Partial list of needs

As last year, the team members have committed to taking their personal luggage as carry-ons and checking two suitcases full of items needed at the hospital and by the missionary personnel. When our missionary hosts, John and Penny Alden, visited in May, we were able to establish a list of what is especially needed. Church members are already asking what the needs are, so the team would like to share them with you. Donated items will be greatly appreciated and can be delivered to Kay at the church office. The following is a partial list of currently needed items by Hospital Loma de Luz and/or our missionary hosts, John and Penny Alden:

1. Gauze and rolled gauze for wound care

2. IV pumps-a universal type that will take different types of tubing

3. IV pigtails or extensions (up to 4”)

4. Boxes of non-sterile gloves, all sizes except extra small

5. Disposable bed pads

6. Fitted sheets for hospital beds and thin towels for patients

7. Oxygen concentrators and pulse oximeters

8. Machines to take vital signs

9. Enema kits

10. A variety of over-the-counter children’s meds

(if you are not sure what to get, we have some medical people who can get

meds at cost if you so choose to donate funds to the mission trip...Thanks!)

11. Wet wipes

12. Infant (especially preemie) clothing

13. Power Point projector for Aldens for trainings

14. Small lap top computer and printer for John

Goals and Benefits 2007

The team's goals/benefits from the 2007 Honduras Mission Trip were 4-fold:

Spiritual Growth - closer to the Lord and his Word, aided by our daily devotions

Personal Growth - time spent in meditation & reflection, a much quieter environment, even if so very busy helping others - just different focus environmentally & socially

Team Bonding - this was an amazing process and grew naturally as we traveled, ate, worshiped and worked together

Getting to know and appreciate the missionaries and Honduran nationals - we learned to appreciate all the missionaries do as they share their entire days to serve the Lord and others

Interestingly the goals set in the spring of 2007 (below) are very similar to what happened in the end

- To assist and serve the Alden's

- To explore the possibility of a long-term partnership with their ministry

-To serve the people of Balfate, Honduras

- To grow in our understanding of God's work in Honduras and Latin America

- To build friendships with team members

- To grow in our understanding of our faith and spiritual gifts

A review of 2007 and a look forward to 2008

The lives of the team were greatly enriched last October when they went on a first-time church mission trip to Balfate, Honduras. While this trip took them out of their comfort zones, it truly was a life-changing experience in many ways. For one, in the two weeks they were there, the six-member team was able to provide a variety on hands-on assistance for any number of projects such as basic plumbing and electrical work in the missionary hospital, assistance with the ground breaking ceremony for the new church in nearby Margarita, general maintenance and construction work at missionary homes, nursing duties in the hospital, art work with Honduran children, medical library organizational work, and the list goes on. For another, they were able to meet and work with a great group of missionaries, especially their hosts, John and Penny Alden, who have become good friends.

The experience in Honduras last year was so positive that they decided before they left last year to sign on again for the proposed 2008 Honduras Mission Trip.

When Associate Pastor and last year’s team leader left in March of this year, Mike and Kandee McClain found themselves becoming the 2008-team leaders, so their lives have become even busier.

The team is asking for prayer support for the trip scheduled for October 12-25. Any travel to a third world country comes with some trepidation, and, yes, prayer support is very helpful. The team is seeking assistance for several projects that they will be working on while there. The new church they helped get started last year is now constructed, but it needs an installed window screening as mosquitoes and other bugs are prolific in Honduras. Also, the church is without pews, benches and tables. They hope to start constructing them while there but will need to purchase materials. And, if funding allows, they hope to get a much-needed 700 square foot parsonage started. The church members are very able and enthused about putting “sweat labor” into these and other projects, but with an unemployment rate of at least 40% and average annual income of $600-800, funding even minor projects is virtually impossible.

As a final note, this year’s seven-member team will be taking their personal luggage as a carry-on but will each check two bags filled with a host of needed medical and dental supplies and equipment as well as baby clothing.

We thank you in advance for supporting us.



Blessings,


The 2008 Honduras Mission Team

Photos from the 2007 trip

The 7 member team met this past Sunday to continue to plan for the trip in October.
Much planning and praying took place and we are even beginning to think of a packing party!!