At the school promotion ceremony, some of the kids entertained us with an act going along with the song YMCA! It was fun and funny.

Isabel (pronounced eesabel), the young lady shown here in a Bible study with Lori, Melva, and Daniel, is coming to the US! She applied for and received a tourist visa to see the culture and commerce in the US. She will arrive on January 7 and return on the 14th.
Isabel is one of the hostesses at the La Palma Hotel Restaurant--the one who was always smiling. In addition to her work at the hotel, she is attending technical school and learning computer systems. She helped Rick and Doug install the cabling for the network in the school and the new Bible Institute building during the December trip, and they said she was really good at it. Isabel will be the guest of Mary and Doug Anders and wants to visit as many places and people as possible during her trip. She speaks some English. Maybe we can have her 'fix' us some pupusas while she is here. Please let Doug or my know if you would like to be her host for some event during that time.

Monday I talked with Jose, and he told me about Francisco, a young man of 13 or 14 who is an alcoholic and starting into drugs. Jose and Marvin recommended a rehab program in San Salvador that we are familiar with, and we agreed to send him to it . The cost is $150 for the first month. His mother pleaded for help to get him into the program. Yesterday he was to be taken there.
Also yesterday, I was privileged to speak to nearly 200 teenagers in Kansas City about the La Palma mission work and tell them how they can be involved. One thing I talked about was Francisco, and how we were raising money to get him into the treatment program. They took up a collection and it amounted to over $100 (these are jr and sr high kids) and will collect more today!
We ask you to pray for Francisco, his family and friends, and for all of the people in La Palma. God bless you, Ralph

The roof is being installed on the new building which will house the Bible Institute and the orphanage. We really look forward to this new facility becoming a place where God is glorified daily.

No posting today. I am trying to find out more about the Gonzales boys - ages, what happened, etc? Does anyone have church contacts in Boston that could check on them?

Note: the Ruth Paz foundation helped get the Gonzales children to Boston for their medical treatment. You can read about this foundation at www.ruthpaz.com/

We have an urgent prayer request from Honduras. Two boys, David and Fernando Gonzales, have been burned badly and evacuated to the Shriners Hospital in Boston. They are cousins of two children in the sponsor program in Ocotepeque.
They need our prayers badly. I spoke with the floor nurse who said they are in stable condition. If you care to fax them a greeting, it can be sent to 617-371-4813. You can mail them a card at Boston Shriners Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114
Everyone can pray for them.

All of the sponsored children and their siblings got a gift when we were there in December. It took lots of work to wrap and sort the packages, but each child received something. May their day be happy today.

Many of you asked, "Who is Norma?" after reading that Jose and Norma plan to marry. Norma is a teacher's aide at the La Palma Christian School, and she is the computer teacher. She is working hard to get her University Teaching Certificate by traveling to San Salvador each week for 2 days of classes. They have not set a wedding date because of Norma's mother's objections to the marriage. They would like to work through that challenge before they actually marry. The photo seems to show that they really adore each other.

Steve is so romantic! Who else would wear a rose over his ear to pose for a photo?

Coffee beans drying in the sun. They work hard to keep stirring them so they dry evenly.

We paused for a photo at the monument at the border between El Salvador and Honduras. The photo will be for the Lawrence County Record, to show the community what we are doing.

Troops showed up at the Ocotepeque, Honduras Church of Christ a few weeks ago. The ouster of the President and selection of a new one caused unrest around the country, and martial law was in effect much of the time. Gatherings of people were monitored, and the church had to explain that they were simply worshiping God--not planning an insurrection. We should be extremely grateful for our freedoms, but too often we simply take them for granted. Have you thought about having troops arrive during worship and asking what you were doing?

One week ago we were in Houston waiting our flight to Tulsa. We had left the loving people in La Palma and temps of 60-80 to come to COLD. We were blessed to be able to make the trip.

The Rodriguez family in Ocotepeque, Honduras. Jorge and Gloria and three daughters--Gloria, Karen, and Cesia.

A gracious and generous lady sent gifts for Emerson, the six year old in a wheel chair. We had the pleasure of presenting them to him and his brother. What a blessing that was. Emerson squealed with delight over and over again.

The small church in Sweet Name of Mary, near Chalatenango, meets in a lady's home. From 4-12 people worship there each week. The second photo shows where they plan to put a roof for an enlarged auditorium. The other photo shows the sweet lady with a very worn Bible. And we complain because our buildings are too hot or too cold or there was a line at the bathroom or there was dust on a light fixture or whatever!

Donnie celebrated one of the big birthdays while we were in La Palma. He reached the first age mentioned in Psalm 90:10.

On the Saturday after we arrived in La Palma, there was a regional gathering for young people at the La Palma church, featuring our own Tony and Leo as speakers. Kids came from many locations for the event. This Toyota pickup became a church bus and contained 18 people in it upon arrival, including this 'young lady' who was the driver's mother. She understood that it was for young people and wanted to be among them. The event was very succussful--over 200 attended.

It helps to have a sense of humor on these trips, and having some fun in addition to a lot of hard work really helps. Tony celebrated his 39th birthday Friday, and was allowed to have some fun and a cake to go with it.

Somewhat rested. Will start posting more photos and giving more reports in a day or two. Pray for the La Palma church as it moves forward. They asked for more responsibility and we gave it to them. They want to grow in their own culture and do it their way. We will support them!

Home at 12:30 Sunday morning. God bless you, Ralph

Houston! Dr Pepper!

Reflecting: this was the best evangelism group we have ever had--the most diverse and the most translators. God was glorified. It can only get better. Pray for the La Palma church and school.

Flight to Houston delayed! Waiting.

Hola! We are at the San Salvador airport--early. The plane for our trip to Houston has not arrived yet. We left the hotel at 7 am, ate breakfast in San Salvador, and arrived here safely. God has blessed our trip greatly.

We have said our goodbyes and are going to bed. It has been a great trip.
There will be posts tomorrow as we progress home. God bless the people of La Palma.

Look closely at this photo. Guess who is begging.

Our team! This is our last day here. Pray for our continued safety and success. There was another young lady baptized last night!

Dea addresses the sponsored children and their families about health issues. Daniel translates. Illness seems to be less than usual, and the H1N1 situation is much, much better.
Leo spent the night in the local clinic but is back in his room and better. We are making our final lists of things to do before we leave here early Saturday.

Dr Morris Ellis delivers the baccalaureate (sp?) address to the La Palma Christian School, with John Cannon translating. We had a great time watching the kids as they entertained us and moved up in grades.
Leo was not well today--he had to stay in bed. The rest of us are doing OK. We are sorry about the cold weather at home but very happy with the warm temperatures here.
We are busy. God bless you, Ralph

John presented a super sermon to the Ocotepeque church Sunday night.

It was another long and very exciting day in La Palma. There were many home visits. I toured some small churches in the region and met some great people. Tonight there were two ladies baptized as a result of the home visits. An elderly man was baptized in Ocotepeque also.
We are well and healthy mostly. Steve's back is hurting and Tony fell this morning --hurting his back. They both continue to function but with pain. Good night.

Jose and Norma have expressed their intent to marry each other in late January! The dymanic here will change with that!

Morris reads from the Bible during his devo while Leo considers how to translate.
We are doing well and staying very busy.

We are well and healthy. A lot planned for tonight.

Greetings from La Palma. It is the end of our second day here, and we remain healthy, happy, and busy. Yesterday was a very long day and we were very tired last night. Our trip was almost uneventful other than the delay at Houston. We arrived in La Palma after dark, which is unusual. Customs people inspected several of the totes because they thought we were bringing medicines into the country. The inspection was cursory and they soon quit. The plane from Houston was completely full, and it was a 757. Continental should be making money.
This morning, there was a youth rally at the La Palma church. It was well attended—over 200 from the region. Tony and Leo did a fantastic job and will have a lasting and positive influence on the youth who attended.
Some of us went to Ocotepeque and worked with the sponsor children and their families. Each of the children and their siblings got parasite treatments, vitamins, other medicines if needed, and a gift. After the others had left, Olga, mother of Maryruri, stayed and visited. After some teaching and consultation, she wanted to be baptized. We went to the river for that glorious event.
We enjoyed dinner again this evening, and were joined by Hiliana, Ligia, and Norma.
We have a tremendous team this time—each with a special ability to help the mission work. We are greatly blessed.

Here is our team at dinner. We are settled in --will get rested and go to work tomorrow.

In La Palma...

Just got another call from Ralph. They are just getting into La Palma. They are all healthy but very tired.
-Lori

Leaving San Sal airport...

Just got a phone call from Ralph saying that the group had arrived safely at San Salvador airport and were boarding the bus to head to La Palma.

-Lori

We are in Houston on hold for maintenance on the aircraft. Next announcment will be at 10 am.

Next posting will be sometime Friday afternoon to give our travel progress.

Honduras: Honduran Congress Votes Overwhelmingly Against Restoring Zelaya – 3 December 0900

The Honduran Congress yesterday voted overwhelmingly not to restore to office ousted president Manuel Zelaya. Of the 125 members present, 111 voted against reinstatement. Congress was voting on ratification of an agreement reached on 30 October between Zelaya, an outspoken leftist who was ousted from power on 28 June and has been holed up in the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa since September, and the interim government.

The overwhelming “no” vote presents Washington with a dilemma. It has recognized the outcome of Sunday’s presidential and congressional elections but has urged the Honduran Congress to restore the president. Zelaya has said that he would refuse reinstatement in any case.

Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Peru have indicated that they will recognize the election’s outcome. Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, on the other hand, stated flatly that they will not recognize the new president, and other left-leaning and leftist Latin American regimes are expected to follow suit.

Porfirio Lobo, the candidate of the right-of-center National Party, easily won the presidential contest, garnering more than 55 percent of the vote, to 38 percent for Liberal Party nominee Elvin Santos. He is set to be inaugurated on 27 January. More than 60 percent of eligible voters turned out for the elections, a stronger showing than in 2005, when only 55 percent turned out.

The 30 October agreement called for Zelaya to be reinstated temporarily and with limited powers. It had to be ratified by the Honduran Congress, which referred the matter to the country’s Supreme Court. The Supreme Court last Thursday advised against Zelaya’s restoration on the grounds that he has criminal charges pending against him in connection with his attempt to overturn a constitutional provision that bars presidents from serving more than one term.

We leave very early tomorrow for El Salvador. The temperature in San Salvador is predicted to be 91! That will be a switch from Tulsa at 20.

The Honduran people have elected a new president who seems conservative and acceptable. The US and several other countries have accepted him, although Venezuela has not--and probably won't. The Honduras trip should be easy and uneventful for us, as the hostilities have ceased.

We have a very busy schedule and lots to do. Gladys got word that her mother is very ill and she will be spending time with her. We will miss her but understand that she must take care of her family.

Pray for our safety and security and success, please. God bless you, Ralph

Doug and I repaired the power cord on a clothes dryer for a family last week. I was reminded of the clothes dryers in La Palma--no power cords to repair and the clothes smell fresh!

These two became instant friends in June. Pray that they may spend time together again and that little Jorge will be positively influenced to return to school.

We depart for La Palma EARLY Friday, and are scheduled to be there by 4:30pm. Saturday we will visit homes and some of us will to to Ocotepeque for their children's program. We will go back there Sunday afternoon and evening.
Much of the week will be spent visiting homes of friends and families we know. There are lots of other things to get done as well. We really hope to stay clear of H1N1, but there is a risk involved.

Last night we celebrated Gene Williams birthday. He has been a frequent team member, and his wife goes even more often than he does. What a great couple they are!!

Pray for the families in La Palma and Ocotepeque--and for our team.

Little Jorge would rather scare girls with his plastic snake than be kissed by Lori and Lana, but he submitted to this one.

The 2nd floor, which is the ceiling of the first floor, is ready to pour. We are anxious for this to be completed so we can move stuff into the new facility while we are there.

As we go about our busy shopping and other activities, remember to pray for those in La Palma and the region. They don't get the abundant blessings that we do, and many struggle just to get enough to eat. God bless you.

This little boy felt very blessed to be given a few items of new clothing. On this day of Thanksgiving in our country, let us remember to be full of gratitude for the many blessings we have --MANY BLESSINGS!

Another view of construction underway for the new Bible Institute and orphanage.

Here is one of the latest photos of the Bible Institute construction.

Honduras update:
National Party candidate Porfirio Lobo is favored to win Sunday’s presidential election, which, it appears, will attract broad participation despite Zelaya’s repeated calls for a boycott. The elections have US backing, but both Washington and many Latin American capitals will wait to see if a 30 October deal to temporarily restore Zelaya to power with limited authority is consummated prior to recognizing the new candidate.

Two weeks from today several of us will be worshiping with the La Palma congregation in the morning and the Ocotepeque congregation in the evening. Pray for our safety and security and success, please. Ralph

We sometimes think our hiways are narrow!

At mid-morning and again at mid-afternoon, one of the parents will bring snacks to the school for the children and teachers. It is a popular time!

Eleven from the US will be traveling to La Palma on December 4 and return on December 12. Please be praying for a safe and successful trip.

Another photo of the construction underway.

Photos of construction as of 11/16 on the new building.

Honduras update
Honduras: Zelaya Says He Will Reject Deal Legitimizing Election – 16 November 0900

Ousted president Manuel Zelaya said on Saturday that he would reject any deal to restore him to office if it means he must recognize presidential and congressional elections set for 29 November. Zelaya’s statement puts him at odds with the Obama administration, which has said that it would recognize the elections if an accord reached on 30 October between Zelaya and the interim government were implemented. The accord called for Zelaya’s return to the presidency at the helm of a unity government and with restricted powers, but it did not set a deadline.

The terms of the accord called for its approval by the Honduran Congress, which, reluctant to restore Zelaya to office, has been dragging its feet. It has sought an opinion from the Supreme Court, which in turn has referred the matter to a commission of five justices, who may announce their decision Wednesday. The Supreme Court, it should be noted, ordered the military to oust Zelaya on 28 June. He returned to Tegucigalpa surreptitiously on September and has been holed up at the Brazilian Embassy.

It is doubtful that the accord will be approved before the election, though Congress may act shortly before the new president is inaugurated in January, thus awarding Zelaya a very short period in office. The ousted president’s new stance, however, may render the whole question moot.

It is not clear what position Washington would take if the accord eventually were implemented and Zelaya refused to return to office. Panamanian president Roberto Martinelli, a conservative, already has said that his country will recognize the new president, with or without Zelaya’s restoration, thus opening a crack in what had been the Organization of American States (OAS) solid insistence on the reversal of his ouster.

More photos of the church in San Marcos after the heavy flooding from last week's hurricane-induced rains.

Here are photos of the La Palma church people giving away clothing to the
San Marcos church people after the flooding. This was clothing that arrived in La Palma in September in the long-delayed containers. There is a purpose in everything, and maybe there would have been no clothing left if the containers had arrived in La Palma in June. God bless the people who lost so much.

This information about the flooding is from my friend Napolean.

184 people have died.
100 are still missing
2000 houses destroyed
15,000 refugees in shelters
30% of corn, beans and coffee crops destoyed. This means high prices and hunger in many places.
100 roads destroyed
23 bridges destroyed
5 major/important bridges destroyed
one of those bridges is on the road to la palma, puente colima
4000 heads of livestock, cows, dead. This means no milk

the main destruction happened in San Salvador, as city and department, San vicente, La libertad, La Paz, Cuscatlan

roads are still blocked as consequence of landslides.

in 5 hours, 355 ml of rainfall hit certain areas. To give you an idea: that would be a 1/5 of the rain we get in 6 months.

in some areas towards the coastline, the rivers went from 1 mt deep to 10 mts in depth.

In San Vicente, three cities were wiped out. the landslide destroyed them when it cut right through them.

In total 150,000 cubic meters of rock and mud are being removed by the population and the government in those towns.

this link will give you a view of the areas hardest hit:

http://mapas.laprensagrafica.com/reportero/apps/querymap/

this one can show you some videos:
http://www.laprensagrafica.com/

These are photos of the church building in San Marcos after the recent hurricane-induced flooding.

Gladys gets a hug from a school sponsor prior to the parade!

For those of you who are aware of the relationship that developed between Stephen and Carolina, here is the latest information:

Visa is approved, Carolina (and daughter) will be in the USA before March 2010, and we have 90 days after her arrival to get married.

Congratulations to them!

There was significant damage in some areas of El Salvador from the recent hurricane. Jose asked for permission to give some clothing and other items from the container to some churches in the affected area to help the residents there. Of course, we told him to do what they could to help those in need. I received some photos of the flooding but cannot get them to upload--I will keep trying.

This young lady seems totally interested in that camera that is aimed at her!

This little girl loves to hug and be hugged--just meet her on the street and she jumps for a hug!