The start of a New Year

It has been good to be back in the swing of doing life on the field after being on furlough for the holidays in the States. We were thankful for the time to rest, visit with family & friends, and update our supporters about our work with the ministry. And as much as we enjoyed the time in the States, we sure did miss spending time with the kids here in the ministry. What a blessing for us to get to serve in a way that we are so passionate about, we recognize it's a job that only God could have orchestrated! We are thankful for the work God has put before us and for the new relationships we are making with the FCM kids. They are such an amazing group of children & young adults. It's evident that God is doing a work in their lives and we are thankful to have a small part in that work.


                                                  Vacation Bible School

This past January the FCM kids had a great time during VBS. The cowboy theme was embraced by all.
They enjoyed songs with silly hand motions, Bible stories & memorization of verses, games, and of course snack time. We all had a fun week! Thankful to be able to share in it with all the kids & FCM staff.

Girls teaching everyone the steps to a song during VBS :)

The guys turn ~ they loved the music!

Fearless leaders ~ VBS with the FCM kids before school started back.

                                                     Back to School in February ~

School is back in session for the FCM kids, which means English classes have started back as well. I love getting in the classroom with these precious souls, even on the days they are rowdy. The children in the ministry who are not on grade level are taught on the FCM grounds. Teachers are brought in to teach the children much like a home school situation. In doing this, the teachers can help a child complete two years worth of work in one year, in order to help the child get caught up. For the children on grade level, they wear uniforms and attend a local public school. The school system in the country finishes at the 11th grade level. FCM currently has about 8 young men attending the local Universities or trade school. It is exciting to see these children who once had no hope because they were living on the streets, now receiving the care, love, discipline, and education they so desperately need in order to thrive in their own country.

Looking forward this week to the arrival of the first team in the New Year! Please be praying for this team and another that immediately follows in March. Pray also for the teams scheduled to come each week this Summer as well. We always look forward to working with the teams and showing them how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. With the arrival of each team means another opportunity to show the FCM kids and the people in the impoverished communities the love of Christ, a time to disciple, and to challenge them in their walk with Christ. We ask that you continue to pray for the many opportunities each team member will have to show the love of Christ and do His work in this country. Please pray for the spiritual, emotional, & physical growth of each one of the FCM kids, there are currently about 75 children in the ministry now. The missionaries and staff here with FCM all covet your prayers as well, as we seek to disciple the FCM kids and as we lead U.S. teams each year. 



Again, we are blessed to be able to serve in the many capacities here that God has called us to in Honduras. Yet to be effective, we need your continued prayers and support. Please pray daily for us as our family continues to adjust to the culture and doing life in a third world country. Pray that God will call people to come alongside us as monthly partners so we can remain on the field. 
Thanks so much to our faithful partners who have come along beside our family as prayer & financial partners. We appreciate all your support! 

Ongoing prayer requests:

Family's adjustment to living in Honduras
Discipleship classes with the FCM kids
Spiritual growth of our boys and the FCM kids
Safety/health of our family, fellow missionaries, FCM kids/staff
Upcoming U.S. teams for 2013


Because He first loved us,
Gordon, Christy, Jared, Zac, & Wil

Pj party w/the FCM girls 

One of several skits, where the girls teach the lesson

Pop corn & soda, always a favorite 

God's angels must be doing overtime ~

Driving in a third world country where there seem to be no rules, makes for an interesting drive each time we step into our vehicles. Today, as I was driving, I thought to myself that God's angels must be working overtime, as I quickly, yet slyly weave in and around neighboring automobiles, motorcycles, and people. What I had hoped would be a short trip to purchase school supplies, immediately turned into a half day extravaganza! One thing we left behind in the States was the modern day conveniences of accessible stores and one stop shopping. Anytime errands or appointments are on our agenda, we must always plan for extra time because we never know what surprises lie ahead as we navigate our way around this city. Yet in the midst of it all, God teaches us patience... a difficult but necessary lesson!

We had a very busy Summer, along with our fellow missionaries, leading U.S. teams to minister to the physical & spiritual needs of hundreds of people living in and around the impoverished communities of the city. Still to this day, we are humbled and even dumbfounded, by the extremely poor living conditions of most people here in this country. For some, a honest day's work is spent digging through piles upon piles of trash at the dump, hoping to find a scrap of food. Many times, even children are seen amongst those searching for food. The views of this city and the surrounding communities can be overwhelming at times, especially those of the dirty, half-dressed children. The make-shift homes (or what are referred to as shanties) are often constructed from wood, scrap metal, or any material they can construct a home with.

As difficult as it is to see the poor conditions many of the families live in day after day, many times we are encouraged as we recognize the hope of Christ on their faces. To the believer, we can encourage them through food and clothing, the gift of a Bible, or a monetary gift to help with any specific needs they have. The ministry has about 60 or more families they minister to on a regular basis, which doesn't include the large crowds that gather often when U.S. teams come offering food & the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Right now, the ministry is attempting to connect with the pastors in these communities so the pastor is able to get the new believers established in a church. That way, the new believers can find a place to be discipled and become a part of a local church. Please pray about this effort to get the people connected to churches in their communities.

As many of you know, our sons are in school. They have already made some new friends and they are getting settled. Our boys spend their down time playing sports.  Please pray as they adjust; pray that God will put godly influences in their path, they will make solid friendships, and they will grow spiritually throughout this year. Please also pray as they attempt to learn and use the language. 

THANK YOU for your continued support & prayers!! Our family would not have been able to heed God's call on our lives without people like yourselves standing with us. Please continue to pray for us as we will need to fundraise while home on furlough to increase our base of support, so we can continue discipling the kids of FCM and spread the love of Christ to the people of Honduras. We will be meeting with supporters while home on furlough to share how God has been at work here in the ministry. We also are available to meet with any individual (or church) that would like to hear more about the ministry or to partner with us. Please feel free to contact us by email. We appreciate every one of you!

Because He first loved us,

The Diegelmans

(Psalm 91:8)

Ongoing prayer requests:

*Safety & health of our family, FCM kids, & Staff

*Weekly discipleship classes & English classes

*Family's adjustment to living in Honduras

*Learning & using the language

*More photos from this Summer, enjoy!

Serving food & drinks at a govt orphanage

Found out holding a baby isn't so easy :)

With his little buddy

 Our boys enjoy seeing the little ones at the govt run orphanage.

Traveling with the team

Sharing the Gospel with some kids

Group of fellow believers we got to minister to.

Praying with a new young believer, Cynthia. Pray she grows in Christ.

One of Gordon's many buddies from the govt run orphanage.

A 3 year old girl, Mariela, who recently came into the ministry ~ PTL!

Biggest team we had this Summer!

Helping to teach weekly English classes with the FCM kids

Weekly discipleship classes

Playing basketball any chance he can get ~ made the school team!

                                       
                         

Sharing the Gospel, but like so many here, she knows the Truth but says she isn't ready to commit.

Gordon doing eye exams during a medical clinic

A few of the FCM boys

New Kids On The Block

We have been living in Honduras now for the past three months. One of the most amusing things about living here is the attention we get any time our family is out in public. With our porcelain skin, we stand out rather well amongst a darker skinned Hondreno. I feel so much at home here, that I often forget our family is in the minority. Besides getting used to the stares, we are also learning how to navigate the roads. We are getting more comfortable driving here in a country where there are no rules--it is quite the adventure ;)

We have been leading weekly discipleship classes with the children of FCM. We both really enjoy this time as we are able to dig in the Word with them, and get better acquainted at the same time. It is a privilege to be able to minister to these kids and we are thankful for the work God has placed before us. We ask that you please pray for these amazing children as God works on their hearts, so they will grow spiritually and be more aware of God's presence in their lives. Many of these kids have been either abandoned or sometimes even abused, so pray they will have a better understanding of their worth in the eyes of the Lord. Pray that as they learn of God's love for them, it will soften their hearts and give them a desire to live for Christ. Pray daily not only for their spiritual growth, but for their protection also, both spiritually & physically.

 

FCM's Summer schedule has begun and the second N. American team just returned to the States yesterday.
The first Summer team to come arrived on Saturday, May 26th. It was a Spirit-filled week of sharing the Gospel and giving out food/clothes to the people in the impoverished communities. It was also about relationship building with the boys & girls of FCM through soccer games, daily devotionals, art, and many other activities.
U.S. teams will continue traveling here every week this Summer to minister to the FCM children and within the communities in and around Tegucigalpa.  Each team comes with different objectives, but every one desiring to be the hands and feet of God. Please pray for God's anointing on these teams, traveling mercies, safety, and for the lives that will be impacted during their time in Honduras. Pray also for Richie and Lori Womack, fellow missionaries, and for us as we work with the teams this Summer.

Martha with her sweet family.  Some of our favorite people!

Her name is Anna, young single mom. Please pray she accepts Christ in her heart soon.

Our friends/fellow missionaries, the Womacks

Our family continues to adjust well, which is due in part, to the wonderful people here that God has placed in our lives. We sense your prayers as we recognize God's intervention and provision! It is evident that we are in the center of His will. Please continue to pray for us as we adjust, especially for our boys. Pray daily for our own spiritual growth as we serve the people here, our safety, and health.

We thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. We would not be here doing the work God has placed before us without each one of you standing with us!

Because He first loved us,

The Diegelmans

Prayer requests:
Family's adjustment- our safety, health,language usuage,& new friends
Weekly discipleship classes with the FCM children
Spiritual growth for us & the children in the ministry
U.S. & Honduran staff of FCM
U.S. teams traveling to Honduras


**If you would like to receive our latest Summer newsletter, please email us at: gordonwithfcm@gmail.com

Home in Honduras

At last, we are finally here living in Honduras!  After what seemed to us a long process of fundraising,  followed by language school, was actually just all a part of God's own perfect timing. We recognize that we are here because He alone made a way as part of His sovereign plan for our family.

The first few weeks were occupied by purchasing items for our home, unpacking, and getting our home in order. Another big part of our settling in has been learning to drive in a city where there are no rules, and anything goes! You have to drive offensively to keep from having an accident & your horn is a very important tool as you navigate the roads.  We have also gotten back into the swing of homeschooling, which we decided to continue in order to finish out this school year. However, we are already looking at private schools here in Tegucigalpa for the boys to attend this Fall. Please pray for wisdom & discernment as we look at several schools over the next few months.

Gordon & Christy with two of our favorite young ladies, Doris and Mirna.

Our first team experience took place this past week. We were privileged to serve alongside fellow believers from NC, Alabama, and Virginia. Each day was a new experience as we hopped on the FCM bus to minister to the people in the impoverished communities. The bus was always supplied with plenty of beans & rice, as well as, clothes for the people in these communities. Alongside the busy highway we stopped at several shanties. A shanty, is a tiny home. It is often made of scrap wood with dirt floors and no electricity. These homes (or impoverished communities) is the location where a team will stop in order to share the Gospel and to give out provisions for their physical needs. Hearts were ready and many people became new believers!

Zac giving out beans & rice

                                       
                                                     

                                                  A shanty in an impoverished community

Jared helping with the food ministry

Wil enjoying time with friends between stops during food ministry

Hanging out with Isabel, Ingrid, and Leiby

Each afternoon the team ministered to the FCM girls and boys through Bible stories, crafts, and devotions. Everyone also got to play several rounds of bingo, which is always a hit with the kids! The children really enjoyed this time as did the team, because it gave us the opportunity to get better acquainted with the children. It is still mind boggling to me as I witness the sweet nature of these children, especially since so many of them have been abandoned by their families, & in some situations, even abused. It just goes to show the amazing healing power of our Almighty God! It is such a privilege to work with such an amazing group of children. Please pray for us as God uses us and fellow missionaries, Richie & Lori, as well as, the Honduran staff to make a difference in the lives of these children and young men. For we all recognize that without God's hand on each one of us, our efforts would be in vain.

Boys eager for lunch

Our family has been adjusting well here in Honduras. We recognize God's provision; through friends that were already living in the city, a home in a safe neighborhood, a thriving church and even a sports center, both of which are very close to our home. And even though we do miss our family, friends, & home church; we are grateful to be living right here in the center of God's will. We are anxious to start discipleship with the younger children in the ministry, and we are excited about all God has in store for our family here. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we serve alongside this wonderful ministry!
 
  We want to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers as our family adjusts to living in Honduras. While raising support will always be a part of our lives as we serve on the mission field, it's the support we have been receiving that makes all the difference in the world. Your monthly partnership is the very thing that will keep us in Honduras serving alongside FCM. 
 Please pray that God will continue to bless us in that way.
 We pray that God will bless each of you and your families for your continued commitment!

Prayer requests:

Our family's adjustment to living in Honduras
Our health and safety
Our family's spiritual growth & the kids in the ministry
Protection against spiritual warfare
Guidance as we start discipleship classes with the FCM boys & girls 
Wisdom/discernment as we look for a school for our boys to start this Fall
Honduran staff & U.S. staff


Because He first loved us,
Gordon, Christy, Jared, Zac, and Wil

Random photos of the FCM children/young men...

The team!

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall make your paths straight."