Saved Servants for Christ: 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!