July/ August Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Today July 12 when I was in the church this afternoon, dropping off material for us to work on a small construction project this week, I met with a new student. Olga is 13 years old and does not know how to read or write, so we accepted her into the school. But after listening to the story of her life, I left with a very heavy heart. She is a very pretty girl that the mom sends out into the streets to beg. She lives in a small wooden house with a very large family that abuses her constantly. More than this, her sister brought her to San Pedro Sula (abig city5 hours from home) to sell her to a depraved old man who raped her, and now he has AIDS. We still don’t know if this girl was contaminated, but my prayer is that she has not.Today I left church with a huge weight and I asked myself what could I do to help this beautiful young girl who is living hell on earth. Never in my life have I shed tears writing a letter, but as I write this I really want to do something to changethis society, but how can I do it, how can I help. At least in this moment she will receive a free education and will soon be able to read and write like the other children in school; and I hope and pray that she will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord andSavior.

This picture is of two sisters, Deicy and Fernanda Figueroa, 8 and 5 years old, playing. Its an incredible sight to see these two playing because when they are not with us in the school they are out in the streets alone. How great it is to be able to see them in this photo playing teacher and student. This day made me feel very proud that I had the ability to put dreams in these little girls hearts. This never could have happened if they girls did not have the school in their lives; and now they dream to be teachers. This is something that has really given me energy to continue doing what I do. Thank you God for these beautiful gifts.

Another story I want to tell you about the Figueroa sisters is about Cinthia who is 11 years old. She has just learned to read, since the school started in September. The other day in church, when the pastor was preaching, not only was she able to read the passages, she was excited to look them up herself. This brought great satisfaction because it has been a short time since she has learned to read and she is excited about her ability.

Another day of victory was when we went to the public high school. It was a great day where many youth came to the feet of Christ in surrender. Below you can see the picture of how many commitments were made in just one day!

June 19 was another incredible Sunday. It was a day of celebration at the Rock church. We went on an excursion to baptize 9 people from the church in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We also had a time of fellowship with the members of the church that strengthened our ties more than ever before. It was a wonderful day in the body of Christ.

The ministry at the dump still continues, but we have had some financial problems making as often as we used to go. It is still a ministry God has placed on my heart, and I pray for finances to make this a regular part of ministry every week. It costs $250 each time we go, covering the cost of food, water and transportation. There are always new people at the dump and a lot of people with wounded hearts to hear the good news and see God’s love.

The street ministry has been really hard to do in the rainy season. Many street people run to find shelter in the rain and it is hard to find them to give them food, clothes and the Gospel. We don’t see as many people as we used to see, but there are still many young pregnant prostitutes with AIDS that need a hug, a hot meal, and a spiritual meal, God’s love for them.

Please pray about being part of God’s ministry in Honduras. We are looking for sponsors for the kids in the school, if you are interested please contact me.

God bless you,

Aben

Ways to support:

• By check: YFCI, PO Box 4555, Englewood, CO 80155. (write the Honduras fund number #528, Aben Claros)

• Go to www.yfci.org At the top of the page click on 'donate' and follow the steps. On the 'designation' box select 'Other’ and write Aben Claros on the box below

• Automatic withdraw: contact Jenny Wraight jenny.wraight@yfci.net or phone the office [303-843 9000]

• Email: aben.claros@jpclatam.org