Ramos Home Construction

God has blessed so many of us in so many different ways. He has given each of us different spiritual gifts:

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

-Romans 12:4-8 

We are so thankful that many "parts" of Christ's body are working together to accomplish a project that God laid on Marvin's heart years ago. Marvin always wanted to give back to his parents and provide for his family in Las Flores. Now with the Lord's help and incredible support from others, construction has begun on a new home for his parents. The changes in their home are as follows:

• Dirt floor to concrete floor
• Wooden frame with rusted roof to metal frame and roof
• Outhouse/bucket to indoor toilet
• Shutters to windows
• No electricity to overhead lights in each room 
• Wood slats for walls to concrete walls 

Ramos home in Las Flores, Honduras

We know that material possessions and a "nicer" home are not going with us to Heaven, but we are convicted that God wants us to care for our families and share the love of Christ with them. The hopes we have in constructing this home are as follows:

• Improved sanitation and health for family members
• In receiving a generous gift, they may learn to give to others
• Provide temporary work for Miguel (head of construction) and his helper
• The Ramos family will experience the love of Christ and come to recognize him as their Lord

The Ramos family: (Top) Abuela, Orlando, Maria, Janquel, Wendy, Susana, Amavilia, Karen, Marvin,Thelma, (Bottom) Stefani, Delmer, Lady, Michelle (Not pictured) Erlin

A special thanks to the Rybolt family and World Evangelism Foundation Inc. and especially to GOD for making this dream a possibility. 

Blessings and Love,
Karen Ramos

Incredible Support

My husband Marvin and I attend worship at Hixson United Methodist Church. When we spoke to one of the pastors Paul Longmire about our plans to go to Honduras for Labor Day weekend, he immediately wanted the church to be involved in this ministry. We had the opportunity to speak at the worship services to let them know that we were going to be in Honduras to encourage families there, strengthen our relationships with individuals, and begin planning our move to Las Flores. We invited the congregation to pray with us and possibly bring donations to support the families and ministries in Honduras. This was the result:

Donations from Hixson UMC, May 2012

bowls (about 15)
cups (about 30)
plates (about 40)
Forks, spoons, knives (about 90 of each)
kitchen knives (10)
blender
4 cell phones
146 pens
404 pencils
30 erasers
34 sharpeners
38 spiral-bound notebooks
5 packs of notebook paper
13 flashlights
21 solar powered lanterns
children's vitamins
Over 350 toothbrushes
Over 300 packs of toothpaste
floss
Over 50 bars of soap
46 containers of shampoo
45 tote bags/ backpacks
$1050.00 plane tickets
$210.00 for extra checked luggage and overweight luggage (this fund allowed us to bring all the donations)
$60.00 for gas while in Honduras
$300.00 to supply school shoes for the children at Worldwide Heart to Heart ministries
$200.00 Ashley and Gary Kwasney (missionaries in charge of the Worldwide Heart to Heart School)
$200.00 Oscar and Amy Serrano (directors of Worldwide Heart to Heart Ministries, provided food, housing, and vehicle)
$230.00 used to purchase donations for school supplies, marbles, and gifts for the workers at the children's home
$150.00 to support the youth group at the church in Honduras and help with camp costs

Marvin's siblings with their new school bags full of school supplies, Las Flores, Honduras, May 26, 2012

Family that received a solar powered lantern, silverware, and toiletries, Las Flores, Honduras, May 26, 2012

Family that received supplies for the family and school bags for the children, Las Flores, Honduras, May 26, 2012

Needless to say, we were truly AMAZED at the response and blown away by what the BODY of CHRIST is able to accomplish. I am so guilty of doubting God's ability to care for us. I often try to organize and plan just to overcome my own doubt, but there is no way I could have organized this. Thanks to all of those who gave to this community and continue to pray for the people of Las Flores.   

Blessings and Love,
Karen Ramos