a rainless night, a night where the inside of their “house” will stay dry, and hope the cold wind doesn’t blow too hard. Then it is up at dawn, starting from scratch all over again.
It is when I stop to think about the people we see and work with in Honduras, stop to REALLY think about it, do I realize just how good I really have it here in Florida. We live in the greatest country in the world, in the lap of luxury. A Place of abundance, a place of comfort and fulfillment. Man, do we have it great. And we need to be THANKFUL for it, too.
The book of Job says that God knew him before he was ever born and implies that He knows all of us the same way. If this is true, God knew before we were born who we are, and more specifically, who are parents were going to be and where we were going to be born. It is by the grace of God that most of us were born right here in the good ole’ U.S. of A. Oh how THANKFUL we should be!!!!! So, before the Christmas holiday completely sweeps over our land, please take time to observe a holiday that is almost forgotten in our society today, THANKSGIVING. A time to recognize the blessings we have to enjoy. To be THANKFUL to God for the blessings He has given us. To be THANKFUL for our friends, our families, our congregations. We need to be THANKFUL for our educations, our wonderful paved roads (even the ones under construction), our means of transportation. I could go on and on, but I am sure you are getting the picture.
With all of that being said, I am pumped and THANKFUL for the 2006 trips that are coming. And it is not just me, people from all around are saying the same thing. Building houses with wood floors and painted walls! Water barrels and water purifiers! Food boxes! Care packages! Hygiene packets! Clothes and shoes to give away! I could go on and on, but the point is the machine is in motion and things are starting to happen. It is time to begin collecting donated supplies and raising money. Our theme, “NO JUNK FOR JESUS” is going to go out far and wide. And again, we need to be THANKFUL that we live in a place of such abundance that we can collect stuff to take with us to give away. We need to be THANKFUL for the opportunity to be able to give, to collect, to sort, inventory, and box.
Each month we are going to post certain items that we want to collect for our supplies drive. I want to encourage all of us to work hard to obtain these items and inventory them and get them ready for shipment. The collection months will be November, December, January, February, and March.
The following items are on the collection list for November (medical month):
* Large bottles of Tylenol
* Large bottles of Advil
* Large bottles of aspirin
* Antibiotic creams
* Large bottles of Pepto Bismol
* Plastic Bandages (all sizes)
* Cotton balls
* Q-tips
* Latex gloves
* Empty pill bottles (labels removed!)
Good luck with your collections. This will be a banner year for Torch and I am confident that we will achieve our goals for all of the supplies that we will need to accomplish the projects that we have planned for 2006. Please contact me if you have any questions. On your mark…… get set…… GO!
Serving with a THANKFUL heart,
TR
Wednesday, November 2
LET GO!!!!
Its Wednesday night and I am back home from Bible study. Tonight we discussed the idea of selling out to something you really believe in with all of your heart. I love my Wednesday night class, the teens always have something to say and our discussions are always good. Random at times, but good. Tonight we read a story about a guy named Daniel, a 38 year old man who sold out to God at the age of 24. He had lived a rough life, made some bad decisions and had to reap the consequences of them. Then , in Daytona Beach, Florida, he attended a revival and became a Christian.
His incredible journey took him all across the United States, on foot, with all of his earthy possessions in a back pack. He wasn’t homeless, he was on a mission. The mission? To pass out bibles to people that he met along his way. He sold out to God and that is what he got, a life of loneliness, void of earthy possessions, and empty of life’s luxuries that it has to offer.
He had a sign that he carried with him that read, “Will work for food.” He meant it. He used the money to buy food and Bibles. Occasionally a new pair of shoes or a shirt. Just the basic essentials. He met a lot of people along the way during his journey. Many were rude and opinionated. Others were cynical or uncaring. Still others that simply ignored him and tried to pretend that he didn’t exist. And a few that stopped to help. Some of them gave a token offering, a dollar here and a couple of coins there. And a very small number stopped to help, really help. They took time to talk to him, to take him out for a hot meal. To pray with him.
Some life, huh? But it brings up a very interesting thought. What would happen to you, or me, if we decided to “sell out” to God. What would happen? Where would we go? What would we do? And more importantly, would WE DO IT? I have come to the decision that selling out would be hard to do. Really hard. And what is sad is the fact that many of us actually think that we have. But when I read this story I ask myself the question, “Have I sold out to God?” I look at the story of Daniel and I say to myself, “No way, I could not do that.” And I couldn’t. I wish I could say I could, but deep down I know I couldn’t. But thankfully, God hasn’t asked me to give up everything that I own, and hit the road for Him. He has asked me to do some other things instead. Other crosses to bear.
Some of you might be thinking, “I am glad I don’t have to walk the path that Terry has been asked to walk, to endure the fight against cancer, the surgeries, the radiation, the chemo. I just couldn‘t do it.” But that is the point, God hasn’t asked you to do it. He asked me to do it. When I sold out to God I took the path that God set before me. What has God asked you to do? Where has He sent you? Where is your path leading? And more importantly, have you sold out to God yet? For until you sell out to God, you will never be the person that God wants you to be. And, in case you didn’t know it, God is a great judge of character. Why settle for less than what God can allow you to be?
Our churches are filled with half hearted believers, hanging onto what the world has to offer with a death grip. They are too scared to let go and to let God take control. And because they can’t let go, they are being held back. And our churches are being held back. LET GO!!! WHAT DO WE REALLY HAVE TO LOOSE? And, more importantly, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO GAIN? Something to think about. If you dare.
TR
His incredible journey took him all across the United States, on foot, with all of his earthy possessions in a back pack. He wasn’t homeless, he was on a mission. The mission? To pass out bibles to people that he met along his way. He sold out to God and that is what he got, a life of loneliness, void of earthy possessions, and empty of life’s luxuries that it has to offer.
He had a sign that he carried with him that read, “Will work for food.” He meant it. He used the money to buy food and Bibles. Occasionally a new pair of shoes or a shirt. Just the basic essentials. He met a lot of people along the way during his journey. Many were rude and opinionated. Others were cynical or uncaring. Still others that simply ignored him and tried to pretend that he didn’t exist. And a few that stopped to help. Some of them gave a token offering, a dollar here and a couple of coins there. And a very small number stopped to help, really help. They took time to talk to him, to take him out for a hot meal. To pray with him.
Some life, huh? But it brings up a very interesting thought. What would happen to you, or me, if we decided to “sell out” to God. What would happen? Where would we go? What would we do? And more importantly, would WE DO IT? I have come to the decision that selling out would be hard to do. Really hard. And what is sad is the fact that many of us actually think that we have. But when I read this story I ask myself the question, “Have I sold out to God?” I look at the story of Daniel and I say to myself, “No way, I could not do that.” And I couldn’t. I wish I could say I could, but deep down I know I couldn’t. But thankfully, God hasn’t asked me to give up everything that I own, and hit the road for Him. He has asked me to do some other things instead. Other crosses to bear.
Some of you might be thinking, “I am glad I don’t have to walk the path that Terry has been asked to walk, to endure the fight against cancer, the surgeries, the radiation, the chemo. I just couldn‘t do it.” But that is the point, God hasn’t asked you to do it. He asked me to do it. When I sold out to God I took the path that God set before me. What has God asked you to do? Where has He sent you? Where is your path leading? And more importantly, have you sold out to God yet? For until you sell out to God, you will never be the person that God wants you to be. And, in case you didn’t know it, God is a great judge of character. Why settle for less than what God can allow you to be?
Our churches are filled with half hearted believers, hanging onto what the world has to offer with a death grip. They are too scared to let go and to let God take control. And because they can’t let go, they are being held back. And our churches are being held back. LET GO!!! WHAT DO WE REALLY HAVE TO LOOSE? And, more importantly, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO GAIN? Something to think about. If you dare.
TR
Thursday, October 27
2006 trip dates posted
Greetings from the sunshine (hurricane) coast!
8 hurricanes in 15 months, unbelievable, isn't it? God's power through nature has been shown time and time again this year and the answer to prayer and divine protection is evident as well. The Lord is being glorified through all of this and the Lord's church has been set to task in the great recovery efforts that are going on right now. Let us keep those in need in our constant prayers and seek to help in the ways that we can.
Honduras 2006 is off and running, even though it has taken a back seat to all that is going on right now. For many, a mission trip to Honduras is no where close to being at the top of the priority list, but never the less, the time has come to begin our preparations for the trip. I hope that all of you are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that God is going to put before us for 2006.
The dates for the 2006 trips are as follows:
May 14-24 (10 day trip, primarily college age)
July 1-10 ( 10 day trip, all ages, 9th grade and up)
July 8-16 (9 day trip, Palmetto Church, Columbia, SC)
July 14-24 (11 day trip, all ages, 9th grade and up)
The cost of the trip this year is $595.00 per person PLUS the cost of the airline ticket. Depending on market value of the ticket and the departure hub, costs will vary from group to group. The $595.00 pays for the following:
* Lodging at the Mission House
* 2 meals per day at the Mission House
* Use of buses
* Salaries for bus drivers
* Bus fuel
* Supplemental travel insurance
* Truck rental
* Delivery truck usage
* Truck fuel
* Work fund (for new hammers, chain saws, levels, etc.)
* Torch t-shirt
* Torch journal
* End of the trip retreat
* Airport taxes
* Airport luggage tips
* Exit fees
* Container shipment fees
* Port/customs paperwork fees
* Contingency fund
Departure hubs this year are the following:
Atlanta, GA
Nashville, TN
Miami, FL
Charlotte, SC
Pittsburgh, PA
As usual, applications are required to be filled out by each person going on the trip. Any new team members need to have 2 letters of recommendation, anyone who has been at least once does not have to do this. We are not requiring essays this year (although group leaders can still require this for their own files). Applications and the $100 deposit need to be turned in by November 30th for a guaranteed spot for the trip. The trips are going to fill up fast so I want to encourage you to get this done as quickly as possible.
The May trip has a maximum capacity of 60; the July 1-10 trip has 100, and the July 14-24 has 100. I am expecting to completely fill all 3 trips. The July 8-16 trip is headed up by the Palmetto Church of Christ, Columbia, SC, and openings for those dates are dependent on their team leader. As of now the capacity for that trip is 75 unless otherwise notified.
All group leaders need to be aware of the fact that we all need to contribute to the work fund again this year. The formula is simple, we need to raise $150 per person going on your team. If you have 10 people, you need to raise $1,500 for the work fund. If you have 20, you need to raise $3,000. This money is used to buy the wood, tin, nails, hinges, water purifiers, water barrels, bulk foods, zip lock bags, boxes, tape, markers, labels, toys, water, paper, crayons, photocopying, etc., that we use for our work projects. I am not opposed if you raise more than your target amount!!!!
Applications are ready. I am mailing out trip packets to all of the group leaders who have gone with me in the past. So, if you are part of a team that has been before, contact your leader for an application. If you are part of my team, or do not have a group leader, contact me and I will send you an application ASAP. You may also go directly to the TORCH web page to download the correct forms. http://www.irccorp.org/projects/teach/trip_information.htm Don’t delay, the teams will fill up fast.
We are planning on some wonderful projects this summer, some of which none of our team members, no matter how many years they have been going, have done. We will be working in and around Tegucigalpa, and will also be traveling and working throughout Honduras this summer. Many will get to see new areas of the country where remarkable things are going on. It will indeed be a great trip with a lot of challenges.
Good luck, may God bless our efforts this year as we prepare to go to Honduras to minister to people who have been praying to God to send help. We are those people and God is already preparing the hearts, minds, and souls of the people that we are going to meet. Isn't it great to be at work in the kingdom!!!! God is good all of the time and all of the time God is good!
Hasta luego, Dios te bendiga!
Terry Reeves
8 hurricanes in 15 months, unbelievable, isn't it? God's power through nature has been shown time and time again this year and the answer to prayer and divine protection is evident as well. The Lord is being glorified through all of this and the Lord's church has been set to task in the great recovery efforts that are going on right now. Let us keep those in need in our constant prayers and seek to help in the ways that we can.
Honduras 2006 is off and running, even though it has taken a back seat to all that is going on right now. For many, a mission trip to Honduras is no where close to being at the top of the priority list, but never the less, the time has come to begin our preparations for the trip. I hope that all of you are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that God is going to put before us for 2006.
The dates for the 2006 trips are as follows:
May 14-24 (10 day trip, primarily college age)
July 1-10 ( 10 day trip, all ages, 9th grade and up)
July 8-16 (9 day trip, Palmetto Church, Columbia, SC)
July 14-24 (11 day trip, all ages, 9th grade and up)
The cost of the trip this year is $595.00 per person PLUS the cost of the airline ticket. Depending on market value of the ticket and the departure hub, costs will vary from group to group. The $595.00 pays for the following:
* Lodging at the Mission House
* 2 meals per day at the Mission House
* Use of buses
* Salaries for bus drivers
* Bus fuel
* Supplemental travel insurance
* Truck rental
* Delivery truck usage
* Truck fuel
* Work fund (for new hammers, chain saws, levels, etc.)
* Torch t-shirt
* Torch journal
* End of the trip retreat
* Airport taxes
* Airport luggage tips
* Exit fees
* Container shipment fees
* Port/customs paperwork fees
* Contingency fund
Departure hubs this year are the following:
Atlanta, GA
Nashville, TN
Miami, FL
Charlotte, SC
Pittsburgh, PA
As usual, applications are required to be filled out by each person going on the trip. Any new team members need to have 2 letters of recommendation, anyone who has been at least once does not have to do this. We are not requiring essays this year (although group leaders can still require this for their own files). Applications and the $100 deposit need to be turned in by November 30th for a guaranteed spot for the trip. The trips are going to fill up fast so I want to encourage you to get this done as quickly as possible.
The May trip has a maximum capacity of 60; the July 1-10 trip has 100, and the July 14-24 has 100. I am expecting to completely fill all 3 trips. The July 8-16 trip is headed up by the Palmetto Church of Christ, Columbia, SC, and openings for those dates are dependent on their team leader. As of now the capacity for that trip is 75 unless otherwise notified.
All group leaders need to be aware of the fact that we all need to contribute to the work fund again this year. The formula is simple, we need to raise $150 per person going on your team. If you have 10 people, you need to raise $1,500 for the work fund. If you have 20, you need to raise $3,000. This money is used to buy the wood, tin, nails, hinges, water purifiers, water barrels, bulk foods, zip lock bags, boxes, tape, markers, labels, toys, water, paper, crayons, photocopying, etc., that we use for our work projects. I am not opposed if you raise more than your target amount!!!!
Applications are ready. I am mailing out trip packets to all of the group leaders who have gone with me in the past. So, if you are part of a team that has been before, contact your leader for an application. If you are part of my team, or do not have a group leader, contact me and I will send you an application ASAP. You may also go directly to the TORCH web page to download the correct forms. http://www.irccorp.org/projects/teach/trip_information.htm Don’t delay, the teams will fill up fast.
We are planning on some wonderful projects this summer, some of which none of our team members, no matter how many years they have been going, have done. We will be working in and around Tegucigalpa, and will also be traveling and working throughout Honduras this summer. Many will get to see new areas of the country where remarkable things are going on. It will indeed be a great trip with a lot of challenges.
Good luck, may God bless our efforts this year as we prepare to go to Honduras to minister to people who have been praying to God to send help. We are those people and God is already preparing the hearts, minds, and souls of the people that we are going to meet. Isn't it great to be at work in the kingdom!!!! God is good all of the time and all of the time God is good!
Hasta luego, Dios te bendiga!
Terry Reeves
Thursday, October 6
thinking time
The past couple of weeks have been different for me. As many of you know, I had surgery 3 weeks ago to remove some more melanoma. It was a typical surgery, nothing about it that was tougher than the others I have had. But, for whatever reason, the recovery pains have been tougher. I have had to really back off my regular routines so that my body could have some time to heal. Needless to say I am not the best patient in the world and tried to do too much and now have extended my recovery time a bit longer. Not being able to get out and do my thing is tough, and staying home and behaving myself is even tougher.
However, having time at home has given me time to study my Bible a little bit more and it certainly has given me time to think and reflect. Sometimes I guess I don’t realize the fast pace I usually run from day to day and how little I get to think. It has been nice in a way. And one of the best parts of the rest has been the time to think and dream and plan on the 2006 mission trips to Honduras. I have had some time to really think outside the box and to explore new ideas that might be put into action this coming summer. I love having time to do this and I think I could get used to it but I don’t think this will last much longer, as soon as I am on the mend a little bit more I know I will be back in the fast lane once again.
One of the things I have been thinking about a lot is the recent events in and around the gulf coast. The tragedy and destruction that we have witnessed has been more than our country has ever seen. I have read with great interest Tim Hines’s blog about the ways different Torch members have come to Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi to volunteer to work. I have been so proud of all of you that found time to go (or planning to go) and put the training we have experienced in Honduras to work right here in the United States. I have also been jealous of you all as well, wishing more than I can express to be there in the work. I hate that my physical body has kept me from doing something that I wanted to do so badly.
Anyway, I have thought a lot about the incredible stories of heroism and acts of good will that have been told. Forget all of the negative stuff the news media wants us to hear, there has been some awesome stuff going on in the relief efforts. All across the country thousands upon thousands have donated money and supplies to the people who are in such need. People have donated personal items, bought new stuff, donated time, all for people they do not know. Sure, there is still a lot to do, but it is amazing to watch it all happen. Even though people love to point fingers at our government, and especially at our president, I find it amazing that we live in a country with such unbelievable resources. And the private sector, where huge companies and organizations are able to contribute so much, so quickly. And to see the church respond in such as mighty way. Leading the way, many times, into areas that make impressions and impacts that will be seen for weeks, months, or even years to come.
Then, my thoughts shifted to Honduras. To the people who live there. To a nation that struggles in ways only those of us who have been there could possibly know and understand. A country where the government has no resources to come to the aid of thousands of people who are hurting and in desperate need. To a country where citizens do not have insurance to protect their things. To a nation who does not have huge companies and organizations that can donate needed goods and services. To a country where its own people have not got the money to come to rescue in the time of need.
In Honduras the time of need is everyday. The crisis does not come in a horrible storm, sweeping away the riches of the people. It comes with the rising of the sun. People wake up searching for their next meal. Looking for a way to make enough money to feed their kids. Looking for a better scrap of tin along the side of the road to reinforce their roof. Seeking water to wash their clothes. Knowing that the Calvary is not coming. Knowing that they are on their own. And I think about how terribly sad that is. But, that is life in Honduras. Every day, every week, every month. Except, that there are those who do come. They come in small groups called mission teams. They bring supplies and buy food and lumber. They come to help. They come to minister, to bring the good news, they come to make a difference. That is what Torch Missions is all about.
In the next few weeks team leaders across the country will begin recruiting for the 2006 teams. Applications will go out and deposits will be turned in. And the task to start raising money for the trip will begin. I look at the generosity of our country and our people and our church during this difficult time and I wonder how it will be this year for our mission. After all, every year we start from square one raising money for our work funds to build houses, buy food, water purifiers, and collect clothes and supplies. I pray that we will have good success this year, that we will not be turned away from those who give to the cause. After all, there are people right now in Honduras that are dreaming of the day that help will come. They are praying right now that God will send relief, to send hope.
They say it will take months, possibly even a couple of years, to rebuild the gulf coast. To bring it back to where it was, or even to make it better. In Honduras, it has taken years of help and aid to get them to where they are, and it will take a long time to get them to where they COULD be. Mission work is a global effort. It really does take place in our own back yards, our own towns and parishes. In our own country. And it continues to take place around the world, including a small country in Central America called Honduras. And the church will lead the way, rolling up its sleeves, and getting down and dirty, working for the Lord in His kingdom.
Get ready, the 2006 campaigns are about to launch forth! It is going to be exciting!!! Blessings to you all, may your walk take you to where you really want to go. Working with you in the cause.
TR
However, having time at home has given me time to study my Bible a little bit more and it certainly has given me time to think and reflect. Sometimes I guess I don’t realize the fast pace I usually run from day to day and how little I get to think. It has been nice in a way. And one of the best parts of the rest has been the time to think and dream and plan on the 2006 mission trips to Honduras. I have had some time to really think outside the box and to explore new ideas that might be put into action this coming summer. I love having time to do this and I think I could get used to it but I don’t think this will last much longer, as soon as I am on the mend a little bit more I know I will be back in the fast lane once again.
One of the things I have been thinking about a lot is the recent events in and around the gulf coast. The tragedy and destruction that we have witnessed has been more than our country has ever seen. I have read with great interest Tim Hines’s blog about the ways different Torch members have come to Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi to volunteer to work. I have been so proud of all of you that found time to go (or planning to go) and put the training we have experienced in Honduras to work right here in the United States. I have also been jealous of you all as well, wishing more than I can express to be there in the work. I hate that my physical body has kept me from doing something that I wanted to do so badly.
Anyway, I have thought a lot about the incredible stories of heroism and acts of good will that have been told. Forget all of the negative stuff the news media wants us to hear, there has been some awesome stuff going on in the relief efforts. All across the country thousands upon thousands have donated money and supplies to the people who are in such need. People have donated personal items, bought new stuff, donated time, all for people they do not know. Sure, there is still a lot to do, but it is amazing to watch it all happen. Even though people love to point fingers at our government, and especially at our president, I find it amazing that we live in a country with such unbelievable resources. And the private sector, where huge companies and organizations are able to contribute so much, so quickly. And to see the church respond in such as mighty way. Leading the way, many times, into areas that make impressions and impacts that will be seen for weeks, months, or even years to come.
Then, my thoughts shifted to Honduras. To the people who live there. To a nation that struggles in ways only those of us who have been there could possibly know and understand. A country where the government has no resources to come to the aid of thousands of people who are hurting and in desperate need. To a country where citizens do not have insurance to protect their things. To a nation who does not have huge companies and organizations that can donate needed goods and services. To a country where its own people have not got the money to come to rescue in the time of need.
In Honduras the time of need is everyday. The crisis does not come in a horrible storm, sweeping away the riches of the people. It comes with the rising of the sun. People wake up searching for their next meal. Looking for a way to make enough money to feed their kids. Looking for a better scrap of tin along the side of the road to reinforce their roof. Seeking water to wash their clothes. Knowing that the Calvary is not coming. Knowing that they are on their own. And I think about how terribly sad that is. But, that is life in Honduras. Every day, every week, every month. Except, that there are those who do come. They come in small groups called mission teams. They bring supplies and buy food and lumber. They come to help. They come to minister, to bring the good news, they come to make a difference. That is what Torch Missions is all about.
In the next few weeks team leaders across the country will begin recruiting for the 2006 teams. Applications will go out and deposits will be turned in. And the task to start raising money for the trip will begin. I look at the generosity of our country and our people and our church during this difficult time and I wonder how it will be this year for our mission. After all, every year we start from square one raising money for our work funds to build houses, buy food, water purifiers, and collect clothes and supplies. I pray that we will have good success this year, that we will not be turned away from those who give to the cause. After all, there are people right now in Honduras that are dreaming of the day that help will come. They are praying right now that God will send relief, to send hope.
They say it will take months, possibly even a couple of years, to rebuild the gulf coast. To bring it back to where it was, or even to make it better. In Honduras, it has taken years of help and aid to get them to where they are, and it will take a long time to get them to where they COULD be. Mission work is a global effort. It really does take place in our own back yards, our own towns and parishes. In our own country. And it continues to take place around the world, including a small country in Central America called Honduras. And the church will lead the way, rolling up its sleeves, and getting down and dirty, working for the Lord in His kingdom.
Get ready, the 2006 campaigns are about to launch forth! It is going to be exciting!!! Blessings to you all, may your walk take you to where you really want to go. Working with you in the cause.
TR
Wednesday, September 14
Wanted: Experienced workers
I know lots of people are still checking and reading our blog, many everyday. I appreciate the opportunity that I have to write my thoughts and feelings to you and I appreciate the e-mails and responses to the articles. Of course, Children of the King is but one of several blogs that are logged from many different groups and people involved in Torch, Mi Esperanza, and IRC. They offer good reading and insight and I highly encourage those of you that faithfully read this one check out the others as well.
In the mist of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Torch has become a key relief group in the area. Tim Hines is on the ground and is helping in coordinating relief work that is coming in from all over the United States right now. Gayle Davidson is heading up medical relief work and is doing a fantastic job. There are so many people involved in helping right now that it would be impossible to list them all. I would like to encourage all of you to go to www.waywalkers.blogspot.com to keep up with the relief efforts going on through Torch.
As Torch team members, we have all worked in harsh 3rd world conditions. Working without power, running water, clean water, etc., is nothing new to us, we do it day in and day out in Honduras. Because of that, and because of the kind of work we do in Honduras, we are quite qualified for the relief work that is going on in Mississippi and Louisiana right now. I want to encourage you to try to find time to go down to work in the relief efforts. Your skills and work experience is very valuable right now. And they need help! Take a few vacation days off and go. Take a long weekend and go. Get a team of volunteers together and go. This is important stuff and we are trained and experienced at this stuff.
Tim’s blog will offer lots of news and information about the relief effort. It lists supplies that are needed and contact information. Every person matters and every dollar counts. And we don’t have to worry about where the money is going and who is doing what. We don’t have to worry about finger pointing or playing the blame game. We are on the ground and we are doing what we do best, helping those who desperately need help. And sharing the good news about Jesus.
As a side note, please keep me in your prayers. I am scheduled to go to Moffitt Cancer Center Thursday, September 15th for surgery. I have to have more melanoma removed from my side. I am still in the battle and I do not know what lies in store for me. God is the great healer and prayer is powerful. It is in His hands and I will rest in that fact. I am hopeful that all will turn out well. Thank you for your prayers and e-mails, I love you all! Take care and I will talk to you again soon. Keep working in the Kingdom!
TR
In the mist of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Torch has become a key relief group in the area. Tim Hines is on the ground and is helping in coordinating relief work that is coming in from all over the United States right now. Gayle Davidson is heading up medical relief work and is doing a fantastic job. There are so many people involved in helping right now that it would be impossible to list them all. I would like to encourage all of you to go to www.waywalkers.blogspot.com to keep up with the relief efforts going on through Torch.
As Torch team members, we have all worked in harsh 3rd world conditions. Working without power, running water, clean water, etc., is nothing new to us, we do it day in and day out in Honduras. Because of that, and because of the kind of work we do in Honduras, we are quite qualified for the relief work that is going on in Mississippi and Louisiana right now. I want to encourage you to try to find time to go down to work in the relief efforts. Your skills and work experience is very valuable right now. And they need help! Take a few vacation days off and go. Take a long weekend and go. Get a team of volunteers together and go. This is important stuff and we are trained and experienced at this stuff.
Tim’s blog will offer lots of news and information about the relief effort. It lists supplies that are needed and contact information. Every person matters and every dollar counts. And we don’t have to worry about where the money is going and who is doing what. We don’t have to worry about finger pointing or playing the blame game. We are on the ground and we are doing what we do best, helping those who desperately need help. And sharing the good news about Jesus.
As a side note, please keep me in your prayers. I am scheduled to go to Moffitt Cancer Center Thursday, September 15th for surgery. I have to have more melanoma removed from my side. I am still in the battle and I do not know what lies in store for me. God is the great healer and prayer is powerful. It is in His hands and I will rest in that fact. I am hopeful that all will turn out well. Thank you for your prayers and e-mails, I love you all! Take care and I will talk to you again soon. Keep working in the Kingdom!
TR
Tuesday, September 6
the time is now
I have been glued to the TV for days now, watching in disbelief the events that have unfolded in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The loss of life, the loss of property, the loss of possessions. In the matter of hours a mighty city, along with several other gulf coast towns, were literally wiped off the face of the earth. Billions of dollars in damage and thousands of lives lost. It is heart wrenching to watch the scenes on the news and yet we cannot stop watching it. Thinking about it. Praying about it.
The forces of nature, as we have seen first hand, is more powerful than we can ever imagine. The power of the storms that develop in the oceans are bigger and more powerful than anything we can fathom. Even though our technology is the best we have ever had and monitoring and forecasting storms is more accurate than ever, it fails to show us the true nature of the power of nature. AND IT SHOWS HOW INCREDIBLY WEAK AND HELPLESS WE ARE. We build to hurricane codes with steel and wood and concrete. We take great pride in our technology and architecture. We boast of our engineering skills. And with wind and water it is all taken away.
Storms, like Katrina, hit all over the world. We hear about storms like Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America, back in 1999, killing thousands. Or Andrew, or Charley. We hear about Typhoons that strike Asia, killing thousands. We hear about monsoons, tornados, earthquakes, drought, volcano eruptions, tidal waves, killing thousands. And we witness the destruction over and over. We are asked to give. We are asked to help. We are asked to pray. We are asked to send and to go. Over and over and over. And we do. We do it out of concern. We do it out of love. We do it out of obligation. We do it because it is the right thing to do. We do it for a lot of reasons.
We do it because it is on the front page of the newspaper, the lead story on the 6:00 news. We do it because it is right there in front of us, to remind us, to keep us informed and in touch. And we respond. Many times we respond with such power and resources that it boggles our minds. It is amazing to see it in action. To watch as man responds to the call. Disasters and horrific events can bring out the best in man, and sometimes the worst.
But in almost every case bad things brings back the fact that we need God and we need Him in the worst way. Sometimes events forces people, and even an nation, to bow down and cry out to God for help in time of crisis and trouble. It is through events like this that we see how small and weak we really are and how much we need a God that is more powerful than nature itself. It is times like this that we must recognize that God is in control and that He is the provider for all that we have here on this earth. There are many stories in the Bible where nature falls into submission to Jesus and God. All of our strength, resources, wealth, and power comes from above. It is He that oversees it all. It is He that hears our cries for help and answers our prayers.
But soon it is second page news, and finally we don’t even hear about it anymore. We hear about hundreds dying in this place or that, and then in the next sentence we hear the final score of the baseball game or the player that is holding out for more money. What we do not hear or see is the weeks, months, or years of struggle that occur after a major disaster. The pain of rebuilding. The pain of trying to replace what has been taken away. We do not see the heartaches of people who lost everything only to realize that they will never get it back. The loss of family and friends, those things that can never be replaced.
And it happens year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. Throughout history we have witnessed disasters strike over and over. Soon Katrina will become a part of history. It will become a record of a horrible storm that struck the United states in 2005. And sometime, down the road, people will read or hear about the event and it will mean as much to them as the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius does to us today. Just a story with some facts and figures with no feelings or emotions. But right now, this means a lot to us. It means everything to us. We are driven right now by feelings and emotions. And right now we will be judged by what we do and how we do it. We will be remembered for our actions and deeds. We will be forever remembered and JUDGED for what we do and do not do.
The world is watching, waiting to see how the country that prides itself as
being a leader in humanitarian causes, responds to our own needs. The world is watching to see what we do and how we do it. The world is watching to see if we really do walk the walk and talk the talk. An ungodly world is watching to see what a nation, founded on Christian principles, does when it is staring face to face with calamity and misfortune. And we will be judged. Christian organizations have been called to action, Christians have been summoned to answer the call. The church is being summoned to step up to the plate and carry out the instructions that were given by our Master and Commander, Jesus Christ. We MUST answer the call. We MUST do our part. We MUST be willing to do whatever needs to be done. Do not take this lightly, we are being called to do what we are obligated to do. Matthew 25 applies now, as much as ever. We must feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty. We must provide clothes and housing to those who need it. We must provide medical attention. We cannot fail. We cannot compromise. We cannot commit half way. It is all or nothing now. Wherever you are, mobilize your troops for action. Wherever you are, dig down deep and sacrifice for the good of those in need, for they are “the least of these my brethren” that Jesus refers to in Matthew 25.
Every congregation of the Lord’s church needs to respond, needs to help. Every Christian needs to do his or her part. There is no time to take sides, evaluate programs. We cannot be divided on issues or theologies now. For goodness sakes politics pale in importance here. Right now we need to be about saving lives and rebuilding homes. We need to be reuniting families and restoring a broken society. We need to be sharing the love of Jesus now, more than ever, to those who desperately need to hear it. God can be glorified in all things. Even bad things. Good can come out of bad. Good can triumph over evil. The world is watching, what are we going to show them? What are they going to remember?
TR
The forces of nature, as we have seen first hand, is more powerful than we can ever imagine. The power of the storms that develop in the oceans are bigger and more powerful than anything we can fathom. Even though our technology is the best we have ever had and monitoring and forecasting storms is more accurate than ever, it fails to show us the true nature of the power of nature. AND IT SHOWS HOW INCREDIBLY WEAK AND HELPLESS WE ARE. We build to hurricane codes with steel and wood and concrete. We take great pride in our technology and architecture. We boast of our engineering skills. And with wind and water it is all taken away.
Storms, like Katrina, hit all over the world. We hear about storms like Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America, back in 1999, killing thousands. Or Andrew, or Charley. We hear about Typhoons that strike Asia, killing thousands. We hear about monsoons, tornados, earthquakes, drought, volcano eruptions, tidal waves, killing thousands. And we witness the destruction over and over. We are asked to give. We are asked to help. We are asked to pray. We are asked to send and to go. Over and over and over. And we do. We do it out of concern. We do it out of love. We do it out of obligation. We do it because it is the right thing to do. We do it for a lot of reasons.
We do it because it is on the front page of the newspaper, the lead story on the 6:00 news. We do it because it is right there in front of us, to remind us, to keep us informed and in touch. And we respond. Many times we respond with such power and resources that it boggles our minds. It is amazing to see it in action. To watch as man responds to the call. Disasters and horrific events can bring out the best in man, and sometimes the worst.
But in almost every case bad things brings back the fact that we need God and we need Him in the worst way. Sometimes events forces people, and even an nation, to bow down and cry out to God for help in time of crisis and trouble. It is through events like this that we see how small and weak we really are and how much we need a God that is more powerful than nature itself. It is times like this that we must recognize that God is in control and that He is the provider for all that we have here on this earth. There are many stories in the Bible where nature falls into submission to Jesus and God. All of our strength, resources, wealth, and power comes from above. It is He that oversees it all. It is He that hears our cries for help and answers our prayers.
But soon it is second page news, and finally we don’t even hear about it anymore. We hear about hundreds dying in this place or that, and then in the next sentence we hear the final score of the baseball game or the player that is holding out for more money. What we do not hear or see is the weeks, months, or years of struggle that occur after a major disaster. The pain of rebuilding. The pain of trying to replace what has been taken away. We do not see the heartaches of people who lost everything only to realize that they will never get it back. The loss of family and friends, those things that can never be replaced.
And it happens year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. Throughout history we have witnessed disasters strike over and over. Soon Katrina will become a part of history. It will become a record of a horrible storm that struck the United states in 2005. And sometime, down the road, people will read or hear about the event and it will mean as much to them as the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius does to us today. Just a story with some facts and figures with no feelings or emotions. But right now, this means a lot to us. It means everything to us. We are driven right now by feelings and emotions. And right now we will be judged by what we do and how we do it. We will be remembered for our actions and deeds. We will be forever remembered and JUDGED for what we do and do not do.
The world is watching, waiting to see how the country that prides itself as
being a leader in humanitarian causes, responds to our own needs. The world is watching to see what we do and how we do it. The world is watching to see if we really do walk the walk and talk the talk. An ungodly world is watching to see what a nation, founded on Christian principles, does when it is staring face to face with calamity and misfortune. And we will be judged. Christian organizations have been called to action, Christians have been summoned to answer the call. The church is being summoned to step up to the plate and carry out the instructions that were given by our Master and Commander, Jesus Christ. We MUST answer the call. We MUST do our part. We MUST be willing to do whatever needs to be done. Do not take this lightly, we are being called to do what we are obligated to do. Matthew 25 applies now, as much as ever. We must feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty. We must provide clothes and housing to those who need it. We must provide medical attention. We cannot fail. We cannot compromise. We cannot commit half way. It is all or nothing now. Wherever you are, mobilize your troops for action. Wherever you are, dig down deep and sacrifice for the good of those in need, for they are “the least of these my brethren” that Jesus refers to in Matthew 25.
Every congregation of the Lord’s church needs to respond, needs to help. Every Christian needs to do his or her part. There is no time to take sides, evaluate programs. We cannot be divided on issues or theologies now. For goodness sakes politics pale in importance here. Right now we need to be about saving lives and rebuilding homes. We need to be reuniting families and restoring a broken society. We need to be sharing the love of Jesus now, more than ever, to those who desperately need to hear it. God can be glorified in all things. Even bad things. Good can come out of bad. Good can triumph over evil. The world is watching, what are we going to show them? What are they going to remember?
TR
Monday, August 29
Remembering where we were
I think I have figured it out. I am a gypsy. Well, at least, sort of. I have lived in a lot of different places. Gypsies roam and move around a lot. I have lived in 4 different states and 11 different cities. And I have traveled a lot too. I have been to 42 states and 17 countries. Moving around and traveling around is fun and adventurous. Sometimes I seem to have a restless spirit within me wanting to go out and see what is out there. It doesn’t mean I am not happy where I am, I just enjoy going out and seeing it all.
Now, what I said doesn’t mean I am about to jump ship and take off and go somewhere new. Not at all. I truly love living in Sarasota, Florida. Awesome place. Very beautiful. Great town, great church family, I love it here. I am just making a point that I have done a lot of traveling. And I have some very interesting stories to go along with that, but not this time. Maybe I will share some of the craziest stories with you in future blogs. But for now, I am going to try to stay on a specific thought.
I have traveled by boat, train, plane, and automobile. And as a traveler, I feel that I can maneuver pretty well anywhere I go. After all, you can’t consider yourself a good traveler if you don’t reach your destination, right? But getting from point A to point B can be challenging, can’t it? That’s why there are maps, right? However, if you are like me, you might find that reading maps is a lot more difficult than it looks! Good grief, just unfolding and folding maps is hard!!! And it is no fun to be lost. I mean, really lost. One time, while in London, I got separated from my group with a friend of mine during a tour of the city and we had a great time. We got to see all kinds of stuff the others missed out on. But, we also did not get to see any of the stuff we were supposed to see either.
So, now I am getting to the point of all of this. Getting lost. Being lost. Not a good thing, especially if you are supposed to be at a specific place or at a specific time. So, what do you do when you are lost? Get a map? Stop and ask directions? GUESS the right way to go? I have tried all of these! I worked one summer at a convenience store while home from college. Pretty boring job but at least I was making some money for school. It was on a busy road and I had people come in all if the time asking for directions. I took great pride in giving directions, too, because I thought I was pretty good at it.
I thought I knew the way around Huntsville as well as anyone. After all, I had lived there most of my life. One day a person came in and asked directions to a particular place. I quickly gave him very specific directions on how to get there. I gave him landmarks to look for, the number of traffic lights, the whole nine yards. He thanked me and pulled out and started down the road just the way I told him. It was about 30 seconds later that I realized that I had given him the wrong directions! Oh well, guess I won’t be seeing him again! I felt bad but there wasn’t anything I could do about it. It was going to be up to that individual to realize he was going the wrong way and stop and get new directions. I hope he did.
Being lost is kind of scary too. Have you ever been lost in a strange town that you know nothing about. The only thing you know is that by looking at the bars on the building’s windows and doors, the dimly lit streets, and spray paint on anything that can’t move, that you are in the wrong part of town. Oh man have I ever been there before! That is the time to have good directions, right? Absolutely! That is when knowing where you are and how to get to where you need to be is very important. That is when you would rather have someone in the car with you who know where he is going and giving you the directions instead of using a map or directions from a guy that works at a gas station, right?
The same thing is true when it comes to our spiritual journey. We are all gypsies when it comes to the fact that we are strangers in a strange land. The Bible even tells us that we are just that. We are not of this world, our home is somewhere else. We are just traveling through. And on this spiritual journey we go through a lot of different places along the way. And we get lost too. And sometimes when we get lost we have a little fun along the way, but ultimately we miss out on things we were supposed to see and do. And sometimes we try to read the map (Bible) but it seems so confusing at times and sometimes we cannot make heads or tails out of it. And sometimes we stop and we ask spiritual directions from people that have no idea what they are even saying, giving out directions that are going to lead us away from the goal.
And what about guessing? Oh boy, now that is an option you really don’t want to take! I “think” it is this way. I am “guessing” it is that way. Maybe this road will get us here. I have never taken this road; let’s see if it will get us there. Of course, once in a blue moon you might accidentally stumble in to the place you are looking for, but not very often. And most likely, it will take a great deal longer to get there, if you ever find it at all. The best bet is to travel with someone who KNOWS where they are going. That knows the turns and the land marks. Knows how to read the map. Knows east from west, up from down, left from right.
There is nothing more exciting than to get to your destination after you have been lost. A relief. And you know, we have all been lost. To sin. Being lost in sin is not fun, and definitely scary. It is not too scary being lost and not knowing it (driving around thinking you are going the right way when in reality you’re not), because you are not aware of your situation. There are a lot of people that are spiritually lost and have no idea. But, once you realize you are lost, things change. And there is nothing more frustrating than trying to get directions from people that are incorrect. And there are a lot of people out there that are in that situation right now too.
But, as Christians, we are saved by the blood of Christ and the grace He gives us through His sacrifice. Through the waters of baptism and the surrender of ourselves to the Savior, we enter into the Kingdom of His church. The body of the saved. We once were lost, but now are found, were blind but now can see. We are no longer “lost.” Isn’t that awesome! And now that we are on the road to salvation, maybe it is time we give some directions for those who are out there trying to find their way. After all, who would be best at giving directions, right?
But it seems to me that a lot of Christians are not giving directions. Not at all. And when we do, they are vague at times, judgmental at others. It almost appears that we know the right directions but we don’t want to share the information. Or if we do, we are almost selective in who we share it with. And we don’t seem to see or feel any urgency either. Sometimes it would be good to sit down and take a second to remember where we came from. We need to remember that we were lost once too. When we do that we might be able to understand what it means to go out and share the gospel of Christ. Because until a person puts on Christ, is in Christ, he is lost. And that is a place nobody wants to be. Nobody. Think about it.
TR
Now, what I said doesn’t mean I am about to jump ship and take off and go somewhere new. Not at all. I truly love living in Sarasota, Florida. Awesome place. Very beautiful. Great town, great church family, I love it here. I am just making a point that I have done a lot of traveling. And I have some very interesting stories to go along with that, but not this time. Maybe I will share some of the craziest stories with you in future blogs. But for now, I am going to try to stay on a specific thought.
I have traveled by boat, train, plane, and automobile. And as a traveler, I feel that I can maneuver pretty well anywhere I go. After all, you can’t consider yourself a good traveler if you don’t reach your destination, right? But getting from point A to point B can be challenging, can’t it? That’s why there are maps, right? However, if you are like me, you might find that reading maps is a lot more difficult than it looks! Good grief, just unfolding and folding maps is hard!!! And it is no fun to be lost. I mean, really lost. One time, while in London, I got separated from my group with a friend of mine during a tour of the city and we had a great time. We got to see all kinds of stuff the others missed out on. But, we also did not get to see any of the stuff we were supposed to see either.
So, now I am getting to the point of all of this. Getting lost. Being lost. Not a good thing, especially if you are supposed to be at a specific place or at a specific time. So, what do you do when you are lost? Get a map? Stop and ask directions? GUESS the right way to go? I have tried all of these! I worked one summer at a convenience store while home from college. Pretty boring job but at least I was making some money for school. It was on a busy road and I had people come in all if the time asking for directions. I took great pride in giving directions, too, because I thought I was pretty good at it.
I thought I knew the way around Huntsville as well as anyone. After all, I had lived there most of my life. One day a person came in and asked directions to a particular place. I quickly gave him very specific directions on how to get there. I gave him landmarks to look for, the number of traffic lights, the whole nine yards. He thanked me and pulled out and started down the road just the way I told him. It was about 30 seconds later that I realized that I had given him the wrong directions! Oh well, guess I won’t be seeing him again! I felt bad but there wasn’t anything I could do about it. It was going to be up to that individual to realize he was going the wrong way and stop and get new directions. I hope he did.
Being lost is kind of scary too. Have you ever been lost in a strange town that you know nothing about. The only thing you know is that by looking at the bars on the building’s windows and doors, the dimly lit streets, and spray paint on anything that can’t move, that you are in the wrong part of town. Oh man have I ever been there before! That is the time to have good directions, right? Absolutely! That is when knowing where you are and how to get to where you need to be is very important. That is when you would rather have someone in the car with you who know where he is going and giving you the directions instead of using a map or directions from a guy that works at a gas station, right?
The same thing is true when it comes to our spiritual journey. We are all gypsies when it comes to the fact that we are strangers in a strange land. The Bible even tells us that we are just that. We are not of this world, our home is somewhere else. We are just traveling through. And on this spiritual journey we go through a lot of different places along the way. And we get lost too. And sometimes when we get lost we have a little fun along the way, but ultimately we miss out on things we were supposed to see and do. And sometimes we try to read the map (Bible) but it seems so confusing at times and sometimes we cannot make heads or tails out of it. And sometimes we stop and we ask spiritual directions from people that have no idea what they are even saying, giving out directions that are going to lead us away from the goal.
And what about guessing? Oh boy, now that is an option you really don’t want to take! I “think” it is this way. I am “guessing” it is that way. Maybe this road will get us here. I have never taken this road; let’s see if it will get us there. Of course, once in a blue moon you might accidentally stumble in to the place you are looking for, but not very often. And most likely, it will take a great deal longer to get there, if you ever find it at all. The best bet is to travel with someone who KNOWS where they are going. That knows the turns and the land marks. Knows how to read the map. Knows east from west, up from down, left from right.
There is nothing more exciting than to get to your destination after you have been lost. A relief. And you know, we have all been lost. To sin. Being lost in sin is not fun, and definitely scary. It is not too scary being lost and not knowing it (driving around thinking you are going the right way when in reality you’re not), because you are not aware of your situation. There are a lot of people that are spiritually lost and have no idea. But, once you realize you are lost, things change. And there is nothing more frustrating than trying to get directions from people that are incorrect. And there are a lot of people out there that are in that situation right now too.
But, as Christians, we are saved by the blood of Christ and the grace He gives us through His sacrifice. Through the waters of baptism and the surrender of ourselves to the Savior, we enter into the Kingdom of His church. The body of the saved. We once were lost, but now are found, were blind but now can see. We are no longer “lost.” Isn’t that awesome! And now that we are on the road to salvation, maybe it is time we give some directions for those who are out there trying to find their way. After all, who would be best at giving directions, right?
But it seems to me that a lot of Christians are not giving directions. Not at all. And when we do, they are vague at times, judgmental at others. It almost appears that we know the right directions but we don’t want to share the information. Or if we do, we are almost selective in who we share it with. And we don’t seem to see or feel any urgency either. Sometimes it would be good to sit down and take a second to remember where we came from. We need to remember that we were lost once too. When we do that we might be able to understand what it means to go out and share the gospel of Christ. Because until a person puts on Christ, is in Christ, he is lost. And that is a place nobody wants to be. Nobody. Think about it.
TR
Wednesday, August 24
modern day Abrahams
Torch Mission teams have been going to Honduras for nearly 20 years. In some ways that sounds like a long time, but in some ways it doesn’t. No matter how you look at it, a LOT of people have gone to Honduras through Torch Missions. I have no idea how many, but I can safely say thousands have gone. THOUSANDS. And the number of people we have come in contact with and ministered to during this time? HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS. When you take a moment to think about it, that is a lot of people, isn’t it? And how many people have been affected and changed because of these short term mission trips? Who really knows? (almost sounds like a Master Card commercial, doesn’t it?)
There are so many stories I could share. There are married couples that met their special someone on a Torch trip (even though we strongly encourage people not to hook up during trips!). There are people in full time ministry because of a mission trip to Honduras with Torch Missions. There are so many that literally plan their vacations from work around their yearly trip to Honduras. There are full time missionaries because of the time that was spent during short term mission work in Honduras. Many have changed their college majors because of Torch Missions. And there are those who have set their course to live and work in Honduras, both now, and in the future.
I would like to talk about three very special people that have done just that. They have decided to move to Honduras to work full time in the place they have grown to love over the years. For many of us, they are doing what we dream of doing. Packing up our stuff and moving to Tegucigalpa. To live, to work, to minister. These three have taken their dreams and have made it a reality. They have taken that step that most of us can’t, or won’t, do. They are modern day Abraham’s, stepping out on faith to go where they have been called. And what a calling!
I have known Jennifer Arnold for a long time. She was a student of mine when I was teaching at Ezell-Harding Christian School, in Nashville, Tennessee. She sang in the chorus I directed, she played on the softball team I helped coach. She attended the Rural Hill Church of Christ, which teamed up with my group from Wingate, on all kinds of activities and trips. Including Honduras. And it didn’t take much to talk Jen into going to Honduras! She was eager to serve the Lord and her heart was always in the right place. And she began her journey in high school. Every year since high school, and college, she went to Honduras with Torch Missions. She took on more and more work with the teams while finishing up here college softball career and college work. She became a vital member of the leadership team, specializing on the communications for the teams back to the states. She earned her master’s degree and got a good job teaching in the metro system in Nashville. And she saved her money. And then she took the step, or should I say, the leap. She decided this year to move to Honduras and to work at Los Pinares, a Christian school in Tegucigalpa. She will be the school librarian (she actually has a degree for this and she LIKES it!). She leaves a good paying job, a great church, and a wonderful family behind. To do what she loves doing.
I have known Katie Wells for a few years now. What an awesome young lady! To use the term “buff truck” around her is almost an insult. She will work most anyone under the table, men included. She is a servant in the truest definition of the word. From construction to visitation, Katie puts her heart and soul into her work in Honduras. Katie talked her Mom into going to Honduras last year. This year she talked her Dad into going. It was a real family affair. Her love for mission work is evident from the moment you meet her.
Katie graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in education. She has spent the past couple of years living in Washington state teaching and coaching (she is quite the athlete). This summer, while in Honduras, she heard about a job opening at Los Pinares Christian School. They needed a physical education teacher who would be willing to coach. Katie saw this as a calling and applied, literally within a couple of weeks of school starting. The job was offered and Katie spent little time considering it. She accepted the offer and packed up her stuff and headed off to Tegucigalpa, to live in the place she has fallen in love with since here mission trip experiences.
I have known Jennifer Wright for several years. I met her in Nashville while she was attending Lipscomb University. She lived in the dorm that my wife supervised, and Jen spent a lot of time in Margaret’s office (no, not that way, because she wanted too!). She attended church with us at Wingate and heard story after story, detail by detail, about the trips to Honduras. She listened and thought, then thought and listened some more. Now, Jen wasn’t the easiest person to convince to go to Honduras. She said no time after time. She finally made the plunge a year ago and went on her first ever Torch trip for 24 days. And it changed her life. Now, Jen, she has a degree in education, too. She has been teaching for the past couple of years up in Ohio, where she is from. As a teacher she has summers off, and she was able to go last year on her first trip. This year she led a team of 34 during spring break from her home congregation in Ohio. Then she came again for this summer’s trip with my group and stayed on with Marc Tindall’s group for 2 more weeks. To say she loves Honduras is an understatement.
With her heart completely broken, she began to search out what God wanted her to do with her life. She listened for the call. And she heard it, loud and clear. In October she will also be moving to Honduras. She will be working to help start and run an orphanage that will be built on the property in Santa Ana. She is packing up her stuff and heading off to the place that she loves. Doing what she loves doing. Working in the kingdom.
What amazing stories. Three young ladies, all from different backgrounds. All from different places, both in life and in location. Yet they all have things in common. A love for God. A love for kingdom work. A love for Honduras. A love for Torch Missions. And it is the things they have in common that has brought them together this year. To go, preach the gospel, to every creature. To step out of the boat, to fix their eyes on Jesus, and to make a difference.
When we take people on trips to Honduras through Torch Missions, we tell them that their lives will never be the same again. We tell them that they will never look at things the same way. We teach them how to do mission work, how to love the lost. And when they hear the call, when they go to do the work, we shouldn’t be surprised. We shouldn’t be surprised at all. After all, they are learning to do what Jesus has asked us all to do. We should be proud. We should be supportive. We should be with them every step of the way. And we are very proud of Jennifer, Katie, and Jen, for their decision to move to Honduras. We pray that you will be safe, that you will be healthy (don’t drink the water!!!). And we pray that your ministry will be a true reflection of Jesus and His glory while you are there. Best of luck, hold down the fort until we get there this summer!
TR
PS: Why not keep in touch with them? They would love to hear some encouraging words from you! You cam e-mail them at the following addresses:
Jennifer Arnold: missions35@aol.com
Katie Wells: k8wells@netzero.net
Jennifer Wright: jenw22@yahoo,com For those who might be interested, Jen is in the process of trying to raise additional funds for the orphanage project at Santa Ana. If you can help, please let her know! It is going to be a tremendous ministry and will reach out to many in Santa Ana both now and for years to come!
There are so many stories I could share. There are married couples that met their special someone on a Torch trip (even though we strongly encourage people not to hook up during trips!). There are people in full time ministry because of a mission trip to Honduras with Torch Missions. There are so many that literally plan their vacations from work around their yearly trip to Honduras. There are full time missionaries because of the time that was spent during short term mission work in Honduras. Many have changed their college majors because of Torch Missions. And there are those who have set their course to live and work in Honduras, both now, and in the future.
I would like to talk about three very special people that have done just that. They have decided to move to Honduras to work full time in the place they have grown to love over the years. For many of us, they are doing what we dream of doing. Packing up our stuff and moving to Tegucigalpa. To live, to work, to minister. These three have taken their dreams and have made it a reality. They have taken that step that most of us can’t, or won’t, do. They are modern day Abraham’s, stepping out on faith to go where they have been called. And what a calling!
I have known Jennifer Arnold for a long time. She was a student of mine when I was teaching at Ezell-Harding Christian School, in Nashville, Tennessee. She sang in the chorus I directed, she played on the softball team I helped coach. She attended the Rural Hill Church of Christ, which teamed up with my group from Wingate, on all kinds of activities and trips. Including Honduras. And it didn’t take much to talk Jen into going to Honduras! She was eager to serve the Lord and her heart was always in the right place. And she began her journey in high school. Every year since high school, and college, she went to Honduras with Torch Missions. She took on more and more work with the teams while finishing up here college softball career and college work. She became a vital member of the leadership team, specializing on the communications for the teams back to the states. She earned her master’s degree and got a good job teaching in the metro system in Nashville. And she saved her money. And then she took the step, or should I say, the leap. She decided this year to move to Honduras and to work at Los Pinares, a Christian school in Tegucigalpa. She will be the school librarian (she actually has a degree for this and she LIKES it!). She leaves a good paying job, a great church, and a wonderful family behind. To do what she loves doing.
I have known Katie Wells for a few years now. What an awesome young lady! To use the term “buff truck” around her is almost an insult. She will work most anyone under the table, men included. She is a servant in the truest definition of the word. From construction to visitation, Katie puts her heart and soul into her work in Honduras. Katie talked her Mom into going to Honduras last year. This year she talked her Dad into going. It was a real family affair. Her love for mission work is evident from the moment you meet her.
Katie graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in education. She has spent the past couple of years living in Washington state teaching and coaching (she is quite the athlete). This summer, while in Honduras, she heard about a job opening at Los Pinares Christian School. They needed a physical education teacher who would be willing to coach. Katie saw this as a calling and applied, literally within a couple of weeks of school starting. The job was offered and Katie spent little time considering it. She accepted the offer and packed up her stuff and headed off to Tegucigalpa, to live in the place she has fallen in love with since here mission trip experiences.
I have known Jennifer Wright for several years. I met her in Nashville while she was attending Lipscomb University. She lived in the dorm that my wife supervised, and Jen spent a lot of time in Margaret’s office (no, not that way, because she wanted too!). She attended church with us at Wingate and heard story after story, detail by detail, about the trips to Honduras. She listened and thought, then thought and listened some more. Now, Jen wasn’t the easiest person to convince to go to Honduras. She said no time after time. She finally made the plunge a year ago and went on her first ever Torch trip for 24 days. And it changed her life. Now, Jen, she has a degree in education, too. She has been teaching for the past couple of years up in Ohio, where she is from. As a teacher she has summers off, and she was able to go last year on her first trip. This year she led a team of 34 during spring break from her home congregation in Ohio. Then she came again for this summer’s trip with my group and stayed on with Marc Tindall’s group for 2 more weeks. To say she loves Honduras is an understatement.
With her heart completely broken, she began to search out what God wanted her to do with her life. She listened for the call. And she heard it, loud and clear. In October she will also be moving to Honduras. She will be working to help start and run an orphanage that will be built on the property in Santa Ana. She is packing up her stuff and heading off to the place that she loves. Doing what she loves doing. Working in the kingdom.
What amazing stories. Three young ladies, all from different backgrounds. All from different places, both in life and in location. Yet they all have things in common. A love for God. A love for kingdom work. A love for Honduras. A love for Torch Missions. And it is the things they have in common that has brought them together this year. To go, preach the gospel, to every creature. To step out of the boat, to fix their eyes on Jesus, and to make a difference.
When we take people on trips to Honduras through Torch Missions, we tell them that their lives will never be the same again. We tell them that they will never look at things the same way. We teach them how to do mission work, how to love the lost. And when they hear the call, when they go to do the work, we shouldn’t be surprised. We shouldn’t be surprised at all. After all, they are learning to do what Jesus has asked us all to do. We should be proud. We should be supportive. We should be with them every step of the way. And we are very proud of Jennifer, Katie, and Jen, for their decision to move to Honduras. We pray that you will be safe, that you will be healthy (don’t drink the water!!!). And we pray that your ministry will be a true reflection of Jesus and His glory while you are there. Best of luck, hold down the fort until we get there this summer!
TR
PS: Why not keep in touch with them? They would love to hear some encouraging words from you! You cam e-mail them at the following addresses:
Jennifer Arnold: missions35@aol.com
Katie Wells: k8wells@netzero.net
Jennifer Wright: jenw22@yahoo,com For those who might be interested, Jen is in the process of trying to raise additional funds for the orphanage project at Santa Ana. If you can help, please let her know! It is going to be a tremendous ministry and will reach out to many in Santa Ana both now and for years to come!
Saturday, August 20
Make a difference
What a week. Actually, it’s been a couple of weeks. Since I returned home from Honduras I have returned to my work as youth minister at Central and getting the fall calendar off and running. Along with that, however, I have had to face the newest battle I have been fighting with melanoma. Skin cancer is nothing to laugh at and is something everyone needs to take very seriously. I never dreamed I would have cancer, especially skin cancer. While I was in Honduras some new tumors grew and I knew as soon as I got home I would have to deal with it. However, upon my return, I found that things had changed from the original plans.
I came home expecting to have surgery right away. However, I qualified for a new treatment that Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, was conducting, which I accepted. I received a new method of treatment in which a special drug was injected directly into the tumor site (4 of them) and then a current of electricity was sent into the site to activate the drug and cause the cells to absorb it. The treatment went well and I am waiting for the results. I have some tests coming up and surgery on September 13th, as of now, and I petition your prayers.
I said all of that to lead into what I wanted to say. A wonderful family from Central, the Kluge’s, moved to Honduras to begin full time work down there on several different projects. It was a loss for us; the girls were very active in the youth group and Randy and Melissa went to Don Pablo’s with us on a regular basis after Tuesday night teen devotionals (ya got to eat, right?). Right before we came home from Honduras, Melissa and Randy found out that Melissa’s mom, Dee, had been diagnosed with cancer. It was very serious and the Kluge’s decided to come home with our group. It was devastating news since Dee had beaten cancer twice before. However, this time was different.
Dee was a wonderful Christian woman and one that everyone at church loved. The cancer was far advanced and she passed away after only 3 or 4 weeks. Her battle ended this past Monday, August 15th, and her funeral was today, the 20th. This was hard day for many, especially for me. I am close to the Kluge’s, and I certainly knew Dee pretty well. It was not a hard thing to know that she has gone on to receive her reward, to receive her new body. It is not hard to understand that she is in a place where she will never again experience pain or suffering. All of that I know and understand quite well. It was especially hard for me to see someone loose the battle to the very thing that I am fighting with right now. That was the hard part. I understand now, more than ever, how fragile life is and how temporary we are here.
For many, a new school year has started. My son, Nathan, reported in at Freed-Hardeman for his senior year. Where did the time go? I am pretty sure it was yesterday we were crying our eyes out as we took him up to begin his first year of college. Others have reported in at their respective schools as well. A new year, a new beginning. New classes, new books, new teachers. New friends, new acquaintances. New goals, new objectives. Starting something new is such a good thing sometimes.
For others, we are back to the same ole’ same ole’. Same jobs, same desk. Same boss, same office. Same people we work with, same tasks. Sure, some things change, but for most, it is the same thing we left before we went to Honduras. Nothing really new here. Nothing really exciting. Just like the students, we wake up, do our thing, and at some point go to bed. Amazing how our perspective is so difference, isn’t it? But a few weeks from now all of that “newness” will wear off and perspectives will change again. It is all on how we look at it.
Whether it is a new year or not, the same thing applies to us all. We are here right now, doing what we do, for a reason. So, what is that reason? To make a difference. That’s right, to make a difference. For you see, we are only here for a little while. James says our life is like a vapor, here for a little while, and then vanishes away. How long is a “Little while?” I don’t know, exactly. For Dee, it was 49 years. 49 years to make a difference. To make a difference with her family, her friends, and her relationship with God. For many, it is less time. For others, more. Don’t take time for granted, it is the one thing that we have no guarantees on. And it is the thing we take for granted most often. Use your time wisely, make the most of every opportunity.
Make a difference where you are right now. Do it now, while you have the time. Make a difference with your relationship with God. Make a difference with your friends, your co-workers. Make a difference at your schools and where you work. Make a difference on the team you play on, your club. Your church. You CAN make a difference and you can make it now. It is your CHOICE whether or not you choose to do it.
Dee, thank you for making a difference. We miss you here but look forward to the day that we will see you again. As the country singer Billy Dean says in one of his songs, “Cause we’re only here for a little while.”
TR
I came home expecting to have surgery right away. However, I qualified for a new treatment that Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, was conducting, which I accepted. I received a new method of treatment in which a special drug was injected directly into the tumor site (4 of them) and then a current of electricity was sent into the site to activate the drug and cause the cells to absorb it. The treatment went well and I am waiting for the results. I have some tests coming up and surgery on September 13th, as of now, and I petition your prayers.
I said all of that to lead into what I wanted to say. A wonderful family from Central, the Kluge’s, moved to Honduras to begin full time work down there on several different projects. It was a loss for us; the girls were very active in the youth group and Randy and Melissa went to Don Pablo’s with us on a regular basis after Tuesday night teen devotionals (ya got to eat, right?). Right before we came home from Honduras, Melissa and Randy found out that Melissa’s mom, Dee, had been diagnosed with cancer. It was very serious and the Kluge’s decided to come home with our group. It was devastating news since Dee had beaten cancer twice before. However, this time was different.
Dee was a wonderful Christian woman and one that everyone at church loved. The cancer was far advanced and she passed away after only 3 or 4 weeks. Her battle ended this past Monday, August 15th, and her funeral was today, the 20th. This was hard day for many, especially for me. I am close to the Kluge’s, and I certainly knew Dee pretty well. It was not a hard thing to know that she has gone on to receive her reward, to receive her new body. It is not hard to understand that she is in a place where she will never again experience pain or suffering. All of that I know and understand quite well. It was especially hard for me to see someone loose the battle to the very thing that I am fighting with right now. That was the hard part. I understand now, more than ever, how fragile life is and how temporary we are here.
For many, a new school year has started. My son, Nathan, reported in at Freed-Hardeman for his senior year. Where did the time go? I am pretty sure it was yesterday we were crying our eyes out as we took him up to begin his first year of college. Others have reported in at their respective schools as well. A new year, a new beginning. New classes, new books, new teachers. New friends, new acquaintances. New goals, new objectives. Starting something new is such a good thing sometimes.
For others, we are back to the same ole’ same ole’. Same jobs, same desk. Same boss, same office. Same people we work with, same tasks. Sure, some things change, but for most, it is the same thing we left before we went to Honduras. Nothing really new here. Nothing really exciting. Just like the students, we wake up, do our thing, and at some point go to bed. Amazing how our perspective is so difference, isn’t it? But a few weeks from now all of that “newness” will wear off and perspectives will change again. It is all on how we look at it.
Whether it is a new year or not, the same thing applies to us all. We are here right now, doing what we do, for a reason. So, what is that reason? To make a difference. That’s right, to make a difference. For you see, we are only here for a little while. James says our life is like a vapor, here for a little while, and then vanishes away. How long is a “Little while?” I don’t know, exactly. For Dee, it was 49 years. 49 years to make a difference. To make a difference with her family, her friends, and her relationship with God. For many, it is less time. For others, more. Don’t take time for granted, it is the one thing that we have no guarantees on. And it is the thing we take for granted most often. Use your time wisely, make the most of every opportunity.
Make a difference where you are right now. Do it now, while you have the time. Make a difference with your relationship with God. Make a difference with your friends, your co-workers. Make a difference at your schools and where you work. Make a difference on the team you play on, your club. Your church. You CAN make a difference and you can make it now. It is your CHOICE whether or not you choose to do it.
Dee, thank you for making a difference. We miss you here but look forward to the day that we will see you again. As the country singer Billy Dean says in one of his songs, “Cause we’re only here for a little while.”
TR
Sunday, August 14
Thank you for what you do
Now that the trips are over and all of the teams are home, work begins to get ready for the 2006 mission trips. As amazing as it may seem, I have already begun the ground work. Even before the suitcases have been put back into storage, phone calls, e-mails, and conversations have already started. Summer is not even officially over and work for next year is off and running.
I can remember just a few years ago, literally, that prep work for the next year’s trip would not even cross my mind until after Thanksgiving break. August, September, and October were months to relax and do other things, like work your full time job! But now, I work my full time job and plan for Honduras after a brief 2 week “off” period. And I am sure it is not just me, I am willing to guess that the other Torch leaders are in the same boat. Do you remember the movie, “Jaws?” Sure you do. Who can forget that movie, right? Remember the scene where the crew is in the boat and they see the shark for the first time? Remember Chief Brodie’s line, “We are going to need a bigger boat?” That is how I feel! The Torch leaders are in a boat and we need a bigger one! The one we are in, which appeared to be big enough, doesn’t seem big enough now!
It was a tremendous year. Reading all of the bloodspots from the other teams reminded me of how much was done this year. If it was not for the work of Tim and Gena Hines, along with Joe Merillat, much of what we all were able to do would not have happened. Tim is amazing. All of us that know Tim know that he is amazing. He works with all of the groups that come down throughout the year, juggles schedules, scouts out work sites. He orders wood for the houses, orders food to be delivered. He makes phone calls to all of the places we want to visit. He pulls strings and calls in favors. He makes himself available the whole time we are there. He is up early, brewing his master coffee blend, and stays up late at night. And all of that with a back that has more metal parts than a lot of sports cars these days.
Gena schedules teams and the dates they will be in Honduras, making sure we do not over-lap. She makes reservations for the Mission House and makes sure there is enough beds for our mega teams. She makes travel arrangements for our retreats. She changes and corrects all of the tickets that we mess up. And she does it will a smile and with an attitude that just makes you want to give her a big hug.
And of course, Joe; he is the work horse. He gets up early to pick up wood orders. And Tin. And hinges (because you can’t get them all at the same place in Honduras…. That would be too easy…). He drives everyone around town to the places they need to get to each day. He helps plan out daily activities, heads up work crews. He volunteers to work, even on his days off. He gives up free time to be with the teams that there working.
I cannot say enough good things about Tim, Gena, and Joe. They are real warriors, true spiritual heroes. They work so hard, many times without even a “thank you” for their time. They sacrifice their time, their talents, and many times their own money, to make sure each Torch team has what they need to do the jobs at hand. If ever anyone is taken for granted, it is these three. Its easy to take things (or people) for granted, too. We rarely do it on purpose. It is almost certainly just an oversight. But, it happens.
I would like to encourage everyone who reads this blog to take a couple of minutes out of their schedules and write a thank you note to them. It really is the least we can do. Because of them we can do the things we do. And they make us look good doing it. Think about it, how many of us have done reports to our home congregations talking about everything we accomplished this summer? And how many of us specifically mentioned Tim, Gena, and Joe in our reports? And right now, how many of us are starting to plan for next year’s trips? How many of us are including these three in our dreams, thoughts, and plans? Tim’s e-mail is waywalker@msn.com; Gena’s e-mail is genahines@gmail.com ; and Joe’s e-mail is josephmartin12@gmail.com .
Congratulations to all of the Torch teams this year! What an amazing year it has been so far. There is still more to come, too!!! Thanks especially to Tim, Gena, and Joe, for making it happen. We couldn’t do this without you. You guys are amazing and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for the kingdom work in Honduras. There are others that were not mentioned that played huge parts this summer. But that is for another time, another blog.
Until next time, Dios te bendiga!
TR
I can remember just a few years ago, literally, that prep work for the next year’s trip would not even cross my mind until after Thanksgiving break. August, September, and October were months to relax and do other things, like work your full time job! But now, I work my full time job and plan for Honduras after a brief 2 week “off” period. And I am sure it is not just me, I am willing to guess that the other Torch leaders are in the same boat. Do you remember the movie, “Jaws?” Sure you do. Who can forget that movie, right? Remember the scene where the crew is in the boat and they see the shark for the first time? Remember Chief Brodie’s line, “We are going to need a bigger boat?” That is how I feel! The Torch leaders are in a boat and we need a bigger one! The one we are in, which appeared to be big enough, doesn’t seem big enough now!
It was a tremendous year. Reading all of the bloodspots from the other teams reminded me of how much was done this year. If it was not for the work of Tim and Gena Hines, along with Joe Merillat, much of what we all were able to do would not have happened. Tim is amazing. All of us that know Tim know that he is amazing. He works with all of the groups that come down throughout the year, juggles schedules, scouts out work sites. He orders wood for the houses, orders food to be delivered. He makes phone calls to all of the places we want to visit. He pulls strings and calls in favors. He makes himself available the whole time we are there. He is up early, brewing his master coffee blend, and stays up late at night. And all of that with a back that has more metal parts than a lot of sports cars these days.
Gena schedules teams and the dates they will be in Honduras, making sure we do not over-lap. She makes reservations for the Mission House and makes sure there is enough beds for our mega teams. She makes travel arrangements for our retreats. She changes and corrects all of the tickets that we mess up. And she does it will a smile and with an attitude that just makes you want to give her a big hug.
And of course, Joe; he is the work horse. He gets up early to pick up wood orders. And Tin. And hinges (because you can’t get them all at the same place in Honduras…. That would be too easy…). He drives everyone around town to the places they need to get to each day. He helps plan out daily activities, heads up work crews. He volunteers to work, even on his days off. He gives up free time to be with the teams that there working.
I cannot say enough good things about Tim, Gena, and Joe. They are real warriors, true spiritual heroes. They work so hard, many times without even a “thank you” for their time. They sacrifice their time, their talents, and many times their own money, to make sure each Torch team has what they need to do the jobs at hand. If ever anyone is taken for granted, it is these three. Its easy to take things (or people) for granted, too. We rarely do it on purpose. It is almost certainly just an oversight. But, it happens.
I would like to encourage everyone who reads this blog to take a couple of minutes out of their schedules and write a thank you note to them. It really is the least we can do. Because of them we can do the things we do. And they make us look good doing it. Think about it, how many of us have done reports to our home congregations talking about everything we accomplished this summer? And how many of us specifically mentioned Tim, Gena, and Joe in our reports? And right now, how many of us are starting to plan for next year’s trips? How many of us are including these three in our dreams, thoughts, and plans? Tim’s e-mail is waywalker@msn.com; Gena’s e-mail is genahines@gmail.com ; and Joe’s e-mail is josephmartin12@gmail.com .
Congratulations to all of the Torch teams this year! What an amazing year it has been so far. There is still more to come, too!!! Thanks especially to Tim, Gena, and Joe, for making it happen. We couldn’t do this without you. You guys are amazing and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for the kingdom work in Honduras. There are others that were not mentioned that played huge parts this summer. But that is for another time, another blog.
Until next time, Dios te bendiga!
TR
Friday, August 5
July trips exceed expectations
The 2005 summer mission trips to Honduras are over and we are all back home; back to our daily lives. We have returned to work, back to our day to day routines. Students are scrambling to get in the last couple of days of summer vacation in before starting another year of school. College students are packing up and heading off to their respective schools. It doesn’t take long to get back into the swing of things, does it? But most of us are still talking about the trip we made to Honduras this summer and the wonderful things we experienced. New friends, tons of stories, and freshly printed photos are floating around everywhere. This was definitely a great summer.
For all those who are interested, I have tried to calculate the statistical totals of the trips. Many will be doing presentations to their home congregations soon and hopefully this information will be useful to you. Feel free to contact me if you need additional information or any clarifications on what you read.
July 1-10 team totals: (98 total team members)
* 3 day VBS at Limon Church of Christ in Choluteca (600 in attendance)
* Painted the Limon church building and clinic (35 gallons of paint!)
* 3 day VBS/gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (500 in attendance)
* 1 day medical clinic outside Valley of Angels (450 patients seen)
* Built 6 new houses
* Passed out 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Passed out 1,000 bottles of purified water
* Made 35 gallons of lemonade!
* Made 1,100 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!
* Visited the special needs orphanage
* Visited hospital Esquela twice (every patient and visitor received toys, clothes, and stuffed animals)
* Passed out 1,000 flyers in the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 650 Bibles
* Worked 2 days in Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, and block
* Gave away 62 boxes of shoes, clothes, and toys
* Had 22 devotionals
* Gave $1,651 for contribution
* Visited Jimmy Hughes children’s home
The Crew retreat: (24 team members)
* Spent 1 night at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa
* Cleared brush at Santa Ana along with concrete work
* Built 18’x 32’ bodega at Santa Ana
* Participated in poverty simulation at Santa Ana
* Took the children from Dadasko orphanage on a field trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken (and the HUGE play ground!); Showed the Spanish version of the movie “Finding Nemo” with Tim’s video projector (with popcorn and drinks); Played games and soccer; and had a pizza party!
July 13-24 trip (94 total team members)
* 3 days of work at Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, clearing brush, pouring sidewalks, and hauling blocks
* Visited Hospital Esquela 3 times
* Visited the blind school
* Built 4 new houses
* Packed 850 boxes of food
* Visited the Special Needs Orphanage
* Painted 2 school classrooms at Nueve Oriental
* 3 days of VBS/ gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (450 in attendance)
* Put on a carnival at Valley of Angels
* Distributed 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Visited the Good Shepard Children’s home and did a carnival for them
* Built a 3 tower playground at Dadasko Orphanage (3 bridges; 12 swings; 16’ cargo net climbing course; 20’ climbing rope; 4 slides; balancing beam rope pull; 7 decks) with unlimited playing combinations!
* Put on a carnival for the Dadasko Orphanage
* Passed out 1,200 bottles of purified water
* 2 day VBS at Aguas Agria ( 300 in attendance)
* Medical clinic at Aguas Agria (142 patients seen)
* Gave away 112 boxes of clothes, shoes, toys
* Passed out 1,200 flyers at the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 400 Bibles
* Painted 11 houses
* 24 devotionals
* $1,400 contribution
* Visited Hospital San Philippe
* Made 950 peanut butter and honey sandwiches
* Made 25 gallons of lemonade
* Our soccer team defeated the American Airlines team at the Olympic training facility 7-4 and the Cobras (Honduras' special task force) 6-5!!! 2-0 record!
For those of you that did not get to go this year, this is just part of the reason the one’s who came back can’t seem to stop talking about the trips. There are so many projects, so many memories. So many stories! But most importantly, there were so many lives that were touched and so many seeds that were planted. God granted us a wonderful trip that will be remembered a lifetime.
Thanks again to all who helped make this trip a reality. Thanks for the prayer warriors that prayed for us everyday while we were away. Thanks to all who gave money and supplies for this year’s trip. Thanks to the parents that allowed their children to go on the trip and gave us the opportunity to work with them. Thanks to all of the group leaders who participated this year. Thanks to all of the congregations that worked together to support this work. Thanks to all of the team leaders who headed up the different projects, without you it would be impossible to run teams as big as ours! And thank you Lord, for granting us good weather and health during the trip. God watched over us and guided us everyday while we were in Honduras and we give Him the glory for all that we did in His name. Until next time, Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)
For all those who are interested, I have tried to calculate the statistical totals of the trips. Many will be doing presentations to their home congregations soon and hopefully this information will be useful to you. Feel free to contact me if you need additional information or any clarifications on what you read.
July 1-10 team totals: (98 total team members)
* 3 day VBS at Limon Church of Christ in Choluteca (600 in attendance)
* Painted the Limon church building and clinic (35 gallons of paint!)
* 3 day VBS/gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (500 in attendance)
* 1 day medical clinic outside Valley of Angels (450 patients seen)
* Built 6 new houses
* Passed out 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Passed out 1,000 bottles of purified water
* Made 35 gallons of lemonade!
* Made 1,100 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!
* Visited the special needs orphanage
* Visited hospital Esquela twice (every patient and visitor received toys, clothes, and stuffed animals)
* Passed out 1,000 flyers in the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 650 Bibles
* Worked 2 days in Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, and block
* Gave away 62 boxes of shoes, clothes, and toys
* Had 22 devotionals
* Gave $1,651 for contribution
* Visited Jimmy Hughes children’s home
The Crew retreat: (24 team members)
* Spent 1 night at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa
* Cleared brush at Santa Ana along with concrete work
* Built 18’x 32’ bodega at Santa Ana
* Participated in poverty simulation at Santa Ana
* Took the children from Dadasko orphanage on a field trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken (and the HUGE play ground!); Showed the Spanish version of the movie “Finding Nemo” with Tim’s video projector (with popcorn and drinks); Played games and soccer; and had a pizza party!
July 13-24 trip (94 total team members)
* 3 days of work at Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, clearing brush, pouring sidewalks, and hauling blocks
* Visited Hospital Esquela 3 times
* Visited the blind school
* Built 4 new houses
* Packed 850 boxes of food
* Visited the Special Needs Orphanage
* Painted 2 school classrooms at Nueve Oriental
* 3 days of VBS/ gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (450 in attendance)
* Put on a carnival at Valley of Angels
* Distributed 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Visited the Good Shepard Children’s home and did a carnival for them
* Built a 3 tower playground at Dadasko Orphanage (3 bridges; 12 swings; 16’ cargo net climbing course; 20’ climbing rope; 4 slides; balancing beam rope pull; 7 decks) with unlimited playing combinations!
* Put on a carnival for the Dadasko Orphanage
* Passed out 1,200 bottles of purified water
* 2 day VBS at Aguas Agria ( 300 in attendance)
* Medical clinic at Aguas Agria (142 patients seen)
* Gave away 112 boxes of clothes, shoes, toys
* Passed out 1,200 flyers at the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 400 Bibles
* Painted 11 houses
* 24 devotionals
* $1,400 contribution
* Visited Hospital San Philippe
* Made 950 peanut butter and honey sandwiches
* Made 25 gallons of lemonade
* Our soccer team defeated the American Airlines team at the Olympic training facility 7-4 and the Cobras (Honduras' special task force) 6-5!!! 2-0 record!
For those of you that did not get to go this year, this is just part of the reason the one’s who came back can’t seem to stop talking about the trips. There are so many projects, so many memories. So many stories! But most importantly, there were so many lives that were touched and so many seeds that were planted. God granted us a wonderful trip that will be remembered a lifetime.
Thanks again to all who helped make this trip a reality. Thanks for the prayer warriors that prayed for us everyday while we were away. Thanks to all who gave money and supplies for this year’s trip. Thanks to the parents that allowed their children to go on the trip and gave us the opportunity to work with them. Thanks to all of the group leaders who participated this year. Thanks to all of the congregations that worked together to support this work. Thanks to all of the team leaders who headed up the different projects, without you it would be impossible to run teams as big as ours! And thank you Lord, for granting us good weather and health during the trip. God watched over us and guided us everyday while we were in Honduras and we give Him the glory for all that we did in His name. Until next time, Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)
Tuesday, July 26
Thank you to everyone!
Back in the States
Thank you to everyone who made every moment of this trip possible. Whether or not you were present in Honduras, you made a significant impact.
To those who supported us...thank you for your encouraging and supportive words. Thank you for the material and financial donations. Thank you, especially, for the countless prayers you lifted up on our behalf.
To my computer people...thank you to everyone who took time to read the daily messages and wrote back to us homesick friends. Thank you to my fabulous point people: Allen, David, Karen, Laurie, Ryan, Mardee, Margaret, Mrs. Roberts, Rachel, and Trish. Thank you to the TORCH people that helped many late nights: Brandy Barnett (the world's best intern), Katie Wells, Wendy Allen, Esperanza Massana, Hannah Wood, Ross Vego, Joseph Noto, and Jack Lipsey.
To the TORCH members...thank you for pouring out your hearts to the people of Honduras. Thank you for every smile, embrace, and kind word (even if it was in broken Spanish). Thank you for every heavy rock you lifted, every nail you hit (every thumb you hit), and every rain drop you endured. Thank you for seeking the will of God and allowing Him to use you daily. Remember that we are all "children of the King" and can do His work in the States, also.
Galatians 6:10,
Jennifer
Thank you to everyone who made every moment of this trip possible. Whether or not you were present in Honduras, you made a significant impact.
To those who supported us...thank you for your encouraging and supportive words. Thank you for the material and financial donations. Thank you, especially, for the countless prayers you lifted up on our behalf.
To my computer people...thank you to everyone who took time to read the daily messages and wrote back to us homesick friends. Thank you to my fabulous point people: Allen, David, Karen, Laurie, Ryan, Mardee, Margaret, Mrs. Roberts, Rachel, and Trish. Thank you to the TORCH people that helped many late nights: Brandy Barnett (the world's best intern), Katie Wells, Wendy Allen, Esperanza Massana, Hannah Wood, Ross Vego, Joseph Noto, and Jack Lipsey.
To the TORCH members...thank you for pouring out your hearts to the people of Honduras. Thank you for every smile, embrace, and kind word (even if it was in broken Spanish). Thank you for every heavy rock you lifted, every nail you hit (every thumb you hit), and every rain drop you endured. Thank you for seeking the will of God and allowing Him to use you daily. Remember that we are all "children of the King" and can do His work in the States, also.
Galatians 6:10,
Jennifer
The Retreat Weekend
Retreat Weekend (Friday, July 22 - Sunday, July 24)
We all enjoyed the time spent at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There were massages, manicures, pedicures, pool visits, scrumptious meals, goosefeather pillows, huge beds, opportunities to flush toilet paper, and the list only gets better.
Saturday, our guys had a soccer match against the Cobras (special forces team of Honduras). Last year, we faced them and won. They couldn't believe a bunch of Gringos (and some Hispanic recruits) could do so well. They have been itching for a rematch. I'm not sure they got what they wanted, because our guys beat them 6-5. Goals were scored by Rodolfo Herrera (3), Matthew Taylor, Nathan Reeves, and Brett Mitchell. MVP for the game was given to Jedidiah Hostetler (Little Hoss) for his remarkable efforts.
Saturday night, the devotional thought was given by Nathan Reeves. He shared his testimony in how God has continued to bless his life. He was born January 31, 1984 to the most amazing parent. He has lived many places and traveled a great deal. In college he found a moment that happens to everyone at some time. He hit a wall and gave up to God's power and control. He asked for God to heal his father and prayed that God take over his life. From that point, he began to change his way of living to allow a focus on God's will. Psalm 139 was an encouragement, as it states that God knows everything about us. God has put certain people in all of our lives. God puts these people in our lives for a reason--you just need to look for it. "You can't mistake what God is doing in your life."
Sunday, we had church service before checking out and going to the airport. Terry Reeves gave a sermon that summed up the past few weeks. He encouraged us to remember all that had happened in Honduras. We should continue strong and follow God's plan for our lives back in the States.
Nos vemos (We'll see you),
JMA
We all enjoyed the time spent at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There were massages, manicures, pedicures, pool visits, scrumptious meals, goosefeather pillows, huge beds, opportunities to flush toilet paper, and the list only gets better.
Saturday, our guys had a soccer match against the Cobras (special forces team of Honduras). Last year, we faced them and won. They couldn't believe a bunch of Gringos (and some Hispanic recruits) could do so well. They have been itching for a rematch. I'm not sure they got what they wanted, because our guys beat them 6-5. Goals were scored by Rodolfo Herrera (3), Matthew Taylor, Nathan Reeves, and Brett Mitchell. MVP for the game was given to Jedidiah Hostetler (Little Hoss) for his remarkable efforts.
Saturday night, the devotional thought was given by Nathan Reeves. He shared his testimony in how God has continued to bless his life. He was born January 31, 1984 to the most amazing parent. He has lived many places and traveled a great deal. In college he found a moment that happens to everyone at some time. He hit a wall and gave up to God's power and control. He asked for God to heal his father and prayed that God take over his life. From that point, he began to change his way of living to allow a focus on God's will. Psalm 139 was an encouragement, as it states that God knows everything about us. God has put certain people in all of our lives. God puts these people in our lives for a reason--you just need to look for it. "You can't mistake what God is doing in your life."
Sunday, we had church service before checking out and going to the airport. Terry Reeves gave a sermon that summed up the past few weeks. He encouraged us to remember all that had happened in Honduras. We should continue strong and follow God's plan for our lives back in the States.
Nos vemos (We'll see you),
JMA
Monday, July 25
Our Last Work Day
[I apologize for the delay in this update. "Welcome to Honduras" occurred for me when the Internet went down Saturday night and did not return before we left on Sunday. Many of you have already come in contact with your loved ones and are blessed by their presence. Savor the moments and enjoy the updates on this site as they come at spaced intervals.]
Friday, July 22
The day began with an inspiring and uplifting devotional by Shane Yoder. He relayed a story to us concerning one of his opportunities he had to surf. When he looked out upon the ocean, he was taken back by the enormous waves. He stood on ground deciding if he should take the chance. Then, he realized that after coming that far, he had to at least try. He studied the waves once more before paddling out. Once he made it out, there was a surprising ease. This is how our faith has to be; turn everything to God and allow him to handle everything.
We then loaded up all our luggage to be transported to the retreat. We pulled out of the mission house and traveled 1.5 hours to the Didasko orphanage. Earlier this morning (around 5:30), a small team traveled to the orphanage to finish the playground. When the second group arrived around 11:15, we were amazed at the progress of the building. While the builders continued, the rest of us hosted a carnival for the kids. We had most of the games that were present at the last two carnivals. Surprisingly, the kids didn't spend much time playing these games. As a testament to their character, they chose to spend time with us. Some colored and blew bubbles while the older kids played soccer. Not many tickets were won, but prizes were gladly dispensed.
The kids needed to leave for a school trip at 1:30. Many were worried about the completion of the playground. Yet, God guided our workers the entire time. They finished at 12:45, allowing time for the kids to enjoy "Terry World" before leaving. Jorge (headmaster of the orphanage) gave a thank you speech and named the playground after our humbled and astonished leader. The kids loved it--maybe as much as Terry Reeves did.
Shortly after the grand opening, we left the orphanage for the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There we began our relaxation and reflection. The night devotional thought was given by Dr. Joe Roberts. He "refreshed our hearts" by speaking about how Christ delivered us from eternal condemnation. Revelation 12 gives us a glimse of what was going on in Heaven when Jesus died and was buried. The war has been won in Heaven, yet we face the battles here on earth.
"Where did you see Jesus?"
Friday, July 22
The day began with an inspiring and uplifting devotional by Shane Yoder. He relayed a story to us concerning one of his opportunities he had to surf. When he looked out upon the ocean, he was taken back by the enormous waves. He stood on ground deciding if he should take the chance. Then, he realized that after coming that far, he had to at least try. He studied the waves once more before paddling out. Once he made it out, there was a surprising ease. This is how our faith has to be; turn everything to God and allow him to handle everything.
We then loaded up all our luggage to be transported to the retreat. We pulled out of the mission house and traveled 1.5 hours to the Didasko orphanage. Earlier this morning (around 5:30), a small team traveled to the orphanage to finish the playground. When the second group arrived around 11:15, we were amazed at the progress of the building. While the builders continued, the rest of us hosted a carnival for the kids. We had most of the games that were present at the last two carnivals. Surprisingly, the kids didn't spend much time playing these games. As a testament to their character, they chose to spend time with us. Some colored and blew bubbles while the older kids played soccer. Not many tickets were won, but prizes were gladly dispensed.
The kids needed to leave for a school trip at 1:30. Many were worried about the completion of the playground. Yet, God guided our workers the entire time. They finished at 12:45, allowing time for the kids to enjoy "Terry World" before leaving. Jorge (headmaster of the orphanage) gave a thank you speech and named the playground after our humbled and astonished leader. The kids loved it--maybe as much as Terry Reeves did.
Shortly after the grand opening, we left the orphanage for the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There we began our relaxation and reflection. The night devotional thought was given by Dr. Joe Roberts. He "refreshed our hearts" by speaking about how Christ delivered us from eternal condemnation. Revelation 12 gives us a glimse of what was going on in Heaven when Jesus died and was buried. The war has been won in Heaven, yet we face the battles here on earth.
"Where did you see Jesus?"
- In the group who worked long and hard on the playground. They did an amazing job, and it was awesome to see the kids play.
- In Edgar (an old friend from when the Crew took the kids to KFC) who called a TORCH member the only word he knew in Spanish: "brother". Again, in Edgar who told another TORCH member that he would be praying for him. A third time, in Edgar who prayed in Spanish for a TORCH member, who only recognized his own name. Then that member prayed for Edgar in English; Edgar most likely only knew his own name, also.
- In Niki who has grown so much toward God. It has been amazing to watch her use her Spanish throughout the trip.
- In Jorge as he is an example of how to be a servant as well as leader.
- In Shane and the awesome devo. When people complemented him, he simply replied, "God was speaking through me." Also, today he sat in the middle of the playground and was absorbed in the beautiful sight of all the kids playing around him.
Gracias a Dios por todos (Thanks to God for everything),
JMA
Saturday, July 23
Patience is a virtue
I just wanted to write and let you know we are safe and on our retreat at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucilgapa. Everyone is busy- including me. So, I promise to write tonight (even if it is 3 am) to tell you about our last work day which was incredible!
Gracias por su paciencia (Thank you for your patience),
JMA
Gracias por su paciencia (Thank you for your patience),
JMA
Friday, July 22
The last days are near
Thursday, July 21
WOW!! Is this trip really almost over? I cannot believe how fast time goes by when you are working for the LORD. It seems like yesterday the first group arrived. Now we are at the end of the last group´s trip. I have to say it has been a pleasure keeping all of you informed on the progress being made here, but we´re still not finished...
Today started off like all other days with a great breakfast (eggs, ham, and toast). About eleven people left at about 7:30 am for Didasko to finish the playground. For the rest of us, Devo was at 8am. Nolan led singing this morning. Singing has been amazing, I wish all of you could be here to participate in it. After a few songs Paul Forshey from Kentucky gave us the lesson for the day. He talked about why he wanted to come to Honduras. He mentioned how God brought us all here for a reason. God put in this group so many different talents. He challenged us to go out today and use all our talents. Paul did a wonderful job, just like all the others have done.
After devo, we split up into three groups: a paint crew, construction crew, and a crew to do random things. The Didasko team continued there work on the playground. The kids were still so grateful. Matt Mitchell said that all the kids were willing to help out in anyway possible. Terry Reeves was telling us tonight that the team ran out of wood. The worst thing about this situation is none of the members on the team spoke English. Luckly, Terry was able to contact the director of the orphanage to ask if they could use some wood by a storage room. The director said, ¨No, but follow me.¨ He took Terry to the storage room and opened the door. Terry said that there was wood in the storage room. The director then said, ¨Anything of ours is yours.¨ He let Terry use all of the wood in the room, isn´t that awesome? Although the he let them use all of the wood there was still not enough. The team was unable to finish the playground today, but they are leaving at 5:30 am to finish it. These guys are troopers. The painting and construction team went to Nuevo Oriental to paint and build a house. This group worked non-stop all day. They left at 9 am and returned at at about 6:45 pm. They painted 2 and 1/2 houses and built one new home. They did awesome today. For last group today was a relaxing day. This group went out to the Valley of Angels to shop and distribute food. There were about 50 of us. About 8 went to distribute food, while the others shopped for gifts. When we finished there we left for lunch. After lunch we were able to go to the biggest Cathedral in Teguce. There we sang, might I add that there is a 5 to 7 second echo. Yes it was AMAZING!! At about 4 pm we left to go to the blind school. The Blind School is probably one of the most emotionally draining places we go. When we got there, we played with the kids, handed out toys, candy, etc. They loved it. After sometime playing, we went into a room where we sang a few songs for them. When we finished, they sang to us. Their singing will bring tears to your eyes (male or female). It is truely Heaven. They sang about 5 or 6 songs and by the last song there was not a dry eye in the building. God is Awesome!! When all the songs were sang, we took the kids back outside to play a little while longer. That time went by too fast. We left at about 5:45 pm headed back to the mission house.
We got back at the mission house at about 6:15, followed by the construction at 6:45, and then by the Didasko team at 7:30. We had roast, rice, and a roll for supper, it was wonderful as always. After supper we had devo at 8. Singing was led by our awesome leader, Terry Reeves, amazing once again. After several songs Pat Gutherie, from PA, gave the devo. Pat gave his testimony tonight. He has been through more than anyone could ever guess just by talking to him. He thanked Gracie and Rich Gutherie for the help they gave him. He said that if it hadn´t been for Gracie he would probably still be a ¨Sunday Christian¨ Praise God, that Pat has people in his life like Rich and Gracie. We all need to be willing to help each other, and Gracie is a great example for us all.
Tonight is our last night at the Mission House. We will all be home very soon. We love you all, and thank you for your prayers. God Bless You all!!
Where did you See Jesus?
Jesus was seen in a little boy at the Blind school who was being held by Brandy Barnett. The little boy put his hand one her chest and said this is my sister.
Jesus was seen in Steve Baker at the constuction sight. A little girl grabbed him and he played and talked to her all day.
Jesus was seen at the Blind school when the children were singing.
Jesus was seen in the community at Nuevo Oriental. The truck that delivered the tin got stuck in the mud and people from the community came to help push it out. While they did this a lady brought plates of food for the ones working to get the truck out.
Jesus was seen in the paint crew at Nuevo Oriental. They finished a lot sooner than the construction team and instead of complaining they played with the kids and helped out in anyway they could.
Jesus was seen in Carlos, the preacher at the Valley of Angels. We went to distribute food there today, but instead of distributing the food in the Valley, Carlos took the group to a community that has not had any help yet. It is so awesome to see his concern for not only the Valley people, but also the ones in the surrounding communities.
Thanks so much for all your prayers. We will be home soon. We miss you all and can´t wait to tell you our own personal stories.
In Him
Brandy B
WOW!! Is this trip really almost over? I cannot believe how fast time goes by when you are working for the LORD. It seems like yesterday the first group arrived. Now we are at the end of the last group´s trip. I have to say it has been a pleasure keeping all of you informed on the progress being made here, but we´re still not finished...
Today started off like all other days with a great breakfast (eggs, ham, and toast). About eleven people left at about 7:30 am for Didasko to finish the playground. For the rest of us, Devo was at 8am. Nolan led singing this morning. Singing has been amazing, I wish all of you could be here to participate in it. After a few songs Paul Forshey from Kentucky gave us the lesson for the day. He talked about why he wanted to come to Honduras. He mentioned how God brought us all here for a reason. God put in this group so many different talents. He challenged us to go out today and use all our talents. Paul did a wonderful job, just like all the others have done.
After devo, we split up into three groups: a paint crew, construction crew, and a crew to do random things. The Didasko team continued there work on the playground. The kids were still so grateful. Matt Mitchell said that all the kids were willing to help out in anyway possible. Terry Reeves was telling us tonight that the team ran out of wood. The worst thing about this situation is none of the members on the team spoke English. Luckly, Terry was able to contact the director of the orphanage to ask if they could use some wood by a storage room. The director said, ¨No, but follow me.¨ He took Terry to the storage room and opened the door. Terry said that there was wood in the storage room. The director then said, ¨Anything of ours is yours.¨ He let Terry use all of the wood in the room, isn´t that awesome? Although the he let them use all of the wood there was still not enough. The team was unable to finish the playground today, but they are leaving at 5:30 am to finish it. These guys are troopers. The painting and construction team went to Nuevo Oriental to paint and build a house. This group worked non-stop all day. They left at 9 am and returned at at about 6:45 pm. They painted 2 and 1/2 houses and built one new home. They did awesome today. For last group today was a relaxing day. This group went out to the Valley of Angels to shop and distribute food. There were about 50 of us. About 8 went to distribute food, while the others shopped for gifts. When we finished there we left for lunch. After lunch we were able to go to the biggest Cathedral in Teguce. There we sang, might I add that there is a 5 to 7 second echo. Yes it was AMAZING!! At about 4 pm we left to go to the blind school. The Blind School is probably one of the most emotionally draining places we go. When we got there, we played with the kids, handed out toys, candy, etc. They loved it. After sometime playing, we went into a room where we sang a few songs for them. When we finished, they sang to us. Their singing will bring tears to your eyes (male or female). It is truely Heaven. They sang about 5 or 6 songs and by the last song there was not a dry eye in the building. God is Awesome!! When all the songs were sang, we took the kids back outside to play a little while longer. That time went by too fast. We left at about 5:45 pm headed back to the mission house.
We got back at the mission house at about 6:15, followed by the construction at 6:45, and then by the Didasko team at 7:30. We had roast, rice, and a roll for supper, it was wonderful as always. After supper we had devo at 8. Singing was led by our awesome leader, Terry Reeves, amazing once again. After several songs Pat Gutherie, from PA, gave the devo. Pat gave his testimony tonight. He has been through more than anyone could ever guess just by talking to him. He thanked Gracie and Rich Gutherie for the help they gave him. He said that if it hadn´t been for Gracie he would probably still be a ¨Sunday Christian¨ Praise God, that Pat has people in his life like Rich and Gracie. We all need to be willing to help each other, and Gracie is a great example for us all.
Tonight is our last night at the Mission House. We will all be home very soon. We love you all, and thank you for your prayers. God Bless You all!!
Where did you See Jesus?
Jesus was seen in a little boy at the Blind school who was being held by Brandy Barnett. The little boy put his hand one her chest and said this is my sister.
Jesus was seen in Steve Baker at the constuction sight. A little girl grabbed him and he played and talked to her all day.
Jesus was seen at the Blind school when the children were singing.
Jesus was seen in the community at Nuevo Oriental. The truck that delivered the tin got stuck in the mud and people from the community came to help push it out. While they did this a lady brought plates of food for the ones working to get the truck out.
Jesus was seen in the paint crew at Nuevo Oriental. They finished a lot sooner than the construction team and instead of complaining they played with the kids and helped out in anyway they could.
Jesus was seen in Carlos, the preacher at the Valley of Angels. We went to distribute food there today, but instead of distributing the food in the Valley, Carlos took the group to a community that has not had any help yet. It is so awesome to see his concern for not only the Valley people, but also the ones in the surrounding communities.
Thanks so much for all your prayers. We will be home soon. We miss you all and can´t wait to tell you our own personal stories.
In Him
Brandy B
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