It is all about the CHILDREN.

Praise God!! We had 32 people show up for our first day of teachers training, not including the instructors themselves. We only called half the list of churches to request volunteers for the Community Center for the Deaf and we had a great response. This is all great and the training is going wonderful, but what I wanted to share with you why we do what we do.

This afternoon, a lady brought her 8 or 9 year old deaf daughter to the Center. She had seen one of our fliers that we had handed out and it gave her hope for her daughter. The little girl's clothes were to small and sadly she was ashamed. Her name was Carolina, she did not know any sign language, but she knew what a hug meant. We grabbed her hand and showed her around. Then Fabiola and Rosa, who are deaf, took her to a few of the teaching centers that we have set up in the building and began immediately showing her the ABC's and 123's and they also gave her a sign name. The smile on her face said it all.

She is just one of three new students this week and we haven't even started classes yet. We open February the 11th.

Our new sign, which is being painted on the wall outside is developing interest as well.

Keep us in your prayers, God is awesome and we are so honored to serve Him.

Continue to walk in His blessing,

Paul

The New School Is Starting

We are excited to share with everyone that the new school is starting the first of February. Cheryl is in the USA finalizing our teacher certification with the educational department at Lee University. Next, we have a final teachers training seminar for one week, then we start classes!!

We have several students already committed and we have made several fliers and posters. The influx will be great and we are preparing for it.

The Deaf Center has been getting an internal face lift. Fabiola and Rosa two of our deaf teachers have been painting and making educational signs for all the classrooms. They are so creative, with ABC's and 123's in sign language and lettering. The story of Christ in picture form is posted just inside the entrance. This is going to be awesome!

Along with the children's part of the new school, we have a new adult program that will be starting as well. The adult deaf want to have an education as well. So we are starting two types of programs. One is a reading program, which Dr. Stone at Lee University has looked over and given approval and the other is a full educational program using the Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) program also known as paces. We have talked with the representative for A.C.E. in Central America, Drew Williams, who is a Missionary from Mt. Paran Church in Atlanta. It is amazing how God connects people. He is helping us with the material and mentoring us on the best uses.

The Bible studies had ceased for a few months due to various reasons, one being Curt's sickness. However, this Sunday I will be starting them up again. We have made applications for those who desire to be leaders and will be starting fresh with them. Cheryl and Digna, the secretary, has been working on policy manuals while Kim is working on budgets. All of us want to build a more consistent Ministry that is more effective in the long run.

Unless the foundation is stable, the building will always be unstable. So we are building stability one day at a time. This is not a fast process, and we have learned from our mistakes, that if you want it done then you can rush and get it done, however if you want it done right it takes time and effort. We are here to invest our time into building God's Kingdom, to share God's love and teach His word.

Keep us in your prayer and please say a special prayer for Curt. He was critical earlier this week and his body almost shut down, but in the middle of the night, through much prayer, everything started working again and he said that he feels like he is on the road to recovery. Would you join us in a special prayer of agreement for him for his complete recovery? God healed him once before of leukemia and we are believing for this again.

Serving the King with you,

Paul & Kim and Family

Friends in Manchester

It was a pleasure being with the Petty's in Manchester, TN on Jan. 13th. Dave and I had worked on scheduling a few times and it has never worked out. However, two days before we flew out we were able to connect. Manchester is a wonderful area that Kim and I have traveled through while going to see her parents in Tullahoma, which is just down the road.

The church looks great! They are in the process of remodeling the old sanctuary for classrooms. The walls are up and painted and look wonderful. With just the doors, trim, and flooring left to do, they'll be done in no time.

I believe there is a bright future for the Manchester COG. I look forward to hearing the great news that God is doing in this church.

I was excited to hear about the plans to come to Honduras for a missions trip this year. I can't wait to hear from you about your plans. Anything we can do on this end, we will be happy to do.

God Bless you all,

Paul

The Big Move (part 2)

We have been in San Pedro for 9 days and are adjusting well. I have some facts for you. Hey, atleast I'm learning something!

1. An empty house in Honduras does not mean a clean house.
Something about people burning trash and dirt roads create enough dust that the house needs to be mopped at least once a day.

2. Children in other countries do not have to be poor to be dirty!
Eli and Jaden, they don't get dirty... they get filthy! Kim and I have to give them a bath at least twice a day and the other parts of the day we just tolerate it. Of course, we may be considered poor I don't know?

3. Hanging out to dry has a new meaning now.
Kim and I wash one or two loads of laundry every morning (see above for the reason). Then, by 8:00 we hang them on the line to dry and at lunch we go back to the house and take the clothes down. Be thankful for new technology, it's a blessing!!!

4. When you have to do something to survive, you do it.
Spanish is not an option. I am learning very fast. Maybe not correct conjugations at the moment but I am learning words. It's a learn or don't eat situation.

5. Living in another country is not so bad.
With God all things are possible! We are doing fine. We are probably eating more healthy (not FDA), but fresh vegetables and fruits. The quality of the air is not as good, but it's not bad either. The children are playing with each other very good as always. The ministry is just as fickle, because people are people no matter what language they speak, just different cultures.

It is all worth it and God is truly doing a new work in us and in Honduras.
God bless you all. We love you all and will keep in touch.

Paul

Considering your Neighbor

During Christmas, we were able to meet Kim's Grandmother's new neighbor. He is the Pastor of College Park COG in Huntsville, AL. Pastor Pace was so kind and invited us to come and share about the Ministry in Honduras. I think he was a bit surprised when we told him that we were leaving January 15th, but even with the short notice he allowed us to share.

On January 9th, we left our home after the last night sleeping there and drove to Huntsville. I had a little visit with Pastor Pace and his wonderful homemade salsa. If I would have been thinking, I would have invited him over to Grandmother's to eat, since he was alone for the evening. Sorry Pastor Pace.

Later that evening, when we went to service, we were able to talk more about the church and his desire. He told me that his biggest desire was for the church to hear the voice of the Lord. He asked me to be sensitive too and follow the Holy Spirit's leading. I appreciate that in a Pastor.

The results were awesome! I didn't know what he was preaching on the following Sunday, but evidently, I must have given a very good introduction to his message.

Thank you College Park for allowing us to come. We look forward to sharing with you in the future about what your contribution has accomplished.

Your Missionary to Honduras