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HCM Trip Report – Nicaragua/Honduras – May 20 to June 3, 2009
This was a trip with its share of unexpected events, but as usual the Lord provides in a way that only He can in unexpected situations. On this trip I made many visits, but did less teaching than I usually do. The reason for that is double. In several of the Centres the students are beginning to make arrange for on-MINTS courses to be taught which are being reviewed by me and then recognized as part of the on-going curriculum. In other Centres, the students are doing what MINTS encourages them to do as they begin to teach some of the courses that they have already received. This multiplication of fruits from the courses being taught results in a broader impact in different communities. For that I am very thankful.
Nicaragua Visit – In Nicaragua I had an opportunity to follow up with four different Centres. The large group of 45 students that had begun in León on a previous trip is experiencing the challenges of a “reality check” of the time and effort needed to completed the courses. They are currently continuing with eight of the original 45 students. In Puerto Cabezas there is an exciting development taking place as four students are nearing completion of either a Bachelors or Masters degree. They have been working hard in the last three years and are experiencing much joy in their studies. Several of the students asked me to “hold off” on teaching a new course because they are wanting to concentrate on finishing up assignments from some of the past fourteen courses that I have taught there in the past three years.
The Centre that is developing in the Prison continues to struggle due to the difficulty of access to resources available to most students. I was schedule to teach there on this trip but because of the H1N1 virus they were not allowing foreigners into the prison facility. Please pray that those studying there will find a way to
concentrate on the assignments that need to be done.
Honduras Visit – During my visit to Honduras, we experienced a strong earthquake (7.2 on the Richter scale). While it was a shocking experience, thankfully the deaths, injuries and damages were minimal in comparison to other similar earthquakes. The visit to Honduras was mixed with joy and sorrow. I had an opportunity to visit with the family of Rev. José Arias, a professor for MINTS and the coordinator for MINTS in Honduras who was tragically killed in a traffic accident in March. It was encouraging to see the Lord at work through other students and his congregation in providing for the widow. At the same time he will be sorely missed by family, parishioners and MINTS contacts he had made. In Puerto Lempira, the indigenous area where we have 15 students studying, it was encouraging to see them make progress on courses being provided for them during my absence. It was also encouraging to teach at the congregation being planted by Rev. Langendoen, a colleague in ministry.
Financial Update – The Lord has provided well for the first part of this year in the funding that has come in from HCM supporters. I’m thankful for God’s blessings. At the same time the summer months often are the “leaner months” of income. Please pray that God will continue to provide.
Rev. Eric Pennings,
Missionary, Covenant Reformed Church of Toronto
Miami International Seminary (MINTS) Central America Regional Coordinator
Canadian Donations: Hispanic Christian Ministry, c/o Covenant Reformed Church, 265 Albion Road,
Toronto, Ontario M9W 3P1
US Donations: Hispanic Christian Ministry, c/o Faith United Reformed Church, 8270 120th Ave.,
West Olive, Michigan 49460
