A hammer and a bed

My sister, Debra, and her oldest daughter have gone on missionary trips to Honduras for the past two summers. They look forward to it... even though they will work for hours in the sweltering heat building houses for people they hardly know.

This past summer, my neice spent 3 weeks working side-by-side with people from all over North America in an effort to make a difference in the lives of a handful of people who live on a hill in a distant land that most folks don't spend much time thinking about. My sister could only take 2 weeks of vacation, so she couldn't spend as much time there as my neice, but since she cries nearly every day she's there, it's probably for the best.

You see, Honduras is not a particular pleasant place to live. Families live in conditions that most of us would find impossible to comprehend. Debra has seen children literally dig in a dump for scraps of food. In a way, I'm glad I have not gone on one of these missionary trips as I fear my heart would be left there. How could one watch a child digging for scraps of food and not be touched forever?

Before Debra left this past summer, I asked her to do me a favor. I asked her to use the money she'd otherwise spend on my birthday present to purchase something that she could take down with her to Honduras.

She bought a hammer.

It's such a small thing, really. A hammer. But put it in the hands of a seventeen year old and add a handful of nails and a few pieces of wood, and before long, you have part of a roof.

That roof covers the bodies of people just like you and me. They deserve to have shelter - a place to call home.

Unfortunately, many of the children in the area where this mission is are not taken care of by their own families. I read a newsletter last month by the lady who runs this mission area and she reported that some [children] have been abused, raped and neglected. They run the streets at such tender ages it tugs at the heart. One young girl, aged 10, has been repeatedly raped and abused. She is mentally disabled and has no home. Her 6 year old sister tries to care for her, but she, too, has been horribly neglected - and likely sexually abused, too.

This Christmas, I have asked my parents and my in-laws to forego presents for me and send the money to this mission. The mission will purchase beds for a shelter that was built earlier this summer for children just like the ones mentioned above. What may be donated may not be enough to buy a lot of beds - or perhaps even one bed - but it's a start. This holiday season, my list of wants is inconsequential.

There isn't anything I need that trumps a bed for a child.

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If you want to help a child in need, please send your contributions here:

Casa de Esperanza
P.O. Box 9222
Columbus, MS 39705

The newsletter I receive is sent by Terri Tindall. You can put your contributions to her attention.

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A Very Special Letter

This is a letter from my sister:

Dear :

I hope this letter finds you well. We are doing great with spring in full swing in the Midwest. The green grass, buds on the trees and daffodils in bloom remind us of God's infinite power and the blessings He has bestowed upon us. However, not everyone is as fortunate as we are. There are individuals in this country and around the world who live in unimaginable poverty.

In July, Lauren and I will go on a 10 day mission trip to Honduras to assist those who are less fortunate. We will be visiting hospitals, giving out clothing, delivering food and building homes for families.

I know this will be a glorious experience for me, but more important, I believe it will be an exceptional opportunity for Lauren to learn more about those who are less fortunate than she is AND to draw her closer to the Lord. Words cannot convey my pride when Lauren asked if she could join me on this trip. She has even been joining me in a Spanish class that I offer at the church each week in order to improve her ability to communicate with the Hondurans.

Lauren and I have to raise $3,000 ($1,500 each). This will pay for our airfare, two meals a day and supplies to build homes and feed families. We would be so appreciative of any donation you can make to assist us in our goal of helping others to know the Lord better through our love and our example. Whether you are able to donate or not, we need, more than anything, your prayers for a safe trip and for God's love to shine through us on these precious people.

The enclosed self-addressed, postage-paid envelope is provided for your convenience. Our goal is to have all of our funds raised by June 15th. Please make your check payable to TORCH if you would like to receive a receipt.

Thank you in advance for helping us to help others.

In Christian Love,


(If you would like to assist in this effort, please let me know)