Greetings from Honduras,

 

While back in the states it came to my attention that a number of friends and relatives had varying understandings of what I'd be doing in Honduras.  This letter is an attempt to clarify both what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.

 

My first trip to Honduras, back in October and November was in the capacity of "Alternative Missions Intern".  Alternative Missions [see http://alternativemissions.com/] is the sponsoring and overseeing organization of our mission.  That internship was a missions immersion experience to see if there could be a long-term fit between me and the team, the local culture and environment, and visa versa.  The Helene, Honduras site is unique from other Alternative Missions sites in that we operate a Christian bilingual elementary school, medical clinic, and dental clinic- while in a communal living environment with our fellow missionary teammates (not to mention that this all takes place on a southern Caribbean island less than 4 sq. miles in area).

 

While a missionary on Helene my primary roles will be to teach at the school (likely a fifth/sixth grade class), where I'll also help provide leadership and adminstrative duties.  I also anticipate helping David (our new intern) with facility and systems maintenance as needed.  Additionally, our team shares cooking responsibilities so I will prepare one or two meals per week.  We also share morning devotional responsibilities, therefore once a week I'll be preparing and delivering a morning message.  From time to time I will also be called to assist in the medical clinic (such as last week) and accompany our team nurse on off-campus emergency medical visits.

 

There are other additional ministry opportunities on Helene that I am exploring.  For example, I have been praying about the potential to lead a spiritual 12-step program on Helene.  Alcohol and drug abuse is quite prevalent here and as a recovering alocoholic I believe God could use me to help lead others to the freedom from addiction that can come only by the grace of God and redemption through faith in Christ.  Also, in the past we have held weekly "pressin" (video game) time with some of the male students attending the bilingual school.  I am hoping I can expand upon this idea to incorporate a little faith and biblical exploration into these gatherings.  There is definitely no lack of opportunity for ministry here on Helene, the challenge is one of time and energy!

 

As to how this all happens...ultimately all thanks and praise goes to God who has availed the financial resources and courage for me to step out of my comfort zone and begin living a life dedicated to glorifying His name.  As a missionary, I am not financially paid for what I am doing here, my reward lies in my moment-by-moment growth in Christ and that which has been promised me in eternal life.  I have a handfull of very special family and friends who have felt convicted to support me financially and spiritually throughout this journey.  By supporting me, they are actively a very real part of God's plan here on Helene and I thank them for giving of their resources so generously.  This reality- of me not depending upon what I can or cannot do, ultimately brings me into a more intimate relationship and dependency upon our heavenly Father.  He knows my every need, is in complete control, and keeps His promises.  God is good.

 

If you feel moved to be a part of God's plan on Helene there are several ways you can get involved:

 

1) Pray for the inhabitants of Helene, our missionary team, and me!

 

2) Visit the Alternative Missions (AM) website and support our oragnization financially or by sharing education or medical resources for the Helene ministry.

 

3) Visit http://alternativemissions.com/ and learn how you can financially support our students with tuition scholarships.

 

4) Support me directly (my living costs and expenses for being a missionary) by contacting...me!

 

5) Perhaps you have some ministry gifts you'd like to bring to Helene?  Contact me or our adminstrators at AM if you want to further explore God's great commision for you!

 

For some of you that have read this far (good job!) you may be asking yourself "What in the world has happened to Dominic Alvarez...this is not the guy I knew?"  You are right.  I am still Dominic, but I am something new.  Some people misunderstand Christianity because they see their Christian friends change drastically in very short periods of time.  Phrases like "brain-washed" occur in conversations about these people.  If brain-washing could be defined as "the cleansing of one's mind"...then I'd happily agree!  I have been "brain-washed" and more!  I have been washed clean all over from mind...to heart...and soul.  Yes, I have been soul-washed!  But not by an abusive prison warden, nor by a charming televangilist; it is by the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit.  For it is said,

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 

 

If you've never given your life to Christ...and now, somewhere in the shadows of your soul you hear a whisper...and you don't understand this feeling...

 

Do you feel unfullfilled?  Tired?  Stuck in a rutt?  Lost? 

 

God loves you and is whispering into your soul in order to capture your heart.  But you must choose Him.  You must choose His heart. 

 

Don't wait any longer. 

 

Be well and God bless 

 

 

 

Greetings from Honduras!

 

My first week back on the Isla de Santa Elena (Helene) has come and gone.  Strong easterly winds are thrashing about the palm trees while thankfully keeping the heat and bugs at bay.  During my nightly security walk-about the wind nearly blew me off the boat dock! 

 

Today we held our second community meeting bringing us one step closer to the formation of a school board for the island's only Bilingual Christian school.  Nineteen islanders attended the meeting, representing six of our island's seven unique communities.  There's a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm excited that in time the islanders will gain the know-how and confidence to manage their school.  Aside from the school board, I'm beginning to focus my attention on planning this year's school curricula and teacher training with the help of Mrs. Sheila Benson.  Thankfully, Sheila's island experience coupled with the previous work of some very special and passionate people should make for a smooth process (namely Emily Benson!).  The unique challenges of preparing a curriculum for a diverse pool of learners in a completely different cultural context is daunting.  But I have the confidence that comes from my savior Jesus Christ that what's in our Father's will, shall be done!

 

On a side note, I had my first "Rock Band" session with our close islander friend "Ewings" (AKA You-You).  Ewings was taught how to drum the real way by former Team Helene member Camas Frey, so he made quick work of picking up the Rock Band chops.  In his own words and with a big smile Ewings said, "That [Rock Band] is a good click."  Translated...he likes it alot.

 

I know, you're thinking...Rock Band in Honduras? We have been very blessed with being able to bring some of our American creature comforts down here to Helene.  You should have seen my luggage, if I could have fit a Wisconsin dairy cow in my checked baggage I would have moooved it on down here.  I digress.  

 

My room is more-or-less settled into, however as of yet not "scorpion-proof".  Anybody got a can of "Right Stuff" and Raid?  Alas, the duty of scorpion-control will have to fall upon my gecko roomates.  To be honest, I haven't seen one in my room yet (scorpions that is).

 

So until next time, I'll leave you with our school's Scripture verse:

 

 

Be well and God bless

 

 

 

 

Greetings from Helene!

 

The last several months stateside have been full of many blessings.   Fellowship with family and friends were abundant as I prepared to return to Honduras for a more lengthy residence.  Our team gathered anew in Honduras on Saturday, March 14th.  Larry, Sheila, Deirdre, new team member David, and myself spent several days in planning and acclimation on Roatan prior to our arrival on the Isla de Santa Elena .  There were many highlights of this time, but one in particular was the opportunity to go snorkelling in Half Moon Bay of West End.  I wish I knew more about southern Caribbean marine life as it was abundant amidst the coral reef we visited.  It was amazing!  On Wednesday, after an arduos taxi-ride followed by a briefer-than-usual boat ride we were greeted with many smiling faces who were genuinely appreciative of our long-awaited return to Helene. 

 

After renewing relationships with friends and forging some anew, we delved into the many tasks of getting our facilities up and running. Islanders Ewings and Bye-Bye did a great job of holding down the fort while the team was off-island as there was little problem in quickly getting electricty and water flowing again.  On Thursday we held a community meeting at the clinic in which we addressed the future of the English school and the medical clinic.  The meeting, attendance, and feedback have all been extremely encouraging!  An exciting development involves the island's communities selecting representatives to serve on a community school board.  This school board will oversee all aspects of the Helene English Christian School with help from our team.  Therefore, my teaching and teacher training responsibilities will not begin until this school board is selected and begins the important task of shaping the school's future.  In all honesty, I am enjoying being able to "ease" into life back here on Helene and not jump right into a classroom full of students!

 

Yesterday I helped (albeit minimally) in the medical clinic as a receptionist and medical assistant (weight, blood pressure and heart rate).  Today former Team Helene member Paul is arriving from the U.S. to spend a couple weeks training David in the electrical, desalination, and general maintenance systems of our facilities.  I still need to devote some time to unpacking and figuring out my living arrangements. 

 

Throughout all of these events and endeavors God has been so good in providing to our every need.  From safe travels to meals and accommodations, He has held us in His hands!  Thank you for everyone's prayers and financial support and especially to my family for the care and support while I "loitered" back in the states.  Thanks most of all to our heavenly Father for His mercy and grace, and too my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for pouring out His love to me.