We have had an exciting few days in ministry that we would like want to share with you.
The VBS program was a huge success in getting God's Word out to the Islanders. In this small house we had an average of one hundred people gather to hear God's instructions for a dedicated life in Jesus Christ. It was surprising how many of the older guys, 16 and 18 years old, came for all sessions and listened intently.
Having already mentioned Jon Stanczak's two excellent messages, Steve Linskens preached on the Holiness of God and Danny Richardson tied together three night's of instruction. There were no hands raised for salvation but each person knows the right way to approach God and how and why they should give their hearts and lives to Him.
Our concluding moments were interrupted when a gang of knife carrying kids who showed up outside the house and we were concerned for the safety of those attending our program. Our men stood out front, as the van transported our attendees back to their homes safely. It is hard to live for Christ here on the Island. We know that our work has significance and is having an effect when it shakes up the devil's crowd. There were no incidences. Praise the Lord.
Yesterday morning, Pastor Schuler took our group to the local (Spanish speaking) public school and put on a 45 minute program with singing and group introductions. We gathered in an outside forum and the children and teachers, numbering about 600, were very receptive to our message and tracts that were passed out.
From there we drove to the local jail, sang our songs, and preached to the inmates. The Missionary’s son, Joel knew two of the six that were locked up and it was a real tearful moment after much low level conversation when one prisoner accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He allowed his wicked soul to lead him into an unlawful sin, even though he will suffer through the courts of the land, his offense to God has been forgiven, and we will see him one day in heaven. This made a good illustration to the older VBS attendees.
Our work is finished here. Today, Friday we are packing and cleaning up to fly out to the states tomorrow.
Jude 22, Having compassion, making a difference.
The Roatan Team, in the praise of our God
Up bright and early, VBS has been so exciting. First night we had 101 and last night 117, we are praying for more tonight. As leaders, we could not be more pleased with the team.
The Missionaries have said that we have done more with the Roatan kids than anyone ever has. They are learning scripture, listening intently to the preaching, (even the guys with ear rings,) and participating in the group games. We PRAISE THE LORD for His working and results in the hearts of the kids.
Group shot of VBS kids.
Kinsey and Jon teaching on deck.
Our team singing in the town square.
Girls making tortillas with Lilliana from the Spanish church.
We have had such a ministry here in the past few days; I want to quickly recap so I can get back to work.
We are becoming more and more comfortable with the local people. At first we were just visitors to the Island; then after greeting the same folks over and over again, we established friendships. Now in our second week, our group has mixed so well with the locals that we feel more like family.
One family in particularly has been so cordial to us that the wife brought over all the fixings for a native meal one day (baleadas and refried beans.) It was delicious, so in return we bought several pizzas from a local store and carried them back to their home. They were very appreciative and now the wife is coming back to our home this afternoon to show our people how to make tortillas.
Pastor Schuler drove us around the island on Saturday to view the jungle up close and to see how the other Islanders live. It was a time of sharing, singing, and testimonies.
Much planning has gone the Vacation Bible School program this week with four nights of skits, Bible studies, and games. Our teaching is of Daniel, standing up for what is right in King Nebuchadnezzar's court and being blessed for it.
If our first meeting last night is any indication of success, we are on the right track. We had 101 people in attendance. The effort we had all expended on Monday canvassing the area and inviting everyone to VBS really paid off. Everyone wanted to meet the “gringos” from PCC. Ruthie Rodgers and her group ministered to the 8 and under group, while Jon Stanczak and his group worked with the 9 and above group. We are looking forward to 3 more nights of increased crowds and more souls saved.
The orphanage ministry is doing well. Last week, the kids learned about the story of Jonah and the whale. They actually put on a play that we taped and played back to them. They were truly excited about the video.
For VBS this week, PLEASE pray that all will go well and souls will be saved.
Love in Christ and thankful for your prayers,
The ROATAN TEAM
Ruth, our photographer team member.
Danny preaching Sunday morning.
The future deacons helping to serve Communion, (John and Stephen.)
Singing in town square and passing out tracks, followed by a short message. (3 men were very interested in attending the Schulers church now, and 1 man received Christ as his Savior.)
One man who was interested and read the tracts.
Another young man reading a Spanish tract.
Jon teaching some of the school children.
Trisha playing a game with one of the students.
Mrs. Schuler teaching younger children.
Church on Sunday
Painting the fence
We PRAISE THE LORD for the work continuing here on the Island. Pray for Revival in Roatan.
Monday evening we sang Spanish and English hymns and gave testimonies on the city dock, attracting attention to the gospel as people lingered and listened.
Tuesday, we continued the teaching of Spanish students in math and Spanish and helped the missionaries with some manual labor.
The Schuler's home, where we are staying, is located on a dead coral reef, only a few yards from the water. The mold grows quickly around the house and our work to remove it was a huge encouragement the missionaries (as well as the other work performed).
We worked at cleaning and washing the house and staining the outside fence. By the end of the afternoon the house exterior was almost clean and the fences were complete. Kinsey Hartman led the fence staining crew while Victoria Beauchamp and others brought it to pass. The house cleaning project was accomplished by the crew of Ruthie Rodgers, Trisha Rhodes, Alicia Ramon, Marianna Hall, Deanna Cole, and Jon Stanczak plus others who filtered in and out with other work. Danny Richardson and the missionary's son, Joel, bought supplies to make a free swinging 16' gate that gives security to the Schuler household. All the activity has been recorded on video by the stealthy efforts of Ruth Rodgers.
There is a unity within our group and a single purpose to honor the Schuler's in their work here, and to win souls and help build the local congregation. Anything we can do to lessen the daily chores for the missionary will help put more effort into their Christian work. There is a great work going on here and our whole mission group feels it.
It is Wednesday morning and today is Evangelism day. We were greeted at 6:00 this morning by a beautiful sunrise, smiling faces, and Steve Linskens flipping pancakes. Our group pulled together nicely and the island school here at the house is in full swing as I write. We have an all-out effort planned today to meet local people and hand out tracts. Pray for us.
Joan and Terry Ogle
Roatan Team Leaders
Our trip to the Island was without incident. We praise the Lord all luggage and personnel arrived at the same time and customs allowed us on the Island quickly and efficiently.
Saturday afternoon was a time to get orientated and organized. Saturday night was game night and we met 20-30 Islanders that enjoyed themselves with our group, joining in playing Uno, Dominoes, and putting together Legos (in which my airplane met with sudden applause and demise). The Group mixes well with the Islanders and as much English as well as Spanish flowed equally well from both groups. We have been asked by the Schuler's to show their folks that Christians are real people, they enjoy life and have fun. We have no problem here!
Sunday found us up early, 6:15am, to have breakfast and complete chores before the service. The Schulers live on the water with a constant wind of 25 to 35 knots assaulting the porch and vehicles. Windows had to cleaned, cars had to be washed, and floors scrubbed before church.
During church in the Schuler's home our group put on the best ever presentation for those in attendance. The church ladies cooked us lunch, a local dish that was immediately eaten with relish and salsa.
Saturday afternoon, the water pressure dropped to nothing so there were no showers Sunday night. There is no air conditioning but the wind keeps it pleasant during the day. Their is always bottled water available to drink, but the dishwashing and bathroom water had to be carried up in containers. It was true that we had running water- it just depended on how fast the guy's were carrying it up the steps!
Sunday night found us playing outside games with a Spanish/English speaking group in which tug-of-war got everyone's blood racing and a game of duck, duck, goose kept the excitement high and the laughs coming a mile a minute.
Danny Richardson preached the evening service in Spanish with an excellent message that was well received. We closed out the day with a good devotion by Jon Stanczak and thanked the Lord for His provisions. With 12 college students interacting all the time in their own way, coming at life from all different directions, it has been a privilege and blessing all at once.
Monday morning was school for seven students in which each received individualized training from Jon Stanczak, Steve Linskens, Trisha Rhodes, Marrianna Hall, and Ruthie Rodgers who also presented the Jonah Bible story. This was all filmed by Ruth Rodgers. The other men worked on the water system and by lunch the water was restored and all were encouraged.
Just a quick report; thanks for praying!
