Day 4- The Tour and the Duties

Day 4- After a night of hearing cows mooing in the distance, dogs fighting in the yard and some brief but drenching storms pass through the night, the bell (la campana) pealed out at 5:30. We had breakfast at 6:30 and then had devos with the boys.
If you tried looking for a video clip from yesterday- I am having trouble with an internet connection. When you have frequent brown outs and power spikes, the wireless signal will reflect the same. So I am trying to trim the videos to shorter blurbs…LO SIENTO A TODOS. (Sorry to all). If you don't see some pictures and video- it's all a work in progress. I am posting as I can get a solid signal! At devos, KT played the drums during the choruses- it was a great session! Have a listen:


After that we went and took a tour of all of the campus. And instead of having to describe every aspect, you are going to get a bunch of pictures today. A little intro to the ministry of El Sembrador: Boys from ages 14 to their twenties are given the opportunity to come to the school and learn vocational skills, about serving their country (Patria- patriotism) and most importantly about God. About 39 percent of the students have a pre-existing relationship with the Lord. And the rest do not. So while this is a system that trains up people for ministry and serving the Lord, it is also an outreach to the community and to greater honduras. There was even a boy by the name of Justo, who has no parents, who came all on his own from Roatan on the coast. He just had a bag, clothes, and a mattress. Stayed in a 3 dollar hotel in Tegucigalpa. (Just use your imagination for what kind of hotel that was!) He remained awake all night so that he could protect his suitcase from others who were in the hotel room. Then got aboard a bus, not knowing at all where the farm school was. But He came because he knew he could find hope here. There are so many stories just like this. Here they have an opportunity to find skills that will get them ahead in life, stable loving relationships that are so needed for their own welfare, and the hope that they can find in Jesus Christ. Such a great place for those boys to have a fighting chance in life.
As we toured the vocational areas, we were all intrigued with the quality of equipment; It is all well maintained!

For each student, it costs $1900. But the parents generally only pay 200. Another 200 comes from farm income and donations. So all said and done there is a need for $1500 for a full sponsorship to get a child through school. And the rest is donations and gifts and people sponsoring a student.

The vocational educational as commented by several members of our team- exceptional. From the machine shop, to the wood carvings, the mechanical/ metal, welding.
We can see their abilities in all the doors- all made by the boys. Even the chandelier that they made in the the conference center.
All the ranchers are impressed with the techniques that they are using for the swine and cattle. We can probably learn a few lessons from them. They are definitely the experts in their fields. A lot of high tech farming techniques are being used on this farm.
Here is Clinton eyeing the pigs in the barn. Not being a aficionado of swine husbandry, it is good to have others take notice and appreciate that which I do not understand. It has been a pleasure working alongside of him in the school painting. I am proud to toil with all of these hard working Montanans. Not a complaint I hear out of them in the 85 Degree heat. Hey, Merlin and Bonnie, don’t worry about him, he’s eating well and “Bones” may come back a few pounds heavier.
Here is a picture of Maureen with Scarlet, one of the daughters of a worker in the kitchen. She has been making balloon animals with the kids. She and Arlis having been doing cleaning and cooking here as well. So thankful for people who keep us well fed and Dressed!
While part of us is painting in the school, Lance and Curt are in the old dormitory wiring some systems on ladders. Richard is in the Conference hall taking care of a correspondence project. The rest of us are painting in the Primary school.
After supper we set about making baloon animals for the kids for the VBS tomorrow. We spent the evening laughing over some of the hilarious designs we made. In the evening, we went to Travis and Lori’s home. They shared about their ministry and about all the boys current needs. And how to sponsor one. Pete couldn't make it- He hasn’t felt 100% and May be an upset stomach b/c of the anti malarial medication . But this morning as I am typing this, and he said he was doing a lot better!

We appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts. Thank you for the emails and nice Comments! I haven;t been able to respond to them all. BUt take note, it is a HUGE encouragement to know that you are all behind us. We miss you! Tomorrow's plan is for us to Work in the AM them in the PM go into town with the other team, the students in the seminary and help with a VBS. We will distribute the candies, peanut butter, tracts, and goodies to the kids and families. Looking forward to a great day! Until then, we send you our love and appreciation. PB for All.