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FCM is focused on exposing Christians in the United States to short-term missions in Africa, Central America and the USA...
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As I sit here in the courtyard of the orphanage in hills in the middle of a Third World Country to reflect on the day that was, I can’t help but consider this verse. Today was a great day. We awoke around 6 AM to make it to Circle. Jessie and I went with the group of older boys. Knowing the foundation of their day is the Word and sharing and worship really encouraged me. These children are getting the structure children, and even adults, so crave. After Circle, we ate breakfast and broke into our work groups. Jessie went to build and repair barbed-wire fences. I went to paint the soccer court. It was a great day to be painting. The weather was perfect and the fellowship was nice as none of us complained and did the work needed as joyfully as possible. And we all managed to get painted almost as much as the wall in the process.

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Today was a beautiful day in Guaimaca. As the alarm sounded at 5:00 am we made our way to our first cup of coffee. We then joined the children in several locations throughout the orphanage for "Morning Circle". This time was quite special as the boys and girls listened to the Word of God and praised Him for the blessings of life. The staff which leads Circle gives the guest and residents the opportunity to share what God may have laid on their heart during the night or even first thing in the morning. As the circle disbanded, we headed for a nutritious breakfast of pancakes and cereal. Gary then handed out assignments giving everyone a choice to use their talents where they feel comfortable.

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Let me begin by saying we have an incredible team! Everyone has been so unified and ready to serve and work where needed. The tension within the political realm continues to mount and yet our team presses on with one goal in mind, to love the children of The Orphanage Emmanuel. We left this morning at 6:15 local time and traveled three hours by bus to a village called Guaymacia (wi maca). We entered a guarded compound which was built as a safe respite for children who were abandoned or taken from their homes due to abuse or neglect. To describe the beauty of this place would make anyone think we were vacationing at a “high dollar” resort.

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Our team was instructed to be ready to leave with all luggage this morning at 8:00 a.m. in the event we were unable to return to Tegucigalpa. While we have not experienced first hand any political unrest, the climate is poised for any shift at any time. I must say that the local police department has done and excellent job in being pro-active in what could be a volatile situation. Because of the pro-activity of the police department, they have issued a mandatory travel document for all transport companies. Our bus driver, Tito, was an hour late to pick us up because he was procuring the proper documents for our travel to a village approximately ninety miles up the mountain and into the woods. It was there that we spent the entire day ministering to our new friends.

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On this day twenty-seven followers of Christ met together in Miami, Florida to begin a week long ministry to the people of Honduras. With luggage and supplies in hand, we begin what will unfold in the following pages. Our expectant hearts await the blessings God has for each of us as we willing share his love through word and deed to the people of Tegucigalpa and the Orphanage Immanuel. Knowing that God?s plan is greater than we can possibly perceive we step out in faith to experience God?s loving hand on each of our shoulders.

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Hi folks!

After a delightfully restful 22 hours of wandering through aiports, relaxing in the plush, extra roomy seats on KLM Airlines (or is it cattle lines), and eating in-flight meals that would make the Cheesecake Factory turn green (and not with envy), Tripp, Harold and I landed safely in Entebbe last night around 8 pm local time.

Harold's and Allen's bags also arrived safely, and we were grateful to see them. We were even more grateful once we realized that KLM kept Tripp's bag. It's a really nice bag, or so he told us. After waiting in line for another hour, the cattle line told us they were optimistic he'd get his bag back sometime this week.

I held my bag extra close on the ride into Kampala, thankful once again for the little blessings.

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FCM began bringing teams to Uganda in 2007. Since that time, God has laid it on our hearts to build a children's village that will include homes for orphans, a medical clinic, a church and a school.

I arrived in Uganda last night, along with Harold Harmon, one of FCM's Board members, as well as Allen Haynes, one of FCM's strongest supporters. The three of us have come to Uganda to meet with individuals that lead organizations that are involved in taking care of orphans. We are also planning to look at potential sites for the children's village that we hope to break ground on in 2010.

Please pray that God will give us wisdom and discernment during our time here in Africa. The pain that so many of these children have endured is too great to fathom. They need to experience love more than ever.

For the Joy,
Tripp

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The energetic crew from South Luverne Baptist Church headed to SIFAT¨s new "dream project" today. The construction team dug a gaping hole in the earth for the foundation of a 4 story day-care facility (the dream yet to realize), and the VBS team entertained, taught, and loved on dozens of Ecuadorian kids with Bible lessons, skits, and various activities. We convened for lunch at the VBS site with the SIFAT staff and shared some laughs guinea pig. Not really, it was chicken, but you never know in Ecuador.

Before you skim over this part, read this....

I was standing in our project, a four foot deep hole, looking up at Will Tate, our team leader, and our Ecuadorean compadre, Rafeal. Rafael oversees construction on this project and also serves as the pastor of a local church. We were working on the foundation by digging holes in which to bury the columns to support the four story building. Rafael was holding the tool of choice of which we have become very familiar this morning - a pick ax. The dialogue that ensued went something like this...

Rafael (R): In the U.S., how is this work done? By hand, like this? (holding the pick-ax)
Will (W): No, we use machines.
R: Ah, yes.
W: How much does it cost to rent an excavator here?
R: Oh, about $50 an hour.

Will looked around and saw 5 holes that were all 4 feet deep. Each one, including the one where I stood had to be picked away, bit by bit down to 8 feet. The shovel and pick ax was already wearing on our hands, backs, and our will. I was elated by the idea of renting an excavator. We could knock out what it took 5 men working about 3 days in just one hour for only $50 bucks!

Humbly, Will says, "You know, we can afford to rent an excavator if you prefer to do it that way."

Rafael responded, "Nnnnno. It is better by hand. You are sowing a seed this way....for the children. It is more difficult, but you will remember this for the rest of your life."

WOW. I was floored. Will was too and agreed. We continued the rest of the day, and will the rest of the week, sewing seeds of love for the children of Ecuador, one stroke at a time.




As we get used to the altitude of Quito, we walked through a series of scientic experiements and laughs along the equator today. Some team members even succeeded in balancing an egg on top of a nail head standing straight up. I still don't understand that one.

SIFAT briefed us on what God is doing here and what they expect God to do through us this week. Our group of nearly 40 will split into construction, medical, and VBS teams tomorrow.

We appreciate your prayers and hope to report great news throughout this week!

-Jerry Cotney

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The short term mission team from Crenshaw County, Alabama arrived in Ecuador late Saturday night about 9:30 PM and then escaped airport immigration and baggage claim to get back to our hotel at 11:30PM. All in all, traveling was good, a little turbulence here and there and a little flight delay in Miami for about an hour but we have all our luggage so Praise God. Everyone was tired and exhausted.

Today it is Sunday and we are headed to the Middle of the World (Equator). What do you wear to the Middle of the World? We will tell you all about that later tonight. We will go to worship service later today and meet some of the residents here and experience worshipping the one true God together. We are looking forward to making a difference in Ecuador today. Please pray for God to lead and protect us as we serve Him.

-Tracy Watson

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FCM began working in Uganda in 2007. After several years of ministry God has given FCM's Board of Directors a desire to construct a children's village that will rescue hundreds of orphans that live on the streets of Uganda.

I am excited that FCM has raised enough money to take an exploratory trip on June 25th for the sole purpose of learning the best way to move forward as we prepare to break ground on the village in 2010. The village will contain homes for orphans, a medical clinic, a church, a school, recreation fields and gardens to help feed the kids. Please pray that God will give us wisdom to know where to purchase land and where to plant this vision.

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