“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
CURRENT SITUATION
Hello, friends and family in Christ! We hope this letter finds each and every one of you healthy and safe. Please know that we have been praying for all of you during this emergency situation. For those of you asking how's the situation in Honduras, here is an update. Today, Honduras is up to 24 confirmed cases in 5 different states, 14 of them in Tegucigalpa. Although this might seem like a small number it has doubled in the last two days. In order to prevent people from taking the regulations lightly, the government has recommended preparing for the worst-case scenario. All of the Honduran borders (air, land, and sea) have been closed. Tegucigalpa is in lockdown, no one is allowed in or out at any time unless they have a real emergency. There has been an official statement released from the government instructing everyone to stay in their homes. Hospitals, emergency services, and some pharmacies remain open. All other businesses are closed and people have been instructed to work from home. Grocery stores opened yesterday only for a few hours and with very strict regulations. All schools (private and public) will be closed for 14 days. Students from private schools have been given assignments to complete online or to be turned in once schools re-open. That is not the case for public school students, including all of the POINT children, who basically are missing school days. Police are monitoring anyone out and about, making sure they have a legitimate reason to be out. As you can imagine some families have been able to store food for this quarantined time, but sadly, the reality of the POINT children is different. Their families live on a day to day salary, and the effects of not being able to work have hit many of them hard. Fortunately, in two of our neighborhoods (Villa Nueva and San Juan), the cooks live in close proximity to the center and have been able to go and prepare "take-out" meals for POINT children. All of them have been instructed in all the proper hygiene and health recommendations and they are following them. POINT children and their families have also been instructed on the prevention methods of the spread of the virus. The children are only in our facilities to pick up their food because "social gatherings" are not allowed. Our plan for the next week is to be able to make small food bags for the POINT children to take home with them. They will include non-perishable food such as rice, beans, among other supplies. We are doing this because of the strict measures that have been placed for these two weeks but considering that the health care system in Honduras cannot handle a major outbreak or spread of this virus these measures could extend longer. We appreciate your prayers and your support. Pray that God allows us and opens new ways for POINT to continue doing ministry through this situation. Pray for safety and health of POINT Honduras children, their families, and POINT Honduras staff.
May God's mercy lead to a fast end to this global emergency. God bless you all!
WAYS TO GIVE
GIVE ONLINE: If you would like to donate please go to orphanos.org/ministry-partners/ and select the “Point Honduras” campaign. You can set up a recurring gift or a one-time donation. If you need more information contact admin@pointhonduras.org GIVE VIA CHECK: You may also send checks made out to Orphanos at their secure mailing address: PO Box 1057, Cordova, TN 38088-1057. Please add a note indicating it is for Point Honduras. SPONSOR A CHILD: For $38/month you can provide a child with school tutoring, medical care, daily food nutrition, and most importantly, learning and hearing about Jesus. Once you select "Point Honduras" through www.orphanos.org, you can select Child Sponsorship and will be guided through prompts. If you have any questions, email Kari Smith at childsponsorship@pointhonduras.org CONSIDER A MONTHLY GIFT OR A ONE-TIME GIFT: If you cannot make a monthly or annual pledge...would you consider a special gift to help us meet our budget? MOST IMPORTANTLY....PRAY! Please join us in praying for POINT children, Dr. Ivan, his staff, and new potential donors.