Feed My Sheep Ministry Updates

Spring 12 Team Getting Ready to Go!

2012-02-29T18:55:00.001-08:00

The Spring 12 Team is getting ready to go to Honduras on the 10th of March.

Please keep the team in your prayers as they prepare for the trip: Diane and John, Tara, Cyndi, Denise, Kelly, Phillip, Ashley, Erika, Kerry, Caitlin, Dr. Scott, Jim, Charlie & Bonnie, Andrew, Robert, Billy, Kathy, A.J., Amanda, Hannah, Marvin, and Karen.

Several of the members will be posting to the Feed My Sheep facebook page, and we'll be trying to post regularly to the blog.

To God be the Glory!

Fall 2011 Report

2011-11-22T04:58:00.001-08:00

· MedicalClinics: for many Hondurans this is the only time they are able to receive anytype of medical care. During the trip the team held 3 clinics, more than 900children and adults were seen by a doctor and received medications foreverything from treatment of intestinal parasites to breathing problems andinfections.

· VisionClinics: the first time a vision clinic washeld with Dr. Kim Tinge and 8 team members helped by wonderful interpreters(thanks Emy and Stephanie). It was a great success, 486 patients saw the eyedoctor, 109 were given prescription eyeglasses, 289 received readers, and 849were given sunglasses.

· FeedingProjects: The team participated in one of the two feeding projects that providemore than 275 children with hot meals. It’s a wonderful program and helps thekids where they need it the most. In 2011, 25,000 hot meals served.

· PrivateScholar Program: the mission team was blessed by a presentation from theprivate scholars. They recited scripturein English, gave story summaries and performed a dance. The relationships being formed through thisprogram are a truly life changing for everyone involved. Edy and Emy who help coordinate the programin Honduras continue to be a huge blessing to the ministry.

· PublicSchool Scholars: the team checked in on the some of the 287 Christ Churchscholars, they are so grateful for this opportunity. We feel that this is our most valuableproject because we are able to reach the children of Honduras with hope for thefuture.

· Biblesfor Honduras is a non-profit that was started by a mission team member and hasto date provided over 20,000 Spanish Bibles to the people of Honduras. Thistrip every team member had the opportunity to experience the overwhelmingdesire the Hondurans have to be able to read God’s Word. The team gained recognition in the localpapers and TV station as they handed out 3,000 Spanish Bibles.

· BuildingProject: this fall a project was startedto put doors and windows in the homes of two of the private scholars. Prior to the construction the homes had onlycurtains to protect them from the elements and intruders.

· SanPedro Sula: during the October 2011 trip a project was started to put doors andwindows in the homes of two of the private scholars. Prior to the constructionthe homes had only curtains to cover the entrances and windows of the home.

· Missionin the Clouds: the team took the trip upthe mountain to deliver enough food to feed 70 families, hand out clothing andprovide de-worming medicine to the children. This remote village in the mountains has a special place in our hearts.

Dr. Milton Hernandez saw about 900 children/adults during 3 clinics

3,000 Spanish Bibles from "Bibles for Honduras" organization

Project to add a door and window to be provide security and protection from the elements.

Emy and Edy, our on the ground in Honduras
team members, they are a true Blessing!

Some of our bright private scholars
A sponsor is still needed for little Wendy on the far right.

Three truck loads of food were taken up the mountain to help
feed 70 families in the remote village of Quis Camote

One of our private scholars, Felipe with his new sponsor, Karen

Dr. Kim Tinge with a young lady wearing new glasses

Vision Clinic Team

Glad to be seeing clearly!

Summary of the Fall 2011 Trip

2011-10-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a whirlwind tour for our fall 2011 trip to Honduras. A quick recap: Most of us arrived on Friday and got settled in for an early wake-up. At 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, we departed for a long drive to the mountain village of Quiscamote. We were able to stop for a wonderful home made breakfast enroute and after some very difficult driving, made to the village around 12:30 p.m. We gave gifts of food and clothing to the people and after a short stay, left due to rain. It was a memorable trip back home.

Part I. On Sunday, we part of the team went to our feeding mission here in San Pedro Sula and assisted in feeding the children there. We also visited the public hospital and gave out many beanie babies and layettes and were able to go into the NICU to see some 30 premie/underdeveloped babies, some abandoned. There, we also met with a father that had just lost his baby daughter. We were able to pray with him and offer him help to bury his little girl with dignity. Heart wrenching, but glad we were there to help.

Part II. On Monday, we held our first clinic in San Pedro Sula at Pastor Diomedes' church, the same location as our feeding station. We treated several hundred people and also held our very first optical clinic thanks to Dr. Kim, her mother Ruth and our great teammates! A hot, long, fun, tiring, fulfilling day.

Part III. On Tuesday, we drove into the mountains to the south to the town of Siguatepeque. There, we met our friend Pastor Oscar and his family at the Iglesia Principe de Paz (Church of the Prince of Peace). Again, we held a medical clinic, eye clinic and also a new first for our team, a barbershop, run by Pastor Oscar's daughter Sandy and her friends. They gave 15 free haircuts! Marvin Steinke drove out to Vida y Libertad and met with our friend Tina Gala where he picked up the children from the home there and drove them to the clinic. It is always great to see our friends in Siguatepeque. The children change so much in 6 months! On our way home, 13 of us stopped next to Lago Yohoa for a lakeside dinner. After another adventurous drive due to heavy tropical rains and some flash flooding, we were back at the hotel.

Part IV. While Wednesday was technically an "off" day for some folks, we really were quite busy. We made a return trip to the public hospital for give more gifts and pray with some of the patients. One woman chased us outside and wanted us to come back in just to talk and pray with her husband. We also did prep work for our final clinic and several thousand bibles were given out in the streets of San Pedro Sula. We even made the local news! In the meantime, part of our team spent much of their week doing repair and improvment work to some of our scholar's homes. The work was much appreciated!

Final Chapter. Thursday saw our last medical clinic here in San Pedro Sula. We were greeted with much enthusiasm at the large public school. Again, Dr. Kim held an eye clinic and saw record numbers of patients for her. She is a real trooper! After wrapping up our clinics, the rest of the bibles were handed out in town. If you've never seen people run to get a free bible (and some read it right away), it is quite an experience. I know I'm not putting many other productive activities and events on here as several people on this trip met Honduran friends and spent real quality time with them. Others had productive meetings, building our mission's future here in Honduras. In all, several hundred people were treated medically and provided optical glasses. Others got hugs or prayer. I know we have all been touched by our trip here and can't wait to see our friends again.

Dios es Bueno!

Our thanks to all of our traveling team members. Everyone really pulled together as a team. Special thanks go our to our host-nation amigos who have been helpful in so many ways here. Not all are on Facebook but I would like to thank: Emy Fernandez de Madrid, Edy Roberto Madrid, Vivian Stephany Sosa Arita, Oscar Armando Guierrez Canales, Vivian Marlene Arita Baiza, and many locals and the wonderful staff of the Gran Sula Hotel. They always go out of their way to make us comfortable.

We owe many thanks to our steadfast doctor, Milton Ernesto Hernandez. He make all of our clinics possible and allows us to drag him around Honduras! Thanks Dr. Milton!

The Clinic Experience

2011-10-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

Feed My Sheep Ministry has been holding medical clinics in Honduras since 2005. Those who come and work feel blessed to be a part of what God is doing here in Honduras.

Please say a prayer for our last clinic of the trip. Gracios! Cristo te ama!

First Vision Clinics

2011-10-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Monday was the first vision clinic and Dr. Kim and her team saw 152 patients from 9 - 4:30 with a break in the middle for lunch/reorganizing. It's likely that for all the people seen it was the first time they had ever been able to have their vision checked. The process was smooth and organized and the group can't wait to get back in action for today's clinic. The clinic on Tuesday at Siguatepeque was wonderful, the weather was much cooler, 104 children and adults were seen and fitted with eyeglasses. Thanks be to God for such a huge success.

Had something cool happen at Tuesday's vision clinic:
"I noticed in the eye clinic yesterday that a couple of pair of glasses looked familiar, especially the ones that looked like Joe's first pair of glasses. Today i was in the vision clinic and was asking where the glasses came from and found it some were from the church glasses drive, so they very likely were Joe's glasses, we weren't even done talking about it when the first boy patient came in, the glasses that were his perfect prescription were Joe's... no joke, you can see the worn off bronze looking bows on the edges of his little teal glasses. God is so funny sometimes!!" ~Cathie Berger

God is so amazing!

2011-10-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

God is so amazing! The devotionals in Oswald Chambers' book My Utmost for His Highest this week are devoted to serving God as a missionary. On October 16th, he said "The key to the missionary's difficult task is in the hand of God, and the key is prayer." And the Scripture was "Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:38). And the Scripture for October 17th, is "... I say to you, he who believes in Me... greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father" (John 14:12). Chambers says, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works - prayer is the greater work." So although you are home and not in Honduras, you can still do the greater work through prayer.
~Diane Kruger

Bibles for Honduras

2011-10-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Bibles for Honduras, a non-profit that partners with Feed My Sheep provided Spanish Bibles for the team to pass out on the street. Here's some footage of today's time on the streets with the Bibles.

Prayer and thanks for the Gran Sula Hotel

2011-10-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

While in Honduras we stay at a wonderful hotel in San Pedro Sula called the Gran Hotel Sula. The rooms are spacious, the beds are muy cómodo (very comfortable) and the staff is better than at any another international hotel I've ever stayed at.

We pretty much take over the third floor of the hotel as the management allows us to fill the chapel with our medicines, clothing, and other items for the trip. Then we work in the hallways and any other space we can find to prepare for the clinics. It's truly remarkable that a business would be so welcoming and accommodating as the Gran Sula is to our team.

Please join us as we pray and give thanks for the Gran Sula, their owners, managers, and everyone who works here. We pray for their continued success and for their families to be blessed, for they are a part of our ministry... a rather huge part. For without this hotel we may not be able to do what we do as we serve our Lord together. They are our partners in ministry, thanks be to God for He is Good All the Time!

Busy Day for a Sunday

2011-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day full of preparations for the first medical clinic tomorrow and a large group went to the local public hospital. This evening the scholars came to the hotel for fun and food, then they blessed us all with a presentation. Each of the scholars recited, in english, a summary of a story and a Bible verse, afterwards they performed a dance. The children put a lot of work into the presentation and we truly love each one of them. What a blessing they have been to everyone who has met them.

More will come later, our days are full, especially tonight... watching the St. Louis Cardinals play on Honduras TV, the spanish speaking announcers do a great job with our players names, Go CARDS!!

2011-10-15T23:00:00.001-07:00

Here's a brief video of a long drive up the mountain to the remote village Quis Camote.

Ready Set Go....

2011-10-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Terrific beginnings as Marvin and Karen, who came down earlier in the week had a great trip down with no problems. A group of 14 hit the tarmac early this morning very excited about the trip and what God has in store for the week.

Thanks to Cheryl and Alan for being drivers for those of us who are low functioning individuals at 4 am.

The Florida extension of the family, Kelly and Paul, met up with us in Miami and the rest of the trip was pretty easy going.

Still to come in are Kim, Ruth, Jason, Ben, Linda, and Charlie. Please continue to pray for those who will be making their way here tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning at 6 a group will head up the mountain to Quis Camote to take supplies and food.

Thanks for all your prayers, God is Good....ALL the Time!

Look and See

2011-10-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to view a map of the Feed My Sheep points of interest in Honduras

Paul created this awesome map so everyone can see where it is the team is headed. If you are curious where we're head take a look. It's very cool, you can switch to the satellite version and can see the lay of the land.

La Union is the last town in the hills on the way up the mountain to Quis Camote. If you follow the dirt trail along the top of the mountain, he also marked where we think the village is, so remote. The ride to the village is an adventure.

Thanks Paul for putting this together for us!!

2011-10-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Fall Mission Trip Update: Folks, we're on the homestretch now for the fall trip! Per Marvin, we plan on doing 3 clinics: one in Siguatepeque, One at the large San Pedro Sula school we first visited this spring and another one at Pastor Diomedes' chuch in San Pedro Sula. We also plan to visit the remote mountain village of Quiscamote weather and roads permitting. There will also be visits to several maternity wards in local hospitals. We will also likely assist in the feeding project as well as spend some time with some of our local scholars in San Pedro Sula. We hope to see the children from Casa Hogar (and Tina Galan) in Siguatepeque. Also, time permitting, we may be able to work in a visit to Destino del Reino with our friend Rhonda Jackson. We hope to hand out 3,000 free Bibles to the people of Honduras as well. Thanks to our friend Brian Safarian for taking on this worthy ministry! So many things to do in so little time. Looking forward to seeing/meeting you all next week. Plan on an amazing, rewarding, life-changing experience!

Dios Te Bendiga!
Paul Gallaher

2011-09-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

Fall 2011 Mission Team - Leaving October 14th, 2011
This Fall's mission team headed down to San Pedro Sula consists of: Karen & Marvin, Lisa, Connie, Paul & Kelly, Bonnie & Charles, John & Dianne, Ben & Linda, Cheryl, Laura, Kim, Ruth, Cathie, Karen, Julie, Alyssa, Jason, Kevin, Linda, Deb, and Stan. Several of the team members are first timers, we have a mother/daughter team, couples and lots the regulars heading back.

As the team prepares for the trip, please keep them in your prayers.

2011-09-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Note from Pastor Mark Jordan:

This morning, as I think, pray, study, and journal, I think about the great time we had just a short time ago. At times, seems like a long time ago and far, far away.

I want to personally thank you for an excellent, excellent trip. Each and every opportunity exceeded my expectations. And, each of our travelers had a remarkable experience. That, of course, was my prayer and aim. And, the trip delivered. Praise the Lord.

I'm very thankful for your ministry in Honduras. It's obvious it's heart-felt. You are ministering with and among friends. And, you're committed long-term. I'm pleased and thankful. My one-shot trip served it's purpose in me and in some on our team. It may even lead to future teams. However, your continuing ministry will produce generational fruit in Honduras. Praise the Lord.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Mark Jordan

2011-09-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Note from Rev. Shane Bishop following the Spring 2011 trip:

I could not believe the progress Feed My Sheep Ministries has made since my first trip! The ministries were well organized and effective. The quality of the mission experience was excellent. What a joy to be a part of such a vibrant and relevant ministry! Thanks Marvin and Karen!

Rev Shane Bishop

2011-09-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

Thinking about the Coming Trip
The ministry is asking people who are going in the Fall to write a note about their previous experiences and what their expectations are for the coming trip.
Hi! I'm Cathie Berger and I'm one of the 100 who have gone to Honduras with Feed My Sheep Ministry on a mission trip. The team is getting ready for the Fall Mission trip coming up in less than a month and I'm praying and thinking about the trip and excited about what God is going to do. I have great expectations since every time I have gone the experience has been incredible.
Specifically I've been thinking about my first trip in the Fall of 2006 when the group of 8, during which we went up the mountain and I had an "in a thin place" moment. If you've ever had one, and I pray everyone I know has or will soon, it's a moment when you feel so close to God that if you reach out you'd touch His face, still gives me chills when I think about it. I wanted to turn to the others in the group and ask "Do you feel that?" but I couldn't speak I just feel to my knees and prayed.

Cathie, Melissa and Brian with the kids in the mountain village

In preparation for the coming trip I've been thinking about WHY I go, several people ask and although I share the story of the ministry and what we do, I also end up spilling how it rejuvenates me, calls me out and makes me think about the important things and seek out what it is God wants me to do with what He gave/gives me not just my funds, but my time and my skills.
There are 25 of us going this Fall, hopefully others will share what is on their minds about the coming trip, but in the meantime, please pray for the group and for the work God has planned for the trip.
Cathie

March 15th, 2011

2011-03-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today, we left the hotel in San Pedro Sula for a 75 mile drive south into the mountains of west central Honduras to the small city of Siguatepeque. We have several friends there and have done clinics there in the past (in addition to other work). The church there is led by Pastor Oscar. Our group of nearly 30 quickly set up the clinic and we got started after a prayer and our customary song, "This is the day that the Lord hath made". Marvin made several trips out to Vida y Libertad to shuttle children from Casa Hogar there to the clinic and back. It was great to see their smiling faces again. The clinic saw well over 200 people today.

After a nice lunch, provided by Pastor Oscar's family, some of us were able to take a trip just out of town to see our friend Rhonda at a school and children's home called, "Destino del Reino". We were blessed as always to see how God is working there. After surviving our 2 hour drive back home, dodging dogs, people walking and cycling along the dark road (no shoulder), potholes and semi-tractor trailors with no brake or tail lights we made it safely back to the hotel. It's been a great day! Tomorrow we start another clinic in the morning here in San Pedro Sula. Can't wait to see our friends there!
Dios te bendiga

Today's Blessing

2011-03-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today has been a blessing, beautiful weather sunny breezy cool. We are sorting shoes from the CUMC shoe drive as I was sorting, I found the most touching notes and pictures from the kids at CHRIST CHURCH to our kids in Honduras. Our Kids At Christ Church are certainly reaching out to our Kids in Honduras in Big Way that My Friends is what this is all about tomorrow a clinic at our Feeding project, Pastor Diomodes will write more later.

~Karen

Tara and Denice have some new friends!

Erika, Gary, Denice, and Kerri serving lunch

Stan and a cute little guy!

Julie serving up the drinks

Touchdown in San Pedro Sula

2011-03-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

The majority of the team has arrived safely in San Pedro Sula. Rev. Shane, Alan and Brenda should be arriving soon.

Saturday was a day of preparation for the medical clinics, the medical crates were cracked open and the work began. The prep started with a trip to the plastics store to buy 1,500 little plastic cups for dispensing the de-worming medicine to the children. The team measures the medicine into the little cups then counts and prepares the other pharmacy meds for quick dispensing. Labels with Spanish instructions are put on the meds, however, our Spanish speaking mission team members are what makes all the difference when it comes to making sure they understand how to take the medicine. Although this prep time can be very busy, it's a lot of fun to sit with team members and get to know them. It's a busy, but fun time. After the long days work is complete the team will all enjoy dinner together at a local eatery.

Karen and Kelly preparing the de-worming medicine.


Linda, Tara and Joe preparing the meds.

The "Braintrust" counting out the pills. ~Paul

Spring 2011 Mission Team

2011-02-28T16:40:00.000-08:00

Marvin, Karen, Brian, Rev. Shane, Alan, Kelly, Paul, Brenda, Jim, Stan, Denice, Todd, Karen, Bonnie, Charlie, Gary, Erika, Deborah, Cindi, Julie, Joe, Linda, Scott, Ashley, Kerri, and Tara Lots of new team members, we are all excited to see and hear how God works through them and in them during their trip.

Please check back during the trip for updates!

Team Getting Ready

2011-02-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

As the Spring 2011 Mission Team prepares for the mission trip we ask that you please keep them in your prayers. There are 26 people headed to San Pedro Sula on March 12th to be the hands and feet of Christ.

The team will hold four medical clinics, visit both Casa Hogar and Destino del Reino, and also visit both Churches where the ministry has feeding projects for the children. There may also be a chance for a trip up the mountain to Quis Camote.

The team will deliver layettes at the public hospital and toys at the pediatric ward. The team will also distribute 2,000 Bibles, as part of a new effort to reach out, some of the men will be delivering Bibles to an area prison.

Please pray for the team and all those that they will come into contact with in Honduras.

SPONSORS need for Special Scholars

2010-11-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

Four students who have been attending the Christian bi-lingual school are in need of sponsors. Seen below, Emy, Luis, Olga and Wendy have been attending the school for several years but due to an unforseen loss of their sponsors they are in jeopardy of not being able to return.

If you would like more information about the scholars or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Marvin or Karen Steinke at 618-476-6069.

Changing Lives One Child At A Time

2010-11-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

During my first trip with Feed My Sheep to Honduras, in April 2005, I worked on a project putting food packages together to hand out in the barrio in San Pedro Sula. As you can imagine, the children of the barrio were very interested in what we were doing, and they hung around the church watching us work.

As I was working, two boys in particular caught my eye. They were brothers named Eduardo and Luis, about 9 and 5 years old, respectively. I struck up several conversations with them (the best I could, considering they didn’t speak English and I don’t speak Spanish!)

When I got back to the United States, I couldn’t get these boys out of my mind. I felt God had introduced them to me for a reason. I told my wife about the boys when I returned, and she agreed that we needed to help them in some way.

When I returned to Honduras in October of that year, I met with them and their mother to try to gain an understanding of what they needed and explained to them that God had laid it on mine and my wife’s hearts that we were to help them. It seemed that education was their greatest need. To meet this need, we arranged to send them to a private, Christian, bilingual school, called ABS (Academic Bilingual Shalom.) We pay for their tuition, school uniforms and extracurricular fees, transportation to and from the barrio and tutors as needed.

Eduardo and Luis have been attending ABS since the fall of 2005. They are 14 and 10 years old now, have good grades, are becoming fluent in English and have a good understanding about God. Their futures, both physical and spiritual are much brighter now.

--Testimony of Brian Safarian

Spanish Bibles for Honduras

2010-11-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

I started working with Feed My Sheep in Honduras in April of 2005. During a couple years of mission trips, I was privileged to work with feeding stations, medical missions, church and orphanage building repairs and even bringing fresh water to a remote mountain village. My wife and I were also involved with ensuring two little boys were able to attend a Christian bilingual school.

Before I left for another trip in 2007, my wife mentioned to me that she thought it was important that I do more to let the people that we were helping physically also get to know more about Jesus Christ. I agreed, but we weren’t sure exactly what that meant.

Maybe we didn’t know what that meant, but God sure did. While I was in Honduras that August, I was in our hotel and overheard some Americans mention a flood that had occurred many years ago in East St. Louis, IL. I was born in East St. Louis and my family had a business there for many years. I introduced myself to these men, who turned out to be missionaries from Florida.

The man I met, George Horton, explained that he had spent many years of his life bringing Spanish Bibles to the people of Honduras. He believed that God wanted him to deliver 100,000 Bibles to them. He would order the Bibles from Ohio, drive from Florida to pick them up and then drive to Honduras to give them out. He had made more than 200 trips and had given out over 80,000 Bibles.

I knew that meeting George wasn’t a coincidence. My wife and I were meant to bring Spanish Bibles to the people of Honduras.

We used George’s contact in Ohio and ordered Bibles. We sent 2,500 Bibles the first time, and with help from others, we have sent more than 10,000 Bibles to date.

George is getting older and the trip isn’t as safe as it used to be. This past July we had the Bibles shipped to the Port of Cortez. I then picked them up and stored them to hand out on an October trip.

Today, we can send each Bible for $1.75 which includes printing and shipping.

We believe God sent George to us to help us fulfill our mission of brining the Word of God to the people of Honduras.

--Testimony of Brian Safarian

2010-10-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Paul Gallaher who created this terrific map on Google maps to show all the points of interest in Honduras that the mission teams usually visit. It's terrific to be able to see where we actually go when in Honduras, you can see Casa Hogar, Pastor Oscar's church, and even a possible location for the small mountain village Quis Camote. The hospital they visited this Fall is on the map, the airport, the Gran Sula where we stay when we go, and he was kind enough to include several of our favorite eating establishments.

If you've ever thought of going or are interested in seeing where the team travels, please check out the map, it is awesome!

The link to the map is long, but click on it and it'll take you right to the map. Thanks PAUL!!

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq&hnear=6026+Arlington+Cir%2C+Melbourne%2C+Brevard%2C+Florida+32940&msa=0&msid=103838915911902991067.00049221657106f69ffdf&ll=15.575419%2C-87.960663&spn=0.313518%2C0.673599&z=11

A terrific new resource for those who go, those who wish to go and all those who bless the ministry with their assistance, contributions, and especially their prayers.

One for Every Reaching Hand!

2010-10-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

The kids crowd around Marvin, Paul, and Julie! Can you guess what they are hoping to gain from reaching out to them? Is is candy, soda pop, toys? Nope! They are reaching for the Word! They are asking/pleading for a Spanish Bible. Every trip the team passes out thousands of Spanish Bibles to the children and adults in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Thank yous go out to the hometeam missionaries that donate to help provide Bibles. The cost is minimal per Bible, but the potential return on your investment is HUGE, we thank you.

Prayers would be appreciated for all those how received a Bible.

Mission Team in Honduras This Week!

2010-10-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Keep our missionaries in your prayers as they are the hands and feet of Christ in Honduras. Some of the group left last Thursdays, others got their Saturday and the last wave gets there on Wednesday. Please keep them in your prayers and pray for all the children whose lives they touch while they are there.

2010-06-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

You can now donate online to Feed My Sheep Ministry!

Santa Biblia Project July 10

2010-05-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

YOUR HELP NEEDED!!!

Feed My Sheep is in a fundraising frenzy - trying to raise enough to take 4,000 Spanish Bibles to Honduras in July, 2010.

During a mission trip to Honduras, one of the team members, Brian Safarian, began a new project by providing and giving away Bibles written in Spanish. In October of 2007, Brian raised enough money to give away 4,000 Bibles.

The response of the people in Honduras was remarkable. They were lining up and calling for it by name "Santa Biblia". They were so grateful for the gift of God’s Word in their language.

When the Lord originally laid it on Brian’s heart to take on this project, he met an American in Honduras who had been bringing Spanish Bibles to Honduras over the past 30 years (Brian actually overheard him talking about Illinois and struck up a conversation). God was providing a way to get Bibles to Honduras.

George has provided Brian with the name of a Spanish Bible supplier and miraculously is willing to transport the Bibles by truck from Iowa to Florida and then on to Honduras. It is a difficult multi-week tour, especially for a man in his 70’s, but it is what he is meant to do.

Because of this gift of transportation (we only pay his travel costs) the Bibles cost a total of $1.50 each. Contributions for the Bibles can be made anytime during the year. Brian is trying to raise 6,000 to have 4,000 Bibles for the next mission trip.

If providing Spanish Bibles to the people of Honduras is a mission that appeals to you, please send your tax deductible donations to: Feed My Sheep Ministry, 407 E. Lincoln, Belleville, Illinois 62220. When sending a donation by check for the Bible Project, please write "Bibles" in the Memo Field of the check.

Blessings and thank you for your continued support and interest in blessing the people of Honduras.

All is well.

2010-04-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

All is well in Honduras, all have arrived ok. We're going to hold three clinics Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Very hot here 96 or more, more later.

Karen

Team heading out this week!

2010-04-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Please keep the Mission Team in your prayers as they prepare to head out to San Pedro Sula at the end of the week. The group is welcoming Cyndi, who is a First-Time mission team member. Cyndi will be joining Marvin, Karen, Roni and Kelly for this Spring's trip.

The group plans to hold medical clinics and visit the feeding stations! Other projects will likely be added as needed.

The Feed My Sheep Facebook Group will have updates and we'll post those on the blog so you can keep up with what the team is doing.

SPRING Mission Trip dates set!

2010-01-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

The April mission trip is on the schedule. Plans are to leave St. Louis on the 17th of April and return the following week on the 24th. We are checking into airfare and will be making reservations at the Gran Sula in the near future. If you are interested in going this April or to assist the team with support prior and during the trip, please email or call Karen or Marvin.

We wanted to get the dates out as soon as possible so you can start making plans to join us.

More details will be forthcoming. Please be in pray about the ministry and how you might want to be involved. As always, we welcome First-Timers, it's an incredible experience.

Group going this week to Honduras

2010-01-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

Due to the political/civil unrest and border closings, the Fall 2009 Mission Trip was canceled. A small group will be heading out this week to check in on the feeding stations, check on the work being completed to repair the structure damaged during the earthquake and visit with our scholars.

Please keep the group in your prayers this week: Marvin, Rev. Bernie, Brian and Brenda.

We'll update you on their trip as we get word back from San Pedro Sula.

Fall trip on HOLD

2009-09-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's official... the fall trip to Honduras has been put on hold. The ministry's contacts in Honduras have advised the group to wait until after the elections before making the trip down.

Please pray for our friends in Honduras, for their safety and for a quick resolution to this unrest.

George & George Update

2009-09-24T09:05:00.001-07:00

Please continue to pray for George & George. Within 500 miles of the Honduran border they had to turn around head back because the Honduran border has been closed. Please pray for their safe return.

Curfew-trapped Hondurans seek food amid crisis

2009-09-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

By MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press Writer Mark Stevenson, Associated Press Writer – Wed Sep 23, 5:37

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Hungry Hondurans scrambled through looted stores and lined up for food on Wednesday during a break in a long curfew called to halt violence that erupted with the return of the country's deposed leftist president.

Troops and police ringed the Brazilian Embassy where ousted President Manuel Zelaya took shelter on Monday after returning home in a daring challenge to the interim government that threw him out of the country at gunpoint in June and that vows to arrest him if he leaves the shelter of the diplomatic mission.

Most other Hondurans were trapped as well, cooped up in their homes since Monday evening by a government order to stay off the streets — an order ignored by some looters and pro-Zelaya protesters.

Schools, businesses, airports and border crossings closed, though the coup-installed government lifted the nationwide curfew for six hours Wednesday so that businesses could open briefly and people could buy what they needed.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva used the podium at the U.N. General Assembly in New York to demand Zelaya be reinstated as Honduras' president and the U.S. State Department in Washington called for restraint by both sides.

State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said the U.S., which still has contact with Honduran officials, had helped persuade authorities to restore water and power service they had cut at the Brazilian Embassy where Zelaya is holed up and had helped evacuate some Brazilian Embassy staff.

But on a street in Tegucigalpa, Lila Armendia peered out through her wooden gate at a scene of burning trash bins placed by protesters.

"It's scary to go out," she said.

Being stuck inside her home is no good either. "It's like being in jail," said the 38-year-old seamstress who has been unable to work.

People determined to stock up for the uncertain days ahead trudged past bandana-masked youths sitting on boulders they had used to block roads.

About two dozen people at a supermarket littered with overturned shelves hunted through shards of glass and smashed potato chip packages for undamaged food.

Thousands of Zelaya supporters marched in the direction of the Brazilian Embassy but were blocked by soldiers and riot police who used tear gas to disperse them after the protesters threw rocks and sticks.

Police said they arrested 113 people after scores of business were looted as protesters skirmished with officers throughout Tuesday night.

Zelaya told the Argentine cable channel Todo Noticias that 10 of his supporters had been killed, though he gave no details. Authorities said there were no deaths at all, though they said one person suffered a gunshot wound.

Dr. Mario Sanchez at the Escuela Hospital in Tegucigalpa said three people were treated for gunshot wounds there, however.

At an upscale shopping mall in the capital, women wearing track suits and pearl earrings formed a bumper-to-bumper line of orange shopping carts that snaked around the parking lot of a Price Smart they expected to soon open.

"This is a nightmare," said Lijia Acietuno, a 26-year-old business manager. "Look what this man has done to our country," she said, referring to Zelaya.

The crisis appeared to be taking a toll on Zelaya, too. He stared into space Wednesday as a shrinking core of supporters at the isolated Brazilian Embassy raised their fists and vowed to fight for his reinstatement.

The boisterous leader known for his trademark white cowboy hat had been traveling the hemisphere, meeting with heads of state to build a wall of diplomatic condemnation against the government that hustled him out of the country at gunpoint June 28.

He now finds himself confined to the cramped embassy compound surrounded by troops waiting to arrest him.

The interim government's foreign minister, Carlos Lopez, said that soldiers would not try to enter the embassy to arrest Zelaya.

But he also said yet again that Honduras' interim government would not bow to intense international demands for him to serve out his final months as president.

Before he was ousted, the country's Supreme Court had endorsed charges of treason and abuse of authority against Zelaya for repeatedly ignoring court orders to drop plans for a referendum on whether the constitution should be rewritten.

The interim government accuses Zelaya of trying to create disturbances ahead of the Nov. 29 presidential elections that coup-backers hope will restore an international image of democracy to the nation and ease foreign pressure.

Zelaya says he has no plans to leave the embassy and has repeatedly asked to speak with interim President Roberto Micheletti, who says he is open to talks with the participation of the Organization of American States.

Zelaya said Micheletti's refusal to accept international demands for his reinstatement mean he "does not have the will to resolve what is happening in Honduras."

"If he has any conscience, then he should yield and search first for peace and not for his own personal benefit," Zelaya said on the Costa Rican radio program Nuestra Voz.

Kelly said the interim government has invited a delegation from the OAS to help solve the standoff — a moved welcomed by the United States.

Brazil's Silva, meanwhile, urged the world to insist on reinstating Zelaya.

"Unless there is political will, we will see more coups like the one that toppled the constitutional president of Honduras," Silva told the U.N. General Assembly meeting.

The Brazilian government asked the U.N. Security Council to discuss the security of Zelaya and its embassy in Honduras.

Zelaya's opponents accuse him of wanting to end the constitutional ban on re-election — a charge Zelaya has repeatedly denied.

U.S.-backed talks moderated by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias broke down after Micheletti's government refused to accept a plan that would allow Zelaya to return to the presidency with limited powers and prohibit him from attempting to revise the constitution.
Many Hondurans feel caught in the middle of a fight between two leaders — neither of whom they support.

"We are like prisoners. This is unbearable," said Edie Eguigure, 47, waiting in a long line to buy food for his family. "It's time Micheletti and Zelaya sit down to negotiate to end this problem that is affecting more than anything the poorest of the poor."
_____
Associated Press Writers Freddy Cuevas in Tegucigalpa and Desmond Butler in Washington contributed to this report.

Update and Prayer Concern

2009-09-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

George and George, the two wonderful gentlemen who drive to Honduras with the Spanish Bibles we will be passing out in October are at the US / Mexico border. As they continue to travel, with the Christ Church van in tow, we ask for all our prayer warriors to lift them up high in prayer. It's a long drive, one they have made countless times before, but we ask that everyone prayer for their safety, for good weather, for good nights of sleeping and good times driving.

Thanks to all.... keep praying!

Tickets Purchased! Trip is a go... but it's not too late if you'd like to join us!

2009-09-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

The group has purchased their tickets, we're heading out of St. Louis on Friday, October 2nd and coming back October 9th. We had to shift everything by one day to get flights at a reasonable $$.

We are making plans for the clinics and visits to the feeding stations. If you are interested in going we could still use some help with both of these. We'll spend the first couple of days working on getting the meds ready for the clinic. Hundreds of layettes have been prepared for the trip, thanks to all the who donated the items needed and for the wonderful lady who put them all together.

So far those attending this year's trip are: Marvin & Karen Steinke, Brian Safarian, Brenda O'Connor, Cathie Berger and new to the mission team are Jordan Berger and Cindy Brown. Please keep the group in your prayers as we finish the planning. Challenges always seem to pop up during the month prior and we want to wash everything we plan and do in prayer.

In Christ,

Cathie

FALL 2009 Mission Trip

2009-07-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Fall Mission Trip is planned for Oct 3rd - 10th. October 3rd is going to be here soon and the plans are in the works. We hope to have a couple of clinics, visit the feeding projects, hopefully make it to Pastor's Oscar's and check on the building project the fellas worked on last year and maybe up the mountain to Quis Camote.

We'll be flying out of St. Louis, Continental Airlines (most likely) we're watching the fares daily to see if we can hit a day with a good deal... we are patient, we'll get a good deal. We'll probably fly in and take the afternoon to get organized and then we'll be ready to go.

If you've never been to Honduras with Feed My Sheep Ministry, I can assure you it's everything you expect AND everything you don't.

You'll expect to be a little out of sorts at first, especially if you've never left the homeland, but it will pass quickly as you're greeted by a wonderful staff at our hotel and the great people we work with in Honduras. You won't expect a nice, cozy, very clean, very comfortable hotel room.... but that's what you'll have. The hotel even has a pool and wireless internet. We usually bring a laptop or two so we can easily keep up with everyone at home.

You'll expect to be a little nervous about your purpose while you're there, but that will pass when you are put to task and you find that much of what we do is not skilled labor and that God can use people who love to hug babies and organize supplies and pass out Bibles. You won't expect how you will feel at the end of the day... we've all had days of working hard and getting dirty, but you'll feel a sense of PEACE, of FULFILLMENT, you'll FEEL a JOY that can only come from doing GOD'S WORK:>

You'll expect to be trying new foods and maybe lose a pound or five because you're worried about what you'll eat, but that will pass... sure you'll eat plantains, empanadas (sp?), and other foods I don't know the name of and you MAY lose a pound or you may lose none. You won't expect the American style restaurant at the hotel... I ate grilled cheese and fries, chicken, salads, waffles... don't worry about what and where you'll eat, between the Pizza Hut, Applebees, the hotel's restaurants and the grocery store you won't miss a meal or your comfort foods. You work hard, you eat well, you feel great.

You'll expect to meet, help, feed and minister to the people, that's why you go to Honduras to be of help to others, to serve as Christ's hands and feet. You won't expect how the people you meet, help, feed and minister to will touch your heart, change your mind, energize your walk with Christ and send you home changed forever.

Pray about it, consider joining Feed My Sheep Ministry this Fall, either by going on the trip with us or by being on the "home team" and helping with the plans, fund raising and prayer support (we need lots of prayer warriors). Being a part of this ministry is an amazing experience! We'll keep you all posted on the schedules and the plans! Cathie Berger

2009-04-18T19:33:00.001-07:00

Another hot day and so dry just waiting for marv to bring group from airport the hotel staff has been a blessing to us, anything we need they get for us. Tonight Rev Allen from CUMC will preach at Pastor Demodes Church one of our projects down here and tomorrow night Pastor Jordan will preach at Pastor Gustavo's Church should be a powerful Spirit filled night will keep you up to date love to all.

2009-04-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well Marvin and I arrived today with no delays and we are admist a real heat wave 87 today and dry we had a meeting with Dr. Milton today and ordered our liquid med's for clinics our group will arrive on Saturday and we will begin our work as the hands and feet of our Lord. We are ready to serve and waiting to see what He has in store for us. more later.
In his Name,
Karen

Plans are being made for April 09 Trip

2009-01-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

The planning for the April Trip is under way, the dates are April 18th - 25th.

Three medical clinics are planned, as well as a trip to Quis Camote and Siguatepeque. More details will follow, but let's start working together to help the team going this April.

It's always a joy to see everyone pull together and serve God through Feed My Sheep. Marvin mentioned that several "First-Timers" will be going this April. I think everyone who has made the trip remembers how their first trip felt and how it touch their lives. With this in mind, let's reach out to these new missionaries and lift them up in prayer. God is Good, All the Time!!