Georgia SharpeFrom: Bill Hoff [l:^ndmargyhoff@gmaj[.com]Sent: =Tuesclay, F^mary05, 2008 10:44 AMTo: Undisclosed-Recipient:;Subject: Back home, back to workDear Friends,It is so good to bebackin Honduras. I am going to make a point ofrememberinghow miserable -6 degreesFahrenheit is whenI aminclined tocomplain about the heat andhumidity here. Another thingis almost certain:henceforth, I amgoing to try toprogram visitsin the northin any seasonbutwinter. I shouldnot complain about the weather; theLordprotectedusthroughit all. It seemedlike everywhere we went the dangerous drivingweather was just behindor just in front of us. That is important becauseIhave 35 years of subtropical and tropical driving andnever learned to drivein snow.We have been back six days and are just beginning to get into the swingofthings. Today Mark andI met with apreacher wholives about twohoursaway toarrange for achildren's Bible School that agroup of believers fromCalifornia will be presenting. Tomorrow we meet with potential teachers fortheBibleinstitute.Some of youwill ask what didwe accomplishonour trip. The answers aremany. First and foremost, we got some assurance about the treatment ofMargy'shealthconcerns. We also got some muchneeded dental workdone. Secondly, we were able tovisit anumber of our churches andreportabout theministry. Thisis important because it helps them topray forus.Thirdly, we were able tovisit our families, bothof our mothers have failinghealthand we want tohonor and comfort them as much asispossible.Besides that,we were able tospend time withour grandson and ourdaughter andson-in-law, andour siblings.I am very pleased toreport that Ken andPolly MacHarg, the couple whoserved as interim ministers in the International Christian Fellowship, werewonderful. The church people loved them. Ifthey had been available for fulltime ministry, I wouldnow be out of a job. I put them on aplane thismorning, but before they left I spent several hours askinghow I could betterserve the congregation and they had some great ideas. I hope toimplementthe changes in the near future.This weekend we are hosting a minister's retreat at the Bible institute. Theeverit will be a working retreat, in that they are going to prepare theconstitution for aReligious Non-profit Organization. This will providegovernment recognition andprotect the churches and thus, make theconstruction of a camp areality. Naturally, I hope that the organization willone day also take charge of the Bible Institute.Godbless you and thank you for praying for our safety while we weretraveling.Bill andMargyGeorgia SharpeC. BilMoffjBillandmargyhoff@gmail.com]>ent: vveanesday,March26, 2008 7:10 PMTo: WALKER, ROBERT L; Waldt, Ronnie and Mary Alice; Waddell, Bill; Vosdingh, Larry&Carol;Vivas, Leo &Jennifer; Vijil, Christine; Trout, Bill; Thomas, Tim; Templar, Chris; Taylor, Bart&Carrie; Tate, Todd; Tanner, Rod; Sutton, Anona; Summers, Mike and Suellen; Sturm, Don;Stone, Sam; Spratt, Madonna; Sperow, David&Marty; Soriano, Noe; Smithe. Shirley; Smith,Betty; Smiley, Larry; Skonberg, Noms and Susan; Simpson, Ron &Jean;Shurr, Bob;Shrader, Laretta;Shold, Steve &Millie; Shold, Kerri; Sharp, Georgia; Shank, D.; Semonsen,Debbie &Keny; Seevers, Matt; Seehom, Steve; Scott, Brad; Schrage, Mike; Schneller, Toni;Schneller, Tom; Schmieg, Barbara; Runyon, Ron&Tvy^ila; Rozell, Anna;Rowe, Jeanette;Rowan, Richard; Roudebush, Carl; Romero, Casey and Arells; Rollison, Joanne; Rodriguez,Jose &Karii; Rivera,Charlotte; Ritzer, Michael; Riley, Jim;Rice. SusanSubject: An email newsletterDear Friends and family,Last Sunday waswonderful as we remembered theLord's Resurrection. I am impressed bythe apostle Paul'sreminder inRomans 14:5 "One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike...."Thereis an element lost when we onlyremember the resurrection on "Easter" or remember the incarnation onChristmas. Those of us whoparticipate inthe Lord's Supper frequently cansaythat we remember the.^^M'esurrection weekly, but thetruthis that we need to remember the incarnation, the suffering, the crucifixion, andthe resurrectionevery day that we live. By rememberingwe can walk in the paths of Jesus. Perhaps our"holydays" (misspelling intentional) are detrimental to our walk, because they reduce the memories to a fewspecial days. Let us walk always in remembrance of Him.Things are changing fast inHonduras. Weused to saythat the citywouldbe deserted during "HolyWeek" (theweek before"Eastef), but this year there were many who didn't observe the annual pilgrimage to the beaches.Almost 30%answered an inquest about their vacationby sayingthat they feared security problems: either thattheir homeswouldbe robbed whilethey were away, or the risks of life and limb on the highways. Afewsaidthat they had economic problems and couldn't go, and about 5%said they were going to church. Aninternationallyrenown cartoonist saidthat each year "Holy Week" gets longer and less holy.Our English speaking church held its traditional Friday picnic at the Field's house near Lake Yojoa. Attendancewas smaller than in previous years becausethe Mennonite families from a local community, that usually join us,were grieving the drowning deathof a youngman. We had a great meal with a lot of food. AleckGilen, ourRussian church member, barbecued chicken. The children and young adults rode down a 100 foot "slip andslide" (a wet peaceofplasticwith a bit of detergent on a longsteep slope.) One boy managed to ride it standingup to the end several times. Amazingly, everyone made it to churchSunday without broken bones.. ' Thursday through Saturday, several national churches helda youthcamp at the Bibleinstitute. About 100camperswere present. Because ofthe lackofbuildingsfor so many, some brought tents. Theyreally enjoyedthe freshly mowed grass and lack of fire ants. The event was well organized.Thank you for your continued support and prayers. They are needed.Bill and MargyUNITED STATESSALUDOS!MEXICOfromSOUTH AMERIC^\ BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSIONPublished Quarterly Vol. 39, Number 1The Church Learns to CooperateWe were blessed to host the quartedy pastors'meetinginFebruary. Twelve pastorsand three missionaries were present.(Four ofthe twelvepastors are alumni of the BibleInstitute.)The men were very encouraging and providedus with ideasfor training leaders.These men have beenfacing the reality thatthere is only onefacilityavailable for rent in Honduras that will accommodatethe National Fellowship Convention and youth camps such asCIY. Unfortunately, it is ownedby a denomination that givespriority to its churches. Their churches have begun to utilizeall theavailabledates. As a result, thislast yearthecalendar ^ ., - ' r 1- Ministers meeting tor lellowship and cooperationwastuU, with no room for our convenaon. Because ofthis, m o r ra previous meeting the ministers voted to began searching for a plot of land on which to develop a retreat center.In January, the men purchased a site and placed it in the names of five of theirnumber. The landsits at about twothousandfeet elevation, near Lake Yojoa.It islocated withinafew hundred feet ofasmall dam that createsabeautifollittle lake. It borders on a very small creek. The lake is visible on Google Earthat the following location 14 52' 32.86" Nand 87 55' 24.07W (isn't technology wonderful). So at February's meeting, we drafted bylaws for a non-profitreligious association which will become the owner and manager of the property. We have not yet obtained the funds to paythe lawyer fees to get the registration underway, but at least we have agreement among the parties involved.In February a handful of youth and preachers from the various congregationswent out and cleared some underbrush (leaving the trees) so that we can beginto plan construction. Buildinga retreat center will be a long slow process but ajourney of a thousand miles begins with one step. At least we have an agreement and a common goal. In the future we maybe solicitingwork teams tohelp build, but first we need the religious association status. Bill Camp propertyBill and Margy Hoff2227 N.W. 79thAve. Box P2025Doral, FL 33122-1615Phone (Honduras): 011-504-566-2440e-mail: billhoff@amnethn.coinwebsite: bajiochristian.orgBajio Christian MissionAttn: Lyn Mclntyre34428YucaipaBlvd. E-192Yucaipa, CA 92399Phone: 909-797-4628Spring 2008f'.fChurch VisitsMuch of the work of the Institutedependsuponthe support of the churches of Honduras. Overthe fall semester,we took an opportunity to visit several churches in an efforttopromote the Bible Institute andstrengthen relationships.Our professor, Antonio, worked with the studentsto developa presentation. They sought to encourage church memberstorespond to God'scall ontheir lives. Mark, Bill,Jason(Mark'sfriend), Antonio, andthe smdents visitedsix churches in anendeavor to motivate believers to newer levels of service andministry. Joy Students and personnel visiting churchesReUef WorkIn September, we braced ourselves as the forecasts indicated that Honduraswould be takinga great hit from Hurricane Felix. However, Felix took an unexpected turn toward Nicaragua, causinggreat damage and loss for our neighborsto the south. Nicaragua required much aid and support at that time. 100 peoplewere killedand homes and roads were destroyed.In the mean time, Honduras had receiveda great deal of rain and some ofthepoorer communitieslocated in the lowlands were also suffering. In pannershipwith the International Christian Fellowship and Samaritans Purse, Mark, Bill,andJason visited one such community and delivered mosquito nets and tarpsjust weeks after the hurricane passed. We were againable to respond a monthlater with bags of food for each family. It was a great opportunit)' to he thehands of Jesus and show his love to a suffering village. JoyDistribution of suppliesWhat's New in 2008Packaging relief suppliesWhen the new year arrives, many ofus are saying, "Out \vith the old, in with the new."This has definitelybeen the case this year for theBible Institute. At the end of last year, wewere disheartened by the fact that our professor,Antonio, and his wife, Sarahi, wouldnot bereturning after the Christmas holidays. The Sorianos struggled in their adjustments to a new culture, rural living, and distance from family.We were very blessed during the seven months that they served wiih us. They were a great gift to the ministry, the students, and the localchurches in Honduras.As the school yearcame to a close, we werealsosaddened bythe number of students. We beganthe yearwith five students. Three ofthosestudents completedtheir first year; one student returnedin Februaryto completehis studies. Withno promiseofanynewstudents in February, we were forced to change our strategy for training pastors and leaders in Honduras.We believe God has a plan and is directing us in this newyear. As withanything new, our human natureapproaches things with a bit offear and discomfort. However, we trust the Lord and are seeking Him with each decision.Bill is teachingour remrning student two days a week. With the help of two local pastors, Mardoqueo is on track to complete his secondyear of classes and graduate in the fall. In addition to taking classes, Mardoqueo is teaching Bibleat a Christian school and beginninga newchurch plant.Our questionhas been, "What will the 'in with the new' look like?" After spendingmuch time in prayerand speaking with several Hondu-ran pastors, we decided to holdmonthly seminars and training workshops for pastors, institute alumni, and lay leaders in the church. Wewill beginthese seminars at the end of March. It is our hope that wewill continueto be able to strengthenthe leaders ofexisting churches,raise up leaders for new churches, and motivate interest in more full time trainingat the Bible Institute in coming years. JoyFrom Nevada to FloridaThis past winter Bill and I spent three months in the States.. The trip was multipurpose;we had some medical issues to take care of, we needed to report to churches, and we visited family and friends. We spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas withBekaand familyin Knoxville. Thetrip was very fulfilling, but tiring.We flew into Indianapolis whereJoy's parents picked us up. After spendinga few dayswith them andvisitingsome friends nearby, we spoke at a supporting church in Indianabefore driving to Knox\'ille. We took Bekaand Zach with us to Cincinnati for the NationalMissionary Convention. It was wonderful seeing many friends. After spendingThanksgivingin Knoxville, we began ourtrip to the western part of the States.We made several stops before arrivinginArizona. Christmas in November at Tomand Dianne's(my sister) house is alwaysa lot of fun. We spoke at the Prescottand Yuma Christian churches while inArizona. We spent threedays at theMayo Clinic for tests and consultations.The report was encouraging and theadjustments of medications have madeZach with his grandparents me feel better.rw'After visitingfamily members in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, we traveledback toKnoxville for Christmas. New Year's Eve was spent in a cabin in Daniel Boone countryeast ofLexington. Wewere joined by family and friends. A weeklater we traveled to Florida to a supporting church. That was our firstexperience in traveling thefull length of Georgia and intoFlorida (Tampa).Alfredo, Rebecca, and Zach4Margy's sister, Dianne, and TomFrom Knoxville we traveledto Lexington for dental work. Saturdayafternoon, January 12thwe saidgoodbye to Alfredo, Beka, and Zachand drove to Ohio. Sundayafternoon we drove to Indiana where we spent a day and a half with Mark and Joy before they returnedtoHonduras. TheHazelwood Christian Church has a mission guest house which they allowed us to use for our final two weeks in the States.During this time we spoke and visited.The weather was verv cooperative for us during our time in the States. Our only complaints were when BUI drove through rain and thickfog in Tennessee and the cold weather we encountered in Illinois. When the people in the area south of Chicago complained about thecold, 1 thought "it is really cold."A special thank you for everyone that hosted us during our travelsin the States. Also a special thanks for your prayers during our travels. Itwas so good to return home to the work here and enjoy warmer weather. MargyIn the cabinPraises:We praise God for the refreshing time wewere able to spendat the National Missionary Convention.Wepraise God for beingableto visit family and friends over the holidays.We praise God that Margy feels better withher newmedications.Prayers:Please pray for Mardoqueo as he continues his classes, teaches Bible,and begins a new church.Please pray for Mark and Bill as they meet with various church leaders to discuss the best time frame and curriculum for the seminars.Please prayfor the Bible Institute facility. Praythat we will be ableto finda good guardand caretaker for the propertyduringthis time.Pleasepray for Antonio and Sarahi as they seek to minister in Mexico.Please praythat the 27 alumni willremain faithful to their calling and in close fellowship with the Lord.Please pray that God will raise up willing servants to attend the Bible Institute in the next term.Please pray for the continued construction of the Educational-Administrative buildings.Please pray for the Churches in Honduras as they seek nonprofit status and develop the camp property.ZZ OKI llWdHdSM 'aniASSoyaivd3DVlS0d S'D"Dyo luoad-wowaRL^3n^H)l 3DIA^3S'CC599 SM'aiUASSoyIGPxog odDUj 'uoissiVy/ UBiisuq;;) OjfegAq psqsiiqriciGeorgia SharpeFrom:Sent:To:Subject:Dear Ones,Bill Hoff [blllanclmargyhoff@gmail.com]Saturday, May 03,2008 5:56 PMUndisclosed-Recipient:;Bill is back and greatful for your prayersThanks for your prayers during my trip toLas Vegas. I really needed them.My mother has deteriorated considerably since our visit last December. She naturally perks up duringvisits but it took a couple of days for her to get my name. With the loss of memory has come aprofound change of personality. She has become defiant,embittered, and devious. She refuses totake abath. We had to sneak ten-year-old cans of food that are bulging and ready to explode out tothe trash because she insists they are still good. We had to buynew undergarments and substitutethem for the old ragged ones which we buried deep in the trash.Our daughter Rebecca was good enough to fly out from Knoxville. Her help around the house,andher experience with Hospice, was invaluable. She particularly wanted to review the Dementia -Alzheimer care units we are considering for mom. After all, she spends several hours a week caringfor people in similar institutions and has acriteria that is more objective than ours. We were pleasedto have her there,and also Zack, our four-year-old grandson, who enlivened the house considerably.Before we can get mom admitted toacare facility, we have to have her declared under ourguardianship. So while there Mu brothers and I began the process; we should have guardianshipbefore the end of the month. My brother who livesin Vegas is suffering alot of guilt, but recognizesthat if Mom were in her right mind,she would approve of the action. My brothers latest note says thatMom doesn't remember his wife's or daughter's name,nor the Dog's. So after her high during our visitshe is slipping again.I spent longhours working on the house so that it can be sold. I know that it is alousy time to sellrealestate. But so beit.Myfamily always seems toprovide special entertainment when we are in the USA. Two trips ago itwas ahouseboat fire. This timeI am going tolet my brother describe the special activities."Weird times... Sunday we (us including William andMom) went tothe 09:15 service. After church Elizabeth,mom's care giverfor the day, went back tothe house and we went toMemphis Barbecue. On the way home acop car came screamingpast us. Then afire truck andlater anambulance. We get tothe neighborhoodandit isblocked by the police. No infojust "go away". We callElizabeth andeverything seems OK. So we gothe themall andrent a wheelchair to kill sometime. Then Becky's andAdelia's cellphones stop working, but mycheapTracphone continues towork (turns outthere is noaddress associatedwith the Trac, but there iswith theirphones). We call variouspeople we hwwin the area andit seems somebody wasarmedandthreatening tocommit suicide. Elizabeth tries togo outdoors andis turned back by SWAT. Some neighbors are escorted out bythe police butnotElizabeth andthe two houses Exist ofMom's. Then the ladyjust West ofMom, who is ofquestionable sanity, reacts toall the bull horns andjumps the wall intoMom's backyardandhides inthebushes. (Elizabeth who doesn't know about her imbalance) headsout thefront door and SWATheadsin andtells her togointo a back bedroom. They knock down the screen door andRay Ann, the neighbor, iscarriedoutin handcuffs. We go backto theneighborhoodonlyto be turnedawayagain. About 18:00weconvinceElizabeth toget inher car andifshecanandleave. She got away. We continue tokilltime andgo toRedRock.Then we go toBassPro shops. Andeventually we go back to the neighborhood. It's about19:45 when we tireoftalking to the amateur radioguywho is thefirst line defense andhasflares all over thestreetand is keepingpeople out. Further in are thepolice blocking thestreet but theguykeeps their hassle toa minimum. Two carsrace out ofthenext streetover and,before he letsthempass, the Hamradioguyfinds out that they are snipersin unmarked vehicles. Things are closeto wrappingup so we go toBigDogsand eat.Bottom line: Guy is ex-Marine with threeyoungkids. He'sfired off 7roundsin his house. News coverage isminimal. Hope heisn't a vetwithpost traumatic whatever it is. Sunday is wasted, so William inall his efforts tofix everyproblem in the house can'tfinish all ofthem.Well, I could done without tenhours of trying to entertain Mom and ourselves. But blessedly,themansurrendered withoutblood shed. And wepray he will receive the help he needs.Thanks for the prayersBillGeorgia SharpeFrom: Bill Hoff [billandmargyhoff@gmall.com]Sent: Monday, June 23,2008 8:57 PMTo: Undisclosed-Recipient:;Subject: The latest fromthe HoffsThank you all for your prayers andplease continue to pray.Mark decided, after visiting anorthopedic surgeon, not to have surgery on his broken collar bone. The doctor thinks there isenough contact between thebones toheal fine. He issupposed tohave two weeks ofpain, then two weeks todevelop newbone tissue, andthen two tofour weeks for the bones tofuse. He will need therapy after that butitis predicted thatinsix toeight months Mark will be backto normal. Wearethankful that no surgery is needed but hestill needs a lot ofprayer.We (Bill and Margy) had our cataract surgery on Saturday. The lady preparing us prayed with us before thesurgery. Sundaymoming we went for a checkup. The doctor thought Margy was doing fine but Bill had aninflamed cornea. The last two dayshecouldnt see wellin the moming but a little later his eyeswere much improved. Thesurgeon also prayed for us after thecheckup. Wefeel very pleased with theresults.Margy no longer hasthe blun-ed vision. Ofcourse, we have torestoureyesoften.Once againwe thank ourfamilies and friends for beingconcernedand praying.God bless, Bill and MargyUNniDSrATBSALUDOS!MEXIQ)/ ^ 'fromSOITTH AMERICABAJIOCHRISTIAN MISSIONMissionaries Since 1972 Vol. 39, Number 2Leadership Seminars .. .Bill and Margy Hoff2227N.W. 79thAve. Box P2025Doral, FL 33122-1615Phone (Honduras); 011-504-566-2440e-mail: billandmargyhoff@gmail.comwebsite: bajiochristian.orgBajio Christian MissionAttn: Lyn McInt)Te34428 Yucaipa Blvd. E-192Yucaipa, CA 92399Phone: 909-797-4628September 2008We have been able to host twoleadership seminars over the last fewmonths. The first ofthese was held on Saturday, April 5th.Twelve church leaders took part in sessions on "Leadership in the Local Church" and "Instructions for Leadership and Eldershipfound in the bookof Titus". The second of these seminars took place on Saturday, May24th. Twent)--five shared in this trainingsession. Bill continued his series on "Leadership in the Local Church" and we showed a video about being a Man ofGod. We werepleased to see several participants returnfor the second seminar. In addition to the extreme heat, Satan attacked bothseminars withthe loss of electric power. Bill and Mark are now making efforts to cool the chapel by adding insulationto the roof.nBill teaching seminarCamps, Camps, and More Camps . . .The national churches have purchased propert}^ to build a new camp to accommodate their activities throughout the year. At this point, it is only landand will takemuch time and resources to develop. In the mean time, we havemade the Institute facility available for such events. We are equippedto house10 single smdents and 8 marriedfamilies. Theseaccommodations have beenstretched, but the churcheshave been able to continue the camp programs.In March the churches combined for an annual youth camp held during HolyWeek. Their camp theme was "Difficult Times" focusing onreligious confu- ^ campsion, economic problems, immorality, and violence. About 100 youth participated in this three-day camp.In June we hosted the annual family camp. One hundred and ten people took part in this three-day weekend. Thecamp theme, "MoreThan Conquerors," was expressed through sermons, small groups, and dramas. The large number ofcampers was possible becausemany brought mattresses and tents.Family camp Class Family CampSeminarJohn theBaptist's HeadProperty Lines . . .InJuly the owner ofthe institute's neighboring propert)'^ approachedus. The squatterson her propert}' claimed that the Institute actually falls in her property boundaries. She believed this was true and sought to convince us to hand it over to her for a small compensation for the buildings. We found a lawyerwho reviewed our documents and had a topography study done. These studies showedthat the institute property legally belongs to us. Our lines are slightly off, but it appears that this error will not affect any structures.Another topography study will showwhere the exact lines should be.Volunteer Labor ...In May, Darryl Olson (presidentofBilland Margy's missionboard) came to Honduras with two friends fromKansas. Darryl, Bob,and Randy worked diligendy with Mark and Bill to install the roofstructure for the two newbuildings at the Institute. One building contains 2 classrooms and the other is a library/computer lab and administradve office. They were ableto complete most ofthe steel beam structure during the week they were here. Darryl stayed on for two addidonal weeks to help with various things andencourage all of us in the work.Mark and Bill were able to accomplish their goal of finishing the roof structure before family camp on June 13th. They includedinsulation in the libraryand office building, which has proven to make a significant difference in the temperature. Both of thesebuildings were quite useful, providingshadyplaces to meet during camp.mMark working onroof Randy from Kansas New buildingInternational Christian Fellowship News . . .Every year we must saygoodbve to dear friends as members ofour church move back to the States. This year was no exception.Seventeen people moved to the States lea\nnggreat holes in church work and in our lives. Among those in the States are some ofour youth that have begun collegeand others that have moved with their families. They are adjusting to great changes in their livesand we are missingthem here.The angels rejoiced with us recendy as three peopleacceptedthe Lord and werebaptized. Jeffrey-Lee is the twelve-year-old son ofone dear family that returned to the States this summer. Karlaand Abel have both turned their lives around greatly to follow the Lord.A special thank you for everyone that hosted us during our travels in the States. Also a special thanks for your prayers during ourtravels. It was so good to return home to the work here and enjoywarmer weather. MargyJeffrey-Lee Abel KarlaThree-fold Trip .. .On July 21st Bill and I took a two and a half week trip to theU.S. Our goals were three-fold. After spending a day with theRowans (Joy's parents) we drove to Lexington where we bothhad dental work done. I was happy because a crown was beingprepared on a lower tooth. I was anxious to chew onthatsideof my mouth for the first dme in a year. But then the dentistsaid that I neededa tooth pulled which was directly above thecrown. Maybe next year I will be able to chew onboth sides.The second purpose of our trip was for Bill to replace thecarpet in the living room, dining room, and hallway of Bekaand Alfredo's house with laminate flooring. The first evening wewere there all the furniture was movedout intothe garage. Early the next day the carpet was taken out and Bill and Alfredowent to buy the necessary supplies. Thebetter part of four dayswas devotedto theproject andthe flooring looks very nice.We, of course, we were very anxious to arrive in Knoxville tosee ourfamily. The family has growntofour. In April Zach wasgiven a puppy. He is a mixture of Feist and Beagle. I suggestedthe nameBendey whenBeka told me about the addition. (Alldogs in the Hoff family have names that begin with "B". Theonly exception is Jenny (our boxer) that was given to us by theOakley family. It was great to play with Bentiey andZach.Bothhave a lot of energy.Bill had oneday of rest before he droveto Nashvillefor theWorld Convention ofChristian Churches and Churches ofChrist. Hethoroughly enjoyed his time there. He chose his own'v 'Bill and Alfredo finishing floorTi aikBeka and BentieyI.rrri'i""'schedule and attended whatever he wished. He met people from allover the world. He said the food was great in the restaurants he selected for his meals. Hewent out to eat with former members ofthe churchhere.While Bill wasgone I spent a morning with SusanCalderon, long time missionary friendfromMexico. She currendy teachesat Johnson BibleCollege. The next dayBekaand I hada 6-hour shopping spree. It was wonderful but very tiring.Bill arrived back in Knoxville on a Sunday afternoon in time to eat lunch with us followingour church service. Monday morning Bill and I had brunch with Norm and Mary Dungan(friends since 1972).After a couple more days ofpurchasingand packingin Knoxville we headed backtoLexington.We were invited to eat with the Oakley family who also invited several of ourchurch members who were currentiy in the States for the summer. It was a lively time.Then it was back to the dentist to get my tooth pulled. Immediately after that we drove toIndiana where we boarded the plane the following morning.Mark's Accidents ~God's Healing . . .On June11 th (twodays before the annual family camp) Markhad a car accident. Fortunately, no one was injuredand our car insurancewas paidthe week before. OnJune 15th(the final day of the annual family camp) Mark was joining others as theyeach tookaturn on a church member'smotorcycle. Marktook a fall and broke his collarbone. He had to wear a brace for eight weeksand sleptin the recliner for about six weeks. In the first fewweeks we struggled with the decision about surger)'. Through the advice of doctors in the States and in Honduras, we felt a peaceabout not havingsurgery. God trulyis the Great Physician and has designed ourbodies to heal themselves miraculously. Markis now backto work, He still has to be careful as he buUds his strength up again, butwe are thankful to the Lord for His great hand of healing.Praises:Manyhave been able to come to the Institute to studyGod's Wordand growin their relationship with Him through seminars andcamps.The roofs on the two newbuildings were completedin time for family camp.Three people have acceptedthe Lord and were baptizedat ICEMark is healing well fromhis accident.Prayers:We pray for students to enroll for classes in February.We pray for our alumni as they seek to serve Godthroughout Honduras.Weprayfor Mardoqueoas he completes his last semesterofstudy.We pray for future opportunities to train leaders at the Institute.Mark and Bill are working to add insulation to the chapel roof.We pray for the ICF families that are adjusting to lifein the States.We pray God will protect our property from the neighboring squatters who would like to obtain the land.Bill and Margy's health.NOTE: Mark and Joy contributed some ofthe articlesin this newsletter.i'Z.e#ISLl 'aniAxou^p^d -snSjq "ONaaxsHfibn^ hdia^hs ssHnaovHlO-OZ6Z.e!SU.'3inAxoirvilueixog odUOpBpOSSVS3DlAJ3gUOISSTJAJGeorgia SharpsFrom: Bill Hoff [bilIandmargyhoff@gmaiI.com]Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 12:52 PMTo: Undisclosed-Recipient:;Subject: Hoffs NewsDear Friends,May the Lord bless you with Peace and the Joy of Salvation.Margy andI had agreat time with Beka and family duringour short lime in theStates this summer.We were also blessed to see some former church members. Margyhad acrownput on one tooth andthen needed another tooth pulled. She has another dental appointment in December in Lexingtonbefore we go toKnoxville forChristmas.There have been anumber of noteworthy events here in the past few months. Margy and I finally gotour new glasses following the cataract surgery. After the second attempt they got mineright, butMargy still must get her bifocals changed. It takes so muchtime to do the simple things here.Another health problem thatI currently have is twobrokenribs. Two weeks ago, I slipped on thesidewalk and fellacross a short retaining wall in front of our house. I fell hardand the wall preventedme from getting my armdown to break the fall, so the fall broke me. I heard the crack as two ribsbroke (# 4 and 5 on the right side.)It has been apainful experience. It hurts to breath, cough, hiccup,and above all to sneeze. Saturday I had an X-ray; it cost about $14 dollars, and yesterday I finallywent to see the doctor. He said I amhealing well. He also asked whenI broke the second rib on thesame side. I don't remember ever doing that, but the x-ray shows the nicely healed fracture, i amblessed, he said, withahigh tolerance for pain.The latest project at theinstitute has been the installationof insulation in the chapelroof. When theproject began, Mark couldn't domuch because of hisbroken collar bone, but that has healed nicely.Lately, I haven't been able to domuch because of the broken ribs. Last week Mark, Higenio (thewatchman) andI put the final piece of insulation in place. The effect is noticeable;it is muchcoolernow.Icontinue teaching and preaching for the church white Margy spends much time in communicationwithfamily, friends, and former and current church members.We covet your prayers. God bless, Bill and MargyGeorgia SharpeFrom: Bill Hoff [billandmargyhoff@gmail.com]Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 3:16 PMTo: Undisclosed-Recipient::Subject: Christmas Greetings fomHondurasDear Friends, Family, and Supporters.It is such an honor to be able to send you Christmas greetings. I knowthat your world is slowlytrying toremove the Christ from Christmas. Some stores are reportedly ordering their clerks not to use the word for fearof offending someone. The "princeofthis world" would like nothingbetter than to erase the Name of Jesus theChrist from all human memories. Blessedly, here in Latin America we are not yet under such restrictions. FelizNavidad is acceptable and well received.The fact is that we enjoy many blessing at this time ofyear. The weather is the coolest we will see during thewhole year: in the low seventies. The rain has helped reduce the smog and dust pollution, and best of all, theyouth and children ofthe church are working hard at memorizing their parts for the Christmas program whichwillbe held thisSunday morning.On the other hand, the stores are starting to get crowded and the rain has, totally devastated the streets whichhave about as many potholes as good spots.We rejoice to be here, representing the One whose birth we remember every day. So we unashamedly wish youaChrist filled celebration of Christmas.Feliz Navidad,Bill and Margy