MDM Leadership Team Update #5
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” I Peter 1:6-7
For the last few months, the world has been distressed by the COVID-19 Crisis. It has crippled the economy and strained the healthcare system. It has affected families, communities, churches and ministries, like ours. Yet in the midst of being “distressed by various trials”, it is an opportunity for our faith to shine. “For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Tim 1:7.
Some states have eased restrictions and many small businesses have opened back up this week but for our brethren in Honduras, they are still feeling the devastating effects of this crisis. Hondurans are in their 9th week of quarantine. The number of confirmed COVID cases continue to steadily rise as business owners push for reopening.
The government allowed hardware stores to open last week with restrictions and this week they allowed restaurants to serve take meals only. The Pan American Health Organization still projects a COVID-19 peak date in Central America between the end of May to mid June.
On the mountain, our tutors are working to see after the families of the students in our ministry. Last week, the leadership team approved and sent funds to Honduras to purchase food and medication for our families. Monday, Dixie made his first trip to the mountain since the quarantine started. He met and worked with Roxana for a couple of hours, and gave her gloves and facemasks for the food distribution.
Dixie also made sure they had access to the medications we had left over from our last medical brigade. On Wednesday of this week, the food staples were delivered to the ministry and our tutors started assembling food bags for the distribution to the families. We are sincerely thankful to all the MDM donors who have given to help in the purchase of these much-needed staples.
The Honduran government has given no clear indication when the educational system will open back up, however Dixie and Juvenal, have started looking at ways on how things are going to look like when the ministry reopens, which will likely include utilizing small groups and strict social distancing measures. In such a “close” culture, this will be difficult for these families but specifically for the children.
When the government opens the schools and ministries back up, Dixie, Juvenal and all our tutors will be well prepared for the work ahead of them. We are sincerely grateful for the commitment of our Honduran staff. Their faith is definitely shinning during this great trial.
We are continuing to focus on raising additional funds to offset our ministry shortfall and to help purchase food and medications for those children and families in need. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Honduras and if you feel led to give.
“I thank my God in all remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Phil. 1:3-5