2011 Ministry Update

2011 Annual Ministry Report

 

  • Introduction:

Blessings to all of our supporters and our Board;

As missionaries and President of Border Buddies Ministries Inc. every year we send an annual report of how the ministry is running. It will detail where we need to grow, areas to improve and what has been accomplished. This is a new format compared to the years past. We think that this new format will communicate in detail all that BBM is doing in Honduras. Below are the different sections of the ministry in which we serve.

  • Prison Ministry: The prison ministry has been a taxing one this year. It is due to the change that is taking place inside the prison. This change is from the lack of rehabilitation that is offered to an inmate. Also the persons that are incarcerated have to deal with the corruption that is with in the police and also the coordinators that are in charge of each section of prison. This corruption has made it difficult to evangelize the men and women inside the prison because the corruption has allowed the entering of drugs. The drugs have become a huge problem and addiction among the inmates. In turn this year has not been too productive for the ministry in bringing new lives to Christ. We are determined to try to bring hope and plant seeds in the hearts of the inmates.  On the same subject on rehabilitation for the men that are incarcerated we as the board have been working on the promotion of BBM Rehabilitation Farm. We wrote a proposal for the base and functioning of this farm. Also we have made a promotional banner to go with the written proposal. The kick off for promoting this farm will be at our Annual Luncheon in 2012. It is our desire to form this working farm so we can be able to offer some sort of rehabilitation for the ex-gang members who will be exiting the prison.
  • Tattoo Removal Ministry: This year the tattoo removal program struggled. In the beginning of the year we were removing tattoos on the inside of Tamara prison and had about 22 men in the program. As well we were removing tattoos inside the women’s prison and had 18 women in this program. The majority were gang members. With the new SPL gun we have seen huge amounts of change with the tattoos. The time frame has decreased in erasing the tattoo and as well has the area of removal has increased with this new gun. We have seen men that are now completely clean from ink. The program is running in Tamara and LaPaz prisons. Inside the LaPaz prison we have seen new men enter the program and with one session have been clean from there tattoos. Ink colors like green and red have been quickly removed in comparison to the old guns that we used in the past. However we have seen a change in the pigment and also some scaring. Many have had the pigment return and the scaring is small. From the beginning of this program with the infra red in 2005 until now we have erased over 200 plus tattoos. This program is needed because about 95% of the men who leave prison are killed with in 1-2 weeks. They are marked by their tattoos. We had one who was beaten, broken legs, and other bones and left for dead because he was an ex-gang member and had is tattoos still. The program is to motivate the men to remove their past, their tattoos, and also to give them a fresh start on life and in their thinking. We have in hiding ex-gang members who are emerged in the church and desperately need their tattoos removed. Also we were blessed to be able to get in contact with a Doctor in Honduras who also removes tattoos and wants for the two ministries to meet and share information. This will take place in February of 2012.
  • Youth Group Ministry: Our Saturday program with the ages of 4-14 is still growing. We currently have 70 plus children frequently and we max to 80 children on some Saturdays. Our Saturday program starts at 1:30 pm and runs until 5:30 pm. From 1:30-3:00 the kids play soccer, jump rope, color etc. From 3:00 to 5:30 the kids are divided by age into 3 groups. Each group receives bible teaching, craft projects, prayer and a snack which consists of juice, and pancakes or fruit. Each year we hold parties for the Day of the Child and also for Christmas. We have piñatas, games with prizes, and food for Christmas presents. A special part of the ministry is that Glenda and I make sure each child receives a Christmas card from us with a small message of encouragement. This has been an impacting part of the ministry.  These two special occasions are something the children look forward too as well. What we have seen over the years is the bond we are having with the children. Some parents have visited us with tears in their eyes or with concern for their family because their children ask why their daddies or mommies don’t give them hugs or love. At first we weren’t sure how to take this but the parents went on to reassure us that not only is it teaching the children how to love but how the parents are ignoring their love for their children. Our main objective is to love these children and plant seeds in them so when they do grow older they will look to Jesus and to those who love them for guidance and reassuring.

Our boys youth group has continued for four years now. Their numbers range because some quit because they have to go to work to support their family. Others quit because they entered drugs and don’t want to live by a no-drug-use youth group, and others have simply moved. Thanks be to God we still have our original core group of 13 boys and they range in age from 14-22 years old. They continue to sell on Saturdays to fund raise for their trips to parks and they are taking a tithe out and using the tithe to help feed 24 families in their own community. All of this is teaching them respect for each other, for the resources God gives them, managing money, helping others, unity, trust, work ethic, and family. On each Thursday they receive two hours of Bible study and one hour of planning. During this year as well we have had an explosion of conversions. We had two boys receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. One was a special case because we found out that this particular young man was involved in using crack and marijuana with a strong use of alcohol. After his conversion he has been clean for two months. It is always our desire to rescue the lost and bring them to the Hope. We know with encouragement that these two young men will make the necessary changes needed to become good Christian and citizens of Honduras. Also this year the boys have changed considerably and are trying to read the word more often and pray. They have been on a journey of two bible studies each week (Tuesday and Thursday) and it has had an influence on their lives. This year in 2011 we continued with our first all-girls youth group. There are five girls from ages 13-19. They do the same as the boys’ youth except they meet on Sundays to sell, Tuesdays for their Bible study, and they give their tithe to help a family with food and to a young boy with a skin condition in purchasing his medicines that his family can’t afford. There are many major issues we face with these boys and also with our girls youth groups and it is abuse. Each child either comes from a home with out a dad or mom. Each child either faces some sort of abuse whether physical, sexual, or verbal. Their self-esteem is very low. The boys have opened up much more than the girls and the boys have matured faster as well only because the boys have been in existence for 4 years and the girls are new. Also we have encountered inside the Barrio a huge “click” of youth that abuse drugs and sex. Two of our girls were involved in this secrecy and when we reached out to save the two girls an explosion of problems came forth. The two girls started to confess to us that there were older girls involved and this led to many families in shock. The majority of the families received the help we offering with thanksgiving. However one family didn’t agree with us in coming to them and bringing to there attention that their 13yr. old daughter was abusing marijuana. This has inflicted much unneeded abuse against the ministry because the family doesn’t want to accept the problems with in. Also by this abuse of drugs and the girls not accepting help from us have been asked to leave the youth group for the fear of this not needed influence for our younger girls. We hope by the following year we will see the girls open up more and start working on healing, growth and maturity. With the girls youth group there is a huge resistance with God and some worship Satan. What we have noticed in the Barrio is the change period a young girl has. In meaning that when a girl leaves 6th grade and isn’t old enough to enter our older girls youth group they enter into problems like drug and sex abuse. So in 2012 we will be allowing girls who have graduated from the 6th grade and are not involved in any church youth group to enter our girls youth group. We are expecting to receive 5 new girls for 2012 and with the promise and permission from their mothers.

Sponsored Children Ministry: It is amazing that in 2005 we had only 6 children sponsored. As of 2011 we sponsored 168 children who are mostly from the Rincon, Modesto, Menitas, and 21 de Octubre areas. February is the beginning of the school year and it runs into November. Every February we must take photos of each sponsored child, sign contracts for the new year with each sponsored child’s parent and have a tailor on hand to measure them so their uniforms can be made. A letter with our ministry letter head is then given to each child to be fitted at a designated store for shoes, sneakers, socks and shirts. Lists of needed supplies are gathered by each child and school supplies are purchased divided and delivered. All of this takes place in two weeks. Glenda has kept up with kids and kept our sponsors informed with reports during the year. She has sent out quarterly statements and translated letters and purchased gifts or food from various sponsors who have given extra money for their child. We graduated 14 children from the 6th grade at the Venezuela and Fuerzas Armadas Schools and they’ll be heading to the 7th grade. A huge blessing that we had this 2011 year is for the first time in graduating 12th graders. In the 21 de Octubre High School we graduated 9 students. This was a huge honor for us. Kenia Lopez is our first to have been in the program since 2005 and has walked form the 6th grade to the 12th grade. Also we were able to see two others who graduated from the 12th grade from Cultura Popular High School and Cultura Mixto High School. With each child we were able to participate in the their swearing in and as well as there graduation ceremonies. Glenda and I also received a special recognition from the 21 de Octubre school for all our help in providing the needs for so many students. This year we tried out two boys at the age of 15 and entered them into INFOP. It is a technology school. It is our 1st time doing this. The reason being is that we acknowledge that some children don’t have the capability to study in a regular school but have talent to study in a technology school. We enrolled Yoel Santiago and Yeovanny into the INFOP program this year. This has made a huge impact on their lives. These boys dropped out of school while in the 3rd grade.  However with the INFOP program they are scoring in the 80’s and lower 90’s. We would like to develop a branch for our One Child Sponsorship Program and find sponsors for those who would like to study at INFOP. The costs will be higher than a normal student because of special uniforms, work boots, and busing them to the school and back every day. We are looking at $230.00 per yr. per student. The ministry used its monies to try out these two boys to see if this program would work. They are pioneers for us. Our need of more sponsored children is growing because of the reputation we are having with the schools and within the communities. People are taking notice and like the blessings that each child receives by receiving a commitment to continue with their child until the 12th grade. We have over a 100 children waiting on our list in need of sponsors so they can continue to go to school. In December Glenda always receives a long line of mothers who have heard about this program and come from other barrios to sign up with our program so there child may receive help. This brings me to the next change we made as a board this year. The BBM board revamped the sponsorship form and also developed a new form for renewal sponsors. We believe with these new forms there will be less confusion and better records. Also all forms are in PDF format. Also with the increase of costs in books, uniforms and materials we will be changing the costs to sponsor a child for the year of 2012. As on now our dealers have agreed to hold the prices for us so we can make the necessary changes in the upcoming years. We are looking at an increase from $100 grades 1-6 to $135.00 per yr per child. As for grades 7-12 currently is $175.00 and we are looking at increasing it to $225.00 per yr. per child. The higher grade schools have increased their monthly payments from (30 Lempiras to 60 or 80 Lempiras per month per child.) Also the books sold for the high school students has increased because the books are made by teachers as well. Thank God our dealers for shoes, fabric, back packs and school supplies have kept there prices the same or with little increase. We made this announcement in late October and also in November with notices sent to each sponsor and as well as be e-mail.  

  • Teams: 2011 was another blessed year. We were blessed to receive four teams this year. It is our first to receive four teams in one year. So much has been accomplished by these teams. The first team (team#10) that came down was led by Al Erickson and Cathy Hendrickson from the Pennsylvania Ave. UMC. They brought down a team of 12 people during the month of May. They were able to continue to lay block, pour the concrete beams for the 3 classrooms. This team also started to prime the exterior walls and build a small roof to reflect the rain waters from coming in on the back side of the building. Team #11 led by David and Cynthia Pearson had a huge job in front of them not only by the project but also because they led our first all youth team. This team came during the month of June and had 12 people on team. They were able to install the roofing for the entire building, frame interior ceilings, install rough wiring and hang the first classrooms ceiling with sheetrock. Note: With any extra monies from each team we use it to purchase more supplies and or pay Pastor Giron and a laborer to continue with the project until the next team arrives or funds are used. As well as a lot of the funds generated by the teams went to hire a welder to build all the windows, doors, rafters and handrail. In July Team #12 led by Steve and Lisa Caracci in July. They had a team of 12 people. They had the difficult job of hanging sheetrock, finishing the rough wiring, framing in the rest of the ceilings, priming and painting all the classrooms. As well as this team conducted afternoon jewelry and knitting classes for the Barrio Rincon. Team #13 led by Dale and Cheryl Cleveland in August had the task to finish the wiring, panel box, connection the to pole, priming and painting all the ceilings and the entire outside of the building including the lower older part. They also prepared and poured the foundation for the new kitchen. This team also was able to be apart of the inauguration of the new building. What we have found is that with all four teams it has increased production by 10 fold. Also the teams have gone back changed people because of the connection was made with the Honduran people, the children and as well as with their relationship with Jesus Christ. Our dream is to host 10 teams a year and also partner with other churches to fulfill this. Teams allow people from the US to experience a different culture and make a connection with the Honduran people. It also allows them to see the need and see why BBM is here. More and more schools have sent requests to help their school out and bring the same blessings that have been brought to the Venezuela and Fuerzas Armadas schools. While we have the projection of 7 teams for 2012 and this will bring the completion of the Fuerzas Armadas school we are led to help a Kindergarten School in the same neighborhood which is in need of a new roof because the current roof has huge holes in it and doesn’t have the funds to change the roof. Also we will be helping our friends at the Venezuela School again by building a new roof over the existing basketball court. We also we be projecting the start of helping a new school in the Colonia Kennedy. This school has the same needs that many schools have. New roof, a need for a kitchen and painting. Glenda and I visited 3 schools and feel we are led to help this school. Lisa Edger has formed a sub-committee to work on forming a manual for team leaders. This has been accomplished and is available to all those who are interested in leading teams. What is left on the agenda is to form an accounting form for team leaders to use so we can keep track of the donations that are given. As well as it is our vision to develop a promotional video for teams so it can be sent to churches. Also Lisa has been working very hard in meeting with each team leader and or has been in contact by e-mail. This help from Lisa and her sub-committee will build a foundation for future teams to come.
  • Building Project in the Venezuela School: Border Buddies Ministries Inc. was able to build and provide a new play ground for the school. It was built in an area that was not used at all by the school but was transformed into an area with swings, see-saws, and monkey bars. The school and our Saturday youth program has been blessed by this enhancement to the school.    
  • New Building project for Fuerzas Armadas: During the year of 2009 Glenda and I were in prayer and search for the next school to help out. We visited three schools. We took pictures and asked many questions. Still we weren’t sure where to go. We then were led to theFuerzasArmadasSchool where we also have sponsored children. This school is also located in the department which is called 21 de Octubre. In this department there is a huge need for more Junior and Senior High school classes. Currently 50% of the students in this department have to take classes in other departments. This in turn brings in problems of temptation to enter gang life because they are out of the eyes of the parents. This director would like to change this school by adding aJunior-SeniorHigh school for the afternoons by adding the second floor to the main classroom building. 
    • Her desire is to change the roofing so the rain will stop from coming into the class rooms and interrupting the students’ studies. This will be the right side building and bathrooms. COMPLETED IN MARCH 2010.
    • To build a second floor over the left building. This will give three new class rooms and a warehouse for school supplies. Completed in August of 2011.
    • To build a cafeteria so the elementary students can receive lunch. Currently this school like every public school receives only sacks of rice, beans, powder soy milk, and corn. STARTED IN AUGUST OF 2011 AND WILL BE FINISHED WITH THE FIRST TWO TEAMS IN 2012.
    • To put a concrete cap over the river that runs through the school to give protection to the school from gang members or thieves. Projected Start in 2012.
    • We have 7 committed teams for 2012.
  • Tailoring classes: For our 7th year our tailoring class has continued to be a blessing to the community and the man and women who receive the classes. With the leadership of Don Antonio and his expertise the class has increased to 13 students. They have also been blessed by the teams that came from Victory Highway Church who came in July and August. With the combination of the two they taught the class how to make purses, clothes, pants, shirts, skirts, jewelry, knitting and much more. The class continues to grow in knowledge and has grown in machines as well. We were blessed to receive more fabric, measuring tapes, and tailoring supplies donated by Cheryl.  We are still hoping that this group will soon go out and start businesses of there own.

Kairos Prison Ministry:  In April of 2011 I Michael J Miller Jr. submitted my resignation papers from the title of President of Kairos Honduras. It was with much prayer and direction from the International Board that I would step down. I passed the position to Mario Palma and he has taken control of all Kairos Honduras property, checking account, and has formed a new board. Glenda and I feel this is the right decision since Border Buddies Ministries Inc. is growing and we can not handle two ministries. This is the last long in for this part of the ministry.

  • Summary Report: We always want to thank Jesus Christ for all that He has done in the last eight years of service in Honduras. We know that it is by His mighty will and by His motivating each supporter to give to this ministry and sustain us in Honduras. With our supporters we have been able to make some profound and impacting change in the lives of the Honduran people. There are many times of persecution, hard devastating days, days of no change and we know that it is an extra blessing just to see what impact has been made. Many missionaries sometimes will never see the change they made in a country or peoples’ lives and see the seeds that are planted. Jesus has blessed Glenda and me with seeing a glimpse of what He has been doing through us and this ministry. The spiritual war is growing every step we move forward. Conviction and the word “change” are hated by most. The growth of drugs and teenage pregnancy is growing in the community and also in the prisons. It seems at times that we take one step forward and 30 steps back. However we are encouraged every day by what gift Jesus has given. We are encouraged because there is other missionaries in worse times and with a lot less. We are blessed to have the support from our home churches and friends. However we hunger to do more and help more children who are not receiving an education, not receiving the love they should, men and women in prison given some sort of hope, and security in the name of Jesus Christ. Our hope and desire for this ministry is to grow it so it can be able to receive enough financial resources to bring help to those who are in need. We know that this report may seem overwhelming or if you are wondering how can they do all this and the answer is it isn’t us, but all those servants God places in our path. As we grow as a ministry we will hire persons to help with the school sponsorship, help with our Saturday program and Lord willing help in with the teams. We know that with our Board of Directors and all of you praying for this ministry and supporting us we are accomplishing exactly what God wants. The numerous miracles and the showing of His will is our testimony to the world. We are also blessed to have a board of directors who are Mark Erway (Vice-President), Laura Cummings (Secretary), Cheryl Cleveland (Financial Secretary), Paul Wills (Treasurer-Public Relations), Bruce Williams (Accountant), Lisa Edger (Missions Director), Harold LeFever (Spiritual Leader). They have worked very hard for the year of 2011 and have made many adjustments and changes to better this ministry. We have a new web-site, new magnets; quarterly statements are getting out, new letter heads, development of banners, calendars and so much more. We are pleased that Harold LeFever is on board as our Spiritual Director. Prayer and focus on the Gospel is always at the heart of this ministry and doing Gods’ work as HE sees fit. God bless all those who walk with us in this journey and the trust each of you share in Jesus Christ and in us for doing this work in Honduras.

Psalm 33:18 “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

This is an accurate report of the year 2011 and the programming that is being instituted for the prison systems and for the community of Rincon. This report was madefor the Border Buddies Ministries Inc. Annual report. This information is for the use of board members and all those who express an interest in the ministry. This annual report is factual knowledge and for a resource in expanding and changing the ministry in order to serve the people of Honduras better for the year 2012. 

Highlighted areas in this color indicates needed attention

Please check out: www.borderbuddiesministries.org for more information on our programming and ministries.