Update from The Hands of Christ

Greetings to you from Honduras!
Ana and I hope this newsletter finds each of you enjoying life and the walking with God. The LORD is blessing us and the work we do serving Him among the poor in Honduras. We had a two wonderful weeks {2nd & 3rd weeks of February} serving with local pastors in the communities of Ciudad España, Las Hadras, La Brea, El Empedrado, La Guajire. The first two communities are a few miles outside of Tegucigalpa towards San Pedro Sula and the latter three communities are towards Lepaterique. Hundreds of patients received the medical attention they desperately needed. There is a critical shortage of medicine in the health department and public hospitals of Honduras. It is truly a blessing that we are here and able to treat so many people. The credit for our ability to serve others needs goes to our supporters and especially to God. The pastor for the group of churches around Lepaterique used us to bring people into the local church at El Empedrado and was inviting them to a grand reopening of the local church. It had been closed for several months after the pastor was unable to continue the work. God will use each of us in many ways if only we are willing to let him.

The following was written by Dr. Ana Lamon after the group from Frankfort, Kentucky went home recently. They were here the first week of March. The group was made up of 25 wonderful volunteers including but not limited to doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, a pharmacist, a pastor, a veterinarian and workers to keep things running smoothly. I am sure I have left someone out but as you can see it was a great group that accomplished much with God’s help.

After the Group of Kentucky left Honduras they have been in my mind since then. How can we forget this blessed week? Not just this week one, but weeks others before this. The impact that they caused in thousands and thousands of lives is impressive.

Their commitment, dedication, passion, knowledge and love are a terrific flag of hope to those in need. And their actions are noble to imitate. Therefore, they fulfill what the scripture says in Matthew 12:50 -- “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and my sister and my mother.”

It was a great week with surprises, adjustments, challenges and how can I not say to believe that with prayer all obstacles or obstructions can fall with the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, giving up opinions and doing what has to be done in the name of Jesus even though you don’t feel things should go that way. But, always understanding that Jesus is the captain of any boat you are sailing, and assimilating that your security comes from Him and He will always do His will. (2 Corinthians 1:24 -- Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.”). Matthew 16:27--For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

The second week of March we worked in a new community here in Tegucigalpa. It was called Policarpo Paz. We saw lot of really sick people and it was a good experience for us. You could feel God’s presence and His peace while you were working.
This week we have an individual volunteer and his daughter with us. We will be working in Los Laureles and Sabana Redonda which is near Lepaterique.

We appreciate your continued prayers and support for our ministry. Please visit our website at www.thehandsofchrist.org or you may e-mail us at johnyana_41@hotmail.com

May God richly bless your lives as you bless others.
In Christ’s service always,

John & Ana Lamon

Under Curfew

Good afternoon! John and Ana called this morning to say that they are under curfew as are all residents of Tegucigalpa. Ex-President Zelaya returned to Honduras under the cover of night and there is or was a demonstration in Tegu in support of him. The media would have us to believe that tens of thousands people were involved in the demonstration but John said that it was probably 4 or 5,000. The city is really very calm and under curfew. John and Ana do not feel unsafe in any way right now. They are using these days to prepare for upcoming clinics getting medicines and supplies ready and for rest. If you have not been to Honduras, just riding around the city will exhaust you because the road conditions are quite bad. There are some stretches of road that are nice and smoothly paved but most are filled will pot holes if they are paved and many roads where John and Ana serve are all dirt and rutted from rains and travelers.

Please continue to pray for their safety and ability to serve the needy people of Honduras. Also, pray that the United States government would realize that the majority of the people in Honduras are "for" the new government and not for Zelaya and what he stands for.

plowing with oxen

From top left: Jessica Murphy giving out medicine in Ciudad España. Top Right: 4 members of the church in Ciudad España praying for a patient. Bottom Left: A pill counting party with Claudia Stull, Betty, Charlotte Shepherd, Jessica Murphy, and Brandy Burns.

This lady cooked our lunch (chicken, rice, and beans) on her home stove Claudia Stull doing pre-clinic in ciudad España where we saw around 300 patients

This Baptist Church was the site of our medical brigade about an hour and one half south of Tegucigalpa.

Dr. Ana checking the heartbeat of an unborn child in Las Hadras

Charlotte Shepherd preparing the medicine for the patients in Ciudad España

These two pictures are of the hand carved road we traveled to get to Cerro Verde (Green Hill)

The community school where we held out clinic in Cerro Verde

This man was using his ox drawn cart to carry his corn to town to sell

On the way home from Guayabal we passed this young boy carrying firewood home so his mother could cook the family food

This crowd of 300 patients greeted us Friday morning in Guayabal just outside of Lepaterique The pharmacy team of Jessica Murhpy and Jackie Parks ready for patients in El Espino, Lepaterique
The pharmacy team of Jessica Murphy and Jackie Parks ready for patients in El Espino
Teresa Law seeing patients with her translator Oscar in Las Hadras

Nurse Brandy Burns checking the blood pressure of a patient in Las Hadras

Laura Dover translating for Dr. John Waits in Cerro Verde (Green Hill) outside of Lepaterique

Photos from Wednesday's Clinic

On Wednesday of this week Mary Grace, Katie and I went with John and Ana and held a clinic in one of the very poor neighborhoods of Tegucigalpa. These photos are of the church building that the clinic was held in. Can't get the upload working -- will post photos later.

Wonderful Wednesday in Honduras

Wednesday started out as an early day again with a 5:15 wake up for me so that we could leave at 6:15 to take John Israel to school. It takes 30-45 minutes to get to his school so once we arrived and played with him in his room a bit we left and went to our clinic site for the day. We were working at a church building (open air, tin roof and homemade pews of white washed lumber) and the pastor and people of the church were supposed to announce that we were coming but they forgot. So we were disappointed there was no one waiting when we arrived. As we set up for the work day, the woman who greeted us at the church sent some little boys out through the neighborhood to spread the word that there was a medical brigade with medicine at the church and to come! Well, as you can imagine it did not take too long for people to begin arriving. We saw 73 people in about 3 hours. We stayed until no one else was coming and then packed up. Most of the medicines we handed out were for fungus, infections of many kinds, tylenol and meds for diabetes. Ana says that there is an increase in diabetes in the people of Honduras becuase they can afford to purchase carbohydrates to eat and are lacking protein, fruits and vegetables. While Ana was seeing patients and John was working in the pharmacy, the girls and I were counting and bagging pills to be used on future brigades.

The people who came were all glad to see us and I know this only because of the grateful looks on their faces and not because I understand the language! We were so excited to share God's love through smiles and hugs and handshakes. God's love translates easy!

I am attaching photos of the view from the Statue of Christ we visited on Sunday and one of my girls, John Israel and myself.

Happenings in Honduras!

We are having a great time in Tegucigalpa with John and Ana! On Sunday morning we visited the Statue of Christ and the park that surrounds it. We saw lots of beautiful native flowers and plants and were amazed and the beauty of the city even among the poverty from the view on the mountain where we were. You can clearly see the poverty everywhere you go here but from the mountain view it was even more clear. Many of the "houses" are really just one or two rooms made from scavenged boards and corregated metal in many cases with dirt floors.

On Monday, we were able to go with John and Ana to take John Israel to school. He is blessed to be able to attend an english speaking school. It is very clean and neat and his classroom had great learning toys and bright colors. The whole school is well taken care of. Ana's sister works there in the office.

I have discovered that part of the mission that God had planned for us while we are here is to help rejuvenate John and Ana. As you know, mission work is hard work. Not only do you work in the mission field that God has given you but you must work to raise your own pay check. Last week, just before we arrived, they moved into a much safer area which was needed whether or not we visited. In light of that, I have discovered they have some very tangible needs around their house. My daughters and I are working on that while we are here. It is fun to work for God when you can see the results which is great for my girls. The reality is that John and Ana do not always see the results that God has blessed them with because of the field of missions where they work. They do not always see the physical healing in the medical clinics nor do they always see and hear the lives changed through salvation but they are planting the seeds of salvation and sharing the medicine for the physical body.

Please continue to pray for John, Ana and John Israel as they serve in Honduras. Please pray for our trip and return to the states on Friday. Ask God how you can help this family continue their service to the glory of the Lord.

We have Arrived!

Good evening from Tegucigalpa, Honduras! My daughters and I had an exciting and uneventful trip through Miami to Tegucigalpa. We easily went through customs and right outside was John Israel (age 5) eagerly waiting for us! We grabbed a bite to eat and then came to John and Ana's home. They recently moved into a safer area and their home is full of love and warmth. We are so glad to be here. Tomorrow we are going to see the Picachao --the Christ statue -- and to the english service at church. We are also going to meet with the architect who is here from Kentucky to continue the planning for the women's clinic. Weather permitting, we hope to walk the land on Monday or Tuesday and see where lives will be changed, physically and spiritually. I can already see the great need for the people of Honduras. Even here in the city, as in our own community, there is a desperation and sadness on many faces that only the love of Christ can remove. Please help us reach the people of Honduras. Please ask the Lord how you are to support this ministry. We need your prayers and finacial support. Any donations that you send will go directly to supporting John and Ana and their weekly medical clinic.

Packed and Ready!

Sarah here today. Tomorrow morning at 6:00am, our two daughters, ages 10 and 11, and I will board a flight for Honduras! We are very excited to see what John and Ana do everyday and experience a week of life in Honduras. It is our girls first time overseas and my first time out of the country in.. well let's say .. a while .. since I was a teenager. I am looking forward to walking on the land where the women's clinic will be built and to go into some of the villages where John and Ana work each week. Please pray for our safety and health while we are gone and pray for my husband as he stays home and holds down the fort. We also have some business decisions and discussions to work through so please pray for clarity and unity for all in the cause of Christ. Thanks for your continued support and prayers!

Hello from Honduras,
It has been a few weeks since we last wrote. Let me assure you that we have been working hard. Each year, there is a sad but true event here in Honduras as well as other central American countries. The people burn much of their country for various reasons and this year the fires burned the land that we bought. Although this is not good, we are taking advantage of it. We can easily see all the rocks and small stumps and debris on the land and we are cleaning it up. This will make it much easier to cut the grass, build the clinic buildings and do other things as they arise.

This past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we were in Ciudad España. I think this is the place where we see the most young children. As I looked at the patients lined up waiting to see doctor Ana, all I saw were mothers with 1 to 4 children and the occasional man mixed in. The babies less than a year old were very numerous. We saw lots of respiratory problems, diarrhea, and sinus problems. Among the older patients, we saw lots of high blood pressure. I think the respiratory problems were high because of the proximity of the fires to the community. For several weeks they have been breathing lot of smoke and dust from the fires and dry weather. Many of the fires have died down somewhat in the last day or two due to some cooler weather and some scattered rain (we got about 50 drops where we live). As always, we worked at Fuerzas Unidas this past Thursday. Our patient load is not heavy there, but they are always very sick. The total amount of patients that we saw were 319 for the week.

We are thankful for each one of you that supports our work. God’s work and the sharing of His salvation never ends. We have been blessed to have continued support for the purchase of medicines and for that we are grateful. We also need continued monthly support for our living and travel expenses to and from the clinics. This has fallen greatly in the last year and even a few dollars a month makes a difference for us. We know that times are difficult right now. We just ask that you pray about supporting us and follow God’s leading.

Please also pray for:
1. For us to hear and obey God’s voice in all we do and say
2. Our safety here in Honduras
3. For God to supply all our needs and the needs for the women’s clinic. He is the owner of all the gold and silver (Haggai 2:8)
4. For our campaign to raise money for the clinic (beginning soon).
5. God sends more workers because the field is much but few workers to work.

A view of the land we have purchased for the women's clinic -- Ana Lamon signing contract for purchase of land -- John Lamon signing contract

Land is Purchased!

WE HAVE THE LAND FOR THE WOMENS CLINIC !!!!
Wow! God has truly blessed us and the work we are doing here in Honduras!
With help from many people, The Hands of Christ, Inc. was able to raise the money to buy this beautiful 8 ½ acres of land. We give all the honor and praise to God! This is His work that we are doing and even in the mist of hard economic times, he has supplied all that we need for the purchase of the land. The land is basically flat with some scattered pines trees as well as good building sites for the clinic and other necessary buildings. (See attached photo).

Now, we are ready to raise money for the infrastructure (access road, well for water, septic system), building foundations, and security wall. We have contractors that are going to come and lay the blocks for the walls of the buildings. God is providing for this project every step of the way. After all, it is from Him and for Him that we do it. Many people have said they wanted to contribute to the buildings themselves and not the land purchase. Now is the time! We are ready to begin construction. Please send your donations to the post office box listed below with “clinic” in the memo blank.

Right after the group from Kentucky left Honduras a few weeks ago, we worked in several poor neighborhoods in and around Tegucigalpa. We saw around 600 patients. We were fortunate to have great helpers in nurse Brandy and Karla, one of our translators. The end of last week we worked in San Ignacio (about 2 ½ hours from Tegucigalpa) and El Naranjal (about 4 hours from Tegucigalpa). What a blessing it is to go where the need is greatest! In these two communities we saw around 200 patients over 2 days. Here we worked with nurse Kelly, dental hygienist Kathy, and Wanda, who is an assistant to a surgeon. What a great team they made. We also had Miny, the local dentist that we use from time to time with us. She stayed quite busy. We worked though the local pastor, Jose Vasquez and his wife on this venture.

We have lots of fun serving God, sharing His word, and meeting wonderful people. It is like moving in a spiritual dimension as we let God use us His way, in His time, and resting in Him and we believe that even thought there is an economic downturn in society, God is still on His throne and in total control.

From all the Lamons in Honduras, we wish you a Happy Easter!!

Always in Christ’s Service,
John & Ana Lamon

For donations or correspondence by regular mail:
The Hands of Christ
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, TN 37065

This past week we were back in Ciudad España which is a community built for refugees from Hurricane Mitch which hit Honduras in 1998. We were there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We saw around 100 to 105 patients a day. Usually we see 15 -20% that just come for medicine for the future (we don’t like that). But here everyone was really sick. We saw lots and lots of children and babies with diarrhea and respiratory problems. The government health department for this large community has no doctor and practically no medicine. They were sending people to us!
The church that we worked through is call “Iglesia Cuadrangular”. What I like about working with them is while we are doing the “medical part”, they are working on the “spiritual part”. They would talk with the patients about Christ love for them and His plan for their salvation. They had a group of ladies that would pray with people for their healing or whatever problems they had. They also prayed for our health and our women’s clinic. If God is for you who can stand against you.

Global Missions Conference

Good afternoon! John, Ana and John Israel arrived in Memphis earlier this week to spend a few days with our parents and are now preparing to go to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the Global Missions Conference at First UMC. They are meeting with potential donors for the women's clinic and visiting with other supporters while in Memphis. Please continue to pray for their preparation for the conference as they will be speaking with different groups and sharing the vision that God has laid on their hearts. May the Lord Bless you in all you do.

Today we were back in Guayabal, Lepaterique. It was quite different from yesterday in several ways. The first being it was much colder. Lots of people were wearing coats and hats. We were literally in the clouds today. The clouds were low and we were up high in the mountains. They were moving right in front of us. The other thing that was different was that the people came from up to four and five hours away and were much sicker than yesterday. We are so glad we are able to help them. The first photo is of the modern way to go to work. The horse comes equipped with machete, rope, saddle and other assorted supplies. The second photo is of a little boy that dumped over the coal bucket on his foot. He came back today and was much better. The swelling was almost gone and he had less pain. We used an ace bandage to hold the gauze and burn medicine on. The last photo is a family of five. All the kids and the mother had respiratory problems and fungus.