The second quarter has begun at the Bible Institute of Honduras in Danlí. As many of you know, the political situation in Honduras has deteriorated over the last few weeks. I would ask each of you to keep our brethren in Honduras in your prayers. This may seem like a purely political and regional conflict that does not directly involve the church and the work in His kingdom, but our enemy is not at rest and will take advantage of any opportunity to thwart our efforts in the cause for truth.
The good news is that the school in Danlí is continuing with its mission. During the last two weeks of June, the students and faculty of the institute participated in a campaign with brethren from the Hillcrest congregation in Neosho, Missouri in which there were thirteen baptisms and three restorations. We praise God for this good report. On July 14 the students accompanied brother Nery Irías to a Bible study with a group called Amor Viviente (Living Love) which helps them learn how to defend the truth of God’s Word. During the week of July 21-26, the students and faculty have been invited to Esperanza Itibuca, about 600 kilometers (400 miles) from Danlí to work in another campaign. I am posting this on July 25 and I have just received word that there have been ten baptisms in the campaign in Esperanza Itibuca; the campaign ends tomorrow. So, we are very encouraged with the work that is being done in Danlí, in spite of difficult circumstances.
More Good News
On June 24, brother Jesús Paguaga traveled to Oklahoma City and the next day, he and I drove to Denver. On Sunday, June 28, 2009 this good brother, one of our very capable instructors in Danlí, graduated with his Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree from Bear Valley. We are very proud of Jesús. We returned to our home that same day, and Jesús returned to Honduras on July 1.
Personal News
Noma and I continue to do well in our new surroundings. This was her last week of Summer School in the Oklahoma City school district. She has been teaching 6th Grade English. In the Fall, she will begin her new job teaching Middle School Spanish in the neighboring community of Choctaw.
We are excited about the fact that we have signed a contract on the house we have been renting. Of course, much is still to be done on that, and we ask your prayers that all will work out and we will be able to stay here.
I am continuing to try and raise the funds we need to continue in this work. As of right now, we are still lacking a total of $1,600 per month. We have been blessed with enough one-time contributions that we are able to get by for the moment, but we continue to ask for help with these expenses. If you know of a congregation or an individual who would be interested in seeing a presentation on our work, please let me know. Also, if your congregation, or one you are familiar with, is interested in Gospel Meetings, or other preaching opportunities that I might help you with, again, please let me know.
I would also like to repeat that all checks for our work should be made out to the 4th & Jackson St. church of Christ, with a note on the memo line that it is for the Donnie Bates Mission Fund, and sent to:
4th & Jackson St. Church of Christ
P.O. Drawer 549
Hugo, OK 74743
...praying for also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... (Colossians 4:3). Thank you and God bless you all.
Donnie Bates
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