Heart of the King Ministries – Newsletter

October came and went by pretty fast.  Are we getting old? Nawww, doesn’t feel like it. Maybe we’re just busy. It is such a blessing to wake up each morning and serve the Lord.   Are you busy? I’m sure you are but hopefully you are busy serving the Lord. How? Hopefully one way is through prayer.  We can pray at all times, for all people, for our families, for our country and leaders, for workers to be sent to the lost. Yes, prayer can be a labor of love.

Early October one of our teacher friends decided to go back to the states to care for her grandmother. It was sad to see her leave but we certainly understand the need in her family. We were able to drive her to the airport in San Pedro Sula, 3 hours away. As we parked the truck and got the suitcases out, Gene looked at the truck tires and noticed bald spots on them. I guess running over the rough, rocky roads takes a toll on the tires. I was thankful that we were near Pricemart, the Honduran version of Sams Club and that we are members. We were able to go that afternoon and get new tires. The drive home was comfortable and worry free, all glory to God!

We know some missionaries here that have and care for 9 Honduran children.  They moved near us here in La Esperanza. They decided to divide up and live in 2 houses. One house was complete but the other was not ready until October. We were able to help them move beds and a few other things to the new house so they could all get settled into their own homes.   Each child now has their own bedroom and the girls are loving it. The rooms are small but big enough for a bed and a little privacy.  The children are so sweet and the ladies that care for them are doing a great job providing a loving home and education for them.

It was “girls day” for club Aslan, the project missionary friends Kelly & Steve oversee. We were able to help bring some of the girls that live about 15 kilometers away over for the day. They giggled and talked all the way over riding in back of the truck then got to watch a movie, have popcorn, soda and a wonderful time. This was the first time many of them had been away from home for such a length of time, all afternoon! When the excursion was first mentioned, many said they had never been away from their home and family and were not sure if they would be allowed to go but praise God 17 girls and 2 mothers took the trip for a wonderful afternoon. Join us in prayer for “Club Aslan” and our friends Kelly & Steve. Their heart is for the youth here where so many have no hope for a future.  Kelly said she asked several of the girls what their plans for the future were and they just stared into space. All they know is to be a mother (not necessarily a wife), a housekeeper for others or sell items along the streets. Children here are supposed to finish the 6^th grade but many do not. If you get a certificate of completion for the 9^th grade you have a better chance for working in the shops; if you complete high school you can continue on to college. Unfortunately many parents, especially those who don’t live in the city, don’t see the value in education and desire that their children stay home and help with the younger children, cooking or washing clothes or in the fields. These children need hope for a brighter future than they know now.

As we continue to help our missionary friends we get to rejoice with them also. When our friends’ son & family came for a visit from the states,  several local missionaries gathered for a night with the family. Kids were running and playing, the men prepared the grill and the women prepared the table with many delicious sides. With a cook-out of hotdogs & chicken then a time of introductions, memories and prayer it was a delightful evening.

Gene has finished his first quarter of teaching at South West School. They are now studying the book of John and the kids are listening and asking many good questions. At the recent parent/teacher meeting, several parents complemented Gene on the class and told him how much their child was enjoying the Bible class. One mother said her daughter said Bible is my favorite class and Mr. Gene my favorite teacher!  We praise God and thank you for your continued prayers for the students and Gene.

Public schools in Honduras start in February and end in November so that the children will be home when it is the coldest and so they can help harvest coffee and other crops. Friends Kelly and Steve operate “Lucy’s Libras” a mobile library. This year they read Narnia The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe to the students then allowed each student to select a book to read on their own. For many of these children it is the first time they have had an opportunity to select a book to read on their own.  The kids love library day! At the end of the school year, Kelly and Steve decided to have a party and show the Narnia movie and asked if we would help. With about 120 kids plus staff we knew help was needed. I was able to make table arrangements and help pop popcorn for this special day. Gene and I helped set up for the party then served refreshments. There was popcorn and soda handed out before the movie started, everyone was excited. Kelly had found some Turkish Delight candy so after the movie showed Edmond eating the candy a break was taken and each child received a piece of Turkish Delight. A sweet treat! Later when Santa gave out gifts another break was taken. Slips of paper had been taped under several of the chairs the children were sitting in so the kids were asked to look to see if they were sitting in a “prize” chair. Each of these kids received a small bag of Hershey Kisses which they took back and most of them shared with their friends. What a delightful day. This was a long movie but the kids enjoyed the day and we did too!

We had a busy and fun month and yes we did get older. Jaclyn, Kelly, Gene and I all had birthdays in October so there was birthday cake, wonderful times with friends and dinner out. We were born for “such a time as this” and living in Honduras, sharing God’s love is a blessing.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.  1 Timothy 2: 1-2