IWniOITATlSSALUDOS!Bill and Margy Hoff2227 N.W79th Ave. Box P2025Doral, FL 331202-1615Phone(Honduras): 011-504-566-2440e-mail: billhoff@amnethn.comfromwebsite: bajiochristian.orgJ 1BAJIOCHRISTIAN MISSIONBajio Christian MissionAttn: Lyn Mclntj're34428YucaipaBlvd. E-192Yucaipa, CA 92399Phone: 909-797-4628Published QuarterlyVol. 38, Number 1 Winter 2007Classes ~ What do you teach?In the last semester, the studentshave covered Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2,and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation. They have also memorized many of the "benchmark" scriptures that are essendal in forming Christian character. Myonly regret withthis groupof students is that, because of a programming error, they did notstudy theBook ofSong ofSongs. Other than that, they have studied every book in the Bible.In addition to Bible, they have had classes in pastoral counseling and pastoral duties. Thestudents developed numeroussermons to present in class and in theirhome churches. We also held classes on practical themes. For example, baptismin a river is quite different than baptismin a calmbaptistry. Swift currents cansweep one's feet out from under them during a baptism. Because of these difficulties, the future preacher needs to be instructed and practiced in the art ofperforming baptisms.Graduation~ Class of 2006Nine students celebrated as they completed their studies andgraduated from the Bible Institute on November 11th. Abouttwo hundred and fift)' brothers and sisters fromthe area churches attended in support of these men.Carlos Cojon,ministerto the churchin Omoa, encouraged the graduateswithRomans 12:11, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual9Jfervor, serving the Lord."He challenged them to remainpassionateabout the Lord and onministry. Area churches participatedin leading the worship and alumni shared in prayer andreadingin the service. The graduates blessedus with a song, "Here I Am, SendMe."It wasderful day of rejoicing in what the Lord has done and will do in and through these men.hre ina wonSponsoring a student is building the future of the church!The costs oftraining men for the ministry go up monthly.Until now the mission has borne these costs with somesjTTibolic help from local churches and missionaries. Butcosts are out pacing our resources. The 12 national churchesare not in an economic position to provide more help thanthe $30 monthly fee that helps offset the foodcosts of theirstudents. This fee helps the student appreciate his educationand helps prepare the churches for the eventual daywhenthey will need to operate the school on their own.You can help! You, or your churchSunday schoolclass, orcell group, can help by sponsoring a student's tuition at a costof 150 dollars per month; or by sponsoring a student's bookswhich will cost 140 dollars per semester.In return, we will provide information about the man yousponsor, his ministry aspirations, and academic development.We will also send you a pictureandtranslate his letter ofthanks and future correspondence.Please participate in the preparation of foture ministers inHonduras. If you have any questions, contact Bill Hoff atbiIlhoff@amnethn.com or call his VOIP phone number 865-686-6585.TravelsADream Come TrueFor manyyears, I have taught Bibleand Church history. When we were able toavisit the Holy Land in 1989, that was a dreamcome true. But this last summeranother dream became realit}' when we were able to visit Germany, the land ofthe Protestant Reformation.Former members of our congregation here in Honduras had returnedto Germany to retire and had given us an open invitation. Because wc were able to obtainthe help of Richard Gring to teach at the Insutute, we escaped to Europe. The The Lutzesairport in London was a disaster, but we made the planewith moments to spare, and our friends picked us up in Munich. Bavaria was indescribably beautiful.The weatherwas gorgeous. I used a bicycle again for the first dme in about twent}' years (riding inLadn Americais takingyour lifein your hands). Wewere treated like royalty by the Helmut and MarianneLutzfamily.We sawMunich, Passau, and a dozen of nearbytowns. Then Margyand I filled up a backpackandtook threedifferent trains north to Lutherstad Wittenburg, wherewe enjoyed twowholedays touringthe museums and churches of the Reformation. Our returntrip was an adventure because one of ourtrains was canceled and we don't speak German. But Godis faithful.Perhaps somedaywe will be able to saveup the fare and find the time to do it again. It was so nice toput buildings and geography on the history. (Bill) Luther's homeMargy on Vacation"P BIfThe first week of OctoberI flew to Atlantawhere Rebecca and Zach picked me up at theairport. We then droveto PanamaQty-Beach-es, Florida, where we checkcd into a nicemotelon the beach. All of us tlioroughly enjoyedthe ocean and the heated outside pool. Zachhad on a life jacket and water wings so swamwherever he wanted. We dici some shoppingand ate some deliciousribs andsea food.After two and a halfdays offun and food.Margy and Grandson ZachZachwe headed back to Adanta. Rebecca bought some "boiled peanuts" in a "Ma and Pa" storealong the way. It was a delightful trip, butjust too short. (Margy)The COLD followed usMy mother (83) has had excellent health, but nowher short term memory is fading. Shehasfallen and broken a couplebones, but she heals quickly. Therefore, the great concern for mysiblings and myself is the fact that she has trouble gettinglost when she goes out for a drive.She also has had a series of accidents (none of which she remembers), and I have heard reports of dangerous driving. It became obvious that she would haveto giveup driving.I had been tryingto figure when and howto make the trip to LasVegas, when an e-mail froma formerteacher suggested that I interview his brother in PiedrasNegrasas a possibleteacher. As a result, Mark andI formed aplan. Wewould go to the missionar) convention in Indianapolis,and then to Las Vegas to help with Mother, and thento Mexico.We arrived in Indy a couple of days before the convention. The weather was balmy ~in the 70s.We shopped some and then went to the convention. It was wonderful visiting old friends andshare about the ministry. Rebecca and Zach visited for a day, too. Zach is a real charmer. But theweather suddenlyturned cold. Mark had warm clothes stored at the in-laws, but I only had a wind-breaker, so I suffered. After the convention, I was pleased to be flying to warmLas Vegas. But, theBill and Zach day after we arrived, it went from"^2" to 40 and windy.Mark, Rebecca. Zach,and BillBill and Mark with hisgrandmotherMark and I had a wonderful stay with grandmother/mother. We ate out in severalcasino buffets and a couple ofdmes with my brother and his family Myother brotherflew up from Phoenix and we made somedecisionsabout the family trust, went tochurch, and went tosee the Ethel M chocolatefactory's cactus garden coveredwith Christmas lights. Thebest entertainment in Vegasis fattening. The last full daywe took Mom tothe DMV to giveup her license. It was hardfor her to giveup her freedom, but havingher injured or hurdng others would have beenmuch worse. Mark and I had had enoughcold; we stopped at Goodwill and boughtjackets. (We had left Mark's jackets in Indy.) A bunch of HoffsWhen we arrivedin Houston it was warm and humid. We rented a car and drove to SanAntonio, where we spent the night.The weather got bitter cold and windyduring the night. Wedrove on to Eagle Pass where we spent a productive time with thefaculty and administration ofColegioBiblicodiscussing academic programs and cooperation. They have offered to send ussome short-term teachers during their vacationperiod. Wecouldn't take the rental car across the border, so we walked acrossdie bridge in near freezing temperatures and winds offorty miles an hour or more. We felt like wewere freezing and thegusts nearly blewus off the sidewalk and into traffic. On the Mexican side in Piedras Negras, we were met by Noe, a formerteacher, and Antonio, his brother, who is graduating this spring from ColegioBiblico. He wants to teach for us in the secondsemester. We had a verypositive interview with Antonio and Sari, his wife ~ one that was mademore pleasant by a quiet, inexpensive restaurant specializingin grilled meats, tortillas, and great sauces. Wewalked back to the US and, after careful scrutinyof our passports by officials, left for Houston. Thank God that since gettingbackto SanPedroSula, I haven't neededmyGoodwill jacket once. (Bill)Holiday Festivities for the ChurchThe annual Thanksgiving dinner was heldin a nearby townwith 120peoplein attendance. There was plent)^ of turkey withallthe trimmings. The desserts were worth waiting another year for. It was fun to renew acquaintances with some friends thatwe don't see often and to talkto members we don't have time to speak with on Sunday mornings.The worship program was different with scripture readings and testimonies of gratefulness, along witha drama applicable toThanksgiving. It was all well planned and enjoyed by the group. (Margy)Children's ProgramJoy had the students in her Creative Writing class writea Christmas drama. She used the best parts and added to it to make averygood drama for the youth. Other youngpeople did scripture readings that were applicable to the drama.The litde children sanga coupleof songs and we really felt the Christmas spirit on Sunday, December 10th. (Margy)Children's PartyI hostedthepart}?^this }'ear. loybaked and cut outabout 100 sugarcookies. Thechildren fromages 6 to12 cameand decoratedthem. Followingthat, they playedgamesand various prizes were given. Several motherscame and we enjoyed thefellowship also. Thechildren were very proud of their decoratedcookies. When Mark andBill arrived andaskedfor one, theirimmediate answer was, no! (Margy)Christmas EveSunday, December 24th, was a very busy day for the Hoffs. Mark, Bill, andJoy allleftour house at 7:15 a.m. to setup thesound equipment at thechurch. Joy sangwiththeworship team. Following the service weinvited another family to ourhouse and ordered pizzas. The malls and restaurants were verv crowded. Threehours later it was dme to return to thehotel andset upthesound equipment inanother room at the hotel. The hotel had everything nicely decorated for the evening. Following the singing of Christmas carols. Bill ledthe groupin a candlelightcommunionservice. Then the waiters served us some delicious finger food whichwe had catered. It was all very nice.But the daywas not over. Wewere invited toour Russian friends' home for their annual dinner. (Margy)Christmas DayWe enjoyed Christmas morningopeninggifts and sharingabrunch with Mark andJoy. Markthen droveus to theFields' home.Lynnell and girls liveabout onehour and twenty minutes from SanPedro Sula. She hosted a typicalChrismias dinner for 22 guests.The location, near Lake Yojoa, isbeautiful. (Margy)U10'0S6/.^: Ml SniAXOM^inei xoa odKOISSIWZZ"OKJ liwyads>i 'aniASSoyaivdHOVlSOd S'DDHO liJOHd-isJOWGRLsnnd'n^hdia^ss' ss^^aav599 SM'ailiASSoylGi7 xog OdDUj 'uoissiVyf UBijsijq;^oifBg/{q paqsnqn^dGeorgia SharpeFrom: William and MargyHoff^rthoff@amnethn.com]Sent: Tuesday, May0'To: Rendel, JacobSubject: =??B??=8:36 PMDear E-mail family,I am sitting in an air-conditioned officewatching the loweringof large pre-cast concrete beams for the ceilingof the firstfloorIn the mall being constructed across the street. Wehadnoidea that amall wouldbe built there when wepurchasedthis housebut I'm sure the Lordknew. It may be ablessingor acurse dependingon the traffic andour ability to walk toIt.T.G.I. Friday's and similar restaurants will be located there.The newspaper has advertised that tomorrow is supposed tobe as "Hot as Hell". I doubt that, but wewill survive in theheat. We are always grateful when the temperature drops afew degrees.There are currently fourstudents at theBible institute. Bill teaches three days a week andMarkheads the student workprogram. Mark and Joy purchase the foodonaweekly basis. A new professor andhisfamily will be arrivingin June andstayingon the facility. A work team will be helpingconstruct a much neededbuilding the latter part of June. Please helpus pray for more students.The church is havingalarge departureof members this summer. Wehave already lost our church treasurer. Anotherfamily that hasbeen involved in music andyouth work has been transferred to Africa. Afactory manager andhis familyareleaving and two single school teachers will bechanging jobs. Wehavebeen greatly in needof preachers forsometime. Bill does most of the preaching at this time.Bill andI will be going to Knoxville from May 30thuntil June 10th. We have thegreat privilege of babysitting our grandsonwhile their parents enjoy a muchneeded vacation in Mexico. OnNovember 13th we will be traveling to theStates until theendof January. During this time we will be attending theNational Missionary Convention, I (Margy) will go to Mayo Clinicin Phoenix area for tests and consultations, we will bespeaking at some of our supporting churches, andalso will visitwith familyand friends over theholidays.Because of our long absence from the church, weare looking for someone that wouldbe willingtocome and preachduring this timeor atleast part of the time.The institute will beon winter break during these months.God bless youand thank youfor your support.Williamand Margy Hoff, 08:54 PM 7/10/2007 -0600, A ministry update Page 1 of 1*** -nDelivered-To: 21-ssharpe@missionservices.orgDelivered-To: 21-msa@missionservices.orgFrom: "William and Margy Hoff To: Subject: A ministry updateDate: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:54:25 -0600X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2900.3138X-Antivirus: avast!(VPS 000755-1, 07/11/2007), Outbound messageX-Antivirus-Status: CleanDear Friends of the ministry,I wanted to type a fewlines toup date you about the activities in our lives.In June, Margy and I spent a little more than a week during our semester break in Tennessee. Seven days of that time weenjoyed babysitting our grandson Zach. A four year old can sure keep you hopping. Margy gota terrible toothache and hadto have it pulled, but we enjoyed our time in the States.We were blessed to host a work team from the Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Maryland at the end of June. DavidChia (a previous teacher at aChristian school in San Pedro Sula) and their church's new youth minister and wifeled theteam. The group came tohold a Vacation Bible School and work on the construction of two new buildings at the institute.The VBS was held at the Bible Institute. The last day there was an attendance of 93 children. It was a great experience forall involved. The students took home the message of the Word of God and a small gift of school supplies.Following the Bible school, the work team laid block on our new Classrooms and Office/Library buildings. They laid about900 blocks leaving the Classrooms nearly finished and a good start on the Office/Library building. The last day everyonewent to the Mayan ruins at Copan. Although it isa long trip to make in oneday, it isa beautiful piece of history to visit.At the Bible Institute we have just begun a new semester. Two local preachers, Antonio Soriano, and myself are teachingthe classes. Antonio, his wife Sarahi, and their three-month-old son are fromMexico and have committed to serve at theInstitute forone year. Please pray that they will adapt well and stay longer.The Christian churches have been unable tobook space for their annual convention, so it is to be held at the Bible Institutethis month. It normally draws morethan 200 persons. We have bed space for 40, but everyone elsewill have to sleep onmats or mattresses that they bring. Please pray for us. The real pinch will be in bathroom facilities.Thank you for your support in prayers and gifts. God bless.Bill and MargyPrinted for Mission Services Association 7/12/2007UNITEDSTATEand Margy Hoff79Lli A^t. BoxT2025SALUDOSF=lDora], FL 331202-1615Phone (Honduras): 011-504-566-2440e-mail: billhoff@ainnethn.comwebsite: bajiochristian.orgBajio Christian MissionAtm: Lyn Mclntyre34428 Yucaipa Blvd. E-192Yucaipa, CA 92399Phone: 909-797-4628l-^COfromSOUTHAMERICABAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSIONPublished Quarterly Vol. 38, Number 2New Students, New Teacher, NewYear . . .The Lord brought us four new students who began classes in February. Mardoqueo and Henrycometo us from a Lifeline Christian Mission Churchjust outside of San Pedro Sula. Santos isfrom the coast in Omoa, and Juan is from Tegucigalpa. Of the four, Juan is the only one thatis married. His wife works in Tegucigalpa and most ofhis children are grown, therefore, wedo not have anystudent wives living on campus this year. All four ofthesemen havea desireto smdy the Word to further the Gospel. Weare thrilled to have them and know Godwill usethemin His kingdom.Wecannot sayenough about how blessed we are to have anewprofessor, Antonio Soriano, and hiswife, Sarahi, withusat the Bible Institute. They arrived onMay 28th and have become a part of our team. They are livingat the Bible Institutewhere diey can fill an active role of overseeingand disciplingthe students. Antonio is teaching two ofthe classes thissemester. He and Sarahi are adjusting to many new things asthey have moved here from Mexicoand are also new parents.Soriano Family They havea beautiful three-month-old babyboy, Gael. JoySummer 2007New StudentsTextbooks for InstituteWelcome, Church of Christ at Manor Woods!We were blessed to host a work team from the Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Maryland at the end of June. David Chia (a previousteacher at a Christian school in SanPedroSula) and their church's newyouth minister andwifeled the team. The group cameto holda Vacation Bible Schoolandworkon the constructionoftwonewbuildings at the institute. The VBS washeldat the Bible Institute. The last daythere was anattendance of 93children. It was agreat experience for all involved. The students took home themessage of theWord of Godand a small gift of school supplies.Following theBible school, thework team laid block on our new Classrooms andOffice/Library buildings. They laid about 900 blocksleaving the Classrooms nearly finished anda good start on the Office/Librar)' building. The lastday everyone went to theMayan ruins atCopan. Although it is a longtripto make in one day, it is a beautiful piece of history to visit. JoyTGroup from Manor Woods Children in VBSChurch Members Leavea difficult yearmembers leaveIt has beenvery activefor those of us who remain at the English speakingchurch. We have had somethroughout the year. Our church treasurer und her husband moved to the Statesafter livingin Honduras for many years. In June, MarkandShanda Oakley left withtheirthreechildren. Theyhosted most ofdie social activities of the church.Shanda and Markwere a big help in the music departmentand Shanda was gready involved with the youth.This a great loss but will they will be a blessing wherever thev go. Two young ladies who were teachers in*.-j 4::n;Oakley FamilyKaren & Henry FransenSan Pedro Sula also left. Onereturnedto the States and the other movedto Tegucigalpa. It will be difficult to replacethem because they have helped with the church'smusic, but we know that it is the Lord's church so more people will come.Church's Music Team Prayer Meeting with a BagpiperMembers GraduateIt is always a proudtime whenstudentsgraduatefrom high school. Even though they aren't'our'diildren, they arcour-family iirthe Lord. Four of the five graduateshave attended ourchurch for years so we have felt ver}' close to them. The fifth student was homeschooledby a missionary mother so wanted to participate in the ceremony also. There were tablesat the church with memorabiliaon displayof each of the graduates. Three of the fathersparticipated in the charge to the young people. It was a very special day for everyone.Bill Jokingly Calls Them CoffinsLynnell Fields, a close friend of the Hoffs, has been serving as Chaplin and social worker in the publichospital. She obserx'edthat the conditions in the pediatric ward could be gready improved ifthe familymember who cares for the cliildhad a place to store their belongings and to rest. Usually the motherstays with the child but they have to spend day and night sitingin an uncomfortable plasticchair.Regulations prohibit visitors from layingon the floor or putting their purses or belongings on the floorwhich is mopped several times a day. Lynnell wanted to have chests made with a cushion on top wherethe mother could sleep and keep her clothes and belongings. She got approval fromthe administrationand asked Bill to get estimates on building the chests which are 18X53X18inches. Members of theEnglish speaking church got involved. To date 23 have been made and paid for. One woman whois Chests for Hospitalskilledin calligraphy puts a verse on the inside of the lid to encourage the parents, and then Bill has been deliveringthem to the hospital.The nursing staff and the care giversare overjoyedat this addition. Jesus said, "I was sickand you visited me."A Different Ride for MargyIn 2000 we purchased an Isuzu pickup for Margy's use. It gets 36-40 mpg but the smalldiesel requires a lot of gear shifting. Margyhas been sufferinga bit of arthritis,and shiftingbothers her, so Bill purchased a ChevyBlazerwith an automatic. It is a '9K with only 24,000miles and it is immaculate. Unfortunately, the V6 was a GM "make ii cheaper" disaster whichgets 12 mpg becauseof poor fuel injectionengineering. Bill will be instsdling an upgradedinjection kit as soon as possible. The goodnews is that the smoothnde, the automatic, theease of parking, and the stylingadd up to the fact that Margylo\'es it. Bill has passed his old(83) Chevypickupdown to the teacher at the Bibleinstitute and is drivingthe Isuzu.2dm.High School GraduatesMargy's BlazerThe Highlight ofour YearBilland I always anticipatespendingtimewidi our grandson, Zach, and of course, ourdaughter Rebccca. She arranged a vacationtovisit Honduraslast February. Us four Hoffshad a wonderful time withthem. ZachenjoyedBrutus, our 100pound plus dog, as well asMark andJoy's dogs.Zach and Brutus Loving FamilyZach HelpingThe two dayswe spent at the beach were a lot of fun.We were at the Tela Mar resort in La (xiba. The oceanisbeautiful there. We rentedalittie house and walked to theocean and to the beautiful swimming pool. The food is always good at the restaurant. One eveningwe ate at a goodMexican-st}'le restaurant in town. Mark had been scoutingfor a special place earlierin the day. Wereturnedtired but not too sunburned,Sundayafternoon, February4th, was the SuperBowl game, One of our church membershosted a part)' so that we could all enjoyourselves. Some were moreinterestedin the party andothers more interestedin the game. The photoColts' Fansshows us Hoffs havingour faces painted with tine horseshoe in favorof the Indianapolis Colts.Zach was happy ridingthe train in the mall.Some ofour churchmembers were there so all the littleboysgot to ride together. I don'tknow how many times Zach rode in the engine of the train. After wetook them to the airport, I returned to the mall to eat witii our churchfriends. There were tears in my eyes as I saw the train running withoutZach, MargyZach and FriendEnjoying theBeachFuture MusicianMauled by a Mall or a Walk to TGI FridaysIn December of 2006 the newspaper announced that thevacant block in front of our house would be the siteof a new mall.(We hadbeen assured when we purchased our house that thearea was zoned residential.) For five months men with shovels excavated for thebasement, filling a constant stream of dump trucks. Strange beginning! But eventually they got the financing andnow in front of our housethe building istwenty-five feet tall and going togoupanother 15. The wood scaffolding must have accounted for the deforestation of 100acres, anddaily they unload more wood. The ready-mix and concrete pump trucks block the street. The noise, dust, and workers eatingtheir lunch on our front stepandleaving tiieir trash aredisconcerting. They say our property values will increase, but we have lost our viewof themountains andthe flocks of parrots that roosted in front of the house. Perhaps being able to walk to restaurants andthehardwarestore will be some recompense? Lord show us how to glorifyyou in this!Mall ConstructionMoving Mall MaterialsADoctor in the HouseThis pastspring the Hoffs hosted Isaac Hoist, a Medical student who hadjust finished school in Nebraska. Hewanted to spend his vacation helping in thepublic hospital which isa few minutes from the Hoff'shome. Isaacwas a wonderful guest; he made himself at homeand never complained.His work at the emergency room was frustrating dueto thelack oi equipment, medicines, and personnel. Oneafternoon, he found himself the onlydoctor in the ward. Bill jokedtl^at Honduras is the land ofopportunity,a Med studentcanbecome a department head in less than a week. Isaac spent all ofhis sparetime studyingmedical texts on treating bullet wounds and on repairing or anesthetizing other wounds. Future DoctorOn a free day he went with a team of American dentists to work in a village; dierehe didhis first extraction. (Thelandof opportunity.)Isaac's dreamis to be a medical missionary as soon as he can payoffhis educational debts. Prayfor him; he has a servant's heart.Babysitting or Building RelationshipsDuring the semesterbreak, Bill and Margy flew to Knoxville to babysit their grandson, Zach.His parentswent to celebrate their fifthanniversary. Margy and BiU greatiyenjoyed gettingbetteracquainted with their onlygrandchild. Zach is almost four and has became a little boy. He isfascinated with heavy equipment, tractor pullsand dump trucks. He has unlimited energy: it farexceeds his grandparents. Bill didsor^ smaU repairs around thehouse and now Zachbelievesthat "Grampa can fix anything."\IA couple ofdays into the trip, Margybegan tosuffer sever pains in a tooth. Shecalled a dentist in I-exington whobringsdental teams to Honduras.He arranged an appointment, sothey drove up on Monday. To makea long story short, she returned,minus a molar. What a blessing tohave a dentist and an-orai surgeonand not chaig^W|)rth tkbi^'V^iOto do an implant. God is good!Watching Charlotte's WebWater Park FunZZ'OKI liwy3dSM 'HlllASSOyaivdHDVlSOd "S'n'OdOlldOad-MOWChastains and HoffslUO-OMiENXaniAXONXniEixoa odS33IA'a3S NOISSMCee99 SM'siUAssoyiQP xog OdDUi 'uoissivn/ ueiisuq;;) ojfegAq paqsnqn^]Georgia SharpeFrom: Wil!iamandMargy Hoff [billhoff@amnethn.com}Sent: Saturday, Octofeep2f72007Tl :47AMTo: Roudebush, CarlSubject: Hoffs winter plansDear E-mail familyandfriends.It is drizzling this morning in San Pedro Sula. We have had some terrific storms lately but the last couple ofdays all has been quiet. Please pray for the many people who have had their homes, properties, and cropsflooded. These were unnamed storms but they still caused greatdamage and suffering.The Bible institute ends classes onOctober 31st and doesn't resume until the middle ofFebruary (Honduranwinter vacation in the schools).Our departurefor the States is rapidly approaching. In fact it is only 10 days away. (It will be 5 days longer untilI see Zach, ha!) OnNovember 6th we fly to Indy arriving in the wee hours ofthe morningof the 7th. The nextcouple of days we will spend with the Rowan's and visiting friends in the area. On November 9th we drive toNashville, TN where we will spend a couple of days with Bill's cousin, Ben and his wife.Nov.11th - speak at New Hope Christian Church in Columbus, IN. - drive to Knoxville.Nov. 16th - National Missionary Convention in CincinnatiNov.17th - speak at S.S. class at Plum Creek Christian Church - Butler, KYNov. 22nd - THANKSGIVING -- in KnoxvilleDec. 2nd - speak in adult class at Prescott Christian Church - Prescott, AZDec. 4th - first appointment at MayoClinic for Margy - Scottsdale,AZDec. 8th & 9th at First Christian Church in Yuma, AZDec. 13th -19th in Las Vegas, NV with familyDec. 25th - in Knoxville with Beka,Alfredo,and ZachJan. 1st - vacation with familyJan. 6th - at First Christian Church inSeminole, FLJan.9th - dentalappointments in Lexington, KYJan. 13th - at Bethlehem Christian Church in Winchester, OHJan. 20th - at Church of Christ in Paxton, ILJan. 23rd- at Macedonia Christian Church in Kokomo, INJan. 27th - at Fairfield Christian Church in Oakford, INJan 29th-return to Honduras(please excuse any errors that I have made in this list). We are sorry that we can't visit all our supportingchurches on this trip. Hope to see many of you at the National MissionaryConvention in Cincinnati.Duringour time inthe States a semi-retired missionary couplewho pastored anEnglishspeaking churchinCosta Rica will be taking care of the church and staying in our house.Mark and Joy willbe in the States for theholidays.Bill has decided to have cataract surgery when we return to Honduras in February. There is a very competentdoctor here. Hemadethedecision because of the convenience and cost. Yes, he is bothered and can't see as wellas he used to, especially at night, but he is much better than he was when this first happened.We will continue checking our usual e-mail address while in the States. Perhaps not as frequently as we do here,but any open wireless will give us access to it. So continue using billhoff@,amnethn.com. We are borrowing acell phone, thephone numberis 317-374-1298.Please pray for our traveling and health while we are in the States. Also pray for the church here and theupcoming year at the Bible institute.God blessand thank you. Bill and MargyGeorgia SharpeTrom:3ent:To:Subject:Dear friends and family:William andMarov Hoff [blllhQff@amnethn.cQm]Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:29PMUndisclosed-Recipient:;AnUpdateI thought it Important to inform you because I know that many of youhave beenpraying for Margy.Margy andI have just retumed fomi Mayo Clinic. Wehave spent the past three days there and have seen acouple of finedoctors and have hadmultiple tests run. Theresults are some what hearting.Margy has hadTIG's (which are very minorstrokes.) The doctors affinmthat she has no signs of dementia, Alzheimer's nor Parkinson's. They recommend changingthe medications she takes forbloodpressure control andadding an anti-cholesterol drug. As well they eliminated anotherdrugand cut wayback on vitaminE (new studies show that it can become aproblem) and augmented calcium. They wanther to start the medications when she retums to Honduras where she can get Lab work done frequently at first. Thetremor she suffers fromis something she will have tolive with.Theseresults were assuringbut they will providea slightly different directionin treating her problems, than that suggestedby her doctors in Honduras. But the Clinic Is highly respectedandI am sure that the doctors willhelp usin obtaining theproper balance of thesemedications when we return. We appreciate yours prayers onour behalf.We will be leavingPhoenix onMonday moming and will spend six days In Las Vegas. This weekend wewill be with asupporting church in Yuma. Wehave thoroughly enjoyed visits with family members and friends. We look forwardtoreturning toKnoxville forChristmas andenjoying more visits.Pray that we will have acceptable weather for traveling. At times wehave been very coldbut Phoenix isnice right now.We love all of you. Thanks for prayer and support. Bill andMargyGeorgia SharpeFrom: WilliarrWr^Margy Hojf [billhoff@amnethn.com]Sent: Wednekdayr^>eeerTT6er 19, 2007 10:09 PMTo: Undisclosed-Recipient:;Subject: Christmas LetterMerryChristmas from the Hoffs,I (Margy) am writing this from a motel roominWest Memphis, Arkansas. We have been traveling for three days and areready to arrive inKnoxville tomorrow. We have done a lot of traveling since we left Honduras on November 6th. We aregrateful for the Lord's protection thus far in our journeys. We are thankful for family members and friends who have hostedus. I am very grateful for therelatively goodreport from Mayo Clinic.While in Las Vegas I got the flu and spent myfirst three days in bed.Bill and his mother took very good care of me. OnThursday Ifelt better but Bill became sick. He still doesn't feel verywell, but has been driving most of the trip.We intend to spend Christmas with, Beka and family, and Norm and Mary Dungan. NewYears' will be spent with Markand Joy, Joy's parents; Rick and Becky, Beka and Zach, and Benjieand Memll Esch who were fonrier missionaries inHonduras. During January, we will be visiting churches andhaving dental work done in Lexington.The reprts that we have received fromHonduras indicatethat all is going well during our absence. Kenand Polly aredoing a great job leading the English speakingchurch. Of course, the institute students are on winter vacation.We do wish you all a very Joyous Christmas andprosperous NewYear. Our prayer is that you will put Christ first in yourlives andremain faithful toHim. Weloveyou and continually thank you for yourprayers and support.Bill andMargy in theU.S.