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. [email protected]]>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: [email protected]:
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
[[email protected]]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 [[email protected]]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: [email protected]:
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
[[email protected]]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 [[email protected]]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