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Easter Day at SBV
We held our first SBV baptismal service yesterday. It was glorious, despite the fact that the sun refused to shine. We had had two days of early rainfall, so the ground was wet, and the grass was daring a little green color after a long dry season. On Saturday, I had met with each of the eleven children and one adult who were to be baptized, and felt their excitement. Jose Santos, who has been with us as weekend coordinator for two months, was the only adult baptismal candidate, and he said, "I feel the Holy Spirit inside me." |
| We began the service in our beautiful chapel, and after the lessons and a short message, walked the twenty minutes or so to the nearest creek. Jose Santos led with the cross, and we all followed along singing just about every joyful chorus we know. At the creek, Rev. Elvia Galindo stepped into the water, checked the depth with a stick (a very good idea, I thought!), and then led the Baptismal Covenant. There were children in trees, on the banks, and in the water. I wish you could have been there to participate in the glory, although I know that many of you were also celebrating in your own churches. Each child was immersed in the cool water, and then sealed with the Holy Spirit as "Christ's own forever" (a beautiful BCP phrase). We then processed back to the church where the "new Christians" were formally presented to our Good Shepherd family, and then received their first communion. Elias was so emotional that he couldn't remember what to do with his hands -- he's been holding them crossed on his chest for the last four years, and was thrilled to be able to participate fully at the Lord's table! Later, when we presented the Bibles, he also found me afterwards to thank me personally for his. His joy was palpable and contagious. |
Naturally, as all good Christians do, we had a special lunch afterwards with cake. Do Christians ever celebrate without lots of food?? The children always enjoy celebrations, and our visitors from Tegucigalpa made the luncheon even more special.
Thank you for your prayers for all of our children, but I ask special prayers this week for the newly baptized: Jose Santos, Carlos, Elias, Fernando, Kristofer, Sergio, Joel, Cindy Pamela, Cathy, Tatiana, Jocelyn, and Yojana. Please pray that their joy remains full, and that they enjoy their times in God's Word and in God's Family. Our baptismal classes were so special, and I loved hearing their short testimonies yesterday in front of the congregation. I asked each one, "Why do you want to be baptized?" Kristofer said, "I want to be clean." Elias said, "I want to know God better." These boys aren't even ten years old yet, but they have deep spiritual understanding. Yet another mystery of our faith which can only make us stronger as adults: Jesus making Himself known to us through the children.
And may we all celebrate the resurrection power and glory and love of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
He has risen indeed!
Suzy |
Celebration Trip Update from Susan Keller
Dear LAMB friends,
Three teams of US LAMB friends traveled to Honduras last month, mid February, to help the ministry mark two important events:
The 10th Year Anniversary Celebration for The LAMB Institute and the dedication of "Kitty's Chapel" also known as the Church of the Good Shepherd.
The teams were from Georgia (the Atlanta area); Charleston, SC (with some friends joining us from PA and VA); and Sumter, SC. Barbara Carlson, Howard Clarke, and Janet Barrow from Vermont and PA were able to be there as well.
The Anniversary Celebration
This very fun and lively event was held in Flor del Campo at the main LAMB campus on the soccer court on Saturday night, Feb 20th. As those of you who have been there know, the court is high up on the side of the mountain and overlooks the city. At night, there is a stunning sight of the city. The praise band  from one of the large Pentecostal churches in Teguc started the evening off with huge, loud rock and roll music for Jesus! It was a dancing, jumping kind of time! Even Wheeler was out there! There were several precious presentations from some of the children in different parts of the ministry. A special video about LAMB had been made by longtime friend and volunteer, Mandie Turner, for this night. We hope to have this available for people to share with others soon. One of the true high moments from the evening was a beautiful testimony from Esly, one of the young women who came to the children's home with her newborn daughter in 2006, after having been abused by her mother's boyfriend. She is now working in the daycare in Flor and doing so well. This was the first time she had ever publicly shared about what God had done in her life. With trembling and tears, she shared how God set her free from intense hatred and anger. Thank you, Lord, for rescuing and delivering Esly from the grip of the enemy. She is a brilliant light for all to see.
The Dedication of "Kitty's Chapel", the Church of the Good Shepherd
This was also a glorious event. Ground was broken for the chapel in February 2007, exactly three years ago now. This breathtaking structure is truly a holy place. It was given as many of you know, by Son and Helen Trask from Charleston, in memory of Son's mother, Kitty McCoy Trask, and in memory of his sister, Kitty Trask Holt, who died just a year and a half ago. Alongside Son as he spoke at the service were many of his family members who came for this special event. He told the children that day that he knew what it felt like to feel "lost" , having lost his mother when he was two years old. He told them that it was his prayer that the chapel would be a place where they would each come to know how much they were loved and cared for by  God....and where they would come to know God Himself. Also during the service, the teenagers presented a moving skit about how the decisions we make in this life affect our eternal destiny. There were four lovely new banners brought by the teams for the chapel. Another highlight was the ringing of the new bell! This was given by Cindy and Chuck Hughes from the Isle of Palms, SC. It was made in France and shipped to Honduras. After many months waiting to be shipped and then in customs, it made it out just in time to be hung and rung for the dedication! Inscribed on the bell is "Call to the Kingdom".
It is difficult to describe in words the beauty of this special church as it sits overlooking deep valley surrounded 180 degrees by uninhabited mountains. I believe this will be a spot loved and enjoyed by countless Christians until the return of Jesus.
During the rest of the week, each of the teams had different work assignments. What a privilege to be a small part of what God is doing at LAMB! Some worked to build a wall around the septic tank. Others spent time working with the ladies in Flor with sewing activities and sorting supplies. Some of the men worked on repairs at Suzy's house. Unfortunately, as is often the case, a good deal of damage by termites was found in the framing above the ceiling of her house. This is going to require a much more extensive team activity at some point in the near future. The Sumter team had a huge assignment. They were asked to paint the entire school in Flor - outside and inside! And they did it! Go Holy Comforter! This was a huge feat!
The Most Wonderful Part of All
Seeing what God is doing in and through the lives of the precious children was, of course, the most wonderful part of all. Seeing them grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually is such a blessing beyond words. Second to that, being with the LAMB staff, was also a wonderful thing. Seeing their committment to the work, their love for the Lord and determination to make a difference is always humbling and inspiring. Lastly, for us to have the experience of real partnership in something SO much bigger than anything any of us could have imagined is truly a priceless gift. Each of you are part of that partnership, my friends. We are so thankful for your loving support. Suzy, the staff, and the children rely on and need all of our ongoing love, support, and prayers. Thank you all so much! God is doing it!
Much love in the strong Name of Jesus,
 Susan C. Keller
LAMB Board Chair
215 Hickory St.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-870-8844
susanckeller@knology.net
MEET OUR NEWEST LITTLE LAMBS
December 14, 2009
Dear LAMB Friends,
We have two new precious lambs just in time for Christmas: Yolany and Mercedes! I picked them up this morning from Social Services.
Yolany (14 mos.) is blind, apparently from birth. She has an appointment to be evaluated this week. Mercedes (3 mos.) is wide-eyed, as you can see from her photo.
The enclosed report quotes Yolany's mother as saying, "I don't know why this little dog doesn't die." sigh. No doubt the mother has suffered, too, in order to be in such a frame of mind. We can only pray that someone along the way will share with her the love of Jesus so that she, too, can be held in His loving arms.
In the meantime, we are making room in our Home and in our Hearts for these precious sisters. Please pray that they will know how loved they are, and that even though Yolany cannot see our smiling faces, she will sense our joy.
Many blessings in Jesus,
Suzy |
2009 LAMB Institute Graduation
Dear LAMB Friends,
A joyous Advent season to all of you in the Name of the Returning King of Glory!
Last night (Thursday, Dec 10th) , we held the sixth graduation celebration of The LAMB Institute! Two women, Maria del Carmen Mondragon and Teodora Mejia (see photo of "Honduran Muslims"), finished two years of missionary preparation and received their diplomas. Both women live in Colonia Flor del Campo where the Institute is located, and have truly persevered in order to enjoy the particular satisfaction of having finished a goal very dear to their hearts.
Maria del Carmen is a housewife with young children, one of whom is a student at "Los Corderitos de Dios." She is a member of Iglesia Amor, Fe y Vida, which is attended by several of our staff (Gladys, Evelyn, Arely). Her husband has been very supportive of her studies, and as a couple they have ministered for many years in the neighborhood, leading people to Christ and discipling them through home groups. Through the ministry of Sylvia Padilla, a LAMB graduate and now a member of our teaching team, Maria has sensed a call to minister in a large post-Mitch settlement on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa. She spoke on behalf of the graduates last night, and was so excited and emotional that her talk lasted longer than the commencement address! :)
Teodora worked for many years for a repossession company, but two years ago felt that the Lord did not want her in that line of work anymore. She often returned home discouraged from having to enter people's homes to repossess items they could not pay for. By faith, she resigned, and shortly afterwards heard about LAMB. The Holy Spirit spoke to her heart, and she loves to share how He helped her with her financial obligations while completing the two-year program. She has three beautiful grown daughters, and is known in Flor as someone who reaches out with the love of Jesus to young people whose homes are broken. She cried with joy last night when presented with her new study Bible.
Each year, it is our custom to dress in international clothing, and name the graduation ceremony after a famous missionary. The students choose, and this year they chose . . . ME! :) It was a complete surprise to me, and really topped off my day, as I was also celebrating in my heart the completion of my master's program. I turned in my final project yesterday. What a touching present from Jesus!
The evening was Spirit-filled, joyful and an all-around tremendous blessing. Two people can change the world for Christ! And these women might just do it!
Jenny Funes, also a LAMB graduate, has been coordinating the Institute this year, but she is handing over the reigns to our dear friend and sister, Carmen Ortiz (see photo of dynamic woman!). Carmen is a pioneer in mission in Honduras, having been called by the Lord since 1993 to serve in any way possible in the training and sending of missionaries. Her brother and sister-in-law, Oscar and Miriam Ortiz, have been serving as missionaries in Mali, Africa for more than fifteen years. They were the first Hondurans to go to the unreached full-time, and are perhaps the best-known and most-loved and respected members of the Honduran Christian Church. All three of their boys grew up on the mission field. Carmen helped organize and served on the board of the first Honduran mission organization, FEMEH, which was affiliated with COMIBAM. She has collaborated all over Central America with every imaginable mission agency and organization for the past 15 years. Last night she wore a beautiful dress from Mali, and encouraged all of us to "take the Light of Christ to the nations." I am so excited and blessed that the Lord has led her to LAMB. I will continue to teach at the Institute, but it is so important for the Hondurans to be the ones in the limelight. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have as our LAMB representative to the mission and Christian community than Carmen Ortiz.
Thank you for helping us keep our vision alive to train Hondurans for mission both here and abroad. And please keep Carmen and Teodora in your prayers as they seek God's will for the next step.
Many blessings in Jesus,
Suzy |
Election Update
Hi Everyone -- We just got internet service back. It's been down since Saturday. Sorry. I know people are wanting to hear how the election went yesterday.
There was great voter turnout -- more than 72% of registered voters in Honduras went to the polls. Six polls were also set up in major cities in the U. S., and apparently there was also great turnout there. In all, about 2.5 million people voted.
The clear winner (56%), and thankfully there was one, was Porfirio (Pepe) Lobo of the Nationalist (Conservative) Party. The other main candidate was Elvin Santos (39%) of the Liberal Party. Their platforms were not very different, but Pepe focused more on security issues, which have always been the primary concern here, but after what happened with Mel Zelaya, nobody is thinking of much else. Pepe also offered some ideas about providing more employment opportunities. Elvin Santos is young and handsome, and has a beautiful, charming wife, but he didn't seem to have a lot of great ideas for Honduras, other than unity, unity, unity -- which is great, but had pretty much already happened because of the crisis.
Personally, I thought Elvin Santos was going to win. I was more than surprised by Lobo's overwhelming victory. However, Santos is from the same political party as Mel Zelaya, and he is a newcomer. Lobo is well-known, and while he isn't exactly exciting and charismatic, he doesn't seem to have any questionable political ties, and he had Oscar Alvarez on his ticket, who did an impressive job as Security Minister two presidents ago. As I said before, this is THE issue in Honduras, and probably the bottom line is that the Honduran people feel safer with Pepe.
There were ZERO incidents of violence. Praise God! A lot of people waited until the afternoon to go to the polls; they were watching their TVs to see if the coast was clear. It was. :) Mari voted in her first national election. She was very engaged, I'm glad to say. As you might imagine, I encourage my girls to express their opinions! Mari said she voted for a lot of women. :)
We are getting geared up for Christmas. It's quite a project to do Christmas for so many children, but fun, too. My friend, Judith from Cristo Redentor, and I have been shopping for figures for the nativity scene in our new church. In Honduras, that means more than just the manger scene. You have to have houses for villages, and trees and plants, and a church, and lots of animals. We bought a dozen "villagers" at one shop. It's a lot of fun looking for these "treasures," and they are inexpensive, so we hope to have a nice "nacimiento" for our children. They will help put it together each year, and of course it can be different each year, too, which makes it all even more interesting. The wise men will start far away, and move closer as Christmas approaches, and the Christ child won't appear until the 24th. Interactive. You teachers love that, right? Me, too.
This Sunday we are inviting our neighbors to church for the first time. Please pray as we open our doors to the community. We want to share our love for Jesus, and His for us, with them.
Thank you for your prayers yesterday. No doubt there was a legion of archangels covering Honduras!
Love, Suzy
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