Hurricanes

Wait, the last post was in early September?  Good grief, I knew I was busy, but that took me aback.  

We fly to the US October 1st, and that certainly did open some doors literally and figuratively.  We were doing it to get medicines and supplies, getting the kids out of isolation, and us as well.  We were hoping to relax, take some time off, but I would be lying if we have been totally successful on that front, but we have been trying.  

It was quite frustrating in a way to be here when two major hurricanes within two weeks were threatening Honduras.  We wanted to be home, to be able to help.  Instead, sitting on the sidelines, at least how it felt.  

Thankfully for us, both Eta and Iota did not hit Teguicgalpa or our Church areas with nearly the force that was anticipated.  That does not mean that it didn't hit with great force elsewhere, and after Eta passed, our staff was looking to see how they could help the areas hardest hit. 

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People living in a school covered gym area that lost everything in the hurricane

Doctor Darwin with a first run to buy mattresses to give away to those that have no where to sleep.

We have missions that we know up in the San Pedro Sula area, and taking medical relief was requested.  Doctor Darwin quickly coordinated a team from the clinic and went up for a few days and saw over 600, and heard and saw much more of the damage.  That was after Eta and before Iota, which re-hit that area hard.  The airport in San Pedro Sula was under water, and then with Iota, under water even more.  

With this kind of flooding, and from reports from those in the areas they visited, in areas that have not seen flooding in the past, houses were lost, or completely flooded making almost everything in the homes ruined.  As things are cleaned out, big piles are left in the street waiting for the government to dispose of everything.  

The staff is coordinating buying, transporting, and distributing what is needed most...mattresses, food, medicines and clothing.  It will take several trips over several weeks, with staff and volunteers.  

Thankfully, donations are coming in to help, and there is a lot of help needed.  You can donate here via our donate page, designating for emergency relief in the drop down menu.  

There were areas affected closer to home, and we will also be seeing how we help in other parts of the country as well...reports are coming in that near Danli there are affected areas, and at least one pastor has some reports of problems of flooding in his home, near Talanga.  And there are road issues in many, many areas.  

Seen below is Luz Belen in the house her parents were building in Sampedrana.  The hard rains there that have washed out the road also affected their adobe, which they only had been able to cover with a roof half way before the storm.  They are living with grandparents.  (Luz is part of the Milk Project in Sampedrana.) 

I don't think I could give an update here on everything else going on in the ministry...even with COVID and hurricanes, there is quite a bit going on, and things that need tackling. Including seeing below...we had issues with water coming through the walls during hard rains in the Milk Project.  We tried fixes inside, but ultimately, had to work outside sealing, and then painting the exterior walls.  Hoping that will help a great deal.  It is certainly more blue now to stand out.  

And Oscar reports that Sunday when he went to visit for the 8th anniversary of the Church in Danli, that he heard the testimony of the young woman pictured below, (volunteering by handing out celebratory tamales.)  She was thankful for his prayers.  In January he visited her house with pastor Edwin and a few group members during a medical brigade we were doing in the area.  

She shared how she did not like Church, but since that day something happened, and now her and her family, and her husband are faithful in the Church, and her life has been blessed.  

What else to say but...amen y amen

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