Honduras Missions

The Ritchie Family / Children's Lighthouse

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Week in Review


Just a review of a week in Honduras. It has been a preparation week, cleaning getting ready for a container to arrive, getting kids ready for school, sight work started for SS classrooms to be built, and more. We cleaned out the storage bodega (Garage for Americans) so we could unload the container arriving soon. Distributed about 60,000 J/R in the process. Plus, in doing so we had more medical supplies than we needed so Lisa opted to donate some to a local free physical therapy ministry. They were unsure at first, but when they saw the crutches for children and many Velcro support bandages, the smiles grew big. Lisa enjoyed it. It is where little Anna Cristina goes for phy therapy. Speaking of Anna. Anna and Pastor Ramon have returned from Guatemala with great news, she has healed better than expected and they do not want more heart surgery for her. Thank you for the prayers they were truly effectual. Two more years before another checkup. Amen! (Scan down a few posts to see her story).

The church in La Cruz put up the sign after a few modifications and repainting. La Cruz has also started building classrooms to hold classes in. Several classes are being held out side and that will be a problem in a couple of months when the rains start. Marc Antonio asked to start a teen boy class because so many here are just in the streets waiting and looking for evil to happen. He has done great in just a short time. Teen boys are the easiest prey high value target for the wicked one. This will be a good stop gap. For a church to continue it must have strong faithful men not just strong women.. amen. On that note, Brother Sabas has now come back to us. Those long term blog readers will see he is the man whom I first started preaching with. 4 years ago. He began coming to church 2 months ago and last week asked Carlos if he could learn more to be able to preach, Carlos like me, put him to the task and asked him to preach this sunday. He did a fine job.

Luz took the teen girls from the church to the Children’s Lighthouse property for a nature walk on the new trails and time to teach. All was good till they broke out the watermelon and sat to eat it and a big ol snake decided to join them… The meeting ended abruptly and they all rushed down the mountain… Don’t know what the problem was, as I remember there were serpents even in the Garden of Eden. We chase the snakes and scorpions out of the house all the time… The teen boys are coming next week…I think.

The Children’s Lighthouse home is almost complete, progress seems slow right now but it is not stopped. The doors to the girls and boys bedrooms and bathrooms were put on this week and dividers for the bathroom stalls and finish tiling the last bathroom next week. Our electric is legal now, paperwork has been done. Now to move the meter box and run new cable to the bodega. Need to finish several more things to be ready to move in, just working as funds allow. But there is “0” debt in any of the projects. Amen. Work fast and borrow lots of money to have it done in 3 months and pay on it for 30 years. Or work at the pace the LORD allows, finish it in less than 3 years, and owe no money….the second seems the wiser for us…

We also picked up a cheap kia mico pu from the local cable company. I have seen it for some time for sale but never really had the money to even
ask. A ministering saint provided the funds so I went to the boss explained what we wanted it for asked for his best price and he hit my number…which was really cheap. 1/3 of what he told others I found out later. That in of itself is rare here. I picked it up went through it and now Lisa has a 2001 little mama kia, all 800cc worth with only 60,000miles on the little 12 inch tires. We put benches in the back and it will even carry all the kids sort of…as long as we don’t feed them first. I had to laugh as lisa drove in to the Lighthouse Sat with her, Jr, Luz and 13 teen girls in it. Think clowns at a circus getting out of one of those little cars. After talking to Marc Antonio a few weeks ago, I knew we needed a way to go to 2 places to preach at the same time and this it the way. For a small fee we got Marc Antonio his License to drive….now we need to teach him to drive he’s never driven before. Welcome to Honduras.

Now for an update from our friend Dave who is flying in supplies to Haiti. They hit a head wind and almost ran out of fuel over water. They managed to land, short of their destination, Dave made it to PaP but could not find fuel. Delays but some finally arrived.... With their small planes they're flying Alaska bush style checking roads, fields and landing where they can to help those in remote areas...
Barry

--------from Dave at http://www.flyn4god.org/

Hey everyone,
WEDNESDAY
Thanks for your prayers and concerns and offer for financial support. Yesterday was a very frustrating and wasted day BUT today was a much better day. Three pilots; David Crispell, Jack Hunt and myself flew two each flawless trips taking a total of 5,000 pounds of food in to two remote cities that were cut off from the outside. There are three orphanages in those communities that were out of food that are now well supplied. We have a great ground support team that is keeping us loaded, fueled and in the air. A fourth pilot, Dennis Conn joined us and we expect more of the same. They are long tiring days but we are accomplishing much for the glory of God. There is much much more to be done. Supplies are coming in but we need money to keep the planes in the air. I takes $1,000.00 to get the planes down here and then half that to fly between the DR and Haiti round trip. We will be coming back on Friday so that I can get the engine installed on the Aztec. We praise God that it is about one third paid for.
Got to go for now, all is well, keep those prayers and support coming and thank you,THANK YOU T H A N K Y O U. Too much to tell now. Keep posted.

THURSDAY
A great day today. Over 6,000 pounds flown by four pilots, people and Dr.s flown out, Medical supplies and Dr.s in. Four orphanages serviced and over the hump and out of danger. IT'S GETTING TO THE LITTLE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN CUT OFF AND NEED IT MOST. I feel good but totally wiped out.
More tomorrow.
FRIDAY
Two of us, Dave Crispell and myself, are left today. On our way we took loads and dropped them at Jocmal and then headed for the States. David Crispell will be returning next Tuesday with two other planes. Kelle Hines flew down on Saturday to join Jack Hunt and replace Dennis Conn that flew out on Saturday.

SUNDAY
Well I think I have finally caught up on my sleep. Great morning in Church in FL. Tomorrow I will pick up Don Wright (mechanic) and we will fly back to the Bahamas to put on my new engine.
CAUTION
For you pilots that would like to join us: LISTEN UP !!!! This is not for the "weak of heart" "weak in spirit" or timid. You must be instrument proficient and knowledgeable of mountain flying and willing and able to operate out of the box. Combat pilots will fit right in. You must have a C&BP decal and be registered in the eApis system and know how to use it. I do not have the time to walk you through the system.
God bless,
Dave

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Is tracting a word?


Our young boys from La Cruz Baptist Church out handing out tracts with Omar and MarcAntonio today... amen! Best part it was not even my idea! Amen!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010


For those who must suffer through the winter months I apologize for this post. Tonight was such a blessing. Pastor Santos wanted me to come help with an outreach in the mountain, not at the church. I was almost ready to back out because the radiator started leaking badly on the kia today.. (the glue not holding and waiting for the new one to arrive). But we loaded up and went anyway with extra water. The last section of the path was very bad. I actually had everyone get out and walk for safety, as I climbed that part. We arrived and still had to carry Carlos and his wheelchair a little further. He was terrified and it took 4 men lifting him at each corner handing him down a 6 foot jagged rock gully back up the other side ect. I was worn out when we arrived. When it came time to leave Santos' sons made a portable hammock and took him down in it. They were much safer and faster than our accent. The folks began arriving almost 2 hour early as the sun faded away and the moonless night dropped darkness like a blanket. Santos fired up the old kerosene lantern and we began services. Several men played hymns on their homemade instruments. One man poured water on his violin to warp it as a way to tune it (??) We just sang praise and made a joyful noise unto the LORD atop a dark mountain. We were the only light as far as the eye could see I took a photo as we were starting from the back of the crowd gathered. You could only see heads. The night air had a slight chill to it about 75 degrees and a gentle breeze keeping away all insects. Just perfect. The people here save the batteries in their flashlights by just turning them on for a moment. So as people continued to arrive descending from mountain paths they looked like human lightning bugs glowing for a moment as the came. Over 120 people showed up to listen to this unworthy servant share God’s Word. Several adults and teens were affected by Gods word now Pastor Santos has some follow up to do. Amen It was a sweet time of fellowship Singing and preaching atop the mountains. We arrived back home at 10:30pm to a hot meal waiting on us by Lisa…It will be easy to sleep tonight. AMEN!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Count your Blessings.....


Just a neat little post. Lisa has made snacks several days in a row just before devotion time. It’s a huge treat for the children. I like it when Lisa has good days. We have the kids in the little house in Choluteca right now because the well is not working at the property.,.. no water gain. Will be pulling the pump up again tomorrow. I hope it only needs new wiring…Prayerfully, we don’t drop it down the shaft again. It would be nice to have the right stuff to do it right the first or second or third time, but alas we are in Honduras and do what we can with what we got. The boys and I hauled 1900 bricks today from the river for the church classrooms and didn’t blow another tire, amen! Will be going up the mountains tomorrow for another outreach as well. The winds have been strong and blew off roof panels on the Lighthouse and Church building…always something. Hopefully, the parts will be in for the Kia tomorrow. Had to order them. Just not comfortable driving around with a radiator that has been literally glued together….After hearing the news on Haiti we all can surely count our blessings…..AMEN!
Unworthy servant to a Worthy Saviour,
Barry

Sunday, January 17, 2010

AMEN the LORD is Good Tell it....

Haiti update-Dave Spangler just emailed me, as of Sunday he has now made 4 flights into Haiti dropping supplies. He is exhausted but planning more. He wants to thank everyone for keeping his name in prayer. It is dangerous on so many levels.

As far as Honduras Ministries Sat and Sunday were great! Both men’s outreaches on Sat. saw several decisions for Christ. Sunday services were packed full with all hearing some of the strongest preaching I have heard from Carlos. The student is now often teaching the teacher...amen Brother Sabas returned to Church with his family. Omar is going to the capital and picking up a radiator for the KIA Monday. Just one of those days to praise our LORD and ask for renewed strength and a heaver load…uh hmm ok renewed strength then, my load is kind of heavy already, but its not a burden for that is light. Keep Praying Our school years starts here soon and that is a whole other set of issues to deal with.

Unworthy servant to a Worthy Saviour,
Barry

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Haiti Update


ORH has already made one trip to Haiti through Dave Spangler (Flyn4God) landing at a secondary site his short runway plane can use... AND he is currently in the air for a second trip as we write delivering supplies... That’s near 4000lbs. His little plane can carry enough volume and weight to load up my truck... ie a lot of meds and supplies. ORH is gearing up for more. Keep these workers in prayer as well and that all their efforts are used for the Glory of the LORD.
Not much more I can say or do from here but pray. We have ministry here that needs hourly attention.
A small but major hurdle for us... 4 ministries in the same day...
We have men from our church up in Colonia and San Geranimo preaching in the mission outreach churches today AMEN! AND the Church women are meeting in La Cruz, then after they teach the young ladies... AMEN! An this doesnt include our familiy which is a mission all of its own.

I guess its obvious from the photos why the LORD did not let me pursue flying like I was wanting when I was young..... Uhh Dave carries more cargo that I would.

Friday, January 15, 2010

LORD Glorify your name in Haiti...



AMEN! Haiti Update, 80 Fairground/ carnival tents have been donated and are en-route! 40 each are going to 2 different groups that do Christian medical outreach. Operation Renewed Hope ORH- Jan Milton in Fayetteville NC and ISOH Impact- Linda Green in Toledo Oh. Both very effective ministries who have helped us here in Honduras in many ways. 80 tents would cost well over $100,000 if purchased. Little is much when God is in it. The photo is a dated file showing us using similar tents in Honduras with ORH and Church services, just to help show what is being sent.

One other Prayer request: Little Anna Cristina. The baby we helped get lifesaving open heart reconstructive surgery from a couple of years ago, needs to return to Guatemala for a check up with Heart surgeon there. She has been doing well but it was a very unusual surgery that needs follow up. The Doctors knew her heart was not strong enough to supply a good flow to the lower limbs, it may be now, but needs to be checked. Ana may need more surgery. Our problem as always is funds. Pastor Ramon does not have the funds to take her nor do we… We figure it will cost about $400 for Pastor Ramon to make the trip. If the LORD lays it on you heart to help I will get it to Pastor Ramon.
Also a dated file photo...


The LORD is good. I have done what the LORD put in my heart, it is now time for prayer….
An unworthy Servant to a Worthy Saviour,
Barry

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The news just gets worse for Haiti. We are arranging to have a load of carnival tents sent. I was able to contact a missionay evangilest friend there he said of the 75 pastors they work with, 25 are confirmed dead, 12 still missing, 55 children in their orphange died, and 150 in their school died. It going to get worse.... They do need prayer with muscle

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

For our ministering praying Saints

Just a prayer request of a different nature to our ministering Saints. It’s about Haiti. Some of you all know we sent 3 containers to the tsunami relief in Sri Lanka while in the USA years ago. One container had dozens of carnival tents like you see at fairgrounds. The same type as we have been meeting in for church services the last 3 years, as seen on our blog. I walked in and sat at my computer today, saw the news about Haiti, and prayed. It prompted me to call the company who donated the last tents, he said yes, now it seems we are going to try to get tents to Haiti as well. A few doors have opened and I am not sure how many yet, or how to get them there, but add this to your short list for prayer. As I know more I will share more. Not asking for anything but prayer at the moment. Our plate is already full in so many other areas, but the LORD has given us the connections and it would be wrong not to at least ask them. A verse that always hits me hard is 1 John 3:17. "...seeth his brother have need..." It is a simple verse to read and learn, but a difficult verse to truly live by….

On a different note, our container is reroute, filled with the Christmas shoeboxes. It broke down in Penn. and missed the boat, so it is another delay. Pray we have all the funds and paperwork for it to enter without headaches this time. Also pray we can get the KIA fixed and the Electric switched around and finished paid for at the Lighthouse property. (previous posts) Thank you

On a Praise note: the men of the church went to start preaching and establishing a church in San Geronimo yesterday. Last Friday Marc Antonio came to me and asked about going to preach there. AMEN! Now that our men share my burden I think it will work. We lost out on the property there, the owners sold it to a tire store and kick out the church. So we are meeting in a members mud hut, ok, outside the mud hut. For now it is just 3 families + visitors begging us to help rekindle what was started. Jr and the men went last night to play a witnessing movie and preach but our video projector died while thereand needs replace. I cant complain, it served us well many years from deputation, countless trips in the mountains with many souls saved plus many hours in the Bible institute… but now we need another one.

Always in need of prayer for this unworthy servant to a Worthy Saviour,
Barry Ritchie

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.



The LORD has a way of showing just how blessed his beloved are even in the time of troubles...

Take tonights church service...

How does it make you feel and think when you have a wonderful church service, many at the altar getting right with the LORD. The Lighthouse kids (ie our kids) practiced and sang a special hymn, "Nothing but the Blood". Then after services step out the front door and have to step over a feeble, old drunk man, passed out at the door; it sure shows the need for a church here. We moved him to the side and Tono and Lenin went home to get tracts and a can of easy open soup to put in his clothes and put it in a left over Christmas stocking… Maybe someday he will be like the other men at the altar tonight who were once the same as him just a few years ago…. Amen! More than one way to win a soul; But only one way to be saved... and that way is to be bought with the blood...
Unworthy
Barry


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