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