“Therefore,
since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace
in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only
so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope
does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by
the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans
5:1-5
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| Best bananas ever! |
We returned
to Honduras from a brief visit to the states on August 1st. We hoped
for a smooth transition back to Honduras and as stated above HOPE DOES NOT
DISAPPOINT. Manuel and Josue are finishing up their third quarter exams now and
have continued to amaze us with their integrity and commitment to studies. While
everyone else in their grade worked together to steal a copy of an exam last
week, Manuel and Josué refused to participate. We are saddened by the cheating,
dishonesty, and corruption so prevalent in Honduras and heartbroken to see that
it is happening even in their small high school. We are, on the other hand,
very thankful that these two young men are different. Despite the many
struggles they face, they work very hard to honor God. We are also thankful to
be a part of a church where we can all hear the word of God and discuss and
reflect on the teachings throughout the week. In the evenings, we also share a
time together to check in, pray, and study the Bible. We have finished James,
John, and Philippians since the boys moved in with us and are currently reading
through the book of Acts. We have all been encouraged while reading about the apostles’
boldness in sharing the gospel, caring for others, and speaking truth. How
amazing that Manuel and Josué are also willing to stand up for truth despite
the pressure that surrounds them.
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| Josue studying hard and smiling big |
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| Manuel and Thomas on the back porch studying |
Marvin has
been traveling a lot this month. Some with the boys and some on his own. We are
just 10 weeks away from my due date so we are taking advantage of the more
manageable lifestyle now, while also looking forward to welcoming a baby girl into
our family soon. Marvin traveled about 6 hours away to Balfate to weld at
Hospital Loma de Luz while I stayed home with the boys. He enjoyed the work and
fellowship there. We both appreciate each other more after what felt like such
a long time apart. Marvin also got to take Manuel and Josue to Las Flores so
they could share a weekend with their families. They enjoyed stopping in Puerto
Cortes to visit friends from Heart to Heart on the way there and back.
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| One of the many welding projects Marvin completed at Hospital Loma de Luz |
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| Looking forward to meeting welcoming Baby Joanna into our family this fall |
It has been
a privilege to teach 2 health classes this month in the series I began in July
with the moms of children that participate in the Home of Blessing Ministry. We
work with the children each Saturday while serving a meal and teaching Bible
lessons, but getting to know the moms is extra special. This month we discussed
dental care, water purification, nutrition, and skin care. Some of the mothers
enjoyed winning prizes that will help them care for their families. They
(almost) all enjoy playing games and answering questions that reflect their new
knowledge after participating in the classes. My hope is that they will be
encouraged in the incredibly difficult task of raising children and meeting
their families’ needs with the very little that they have.
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| Some of the moms that won prizes at the Home of Blessing health class |
There were
many other exciting things this month- finishing 1 Timothy with the youth Bible
study, beginning to teach Gaby, Ruby, Sarai, and Paola (girls from Eternal
Family Project) sewing lessons, our neighbor Yolanda, who started Home of
Blessing with her husband Dennys, gave birth to a healthy, ADORABLE, baby boy,
we celebrated our neighbors’ son Oliver’s birthday, went out with the boys for
ice cream, got our internet working again after 3 weeks of little to no connection,
Thomas switched from diapers to underwear with very few accidents, Marvin is
going with our pastor Jeremiah to a mountain village to encourage a home church
each week, friends from Heart to Heart staying on the property, going on walks with the boys, and so much more!
Despite the
suffering you are facing in your own life or the joys that you are celebrating,
I encourage you to continue to hope and persevere. HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!
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| The boys enjoy our Saturday morning walks |
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| Marvin getting to hold Matias Santiago for the first time |
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| Happy Birthday Oliver! So glad we got to celebrate together |
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| Heart to Heart boys enjoying a retreat on the property |
