Warm Greetings from Honduras! I hope you’re enjoying summer. As usual, it’s hot and humid, in Trujillo. The ground and reservoirs are dry; only our clothes are soaked through!
In many ways, things are heating up spiritually too. This year, perhaps more than others, the spiritual battles have been intense. Many of our students have deep wounds and have not been quick to enter into healing. Personal and family issues preoccupy their minds, and in some cases past trauma is blocking them from learning and fully entering into spiritual growth. Please continue to pray for the girls, their families and guardians, as well as our staff who are facing their own challenges.
Despite the setbacks, we rejoice over the victories. Some of the girls are showing real interest in the classes, and some are definitely growing spiritually. This year we were thrilled to see three of our students take the step of water baptism. One of them, 15-year-old Sindy had been seeking out this opportunity for two years!
She had approached me last year to baptize her, and thinking it would be better for her to testify before her family, friends, and community, I directed her to her home church.
The pastor began classes with her and some other youth, but shortly after, moved away.
When a replacement pastor didn’t arrive right away, her desire was delayed some more.
Finally, this year, seeing her enthusiasm hadn’t waned, we honored her desire and baptized Sindy, along with two of her committed classmates, 13-year-old Eda, a beautiful, faithful believer, and new convert Esther (13), on our ministry property in the warm Caribbean Sea. It was lovely to celebrate with them as they took this important step of faith and obedience.
It’s also inspiring to see the students progressing in their classes. The second-year girls are really excelling in sewing.
There are only six of them, but they are all talented and lovely young women. This year in our new Entrepreneurship class, the girls learned to make simple soaps and shampoo. They also
each developed a product and sold them in their communities.
Most chose sewing projects – cross body bags or little girls’ dresses that they learned in sewing class. Sindy made and sold Sixteen-year-old Besy, is a natural designer and dressmaker. She sold 8 blouses of her own design, and is planning to continue designing and sewing as a career. The first-year girls are also getting on-board with their own creations. Several of them have made clothes for themselves or others on their own time too.
The girls are also growing personally. Little Henllel (pronounced “Angel,” believe it or not!) really struggled at the beginning of the year. For many weeks she actually cried and hung on to her father when he dropped her off on Mondays, and they connected by phone almost every day during the week. What a relief it was for all of us when Henllel actually learned to ride the bus by herself and settled into the routine.
These days she is thriving in her classes and activities, helping her peers and at only 12, becoming a terrific leader!
This year we have also focused on developing our ministry team. We had some terrific training opportunities with specialists brought by other ministries.
Members of our team traveled to other cities to take in courses on Trauma Informed Care & Compassion Fatigue, as well as two days of Leadership training with a John Maxwell Coach.
It was a blessing to receive such equipping, and a great opportunity for team bonding too.
Chefs in Training! Learning nutrition, hygiene, and traditional & international recipes, Here, making bread in our newly renovated kitchen.
Another great accomplishment in the Centre is the renovation of our kitchen! After many months of delays and trials, we are thrilled to have new hardwood cabinets and solid surface countertops installed!
Many thanks to all who gave and prayed towards this goal. It is a blessing to have such a beautiful and functional kitchen for our classes and daily meal prep.
Indeed, we are deeply grateful to all of our faithful partners who make every aspect of this ministry possible. We will most certainly share in the rewards! Thank you for standing with us!
Richest blessings always,
Kim
To donate towards Kim’s work at the Ministry Training Centre:
From Canada PAOC, 2450 Milltower Court, Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z6
From US or International "Choose Donate, Fund Global Workers, Sub Fund Hodgkiss, Kim" RPEC International, 27758 Santa Margarita Parkway #186, Mission Viejo, CA 9269
To directly donate online towards CMCA , use the DONATE link.
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