"And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."

 

Tuesday July 15 - As part of the activities for this week, we went out to an area of the city to hand out invites to promote several of the activities planned for Roatan Alive 2025. It was hot and humid. Scorching sun and melting humidity walked with us. We took a bag of stuffed animals, invite cards, our bottled waters, and an expecting heart to the streets. Smiles and invites were exchanged, while people observed the swarming team of yellow shirts making their way through people going about their lives, driving to their destinations, having lunch with friends and family, or coming in and out of school.

And then came the woman... and D. All I remember is the sudden detour from the sidewalk and hurriedly going up a set of rough cement stairs. An unfinished building besides another just like it, on top of stores. No furniture. Just a veil curtain separating the rooms. Poor, rough, and hot. A young woman explains in desperation how her brother, а tremendously beautiful young man named D, suffers from a double malady. Alcoholism and Abuse. He drowns his unintended misery in the bottle, whilst allowing being abused by members of his family. Bloodied, face swollen, eyes red as a result of drinking and just simply crying his eyes out. D accepted our prayers... and the Lord.

We'll never forget this young man. I hope you neither. Join us to pray for the King of Kings to do a miracle for him and those around him. There are no coincidences in the Lord's ways. D will be a changed man, because the Lord wants him in His kingdom. We will not see this week all of what He has stored for D, but that is not important.

We also had the opportunity to catch up with the orphans, to whom Pastor Rupert and his wife provide shelter, food, and more importantly, Love. They are grown, going through adolescence and all the pressures that come along that stage. I sensed shyness, nervousness, and possibly some shame. When I met them for the first time 2 years ago, it was easier for them to connect with us. They were younger. Now adulthood is approaching, and with that, all the good, bad, and ugly of growing up.

May the King protect Roatan every single day.

Maranatha. - Maggie

Our third full day found us visiting Clinica Esperanza. Clinica Esperienza is a non-profit medical clinic dedicated to providing low-cost/no cost, quality healthcare to the people of Roatan, Honduras.  Clinica Esperienza diagnoses, treats and educates their patients. The main health concerns are hypertension, diabetes and pregnancies.    

Our team took various supplies to the clinic.  First, we were given a tour of the facility and then we showed the Coordinator the supplies we brought and planned to give to the patients.  When she saw the baby supplies, she became so excited because they were planning a prenatal class in a few weeks and the baby products were right on time. This gesture prevented them from having to dig into their funds.   The coordinator said the supplies were enough for at least 2 prenatal classes.  She was very appreciative and thankful. 

After the Coordinator reviewed the supplies we bought, we distributed them to all the patients who were at the clinic. The patients were quite surprised to see a bunch of yellow shirts handing out such items as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, body lotions, hand sanitizers, wipes, etc.   They were so excited–the looks on their faces were priceless. - Ingrid