HANDS
TRANSFORMING LIVES
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE GOING?  THANKS TO YOU...


WORLD MISSIONS

Episcopal Diocese of West Texas  
July, 2015




TMI GOES TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  

  

It's human nature, in any situation, to want to understand why something happens or why someone does something, but for most of my life I can't answer any of those challenging "why" questions. I don't know why I'm afraid of heights and I don't know why I mumble when I'm angry, but since my first mission trip as a tiny 7th grader, I've known why I was there.  

 

On every mission trip, I've had the simple goal of making someone's life, someone's day, or even just someone's moment better. I don't go on the trips for community service hours or even with the goal of learning a valuable lesson. I go on the trips to make someone, somewhere happier. The trips have the amazing perks of meeting new fantastic people, learning lessons that change my life, and experiencing an area with its own culture unlike my own.  

 

But as great as these reasons are, they aren't what matters. If I had to give up the people, the lessons, and the community service hours to make a difference in someone's life, I wouldn't hesitate. I didn't go to the Dominican Republic for its admittedly beautiful landscape. I went there for the kids at the Doulos Discover School who didn't speak hardly any English, yet were very adamant that they wanted to play and be my friend. I went for the people in the town of El Callejon who wanted nothing more than a school for their children to learn.  

 

The people of the Dominican are no different than you and I, but their lives and their futures are severely limited by the lack of educational resources in their country, something we take for granted here in the States. So when given the opportunity to try and makes someone's life and someone's future better, I'm all in. Having this opportunity to make a change is all I could ever hope to accomplish.    

 

Submitted by Jacob Carter

  


WHEREOF ONE CANNOT SPEAK, THEREOF ONE
MUST REMAIN SILENT  submitted by Mark Keddal

  

The title of this post comes from Wittgenstein's work the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.  It appears at the very end when Wittgenstein says that there is much about life that is beyond the power of language to convey.  I was reminded of this when we went to our first school in Siguatepeque.  

  

It seems that [both] Honduras and Texas are experiencing heavy rains and flooding.  We couldn't get to our school in the mountains near Tegucigalpa because of washed out roads, so we set up shop at the Zari Hotel in Siguatepeque and visited a special needs school nearby. Most of the students there were deaf, which was initially a bit disconcerting.  We were already laboring under language difficulties because of our basic Spanish.  This seemed to complicate matters even more.

  

I couldn't have been more mistaken.  The teachers at the school translated our lessons into sign language, moving around the classroom facilitating interactions with the children in an unobtrusive and 

effortless manner.  Sign language is full of passion and beauty. Being an Italian, I talk with my hands, but their communication was of a higher order.  The yearning to make contact with another human being radiated from their fingers.  The register of emotions on their faces, the light in their eyes, and the intensity of their gazes were more expressive and full of intent than any words might have conveyed.  

  

I suddenly realized that Wittgenstein may have been wrong about silence.  Here silence was full of wonder and love.  I can't quite explain it, but we all felt bathed in love.  It seemed as if the students were surprised and gratified that we had come, that we had thought of them.  When we started to move among  them, to direct them to interesting applications [on the XO computers], they reached out to touch us.  Their touch was electric, totally vulnerable, and trusting.  Their enjoyment of the games and music on the XOs was just as innocent and heartfelt as everything else they did.  Surely, this is what Jesus meant when he said that only those who can become as children can enter the Kingdom of God.

  

Once again, we came to teach, but it is we who were taught.  I'm sure that I was not the only one moved by this special atmosphere.  At first Casey and Mimi [two of my students] were a bit reserved, looking on and themselves the center of much interest.  Yet, very soon, they too threw themselves into the experience, laughing and sharing, their eyes just as bright as those of the other students.

  

What a beginning!

 

 

 

 

OLSON FAMILY UPDATE
 
We have just two weeks before we leave Texas to return to the Philippines.  Very soon after we arrive I will be making a trip to one of the southern islands to do a language evaluation and coaching session for a missionary there.  This is a family that has willingly sacrificed worldly success in order to take the Gospel to tribal people, and our role is to help them get there.
 
In the central part of the country a new school year at Faith Academy will begin, and Ginny will be teaching several classes from an international curriculum that comes from Cambridge University in England.  It meets the education requirements for students who are citizens of British Commonwealth countries.
 
I will also be regularly visiting new missionaries about a two-hour drive away who are studying Tagalog in our national language program.  Additionally, we hope to be involved in helping equip Filipino missionaries wherever they might go.
 
Ludi, one of my language helpers, wrote a message to send to all the people who were praying for him and his people when the Gospel was being presented to them.  I hope it encourages your hearts.
 
We want to thank you so much for praying for us as we listened to the Gospel message.  We heard it so clearly and believe it with all our hearts.  We also want to ask you not to waste any time fighting with your brothers about things that don't matter because that will distract you from remembering the lost people like us around the world.  We were like hungry people who couldn't find food, people lost deep in the jungle who couldn't find the way out.  Now our "livers" are full.  Now we have found the way out of the jungle into the sunlight. We are no longer afraid, and we are so, so happy and so thankful.  Please think about other people who are still hungry and lost like we were.  Please remember them and take God's good news about the Deliverer to them, too.
 
We are very thankful for your prayers and support to keep us on the field.  As many of you know, this year at home we were mostly focused on restoring my health, which has gone well.  We are going to have some added expenses as we get started moving back.  If you would like to make a donation to our ministry, please send your check to DWTX and mark "OLSONS" on the memo line.
 
Blessings to you all in Christ, George Olson 
 

FISHIN' FOR MISSION WRAPS UP  

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT

 

For the seventh year, St. Peter's Rockport and St. Helena's Boerne held their annual Fishin' for Mission fishing tournament benefitting world mission efforts in the diocese. This year was a record year in terms of number of anglers (65) and funds raised (approximately $10,000). Many beautiful fish were caught including a 28 � inch trout and a 7.84 lb redfish by Rockport citizen, Cindy Littlefield. "We had more women fishing this year than ever before, and they caught more than their share of the prize winning fish," said Michael Glick, the tournament's founder.

 

This year's recipient of the majority of the funds raised is a project called Rafiki. It is a Kenyan orphanage responding to the AIDS crisis there. The latest endeavor the organization is putting together is a fish farm which will not only feed the children but provide an income source as well as job skill training. What better for the efforts of a fishing tournament here in Texas? The team is scheduled to go in December, and the hearts and prayers of the anglers go with them.  

 

Watch for word on the date for next year's tournament which, with any luck, will be at St. Peter's new church.

 
submitted by Cindy Glick 


WE'RE STILL LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MISSIONERS

 
The Rev. Nancy Springer (St. John's, McAllen, [email protected]) announces three new mission trips.  Team members are needed for all three. Please contact designated persons (below) if you are called to serve on any or all of these:

  

  

August 9-15: Construction Mission

We build cinder block houses for widows and install ONIL stoves in homes in the indigenous Mayan region of Guatemala.  We need folks with and without construction experience.  For more information, contact Lorena Rojas ([email protected]).  The estimated cost for the trip is $1300 per person (a more definite cost and commitment deadlines will be available as the trip draws closer).  

 

September 12-19:  Surgical Mission

We need general surgeons, CRNAs, anesthesiologists, OR nurses and technicians, recovery room nurses, circulating nurses, and non-medical support people.  We will work at a hospital in Chichicastenango.  If you are interested, please contact Jim Chase ([email protected]).  The cost for the trip is approximately $1300 per person (a firm cost will be available in a few weeks).    

  

November 1-7: Medical Dental Mission

We provide dental and basic medical care for people in the indigenous Mayan regions of Guatemala, setting up temporary clinics in churches and schools.  We need dentists, dental assistants, doctors, nurses, and non-medical people.  If you are interested please contact Lorena Rojas [email protected] or Jim Chase [email protected].  The estimated cost for the trip is $1300 per person (a more definite cost and commitment deadlines will be available as the trip draws closer).

SAVE THE DATE

WHAT:  Annual World Mission Symposium
WHEN:  Saturday, August 29, 2015
WHERE:  Bp. Jones Center, San Antonio
TIME:  9:00 a.m. -  4:00 p.m.
WHO:  Barbara Shantz, Global Fund Development
Liaison for TRANS WORLD RADIO
THEME:  ACCESSING GOD'S RESOURCES
CONTACT:  World Mission, 888/210-824-5387   

DID YOU KNOW...
      
There are THREE components to world mission:  GOING, GIVING, PRAYING.  
  
You know about GOING AND GIVING, but did you know that Virtual Mission is a group of PRAY-ERS who participate in team trips by attending team meetings, reading the team devotional books, staying connected with the team as they go, and PRAYING daily for the team?  If you'd like to be part of Virtual Mission, contact Libby Templeton for more information ([email protected]). 












PRAYER GUIDE & TEAM LIST



DATES  PLACETEAM   DESCRIPTION
TBAUgandaGinger GinesWork at Rafiki Orphanage
June 29-July 12 Guatemala Gavin Rogers, Team Leader Christ Church (SA) & St. Peter's (Kerrville) youth teams 
July 6-11 San Antonio Glenn Meschko (St. Luke's, SA), Team Leader & Organizer; Youth of the diocese Mission City Missions, sponsored by St. Luke's, San Antonio 
July 6-13  Honduras Terry & Brien Koehler, Team Leaders Christ Church (San Antonio) Sewing & embroidery training  
July 10-17 Haiti Trey McCarty, Team Leader Grace Church (San Antonio)  Ministry at center for special needs youngsters  
July 11-24UgandaEric Fenton (Christ Church, SA) Team Leader, Richard Wallace, Michael BehanBand & Bible mission
July 13-17 Mexico (Piedras) Amanda Hagy, Team Leader VBS 
July 14-22Croix des Bouquets, HaitiYouth, Mary Hayden
Manning
15 youth with adults
VBS, painting of children's home facilities; Jacob Bissell, Sandy Carl, Annie & Izzy Flores, Richard Hoepfner, Lisa Mason, Evan Tanner 
July 23-30 Honduras Texas Water Mission
Maria Cavazos, Team Leader 
Pamela Haines, Douglas Holmes, Michael Huffmaster, Allen Kight, Tad May, Jack Robertson, Robert Rogers, Marty Schexnayder, David Spencer, David Sweeten 
August 3-13 UgandaMarthe Curry, Team Leader
Kaitlin Reed, John Hill
Micro enterprise for men
August 9-14*
NEW DATE 
Guatemala Jorge & Lorena Rojas, Team Leaders, Nancy Springer Construction (St. John's, McAllen) 
September 12-19*
NEW DATE
 
Guatemala Jorge & Lorena Rojas, Team Leaders, Nancy Springer Surgical (St. John's McAllen)  
November 1-7GuatemalaJorge & Lorena Rojas, Team Leaders, Nancy SpringerMedical/dental mission (St. John's, McAllen)
 
TO MAKE A DONATION TO WORLD MISSIONS:  
(You may give to specific designations or "Where Most Needed.")
 
 
Or make checks payable to DWTX and note "MISSIONS" on the 
memo line.  Mail to DWTX, PO Box 6885, San Antonio, TX  78209.

Or call Betty Chumney 888/210-824-5387.


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Episcopal Diocese of West Texas World Mission