Pan American Health Service's Blog

Alica, 7 years-old, has been in recovery from malnutrition for two months. When she came to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Program she was ill, tired and sad. Little did she imagine anything like Christmas on October 28. That day she was merely fighting to survive her hunger and the sickness it had brought her. Food was probably all she could dream of. Toys, Santa Claus and angels singing songs were not even a possibility.

Now imagine her delight at the sounds, smells and sights of Christmas!

Fresh-cut poinsettias, pine branches, candles and lights decorated the PAHS Chapel on Christmas Eve. The teens and staff of the PAHS Home had prepared an original Christmas program to tell the Story of Jesus’ birth. An angel choir sang, shepherds with live lambs appeared to see a real “Baby Jesus” played by Elizabeth, 16 months old, a patient from the Casita Feliz, who quietly peered first at “Mary” then at “Joseph” then at the angels, shepherds and wise men, peacefully taking in all the sights and sounds.

On Aileen’s lap sat Alicia who, not knowing any of the songs the choir was performing, joined in singing at the top of her lungs in sweet sounds only she understands. What a joyful sound it was! What a delight to see this precious child, who just nine weeks ago was suffering Third Degree Malnutrition, joining enthusiastically in the festivities and throughly enjoying herself.

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As Rosita swings on the swing set, the soft breeze tousles her curls while warm rays of sunshine bathe her surroundings and whisper to her of a Father she is just getting to know. There in the back and forth of her swinging this small child is removed from the extenuating circumstances that are the reality of her short life.

She is the youngest of seven siblings who recently came to live in the PAHS Home. These children’s lives  recently were a nightmare. Four hours travel time away in the capital, Tegucigalpa, their mother is dying of a lung disease and only a miracle can save her.
Two months ago, as the children lay sleeping, their father disappeared during the night. “When we woke up in the morning he just wasn’t there anymore. He left without telling us good-bye”, Rosita remembers. At the age of six she already is feeling deeply the repercussions of abandonment.

“Before coming here we lived in the city with an aunt. She took us to live with her when our older sister went to be with our mother in the hospital. She locked us up and then brought us back to our house. We were alone and scared. There were many men close to our house and my siblings and I would hide. When someone would knock on our door we would be very still and quiet so that they would not know we were inside”, Mercy tells us.  At the age of fourteen she has become the primary caretaker to the younger siblings in the absence of their oldest sister, 17, who has gone to be at the bedside in the hospital to care for their dying mother.

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In the Bible, Jesus asks: “ Which of you knowing your children are hungry and asking for bread would give them a stone instead?” He goes on to point out that if people who are imperfect know how to give good things to their children Read the rest of this entry »

I entered the Casita Feliz on a special mission. A joyous place, filled with happy voices, smiling little faces and tiny hands reaching out to be squeezed, the “happy little house” is the new dwelling of Alicia, 7 years old, Read the rest of this entry »

I had the opportunity to attend the Convention of Adventist Services and Industries (ASI) in Sacramento, California this past August. I witnessed how God continues to give food and support in these times of crisis. Read the rest of this entry »

Suyapa take a look at Ingrid's delicate condition

As we move farther into the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara, (located in Northwestern Honduras) I can’t help but admire the natural beauty of this place;

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Shane and Rosita

Hi In December 2009, I was blessed with a chance to go to Honduras on a SIMS (Student for International Mission Service) mission trip. I established many meaningful relationships with the babies, children, parents and other volunteers. A fellow classmate, Emily Pinkerton, and I were able to develop and implement a play art therapy program for the children at the orphanage. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Friends —

With grateful hearts we are celebrating the 50th Holiday Season for Pan American Health Service in Honduras. Nestled near the shores of Lake Yojoa, our beautiful campus remains surrounded by the Hunger Haunted Hills filled with treasures — Something of Value — lives of precious children rescued from hunger and abandonment. The challenge is being met with your support! Read the rest of this entry »

On September 15^th Honduras celebrates their independence day with a parade. From the beginning of the school year, the independence day celebration is one of the most anticipated dates in the year for our children. The anticipation begins to build in August when, with much excitement and practice, they prepare for the big day. They prepare by wear colorful and stylish costumes and practicing their marching and folk dance skills. Those who play instruments practice for the marching band which performs in the parade.

The big event comes and goes but festive activities do not stop after the parade. The rest of the week is enjoyed by spending time celebrating with family and friends. Some relax and enjoy an orange from one of the many trees that grow around the campus. Other take a walk to the river and enjoy an icy plunge. And last but certainly not least there is always a big football game to be enjoyed by all.

A coup took place two years ago and left our country politically divided and threatened the precious gift of freedom. We are blessed that our area has not been directly affected by these political issues. Because of this we are even more thankful to God for providing our freedom for yet another year. Along with our other patriotic Hondurans, we are happy and proud to celebrate 189 years of independence.

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For over half a century, the Pan American Health Service has been devoted entirely to the physical and spiritual care of children in Honduras. Our physical focus is specifically for children afflicted with malnutrition. This disease is a pathological condition that is the result of lack of food intake and excess metabolic expenditure. The end result is the physical consequence of starvation.

Our goal is also to address their spiritual malnutrition. We have to feed the spiritual needs of these children nuturing them as if they were a part of our own family members. Our goal is to instill in them the importance of giving their lives to Christ and trusting Him with their burdens. As Christian believers, we have witnessed many miracles to the glory of God.

I have become aware of a book entitled, “At Jesus’ Feet: The Gospel According to Mary Magdalene,” written by Pastor Doug Batchelor. In this book he makes some statements that there is an ignorance of the young people concerning the Scriptures in our churches, Christian church schools, and other institutions. I do not believe that his research stated in the book is totally accurate. His conclusion was that many of the children surveyed were not well instructed on basic essentials of the Bible. His claims are that the church leaders at our institutions are not teaching our SDA doctrinal teachings adequately to the future generations. His conclusions are based on some illogical answers given by some students with overactive imaginations in the research surveys. The point I would like to emphasize is that, with God’s help and much time and effort, these young people have been taught spiritual concepts and devotion to their Creator. I believe that most of them do have the knowledge and the ability to answer the questions correctly. Unfortunately many of the children living in these institutions have suffered misfortune, and traumatic experiences at a young age. But, praise God! many of them have experienced a positive changes in their lives after accepting Jesus into their hearts. It is very rewarding to see these children of God recover from their spiritual malnutrition.

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