TorchMissions

Humility, a lesson from Tim

2011-06-25T23:50:00.004-04:00

Our last night in Honduras and our team is surrounded by one of God's greatest creations while we were privileged to hear a lesson on humility. The ocean was all around us on a small dock in Tella Honduras. Our praises went up to God and we sang our hearts out to Him. Tim Hines brought the lesson. We have been leading this group together for 10 years and I've heard multiple lessons when Tim was a youth minister at our congregation. Never have I been more touched by a lesson. As he fell to his knees and crawled on his knees across the dock he talked about how he had a lesson on humility. It seems when in Honduras in January with some CEO's they were visiting a small church in Tegucigalpa. He noticed 2 women as they went into the church, they were on the steps and crawling on their knees into the building while praying. By the time they were finished seeing the church the women had made it to the aisle, huddled together, praying all the way towards their concept of the "throne of God". As they watched, the women made it to the front of the church, crying, holding each other and praying. Tim then later found out that the woman was there to pray to God that he would stop her husband from abusing her. The other woman was there to support her as a friend. Not caring that everyone was looking at them, thinking they were crazy... when all along it was just crazy love...

the reason we came to Honduras to begin with. Gayle Davidson

Clinica de Esperanza/Clinic of Hope Santa Ana Honduras

2011-06-25T01:44:00.005-04:00

We had the opportunity to visit the children at the childrens home, deliver bikes for them and medicine and supplies to the clinic. The team built houses and managed to build shelves for the bodega in the clinic. Janet graciously fed us lunch in her home across the street from the clinic and we enjoyed our fellowship together and her hospitality. Thank you Dave for helping with the cooking.

The clinic will start its 5th year on August 15th and has only stayed open this year because of Gods mercy and my friends who chipped in while I was out of work. It has shown me so many people who are willing to sacrifice when needed and humbled me as well. It is not my clinic after all, but a tool to provide for physical needs of people. Im just glad God let me be a tool in this particular toolbox. We continue to pray that if it is God's will, the finances will come. The needs continue to grow and our hearts are full of God's love as he provides for the needs as they present themsleves. Annie Masterson (pre med) will be interning at the clinic for the remaining part of the summer and will bring new dimensions to the work. Thank you Annie for also being a willing tool in the toolbox.
Gayle Davidson

Christmas in June/Hospital Escuela

2011-06-24T01:07:00.001-04:00

Hospital Escuela is a government run hospital in Tegucigalpa. A few of the areas are pristine and well equipped if a donor has taken over the funding of that portion of the hospital. The rest is deplorable, understaffed and poorly run. If a patient needs supplies the family must get them themselves, even something as simple as a bandaid is not available. Children are stranded alone for long periods of time as their parent(s) live far away and can not afford transportation to the hospital to be with their children. Some moms and dads stand at their bedside for weeks without even a chair to sit it. Thanks to many Torch teams, chairs have been provided and some wonderful people to fill the gaps with visits to the children.

This year we had Christmas boxes that were stranded before the holidays left over and so brought Christmas to the children in a gender and age specific box, just for them. Never have you seen so many smiles. It did not matter that it wasn't the traditional Dec 25th time of year. What did matter is that Christ was in the holiday in June in those hospital rooms as the care and concern washed over those lonely souls. Gayle Davidson

Young men already on the right path

2011-06-23T20:38:00.002-04:00

Raising money for houses and food is a year long job if you are a group leader. There were 2 young men (in college) who have been on trips with us before. Patrick and Philip Behrenberg. I remember myself in college, broke most of the time and certainly not focused on missions. These 2 young men saved their own money all year to build 2 of the houses for this trip. This is sacrificial giving and I know if there are truly stars for our crowns, they earned some for this gift of love. Because true to our theme this is what "Love is". It excites me to know young people already have it together to accomplish such a task and we look forward to watching young people such as these grow up and see what they will do to change the world, the Church, and all the lives they touch. Thank you. It was like having you here with us. Gayle Davidson

Baldwin Organ

2011-06-22T14:49:00.002-04:00

The Wirsch family had an awesome organ with all the bells and whistles that they donated from Melbourne Florida. It was very heavy and painful to move from the Wirsch's (thank you Keith Davidson) to storage and then on the container and then again we had the priveledge of unloading it and delivering it in honduras. Video is attached of Tim trying to teach the Music teacher what all the buttons did. He was so excited as they have a very big emphasis on music. He tried to play but the blind students were feeling the keyboard and pushing every button to add other sounds to change the music. Im sure he is still learning all the buttons to make music. This gift came as a cost but was worth the cost. Video attached. Gayle Davidson

Deaf School, gatorade run and food by Taylor Pinch

2011-06-21T02:11:00.002-04:00

Today was packed full of a variety of activities. The day started with packing food and loading it into the bus to deliver just a few miles down the mountain. We fed a lot of families but it still seems that we never have quite enough to satisfy the needs of the community. Next we were off to the deaf school. This was my favorite place of the trip. I, being linguistically challenged, took sign language as my 2nd language in high school. For the first time if the whole trip, I was able to really communicate on my own. The kids were so patience and excited to adjust American Sign Language to Honduran sign language. It was such a gift to break down that barrier if only for a few hours of the trip. We signed songs to them and they retaliated.  What a blessing it was to experience the innocence of those kids and their hearts for communicating. The rest of the day was filled with what I like to call busy work. We sorted a lot of clothes out to take to the prison and the clinic we are doing in Los Pinos tomorrow. I am definitely worn out but looking forward to the rough day ahead; 3 houses to build and a clinic to run! Should be interesting!

Los Pinos by Haylie Kirkendall

2011-06-20T01:36:00.002-04:00

Clinic Day, 2011

What do our daily lives look like? We get three meals a day and have not a care in the world. We have cars that take us to where we need to go, and jobs that help us pay to support our families. We complain about being late or even when we simply don’t get what we want. What do we do when we get sick? We go see a doctor because most of us are covered by insurance. On this years mission trip I met a boy that has touched my heart and forever changed me. Wednesday we held a clinic in a town called Los Pinos at the church that we attend on Sundays. I was assigned to take people’s blood pressure and heart rate. So many people came that in no time we got really backed up. While I was waiting I saw a boy sitting off to the side all alone. I decided to go over and talk to him while I was waiting. He saw me coming and smiled, so I started the conversation like I always do. I asked his name and he told me that it was Robi. He told me he was 13, and was at the clinic with his grandmother. As I was talking to him I found out that he lives with his grandmother most of the time because where his mother lives there isn’t a school. The day started to pick up again and I went back to my station. A little while later Robi and his grandmother were next in line to get there blood pressure and heart rate taken. After doing this I ask the patient why they have come to see the doctor. His grandmother replied with the usual response. A headache and stomachache. Robi’s symptoms were a little bit more troubling though. He said he had really bad pain that started in his leg and moved up into his stomach. I thought this was very strange, but wrote it down and moved them along. A little while later we got to another stand still. I turned around to see who Gayle was seeing at that time and saw that it was Robi and his grandmother. As I looked at Gayle’s expression I could feel my stomach drop. I knew whatever was going on was not good. As I walked over to see what was going on I heard Gayle talking with the translator and trying to tell Robi’s grandmother what she thought had happened. She said by what he was telling her she thought he had ruptured something in his stomach or possibly had internal bleeding. They were trying to convey the seriousness of Robi’s condition to them without scaring them too badly. As I watched his grandmother’s face I could tell that she did not comprehend how serious his condition was. In the end he was proscribed Tylenol for his pain, but Gayle told them they needed to take him to the hospital to get more tests done. Without even having to ask you could tell they could not afford whatever tests he would need, but I prayed they would take him anyway. When they had moved on to the Pharmacy, Gayle said that if he didn’t get to the hospital soon he might not make it. Those four words punctured a whole right in my heart. “Might not make it”. This was a 13 year old boy whose biggest concern was that he wanted to be able to play soccer again, and he might not make it. This was a boy who had his whole life ahead of him and because he couldn’t afford the help he needed and didn’t understand how serious his condition was, he might not make it. I watched to see if they would leave right away to take him, but I saw that they stuck around for at least another half hour. To this very moment I pray that God helped them realize the help he needed. But as my day went on I found myself trying to push this situation aside. I pushed it aside, and pushed it aside until finally it all came down on me at once. I stood at the Jesus statue looking out over Tegucipalpa listening to the sounds of the city. It was then that I realized that Robi was not the only one in pain that night, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last. There are countless numbers of children and families here that are striving just to get through a single day. Their worries are far beyond anything that I can even comprehend, and yet I see that they take more time than even myself to thank God for what they are given. They may not understand the seriousness of their conditions, but they trust in God with all their hearts to provide for their daily needs. As I told Tim Hines about my encounter with Robi I felt more and more like God wanted me to see this boy and to talk to him. That he wanted me to see the hurt and the pain because after a while we just start to push it aside and try to forget about it. Tim prayed with me and at that very moment I knew that God would take care of Robi. The people here have faith that can move mountains and as I sat listening to Tim’s prayer, I felt too that God had everything in his hands.

PS. Haylie does not know it yet as I am just reading her blog but Robi was sent by taxi to the hospital from the mountain clinic, that is why he was waiting with us until the transportation arrived. Her prayers were answered in the clinic, without her knowledge and her prayers later with Tim put Robi in God,s hands.

Food for the Hungry

2011-06-19T22:38:00.003-04:00

Christian Pagliarulo age 11 raised 7K to feed the hungry of Honduras and provide medical care to people who needed it. A David in a Goliath world. The rest of us stand by afraid while a boy picks up the stone and throws it, knowing God will provide the rest. We fed the moutainsides, hilltops(literally with Austin Diehl and Alex Zimas help) /We fed them staples & fresh food from the market organized by Stephanie Pagliarulo. We fed the Good Shepherd childrens home, cotton candy to the blind school, lunch to the deaf school, the mens and womens juvenile prisons and sometimes just a hungry person on the side of the road. Gatorade to the thirsty workers in town. All in the name of Jesus. Bibles were given with the food to meet the spiritual needs as well as the physical needs. Just like Jesus did. There were little Jesus people excited to get off the bus at every stop and meet the need. Crazy Love, courageous love, love that never ends. Taylor Pinch happily serving the side of the road in this picture. The only complaint I heard was Dianne Ortt saying "I just wish we had more." Gayle Davidson

Jessica's Story by Gayle Davidson

2011-06-18T02:24:00.005-04:00

Jessica was married at age 10 and had her first baby at age 11, she has been married for 6 years and has 5 children. Her husband was an electronics wizard and worked in a electronics store. About 6 months ago some men came into his place of employment and shot him three times. He was taken to the government hospital but the injuries were to severe and he and Jessica were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. They were told it would be 8000 limpera ($402 USD) This is a lot of money for a poor Honduran to come up with but they went to save his life with faith that everyone would pitch in to pay the bill. On the way to the second hospital (up the road) the ambulance was blocked in the front and the back by 2 cars and the men set about to steal the ambulance. The driver immediately dove out of the ambulance when the trouble began. Jessica had the choice to stay or go. It was the hardest decision of her life to get out of that ambulance as her husband lay dying . She got out because of the children. She knew they would have no one if she stayed with the robbers. 2 days later his body was found dumped near her house in the village. The torch group was able to build her a house and give her resources to survive with her children. She was prayed with and more resources were delivered later. She thanked God over and over and the Torch group for bringing her hope in a hopeless time. And a big thank you Northpointe Church of Christ in Covington Louisiana for sending the funds to produce the beginnings of her hope. You were there with us in spirit and met the physical needs of a child of God. (Matthew 25)

Blind School, Food packing and delivery

2011-06-17T00:43:00.008-04:00

The loads of food have gone up to 2000 dollars because of the high cost of beans. This will make 250 bags of food. These food bags will feed a family of 4 for 2-4 weeks. They were delivered to Villa Vieja which is a place we have gone for many years. It is known for its steep hills.
Next year we will remember to bring rock climbing supplies...

Christian Pagliarulo (age 9) raised 7,000 dollars that paid for all of our food projects and helped with medication for the clinic. He did this by writing letters to people. How our faith must shrink as adults as we are afraid to even ask.

At the blind school was (as always) like listening to angels sing. We sang back at them and we were all blessed. The cotton candy was well received. As usual the blind kids won the soccer game. Oh well. We Americans keep trying, but fail. Gayle Davidson

Day 3/More House and More Sleep

2011-06-15T00:16:00.001-04:00

Thank you Womacks and Northpoint church of Christ for sponsoring the houses.
Jessica's story:
Tim Hines spent some time finding out the situation at one of the houses. The womans name is Jessica. She got married at the age of 10 and had her first child at the age of 11. When Tim asked her why, she simply said "out of necessity". Since then she has had 5 children. The oldest is 14, then 11, 7, 5 and 18 months. Jessica is 25.
Her husband was working in a electronic store when they were robbed and he was shot 3 times. The 3rd shot was a hollow poing and hit his shoulder blade which spintered and went into his spinal column. He was taken to the free government hospital and told he would be paralyzed and they were not equiped to handle the surgery. They were told it would cost 8000 limps. During the transport to the second hospital, cars pulled behind and in front of the ambulence holding the husband and wife. The driver jumped out and put his hands over his head. Jessica said she had to make the hardest choice of her life by leaving her husband in the ambulence but she knew someone had to take care of the kids. His body was found near his home 3 days later.
She is afraid to even tell her neighbors or church sisters as she is afraid they will throw her out of the community, she lives in fear.

The house was very difficult to build and on a very high irregular sized lot. Adjustments were made and the house was completed. This could of been the happiest day of her life.

It was worth all the trouble. And at devo that night we talked about the power of prayer and the womans faith in these times of trial.

Day 2 House Building in Pelaquin

2011-06-14T23:53:00.003-04:00

House building 101. Many of the group had never built a house or nailed a nail so it went slow but sure. We were all running on empty after arriving at 3 am arrival but no one complained. Houses today were sponsored by the Ortts and Kalamazoo. I loved what the Ortts wrote on their banner, it said "welcome to your new home, Love God"

Torch June 13- Day 1/Clear aluminum by Gabby Neistrath

2011-06-13T21:22:00.003-04:00

Well in typical Honduras fashion, things did not quite go as planned on the way down to Honduras. The Florida group made it down to Honduras almost on time, but since we were meeting in San Pedro Sula (5 hour bus ride from destination), the Florida group had to wait for us for 12 hours) We (Kalamazoo) had only a slight delay due to a hydrolics leak, which they had to call the fire trucks to check the plane when we landed. The Kalamazoo group ended up with several more delays,however, such as an eight hour delay in the Miami airport. The flight from Miami was supposed to leave at 10:50 a.m. but they didn't leave until around 8 p.m. The group from Florida was stuck in San Pedro Sula for that long, so we killed some time by going to the mall and shopping in the grocery store. While there, we went kinda crazy on the drinks, we really like fresca. While filling up the cooler, we saw the neatest bottle ever: a plastic bottle in the shape of an aluminum can, with an aluminum top. It was by far the coolest drink I have ever seen. When I was thinking about it, that's kind of like how we are with other people. With a regular aluminum can, you cant see the contents but with this can you can see everything that is inside. If you compare that can to how we think about other people, whether Americans or Hondurans, people of the faith or people without faith, it really helps you not to judge others just by their outsides. Look inside, like Jesus looks inside us and see the good.

by Gabby Niestrath

Love Is.... our theme for 2011-John 13:34

2011-03-30T21:06:00.000-04:00

Torch Missions 2011 dates

2010-12-26T21:17:00.003-05:00

Trip this year for Hines/Davidson will be June 13-26th. Visit http://www.torchmissions.org/ for applications and information. Any questions email gayledavidson@hotmail.com and put Honduras 2011in subject line

Clinica de Esperanza October 2010

2010-10-05T21:50:00.000-04:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

My trip to Honduras this time was a week of tears and a test of faith but well worth the trip.

The purpose of the trip to Honduras was to talk to my staff at the clinic about funding and possibly closing the clinic in January. My staff and I prayed earnestly together for God's will in this decision. We decided to pray for 3 months and look into the hearts of people interested in medical care for people that don't have any access to healthcare. We talked about God's timing and alot about faith. I have to admit I was pretty short on faith at this point, the worst Ive been in the 4 years we have been open. Gayle was ready to give up and had almost accepted it before it happened. And I have to admit as well, that I am terrible at asking people to help with the finances. It seems that in my head, I think help will come on its own without asking. People will see the need. I was reminded of the scripture "ask and you will receive". (Matthew 7:8)

On the last day 15 people showed up together from different municipalities surrounding the clinic in Santa Ana. We did not know why they came. Just that they found out I was coming through a patient Dr. Olga had taken care of the week before. One by one they stood up and told us through my interpreter, Gina Larios, about what the clinic meant to them. About it being the only place they could get care and medicine. They were there simply to thank us for our part in their lives and to thank God for sending us from so far away to help them. Each person represented a small village near the clinic in nameless "towns" I have never heard of or seen. I'm sure they are down a dirt road somewhere. The man in charge of the largest municipality answered my questions. He said they represented around 3,000 people all together and most did not have transportation of any sort in their villages. We made plans for me to visit each village next time and hope to provide bus transportation (possibly through our IRC buses) to bring the sick to the clinic on a regular basis. For those of you that already support the clinic, I only wish you could of been there to hear each persons testimony to the project. You would of been moved to hear what you have accomplished there through your prayers and support.

My faith began to be restored as they talked of the value of the service they received. Through many tears, I felt ashamed to have ever doubted the project would continue.
And so, we will not be giving up yet....

Tim Hines is in Honduras this week and is also working with the government to provide help for the clinic and our many projects there. I have no doubt he will succeed in this endeavor as he is has built many invaluable ties with people in the places to help us. (Honduran congress, physicians, lawyers, ect.)

I am blessed to have ministry partners like Tim and yourselves that support the work with funds and prayers. The women of purpose group will be working on the bodega while they are there next week. Many Torch groups have come together to help over the summer as well.

Have a week of reflection as you wake up each day to electricity, clean water, transportation, food to eat, and health care that is available.

Thank God that he gave us America to grow up in. Thank God we have the opportunities to serve through our blessings here in the US as we live in comfort each day.

I'm looking for people who are willing to pledge monetary support to keep this program running and the faith to keep going myself. Dr. Olga says, "dont forget to ask for the children, they need antibiotics" We are always short of children's antibiotics. The Kalamazoo group provided for many children this year. The mothers will walk 20 miles with a sick child in their arms, with just the hope that the "clinic of hope" (clinica de esperanza) will help them. Thank you for your prayers and consideration of this worthy project.

Serving Him with you,

gayle davidson
Irc/Torch Missions
Clinica de Esperanza
PO Box 120205
Melbourne, FL 32912
321-403-9292
www.irccorp.org
www.torchmissions.org
www.clinicadeesperanza.org

Guillermo the Bus Driver

2010-07-03T01:03:00.001-04:00

Guillermo and Naomi are as much a part of our group as the people who are on the trip. He drives our bus. He guards our possessions and watches over us like a mother hen. He is a part of our family. He loves us and we love him. He is also the best bus driver in the whole wide world. He can drive a bus anywhere I point.

Last night after working for one of the torch groups all day, he had to drive 3 hours to Chouleteca. He borrowed a truck and somewhere on the way back to the mission house, he fell asleep. This took him down a 80 foot drop off and through some power line poles. He woke up some hours later and climbed out of the cliff and found someone to bring him back to town. Tim Hines met him at the hospital to be checked out and treated for his injuries. Tim did not want him going to the free hospital and receive poor care. Tim stayed with him and cared for him and provided calm for Naomi.

Keep this family close in prayer during this time. Funds are welcome for his treatment.

Prison/Gatorade Run/Hospital Escuella

2010-06-22T12:02:00.009-04:00

Today the women of the group had the opportunity to go to a womens prision. This prison is for women? aged 12-18. Their crimes vary from domestic violence to prostitution and murder. It is a very sad place to be. The matron of the prison was very excited to have us today and reported that we were the first people that had come in the last 15 years with medical relief. There were 21 girls in the prison and a clinic was set up and all the girls, employees, and workers were seen. Meanwhile the rest of the team fed the girls. This required that a one of our women sat with each girl, otherwise their food would be stolen by the stronger more forceful women in the ward. Crafts were done and we had a short devotional and singing time with them. We hope to start a long term relationship with this particular prison to provide health care on a regular basis.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, the men slept in and had a late breakfast. At least that is what they told us to torture us since we left early this morning. Somehow they managed to have a gatorade run and visit to the hosptial while they were asleep. The gator aid run is a blast. The men look for unsuspecting thirsty people. Police officers, construction workers, guards, and people at intersections. They give them a bottle of gatorade and tell them Jesus loves them.

Matthew 25. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was in prison and you visited me.... To do Gods will in such a tangible way is a true blessing.

Los Pinos

2010-06-21T23:55:00.011-04:00

In 2002, a TORCH team built a church building in an area here in Honduras called Los Pinos. Los Pinos is the kind of community that exists quietly between curvy dirt roads that never quite fit two cars comfortably at the same time, and you can forget it if a bus or a truck is involved. It's the sort of community that had barely started when the church building there was established with hopes to be a center for its people, a foundation of Christianity and hope. It's the kind of community brimming with opportunities to show the love of Christ-
Today, that is precisely what we tried to do. Two houses were constructed in the community, and every person involved worked hard to accomplish this- by 3 pm, two families were blessed with shelter that had none of their own before, thanks to the opportunity and ability granted by the Lord, and the willing hands we had to work!
We also had a clinic in the Los Pinos church building. While I am not sure on the number of patients, I know it was a full day's worth, and maybe some extra. Thankfully, there were two doctors at work (Gayle Davidson and Olga Mazaranes), and a full fledge of willing hands to fill out initial information, triage, and even fill orders for the pharmacy. It was incredible to see the amount of work that was accomplished and the number of people that were helped.
A special treat that the women were so excited and grateful for was the boxes of bras and other undergarments provided by Mrs. Margaret Wahtera. It was great to see this added provision being utilized and appreciated so much. (You should have seen the faces in that crowd!)
As far as patients are concerned, cases ranged from colds and coughs to parasites and wounds, and various other ailments. After consultation, these patients received a slip of paper with various medicines prescribed for each individual. Thankfully, we had plenty of medicines for them. We are so grateful to the Borgess Medical Center, Tom & Gail Gola, Bill & Mary Planck, and Bonnie McCarty for the various antibiotics and children's medications that were donated for these people.

Overall, it was a fantastic day of hard work. I still feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with this group and see their determination and motive- it has been an incredible encouragement.

Written by Jessica Phillips

Worship with Los Pinos, Santa Lucia

2010-06-20T11:58:00.001-04:00

Brothers and sisters and Christ are the same everywhere, we share a kindred spirit and a uniting with Christ even if we can not speak the same language, we are united in Spirit in truth. Tim brought the lesson on how one of the most destitute homeless men he encountered (Wesley) wanted nothing earthly from the group he was with, only prayer. That was enough for him and it should be enough for us. We were challenged to think what God wants from us and not this world.
The lesson was brought in both languages and was a blessing to all who heard. Singing was in both languages as well as we ministered in song in 2 languages.

Later in the aternoon we were blessed to worship at the oldest standing church in the Western Hemisphere. The acoustics make you think that angels are singing and not yourself. And maybe they were. Joining with a group from Mississippi and again were blessed to be with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

God is good.

Food Giveaway, Good Shepherd Children's Home/Day 6

2010-06-19T23:51:00.000-04:00

Our day started at 6 am with a trip to the fresh market in Tegucigalpa. Poor people rarely receive fresh food. Our teams were given Limpera and divided into groups to shop for specific foods. (green vegetables,carrots, potatoes, onions, fruits, ect) Our Lowes Buckets (thankyou Margaret Wahtera) were perfect to provide protection to the fresh food and gave the people a bucket for carrying and collecting water. 150 families received food they did not expect as a result of this effort. We ran out of food and dug through the bus and found a few bags of beans. As a 10 year old child was handed a bag of beans she lit up like a kid at Christmas over a simple bag of beans.

Good Shepherd, a home to 192 children, is one of our favorite places to be. The children overwhelm us with love. They surround us the minute we get off the bus and cry by the fence as we leave. Times are tough here in Honduras and ministries are struggling without adequate funding. Gregg and Eva Vaughn love the unloveable and give their all to love these children. The home is a place that you do not want to leave whether you are 15 or 50. Visit their website at www.thegsch.org. They have dedicated the last 15 years of their lives ministering to children that would not have a home otherwise. A project worthy of your financial support.

Our devotional tonight was provided by Tim Hines who compared our spiritual lives to sailing a sailboat and encouraged us to be willing to be who God meant us to be.To be willing to get out of the boat and walk to Jesus, touch his cloak and be healed and accept whatever life throws at you and keep aiming towards the goal as Paul was willing to do. If you have not been hearing our devotionals, you have been missing out. Tune in at www.ustreamtv/torch-devo at approximately 9-10 EST. Tomorrow night we will be having a offsite devotional and will return on Monday. Keep us close in prayer as we work to serve in a meaningful way.

Clinic Pelequim

2010-06-18T22:48:00.000-04:00

Our container arrived last night and we wasted no time getting the medications at 5 am so we could be blessed with ministering to the people of Honduras on the mountain of Peliguim. While two more houses were built, the clinic was advertised in the usual way... We gave 20 kids candy canes and told them to go and tell everyone there was a free clinic... Upon deep reflection, It would of been better if I only gave out 2 candy canes. Within 15 minutes there was over 100 people in line and over 300 by the 30 minute mark. The clinic staff consisted of Kelsey Puckett and Alex Riggs at triage. They took blood pressures, pulses and chief complaints. Matt Provonsil managed the door and Bible distribution. Badly needed underclothing provided to women by Margaret Wahtera from Melbourne, Florida. Pharmacy was run by one of our new friends Octi. Jessica, our Santa Ana clinic intern interpreted for me as we saw patients. The Kalamazoo group provided some badly needed children's antibiotics and the day was worth all the effort because of one little boy. Leonardo who had a heart murmer that you could practically hear without a stethoscope and a high fever which looked to be coming from strep throat. If we had not shown up that day with the antibiotics he would of had more problems in the future and could of died from the infection. Isn't it awesome how God knows what people need before we do and sends help to the faithful. We had no plans to do a clinic that day or any supplies 24 hours before. The mother of the little boy had no way of getting health care until we showed up. The lesson here is remembering to trust God in all things and not lean on our own understanding.

Houses and Bibles

2010-06-18T12:23:00.000-04:00

Two more homes were built today in Peliquim complete with housewarming gifts and Bibles and food. Bibles were also distributed by Matt Provonsil in the clinic setting. Here is a picture of 2 young boys that ran over to show me their Bibles. How precious that children are so excited about recieving Gods word and many times their first book. They will learn to read with God's word. What a tool God allows us to be. Thankyou to the Womacks who helped purchase the Bibles this year.

Blind School

2010-06-17T09:51:00.002-04:00

The Blind School is a place where angels and we get to sing with them. They teach us spanish and we teach them english. Many times singing the same song in two languages. Many tears are shed during these times and we are all blessed. Following the singing the blind kids proceeded to kill us in soccer as they are much better at it than we are. They enjoyed cotton candy and beeny babies.It was awesome to watch the pride shining on the faces of the ladies that work there. We also jumped rope. Try that blind. Josh Lindsey was impressive jumping on parts of his body that most people sit and lay upon. The blind kids were great at timing their jumps according to the sound. Another great day in Honduras. 200 families had food packed out. Tomorrow clinic addition in Santa Ana. Have a great day.

Cedars Homeless Shelter

2010-06-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

Above you will see Cody Balch and his wife Micah from Kalamazoo ministering to one of the residents. And a lady trying to figure out what cotton candy might be.

Imagine the difficulties of being a poor, destitute elderly person, living on the streets of tegucigalpa with no one to take care of you. You might not know your own name at this point or be able to communicate whether you have any family. Many of the people dont even know if they have family or where they are living. Francisco the founder of Ceders took on the chore of being willing to provide them a place to live, feed and care for them. On June 1st during the rain the roof feel in over many of the residents. The said roof being over 100 years old, needs to be completely replaced. Pray for ways to accomplish that job. We will need funds. We have plenty of workers.

Our live devotionals are at www.ustreamtv.com/torch-devo. They have been running about 9:30 EST.
Serving Him with you,
gayle

Santa Ana/Clinica de Esperanza

2010-06-16T13:17:00.003-04:00

The group worked on the clinic in Santa Ana today. Fixing the front walk way and adding a room on to the back of the clinic. The clinic has seen over 15,000 patients in the last 3 years and provided pharmaceuticals for these patients for free. This clinic was started because of torchers doing mountain clinics and grew out of the desire to serve people on a full time basis. Tim reminded everyone at devotional that many ministries were founded just because a person was on a torch trip and God touched their heart with a need. (Mi Esperanza (womens loans), Clinica de Esperanza (clinic), Casa de Esperanza (childrens home) and many others.

Find your passion and God's will for your own life.

Torch 2010 day 2, Meet the Needs

2010-06-15T23:34:00.006-04:00

We have together decided that we can become conquerers with Gods help, even though we are but a spec on the planet. Cody and Tim and David have shared how important it is to focus on where we need to be spiritually today. Steve Soper is going to have such great pictures of what we are experiencing that it will blow your mind. Sean Niestrath impresses me on such a level that it reminds me of Jesus washing the disciples feet. He will do whatever it takes without complaint, even if he is not asked. Last night, with no sleep, he overheard me ask where we could find some bleach to mop the bus floor after the dump. Before I could turn around the job was already done. Meeting the needs of people is where it is at, no matter how menial the task may seem. Siobhan, Kelsey, and Jennifer did a great job with the kids. The house construction teams were awesome. The Honduran kids were so helpful and able to help with the wood down the steep slopes. The kids had a blast handing out goodies. They enjoyed VBS. Thank you Cheri Tate. The President of a medical college came to check out the clinic for future work in training american medical physicians to take care for people internationally in developing countries. Our Devotionals on line are currently happening about 9:30 pm EST. Thank you everyone who is supporting the work. We miss you but not enough to come home. :)

Torch 2010 has arrived!!!

2010-06-14T21:47:00.003-04:00

We have arrived! Kalamazoo without any sleep at all and the rest of us somewhere in between but all in agreement that we are ready for whatever God throws at us. At devotional tonight we all decided our goal is to be transformed. Thank you Cody for the message. We are sorry we did not podcast but we had to have devotional early as most of us are walking in our sleep.

After the airport we went to the dump and fed some very hungry people. We have learned that some people are blessed that are living in a dump

Shela survived her first plane trip. The rest of us had fun watching her survive.

Thanks for the prayers, just wanted you to know your children are safe. We will build 2 houses tomorrow.
Serving Him with you,
Gayle Davidson

Haiti 2010/IRC

2010-02-07T20:33:00.003-05:00

Through the Support of IRC (InterAmerican Restoration Corporation) 8 medical teams and over 2.1 million dollars worth of medications were sent to Haiti. The country will continue to need help for years to come as the earthquake on January 12th was devastating. IRC continues to be involved with Torch Missions, Mi Esperanza, Clinica de Esperanza and Casa de Esperanza, and Tattoo Erase while also looking to aid new ministries and calls to aid which come through disasters such as this one. Consideration is being made to send Torch Teams in the future to help in this effort. Please visit our website for updates at www.irccorp.org.

Interim President Roberto Micheletti Meets with IRC

2010-01-09T00:57:00.000-05:00

Interim President Roberto Micheletti meets with IRC Board to discuss upcoming needs for the country of Honduras. The government is very interested in working with our groups to meet the needs of the poor. Keep praying for God's mighty power to be evident in the work by all who contribute physically, emotionally, monitarily, and spritually.

3 Containers

2009-10-24T00:45:00.001-04:00

With all the upheaval in Honduras the Torch trips have been cancelled for the summer. This does not mean we can not continue to help them in their time of need. The needs of the people are greater than before and the help they usually recieve from our Torch Teams is not coming until the crisis is resolved.
Sonquest participants, Melbourne church of Christ and Oceanside church of Christ have colleted over 2000 buckets. a container of corn from Indiana (thanks to help of Dan Chambers and his friends) , and over 6 million dollars worth of medications from Kingsway Pharmaceuticals, (thank you Albert Hester for arranging) Many of you on face book send contributions to help cover some of the costs of this aid. Please continue to pray this will resolve quickly.

Politics/ June 26 2009

2009-06-28T00:05:00.000-04:00

Well, it's always nice to know the military is looking out for us on the way to the airport. Thanks to the constant vigilance of Tim Hines, his military and govevermental connections and IRC board members, we had no incidences on the way to the airport. While we were getting ready to leave Tegucigalpa, the military, knowing the current President of Honduras Mel Zelaya, had broken the constitution and committed treason, pulled Pres. Zelaya out of the country as he tried to have a illegal vote to stay in power. It was so sad to come back to America and see that our politicians are so blind to what is really going on. The most important thing is that God has a plan in all things. We feel confident that everything will work out for the best for all. Pray for the poor of Honduras as they will suffer the most from this upheavel. Tim Hines and Marc Connell have stayed behind to be sure Terry Reeves group gets out safely as they had already arrived. Our group is on our way home. Thanks to Tim and Marc for staying behind to be sure all is well.

Where God Led the Torch 09 trip............... by Tim Hines

2009-06-26T19:28:00.012-04:00

Following God seems simple enough. We have all been taught since we were children to follow the Bible's instuctions to get where we need to go. Sometimes as humans we have different ideas of where we need to be and when we need to be there.

The Torch trip was like that this year. Obstacles were place in our path, and sometimes the choices were difficult but it was still clear that God wanted us to serve even in times of strife. The political uprising forced us to make decisions that continued to keep our team safe but also continued to allow us to serve Him.

In doing so, we went to places that we had never been before. Physically and Spiritually. The towns we were blessed to serve in during the last days told us they had never been served before. They had never had anyone come and offer them a home to live in or medical care or the sharing of Jesus that came from our team. They were so grateful for our presence that tears were shed over our mere presence.

I was proud of the team as they rose above adversity to get the job done. It was pure pleasure to be a part of God's plan unfolding in it's own way at it's own timing.

Running with you to win the prize, Tim

Where did you see God by Keri Spiker

2009-06-24T19:15:00.000-04:00

Tonight’s devotional was at the Jesus Statue, overlooking the beautiful lights of the city of Tegucigalpa. What an amazing view. I kept thinking about all the places I had seen God’s love shown throughout the day and in the past week in a half. It was kind of funny that Tim Hines message was about the same thoughts that were going through my mind. I saw God today in Nate and Sean as they dressed up as clowns, acted silly and passed out toys to the smiling children. I saw God today in the hospital nurse who took me to see a few children that she really thought needed some love. She shared with me their stories, and in her eyes, I could see her love for those children. This touched my heart. I also saw God today in Gabri as she read from her Spanish Bible words of comfort from Psalms 23 to an elderly lady at the senior citizens home. And Megan Davidson as she sat and listened to an elderly man tell her a story in Spanish, when she had no complete idea what he was saying, but her presence and attention made all the difference to him. Coming on this missions trip has really taught me a lot about God’s love for his people. I urge you tomorrow to take a step back from the “busy-ness” of your daily life and look for places where God’s love is being shown through his followers or what you can do to show God’s love to someone else. Think on this thought…where did you see God today??? Kerri

Jenniefer Wooley tells about her day

2009-06-23T01:40:00.000-04:00

We built houses again today after we took bags of food that we packed out yesterday to a community. It was cool to be able to help them out. We did not have to carry the wood nearly as far today but we had to slide it down a hill to the jobsite. We had to turn it just right to get it in position because there was not a lot of room to work with. Cristine, Allison, Kelsey, Stephanie, myself and some Hondurans got most of it done. I moved so much wood today!!!Then, we got to start hammering. Paul, Alison, Megan and others had been setting up posts while we moved the wood. The walls went up super fast. I even helped with the walls today and needed very little help. I also helped with holding up boards while others nailed the last wall. Our site as right behind the clinic so we were near Miss Gayle all day. There were a lot of kids around. One little girl tried to take my hammer while we did the floors but I took it back. Once we were done, we played with the kids. Our group walked to the popori (store, sortof) and a ton of the kids came with us. I carried one and held hands with the other two.
The girl I carried was socute, let me tell you but I was exhausted by the time we got back to the clinic. It was hard enough climbing the streets without carrying a person. Mostly after that we just walked around holding hands and she wanted lost of hugs. She knew my name. The community is named Nueva Oriental. I hope we see her again tomorrow. Another strange thing happened a guy walked up to the clinic and just collapsed in the road. So. We got miss gayle and she took care of him until we could find him and get him in a truck to medical care. On the way home we stopped at a huge catholic church (Basilicaza) It was gorgous, stained glass, statues, ornate. We walked around for a bit and got to hear our singing. Every time we sang it echoed back to us. It was quite a echo.

It ha also jus been really fun just talking and laughing and being with good friends . I saw Jesus in Maria to day in the way she simply loved me and wanted to be with did not care what I thought, she did not care that we could barely communicate. She just loved me for me.

Clinic by Ruthy Wilson

2009-06-22T19:03:00.000-04:00

Colonia Villa Compesina, a clinic set up by villagers and health care provided by myself, Gayle Davidson and Kerri Spiker. Pharmacy run by David and Lindsey 200 who packed thousands of vitamins and medicines to distribute to approximately 200 people. Our youngest patient was 1 week old and our oldest was 75. We were stationed in the Eglisia de Dios building and according to the people in the town, this was the first medical service ever offered to this gracious and loving Hondurans. Not only did they receive medical care during this time our construction team hammered away and provided two more homes.

Steve Soper view of the day

2009-06-22T11:19:00.001-04:00

Monday was another day filled with activity

After breakfast and morning devo, we rode the bus to a nearby community to give out bags of food (rice, beans, flour, sugar, etc) that we had packed earlier. We searched for the poorest-appearing families, and tired to explain it was a gift from Iglesia de Christo. Frequently their response to “Dios est bueno” (“God is good”) was something in Spanish with “Amen” at the end.

We then drove to a community at the outskirts of Tegucigalpa to build a house and hold a medical clinic. This was rugged, mountainous terrain overlooking a valley with a river. The wood had been delivered as close as possible to the site, but we had to carry all the wood, tin for the roof, and our tools to the site. The building site was about a quarter mile away, up a steep slope covered with rocks and mud. Together with the elevation and warm, humid weather, this was a daunting task. Someone commented that if anyone tried to hire us to do this in the US we would say no way – you couldn’t pay me enough to do that! But we did accomplish it, with help from some of the Hondurans who saw us and pitched in to help.

While some of us were carrying the wood (which, by the way, is not kiln-dried and therefore is much heavier than in the US), part of our team started the house by setting the four corner posts 16 feet apart. The house went up relatively quickly even though we were hampered by sloppy mud that accumulated from water trickling into the site. By the end our feet and legs were covered with mud.

This was one of the most difficult sites we have had to build on, but when it was done it was very satisfying.

After we climbed back down the hill, we distributed bags of food to many of the families in the community.

The new homeowner was very thankful for the house; this alone is sufficient reward. However, on this day we received a surprise reward for our hard work: the restaurant where the new homeowner works was so impressed by what we had done that she invited our entire group (over 30 people) to her restaurant for a free meal. So we went straight there (despite being tired and dirty) and enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled meat, beans, and tortilla bread. This excellent Honduran meal tasted even better after a day of hard work!

We capped off our day with a devo lead by Dustin based on Matthew 25:40.

Other than a bat in one of the bedrooms, the rest of the night was uneventful.

Kingdom Assignment by Gayle Davidson

2009-06-21T02:56:00.003-04:00

We gathered at Los Pinos Church of Christ. (Iglesia de Cristo) where Tim Hines delivered the message in English and Spanish simultaneously. Honduran and American missionaries were blessed by God’s word living and breathing in a place where there was no place to even meet before the building came to be by a Torch Team 8 years ago. One of the things I enjoy most about Tim bringing a lesson is his ability to bring it to us in a way that we can all relate to. He also has a habit of providing ways of applying what we learned to our personal lives. The lesson was on the parable of the talents. At the end of the lesson he asked for volunteers to come up front. They had no explanation of what they were volunteering for, or why. Four Honduran men and two Honduran women made their way to the front. Tim then gave them 500 limpera…. Believe me, it was a hoot to see the looks on the faces of the other underpriveledged Hondurans. They were thinking “the next time a gringo asks me to volunteer for something, I am going to BE THERE!”
Three rules were explained about the money. #1- It is God’s money #2 It can not be used on yourself or anyone in the congregation or family. #3 They are to report back to the church in 30 days as to the way they used the money to further God’s Kingdom. To use the “talents” as described in Matthew 25 in a way that would please the Master when he returned. To multiply them according to our talents.
One example was given of a girl in a northern state in America. Everyone at her congregation was given a hundred dollars to further the kingdom. With faith, the girl laid her 100 dollars down at a coat factory and asked how many coats she could get with the money, in a place where it is very cold and coats were needed for the poor. The next scene shows a high school gym full of coats.
The talents represent any resource we are given. Time, money, our gifts.
We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The Torch team was given the same opportunity as we boarded the bus. It will be great to see what God will do with us when we are willing to sacrifice and focus on what he has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.

Small but mighty by gayle davidson

2009-06-17T12:09:00.002-04:00

This morning we packed out food for 300 families. The load this morning was $1644. USD. A boy sat one evening not long ago and hand wrote letters to everyone he knew. Christian Pagliarulo (Louisiana) at the age of 8 was able to provide all the funds for this endeavor and will be responsible for feeding 300 families today. Thanks to Melbourne church everyone also received a Bible with their food. He, like the David in the Bible who defeated a giant, did not let his size or age change his determination to change the world.

Day 2 Torch trip

2009-06-16T23:57:00.001-04:00

TUESDAY JUN16 2009

DAY 2
Our morning devotional prepares us for the day, gets our minds and hearts ready for what is in store for us on that particular morning. Tim Hines prepares us each morning with praise and empowering from the word of God. Two construction crews built the Soper foundation house and the MIMA house. Both teams reported a sense of unity at both of the sites and had a great day. The medical team worked at the Clinic de Esperanza, Ruthy and Kerri saw patients, gayle ran the pharmacy and Lindsey and Bridgette dyed their fingers red making medication for dehydration. Tim Chuckoski said building a house with all the different parts (roof, siding, nails, lugging wood, teaching…) reminded him of the body of Christ, our different gifts and unity. We were also reminded it is a good thing we are not all a nail or all a hammer or all a piece of wood, or a wall or there would never be a house. Cristine Kleckner told us she was not really a house person but had the best day ever building and felt for the first time that she was able to contribute equally and combine with the uniqueness of ever person on the site. We are ready to take on the rest of the world tomorrow.
Remember it only takes one of you to change the world.
Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Day 1 Torch Honduras 2009

2009-06-15T01:50:00.002-04:00

June 25,2889

Day one
Sacrifice. It all comes together finally as we make our way towards a common goal. Service. Many have traveled as far away as Michigan and many have not slept in well over 38 hours. All are tired but ready to take on whatever is thrown at us. We arrive to a deluge of rain and flooding in the Tegucigalpa area. This will slow us down but never stop what we came to accomplish for God’s glory. We have Michigan, Florida, Louisiana and Pennsylvania here to fight the good fight and run part of the race. Our group has been called to come on this trip and will be challenged while the are here to change something, ourselves, someones situation, or just a desire to do more for God. Can one willing person doing small acts of service on a mission field change the world? Absolutely. One person can dig a well and save a village. One dollar can save a life. One act of kindness can lead to another and another and another. “If anyone gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disiciple. I will tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward. “Matt 10:42" We had an excellent devotional time by our leader Tim Hines tonight. You can log on each night at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/torch-devo
They will be around 10 pm EST. You can log in anytime and watch past devotionals. The blog will be www.torchmissions.blogspot.com.
serving Him with you, gayle davidson

The Dump

2008-06-26T06:15:00.005-04:00

How is your imagination? For example. Have you ever had to face a surgery, the dentist or a procedure or talking with a friend about something that you really dreaded? You may have dreaded it for days or weeks and in your mind it was going to be a bad outcome and painful.

Such was the case at the dump. What I imagined in my mind did not touch what was there. It was worse than the worst picture in our minds. The odor was overpowering but not as overpowering as the tremendous human need in one place at the same time.

I have never been to the dump in Tegucigalpa but heard that people lived there and needed help so we arranged to go there for a visit. We packed 300 lunches for the people living there. Our team arrived to find that alot more than 300 people lived and survive at this small portion of the dump. The small section we were in was as big as a football field and had trash as high as a 3 story building in places. A bulldozer in constant motion to move mounds from one place to another as the people with no other way of surviving and eating scurry like ants to get at the rotton food and supplies in the piles. The bulldozer not even willing to stop for anyone or anything. Here are the homes they live in on the side of the dump.

The face of poverty was on many faces but on others were still smiles in the midst of the lives that they face every day of their lives.

Many people simply could not get off the bus. They still wanted to do their part so they helped with the lunch distribution from inside the bus. Most of those who did get off the bus could do nothing but stand there with tears running down their faces. Some of the team climbed in the dump piles and helped the people find food and supplies. Some prayed. Some greeted the line waiting to get lunch. The hands and feet and eyes and ears and hearts of Jesus pulling together for one purpose... "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me" (Matthew Chapter 25)

Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Santa Ana

2008-06-25T09:03:00.001-04:00

Team went to Santa Ana. Ben Kleckner led team construction of steps leading into clinic, they were treacherous in the past and many a fall has occured. Ben engineered the whole process. Quite a feat, I cant wait to see the finished product. Korah, Ann and Rachel ran the clothing store and provided endless lines of shopping for the poor, childrens home, 2 more houses, medical clinic, papusas for lunch. Ice cream for dinner, Paige not slowing down for crutches. All is well.
Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

The Beauty of Children

2008-06-24T09:04:00.006-04:00

Far,far away in the town of Zamarano resides the Good Shepherds Childrens Home run by Greg and Eva Vaughn. When we met they had 60 people in their personal home. Both gave up their lives in the states over 10 years ago to take care of the children.
Now 225 strong and individual homes with caretakers for the children. They are amazing and they all enjoyed VBS supplies sent by Debby Nickens crew. By the end of the day, everyone had a ball catcher and some bubbles.

The torchers handed out soccer shirts, and had water gun fights and played soccer. Todd Wirsch and his Melbourne support team arranged for all of the kids to receive a soccer shirt.

Tim Hines and Stephanie Pagliarulo and Sean Niestrath cooked all 300 of us lunch on the grill. A real treat for everyone.

Back in one of the rooms was a boy named Wilmer... He had just returned from the Hospital Escuela, the poor government hospital in Tegucigalpa. Since Wilmer was 4 years old, he has had a black spot on the heel of his left foot. After several years it became progressively more painful. Over the course of the last 9 years attempts were made to "dig it out". This resulted in a deeper and deeper hole and less use of his right foot. Last week they decided to dig from his heel to his knee to find the problem. Then they decided to cut the top of his leg from his hip to his knee and take a skin graft. Attaching one end to his heel and one end above his ankle. The middle part disconnected. It was the size of a large rope. The antibiotics they sent home were the same ones we use in the states to treat acne. The infection is over whelming. He will probably loose his leg. I would post a picture of it but you would not be able to handle it. I couldn't handle it. You can see both of them them together on the exam table, Wilmer is in the red shirt and his leg is out of view.

Then there was another little boy Jvonni. He just recently came to the childrens home. He only has one leg and a crutch but he can out run anyone at the childrens home and is the goalie for the soccer team. He is also the boy they sent with me to the clinic to interpret for Wilmer. He sat next to him while we took care of the wound.

Wilmer will probably lose his leg soon but he will have Jvonni as an example of how to live happily without a leg. Another example of how God puts us in exactly the right time here on the planet. We had the mediations he needed, thanks to Kingsway Charities. We will continue to support his needs.
As we drove away the children ran to the fence to say their last goodbyes. Many tears
were shed and hearts broken. But they will never forget us and we will keep them with us as we leave this far away place where things are changing slowly, one life at a time.

We will be live tonight at the web connection for Mi Esperanza and devo starting at 9:30 florida time.

Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Phyllis Bird Clinic in Nueva Oriental by Annie Masterson

2008-06-23T13:56:00.010-04:00

Yay for clinic days! Monday we went to the village of Nuevo Oriental and set up clinic in the church there. We had Gayle, Phyllis (our nurse), Lindsey and David (our pharmacy folks), Rachel translating for Gayle, and me doing some translating as well. After we were able to get into the church (finally), we set up quickly and sent the church caretaker out with 30 numbers to give to families. We started receiving patients, and it did not take long to fill up the benches in the small church. We saw mother after mother with several children circling around them, most comparably young to have so many children. Almost everyone had a cold, and many had stomach problems and parasites, evidence of which we had found earlier in a nearby outhouse. Can you say grossly fascinating? Probably the most common problems were bug bites. Some of the little children were covered in them, and here I was whining about the three that I had gotten the night before. All of the families were very patient, especially when we had some mix ups with the number system. These families need so many basic forms of healthcare, and most illnesses are a direct result of the environment in which they are living. It was so fulfilling to provide these very deserving families access to healthcare, even if we were only seeing patients for four hours. Like Gayle said at the end, even if we were only able to help one person today, it all would have been worth it. While their medications they received were going to provide physical comfort, we also knew that many would be able to sleep better, eat better, and live better having received the encouragement and the knowledge so readily available to them that day. Please pray for the families that we treated, and for the continued success of the traveling medical clinics that reach out to these isolated communities. -Annie

Craig Colburn perspective

2008-06-22T04:03:00.001-04:00

Hello I am from the Oceanside church in California and 7 of us have joined this group for a week. After arrival in San Pedro Sula we arrived in Tegucigalpa after a 6 hour bus ride. We went to church in Los Pinos built by past Torch groups which was complete with a "wild ride" on our bus up and down the narrow road. Driving in Honduras is basically a "free for all" with people and cars driving where they want and honking their horn constantly to move up past any obstacle.

Our group with some of the Florida kids got the pleasure of building a home for Augustina and her 6 children. We were exhausted but all that disappeared when we gave her house the blessing and housewarming gift complete with a Bible. It gave us a great sense of making a difference in someone else's life. This is why we came!

Tuesday we went to the Hospital Escuela to visit children with various medical conditions such as brain tumors and spinal abnormalities. The kids at the blind school were great. Deliver of food after another bus ride. Our hearts were aching by the end of the day. The children that were innocent of suffering were beyond description. by Craig Colburn

day 6 by joe carr

2008-06-21T23:30:00.001-04:00

Fevers, colds, sunburns, bumps, bruises, bug bites, sore muscles, broken bones… let’s just say it has been a long week. But then again, I don’t think I’d trade any of the pain and discomfort for the smiles, hugs, tears of joy and just plain gratitude of the Honduran people we’ve worked with and for up to this point. (Although I shouldn’t speak for Paige, who has a stress fracture in her left foot.)
So far we have kept a rabbit’s pace: breakfast at 7, devotional at 8, and on the buses heading toward our worksites by 8:30. We work every day until 4:30 before we get back on the bus for the (sometimes hour-long) drive home. Since Tuesday, we have built six houses, sorted items at the warehouse, packed and distributed food for 200 families, hosted a medical clinic, and visited the most precious children in the world at the Good Shepherd Children’s Home. There is probably more but all of my ailments seem to keep me from thinking straight right now. Let me just say that I have never felt as exhausted and yet as at peace than I do right now. Tim Hines reminded us tonight at devotional that the reason this type of experience is so rewarding no matter the level of difficulty is that we are the servants who witnessed the water change to wine in John 2.
Here is what happens: Jesus is at a wedding banquet when his mother asks him to help because there is no more wine. Reluctant at first, Jesus agrees and his mother calls several servants over to him. They have some jars sitting near by and John tells us: “Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew” (John 2:7-9)
This week we have served people in all circumstances. We have provided clothing, food, shelter and love when it was totally unexpected. To the person on the outside, it may just seem we are providing a much-needed service. But there is more. For every nail we drive, every bag of rice we deliver, every toy we distribute and every hug we give, there is a miracle underneath. People who have not, receive in abundance. They may not be aware of what has just happed but we (the servants) are. Jesus is using our actions to perform miracles. And the best part is that as the story continues, the master of the banquet approaches the bridegroom amazed at the great wine that has just appeared; it is even better than what they first had. And the people we serve every day here have a great story to tell about what God has done for them. The message is clear: in Jesus, there is abundant life.
And we are living that abundant life right now. Even though our muscles hurt and our bug bites itch, we are living the life God created us for.
We love you all and hope to share these stories in person soon.
Blessings,
Joe Carr

Tim Hines and Marc Connell

2008-06-20T02:32:00.001-04:00

Perhaps I am a bit prejudiced but happen to believe with all of my heart that I am truly blessed with two great men of God who work with me to make the Torch Trip run in Honduras. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure we have everything we need to have a good experience. It doesn't help them that Gayle's list of things she wants the team to experience would require 20 hour days. This is no easy task in Honduras. Something doesn't work out nearly every hour of every day. People resort to Plan B in the States. We are on plan H by 10 am every morning in Tegucigalpa. I am not sure there are enough letters in the alphabet for the plan changes that occur by the end of the day. It requires patience, knowledge of the country and language and a love of the people we are serving. Tim and Mark have a heart and passion for the work not only for the Hondurans but for the team members who are experiencing life changing opportunities.

The spiritual blessings of Tim and Mark come to us watching them work and hearing them speak from God's word and sing praises to his name each morning and evening as we worship together.

Thank God for their dedication. I am truly thankful they are willing to help with our trip.

Serving together, gayle davidson

What happened?

2008-06-19T08:29:00.004-04:00

Packed food for 200 families, food delivery to marcolesa, steep hills, medical clinic, vbs, more house constuction, bus adventures, happy faces, tired workers, bruises, more bruises, callouses, trip to emergency room, Paige's foot broken, warehouse organization, long days, short nights, no internet, good food, devotionals on the rock, live web cast 10 pm EST (most days), the spirit in song every day, "do what you were created to do", Be Matthew chapter 25. Let the light shine, be encouraged, run, more steep hills, more blisters, all to God's glory, squirt gun fights, broken hearts, mended hearts, hearts that are hardened, hopeful hearts, faithful hearts, mercy, goodness, servanthood, houses at wrong site, move the wood, hire someone to move the wood again, dont give up, housewarming boxes, tables and chairs, happy faces, grace, crosses from junk, healing the sick, lives without hope,
hope.... more bruises, happy smiles. Feels right. more steep hills, more comfort, more pain, more relief, hope

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/torch-devo site for 10-10:30 pm devo live stream, most nights.

Be Jesus where ever you are.
Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Lisa, Austin and Chris Tucker join Torch team

2008-06-17T00:39:00.000-04:00

Lisa, Austin and Chris from Melbourne, Florida have lived and worked in Honduras for the past 5 years. Currently living near Comayagua in the city of La Paz. They brought many talents to our team. Lisa's nursing background was invaluable to the sorting of the medications and the running of the pharmacy. Her love for the people of Honduras was evident in the way she explained the treatments and showed Jesus in all that she did. At night she helped me prepare for the next day and was supportive in all of the work. Chris and Austin are hard workers and built many a house for the poor. Chris worked hard and never complained. Everyone helped pack food. Austin was also very helpful with translation to the people that were being ministered. We all enjoyed being with them and look forward to the next time we will be together to serve our God.

Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Middle of the night

2008-06-16T01:20:00.000-04:00

These people are the same people that are mentioned in the Bible as going the second mile for someone when they don't have to. They were not asked to. But they did it anyway. There is no glory in it. No one even notices. That is the best kind of service in my book because it is clear they do it for His Glory and not for man to see or for glory here on earth.

This is outside my room at the mission house and is a common scene at 2 am when everyone else is sleeping. Lindsey Tate, Lisa Tucker and David Logue helping me prepare for the next day.

Thank you Jesus for their dedication to service.

gayle davidson

Torch 2008/Tegucigalpa Honduras

2008-06-08T19:29:00.003-04:00

On June 16-28th the hands and feet of Jesus will be on the move. (Isaiah 52:7)

Alot of preparation goes into trip before the airplane leaves the ground. This year we were just happy the airplane decided to leave with us.

A team of 52 led by Tim Hines and myself will be on the ground in Honduras. The team consists of members from Florida, Michigan, California, Georgia, Louisiana, & North Carolina. We expect great things as God always provides what we need, when we need it most. Thank you to all of you who have provided jobs and fundraisers to get the team where they need to be. (Oceanside Church of Christ, Melbourne Church of Christ, The Sunday morning pancake team (Dot, Mary & Cindy), Dinah Ellison, Wanda Curington, Paula Zima, Margaret Wahtera, Kristina Anderson, Debby Nickens, Lindsey Tate, David Logue & Carter Caudill and all of the financial supporters) Megan Davidson led meetings and organized many a pill packing party in my home. I am very proud of the servant of God she has become. Nothing would of happened without all of you.
Serving Him with you, Gayle Davidson

Container Away!!!!!

2008-05-31T19:11:00.001-04:00

It takes a lot of hard work to get enough items donated to fill a 40 foot container with needed items for the poor. Loading it is always easy with my Florida group. An impressive turnout of 31 people and a dog showed up to be sure the cargo got loaded in time. (not all are in the picture) In addition the forklift decided to truly go manual so we had to push it forwards and backwards while loaded. The only function it would perform was up and down. Margaret Wahtera works year long to be sure our Torch teams have what we need distribute. The Oceanside Church of Christ sponsors our storage at the Miller Building and provides endless support to me personally. Kevin Cline led the teens to make Spanish coloring books for the children and Debby Nickens provided our VBS needs.Lindsey Tate has driven home every weekend just to support whatever needed to be done to get ready for the trip. David Logue brought medical supplies from Arkansas and has spent many a hot sweaty hour packing it all up at the storage area. Megan Davidson has loaded all the boxes and sponsored many a medical supply packing party in my home. Speaking of boxes, we could not do anything without the Ortts who provide all the sturdy boxes we need to be sure all the treasures get where they are going. God is good and provides all we need. These items will be unpacked by our crew in June 16th in Honduras.
Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

New Years Day

2008-01-01T21:32:00.001-05:00

What a better way to spend New Years Day than giving a person a place to live. Thank you Mark Swan Law Firm for making it happen. The roof had to wait till the next day when Mark Connell and Amber Davidson thought they might be flying away on the tin instead of making a roof. No one can say mission work isn't interesting. And it certainly is rewarding.
Serving Him with you,
gayle davidson

Christmas in Honduras 2007

2007-12-30T06:54:00.000-05:00

Children received something for Christmas this year because of the efforts of the many people. National Park Church of Christ under the direction of Kea Hampton in Arkansas delivered supplies and boxes for 350 kids. Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates/Par Building brought in box after box during the weeks before the holiday to my office. (74 in all) These boxes were packed by many adults, interested in looking outside themselves at this time of year. The Oceanside Church of Christ in Satellite Beach, Florida also had a drive at their congregation which brought many more boxes and supplies for this work. Margaret Wahtera (who shops all year for the people of Honduras instead of herself) supplied even more supplies for the families in need, including shoes which were handed out with Christmas in the villages. They involved their family members to aid them in the process, including the shopping and discussing of what a 3rd world child would need most. This brought an astounding ability to look outside of oneself to the needs of others less fortunate. This process will build us into better people and teach our children and loved ones to learn from our examples of service. David Logue coordinated storage in Searcy, Arkansas. He also was able to get backpacks (over 100 at 1.20 apiece) at a wonderful price from the Wal-Mart in Searcy. He picked up the boxes from Bobby Hampton and drove them to Florida on Thanksgiving weekend to put on the container. The backpacks were great because they will be useful for the kids when they go to school. Someone at MIMA had the wonderful idea of using tool boxes for the teenage boys so they could work to earn money with their gifts.

Many others contributed toys and items and funds to enable us to have a session at my home to make even more boxes. (Thank you Megan Davidson, David Logue, Wanda Curington, Denise and Daniel Houle, and Katrina Bailey). All together we delivered 747 boxes to Honduras on a container that left only weeks before Christmas. The Melbourne Church of Christ and Oceanside Church of Christ youth and adults loaded the container for transport to Honduras.

Rita Meredith and others contributed to a special Christmas meal. The children at Casa de Esperanza and the staff were treated to a trip to Tegucigalpa on the bus, a movie at the mall, dinner at Camperos and ice cream at Baskin Robbins. A special treat for everyone.

I had the distinct pleasure of being one of the lucky ones, along with my daughter Amber; Lisa Tucker, David Logue; Lori Connell, Timateo Estrada, Joe, Tristen & Tara Merillat, Catie Cox, and Carol Douglas to personally hand out the boxes and see the looks on their faces and see the anticipation as they waited patiently for their box and shoes. Timeteo patiently kept the crowds at reasonable control and measured every child’s foot with a tool provided by the Payless shoe store here in Melbourne. A special thanks to those of you that included a picture of yourself, your children or a note for the kids receiving the box. You should have seen the wonder as they discovered they had a friend they had never met. Some of the kids kissed the picture, some of them just held on to it like it was a life preserver. This occurred in the villages of Nueva Oriental and Los Pinos.

Your outpouring of unselfish love for someone you have never met touched me greatly.

Thank you, you should all be proud of your efforts.

Serving with you,

Gayle Davidson
Vice President, Medical Director
InterAmerican Restoration Corporation
Torch Missions
3145 Hilliard Ct.
Melbourne, FL 32934
gayledavidson@hotmail.com

Clinica de Esperanza Open Full Time

2007-08-16T00:13:00.000-04:00

The clinic in Santa Ana Honduras opened today with a full time Honduran physician, Dr. Olga Jennette Manzanares. This was an answer to many prayers lifted up when it became clear that my health difficulties this year would not allow me to personally move to Honduras and care for the patients at this time. God’s will unfolded only 2 years after the purchase of the land by InterAmerican Restoration Corporation. (www.irccorp.org) With the help of Paul Behrenberg, Tim Hines, Joe Merillat, Gina Larios and the Torch teams everything happened at a steady pace. The clinic has been a dream since starting short term missions with TORCH in 2001. While providing health care on two week mission trips has it’s purpose, so much greater the continuous service on a full time basis to the poor of the area who could not afford health care in the past. The clinic provides people with a continuity to their health care. Dental teams have also entered a 5 year commitment to provide dental care to the children of the towns of Santa Ana and Ohohoja. The organization is called “Cadena de Amor” (means “chain of love”) This was all made possible by a dear friend Lilia de Larios. She is a awesome Christian woman and dentist in Honduras who not only runs a full time clinic in the Tegucigalpa area but spends her free time helping the poor of her country. Her example of service has been a constant source of inspiration to me. The clinic will require funds to pay the physician, nurse, staff and support the facility with pharmaceutical supplies. Consider a sponsorship of 1,300 to fund the clinic for a month or 13,600 annually. A small price to pay for a full time physician to care for the poor. She is caring and committed to the work. You may contact me at gayledavidson@hotmail.com with any questions.

Audiology Booth June 2007

2007-07-13T05:29:00.000-04:00

Audiology Booth 2007

Melbourne Internal Medicines Associates called my office one day asking if we would have any use for a soundproof audiology booth to test hearing. They had used the same one since 1987 and were replacing it. Having no concept of how big it was or anything about this piece of medical equipment, Janis Provoncha invited me over to view the booth. It basically took up the entire room with a little navigation space for getting in and out of it. It was a 10 x 10 insulated room with a ceiling and floor. Each big bulky, and difficult to manage section weighed 200 plus pounds plus equipment was around 1500 pounds total. She then informed me that the company authorized to dismantle the thing charged around $2,000 to take it apart and some unknown fee to put it back together. I say unknown because I was fairly sure the company would not be really excited about going to Honduras to put it back together. I called my medical contacts in Honduras and they thought they could use it in the Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa. They did not seem overly excited about it and without technical support or finances available for the project, and the additional problem of shipping it there, I began to doubt and wonder if it was worth the trouble. The President of our mission organization knew of my health situation at the time so he advised me to forget about it. And for a few days, I did. But… it kept coming up in my head that we should not give up just because the job was difficult.

Armed with teenagers and husbands we dismantled it, transported it to storage, transported it to Honduras on a container and then a short 3 weeks later it was re-mantled in Honduras by the same teenagers that took it apart.

The day we turned it on, you have never seen anything like it. The Mayor, the Media, the Medical Director and Audiologists were all there. They were so excited. The mayor had his hearing tested on television. We thought that it was great they were so excited but as they proceeded to thank Mario Zelaya MD, the Torch team, MIMA, Dr. Ruiz, and the InterAmerican Restoration Corporation. They went on to say that it was the ONLY functioning one in the entire country. All of the poor children and adults that have hearing difficulties will be using this booth. We were shocked that this older piece of equipment would mean so much impact.

Needless to say, it was worth all the trouble. I did a site visit in December and it is up and running and working well. They are just as excited as they were in June.

Thank you everyone who participated.

What did YOU do today???

2007-06-23T07:54:00.000-04:00

Torch 07
Santa Ana, Honduras

Our Construction team gave hope to 4 families by building 4 houses in Santa Ana and started on classrooms for a church in Nueva Oriental.

Medical team (Dr. Dabbs, Dr. Howell, and myself saw 243 patients and filled 489 prescriptions. Triage nurses Tara Merillat, Phyllis Bird and Sammy Palmer took all the vital signs and intake information on all the patients. Esther Sutherland kept the line moving, made sure everyone went home with something and generally helped everyone with interpreting. Gina Larios interpreted for me and kept me out of trouble with my spanish skills in the pharmacy. This was all done without electricity and on the back porch.

The Dental team (Melissa and Todd)pulled 75 teeth and dealt with multitude of problems. They were also very helpful in improving the health care in santa ana. When the line heard the cries from the dental patients alot of the line decided to go home.

There was a ministry line after the pharmacy to provide clothes and supplies to the people that came to clinic.

Dianne Ortt, Melissa Janney, Claire, Terri Harding, Susan Wirsch and others helped me get medication ready for distribution for the better part of the day and became pharmacy techs. In Melissa’s free time she cleaned up the equipement needed to entertain 400 plus kids tomorrow.

A team led by Denise (California) planted flowers in front of my clinic while we were seeing patients and planted sunshine into my life as well. ((thankyou Kristen, Tim, Gary, Todd, Christine, and Ed. )

Meanwhile back in Tegucigalpa David Logue and Lindsey Tate presented the audiology booth to the head of audiology at the Hospital Escuela. We found out that they have had nothing to test hearing for one and a half years. This is the only functioning audiology booth in the country. They were so happy they almost wet their pants. This booth was acquired for donation on May 25th . This booth was a royally difficult disassemble in Melbourne and reassemble in Honduras and required many man hours. Keith, Farron, David, Amber, Megan, Matt, Kate, Juan, and others helped disassemble on May 30th it was shipped on a container on June 1st. Lindsey was testing the mayor of Tegucigalpas ears on June the 22nd. I would say this is God working in a powerful perfect way. Thank you for MIMA ENT and Dr. Ruiz for making that happen to begin with.

In the afternoon while everyone is still working, Dianne Ortt and Terri Harding set up a internet café with some of the computers purchased from MIMA. It was an exciting time and it will be used to help the children of Santa Ana learn some computer skills and hopefully aid them in employment later.

Mi Esperanza presented to the group on the womens loan program and we ended the day with a great devotional led by Tim Hines called “How great is our God”.

It doesn’t get much better than this.

Gayle Davidson (Rosi)

A little boy named Luvin

2007-06-22T09:04:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago our childrens home staff made the most difficult decision they have ever had to make. One of the new children was violent. Would not listen or obey. It became clear he could be a danger to the other children. For the good of the other 15, he was sent back to the judge and state run orphanage.

He called Jennifer (one of our caretakers at Casa de Esperanza) his mom, he begged to be taken back when she came to visit. The decision was final. Yesterday we went to Casitas Kennedy for a visit. We could not find him. They said he escaped at 5 am. The little boy arrived at our childrens home gate at 4pm. It is an hour drive in a car. In his hand was a gum wrapper with Santa Ana written on it. He had showed it to every bus and truck driver between tegucigalpa and santa ana. He begged everyone he saw for a ride as far as they would take him. He said, "mama please take me home" He is 9 years old. The motivation of this child to be back in a place where he is loved. To see that there is a different way of living and wanting to have it. Pray for wisdome today for Jennifer and Karen (who run the childrens home) that they will be able to effect change in the life of this little boy. It seems for now that he is changing our lives.
Serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Dianne Ortt perspective

2007-06-21T08:58:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone.
Yesterday was spent at the Blind School, one of my favorite stops, then onto Mia Esperanza where they teach the women skills so they can get better jobs. Myself and Paul (Carla's husband) evaluated their PCs to try and figure out how to upgrade them. They really just need memory cards. We then visited the Casitas Kennedy orphanage that is run by the state. Pizza was provided for all the kids. I played with little girls in their dorm area and we blew a lot of bubbles. After that we went shopping at Valley of the Angels and I got something made from wood I am sure was turned on a lathe for you. It isn't real intricate just something that made me think of you and your hobby. After that we had dinner at a hotel/resort in Honduran terms of a resort at Santa Lucia. We then went to a church built in 1533 and there are no nails in its construction. The walls are pueblo and the roof is wood with some wood pegs. It has certainly held the test of time. We got to see 400 year old priest robes and the items in the church are all original. It is the most beautiful place for singing. If only I could bring back the boys (Ben, Sammy, Brian, Todd, Josh and Farren) as a group to show our boys and men at home what real spiritual singing to God looks like. They were so into every song. At least we have 3 of the six.
Remind me to tell you of the little boy who returned to the orphanage named Loube.
Everyone is fine. My sinuses are acting up and draining. I bet I get a sinus infection in the end. I've faithfully taken my vitamins every day and am sure that has helped as the diet is totally out of whack.
Todd got to play indoor soccer again the Wed night.
Today I believe I go to set up the PCs that Gayle bought. I was going to build a house but I go where I am needed.
Its time for breakfast (6:45 AM here) and then we have devo at 8:00 and get on the buses.
I love you. Dianne

It was a day by Wanda Curington

2007-06-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

Wednesday June 20th

A phrase you often hear is “where did you see Jesus today?” I admit that there have been days on some of my trips when I could not come up with a clear cut answer. Today I was abundantly blessed with answers… And, NO I wasn’t at the childrens home, blind school, clinic or any other place you might expect it. We were working on a construction crew. So where do I start, I guess with Roger, a Honduran man. He showed up on our site out of the blue and began working extremely hard with us . I saw Jesus when, in the name of efficiency, some of our male members of our team became impatient with one of the teen boys who was not experienced with a hammer. Roger, on the other hand, would start the nail for him and then place his hammer under it to prevent it from bending. When he would grip to close to the head of the nail, Roger would gently direct his hand to the end of the hammer.

My next blessing came in the of another young Honduran man, Kevin. He followed me around the work site all afternoon. He would pick up nails that I dropped and when I was doing liter patrol, he would help me pick up the trash at the work site. We communicate through his few English words and my fewer Spanish words and our smiles. He has given candy and small toys through out the day from team members. At the end of the day Melissa even gave him her shoes off her feet. I thought to myself, “he has really racked up today…” As we were on the bus waiting to leave I looked out the window and there was Kevin passing out his own treasures to the children coming home from school that had not had a chance to get anything. My heart melted, of course, I had to dig everything I could find out of my backpack and get off the bus to go and give him replacements. He looked up and smiled and said, “thank you Wanda.”

Another place I saw Jesus today was in the actions of a young twenty two year old guy named Clay that is on our trip. Now clay is a big guy, he is over 6 feet tall and over two hundred pounds. As the day neared the end, Clay picked up a small Honduran girl and was carrying her around as he worked. Then as I watched, he took out wet wipes and washed her face, arms, hands and feet. The next time I noticed the two of them, there sat this big guy painting her finger nails (green). Another amazing part of the blessing today was that I did not want to work construction today. I had worked the two previous days but agreed to work again when my new friends Melissa and Michael thought their crew was to short. What a wonderful day of seeing Jesus in action. I know things like this happen at home in the states also but unfortunately we are either not looking or we are just to busy to notice. Just a reminder to all of us to look for Jesus as we go about out daily routines., I truly did not think I was going to see HIM so active on a construction site today.

PS The house went uup great and the family was so excited and happy with the new casa.

Jennica Bouquet and LIndsey Tate prospective

2007-06-20T00:43:00.000-04:00

We started the morning packaging food in order to deliver it to the families that live in Santa Ana. I don’t mean to brag but I am pretty good at tying bags using my fantastical other worldly finger skills to twist, wrap, and tighten. Regardless of whatever methods we used to effectively package beans, rice, flour, and sugar in over 200 bags, we definitely had a good time avoiding the embrace of food and floor, completely losing count of the bags laid down, and the ode of joy upon realizing that 7.8, not 78, bouillon cubes per bag make out 200 bags in total, (I am to blame that sudden neglect of basic math skills). We then loaded the bags onto the bus and were on our way. Being in the second group that went off to deliver I would pass by a few kids who seemed absolutely eager to see us bearing toothy grin and saying “Hola” every time. We were told to say that we gave the food in the name of Jesus Christ, (in Spanish of course), and I could not help but smile every time I gave someone a bag of food. Completely mastering the art of saying de nada, pronunciation and all, I thought about the translation of those words. They really say ‘it’s nothing’ and not exactly ‘you’re welcome’ which made me realize that I wish I could speak in complete sentences and say ‘ I hope you enjoy your food, and realize that, despite my few words, we all really want you to have it so I hope a smile will make up for it’. Walking down their cement steps I started fantasizing (I do that a lot) about actually meeting these people instead of being so brief. I waved and looked at as many people as possible and greeted a few kids that would stop to look at us. I do not know how many of us had realized this, but I was looking and saw that these people were really happy. Two little girls, shy and slightly hesitant in my opinion, walked up to one of us and gave a rose. I feel as if it was a very pleasant and warming, however brief experience. I only wish my picture taking skills were as good as my ability to detect content feelings in people’s faces.

By Jennica Bouquet

Is there a doctor in the house? Today there were two, and for free! After cleaning and setting up the clinic and pharmacy at the Clinica De Esperanza on Saturday, we were ready to open the doors to families with medical needs. Dr. September, a pediatrician from Little Rock, came to help Gayle see patients. People were waiting outside the clinic for more than an hour before the appointed opening time – word travels fast in Honduras. More than 60 patients were seen. Over 160 individual prescriptions were written and filled for various ailments including ear infections, colds, allergies, and parasites. After being examined by the doctors, patients would be given prescriptions to be filled at the clinic pharmacy a few feet away. There the patients would be greeted by “gringos” filling prescriptions with limited medical/drug knowledge which, at times, could prove challenging for both patient and gringo. But wait, there’s more! As if that weren’t enough we then had to explain (in broken Spanish) how and when to take the medication. The good news is that we were able to get the important messages across (thanks to God) and we were truly blessed to have a wide variety of medications and medical supplies to give to these families in need. Esther Sutherland worked as a translator in the reception area. She had the women in the clinic waiting room singing Christian songs, helping the time to pass a little quicker and with more joy for everyone. What an awesome way this was to reach out to those with both physical and spiritual needs. It was a blessing to be involved in this ministry and to see the happiness and relief on the faces of the patients and parents of sick children. We are looking forward to what God has in store for us in the next few days! We love and miss you. Have a blessed day!

By Lindsey Tate

good morning

2007-06-17T09:45:00.000-04:00

Good morning! It is starting out as beautiful day in Honduras. The rains have stopped for awhile. Santa Ana was alive with work yesterday. 2 house teams spent literally all day trying to get the homes done in the monsoons that opened up upon us yesterday. The teams were wet and cold but they kept working. One of the homes will have to be completed on Monday. The rest of the team worked at the clinic in Santa Ana, 118 boxes were unpacked full of medicine and the pharmacy was born. I had a bunch pill poppin, paint flying, cleaning, crazy saw cutting people that worked nonstop between power outages (cant see in the clinic very well under flashlight power. )

God’s power was evident in the thunder and lightening and replenishing of the earth with the water of life. The setting is beautifully masterer by the master himself. Untouched hills and mountains outlining the horizon and trees that don’t stop. This setting would not be in America because we all would of borrowed our last dime to live here. It would be covered with rich beautiful homes and safe neighborhoods. Guarded gates and entryways. Manicured lawns and landscaping. I personally like it better this way and am thankful there are places like this with peace pouring out of every rock and flower and cloud.

The greatest thing I witnessed today was the unfolding of a prayer that was answered in such a powerful way. You see, I have been feeling like a failure for these past 8 months at not being able to get the medical clinic working full time. I am always drawn with the want to come here and work full time and get it running myself. My strongest desire is simple. Not wanting it empty or unused, and wanting to meet the medical needs of the poor. Knowing I am not capable of this task. I have prayed earnestly since my last hospitalization for God to send me someone.

Someone came in a big way today while we were working. Her name is Dr. Olga. It just happens she is the first Doctor I met on my first day in Honduras in 2001. She was running a clinic at the Baxter Institute where I saw patients all day. She could never pronounce my name so she re-named my Rosie. Many in Honduras still call me by this name. I was unable to meet with her on the last trip as I had to be flown home early. So all in God’s timing, not gayle’s she arrived. She loved the clinic. We walked around holding hands and looking at everything and talked about dreams. She loved the principles that the clinic expected to portray. After a time she said she would be willing to run the clinic 5 days a week. Administration would include working with the mayors of Santa Ana and Ohohona to meet the needs in the 2 neighboring communities. She would see the patients, provide follow up and give them their medications for free. Then she asked how much the job paid. Of course, I had no idea, I had invited her to the interview with not a clue what would happen at this point. I asked her what she wanted. I told her frankly that there was currently no money to pay for a doctor, that she needed to tell me what she wanted and I would have to pray about it, talk to the board and let her know if it was possible to make the dream come true. She finally said 15,000 limpera a month. I almost passed out on the spot. That is 789. US dollars a month. THAT IS $9.468. A YEAR!! For a full time doctor, that I have know for 6 years, know she can do the job, and know she is perfect for the job. Did not hire on the spot, even though I wanted to and will talk to her again before the team leaves. Only God could answer my prayers in such a mighty way. He not only sent the resource but an attainable financial goal for us to reach. All I could do is cry and say thankyou and share the moment with some of my dearest lady friends.. Wanda Curington, Dianne Ortt, Susan Wirsch , Lindsey Tate and Janet Hines. David Logue was there who made most of the donations happen this year and has poured his heart and soul and time into the project.

God is making it happen. The day filled me with energy and the power of His grace and love of his children.

It WAS a very good day. Monday will me my first chance to work in the clinic. I am so excited God put me here in this time.

Serving you with Him,

gayle davidson

See the change... make the change... BE the change

2007-01-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

Erase
Your past, live a new life.

See the change in this mans tattoo after only 3 treatments. It is nothing compared to the change in the mens lives. It takes patience and the follow up is difficult with this group of men but it is worth it. The hugs and tears from the men who can now get employed and provide for their families and not worry about being killed for the tattoo, are worth every single bit of time and money spent. They are in wonderful Christian programs and the men and women in the program openly praise God for their blessings. I personally thank God for the personal example they gave me on this trip.

This was my 5th trip since the beginning of the program to remove the tattoos. The current trip was dedicated also to training the willing Honduran physicians in this process in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. This trip was so encouraging. Many of the boys did not come with their director because their tattoos are completely erased. Several that came were faded almost completely away. For many of the men this will be their last treatment.

This was a very special trip. The program has new directors since the new government came into office. We were able to meet with them and set up protocols and a plan for the future. Five Honduran physicians were trained on this trip that have a lot of potential and have hearts for the work. One of the docs has come for 3 separate training programs and I have put him in charge of the medial management of the tattoo program. They have purchased land and plan on building a clinic dedicated to this work. One of the physicians I trained on this trip has a Foundation here in Honduras and plans on providing funds for to keep the future of the program alive and buy ongoing supplies. This is great news.

The entire staff seems dedicated to the program, particularly the director. We prayed together for the future success of the program and the effective change in their lives. It was with tears that I turned over the key to the machine... I felt like I was giving away one of my babies. But, I know it is in good hands and like a good adoption, I know these new parents will do an awesome job of growing the program into an effective ongoing reach out to men and women that are ready to begin new lives.

We will continue to support the program until it is able to walk and stand on its own. I know that it will.

I can't begin to describe to you the great blessings that you will experience personally when you involve yourself in changing lives for good. Just do it!

Serving Him with you,
Gayle Davidson

Tim Hines and Gayle Davidson/Tattoo trip # 4

2006-09-10T21:39:00.000-04:00

This was our 4th trip since March 1st to remove tattoos. Optimally the patients need a treatment every 6 weeks for 6-8 treatments. That means it can take up to 48 weeks to remove a tattoo. This trip Tim Hines met with the new government and they came for a show and tell session with the laser. They seemed to be impressed with the program. Hopefully, they will want to continue to help these men get back their lives and become productive members of society. Tim has been integral in the ministry, providing all the support needed to run the program. (Interprets, organizes, puts the machine together, transports, and takes care of all the details required to keep us safe)

We have been training Honduran physicians to take over the program in Honduras from the beginning so there will be better opportunity for follow-up. The x-gang members continue to bless us with stories. It is great to see them come back for each session. They really complimented me this trip. They would not let anyone but me do their treatment, even though we had a qualified physician training with me, they had no problem saying "only gayle" could do the treatment. I felt sorry for them hurting the doc's feelings for a brief moment but I have to admit that it made me feel good to have the trust of the guys. The program has come a long way from the beginning when they were afraid of the treatment (and me) because they had been so abused with other programs and methodology. Being a small part in this ministry has been a true and unique blessing from God. I am enjoying it immensely. I thank God for the opportunity to serve in this manner. gayle

Clinic in Santa Ana Honduras

2006-09-05T00:50:00.000-04:00

I love reading stories all through the Bible of how absolutely amazing things happen to ordinary everyday people.
• The people Jesus healed
• The people that got to eat the loaves and fishes.
• The people that were inspired by God to write down the scriptures.
• The men that pulled in the huge catches of fish.
• Gideon and David
It is so cool that amazing things are still happening to ordinary people today. Being a child of God (even an ordinary one) is such a blessing. This child had the great honor of standing in the clinic in Santa Ana early Sunday morning and seeing the fruits of our labors (through joyful tears) come to life. I was deeply touched and in awe of all that people have accomplished towards this goal. We moved in the furniture on Saturday and it is ready to begin caring for the poor of this area. There was a pre-site visit today by a team that will begin the first dental brigade on September 18th. We have already begun to recruit physicians to provide medical care.

I am looking forward to the day when I can personally provide care for people that come into the clinic. Our torch teams will also be able to provide care during the summer trips. The next container will provide the medications for the pharmacy. Beki Nickens has volunteered to help with this. These will be free to the people of Honduras.

God provided all the right people and supplies to accomplish this task. How do I thank people for making dreams come true and scripture coming to life?? Everything that was asked for and prayed about was given in abundance.

To Doug Hines, Mike and Debbie Lovelace and Barbara Boyd for your support on the project. Also, Barbara, for being my prayer warrior and unending personal support on this dream from the beginning. To my husband, Keith, for putting up with my continual addition of work to our household. Mitch Williams at the Health First warehouse for providing all the equipment and supplies. Paul Behrenberg for drawing up the plans. A special thank you to all the container loading crazy people and supportive people at the Melbourne church of Christ. To Tim Hines, for all the work in obtaining the land, legal papers, electricity, water and work on the outside to build up the land and patio in the back (it is beautiful) and believing in the clinic, even when I had my doubts. Gena Hines and Mark Connell for working on the roof. Nicole Tindall for all the hours of staining the ceiling. Joe Merillat for supervising the work since January. A big thankyou to all the Torch teams that painted, scraped, and cleaned. Mark Halbert for providing the funds for the front gate. Timoteo Estrada for all the hard work for the past year. Yul Galindo and Gina Larios for helping move all the supplies to Santa Ana last weekend and fixing everything that was not working. You guys rock!!!
Love you all.
And love serving Him with you,
Gayle

They Have Arrived!!!

2006-06-30T22:34:00.000-04:00

It was so exciting today to personally see the first children arrive to Casa de Esperanza in Santa Ana. We know this is the result of a lot of hard work, tears and prayers answered. Welcome to Jose Yovani age 8; Marvin age 7,Mario age 5, Francisco age 2 and Jose Antonio age 1. All are biological brothers. Keep Jen, Karen, Nicole and Jeff in your prayers as they transition these children into a new life.

If you want to keep updated be sure to check Jen and Karen's blogs. www.calledandcompelled.blogspot.com and kdvaughan.blogspot.com.

These kids need sponsors willing to accept financial responsibility for their care.

Serving HIM with you,

gayle davidson

Changed Hearts

2006-06-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

The mission trip is coming to an end. We are in a beautiful setting on an island called Roatan. The team has learned to work together to get a job done, even when it is difficult. They have bonded as a family. We have learned to lean on each other during the weak times and be a strength to others when needed. As we all reflect on the past 2 weeks, we inevitably have to take a closer look at ourselves. This is sometimes painful but always beneficial.

Bringing this into focus is sometimes difficult after experiencing a new group of feelings that may have of never been identifiable in the past. As Tim led our last two devotional he made it clear what our Lord expects of us and what we should expect of ourselves.

It really doesn't matter how many houses we built or how many people we helped. The numbers are not relevant. All that really matters is that hearts were changed. I have seen the light reflecting from the kids on this trip. Hearts were changed and will continue to rock the world they live in.

It was all good.

Gayle Davidson

The Reward

2006-06-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

We worked Wednesday at a children’s’ home in Zamarano named Good Shepherd. It is run by Gregg and Eva Vaughn. We brought them pizza, cotton candy, popcorn and a lot of love and attention.

On my first trip in 2001, they had all the kids in their personal residence. There were around 60 kids at the time. They were not easy kids to take care for from the standpoint of difficulty. The Vaughn’s were known for taking kids no one else wanted. Kids from gangs, kids that are abused in unimaginable ways, and mentally challenged kids. You are thinking that anyone who could care for that many kids in such a small space is outrageous and impossible to do properly. Simply not true. The kids are in excellent hands, receiving excellent care. Now 190 strong with 8 houses to live in and another under construction, we see the rewards of their labors.

Eva called all the children together who were excitedly gathered on the playground we had just constructed. Thank you Mike and Debbie Lovelace for providing the funding! She had all the kids that came out of Cassida Kennedy raise their hands. As you recall from a past blog, this is the governmental orphanage where kids were throwing chairs at us and hitting and biting. She asked the ones who came from Cassida to raise their hands. There were approximately 60 children. What an impact on our team to see how some love and attention could turn their lives around and erase all the anger that we had witnesses from our visit to Cassida last week.

For people like the Vaughn’s and for the teens and adults on this trip, the reward is as basic as the smile of a child. Simple, but worth more than any material reward on the planet. As they ran down the fence while we pulled away in the bus there were mixed emotions, tears on both sides of the fence mixed with encouraging smiles.

We all knew that it just doesn’t get any better than this. To know that the children have a good home with Godly people.

It was a great day.

Gayle Davidson

Sometimes it is difficult

2006-06-18T08:54:00.000-04:00

Today I was reminded of Jesus and how difficult it was to carry his cross. Joe and Amber and Dalton were lugging the 16 foot long 4x4’s down the mountain to the house site. They are very heavy and awkward. The pathway was uneven. It isn’t particularly the thing you want to do but it has to be done. It’s not like every single time the leader of the house says “we need to go get those pieces of wood” that everyone drops their hammers and nails and runs to do the job. Many ignore the request. Some think, “I can’t do that, it is to hard.” Jesus had so much more to bear. He had so much longer to travel with his burden. He knew it was going to be hard and even asked beforehand if he could ignore the request.

Joe and Dalton and Amber and Korah and Melissa carried the wood down because it needed to be done and because they have a love for people they don’t even know. Jesus took his cross for us for the same reasons.

Watching young people “be Jesus” is a wonderful opportunity and great blessing. It doesn’t get any better than this.

It was a good day.

Gayle Davidson

Who Cares?

2006-06-17T09:32:00.000-04:00

Who cares?
Nobody wants you. Not your parents, your grandparents, or any member of your family. No one else on the planet cares either. You are 7 or 8 years old and you wake up one day and there is no one there to take care of you. You sleep on the streets, scavenge for food, and look for any opportunity to get what you need to just survive the day.

This is one of the places our team visited yesterday. It is not really an orphanage or a children’s home. It is a governmental agency to “sort the problems” It is merely a stopping place until they can find a way to get rid of you too. The workers are paid less than minimum wage. Sometimes as little as one dollar an hour. So they are in one of two categories. Either they love the kids and have other sources of income or they are desperate for a job and really don’t care about the kids.

The team witnessed biting, fighting, kicking, screaming, scratching, chair throwing and hair pulling. Ok, they did not just “witness it” they experienced it too. These kids had no problem throwing a chair at us or kicking us in the leg and running. Some of them had to be restrained by the adults until they calmed down. We also visited the governmental hospital where an 18 month has been in a hospital bed for 6 months with no visit from anyone in her family. She looks like a 5 month old because of the malnourishment. Ben Kleckner shared with us that the same kid he visited last year was still there. Abandoned in the hospital. You may wonder how this could be good for these teenagers on the trip? Why would we take them there? Because these kids at these places needed it most. They needed to know that someone cares enough about them to come for a visit. Jesus visited and cared for less than desirable people throughout his ministry. He was teaching us to do the same. Your kids reflected Jesus today in these places. They loved the unlovable, accepted the unacceptable.

At the end of the day, during devotional time, they told us story after story and unfolded life lessons that they had learned during the day.

Lauren Branard told us about trials producing perseverance. Korah Wiley told us that we could not grow without love. Lauren Chudkowsky said she understood why they were angry. The rest expressed the positive side of a very negative situation.

It was a good day.

Gayle Davidson

Purpose

2006-06-15T23:06:00.000-04:00

We learned about finding purpose in our lives at devotional tonight. Our purpose is clear here in Honduras… we know what we need to do and we do it. There are no distractions nor do we have any way of going anywhere other than where the bus takes us. The point is that your kids and the rest of the team choose to get on the bus and do whatever needs to be done that day. I have not heard one complaint.

Today they built 2 houses in a town called Nueva Oriental. The town is full of people that work together to get things done. They have a strong sense of community. They, of course, have more children than you can even imagine. Lauren Chudkowsky tried desperately to help build the house as that was her purpose for the day. God had different plans and she ended up being a kid magnet. They kept taking her gloves away and her hammer so she would play with them. They knew how to count to 10 before it was over and how to play “double time.” She knew before the day was over that God had different plans for her that day. She opened her heart to his will and obeyed. Wouldn’t it be great if we could be like Lauren in our own lives??? Flexible, adjustable and ready to do his will.

Amber Davidson and Ryan Bailey led the 2 houses. Both are good on the roof. We enjoyed presenting the homes complete with a locking door and a prayer for the future of their families.

It was a good day.

Gayle Davidson

We are here

2006-06-13T22:38:00.000-04:00

Just letting everyone know that we have arrived safe and sound. The team packed out food for 150 families when they arrived. Tomorrow we will be building houses and unloading our container from Melbourne. More news coming....

Keep your Bible close to you...

2006-04-30T01:29:00.001-04:00

The gangs came to his home and began shooting through the walls and windows and doors. They killed his wife and child. He held up his Bible straight out in front of him with both hands like a soldier going into battle with a sword as the bullets showered all around him and asked God to help him. Not one single bullet hit him. He had to lose everything that was important to him so he could realize what he was to do with his life. After mourning the loss of his family he began to preach at the prison. Dedicating his life to changing the lives of gang members, he continues to carry the Bible to share his story. His life is threatened each time he goes into the prisons. He goes without fear even though he is threatened at every turn. He says he will continue to preach God’s word even though his opposition shouts out to him at each visit that it will be his last day on the planet. He says if it is his last day, then he will be doing what he is supposed to be doing.
Serving with you, gayle davidson

All I ever learned, I learned from Tim Hines not Kindergarten

2006-03-10T04:47:00.000-05:00

Service in Action

Have you ever read the book, "All I ever wanted to know I learned in Kindergarten?" It is a book about life and how to live it. I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it. Personally I don't even really remember Kindergarten much less what I learned there, if anything. I thought I was just there to have fun and to meet cool people that were there to have fun too.

What I do know is what I have learned from God's servant, Tim Hines. I know that many of you out there have learned some of these same things and will totally agree with me.

I have learned Passion in service. Depth in prayer. Compassion beyond reason. Wisdom in the journey. Patience with the multitudes. Hope for tomorrow. Unleashed power through music and song. Unending strength to do the seemingly impossible... How to find light in total darkness. And Lastly, I have learned how to find the unfindable fish.

Jesus was all about showing his disciples how to fish and that the rewards of doing what He said was indescribable. Can you even imagine trying to pull that many fish into a boat? The excitement that a "fisherman" would have at that moment in time. Jesus probably just laughed as he watched their enthusiasm and anticipation at the catch. Jesus knew that all the fish in the world were nothing compared to the reward he promised us as his followers.

Today was our last day of tattoo removal for this trip. We arrived at the location in San Pedro this morning. We set up in a room that was less than desirable. Tim made it work. Being a new group of young men, Tim had to provide orientation before we began. Then he held hands, provided comfort and encouragement, and made sure (all day) I had everything I needed to make it work. Interpreted everything that needed to be said. Assisted in the orientation of two physicians from the local area. Intercepted the media. Handled the police. Encouraged local group leaders. All I did is provide the needed laser therapy for the men to get on track with rehabilitation.

The x-gang members had no remarkable or out of the ordinary stories to tell today. Yet I am left with the feeling that the remarkable still occurred.

Serving Him with you,

gayle davidson

Colossians 3:15-17

Time running out/Trust

2006-03-10T01:04:00.001-05:00

It hardly seems like we have been here working for a day, and here it is the end of Day 6. Most of the gang members can't believe how blessed they are to have someone helping them with this very difficult problem. It is so worth it from the standpoint of the change in their lives, but today I am seeing the blessings we are personally receiving from the program. The patients are blessing us with their trust. The gang leader came back today, he had only let me remove minimal tattoos the other day but now he is ready for me to work on his face. He trusts us. He knows we are only looking out for his best interests. Because of my lack of Spanish skills, I have no way of creating trust in these people. All they see is some woman holding a really big scary gun when they come in the room and I want them to sit or lay down on the table right next to me. They are ready to run for their lives. I can't make them feel any better about their situation or calm them with my words. Many times in mission work this has made me feel inadequate but I know without a doubt that it is how God meant to be. It is how the body of Christ works together. It makes Romans 12 come alive. We don't all have the same gifts. It was never meant for any one of us to do it all. How we work together with our different gifts to get a particular job done is what God wants us to comprehend. It has been a beautiful concept and it has blessed me continually on this trip. Marilyn and I take turns so that no one person gets to tired to continue. We encourage each other and help each other with the process. Sometimes one of us sees something that the other does not see. Tim has been unbelievable at calming the patients, explaining the process to the patients, and showing the the hope Jesus offers with their new life. The people involved in the rehabilitation program have bent over backwards to be supportive. Most of the x gang members were accompanied by their minister or spiritual mentor as well, who added encouragement and a hand to hold through the process. The process is not without pain and was difficult for the stoutest of patients.

The greatest blessing for all of us, I feel, has been from the X-gang members themselves. Their stories of their lives changing for good. Hearing them call out to God for help. Singing. Watching them read their Bible while they wait. The satisfaction after they are finished. They are so excited. I can not even phantom walking around in life worried that I could be killed any minute of any given day just because of a mark on my skin and the wrong person sees the tattoo.

The other blessing these men have given us each day is the eye opening realization that you can love a person, no matter what they have done in the past, if you just choose to love the sinner and hate the sin itself.

So. On my last day, the only gang leader alive here in Honduras that is not in prison or dead, asked me to remove the tattoos on his face. (he spoke English, yipppeee) As I mentioned before, he has been hiding them under makeup so he can go outside. He had let us remove his smaller ones last week on his hands and arms. The number 1 was tattooed on one cheek and 8 on the other.

By the time I was finished, tears were rolling down his cheeks. We talked about the tears... He was obviously embarrassed by it. We decided together that the tears represented a cleansing. He hugged me and told me thank you and that he loved me, and that I was his sister in Christ. There could be no greater reward that I can think of. God is good. Have a great day. Look for the good in everyone you meet today.
serving Him with you, gayle davidson

Light wins every time

2006-03-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Tattoo's day 5

2006-03-06T02:05:00.000-05:00

Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 11:05 PM
Subject: Day 5 of tattoo removal

Today was another day when you wondered how you could be so blessed to be in a certain place at a certain time. Every x gang member that came in had a tattoo that was “premiere”. What that means in English is that if I gave them a choice, out of 20 tattoos on their body, it is the very tattoo they wanted removed most. Either the tattoo put their very life in danger each day as they traveled back into their neighborhood or it was the most visible. You see, in Honduras, if the police catch you with a tattoo, it is an immediate four years in prison… needless to say, you would not want to be caught with that brand on your body. The most troublesome are on your fingers or face or lower arms. And, of course, these were “premiere.” The trouble was that the big bad tough boys were afraid. Can you believe it? The guys and girls you would think would be the toughest on the planet were afraid. Many had tried to erase their past before. Most of them tried to erase their physical signs of the past (their tattoo’s) with battery acid, hot irons, or programs that tried to electrocute the ink out of their skin with cheap little machines that were nothing more than torture units, leaving the person with no hope, scars, and many fears.

You may think to yourself, this is a total waste of time, to remove these tattoos; they are just doing it to stay out of trouble with the law. We are just a means to their survival. I can tell you that this is so far from the truth. It was obvious that these men had turned their lives over to God. They were helping others and making a new life. Some are preaching. Some are trying to help their friends get out of the gang too.

Herein lies the problem. Many of them did not trust us, or our removal methods, because they had been “burned” literally and physically in the past. No trust. No faith in the system. No hope in the future. Many hid their past with shirts, makeup and artificial means. It is no different than the way we hide our sins. We try to cover them up with any means possible. We pretend to be something we are not. We hide who we are. We worship together with our Christian family, yet we never let anyone see who we really are… In fact we deny it ourselves, just like Peter did when he was asked if he knew Jesus.

I am guilty as charged. Many times I pretend to be someone I am not and I forget that I am HIS. I belong to Him and only Him. Today a man came into have his tattoos removed who has only known his Lord for four years. He is the only gang member left in Honduras who has 18 tattooed on his face. This facial tattoo indicates leadership. Every other gang member in Honduras has been imprisoned or killed for this.

You may not know the beginning of the story; the gangs of Honduras killed the President's son. He set out to “Fix the problem.” The military was sent in to every place where gangs were known to reside and they were wiped out by all means necessary. This went on for several years. The President of Honduras had finally had enough. The end result of this change of heart was the purchase of the very tattoo machine that I have been holding in my hands for the past five days. He literally paid for it. Unheard of in a third world government but because of Tim Hines’ diligence for two long years, we were given the opportunity to take this project. The very man, who had persecuted for so long, sought rehabilitation and grace for the very men that killed his son. (Sound like a familiar concept??)

It is so much like what God offers us as sinners. He offers light in a world of darkness. To remove the tattoo, we have to use a light that is so bright; you can’t even look at it without special goggles. Our eyes simply can’t take it. As you put the bright light into the darkness of the black ink of the tattoo, the darkness begins to disappear. Soon the darkness is replaced by light. It is not perfect but it is nothing like it was before. Within an hour of the laser light treatment, the tattoo looks almost the same as it did before we started. But it is ever-changing as our walk as disciples of His. The dark ink will gradually be carried away over the next 6 weeks out through the persons’ circulation. By the time we see them again in 6 weeks; over half of the ink will be gone. If the person continues to return for treatment of the laser light, by their choice, the darkness will be gone forever. Continually putting light into our lives will forever change us for good and continually push out the darkness.

Every person who came in to see us today to have a tattoo removed today had an unbelievable story. But one person stood out above all the rest. He was a leader. “1” is tattooed on one cheek and “8” on the other, indicating the gang # 18. He had 600 people under him to do his bidding. As, we were removing his tattoos today, we asked him, “what in your past do you feel the most guilty about?” After a time, he told us a story. A girl in his gang broke a rule. She had begun to “hang out” with a man in a different gang. This is simply not allowed. As a leader and creator of the rules, he had to take care of the problem personally. You see, he knew her since she was a child; they grew up together, were friends and had a trusting friendship. The night he went to kill her, she greeted him with a hug and genuine welcome. She walked with him to her death. Stabbed 27 times by himself, he cut off her finger and put it in his pocket to take back to his “gang family.” As he walked away, he could feel it there. He regrets that she had no idea what was coming, never guessed his intentions as he walked with her. We asked him if he had asked God for forgiveness. He said yes. We told him that if he had asked with a sincere heart that God had forgiven him and forgotten everything that happened that day and he should forget it too.

The joy of serving these men comes from the fact that you KNOW they are changed for God. You can tell by their words, actions, and deeds. It has been an honor.

Serving Him with you.

Gayle Davidson

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation, the old is gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

PS We travel tomorrow to work with a group in a different part of the country. Keep the x gang members in your prayers, that they will continue to seek the light in a world full of darkness.

,

Tattoo's day 3

2006-03-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2006 1:35 AM

It is our 3rd full day of tattoos and everyday we get blessed by someone's story or the blessings we find in each other. We are all focused on getting the job done and all want the same thing for the x-gang members. We want them to find a new life. We want them to erase their past and find a new life. We pray each day that our example will touch them and remind them that we are doing it for God and he is the only way to change for the good.

The guys today seemed to be a little rougher group but still working to change their lives for good. They were patient and grateful. Several have told us they can never go out of hiding until their tattoos are removed. This may take 9 months of time to do, so they won’t scar. We ask you to join us in praying for their futures and hope in God. One man told us today that "I just want a normal life, I want to go to church and find a wife and have kids" without being threatened.

Some can’t even go to their own neighborhoods after they try to get out. They force them to show their tattoo and if it is not there, they hurt them. Some are so happy to be alive and well in their faith with God that they don’t even try to go back to their own neighborhood.

Marilyn Gilroy has been such a blessing. Always positive and helpful. And she is really good at aiming and firing. Ha. Tim has been invaluable. He does whatever needs to be done and then blesses us with more. He has been a great comfort to the x gang members and seems to know just what to say to them. I have enjoyed the work as well and pray God holds us up until we can finish this first round. We will have to retreat the patients every 6 weeks and some tattoos take 6 treatments to fully erase.

We went out to Santa Ana today for a little while this morning and the children’s home are awesome. The clinic is getting closer and all the cucuy houses look awesome. It will be ready for kids soon. A lot of hard work has gone into the property and it is thriving.

Thanks for keeping up all the prayers. We love you, gayle

God is good

2006-03-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 1:02 AM
Subject: God is good

Have you ever have a day that is so out of the ordinary that you almost think that is isn't really happening? Today was one of those days. Full of surprises and and eye opening experiences that make you know that you are a part of Gods plan. It is great to know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be and the exact moment in time that you are supposed to be there. I feel so blessed to be able to serve in this manner. Tim Hines and Marilyn Gilroy and myself traveled to a local group today to remove tatoo's from rehabilitated x gang members. We spent the day with these men who have chosen to erase their past and to begin a new life. The programs in place are excellent. The people running them are caring Christian people who want to help people get a second chance. The x gang members are killled or arrested if they are caught with tatoos. So I expected some to just be taking advantage of the program to stay out of prison. I was very surprised. They truly did want a new life and had already started on that path. They sang songs in the lobby while they waited. Studied their bibles. Joked around and kept each other from being afraid of their turn. Committed men wanting to do right. One man just got out of prison 11 days ago. He has been preaching in prison for over 2 years and is living a life committed to God. He was an encouragement to all of us.

We met people with stories that would curl your hair and got to hear how they changed their life for good. They had overcome obstacles that we would never even be able to comprehend. To see a man with satan tatooed on his chest and be changed for God was such a contrast. It made us realize how much bigger God is that us. And how small we are when we do not recognize potential good in all people. The beauty of mission work in other countries is learning to love people no matter what the problem is, no matter what the past has been, no matter the backgroud. It can be the same in the places where we live, that we could only learn to look past the differences and love them like Jesus did.

I could not be any more blessed with a team. Marilyn puts people at ease and never gives up on whatever she is working on. She is always happy and not afraid to do what needs to be done. She makes it all fun in spite of all the work! She has been great to work with.
Tim was amazing. He talked to all the x gangers about the changes and put them at ease over the procedure. He feeds us, kept us hydrated, and kept us safe. The best part was Tim holding their hands when they were hurting. Distracting them with conversations so we could do our work. He made sure they weren't hurting and gave them comfort for their fears. I did not expect them to have any problems with pain. Never would I have guessed that the big bad gang boys would shed a tear or act like it hurt or act like they had fears. They are the same as us, with the same hopes and dreams. Fears and failures. They recognize it after they fell down and got up to fix it.

In short, it was a great day for hope. It was on all of their faces when they realized someone had bothered to help them. I absolutley love the work and pray it will be a successful program. Thanks for all your prayers.

Serving Him with you,

Gayle Davidson

It has begun

2006-03-02T20:41:00.001-05:00

Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 7:59 AM
Subject: It has begun

Marilyn Gilroy and Tim Hines and myself are in Tegucigalpa to begin the tatoo removal program from rehabilitated gang members. We had our first meeting last night with the program directors from all over the country and they are as excited as a kid with candy. It was wonderful to see people so dedicated to the work of giving people a new start in life. Humbling to be a part of something so meaningful. We start this morning here in Tegucigalpa. A big note of appreciation to Marilyn and Tom Gilroy who did the research and made the machine possible. A big thanks to Tim who worked endlessly getting the government to pay for the equipment.

We work for God's glory. Keep us all in your prayers for success and safety and that the lives we touched will truly be changed.

Serving Him with you,

gayle savage

Welcome to "Nowhere"

2005-07-03T00:19:00.000-04:00

This is little Maria. One week ago our Torch team "Happened" to be at the children's home where she lives. It was not the place we had planned on going that day, it is where we ended up after the other children's home could not accommodate our group. One of our team members, David Logue, noticed she was sick and came to me for help. She began to seizure and it became uncontrollable. After desparate efforts to get her fever down, we decided to transport her to the nearest hospital, over an hour away. She had a complete respiratory arrest before we could get her out of the truck. If our team had not been there in the middle of nowhere on that day at that time, she would of died. She quit breathing a second time before we could get her checked in the emergency room. Thanks to Beki, Robin, David and Gena and their willingness to be exactly where God needed them to be at that moment in time, you can see her smile today.

Consider that you may be able to make the same difference in someone's life if you are in the middle of nowhere. The middle of nowhere is exactly where God is calling us to go. So...come to nowhere with us. June 2006.

Serving Him with you,

Gayle Davidson

Land Available in Santa Ana Honduras

2005-04-11T01:20:00.000-04:00

Land available in Santa Ana Hondura….

Well, I thought I would share where I am with the land situation.

I have not seen it, nor do I have to. I trust Tim Hines and Marc Tindall to know if it fits our needs.

I obviously want land...

Tim called me Friday March 11th in the morning about the situation . I prayed to God that day about whether it was Gods will to give us the money to build a clinic. Tim had told me it would take 15K to build the clinic I was dreaming of. At 4pm (same day) on my way from work, I was on the phone with a lady here talking about something else and she asked me what projects were going on in Honduras. I told her that I was praying about a medical clinic. She said, that’s funny, she said, "I was praying this morning about what to do with this 15K profit from my house sale. I told God I would use if for him if I sold the house." I was crying and still on the phone with her when I pulled up at the health first warehouse. God had given me exactly what I had prayed for to the dime. Mitch was outside and saw me crying and came a running to ask why. I told him how God had worked that day. He put his arm around me (he is not a christian) and said "God is not finished with this day yet" He took me in the warehouse, walked me down every aisle and picked out everything, down to trashcans, for the clinic. He still has not figured out why I did not quit crying because he said the point to the tour was to make me stop with the tears.

The money is raised to build the clinic and we now have a storage unit full of every single thing we will need to open the clinic. From a business point of view and from a planning standpoint, I did everything backwards. You are supposed to plan the project first. Know how it will operate and how it will be funded. You then Budget the project and then raise the money for the land and then raise the money for the buildings and then (finally..) build.

I did exactly the opposite of what most people would of done. But here is the thing.
I did not do it...
God did it and who is to argue with that.

The IRC boards vision for whatever land we choose is a free clinic, a mi esperanza training center, housing for workers, a torch mission retreat center, homes for the poor, and a church. Marc Tindall wants to build a childrens’ home and I could go on forever.

I have only learned how to listen to God and his will in the past 3 years, he sure seems to have been shouting at me that friday afternoon. (he knows I am a little dense and need strong direction)

So with out making any logical sense to you business minded people, I am truly not worried about the money. God will call the right people with the passion to fund this project.

I love you all dearly and hope you will find this writing from the Spirit that is working thru these keys and giving direction where it is needed.

Your sister, gayle