Co-Laborers for the Kingdom

As is often the case when we are involved with something for a long time we forget the history, the why's and the how-comes.

I was in a meeting today (for the upcoming trip) when my memory was refreshed on how Honduras Fountain of Life began co-laboring for the kingdom with Funete de Vida Ministries, in Taulabe Honduras. I thought I would share some those factoids with you.  Hopefully it will help you understand a bit about what is going on there and why I believe in what is being done.

Pastor Jim Pearce who is the director of Honduras Fountain of Life, met Pastor Yobani 20 years ago when he was visiting Hendersonville and taught at the First Baptist Church there.

Pastor Yobani Alas started the Fuente de Vida church in 1993.  He had been impacted by the faith of Andre van den berg, and set out to follow in Andre's footsteps in sharing Christ and starting churches.  Over the years he has started over 50 churches in different parts of Honduras.  

 

In 1998 Pastor Jim was sent to Honduras by Grace Community Church to help care for those that had been devastated by Hurricane Mitch.

In 2002 FdV started the school, which now has 300 children that would otherwise not get an education, especially from a Christ centered focus. A church  from Memphis, donated the land and started helping with the school and faithfully did that for the first 9 years.  

 

In 2011 Honduras Fountain of Life stepped to help with the schools operation, miraculously a gift was given  almost $50,000. We do not know if the funds will be available to reopen the school in February (the beginning of their new school year) but Pastor Yobani constantly reminds us to have faith, that the Lord will provide.

9 years ago Compassion, International came to them and asked if they would take 50 of the poorest children and teach them.  Compassion has a 40 year + track record of caring for poor children. They teach them vocational skills, teach them the scripture, feed them and give them medical attention. Nine years later they have 220 Compassion Children that attend the Fuente de Vida school.

 

In 2004 Grace Community Church sent the first team to Taulabe, since then over 300 people have gone and served.  Building relationships and sharing God's love. "Helping Hondurans help Hondurans" has often been the motto.

 

2009 the permanent home the Fuente de Vida Home for Girls was built.  It is the home for 25 girls that have withstood  deplorable living conditions, abuse and some near to death from starvation.  

 

2012 a devastating fire swept through the largest prison in Honduras.  Pastor Yobani was there to support the families of over 300 prisoners that perished in fire.  Through his vision and compassion HFOL is now collecting toiletries that are distributed to the prisoners.  He also preaches there once a week.  

 

These are just some of the points that come to my mind.  God is working mightily through FdV church and it is a blessing to serve along side them as they reach out to those that are in desperate need.

Pastor Yobani Alas & Pastor Jim Pearce sharing God's word.