Alicia's first Christmas

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.“That is the most beautiful Christmas program I’ve ever seen. That was really special,” stated volunteer Rachel Pratt at the end of the Christmas program. How fitting that this is Alicia’s first Christmas celebration!On Christmas Day, Alicia got to sit on Santa’s lap and with a beaming smile received her gift. The sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face were priceless.Alicia represents many children whose lives are touched by your generosity. Thank you for being part of the team that provided her with food, shelter, love, a Christmas sparkle in her eyes and the opportunity to keep on singing!Perhaps next Christmas she will know the words to the songs and she too will be dressed in a white angel’s robe in the choir; perhaps she will even know the alphabet by then. Thanks to you the possibilities are endless.

Up until now, God has helped us

Linares Family

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. As I walked the aisles of the Exhibit Hall, I found myself standing in front of and photographing the booth of Gospel Ministries International directed by David Gates. Previously I had had the privilege of meeting him when he visited Honduras a few years ago, where I had also heard him talk about his ministry. 

I later learned more about his missionary work through his two books which narrate some incredible miracles that God has manifested in the life of this man. I was in awe of the simple and extensive faith that connects Mr. Gates and his family to God as they have witnessed miracle after miracle expanding their ministry, and similarly, all those missionaries who with the help of Our Lord left behind the comforts of “The Land of Opportunities”, strike out on the adventure of cultivating souls for Christ. Reflecting on this I thought of two couples whose presence and testimonies have blessed me. During ASI, we had the opportunity to meet up once again with John and Cathy Sage Linares, who we had the pleasure of meeting in February when they came to the Pan American Health Service Campus as part of the Oakhurst Seventh-Day Adventist Church Mission Team from California.  John and Cathy felt moved to sponsor two of our students to give them the opportunity to receive an education according to Biblical Principles.

Both, John and Cathy, were impressed by our mission in Honduras and they have expressed their intention to visit once again next year to carry out a special project. Cathy - a Speech Therapist by profession – plans to have special sessions with the children of the Casita Feliz to give extra support to those who are a little behind developmentally because of their malnutrition.

Another faithful couple, Paul and Kay Newby, participated as part of the Mission in Motion medical team of Central Texas Medical Center in May. They also brought us good news and reminded us of God’s promises for these difficult times. Paul, a pastor and paramedic, felt the call of God to give of his time for missionary service on our campus and in the mountains surrounding our Peña Blanca Community. He and his wife, Kay, have witnessed God’s providence as others in the Dallas area have been raised up who wish to support the construction of a Fire Station and  Emergency Medical Service in our community. They also wish to support the training of young people who would staff such a facility.

Through these two couples with missionary hearts, we have been able to confirm that God still works miracles for us as well, and in the same way that he has manifested amazing miracles in the life and ministry of David Gates, providing millions of dollars as well as security, He is also doing great things for us. We depend on You Heavenly Father!