Friday we had health clinic with Madonna Spratt and her staff. They saw more than 30 patients. Today we did visitation out in El Sauce, inviting people to church tomorrow. We offered them a ride if they can come.
Cheryl left for Tulsa in the wee hours of Thursday morning flying standby. She had a very long day, but made it to Tulsa. She will be part of the First United Methodist Mission conference there in Tulsa this week.
Friday we had health clinic with Madonna Spratt and her staff. They saw more than 30 patients. Today we did visitation out in El Sauce, inviting people to church tomorrow. We offered them a ride if they can come. We got our BUILDING PERMIT for the dorms ! After all this runaround, they just gave it to is. Now, we are still working on getting our tax exempt status, but for now, we are rejoicing that we were granted permission to build the dorms.
I don’t think it is a coincidence that Mauricio just happens to be bringing out his contractor/engineer tomorrow to help us mark those footings so the locals could start digging. This coincides with the team from FUMC that was just here feeling called to help get our “dorm” story out. We serve such a mighty God. Do pray with us that once we start we will be able to continue. Mauricio is also bringing his electrical engineer to go over the electricity demands for the production center. As you know we have been trying for a long time to get that connected. Mauricio’s company will stand as a sponsor for us to get the permit. This, along with the prayer walk with the FUMC team a little over a week ago is the first positive thrust we have had for the dormitories and a long time.... This noon we had Nelson, our computer teacher, and his wife Sonia, for lunch. It is amazing how much more ministry oriented Nelson has become since their baptism a couple weeks ago. Early this morning I heard people talking on the front porch and I could tell it was a pretty good-sized crowd. Today is the day our dentist from San Pedro Sula is here. People showed up early to get their place in line. This morning I had a meeting with our lawyer regarding our tax exempt status here in Honduras. I had forgotten how complicated these things can be. We can't even start the procedure here until we get approval from the Honduras Embassy in the United States, even though we have our documents validated by the Department of State in Oklahoma. We had Mauricio Mayer (plant manager at Landau) and his wife Mazie here for lunch today. We talked a lot about his factory, our dormitory project and production center, and also had a great time of fellowship in the Lord
The group from First Methodist Church in Tulsa arrived on Saturday, just in time for the first baptismal service for our church here in the village on Sunday. The baptismal was held at an ocean beach. Five people were baptized, but there were so many who wanted to be a part of the service we had to rent a school bus to transport everyone. Pastor Nelson gave an inspiring message beforehand and then everyone went down to the water to witness the baptisms. It was most inspiring. Afterward the locals put on a feast that was enjoyed by everyone. Ministry has gone well for the Methodist group. Yesterday we started off with a walking tour of El Sauce, the very poor area where we started Gathering Hearts nearly fourteen years ago. There has been children’s ministry, testimonies, cake decorating, and woodworking. Seventy two people have been given eye exams and glasses. The group from First Methodist Tulsa left on Saturday; we had a wonderful time while they were here. Sunday was the first communion service at our church here in the village and it was very special. We had invited a number of people from the low lands when First Methodist was here but didn't know if they would attend. We offered to pick them up, and as it turned out, nearly every one of them came; we had nearly 50 people in church. Pastor Nelson and Juliza Batista left this morning for Venezuela due to their visa problems. Yesterday the morning class of computer students fixed lunch for them; and last night the afternoon class had a BBQ. They really hated to go and fully expect to be back within 30 to 60 days. Please pray with us that they will.
We left the house in Broken Arrow at 3:45 yesterday morning and arrived at the house in Los Portales at nine o'clock last night. Since we were flying standby, that was a pretty good day. We spent much of today in San Pedro Sula buying supplies in preparation for the group from First Methodist Church Tulsa that will arrive on Saturday. Pastor Nelson and Juliza went to San Pedro with us as they had to make another trip to immigration. Late this afternoon they told us that immigration will permit them to stay in Honduras until April 26. At that time they must return to Venezuela to complete paperwork that will allow them to return to Honduras for at least the rest of the year. At this point it looks like they will be able to return here about June 20. Please continue to pray.
We are both in Tulsa for a few days; We’re certainly grateful for a friend who makes it possible for us to fly standby. We couldn’t do it otherwise. The purpose for this quick trip is to work on our tax free status for Honduras. We need it for many reasons, but we’ll surely need it before we begin the production center. I went to Oklahoma City on Friday and got the Apostille for five documents. That’s going to help. We both return on Wednesday April 3rd. Oklahoma State University was with us until the 23rd. They had an excellent trip and got so much done. As a result of this trip they are now helping villagers start a filter business in Baracoa.
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