Day One- On to Rapid City

Hi Everyone- Someone said "The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". We started this journey well over a year ago and through much prayer and planning- it's hard to believe we are on the actual travelling part of the trip! God is so good!
We started out this afternoon from Curt and Maureen's place. Said our goodbyes to family and friends, and Don had a really awesome prayer and kind encouraging words for us as we left. We had a Caravan of vehicles headed south to Rapid City. Curt, Maureen, Delane and Bev were in the lead pickup with all of the luggage. Lance, KT, Richard and Arlis were in the car. And Clinton, Pete and I brought up the rear in the van. We are all checked in at the hotel and getting settled in.
We ate at the Golden corral. I thought it might be a good opportunity for the team to get their fill, seeing as we might have some picky eaters on the team ;). But If the trip is anything like the one I took 4 years ago, I don't think that anyone will have anything to complain about! There are some great cooks down at El Sembrador. We had a great time lust laughing over KT's jokes and comments over supper. And we discussed our plans forthe next day. I am really proud of the people that God has led on this trip. And what He has in store spiritually for all these team members, for the people on the home front, and for all who will be touched by Him in Honduras is exciting- I am anxiously expecting some awesome things!
After supper- Then we had one last obligatory trip to Wally World. I found out that this is Lance's first time on a commercial flight- I hope he has a good one. It's a bumpy ride in Teguc. Gotta keep those airsickness bags near by just in case!
I am by the pool right now (The best wireless signal is there) and it's about 10 oclock (Everyone else has gone to bed). Seeing as we are all going to be awake at 3:30, I'd better be heading to that way. I told Richard that If he tries cuddling with me in the middle of the night, thinking I'm Arlis, I'm going to have to give him one good kick in the cast. JK ;)
OK- Here's what's on the agenda... we arrive in Honduras tomorrow at 4 pm. Becasue it is a 4 hour drive to El Sembrador from Tegucigalpa, we are going to spend the night at the Missionary Guest house in Teguc. The roads are already a bit treacherous to begin with, and if you combine darkness and numerous cows in the streets- it doesn't make a good combination. And besides we would like to take in the scenery. So the plan is to leave at 5 on sunday morning (I imagine the roads will be a lot less congested) so that we can have church with the students on Sunday. Please pray for our safety, and that even amidst our flight we will have opportunity to speak to people about the joy and love of our awesome Savior.
I will be sure to post some pics and video here so keep tuned!
OH and BTW- Thanks for those last minute gifts (E.W. and B.B)! What a neat blessing!
To all our family and friends on the home front- Lotsa Love and Thanks!

PB on behalf of Curtmaureendelanebevrichardarlislancepetektclinton.

Tomorrow...

Well folks, thank-you all for your support and prayers and thoughts for us!  We are slated to leave tommorrow for Rapid City, spend the night and leave first thing on Saturday morning  for Honduras.  It is a 10 hour flight plus a four hour journey to the farm school- Escuela El Sembrador. We had our final meeting last night- and looks like everybody's aboard.  Including Richard... although we will be heavy a pair of crutches and a big purple cast for him!  We also have been busy making balloon animals, swords and hats.  We have a suitcases full of peanut butter, gospel tracts, candy, socks, t-shirts, soccer balls, and all sorts of goodies to hand out to families and kids at the Vbs's and at Amor Fe Esperanza (The dump ministry at tegucigalpa).  We hope that you stay tuned here for the next 8 days to keep updated on all our goings on and to what God is doing down south from us here in the US.  From all of us here in MT.  Bruce

When it rains, it pours...

Hi everyone... 
I made a point in this past sunday's message:  "Opposition may mean that you're in God's Will, not out of it."  Actually, chuck swindoll said it, I just repeated it.  And It seems that when you make a statement like that, you'd better be prepared to live it!  
We have 14 total members on our team- and in the past month, we've had one broken knee cap, neck pains, pnuemonia, a sprained wrist, some health issues with spouses, and last week Richard broke his ankle!  He is sore and the limb is swollen- and what is difficult is that the injury puts R & A's trip in limbo.  We don't want to him to further injure himself by going.  And we also don't want him to miss out on the experience that we've been planning for well over a year. It is all in His hands.  The Dr's will check on him in two weeks.   But prospects at this time don't seem good. What I do know is that anytime you seek an endeavor for the Lord, get ready for opposition. Paul had his thorn in the flesh.  And, guess what?  Not a single one of us are immune to the same ordeals.  We are hopeful that everyone will be healed up and strong by the time we depart on Saturday the 30th.  But we need help!  Please pray, pray, pray!  

As a part of our ministry to Honduras, and the farm School, We are looking for people to help contibute to the cause.  Here are some much needed items for the boys:   

Gift Ideas for Boys Clothes Closet:

* UNO Cards (for boys' birthday parties)

* Skip-Bo Cards (for boys' birthday parties)

* Small candy bars and candy (for boys' birthday parties)

* Solid Color Birthday Gift Bags for Guys (or cellophane loot bags with sports theme for candy for boys' birthday parties)

* # 4 Soccer Balls

* Good Volleyballs

* Cologne for Men (Adidas, Brut, Old Spice, etc.) **Sometimes you can find these sets at the after Christmas 75% off sales**

* Colored Boxer Briefs (size youth L, youth XL, men's small)

* White T-Shirts (size youth L, youth XL, men's small)

* White sports socks (ankle)

* Black Dress Shoes (sizes: 8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½)

* Used and New Tennis Shoes (sizes:  8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½)

* Work Boots (sizes:  8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½)

 Used and New Soccer Cleats (8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½)

* shirts (t-shirts or with collars in size youth L, youth XL, men's small)

* Shampoo

* deodorant

* Hair Gel

* Toothpaste

* Bars of Soap

* razer's

* Q-Tips

* Body Lotion

 

Ideas for Conference Center:

* Solid Blue Twin Size Sheet Sets

* Solid Yellow Queen Sheet Sets

* Solid Sage Green Full Sheet Sets 

If you are able, please email me!  emefc@midrivers.com.  Be a part of the ministry.  
thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!  Keep in touch.  Pastor Bruce