Rainy Season
Since the beginning of May we’ve been in the rainy season, which lasts until December. Many here in Honduras call it “invierno” or winter, even though technically, being in the northern hemisphere, winter is still from December to March. The reason is that there is less sun during the rainy season to heat us up.
Lise and I have had a couple of medical experiences this “winter”. In early June, I was working with some of the men in the church to help change the roof and fix the wall of a house that was being filled with water (when I saw the house I found it hard to think of a family living in it). I stepped on an old board, and a nail went into my foot (not all the way through, fortunately – I think I would have fainted!) I was sent off to the church clinic which was just two blocks away. Fortunately my tetanus shot was up to date, but they stuck some penicillin into me to stave off infection. When I tried to pay they wouldn’t accept my money – the pastor had called ahead. Limped for a few days, but that was soon over.
Clinics and Hospitals
More serious was Lise’s experience a couple of weeks ago. She was hospitalized (in the evangelical hospital) for two days and nights with a serious viral and bacterial infection in her digestive tract. All is in order now. The Evangelical Hospital is good – people are kind, there is good service. Equipment is simple, but adequate. Just as in our hospitals in Canada, we can count on the fact that, once you are asleep at night, some student nurse will come and wake you up to take your temperature and tension! (At least they don’t wake you up to offer a sleeping pill )
Teaching in La Ceiba
Last Sunday afternoon I left for La Ceiba, to participate in teaching a BILD course on Acts, along with Felix Zaldivar, our local Central American leader, and Hannibal Muhtar, from LeadersFor.
A couple of men came down from Ames, Iowa to discuss future possibilities in the area of accreditation for some of the students. We also talked about the possibility of my doing some translation work on material for BILD. (ETBIL here in Central America).
The group we were teaching was composed mainly of "Garrifonas" (Hondurans of African descent, speaking their own language). One man, however, was from la Mosquitia - a "Misquito". He informed me that he had had a choice of travelling for an hour and a half by plane, or three days by boat (at the same price). There is no road. He chose the plane. He has a heart to reach another of the Central American "First Nations" that straddeles the Honduran-Nicaraguan border. Because he is a Misquito, he can cross the border without any problem. The work that is on his heart would involve learning yet another language. He wants to go and live among those people, learn their language and culture, and then start a work among them.
The temperature in La Ceiba was in the 40’s. Lise told me on the phone that it was very hot in Siguatepeque, but I chuckled when I got home later and told her I found the cool air refreshing . (Within a few days, my “La Ceiba” comparison had melted away, though, and I’m now finding it hot too).
I took the bus back home on Friday, and spoke to the men’s group in the church Friday night on “Man of God”, discussing what a real man is, according to God, as opposed to machismo.
Saturday morning I am teaching, along with Hector, the second unit of the Acts course with a group of local pastors (we meet every second Saturday).
Work in other Central American countries
Next week, Lord willing, it’s First Principles in Guatemala City.
Different churches are sponsoring the ETBIL work in Guatemala and in El Salvador. We had hoped to be able to start something in Nicaragua, as pastors were waiting for us in the Spring, but unfortunately, funds were lacking. We are praying that the Lord will provide a sponsor, or sponsors, for Nicaragua. You can contact Hannibal Muhtar of LeadersFor (connected with our Fellowship International) if you wish more information on that.
Melodie
Melodie (working with the children’s Home) returned to Canada to do some deputation, she needs to find some more support.
Prayer
When you pray for us, please remember the following issues:
1. Protection on the road, both in local walking and in long distance travelling
2. Protection from bugs, viruses, amoebae and bacteria
3. Ability to concentrate in study and course preparation (John)
4. Good harmony among all the various people involved in these courses
5. A sponsor for ETBIL Nicaragua
6. Melodie’s seeking of more support in Canada
Many thanks for your prayers!
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