Download PDF: Low quality | High quality

Dear M.M.M. Friends & Family,

You are always in our thoughts and prayers; And though we are busier than ever here in the mission field, we cherish the opportunity to share with you what wonderful and exciting things God is doing; through us, and for us. In this issue, you will read about an unusual missionary volunteer family. If future newsletters, you will also notice a new segment, showing you what life is like for some of our crisis children.

As always, we cannot send out a newsletter without giving you a spiritual, present truth thought. So, dear friends, as you read through this issue, we ask that you prayerfully think of the work that God is doing, not only here in Honduras, but around the world, and then say ―Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?

Joe & Elsa

A Family Of Missionaries

by Joe

Through the years, we have had dozens of volunteers serving at our Outpost, and we are ever thankful to God for sending us just the right people at just the right time. From time-to-time, we’ve had sisters, brothers, mother & son, Father & son volunteer with us, but recently, we had quite an unusual, yet pleasant surprise.

Elsa and I received an e-mail from a Pastor Kevin Powell, from Virginia, asking if he and a few members of his family could come and work with us for a couple of weeks. As always, we never give an immediate answer. We must first pray and seek God’s guidance, direction and will for us in all matters. Finally, we did agree that it would be of benefit to have a few volunteers come and help out with church meetings and health seminars at the restaurant. Wait a minute,…..did I say, “a few volunteers”? After communicating further with the Pastor, we learned that there would actually be sixteen family members coming; This includes mother’s, father’s, aunt’s, uncle’s, son’s, daughter’s, even a granddad. Elsa and I knew this would be somewhat of a challenge, because we were short staffed and very busy. We would not be able to devote much personal time to this group; So, they would have to be very self-motivated. The plan was now in motion for the group to come, and the closer their arrival date,…the more nervous I became. I did not want them to have an unpleasant experience.

A few days before their arrival, I received an e-mail which included their work / project schedule. I had never seen such an organized, detailed outline for such a large group. I was relieved to see their schedule, but now I was more nervous than ever. You see, we have learned that it’s almost impossible to keep a solid schedule at our ministry here in the mountains; Undoubtedly, something will always come up unexpectedly to change things. We prayed, “Lord, please let this be a positive experience for these families coming. Let them see and know that the work being done here, though not always scheduled and organized, is your work.” The day finally arrived, and we met them all at the airport; Sixteen people, thirty-two large pieces of luggage, and lots of happy smiling faces. Well, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my nervous fears were unnecessary. Usually, volunteers need a couple of days to get accustomed and adjusted to being in a third world Country. These missionary families hit the Country running.

They wasted no time going out into the mountain villages sharing their many talents with everyone they met. It was so wonderful to see young and old excited about ministering to others. This wonderful group didn’t come here empty handed either. They brought with them lots of medical supplies, clothes for our village children, and a few Laptop computers for our students of the Missionary Training Center. I wish I could tell you all of the special things that took place during their visit, but I’ll only be able to share with you a little of what took place. One very special event was when we all went up to a nearby mountain village to visit one of our regular outreach families.

The young people had brought with them musical bells, and they played several songs for the family. What a wonderful time we had. I thought I could even hear angels accompanying these youth as they played. I honestly believe that heaven draws near when people, young people especially, open their hearts and give of their time and talents to help others. All of these young people displayed such selfless, beautiful characters. We’re told in the book Steps To Christ (pg. 79) that, “The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability,
and Christlike loveliness to the character, and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. The aspirations are elevated…..Those who thus exercise the Christian graces will have clear spiritual perceptions, a steady, growing faith, and an increased power in prayer….Those who thus devote themselves to unselfish effort for the good of others are most surely working out their own salvation.” Dear youth, do you feel that you are too young, or too untalented to share God’s love and compassion with others? Never feel this way!! God has given you all special gifts and talents to be used in His service. Though this family of missionaries was only with us for a short time, their Christian influence was felt, and will be missed, throughout La Zona, and our mountain villages.

Now, we want you to hear a couple of testimonies from the youth themselves.

Abigail and Bethany became fast friends

My name is Bethany Powell. I am eight years old, and I live in Virginia, where my dad is a pastor. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a missionary. I was so excited when Jesus opened the door for our family to go and help at M.M.M. in Honduras for two weeks. We brought with us a lot of gifts for the children, (food, literature to give out, and a few stuffed animals too). As we flew into San Pedro Sula, I saw many banana plantations, rivers and mountains. It was very pretty. And it was fun to go on the airplane for my first time. It’s very pretty at the Maranatha Outpost. We had a great time going to a cave and a waterfall. It was also fun doing our laundry by hand in the ―’Pila’

I want to share a few experiences I had there that were especially meaningful to me. We held VBS (Vacation Bible School) in Cera del Torro, a mountain village just up from the Outpost, and the children were cheerful and happy, even though they were poor and needy. I enjoyed helping with the songs, Bible stories, crafts and games. Another time, we went to a very poor area near Santa Barbara and gave the children balloons, bubbles, tooth brushes, balls and hair thingies. Again we went into the mountains to visit with a poor family, Their house had cracks in the walls. We brought them all stuffed animals. One girl was so delighted when she saw a pink flamingo. I’m glad we brought the flamingo! I made a friend in Honduras! Her name is Abigail. Even though she didn’t know me, she walked right up and hugged me the first night of prayer meeting. It made me feel good. She sat by me almost all the rest of the meetings. It reminded me of Jesus and how He continually befriends us. We are so blessed to have nice houses and lots of good
food to eat. I’m so glad we got to go to Honduras. I look forward to going back someday. I want to be a missionary at home, in Honduras or wherever Jesus calls me to be.

By Kirsten Dysinger–

Kirsten with her new-found friend, Celia

My family and I had come to Honduras on a mission trip – along with two other families, (almost all relatives, which was nice). I had wanted to go on a mission trip for years, and was excited that my dream was finally becoming a reality. As we flew into San Pedro Sula, and then headed up into the mountains, my excitement mounted. The two hour bus drive went by so fast, and I drank in the sights and sounds. I could see the poverty and the filth all around, but instead of repulsing me, it gave me a longing for these dear
people; These people who were stuck in the rut of living the way they’d always lived; afraid of change; afraid of the unknown.

We reached our mission outpost after dark, and I anxiously looked forward to seeing around the place in the morning. But as morning dawned, I was not prepared for the beauty that lay around us. Our first week, we conducted VBS in the mountains, and what a joy to work with the children, and to see their smiles. It actually took a couple of days for them to warm-up, but soon we were all having a wonderful time together. I was given many unique opportunities that I would not have been able to receive here in the States. One of them was going to the Labor & Delivery ward in the hospital in Santa Barbara. There, I was able to watch a cesarean section, which I thoroughly enjoyed! I also learned how to suture,…another highlight. Through these opportunities (and many more), I was able to really experience true missions, and what comes with it. It was an amazing experience!

Young and old gather to receive needed supplies

Medical outreach with Dr. Kerry Neall

Every Child of God should ask the question, “Lord, what can I do to help feed, clothe, and educate someone today?” Not one day should go by that we think and do only for ourselves. We need to ever remember that, ―The Lord provides for the widow and the fatherless, not by a miracle in sending manna from heaven, not by sending ravens to bring them food; but by a miracle upon human hearts, expelling selfishness, and unsealing the fountains of Christlike love. ..In homes supplied with life’s comforts, in bins and granaries filled with the yield of abundant harvests, in warehouses stocked with the products of the loom, and vaults stored with gold and silver, God has supplied means for the sustenance of these needy ones. He calls upon us to be channels of His bounty.” M.H. p. 202

For My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts

by Elsa

Higher then the highest human thought is God’s ideal for His children. Our God never ceases to amaze me, and His Words are fulfilled every day here in the mission field. If there is one thing I have learned is FAITH… relying totally on God.

I am so excited to share that we have started Maranatha Missionary Training Center. We were not able to get the original piece of property, but we are moving forward with confidence that the Lord has just the right place and that we will have the funds necessary to purchase as He  continues to lead. Once again we want to thank those that have sent funds for the school property and its needs.

Dear friends let me tell you the wonderful way in which God has led us.

Isaiah 55:8, 9. Says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith The Lord, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” How true this scripture has become in the process of starting this Missionary Training Center. My thoughts were that Brother Hernando (the teacher that we had last year) was to be the one leading out; That we would start on a new piece of property with construction, etc.., but as the time drew near for classes to begin, doors seemed to be closing. God showed us that the property we had in mind for purchase, was not the property He wanted for His training center; We also learned that brother Hernando could not come back from Colombia; What would Teresita and I do? I certainly was crying out to God, as I often do…Joe says I certainly keep God busy. Teresita and I spent long hours in prayer, and then the Lord impressed us with a thought. Since the main purpose of education is service, and one of our goals is to be able to teach these young men how to share and give of themselves for the benefit of others… They would be the teachers! They would assist us in teaching the younger ones, the M.I.C.E; Not a bad idea, but would it really work? As you may know, Teresita and I are not trained teachers; our dependence in this project is totally on the Lord. So we proceeded with the planning of schedules and classes, still wondering if this idea would work. How would the young men take the challenge?

M.M.T.C. students teaching M.I.C.E. students…WOW!!!

Roger takes pride in teaching his students.

Renee patiently teaches young MICE

By teaching others, their own skills and talents are developed

How would the younger M.I.C.E. accept their new teachers? With much prayer we presented the challenge to the young men. They were a bit surprised and apprehensive, but they accepted, remembering “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.” Getting the classes scheduled out just right was a bit of a challenge, but I have learned from experience that when you are trying to do something that God wants, the enemy sends all kinds of obstacles, but if you remain steadfast and pray, the victory is always ours through our Lord Jesus Christ. The first day of school went beautifully, and the blessings extended into the rest of the week. God was working miracles! We saw a difference in our young men; they are becoming men of God. This challenge has caused them to mature, to be responsible, to learn patience, to learn to pray and think and to serve the younger ones. No, it wasn’t easy for them; But they saw the need, the opportunity, and they accepted the challenge. These young men know that they must now work doubly hard; Studying for their own classes, and preparing class materials for their students. Their sincerity and dedication is something to be admired. When we pass by and see them teaching the young MICE, we are thrilled!!! Truly God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither His ways our ways; who would have thought that this is what was needed this year? That God wanted to do something special with these young people.

The Christian characters and refinement are seen by all in our community. What could possibly have caused this drastic change? None but the love of God could have accomplished this miracle of transformation. By His grace and power, we will continue to educate these young people in service for God. An army of youth, rightly trained!!

Never Compromise; And Never Give Up!!

by Joe

Not very long ago, there were moments when we had doubts about the outcome of MICE, let alone the establishing of M.M.T.C. (Maranatha Missionary Training Center). A couple of our MICE had chosen not to return and continue their education with us. And, the three young men we had selected for the Missionary Training Center were each having personal or family issues, which, if not corrected, would disqualify them for this special training. Renee’s father, whom he loves deeply, had left home, leaving him devastated. Rogers was receiving pressure from home about attending public night school and working to help provide for the family. Jorge was experiencing the usual ―growing pains‖, and was inclined to be swayed by his non-Christian associates. When faced with such dilemmas, prayer is the only answer; And that’s exactly what we did. Slowly, but surely, we could see a change taking place in the lives of our young men.

Jorge, second from left

We especially noticed a marked change in Jorge. He’s a good kid, but easily influenced by others, and he was dealing with a number of hereditary factors. God has shown us over the years, that we cannot compromise with wrong habits, but at the same time, we should not easily give up on His children. It was in the midst of praying for a change in Jorge, that our missionary family’s arrived. This was the turning point in Jorge’s life. He immediately made new friends,…Christian friends. He saw that it is fun, enjoyable, and yes, honorable to be a Christian. Jorge is a new and different person, thanks to the power of prayer, and the associations of Christian friends. God never gives up on us. We may have serious
defects of character, but under it all He sees a character made of the finest gold. Only He can wash away our undesirable defects. But we must be willing to be made willing by Him; Allowing Him to mold and shape us into His perfect likeness. “Ever remember that Jesus is your helper. No-one understands as well as He your peculiarities of character. He is watching over you, and if you are willing to be guided by Him, He will throw around you influences for good that will enable you to accomplish all His will for you.” M.Y.P. – p.17. Our Missionary Training students are very special young men. Please keep them in your prayers.

HEALTH NUGGET:

CILANTRO

by Joe

In my opinion, Cilantro is one of the most unpleasant, pungent herbs on the face of the earth, thanks to some of my dear friends in the Dominican Republic, who mixed it by the spoonfuls in every dish they lovingly prepared. So, after my experience in that Country, I have, since then, had a serious dislike for the stuff. Now I honestly believe that God has me here in Honduras, not only to help others, but He also wants to iron out my sharp, rough edges.; But does that mean I have to like Cilantro too? I have a funny feeling God is trying to tell me something,…hummm. Not long after purchasing our Outpost property here in La Zona, I learned that this property has the largest growth of Cilantro in the entire area. People come from all over to pick this,…”herb”, for their personal use or to sell in town. When they ask me for permission to pick the Cilantro, I tell them to please, pick all they want….and then some!! Little do they know that I’d probably pay them to pick it, just to get it off of the property. Well,….as if we didn’t have enough growing already; I just learned that, while I was away in Mexico, Elsa and our MICE were busy planting a Cilantro garden. Can you believe it? Of all things!!!

Cultivating and harvesting cilantro

The Cilantro herb actually does have its benefits. It is a medicinal herb which can be used to detoxify many organs of the body system. The seeds are used as a tea to purify and remove toxins from the blood. Eating the leaves helps to draw out harsh metals from the body. So, medicinally, Cilantro is an excellent herb. After learning more about the benefits of Cilantro, I have a new found respect for this green leafy
plant. I have even conditioned myself to accept it in some of my foods; In very small amounts, of course. I really don’t think I will ever grow to love this pungent herb, but I know that God has placed it here for a reason. In every area of the world there are plants, herbs, fruits, etc. that are specifically used for certain illnesses and diseases which are prevalent in those areas. Living in a remote third-world area, we need to accept and take advantage of what God has given us. So, hats off to the Cilantro herb!!!

MINISTRY MATTERS

**Dear Ministry Family, we have been privately searching to find someone qualified to take over our ministry accounting affairs. Due to health issues, the person we have doing our business can no longer continue the work. We desperately need someone to help us. If you know of an honest, consecrated person who is willing to donate a few hours a month to do our accounting, please contact us immediately at – jcwflm1@yahoo.com. Thank you dear friends.

**Many of you have sacrificially contributed to our newly established Missionary Training Center. Though we have already begun the training of our students, we are still in the process of looking for just the right property for the Center. At present, training is being done at our Outpost in La Zona. We do need your continued prayers and support for this project. We will most certainly keep you informed of our progress throughout every stage.

**A very special thank you to all who have faithfully given of their means to help support this ministry. Many of you have written notes of love and support, and we thank you for them also. Please know that, although we are unable to reply to everyone, we do love you and appreciate your words of encouragement. It is difficult for us to communicate with you personally from Honduras, but you are all in our prayers. Your prayers, letters of encouragement, love and support are dearly appreciated.

**Elsa and I are hoping to come into the U.S. this year; And if we do, we would love to come to your church to share with you the wonderful work God is doing here in the mission field. Before we can commit to coming to the U.S., we must first have volunteers to assist in our school and restaurant; So please pray that God will send us the volunteers needed. We do miss you, and hope to see you soon.

Prayer Corner

“There is necessity for diligence in prayer: let nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep
open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where
prayer is wont to be made….We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not
neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul.” STC—p.97

Dr. Colin Standish – Health & healing after heart surgery.
Charles and Judy Wilson – God’s riches blessings, as they minister for Him.
Patricia Miller – Health & healing after surgery.
Mark Kent – God’s blessings in his recording of the testimonies project.
M.M.M. – We need full-time volunteers for school & restaurant.
Maranatha Missionary Training Center – Continued guidance and support in obtaining property.
M.M.M. Family – God’s blessings upon all who have faithfully supported us over the years.
Above all, may God keep us faithful to Him and to His work until the soon return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Print PDF