Hello! I’m still here! I had said in my last update that it would be a while before this week because we were without teams for a while and not a lot was going on. Well, that proved to be very untrue. Plus, we have just finished two weeks with teams here and currently have one here that will be here this coming week. So, let’s get to some good stories!
(I’m uploading at this moment, so it may be better to wait until Monday to look at the pics)
SAMUEL’S BIRTHDAY/ HOUSE PROJECT
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2040441&l=63d73&id=156800196
PROJECTS!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2040442&l=7e2b6&id=156800196
UPDATE ON MARIA- I have a good bit of information to give you about the progress of Maria’s house and the contact I’ve had with her and her 4 children. It’s actually kind of funny but also brings a tear to my eye when I look at my last update where I wrote “…I believe that it is going to work out for us to be able to at least put a concrete floor in for her so she will have a solid piece of concrete to walk on and live on. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to do even more to help this family.” God has done some amazing things since that bit of writing. It’s funny to look back at what my “hopes” were and to see how God has surpassed those hopes in such a short time…
It started not too long after I wrote that when I was driving home from church one night and saw Maria walking home in the rain. I quickly turned around and offered her a ride home, which she took. On the way home I asked her about the children and she kept telling me that something fell. I wasn’t getting the whole picture, but assumed one of the children fell. However, I was able to give her the good news that there was a team coming from the Ranch and we were going to have a work day at her house, and put a concrete floor in her home. She looked at me kind of strange, and with our limited communication, I gave her a date we would be coming, September 30th, to pour a floor. She simply said “bueno,” which is her most used response to my “Spanish.”
A few days later Roy and I were going over there to look at her home and get some plans for the project. As I was walking down the hill to her home, I immediately thought that things did not look right at all. Come to find out, her house had actually FALLEN DOWN, and I soon realized that is what she was trying to tell me that night a couple of weeks before. She had re-stacked the parts of her home into a lean-to on the hill just big enough for the bed and an old dresser. Well, as Roy and I were standing there, we started to get a plan on how this might be just the “push” we needed to move forward with my desire to do something “more” for her. Prices for wood are cheap down here, and we figured we could build a sturdy wood home for about $700 if we did all the labor ourselves. Well, to make this part of the story short, the work day on September 30th ended with a house “skeleton” and a concrete floor. A huge thanks to Kymm & Eric Schultz and their family who helped that day, along with several others from WGO who made that day a wonderful blessing for Maria and her children.
That day was on a Tuesday, and on that Friday, Roy, Ryan, and I returned with materials to put on the roof. So now, the roof is also there, along with all the “support” poles, studs, a door frame, and a concrete floor.
I’ll pause in this story to say that Samuel, Maria’s only boy, turned 6 the next day on Saturday. We decided to have a party, so we went and bought a piñata, candy, cake, drinks, balloons, and some toys and had Samuel a big birthday party in what is there of their new “home.” We had at least 30 children from the community that waded across the river to attend the festivities. It was an awesome day again to bless Maria, and especially Samuel, this way.
Ok, now to continue in God’s amazing outpouring on Maria this past month or so… When my mom was here, we had dinner with lots of our friends, including Pastor Darren from Union Church, the church I attend here. I mentioned my desire to help this family and to someday be able to build a new home for her. Well, he mentioned that Union has a fund for mission projects like this and that if I made a proposal for funds, he was sure the church would be able to help some, if not all. That was back in August, and I really kept thinking “HOW is this going to work? HOW am I going to be able to make this project happen in a reasonable time frame?” Well, I hate to say Maria’s house falling may have been an answer to prayer, but it may have been just that. We were able to take care of funds to pay for the wood we needed to do the frame and roof, but there was no way I could pay for the materials to build her home. I began to work on a proposal to Union and submitted it for the cost of materials already purchased as well as what we would need to finish the house, and total that amounted to $704. After a meeting of the elder board, they decided to fund the ENTIRE PROJECT!!!!!!!!!!!! We decided to have a church workday that will be this coming Saturday and men from the church and some other helpers are coming to put up the siding on Maria’s house, and get it as complete as possible. Hopefully we will be able to finish everything that day. Also, some of the girls from the ranch are going to come and spend some time playing with the kids from the community.
God has done some amazing things this past month in a time that I thought might become “boring” without teams. Again, it’s simply beautiful to see the way he works and provides. More updates to come on this project after this Saturday.
FLOORS- Well, we have had an exciting past two weeks with floor projects also. I want to share about one in particular, which happened to be this past Thursday and Friday. This was a larger home that we decided to make into a 2-day project. We would do a small kitchen area, the large area which was a bedroom/living room, and another side room that was attached with a separate entrance. This totaled about 35 square yards. However, there was a small section of each room about 10 inches lower than the rest. Because of the location of the house, we decided to just “move” the 10 inches that was there, fill in the low side, and level the rest, making the entire home one level floor.
Day one turned out to be one of the toughest days we’ve had in construction. Not only were the materials late coming, we ended up having to haul the materials by buckets up the longest path we’ve ever had to carry materials. When we arrived, we took about an hour to level the floor in the kitchen and living area, and spent the next 4-5 hours carrying sand and gravel, one bucket at a time, from the road far below up to the project site. This was made even more difficult by the rain that was off and on all day and the slippery conditions as a result. At the end of the day, we still managed to pour the floor in the kitchen and half of the main living area.
On day two we returned to finish the main room and to work in the side room, which we had not leveled yet. Well, after finishing the main room, our attention turned to the side room. After removing the bed and other belongings, we saw that on the common wall side, there was about a foot wide section that went from the back of the room to the front where water flows during the rain. Only a small section, maybe 3 foot, had a pipe that helped channel the water out the front. Most of the room however, had a “stream” flowing through it when it rained. We were able to find some more sections of pipe, and after the day was over, were able to present her with a solid floor across the entire room, and a buried pipe about a foot below that caught the water outside, and carried it underneath her floor and out the front of the house, without ever being seen.
For a person that has lived with a river flowing through their room almost daily in the rainy season, this was a HUGE change for the better. This was definitely one of, if not THE, toughest projects we have done, and by far one of the most life-changing. We were able to bless a family of believers with a solid foundation in their home, a tool that they can now use to show others what the love of God can do.
OTHER- Other things are generally going well. We are busy again with teams and life is moving along. We started a new study in Sunday school at Union about peacemaking a few weeks ago, and that is going well. I have also been able to lead worship there a couple of more times since my last update. I am also attending CCI church some, and am being able to play keyboard there with the praise band a couple of times each month. It is very nice to be able to still take part in music, especially to be able to do it in a manner such as this. I have also started taking Spanish lessons recently to help improve my vocabulary and to help sharpen a lot of my grammatical skills. It's a lot of fun, but definitely difficult at times.
PRAYER- I would like to ask for your help in prayer over a lot of situations in my life. I definitely need direction and guidance from the Lord in lots of areas, and ask that you join me in prayer as God’s plan for my life continues to unfold. Please also pray for my family in general as lots of changes take place.If there is a particular request I could help you pray for, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
COMING HOME!- The tickets are bought! I will be flying into Birmingham on Friday, November 21st, and staying until Saturday, January 3rd. I look forward to spending time with family and friends in Geneva, Roanoke, Jacksonville, Panama City, and wherever else the wind blows while I am home.
As before, I would love to be able to have a vehicle to travel in while I’m home. This isn’t a CRITICAL need, but is a huge blessing to be able to travel freely and visit with people during my visit. If you think you could help in this area, PLEASE give me a heads up and we can discuss details. THANK YOU!!!Well, again I am excited about returning home for a time and seeing all of you. I look forward to visiting in person and sharing more about this time in Honduras.
I love all of you!!!
-Jesse
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
AUGUST UPDATE
Hello again to the outside world! I hope this update finds you all doing well and finding yourself blessed daily. This past month has been a wild and crazy month, so I will get right to sharing. Don’t forget to look at pics from floor projects and other things on facebook!
PICS
Floors!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038850&l=1a736&id=156800196
Mom’s Visit
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038853&l=4c317&id=156800196
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038855&l=728b0&id=156800196
STORY- Well, it is always humbling to go into a home and realize that most tool sheds and barns are in better condition than the home you are looking at. A lot of the times I walk into a home and think, “They don’t just need a floor, they need a whole new house!” There are ministries that do build homes for people around the city, but the people I normally see are the people I feel like a lot of missions overlook, or never see to begin with. For example, you may remember some photos from a floor project we did for a family down by the river. While we were there, I was playing with some kids that lived “cerca,” or close. All day I thought about how hard it must be for these kids to live in the kind of neighborhood we were in.
Later on in the day, I started paying attention to a home that was across the river from the one we were working on. From the outside, it definitely looked like one of the worst houses I had ever seen. You could tell the boards were all loose, and that sheets of metal were “weaved” into the sides, and not even nailed in. I watched this lady come out of her home and begin moving around pieces of boards and metal to other places on the house that were without any protection at all. I then noticed that two of the sides of the house had NO boards, just bed sheets hanging from the poorly made roof.
In the meantime, I continued to play with these children, and became very attached to one little one, Maria Fernanda. She loved so much sitting on my lap and playing. She would take off my glasses, put them on her face, point, and laugh the cutest laugh you have ever heard. Then she would put them back on my face and do the same thing. Then I started to try to get her to say my name, and her name. I would do the typical hand on my chest and say “Jesse,” then point to her and say “Maria.” After a few times she caught on and would slap my chest, say “JESSE,” and would repeat that same laugh over and over again. Later, she discovered a bucket of sand next to us and she would put her whole hand in it, and then hold it up asking for a “high-five.” She would grab hold of my hand with hers full of sand, and rub them together, again repeating the laugh that I was starting to cherish. As she was getting tired, she began to lay her head on my shoulder, nap for a few minutes, then jump up and repeat everything we had done so far. Throughout the day, I also became attached to her brother, Samuel, and her two older sisters, Glenda and Geny.
As the day was coming to a close, my attention went back across the river to the home I had seen earlier, and I saw this lady walking down from her home, and began wading across the river toward us. Maria points across to this lady and says “MAMA!” My heart instantly sinks and my whole stomach tightens. I instantly realize and acknowledge that God has placed this family before me to help them with their needs. After talking with her through Nilsy, my translator, I discover that she works as a street sweeper and makes about $10 a week. A street sweeper here literally is a person that walks around different parts of the city with a straw broom and large bags, carrying an orange cone behind them warning motorists of their presence ahead. Her husband no longer lives at the home because he was a drunk and abusive father, and was asked to leave in the past. When I asked what she would say her needs were, she only asked that she be able to feed her 4 children.
She lives there with no electricity, running water, sink, or plumbing, and a dirt floor. Most homes here have some kind of outside “pila,” a concrete washboard with a basin full of water. This lady, whose name is also Maria, has a large round rock that she scrubs her clothes on. Most homes here have an electric or gas burner for cooking. Maria has a barrel with a hole cut out of the side and an old grill set up off the top by a couple of brick fragments. She has a shower made out of some tree poles with some shredded vinyl around the outside. On the inside is a small bucket that they use to bathe with.
After speaking with some of the staff of WGO, I believe that it is going to work out for us to be able to at least put a concrete floor in for her so she will have a solid piece of concrete to walk on and live on. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to do even more to help this family. I am not sure at this point whether Maria is a believer, and would appreciate your prayers for her and her children.
I have been able to visit her a couple of times since then, the most recent was while my mother was here visiting. We took the children book bags full of school supplies, at least a week’s supply of food, and a few other items that we hope will help them feel loved, blessed, and cared for. The laughter and the joy on their faces was a wonderful experience to be able to share with my mom. I feel like we both learned even more why I am here for this time in Honduras.
MOM’S VISIT- In other news, my mom’s time here in Honduras was absolutely wonderful. She arrived her on a Wednesday after a full day of travel experiences. After a late arrival, we spent the afternoon just settling in, relaxing, and visiting with the team that was currently here.
On Thursday, we spent the entire day on the ranch side of the ministry. On our way out there, we stopped by the waterfall nearby and drove around the countryside. While at the ranch, we were able to see all of the property, visit the school, pick fresh blackberries, and hang out with some of my friends there. In the afternoon, we were able to watch the praise and worship band practice, and spend some time on the soccer field playing with the kids. For dinner, we went to Karen and Ronal’s, a family that is on the ranch with a home of 5 kids! She cooked us several Honduran dishes, and we had a great time hanging out with them and playing with the kids.
On Friday, we went with the team to the brigade site and poured a concrete floor! It was a great time sharing with her what I get to do 2-3 times per week. We finished up by lunch time and decided we would leave early and relax in the afternoon. Friday night, we met with about 20 other people at La Cumbre, and nice restaurant a little more up the mountain with an amazing view of the city. We had a wonderful time and my mom got to meet lots of the other people from the ranch and the mission house.
On Saturday, we took most of the day easy, but we did go to Valley of the Angels and visit all of the shops and had a nice lunch at a small café outside. We spent the evening here at the mission house resting and watching a movie.
Sunday was church, and then afterward we went shopping for school supplies and made the visit to Maria’s house that I talked about in the above story.
The REST of the week from Monday through Thursday is way too much for me to tell in this update, but I will say we had a Honduran experience for sure. We bussed around the country and went to the Mayan Ruins in Copan and visited the north coast in Tela. We arrived back here on Thursday, rested up, and got her stuff together. Friday morning we woke up, and headed to the airport to say our goodbyes!
OTHER FLOORS- We were able to touch 7 different families over the past 3 teams that were here with new floors. The family that sticks out the most to me is a family that may have been one of those “overlooked.” We went to a church and the pastor had not been able to locate a floor. We did eventually end up finding a church member that needed an outside area on the back of her home. However, I really wanted to find a home that was in definite need of a concrete floor, and felt confident that if we looked hard enough, God would provide that family. Denny, a brigade manager, and I decided to drive around the area and just walk up to people’s homes and ask them if they would like a new concrete floor. Well, after a few failed attempts, we found the right one. We found a family of believers who attended a different church, but the husband was currently out of work and the wife, Alejandrina, sold tortillas right out of her home. Later, she admitted that we scared her a little until she was convinced that we ourselves were Christians and were doing this as work unto the Lord. That was definitely a little different scenario that we had been in before. God definitely blessed us as much as this family as both husband and wife encouraged us by their faith in God’s providence in all situations.
OTHER NEWS- Well, I turned 25 this past month. My birthday was celebrated at the brigade site with the traditional Honduran birthday cake. I was covered with broken eggs and flour. It was the stickiest, grossest mess ever.
FUNDRAISING- God is continuing to provide for my financial needs this year. I am currently at $11,250 toward my goal for this year which covers July 2008-July 2009. If you feel that you can contribute to my remaining needs for this year, please follow the directions below. THANKS AGAIN to all of you who are making this year in Honduras possible for me.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to:
World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
The Holidays are drawing nearer and again I look forward to visiting all of you during that time. May God bless all of you!
In Love,
Jesse Tiner
PICS
Floors!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038850&l=1a736&id=156800196
Mom’s Visit
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038853&l=4c317&id=156800196
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038855&l=728b0&id=156800196
STORY- Well, it is always humbling to go into a home and realize that most tool sheds and barns are in better condition than the home you are looking at. A lot of the times I walk into a home and think, “They don’t just need a floor, they need a whole new house!” There are ministries that do build homes for people around the city, but the people I normally see are the people I feel like a lot of missions overlook, or never see to begin with. For example, you may remember some photos from a floor project we did for a family down by the river. While we were there, I was playing with some kids that lived “cerca,” or close. All day I thought about how hard it must be for these kids to live in the kind of neighborhood we were in.
Later on in the day, I started paying attention to a home that was across the river from the one we were working on. From the outside, it definitely looked like one of the worst houses I had ever seen. You could tell the boards were all loose, and that sheets of metal were “weaved” into the sides, and not even nailed in. I watched this lady come out of her home and begin moving around pieces of boards and metal to other places on the house that were without any protection at all. I then noticed that two of the sides of the house had NO boards, just bed sheets hanging from the poorly made roof.
In the meantime, I continued to play with these children, and became very attached to one little one, Maria Fernanda. She loved so much sitting on my lap and playing. She would take off my glasses, put them on her face, point, and laugh the cutest laugh you have ever heard. Then she would put them back on my face and do the same thing. Then I started to try to get her to say my name, and her name. I would do the typical hand on my chest and say “Jesse,” then point to her and say “Maria.” After a few times she caught on and would slap my chest, say “JESSE,” and would repeat that same laugh over and over again. Later, she discovered a bucket of sand next to us and she would put her whole hand in it, and then hold it up asking for a “high-five.” She would grab hold of my hand with hers full of sand, and rub them together, again repeating the laugh that I was starting to cherish. As she was getting tired, she began to lay her head on my shoulder, nap for a few minutes, then jump up and repeat everything we had done so far. Throughout the day, I also became attached to her brother, Samuel, and her two older sisters, Glenda and Geny.
As the day was coming to a close, my attention went back across the river to the home I had seen earlier, and I saw this lady walking down from her home, and began wading across the river toward us. Maria points across to this lady and says “MAMA!” My heart instantly sinks and my whole stomach tightens. I instantly realize and acknowledge that God has placed this family before me to help them with their needs. After talking with her through Nilsy, my translator, I discover that she works as a street sweeper and makes about $10 a week. A street sweeper here literally is a person that walks around different parts of the city with a straw broom and large bags, carrying an orange cone behind them warning motorists of their presence ahead. Her husband no longer lives at the home because he was a drunk and abusive father, and was asked to leave in the past. When I asked what she would say her needs were, she only asked that she be able to feed her 4 children.
She lives there with no electricity, running water, sink, or plumbing, and a dirt floor. Most homes here have some kind of outside “pila,” a concrete washboard with a basin full of water. This lady, whose name is also Maria, has a large round rock that she scrubs her clothes on. Most homes here have an electric or gas burner for cooking. Maria has a barrel with a hole cut out of the side and an old grill set up off the top by a couple of brick fragments. She has a shower made out of some tree poles with some shredded vinyl around the outside. On the inside is a small bucket that they use to bathe with.
After speaking with some of the staff of WGO, I believe that it is going to work out for us to be able to at least put a concrete floor in for her so she will have a solid piece of concrete to walk on and live on. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to do even more to help this family. I am not sure at this point whether Maria is a believer, and would appreciate your prayers for her and her children.
I have been able to visit her a couple of times since then, the most recent was while my mother was here visiting. We took the children book bags full of school supplies, at least a week’s supply of food, and a few other items that we hope will help them feel loved, blessed, and cared for. The laughter and the joy on their faces was a wonderful experience to be able to share with my mom. I feel like we both learned even more why I am here for this time in Honduras.
MOM’S VISIT- In other news, my mom’s time here in Honduras was absolutely wonderful. She arrived her on a Wednesday after a full day of travel experiences. After a late arrival, we spent the afternoon just settling in, relaxing, and visiting with the team that was currently here.
On Thursday, we spent the entire day on the ranch side of the ministry. On our way out there, we stopped by the waterfall nearby and drove around the countryside. While at the ranch, we were able to see all of the property, visit the school, pick fresh blackberries, and hang out with some of my friends there. In the afternoon, we were able to watch the praise and worship band practice, and spend some time on the soccer field playing with the kids. For dinner, we went to Karen and Ronal’s, a family that is on the ranch with a home of 5 kids! She cooked us several Honduran dishes, and we had a great time hanging out with them and playing with the kids.
On Friday, we went with the team to the brigade site and poured a concrete floor! It was a great time sharing with her what I get to do 2-3 times per week. We finished up by lunch time and decided we would leave early and relax in the afternoon. Friday night, we met with about 20 other people at La Cumbre, and nice restaurant a little more up the mountain with an amazing view of the city. We had a wonderful time and my mom got to meet lots of the other people from the ranch and the mission house.
On Saturday, we took most of the day easy, but we did go to Valley of the Angels and visit all of the shops and had a nice lunch at a small café outside. We spent the evening here at the mission house resting and watching a movie.
Sunday was church, and then afterward we went shopping for school supplies and made the visit to Maria’s house that I talked about in the above story.
The REST of the week from Monday through Thursday is way too much for me to tell in this update, but I will say we had a Honduran experience for sure. We bussed around the country and went to the Mayan Ruins in Copan and visited the north coast in Tela. We arrived back here on Thursday, rested up, and got her stuff together. Friday morning we woke up, and headed to the airport to say our goodbyes!
OTHER FLOORS- We were able to touch 7 different families over the past 3 teams that were here with new floors. The family that sticks out the most to me is a family that may have been one of those “overlooked.” We went to a church and the pastor had not been able to locate a floor. We did eventually end up finding a church member that needed an outside area on the back of her home. However, I really wanted to find a home that was in definite need of a concrete floor, and felt confident that if we looked hard enough, God would provide that family. Denny, a brigade manager, and I decided to drive around the area and just walk up to people’s homes and ask them if they would like a new concrete floor. Well, after a few failed attempts, we found the right one. We found a family of believers who attended a different church, but the husband was currently out of work and the wife, Alejandrina, sold tortillas right out of her home. Later, she admitted that we scared her a little until she was convinced that we ourselves were Christians and were doing this as work unto the Lord. That was definitely a little different scenario that we had been in before. God definitely blessed us as much as this family as both husband and wife encouraged us by their faith in God’s providence in all situations.
OTHER NEWS- Well, I turned 25 this past month. My birthday was celebrated at the brigade site with the traditional Honduran birthday cake. I was covered with broken eggs and flour. It was the stickiest, grossest mess ever.
FUNDRAISING- God is continuing to provide for my financial needs this year. I am currently at $11,250 toward my goal for this year which covers July 2008-July 2009. If you feel that you can contribute to my remaining needs for this year, please follow the directions below. THANKS AGAIN to all of you who are making this year in Honduras possible for me.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to:
World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
The Holidays are drawing nearer and again I look forward to visiting all of you during that time. May God bless all of you!
In Love,
Jesse Tiner
Saturday, August 2, 2008
July Update
Hi again! This will probably be the shortest update I’ve written in a while, if not forever. I really don’t have too much to say, but I really wanted to send some photos of the last couple of weeks, so here they are!
PHOTOS
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2037556&l=fc703&id=156800196
In other news, things are continuing to move forward. I’m becoming more comfortable in my new job position, and the leadership part of it is going great. We are still doing 2-3 floors per week, and we will have 3 more teams in a row, starting today.
Then we’ll have a 2-week gap with no teams, which brings me to my next exciting news, my mom is coming! She will arrive August 20th and stay until August 29th. I am looking forward to that a lot!
Last night we celebrated my 25th birthday that is this Monday. We had about 20 people come together for good food and good fellowship at a restaurant in the city. We also celebrated Abby’s birthday that was back in July.
Fundraising is going smoothly. I have over $10,000 toward my $15,000 goal to make it until July 2009. If you were thinking about giving but waiting, now is the time! I definitely appreciate the support that people have given me, and especially my 3 supporting churches, Liberty Chapel Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, Community Life Church, and Pleasant Ridge Methodist. It is a blessing to know that people are behind me and supporting what I’m doing. May God bless all of you!!!
If you would like to contribute, please consider what you would be able to do, and follow these instructions if you would be able to support me financially
.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to:
World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
Again, I look forward to seeing everyone during the holidays. This year has blown by, and I look forward to sharing what God has done in my life and those around me with you in person.
In Christ,
Jesse Tiner
PHOTOS
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2037556&l=fc703&id=156800196
In other news, things are continuing to move forward. I’m becoming more comfortable in my new job position, and the leadership part of it is going great. We are still doing 2-3 floors per week, and we will have 3 more teams in a row, starting today.
Then we’ll have a 2-week gap with no teams, which brings me to my next exciting news, my mom is coming! She will arrive August 20th and stay until August 29th. I am looking forward to that a lot!
Last night we celebrated my 25th birthday that is this Monday. We had about 20 people come together for good food and good fellowship at a restaurant in the city. We also celebrated Abby’s birthday that was back in July.
Fundraising is going smoothly. I have over $10,000 toward my $15,000 goal to make it until July 2009. If you were thinking about giving but waiting, now is the time! I definitely appreciate the support that people have given me, and especially my 3 supporting churches, Liberty Chapel Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, Community Life Church, and Pleasant Ridge Methodist. It is a blessing to know that people are behind me and supporting what I’m doing. May God bless all of you!!!
If you would like to contribute, please consider what you would be able to do, and follow these instructions if you would be able to support me financially
.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to:
World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
Again, I look forward to seeing everyone during the holidays. This year has blown by, and I look forward to sharing what God has done in my life and those around me with you in person.
In Christ,
Jesse Tiner
Sunday, July 13, 2008
June/July
Hello world! So I know it has been a while since I have sent an update, but this has to be the best reason so far--- I have been BUSY! I actually started this update almost two weeks ago and have never been able to complete it like I would like to until tonight. So, enjoy! Let me hear from you!!!
PICS
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036518&l=a0e1e&id=156800196
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036533&l=b632d&id=156800196
CELEBRATING THE 4th IN HONDURAS-First of all, I hope everyone had a safe 4th of July weekend. The Gringos here also celebrated with a cookout at the WGO president’s house. It was a great relaxing and enjoyable fellowship. We also spent Saturday at a nearby University celebrating at a “fair” of types with games and cook-outs. Lots of Gringos from all over Honduras came to the celebration.
GRADUATION- We recently had a graduation service for all of our kindergarten kids, a 6th grader, and our first ever 12th grade graduate. Caleb Hosier, one of my students was the first 12th grader to graduate through Ebenezer Academy. This was a huge privilege for him and myself. As all graduations here are, this one was not lacking in dramas, music, and other creative talents. My own class performed a couple of songs including one that we deemed our class song- “The Blessing” by John Waller. The song very much describes what I home all of my students this year and myself hope to be in our life.
MINISTRY- On July 11th, I officially started my summer internship with the Medical Brigades of WGO. So far we have put in 11 concrete floors for widows and other families in difficult situations. I have also been able to be a part of evangelizing the people who come through the medical brigades. It has been awesome to be a witness and watch people come to accept Christ.
In other news, Roy Morton and his two children, Jennifer (10) and Jesus (14), will be joining us soon. Roy has lots of experience with home improvement. He will be managing the Concrete Floor Program and I will be heading up one of the teams each week, and sometimes every other week when a break is needed. Roy and I get along very well and his two children are very mature and well behaved for their ages.
FLOORS- Saturday, a friend and I went to a nearby park where there is a big statue of Jesus. Also at this park is a small zoo that costs 5 lemps, basically a quarter, to get into. As I was walking around, it struck me that almost everyone of the animals we were looking at, including the monkeys, were living in a cage with a concrete floor. This was another reminder to me at how SIMPLE and BASIC it is to have a concrete floor instead of living on a dirt floor. It helped me realize even more that most of the government here would rather help provide better living conditions for some animals that the people that live in their country.
Over the past several weeks, over 10 families have been blessed with a brand new concrete floor provided by WGO. I have been blessed to be able to supervise and work on these projects. One lady we poured a floor for was 95 years old, and had 3 younger generations of family living with her. Another lady had been praying for NINE years to receive a floor. Yet another lady was brought to tears NUMEROUS times as she talked to people on our time and shared her thankfulness. What a privilege it is to be working for God and being able to provide these people with such a basic need.
UPDATES- It is looking more and more like my next year will be committed to the floor program with WGO. This is very exciting and an answer to prayer. Thanks to those of you who have kept this situation in your prayers.
PASSING OF A FRIEND- This past week this world lost a very fine man and friend of mine. I met Elmer Fincher when I started attending Trinity Baptist in Roanoke. Within a few weeks of my being there, he boldly asked me if I would join him to visit the jail the following Thursday. That conversation and the many jail visits that followed formed a very good relationship between the two of us. The one thing I will hopefully always remember about Elmer is that he was never afraid to share his faith. He was always excited about asking somebody about their relationship with the Lord. He would always remind them that they are never guaranteed a tomorrow so they better decide quick. He knew that he was only on this earth to be an ambassador of Christ and knew that his real and final home was heaven. I know that he is glad to be there today. There is no telling just HOW many people came to accept the Lord because of Brother Elmer. Numerous others have had seeds planted in the hearts and I know only God can give growth to those seeds. Brother Elmer will be deeply missed and always in the hearts of those who knew him.
STILL SEEKING YOUR HELP! I am OVER half way there to my fundraising for next year. Please consider supporting me financially over this next year!!! My budget for next year is approximately $15,000. Please consider what you would be able to do, and follow these instructions if you would be able to support me financially.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to: World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
CLOSING- God is definitely doing great things in my life and the people around me. May he continue to do so in your life also. Thank you for your prayers and support!
PICS
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036518&l=a0e1e&id=156800196
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036533&l=b632d&id=156800196
CELEBRATING THE 4th IN HONDURAS-First of all, I hope everyone had a safe 4th of July weekend. The Gringos here also celebrated with a cookout at the WGO president’s house. It was a great relaxing and enjoyable fellowship. We also spent Saturday at a nearby University celebrating at a “fair” of types with games and cook-outs. Lots of Gringos from all over Honduras came to the celebration.
GRADUATION- We recently had a graduation service for all of our kindergarten kids, a 6th grader, and our first ever 12th grade graduate. Caleb Hosier, one of my students was the first 12th grader to graduate through Ebenezer Academy. This was a huge privilege for him and myself. As all graduations here are, this one was not lacking in dramas, music, and other creative talents. My own class performed a couple of songs including one that we deemed our class song- “The Blessing” by John Waller. The song very much describes what I home all of my students this year and myself hope to be in our life.
MINISTRY- On July 11th, I officially started my summer internship with the Medical Brigades of WGO. So far we have put in 11 concrete floors for widows and other families in difficult situations. I have also been able to be a part of evangelizing the people who come through the medical brigades. It has been awesome to be a witness and watch people come to accept Christ.
In other news, Roy Morton and his two children, Jennifer (10) and Jesus (14), will be joining us soon. Roy has lots of experience with home improvement. He will be managing the Concrete Floor Program and I will be heading up one of the teams each week, and sometimes every other week when a break is needed. Roy and I get along very well and his two children are very mature and well behaved for their ages.
FLOORS- Saturday, a friend and I went to a nearby park where there is a big statue of Jesus. Also at this park is a small zoo that costs 5 lemps, basically a quarter, to get into. As I was walking around, it struck me that almost everyone of the animals we were looking at, including the monkeys, were living in a cage with a concrete floor. This was another reminder to me at how SIMPLE and BASIC it is to have a concrete floor instead of living on a dirt floor. It helped me realize even more that most of the government here would rather help provide better living conditions for some animals that the people that live in their country.
Over the past several weeks, over 10 families have been blessed with a brand new concrete floor provided by WGO. I have been blessed to be able to supervise and work on these projects. One lady we poured a floor for was 95 years old, and had 3 younger generations of family living with her. Another lady had been praying for NINE years to receive a floor. Yet another lady was brought to tears NUMEROUS times as she talked to people on our time and shared her thankfulness. What a privilege it is to be working for God and being able to provide these people with such a basic need.
UPDATES- It is looking more and more like my next year will be committed to the floor program with WGO. This is very exciting and an answer to prayer. Thanks to those of you who have kept this situation in your prayers.
PASSING OF A FRIEND- This past week this world lost a very fine man and friend of mine. I met Elmer Fincher when I started attending Trinity Baptist in Roanoke. Within a few weeks of my being there, he boldly asked me if I would join him to visit the jail the following Thursday. That conversation and the many jail visits that followed formed a very good relationship between the two of us. The one thing I will hopefully always remember about Elmer is that he was never afraid to share his faith. He was always excited about asking somebody about their relationship with the Lord. He would always remind them that they are never guaranteed a tomorrow so they better decide quick. He knew that he was only on this earth to be an ambassador of Christ and knew that his real and final home was heaven. I know that he is glad to be there today. There is no telling just HOW many people came to accept the Lord because of Brother Elmer. Numerous others have had seeds planted in the hearts and I know only God can give growth to those seeds. Brother Elmer will be deeply missed and always in the hearts of those who knew him.
STILL SEEKING YOUR HELP! I am OVER half way there to my fundraising for next year. Please consider supporting me financially over this next year!!! My budget for next year is approximately $15,000. Please consider what you would be able to do, and follow these instructions if you would be able to support me financially.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to: World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
CLOSING- God is definitely doing great things in my life and the people around me. May he continue to do so in your life also. Thank you for your prayers and support!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
HONDURAS IN MAY
PICS
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035326&l=99679&id=156800196
Hello all! It is coming a rain here like nothing we have seen for months!!! This is the third day in a row it has been raining almost the entire day. Supposedly, there is a tropical storm Alma that came up the south coast a few days ago and has just been sitting and dumping rain, and we are getting a lot of it. That is a good thing though since it has been a while without significant rain.
However, it has been the possible cause of one tragic accident. Friday, a plane landing in Tegucigalpa overshot the runway, slid off the end of runway, and crashed into a neighboring community. So far, 4 people have been confirmed dead- a pilot, 2 passengers, and a motorist. You can go and read the story on Yahoo or USA Today. Just look for it or search for “Honduras plane crash” and it will come up.
Besides that, this past month has been and absolutely amazing month. Busy as always, but God has definitely been doing some big things.
ARROW RETURNED!- You may recall that last year we had a group called ARROW to come and do training with our staff. We excitedly welcomed them back this month as they brought a smaller team to do more training with our Hondurans. Also, we had a girl named Lindsey that stayed for an extra two weeks to help write case plans for EVERY single one of our kids. What a blessing to have them come along side, partner with us, and help make a difference in the lives of our kids!
DRIVING!- This month, one of the most dangerous things that could happen while I am in Honduras happened---- I started driving. It was not nearly as bad as I had expected, but it was definitely not without its challenges. Crossing traffic is definitely a lot more difficult than it is in the states, and good luck trying to figure out which caution light is yours and if you can “really go” or not. Since then I’ve been able to drive to church a couple of times and that’s about it, but at least I can now if I ever need to! Now I just have to learn how to get around this enormous city!
MEDICAL BRIGADE- As I mentioned in my last update, this summer I will be helping out on the brigades with the concrete floor ministry, and Mark, the guy currently heading up this part of the ministry, will be leaving. Well, I was blessed to be able to go on one more short trip to the mission house and go with him for some more training. This time we poured a small floor in the kitchen of a home of a man that lives with his two children and his sister. We had lots of extra materials that had originally been planned to be used in another room of his home. However, his home is on a very steep incline and is in danger of having the ground washed out from under it as the rainy season is approaching. His neighbor’s home is almost literally right underneath him on the hill, and would also be in danger. The man has already begun building a retaining wall, and since we felt that his home being safe was more important than the concrete floor, the extra materials we left will be used for him to finish his retaining wall.
After we finished the concrete floor, we used the rest of the morning to visit some neighboring homes and minister to those families. We were able to pray over one man who is a severe alcoholic and seems to be having a hard time letting go of the addiction. Alcoholism is a very powerful and common addiction, more so here than probably most areas in the states.
I also had a great time this past week sharing with people at the evangelism station of the brigade. I witnessed several people break down and give their hearts to Jesus, and helped several people work through the confusion they had about what it means to be saved and how just because we still have sin in our life does not mean we will not enter heaven. A lot of the people I encountered believe that they are Christian but that they will not get to enter heaven. How sad and confusing that is for a culture that feels they have to earn their way into heaven. It was such a relief to see the weight lifted off of their shoulders when they understood that we can’t work our way into heaven, and that only by putting our faith and trust completely in Him can we enter heaven.
Anyhow, I was very blessed to be able to visit with these people and share the love of Christ.
LEADING WORSHIP- This past month, a team from the ranch, led worship at Union Church in the city. The team consisted of myself playing keyboard, Brett playing guitar, and Jaylene, Jae, and Jenny singing. We had been preparing for this for a while at this point, and after many other things had prevented us from being able to in the past, it was a wonderful thing to finally be able to lead worship at the church. God has truly blessed my time at Union Church. The teaching of Pastor Darren is absolutely wonderful and I enjoy it every week. (And I’m not just saying that because he reads my updates!) But to continue my plug, he has started a blog that he updates several times a week here: http://forhisglorybyhisgrace.blogspot.com/
Go read it!
MY CHURCH VISITS- I was also blessed this past week to have 5 members from Trinity Baptist Church to visit Honduras with 4 Corners Ministries. This ministry had partnered with ITAM ministries a few summers ago when I went to Venezuela under their partnership and received my “calling” to missions. Anyhow, the 5 members that came were Rickey Mulkey, Harold Heard, Teresa Farmer, and Vicky and Jenna Pratte. Vicky and Jenna have joined the church since I left so it was nice to get to know them. Also joining the team as leaders was Jerry Cotney and Gary Clark, also from the Roanoke area. Needless to say, it was wonderful to have familiar faces around! I was able to meet the team at the airport Saturday evening, and visit with them at their hotel Saturday evening before saying goodbye.
The team spent most of the week in other places around the city, but I was able to join up with them on Wednesday for a day at the ranch. Upon arrival at the ranch, the team got a full tour of the ranch and was able to eat at the big house here on the ranch. After lunch, we went into the community and went door to door sharing and praying with people. I was not as surprised this time to hear some of the confusions people had about being a Christian, and we were able to help a lot of people. We also saw several people accept Christ for the first time.
To top off the day, the team led the usual Wednesday afternoon community program. This time, Jason and Karen had gone into the community the day before and announced it over a megaphone. We had OVER 100 KIDS and adults to come for the program. The program consisted of balloon hats, a Bible story, a parachute ball toss game, soccer, crafts, and a soft ball toss. The day ended with a Spiderman piñata. I wish you could see what it’s like when over 100 kids go diving after candy when it hit’s the ground.
It was sad saying goodbye, but when the program was over, I said adios to the team from Roanoke. They finished the week in the city and will be flying out sometime today. I know they had an awesome time and God definitely used them to impact Honduras.
SCHOOL IS ENDING- I’ll keep this section short, but school is coming to an end. My next update will include pictures from graduation, which is this coming Wednesday. Thursday is a game day and Friday is school clean-up. Then the summer is here, and the following week I’ll be going to the mission house to start my internship.
LOS MICAH BOYS- This year we have tried to make our chapel time different each week to keep the kids interested. Two Fridays ago we were able to have a group called The Micah Project to visit us from the city. This program is designed to get street ids off the streets and help them get their lives turned around and on the right path. Michael Miller, on of the elders at Union, is the found of this organization. He was able to bring several of the ministry’s children to the ranch, including some that have put together a musical group called Los Micah Boys. We were able to hear several testimonies of these young men and be blessed by their musical talents. These are definitely some talented guys and know they really hit home for a lot of our kids here at the ranch.
CHAPEL OF MUSIC- Yesterday, for our last Chapel of the year, we had an all music chapel. We had about 5 different groups to play different songs that were special to them. The morning started with the P&W Band playing 3 songs: Blessed be the Name, Heart of Worship, and Te Alabare. Next, caleb, our guitar player, played a song by himself called Amazing Love. Following Caleb, we had a mostly Honduran group led by Mr. William, one of our Honduran teachers, play a couple of songs, La Casa de Dios and En Los Montes. Then Eric, our chaplain, played a few of his own favorite songs, including Who Am I by Casting Crowns. Brett, Jae, and I, also played a few songs including Jesus Paid it All and Word of God Speak. We finished the morning by having the P&W band playing a few more songs, Everlasting God, Indescribable, and Eres Todopoderoso, one of our favorites from the year.
It definitely brought the year to an awesome close as we saw so many of our students that have been learning to play instruments throughout the year combine their efforts for an awesome morning of praise and worship.
POSSIBILITIES- Well, I write this part to inform you of what, at this moment, I see God doing in my life, and asking for your prayers. Ultimately, I know that whatever happens is God’s will, but I have to share my heart’s desire at this moment. I am hoping that I will be able to commit this next year to serve on the WGO Evangelism and Medical Brigades/Concrete Floors. Many of you know that I feel that I eventually will work with different people groups around the world, most likely unreached people groups. I feel that this opportunity to serve with the brigades will be a huge step in that direction.
About a month ago, I was almost certain that it would happen, but then a teacher we thought was coming was not able to, and this felt like a door closing this opportunity. Recently, some things have happened that have made me feel like this can still happen. However, there are still problems with the schedule for next year that would have to get worked out. The big issue is all my classes that I would have next year have to get covered. Those things are being worked on but there are still some “ifs” that have to get worked out for it to happen.
I know God has a plan for my life, and however this situation works out will be what I am supposed to do, but I can’t say there isn’t a selfish part of me that desires this opportunity. Part of me sees the huge opportunity for outreach involved and the experience I will gain in sharing my faith, seeing Hondurans being brought to Christ, and being able to bless families with concrete floors. I also know that if I am to stay here at the ranch for more time, God will also use my musical talents to continue the praise band and other music classes among other things.
Please pray for this situation and that God’s will be done.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT- Please consider supporting me financially over this next year!!! No matter which way I go over this next year, I will still be serving God through mission work here in Honduras, and that is made possible by the financial gifts from people like you. My budget for next year is approximately $15,000. My financial need will start about half way through this June as support from this past year begins to run out. Please consider what you would be able to do, and follow these instructions if you would be able to support me financially.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to: World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
Well, this has been a full update! I hope that all is going well for each of you and that God is real and strong in your life. Please continue to pray for the Ranch and WGO, and please let me know if there is anything I can be praying about for you.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035326&l=99679&id=156800196
Hello all! It is coming a rain here like nothing we have seen for months!!! This is the third day in a row it has been raining almost the entire day. Supposedly, there is a tropical storm Alma that came up the south coast a few days ago and has just been sitting and dumping rain, and we are getting a lot of it. That is a good thing though since it has been a while without significant rain.
However, it has been the possible cause of one tragic accident. Friday, a plane landing in Tegucigalpa overshot the runway, slid off the end of runway, and crashed into a neighboring community. So far, 4 people have been confirmed dead- a pilot, 2 passengers, and a motorist. You can go and read the story on Yahoo or USA Today. Just look for it or search for “Honduras plane crash” and it will come up.
Besides that, this past month has been and absolutely amazing month. Busy as always, but God has definitely been doing some big things.
ARROW RETURNED!- You may recall that last year we had a group called ARROW to come and do training with our staff. We excitedly welcomed them back this month as they brought a smaller team to do more training with our Hondurans. Also, we had a girl named Lindsey that stayed for an extra two weeks to help write case plans for EVERY single one of our kids. What a blessing to have them come along side, partner with us, and help make a difference in the lives of our kids!
DRIVING!- This month, one of the most dangerous things that could happen while I am in Honduras happened---- I started driving. It was not nearly as bad as I had expected, but it was definitely not without its challenges. Crossing traffic is definitely a lot more difficult than it is in the states, and good luck trying to figure out which caution light is yours and if you can “really go” or not. Since then I’ve been able to drive to church a couple of times and that’s about it, but at least I can now if I ever need to! Now I just have to learn how to get around this enormous city!
MEDICAL BRIGADE- As I mentioned in my last update, this summer I will be helping out on the brigades with the concrete floor ministry, and Mark, the guy currently heading up this part of the ministry, will be leaving. Well, I was blessed to be able to go on one more short trip to the mission house and go with him for some more training. This time we poured a small floor in the kitchen of a home of a man that lives with his two children and his sister. We had lots of extra materials that had originally been planned to be used in another room of his home. However, his home is on a very steep incline and is in danger of having the ground washed out from under it as the rainy season is approaching. His neighbor’s home is almost literally right underneath him on the hill, and would also be in danger. The man has already begun building a retaining wall, and since we felt that his home being safe was more important than the concrete floor, the extra materials we left will be used for him to finish his retaining wall.
After we finished the concrete floor, we used the rest of the morning to visit some neighboring homes and minister to those families. We were able to pray over one man who is a severe alcoholic and seems to be having a hard time letting go of the addiction. Alcoholism is a very powerful and common addiction, more so here than probably most areas in the states.
I also had a great time this past week sharing with people at the evangelism station of the brigade. I witnessed several people break down and give their hearts to Jesus, and helped several people work through the confusion they had about what it means to be saved and how just because we still have sin in our life does not mean we will not enter heaven. A lot of the people I encountered believe that they are Christian but that they will not get to enter heaven. How sad and confusing that is for a culture that feels they have to earn their way into heaven. It was such a relief to see the weight lifted off of their shoulders when they understood that we can’t work our way into heaven, and that only by putting our faith and trust completely in Him can we enter heaven.
Anyhow, I was very blessed to be able to visit with these people and share the love of Christ.
LEADING WORSHIP- This past month, a team from the ranch, led worship at Union Church in the city. The team consisted of myself playing keyboard, Brett playing guitar, and Jaylene, Jae, and Jenny singing. We had been preparing for this for a while at this point, and after many other things had prevented us from being able to in the past, it was a wonderful thing to finally be able to lead worship at the church. God has truly blessed my time at Union Church. The teaching of Pastor Darren is absolutely wonderful and I enjoy it every week. (And I’m not just saying that because he reads my updates!) But to continue my plug, he has started a blog that he updates several times a week here: http://forhisglorybyhisgrace.blogspot.com/
Go read it!
MY CHURCH VISITS- I was also blessed this past week to have 5 members from Trinity Baptist Church to visit Honduras with 4 Corners Ministries. This ministry had partnered with ITAM ministries a few summers ago when I went to Venezuela under their partnership and received my “calling” to missions. Anyhow, the 5 members that came were Rickey Mulkey, Harold Heard, Teresa Farmer, and Vicky and Jenna Pratte. Vicky and Jenna have joined the church since I left so it was nice to get to know them. Also joining the team as leaders was Jerry Cotney and Gary Clark, also from the Roanoke area. Needless to say, it was wonderful to have familiar faces around! I was able to meet the team at the airport Saturday evening, and visit with them at their hotel Saturday evening before saying goodbye.
The team spent most of the week in other places around the city, but I was able to join up with them on Wednesday for a day at the ranch. Upon arrival at the ranch, the team got a full tour of the ranch and was able to eat at the big house here on the ranch. After lunch, we went into the community and went door to door sharing and praying with people. I was not as surprised this time to hear some of the confusions people had about being a Christian, and we were able to help a lot of people. We also saw several people accept Christ for the first time.
To top off the day, the team led the usual Wednesday afternoon community program. This time, Jason and Karen had gone into the community the day before and announced it over a megaphone. We had OVER 100 KIDS and adults to come for the program. The program consisted of balloon hats, a Bible story, a parachute ball toss game, soccer, crafts, and a soft ball toss. The day ended with a Spiderman piñata. I wish you could see what it’s like when over 100 kids go diving after candy when it hit’s the ground.
It was sad saying goodbye, but when the program was over, I said adios to the team from Roanoke. They finished the week in the city and will be flying out sometime today. I know they had an awesome time and God definitely used them to impact Honduras.
SCHOOL IS ENDING- I’ll keep this section short, but school is coming to an end. My next update will include pictures from graduation, which is this coming Wednesday. Thursday is a game day and Friday is school clean-up. Then the summer is here, and the following week I’ll be going to the mission house to start my internship.
LOS MICAH BOYS- This year we have tried to make our chapel time different each week to keep the kids interested. Two Fridays ago we were able to have a group called The Micah Project to visit us from the city. This program is designed to get street ids off the streets and help them get their lives turned around and on the right path. Michael Miller, on of the elders at Union, is the found of this organization. He was able to bring several of the ministry’s children to the ranch, including some that have put together a musical group called Los Micah Boys. We were able to hear several testimonies of these young men and be blessed by their musical talents. These are definitely some talented guys and know they really hit home for a lot of our kids here at the ranch.
CHAPEL OF MUSIC- Yesterday, for our last Chapel of the year, we had an all music chapel. We had about 5 different groups to play different songs that were special to them. The morning started with the P&W Band playing 3 songs: Blessed be the Name, Heart of Worship, and Te Alabare. Next, caleb, our guitar player, played a song by himself called Amazing Love. Following Caleb, we had a mostly Honduran group led by Mr. William, one of our Honduran teachers, play a couple of songs, La Casa de Dios and En Los Montes. Then Eric, our chaplain, played a few of his own favorite songs, including Who Am I by Casting Crowns. Brett, Jae, and I, also played a few songs including Jesus Paid it All and Word of God Speak. We finished the morning by having the P&W band playing a few more songs, Everlasting God, Indescribable, and Eres Todopoderoso, one of our favorites from the year.
It definitely brought the year to an awesome close as we saw so many of our students that have been learning to play instruments throughout the year combine their efforts for an awesome morning of praise and worship.
POSSIBILITIES- Well, I write this part to inform you of what, at this moment, I see God doing in my life, and asking for your prayers. Ultimately, I know that whatever happens is God’s will, but I have to share my heart’s desire at this moment. I am hoping that I will be able to commit this next year to serve on the WGO Evangelism and Medical Brigades/Concrete Floors. Many of you know that I feel that I eventually will work with different people groups around the world, most likely unreached people groups. I feel that this opportunity to serve with the brigades will be a huge step in that direction.
About a month ago, I was almost certain that it would happen, but then a teacher we thought was coming was not able to, and this felt like a door closing this opportunity. Recently, some things have happened that have made me feel like this can still happen. However, there are still problems with the schedule for next year that would have to get worked out. The big issue is all my classes that I would have next year have to get covered. Those things are being worked on but there are still some “ifs” that have to get worked out for it to happen.
I know God has a plan for my life, and however this situation works out will be what I am supposed to do, but I can’t say there isn’t a selfish part of me that desires this opportunity. Part of me sees the huge opportunity for outreach involved and the experience I will gain in sharing my faith, seeing Hondurans being brought to Christ, and being able to bless families with concrete floors. I also know that if I am to stay here at the ranch for more time, God will also use my musical talents to continue the praise band and other music classes among other things.
Please pray for this situation and that God’s will be done.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT- Please consider supporting me financially over this next year!!! No matter which way I go over this next year, I will still be serving God through mission work here in Honduras, and that is made possible by the financial gifts from people like you. My budget for next year is approximately $15,000. My financial need will start about half way through this June as support from this past year begins to run out. Please consider what you would be able to do, and follow these instructions if you would be able to support me financially.
1. If you are able to open the attached form, complete it and send it to the address as directed.
OR
2. If you cannot open the attached form, do the following. Please include a note indicating whether it is a one-time gift, or if you would continue making a monthly gift and in what amount.
Please make checks payable to World Gospel Outreach. Your donation is tax deductible, but please be sure that you put “TINER” on the envelope and on the MEMO line of your check. May God richly bless you for supporting me in this work!
Please return any donation to: World Gospel Outreach
Attn: Jesse Tiner Fund
P. O. Box 14348
Humble, TX 77347-4348
Well, this has been a full update! I hope that all is going well for each of you and that God is real and strong in your life. Please continue to pray for the Ranch and WGO, and please let me know if there is anything I can be praying about for you.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Hiya
Hello to all! I know it has been a little while since an update, so hold on for lots of great stories!
PICS!!!
MEDICAL BRIGADE PICS!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034434&l=ca8bb&id=156800196
MISC. Pics from the past several weeks
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033216&l=ab74c&id=156800196
GOING HOME! A few weeks ago, I was able to make a trip home to Roanoke, AL. It was an amazing time with friends and family. I got to visit some with people from Trinity Baptist Church and Community Life Church. It was such a blessing to be able to visit and see familiar faces!
Most importantly, I was able to be home for a wonderful weekend of celebration for my brother Jonathan. On Saturday, my brother became married to Tracy Smith (Tiner) of Roanoke. Tracy has two children and together they make a gorgeous family. To top off the weekend, on Sunday, Jonathan was baptized along with at least 15 others from Community Life Church. I was very thankful that I was able to be there for such a God honoring weekend.
THREATS OF FIRE AND GOD’S MERCY- As I had said in recent payer request e-mails, the ranch was threatened with fire. God was very merciful and protecting of all of those working to keep the fire away, as well as all those who live in nearby communities. There was no damage done to any of our property, and as only God can do, He provided rain! These threats of fire will continue to diminish as we are entering the rainy season. I think we received the first sign of this yesterday about 4:50 pm, when the heavens opened up and for a good part of yesterday evening, we received a plentiful amount of rain!!!
MEDICAL BRIGADE- This past week was a very interesting week for me. Last weekend I was able to greet an incoming brigade team at the airport. These were 15 men and women coming to stay at the mission house and serve on the medical and outreach brigade to assist and mobilize local churches. I was sad that I only was able to spend Saturday and Sunday with them, and had to return to the ranch on Sunday for school Monday. Well, God was generous. Because of supposed strikes on Thursday and a holiday on Friday, I was able to return to the mission house on Wednesday and join the outreach teams on Thursday and Friday.
I had no idea how much fun I was going to have! First of all, I was there to shadow Tyler, the intern that has been here since January but leaving to return to the Naval Academy this weekend. I was able to get a first hand view on what an intern’s job consists of.
Thursday, I worked with the children’s ministry. While parents are in an evangelism room, the kids are brought down to another area and go through stations. The first station is songs and a bible story. When the story is finished someone checks every child’s head for lice. MOST of the children there had lice. When they left the room, those that head lice received special lice treatment shampoo and those that didn’t simply got their hair washed. After leaving the hair washing stations, the children went to some other chairs where ladies did everything from combing their hair and putting in bows and ribbons, to painting fingernails or cleaning their teeth.
It’s amazing the “standards” we as Americans have for being hygienic. It is also sad to say that these children rarely, if ever, get to reach that standard due to the conditions they live in. Most of us know what is meant by the saying “it just makes me feel human,” if we are in an uncomfortable situation. Well, these simple treatments with good shampoo and just giving these kids individual attention are wonderful things that helped them know they are loved and help them “feel human.”
On Friday, we spent the morning time pouring a concrete floor in a home for an elderly lady and her family. The home was small and housed a 94 year old grandmother, an elderly couple, and their children. We were able to provide this family with a very basic need that will help prevent viruses and infections that are caused by dirt floors. This family was very gracious to us, and I was very happy to be able to be a blessing to them also.
One of the neatest things I got to do was to mix concrete on the ground. The past times we have always had a mixer available, but I learned that sometimes that’s not an option and you just have to do it right there on the ground. It’s a very interesting process of mixing dirt and rocks, adding cement, then adding water while keeping it all together and getting just the right ratios of each. Then it is shoveled into buckets and carried into the house for pouring and leveling.
I was also able to hang out with some of the kids in the neighborhood. I got to practice and murder the Spanish language, but also show some attention to the kids. They REALLY enjoyed water fights, and they started and stopped many times throughout the morning.
Yesterday, we loaded the team up and helped them get situated at the airport and through security. It was said to say goodbye to them, but wonderful to know that they had a wonderful time, were encouraged, and hopefully will be back next year. Overall, it was just a huge, wonderful experience to be able to have.
SUMMER PLANS- This summer will be an exciting one for me!!! After school is out, I will be moving to the mission house in El Hatillo for at least 5 weeks to work as an INTERN for the medical/evangelism/construction brigades!!! The days I spent on the medical brigade this past week were absolutely amazing, and were kind of a trial run to see if I would like to do that for a longer period this summer. For those that were there in Venezeula two summers ago, this is the kind of work we were doing when I felt I was being called to missions. God has opened that opportunity up and I am looking forward to being there! Mark Hardin, shown in some of the pictures, will be leaving this summer, and I will be filling in some on his job, leading the teams pouring concrete floors. I will also be helping wherever needed on the medical brigade and kid’s ministry. Please pray for me as God prepares me for this summer emotionally and physically!
FINISHING STRONG- This year is closing in quickly! We are now only about 5 weeks from the end of the school year. God has blessed me tremendously this year at the ranch. It has been and still is a growing, molding process. Sometimes it is hard to remain as clay and allow God to shape, mold, and challenge me. Still, things are going great and we will have an excellent time closing out this school year. My students are doing a tremendous job, and I could not ask for better cooperation from them. They are very determined individuals.
NEEDING YOUR HELP! As you all know, I will be continuing work WGO next year. Many of you, individuals and churches, are currently supporting my work here through your prayers and finances. If you are one of those people, first of all, another HUGE thank you for what you are doing. Secondly, I would like to ask for your continued support this next year.
Many of you are friends and family who were not able to support me financially over this past year, but I know you have been praying for me. Thank you also!!! I would like to ask for your continued prayers and also ask you to consider making a financial contribution to help me continue mission work here in Honduras.
Whether you are an individual or a church body ALREADY supporting me financially, or would be able to BEGIN helping me financially, please open the attached REPLY FORM (provided in Works and Word formats), fill it out, and return it to the address shown. If you have questions about the options of a “ONE TIME GIFT” or a “MONTHLY GIFT,” please e-mail me!!!
(If you receive this on Facebook and would like a reply form, please send me your e-mail address)
CLOSING- Thanks so much for your prayers and support. God is truly using you to bless the country of Honduras, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you! Let me know how your family is doing! Send me pictures! I love to hear from all of you! May God bless your lives!
-In Christ, Jesse TinerWorld Gospel Outreachhttp://www.wgoreach.org
PICS!!!
MEDICAL BRIGADE PICS!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034434&l=ca8bb&id=156800196
MISC. Pics from the past several weeks
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033216&l=ab74c&id=156800196
GOING HOME! A few weeks ago, I was able to make a trip home to Roanoke, AL. It was an amazing time with friends and family. I got to visit some with people from Trinity Baptist Church and Community Life Church. It was such a blessing to be able to visit and see familiar faces!
Most importantly, I was able to be home for a wonderful weekend of celebration for my brother Jonathan. On Saturday, my brother became married to Tracy Smith (Tiner) of Roanoke. Tracy has two children and together they make a gorgeous family. To top off the weekend, on Sunday, Jonathan was baptized along with at least 15 others from Community Life Church. I was very thankful that I was able to be there for such a God honoring weekend.
THREATS OF FIRE AND GOD’S MERCY- As I had said in recent payer request e-mails, the ranch was threatened with fire. God was very merciful and protecting of all of those working to keep the fire away, as well as all those who live in nearby communities. There was no damage done to any of our property, and as only God can do, He provided rain! These threats of fire will continue to diminish as we are entering the rainy season. I think we received the first sign of this yesterday about 4:50 pm, when the heavens opened up and for a good part of yesterday evening, we received a plentiful amount of rain!!!
MEDICAL BRIGADE- This past week was a very interesting week for me. Last weekend I was able to greet an incoming brigade team at the airport. These were 15 men and women coming to stay at the mission house and serve on the medical and outreach brigade to assist and mobilize local churches. I was sad that I only was able to spend Saturday and Sunday with them, and had to return to the ranch on Sunday for school Monday. Well, God was generous. Because of supposed strikes on Thursday and a holiday on Friday, I was able to return to the mission house on Wednesday and join the outreach teams on Thursday and Friday.
I had no idea how much fun I was going to have! First of all, I was there to shadow Tyler, the intern that has been here since January but leaving to return to the Naval Academy this weekend. I was able to get a first hand view on what an intern’s job consists of.
Thursday, I worked with the children’s ministry. While parents are in an evangelism room, the kids are brought down to another area and go through stations. The first station is songs and a bible story. When the story is finished someone checks every child’s head for lice. MOST of the children there had lice. When they left the room, those that head lice received special lice treatment shampoo and those that didn’t simply got their hair washed. After leaving the hair washing stations, the children went to some other chairs where ladies did everything from combing their hair and putting in bows and ribbons, to painting fingernails or cleaning their teeth.
It’s amazing the “standards” we as Americans have for being hygienic. It is also sad to say that these children rarely, if ever, get to reach that standard due to the conditions they live in. Most of us know what is meant by the saying “it just makes me feel human,” if we are in an uncomfortable situation. Well, these simple treatments with good shampoo and just giving these kids individual attention are wonderful things that helped them know they are loved and help them “feel human.”
On Friday, we spent the morning time pouring a concrete floor in a home for an elderly lady and her family. The home was small and housed a 94 year old grandmother, an elderly couple, and their children. We were able to provide this family with a very basic need that will help prevent viruses and infections that are caused by dirt floors. This family was very gracious to us, and I was very happy to be able to be a blessing to them also.
One of the neatest things I got to do was to mix concrete on the ground. The past times we have always had a mixer available, but I learned that sometimes that’s not an option and you just have to do it right there on the ground. It’s a very interesting process of mixing dirt and rocks, adding cement, then adding water while keeping it all together and getting just the right ratios of each. Then it is shoveled into buckets and carried into the house for pouring and leveling.
I was also able to hang out with some of the kids in the neighborhood. I got to practice and murder the Spanish language, but also show some attention to the kids. They REALLY enjoyed water fights, and they started and stopped many times throughout the morning.
Yesterday, we loaded the team up and helped them get situated at the airport and through security. It was said to say goodbye to them, but wonderful to know that they had a wonderful time, were encouraged, and hopefully will be back next year. Overall, it was just a huge, wonderful experience to be able to have.
SUMMER PLANS- This summer will be an exciting one for me!!! After school is out, I will be moving to the mission house in El Hatillo for at least 5 weeks to work as an INTERN for the medical/evangelism/construction brigades!!! The days I spent on the medical brigade this past week were absolutely amazing, and were kind of a trial run to see if I would like to do that for a longer period this summer. For those that were there in Venezeula two summers ago, this is the kind of work we were doing when I felt I was being called to missions. God has opened that opportunity up and I am looking forward to being there! Mark Hardin, shown in some of the pictures, will be leaving this summer, and I will be filling in some on his job, leading the teams pouring concrete floors. I will also be helping wherever needed on the medical brigade and kid’s ministry. Please pray for me as God prepares me for this summer emotionally and physically!
FINISHING STRONG- This year is closing in quickly! We are now only about 5 weeks from the end of the school year. God has blessed me tremendously this year at the ranch. It has been and still is a growing, molding process. Sometimes it is hard to remain as clay and allow God to shape, mold, and challenge me. Still, things are going great and we will have an excellent time closing out this school year. My students are doing a tremendous job, and I could not ask for better cooperation from them. They are very determined individuals.
NEEDING YOUR HELP! As you all know, I will be continuing work WGO next year. Many of you, individuals and churches, are currently supporting my work here through your prayers and finances. If you are one of those people, first of all, another HUGE thank you for what you are doing. Secondly, I would like to ask for your continued support this next year.
Many of you are friends and family who were not able to support me financially over this past year, but I know you have been praying for me. Thank you also!!! I would like to ask for your continued prayers and also ask you to consider making a financial contribution to help me continue mission work here in Honduras.
Whether you are an individual or a church body ALREADY supporting me financially, or would be able to BEGIN helping me financially, please open the attached REPLY FORM (provided in Works and Word formats), fill it out, and return it to the address shown. If you have questions about the options of a “ONE TIME GIFT” or a “MONTHLY GIFT,” please e-mail me!!!
(If you receive this on Facebook and would like a reply form, please send me your e-mail address)
CLOSING- Thanks so much for your prayers and support. God is truly using you to bless the country of Honduras, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you! Let me know how your family is doing! Send me pictures! I love to hear from all of you! May God bless your lives!
-In Christ, Jesse TinerWorld Gospel Outreachhttp://www.wgoreach.org
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hello outside world! Lots of great things to rejoice about these past couple of weeks, so let’s get started.
PICS- I had some great pics to send along with the update, but Facebook is not uploading them. So, if I get them uploaded later, I will send them. Sorry!
RESIDENCY- I AM NOW AN OFFICIAL RESIDENT OF HONDURAS FOR ONE YEAR!!! A few Wednesdays ago, we headed to the city to renew our residency with the HOPE that our cards would be ready and that we wouldn’t have to keep going back there. Well, several of the cards were ready and the others were ready within a few days after our trip. This is very exciting for us since now we don’t have to go back to the Immigration Office for an entire year, plus we can now use our Residency cards to enter and exit the country! WHOO HOO!
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK- I am really going to have a tough time putting into words what all happened last week. First of all, let me explain what Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) is. Each year, the school takes one week and starts each morning with about 2 or 3 hours of “chapel”, including Praise and Worship, followed by a message.
This year, we were very excited to have two guys, named Tom and Russ, to visit us from the states. Tom and Russ are friends of Steve, one of the north Americans here at the ranch. I had no idea just what God had planned for this time, but it proved to be more that I could have ever imagined. Russ is an excellent musician and plays guitar, keyboard, and just about anything with strings on it. He is also an excellent harmonica player. Each morning started with about 2 or 3 songs played by our ranch praise and worship band, and Russ took over after that. Russ has written a LOT of original songs, and each morning he blessed us by playing and singing several of those songs. He also played a blues song and had one of our students, Will, come and hold the harmonica to Russ’ mouth while Russ played guitar and harmonica at the same time. I really don’t think a lot of our kids have seen anything like this and it was very awesome to see their reactions. Russ and I also worked very well together and a couple of mornings we played songs that we had practiced together before.
After Russ finished up the time of music, Tom spoke. I won’t go into ALL of his messages, but the overall theme was putting FULL trust in God, and praising God in the good times and bad. It is hard to say “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” under any circumstance, but Tom did an excellent job at teaching the kids and showing them how to trust God fully and how to make it through tough times. And, most people would assume Job would have been a huge topic under this issue, but I don’t think we used that story as an illustration but briefly. Tom is very gifted at using SO many different styles and varieties of methods to keep kids interested, focused, and wanting more. This was a very powerful week spiritually. For the first time, I saw kids break down who have probably had problems and issued bottled up inside for so many years. Students who are Christians and may have felt shy about sharing their faith before shared their beliefs and thoughts with great boldness and courage to other non-Christians in the group. One of the songs we sang is called “Make a Joyful Noise,” and has the chorus “I will not be silent, NO, I will not be quiet anymore!” What a powerful message for our kids.
One of the most difficult times during the week was seeing those who are non-Christians still try and push away the love that Christ is trying to give them. While none of the non-believers accepted Christ during this week, I definitely feel that huge steps were taken. It’s very scary to think of what will happen to them if they continually choose to turn away, so I ask for your prayer, SPECIFICALLY for our students here who DO NOT accept the message of Christ. Please lift them up on a daily basis and pray that hearts would soften, that walls be broken down, and that these kids would rejoice with those of us who know the peace that comes with knowing Christ as our savior.
VACATION- After a VERY uplifting week of SEW, almost everyone on the ranch took a much needed vacation. Here in Honduras it is called Semana Santa, or Holy Week, and is the equivalent of Spring Break back home. Most of us singles spent 4 days and 3 nights in La Ceiba on the north coast. I have to say it was one of the most beautifully relaxing vacations I’ve ever had. Our hotel was the Hotel Canadien, and it was not fancy at all, but was very clean and even more relaxing. Lots of families were there, but it was very quite. Every room had about 3 or 4 “chair” hammocks in front of the room. I spent a lot of time in mine reading and relaxing. I also spent lots of time on the beach, reading and relaxing.
There were TWO things that really stuck out on our trip. The first is that Ron and I got to go play golf. The course was nice, kinda weirdly designed, but nice nonetheless. When we arrived, about 15 Honduran guys were waiting to be caddies! They finally decided which one would caddy for us, and they even le you rent their clubs. This was great since Ron and I didn’t have any clubs with us. Also, they let you share clubs where most places do not. Anyhow, our caddy’s name was Mikie, and he has been caddying for 11 years. He is a really great, nice guy, and he taught Ron and I A LOT about golf. Much fun was had!
The other thing that sticks out was our day at the islands. On Monday morning, 7 of us loaded a boat that took us to an island chain about an hour offshore. They are called Cayos Cachinos, and consist of 2 larger islands and several smaller ones surrounding. We spent most of our time snorkeling and swimming in the BEAUTIFUL emerald colored water. We saw lots of pretty fish and beautiful corral. We also met some friends who were natives of the islands. Lots of people do live on the island, and I found out later that their ethnicity is a mix of African American and Caribbean Islanders. They were very nice people and a few of the kids even played rhythms with us on rocks we found on the beach. We also ate lunch there at a little place where you sat outside under a little shaded hut. We had fish, rice, beans, and plantanos. The fish still had the head attached and the eyes were left in. Apparently, some people enjoy “sucking” on the eyes. Must be a Honduran thing. I opted out.
At the motel, we also ate a couple of dinners at the restaurant there. You could sit inside and outside, and both times we chose to eat outside. It was a very inexpensive place to eat, and the food was really good. We also had an amazing view of the beach from there and got to watch the sun set. I don’t think there was any one of us that did NOT have an amazing time there.
SAMANA SANTA/EASTER- After a relaxing start to Semana Santa, our week off continued when we returned to the Ranch. It was very peaceful since a lot of the families were still gone. The ranch looked like a ghost town. I got to spend a lot of time finishing a great book called Bruchko and the Motilone Miracle, which is the sequel to the first one I read a couple of years ago. I also got to spend a lot of time in scripture, which was very refreshing.
CHAPEL- At the end of Semana Santa we got together with Eric, who leads chapel. SEW with Tom and Russ had prompted us to use the time in Chapel more efficiently. Jason and I had discussed a lot about how we saw kids start to open up to Tom and Russ. We felt that we needed to reevaluate our goals and structure for chapel. Our meeting with Eric went great and this past Friday we had our first “restructured” chapel. Basically, each of the teachers is in charge of 3-4 students. We are giving the group leader an “outline” to follow but encouraging them to lead the discussion however they feel.
Yesterday we talked about loss, and being able to give things up for the sake of Christ. Also, we talked about how sometimes we need to CHOOSE the road less traveled. We used the “FAITH” chapter of Hebrews, specifically in chapter 11, verses 24-26, where Moses refused to be known as Pharaoh’s daughter, and said that being mistreated and being disgraced along with the people of God would be better than enjoying worldly pleasures for a short time. He CHOSE a life that was tough, when he could have chosen to stay and live in a PALACE. He knew what God wanted him to do, and chose to follow that calling over anything else the world offered.
We also did an activity where the kids wrote some things down that are very important to them, including family, a house, etc., and then randomly marked some things off. We then asked how they would respond if these things were taken way from them. Would they choose to follow God and say “Blessed be the name of the Lord” in the midst of all the pain and heartache in their life. It was very powerful to see how the students in my group reacted. One in particular was very bold in standing firm in the God would be enough to sustain him through all of those losses. That’s a hard statement to make, but I am convinced he was very sincere. Lots of our kids HAVE lost a LOT in their lives, and it’s amazing to see those who are so strong in their faith and here testimony of what God has done.
COMMUNITY- Unfortunately, I have only been able to go to the community once for our program over the past three weeks. One I missed for the residency I mentioned above, and the last one we didn’t have because we were out of school for the week. However, the one I did get to go to was great. It was during SEW and Tom and Russ were able to come down and get a glimpse at what we do. It was great fun had by all. That week and for the new several coming weeks, we are talking about the fruits of the Spirit. Jason and Abby dressed up as fruits to help make it interesting for the kids. We talked to them about joy and how we should love God no matter what circumstances we go through. That’s a tough message for these kids as most of their life situations are very difficult. However, I am always amazed at how happy these kids are. They seem to enjoy life for what it is, and there is definitely something to learn from them.
THE END- Not much to say here other than I am very excited about seeing everyone in the Roanoke area while I am home. Unfortunately, I will not be in Geneva this time, and I am sad that I will not be able to see all of you there.
I will be in Roanoke late on Tuesday April 8th, and look forward to visiting around town the following days leading up to my brother’s wedding!
Please pray for our ranch, our staff, and our kids.
PICS- I had some great pics to send along with the update, but Facebook is not uploading them. So, if I get them uploaded later, I will send them. Sorry!
RESIDENCY- I AM NOW AN OFFICIAL RESIDENT OF HONDURAS FOR ONE YEAR!!! A few Wednesdays ago, we headed to the city to renew our residency with the HOPE that our cards would be ready and that we wouldn’t have to keep going back there. Well, several of the cards were ready and the others were ready within a few days after our trip. This is very exciting for us since now we don’t have to go back to the Immigration Office for an entire year, plus we can now use our Residency cards to enter and exit the country! WHOO HOO!
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK- I am really going to have a tough time putting into words what all happened last week. First of all, let me explain what Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) is. Each year, the school takes one week and starts each morning with about 2 or 3 hours of “chapel”, including Praise and Worship, followed by a message.
This year, we were very excited to have two guys, named Tom and Russ, to visit us from the states. Tom and Russ are friends of Steve, one of the north Americans here at the ranch. I had no idea just what God had planned for this time, but it proved to be more that I could have ever imagined. Russ is an excellent musician and plays guitar, keyboard, and just about anything with strings on it. He is also an excellent harmonica player. Each morning started with about 2 or 3 songs played by our ranch praise and worship band, and Russ took over after that. Russ has written a LOT of original songs, and each morning he blessed us by playing and singing several of those songs. He also played a blues song and had one of our students, Will, come and hold the harmonica to Russ’ mouth while Russ played guitar and harmonica at the same time. I really don’t think a lot of our kids have seen anything like this and it was very awesome to see their reactions. Russ and I also worked very well together and a couple of mornings we played songs that we had practiced together before.
After Russ finished up the time of music, Tom spoke. I won’t go into ALL of his messages, but the overall theme was putting FULL trust in God, and praising God in the good times and bad. It is hard to say “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” under any circumstance, but Tom did an excellent job at teaching the kids and showing them how to trust God fully and how to make it through tough times. And, most people would assume Job would have been a huge topic under this issue, but I don’t think we used that story as an illustration but briefly. Tom is very gifted at using SO many different styles and varieties of methods to keep kids interested, focused, and wanting more. This was a very powerful week spiritually. For the first time, I saw kids break down who have probably had problems and issued bottled up inside for so many years. Students who are Christians and may have felt shy about sharing their faith before shared their beliefs and thoughts with great boldness and courage to other non-Christians in the group. One of the songs we sang is called “Make a Joyful Noise,” and has the chorus “I will not be silent, NO, I will not be quiet anymore!” What a powerful message for our kids.
One of the most difficult times during the week was seeing those who are non-Christians still try and push away the love that Christ is trying to give them. While none of the non-believers accepted Christ during this week, I definitely feel that huge steps were taken. It’s very scary to think of what will happen to them if they continually choose to turn away, so I ask for your prayer, SPECIFICALLY for our students here who DO NOT accept the message of Christ. Please lift them up on a daily basis and pray that hearts would soften, that walls be broken down, and that these kids would rejoice with those of us who know the peace that comes with knowing Christ as our savior.
VACATION- After a VERY uplifting week of SEW, almost everyone on the ranch took a much needed vacation. Here in Honduras it is called Semana Santa, or Holy Week, and is the equivalent of Spring Break back home. Most of us singles spent 4 days and 3 nights in La Ceiba on the north coast. I have to say it was one of the most beautifully relaxing vacations I’ve ever had. Our hotel was the Hotel Canadien, and it was not fancy at all, but was very clean and even more relaxing. Lots of families were there, but it was very quite. Every room had about 3 or 4 “chair” hammocks in front of the room. I spent a lot of time in mine reading and relaxing. I also spent lots of time on the beach, reading and relaxing.
There were TWO things that really stuck out on our trip. The first is that Ron and I got to go play golf. The course was nice, kinda weirdly designed, but nice nonetheless. When we arrived, about 15 Honduran guys were waiting to be caddies! They finally decided which one would caddy for us, and they even le you rent their clubs. This was great since Ron and I didn’t have any clubs with us. Also, they let you share clubs where most places do not. Anyhow, our caddy’s name was Mikie, and he has been caddying for 11 years. He is a really great, nice guy, and he taught Ron and I A LOT about golf. Much fun was had!
The other thing that sticks out was our day at the islands. On Monday morning, 7 of us loaded a boat that took us to an island chain about an hour offshore. They are called Cayos Cachinos, and consist of 2 larger islands and several smaller ones surrounding. We spent most of our time snorkeling and swimming in the BEAUTIFUL emerald colored water. We saw lots of pretty fish and beautiful corral. We also met some friends who were natives of the islands. Lots of people do live on the island, and I found out later that their ethnicity is a mix of African American and Caribbean Islanders. They were very nice people and a few of the kids even played rhythms with us on rocks we found on the beach. We also ate lunch there at a little place where you sat outside under a little shaded hut. We had fish, rice, beans, and plantanos. The fish still had the head attached and the eyes were left in. Apparently, some people enjoy “sucking” on the eyes. Must be a Honduran thing. I opted out.
At the motel, we also ate a couple of dinners at the restaurant there. You could sit inside and outside, and both times we chose to eat outside. It was a very inexpensive place to eat, and the food was really good. We also had an amazing view of the beach from there and got to watch the sun set. I don’t think there was any one of us that did NOT have an amazing time there.
SAMANA SANTA/EASTER- After a relaxing start to Semana Santa, our week off continued when we returned to the Ranch. It was very peaceful since a lot of the families were still gone. The ranch looked like a ghost town. I got to spend a lot of time finishing a great book called Bruchko and the Motilone Miracle, which is the sequel to the first one I read a couple of years ago. I also got to spend a lot of time in scripture, which was very refreshing.
CHAPEL- At the end of Semana Santa we got together with Eric, who leads chapel. SEW with Tom and Russ had prompted us to use the time in Chapel more efficiently. Jason and I had discussed a lot about how we saw kids start to open up to Tom and Russ. We felt that we needed to reevaluate our goals and structure for chapel. Our meeting with Eric went great and this past Friday we had our first “restructured” chapel. Basically, each of the teachers is in charge of 3-4 students. We are giving the group leader an “outline” to follow but encouraging them to lead the discussion however they feel.
Yesterday we talked about loss, and being able to give things up for the sake of Christ. Also, we talked about how sometimes we need to CHOOSE the road less traveled. We used the “FAITH” chapter of Hebrews, specifically in chapter 11, verses 24-26, where Moses refused to be known as Pharaoh’s daughter, and said that being mistreated and being disgraced along with the people of God would be better than enjoying worldly pleasures for a short time. He CHOSE a life that was tough, when he could have chosen to stay and live in a PALACE. He knew what God wanted him to do, and chose to follow that calling over anything else the world offered.
We also did an activity where the kids wrote some things down that are very important to them, including family, a house, etc., and then randomly marked some things off. We then asked how they would respond if these things were taken way from them. Would they choose to follow God and say “Blessed be the name of the Lord” in the midst of all the pain and heartache in their life. It was very powerful to see how the students in my group reacted. One in particular was very bold in standing firm in the God would be enough to sustain him through all of those losses. That’s a hard statement to make, but I am convinced he was very sincere. Lots of our kids HAVE lost a LOT in their lives, and it’s amazing to see those who are so strong in their faith and here testimony of what God has done.
COMMUNITY- Unfortunately, I have only been able to go to the community once for our program over the past three weeks. One I missed for the residency I mentioned above, and the last one we didn’t have because we were out of school for the week. However, the one I did get to go to was great. It was during SEW and Tom and Russ were able to come down and get a glimpse at what we do. It was great fun had by all. That week and for the new several coming weeks, we are talking about the fruits of the Spirit. Jason and Abby dressed up as fruits to help make it interesting for the kids. We talked to them about joy and how we should love God no matter what circumstances we go through. That’s a tough message for these kids as most of their life situations are very difficult. However, I am always amazed at how happy these kids are. They seem to enjoy life for what it is, and there is definitely something to learn from them.
THE END- Not much to say here other than I am very excited about seeing everyone in the Roanoke area while I am home. Unfortunately, I will not be in Geneva this time, and I am sad that I will not be able to see all of you there.
I will be in Roanoke late on Tuesday April 8th, and look forward to visiting around town the following days leading up to my brother’s wedding!
Please pray for our ranch, our staff, and our kids.
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