{Please scroll down to read previous updates}

 

*Names of children and villages have been abbreviated or omitted for their protection.

 

 

 Update from Lorraine ~ January 18, 2020
 
Praises ~ 
 
For you prayers and generous giving that we are fully funded to purchase a new truck for the ministry!  We are so grateful.   Scott, our President flew down today to help us select the best truck to meet the ministry needs.  Please pray with us as we navigate all the red tape to purchase the vehicle.  Thank you!

Answered prayers on the CV shaft for the Toyota getting here safely (for repairs needed to make the car sell-able).  It was large and packaging was a challenge to keep from being charged the over-sized rate, but God worked it all out.
 
Twenty-six children & youth and six parents attended VBS.  We praise the Lord for the eight children between the ages of 7 – 10 received Christ as their Savior.  
 
During the week of VBS had the opportunity to once again spend the week discipling our volunteers.  

Prayer Requests ~
 
Pray with us as we seek out the best way to deal with all the banking issues in El Salvador as they are not fully resolved. 
 
Pray for us as we prepare our Bible and healthcare lessons for the year.
 
Pray as we start a monthly children’s Bible class in one of our current VBS sites.
 
Praising our Lord for His goodness and grace!
Lorraine & team in El Salvador

 

SPECIAL NEED this season… by the end of 2019!

As the only Gospel teaching missionaries to some impoverished and remote villages in El Salvador, we bring the love of Jesus over rough back roads to reach the unreached communities so that they may know Christ as their Savior. 

Sadly the road conditions make it impossible to get to some locations. The road systems are crude in these rural areas with large rocks and ruts, and oftentimes, small streams from rain making them impassable for most cars. Our 15 yr old vehicle is unable to fulfill this need and we have turned down ministry opportunities because it could not pass on the roads. Renting a vehicle is costly and not sustainable for the ministry. In addition to our supplies, we haul tables, chairs and drinking water for Bible classes, community outreaches and Vacation Bible Schools. Often we have had to get out and walk to lighten the car load so the vehicle could make it.

HELP US CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY! We need a 4x4 truck with more ground clearance to be able to travel these remote areas. We will need to raise $25,000 for a used double cab truck with sufficient seating for our staff and volunteers. Vehicles are expensive in El Salvador. With your help, we are seeking to raise the funds needed by the end of 2019. 

God continues to reveal new opportunities for us to minister in El Salvador. Please join us in prayer. If the Lord put it on your heart, please join us in financial partnership for this special need! Click the “donations” tab to make a secure donation using a credit card. Or mail your donation to: Hannah’s Hands Int’l, PO Box 5097, Cary, NC 27512-5097

We give Him all the glory!

UPDATE: We are blessed to announce that one of our ministry partners has committed to match donations for the replacement vehicle, dollar for dollar through December 22, 2019. This is a wonderful blessing from the Lord and a great way to multiply any donations towards this need. If you wish give a donation, attach a note/memo as “vehicle fund” so it can be matched (doubled) if received by December 22. 

Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial partnership to enable this ministry to reach the lost and make disciples of Jesus. 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – August 30, 2019

 

Dear Ones, 
 
Praises ~ 

Thankful that while I am in the US, for the opportunity to disciple Karina and then have her teach my children’s Bible class  which has been averaging 13 young children.
 
Pastor Wilfredo had 29 prisoners graduate from his most recent Discipleship Course.  He was given permission to teach an additional day of Bible classes in the prison and started the classes last Friday. 
 
Each week Freda, one of the ladies in the weekly ladies Bible study brings a new friend.  Mirla, one of our pastors’ wives is teaching the class while I am away so that the class can continue. 
 
Prayer Requests ~
 
Special prayer requests for two of our children:
 
Five year old A. whose mother died this summer was no longer wanted by relatives of his mother.  His father who has an abusive history with him, came and took him.  He is no longer in our Bible class.  Please pray for his safety and that he will be placed with someone who wants him.
 
Thirteen year old P. from our Bible classes, had a bad “heart” episode last week.  She was taken to the children’s hospital and needs further work up.  Prayers that she will receive the exams and care that she needs.  She has a few physical anomalies and there may be heart anomalies as well. 
 
For the upcoming Hannah’s Hands Mission Banquet.  Registration on line and in the lobby at Colonial.  Pray that new ministry partners will join us in fulfilling God’s great commission to share the Gospel and make disciples in El Salvador.
 
Our older vehicles are in constant need of repair due to the very bad roads that we travel to reach the villages.  Currently we are unable to get a part for the Toyota and it is torn apart in the garage.  For our vehicle needs in El Salvador.  
 
Tangible ways in which you can help!
*Spread the news about the HH Mission Banquet.
*Gently used baby clothes sizes 6 months to 18 months.  Only can take back 1 suitcase of clothing that is needed at this time.
 
For His glory alone,
Lorraine & Staff in ES

 

 

Update from Lorraine ~ August 7, 2019

Dear Ones,
 
Praises ~ 
 
Pastor Wilfredo was permitted to return to the prisons to teach Bible classes and continue with discipling the youth.  He petitioned one of the prisons last Friday for an additional day in the prison so that he can work with the youth in a different sector.  Please pray that his request will be accepted.
 
For those of you who remember and have prayed for Sarai, a daughter in the faith, she was married at the mission house recently.  Please pray for her walk with the Lord.
 
During our “religious” national holiday last week, we held VBS.  We had 43 children and four mothers attend.  The children wanted to know if we would be returning on Monday. Unfortunately, because of the distance and the difficult roads, we are not able to go there on a weekly basis.  Seeds were planted.   There is no one close by to follow up with this community.  We were asked to return as soon as we possibly can!  S. one of our boys from Esmeralda who has grown into a youth and looking forward to continuing his education at a University, helped us teach the children Bible Verses.  He is phenomenal with the children.  Please continue to pray that he will receive Christ as his Savior!
 
Last week was especially busy, not only did we have VBS, but I had 8 youth stay at the mission house for discipleship for four nights and five days!  Praising God for every opportunity, since they live far away. 
 
At the beginning of July we started a new Monday evening ladies Bible study at the mission house in our current neighborhood.  We had seven ladies who came prepared with their Bibles.  I am not sure that all have been born again.  Please pray that as we study the Gospel of John, those who have not received Christ will do so, and that I will be able to find a substitute teacher during the time I am in the US.  This past Monday was a holiday here, and not only did three ladies come, but they came 15 minutes early! 
 
Prayer Requests ~ 
 
For the children that we work with in Bible classes.  Before and after our Bible classes we spend as much time with the children as we can.  I help them with math, letters, English and Freddy plays soccer with them.  They are starving for love and we are using every possible moment to give them the love and attention they need.
 
For all those who are being discipled and for those who need to be discipled. 
 
For my trip to the US.  For a vehicle while I am in the US.  And for safety and security of the mission house while I am gone.
 
He is Faithful!
Lorraine & Team in ES

 

 

Update from Lorraine ~ July 25, 2019

Dear Ones,
 
Praises ~ 
 
Including the three children who received Christ today, a total of eight have received Christ in the the last couple of weeks. All of the children’s parents are street vendors who work seven days a week.  The children have no knowledge of the Bible nor do they attend church.  Most are hearing about the Gospel for the first time.   One mother told the director of the school that her daughter and son have changed so much and have decreased their fighting since attending the Bible classes.  Praise be to God!
 
We started Bible/Health & Hygiene classes in a new school this month.  We are working with primarily  4 – 6 year old children, but have a few that are 7 – 9 years old.  The community is dangerous so the school sends a worker out to the main road to meet us.  We drive the dusty roads with the AC off and windows down so they can see us.  Praise God for His mercies and protection.  On Monday, the mother of A, one of our  five year old boys, died of “natural” causes.  Please pray for this child who has lost his mother at such an early age.  Since we are so new to the school, we know very little about the children and their families. 
 
The prisoners attending Pastor Wilfredo’s Bible classes in prison all gave money so that chairs could be purchased for “their Bible study”. Thirty-two prisoners gave $200!  That’s the great news!  The sad news is that as of last week, that prison is closed to visitors including pastors as the President leads the war against the gangs.   Please pray that the prisoners who are believers will remain strong in the faith during this time.  Pastor Wilfredo is permitted to continue the Bible classes in the other prison at this time.
 
Freddy praised God for the opportunity to serve as a translator with our home church, and partnering USA churches – missions team to Bogota’, Columbia.  The team shared the Gospel in the streets.  There were 637 decisions made for Christ!  
 
Prayer Requests ~
 
In one of our schools, we are told “nearly all” of the children are abused.  The head of the school says that for political reasons nothing is done to prevent the abuse.  After she reported a case where a father was constantly abusing the girl, her life was threatened.  The father died “unexpectedly” and the girl was released from the constant abuse.  
 
At this time we have a lot of youth needing discipleship.  Please pray that I am able to disciple wisely with each one.
 
During the religious holiday, we will hold Vacation Bible School.  Please pray we will have sufficient volunteers.  With our weekly schedule being full, this is the only time we can go to there before December.  Pray that we are able to follow up with the children who have received Christ in the past and for more children to received Christ as their Savior. This is also a community without a church, so we are the only source for the children to hear of Christ’s love. 
 
On Monday we started a Bible study for ladies in our “new” neighborhood.  We had three ladies attend.  One is not a believer.  Please pray for LR’s salvation.  She has been taught to believe what the church teaches over what the Word of God says. 
 
Due to the heavy rains part of our garage roof collapsed and fell on our Toyota.  The opening in the roof has allowed greater access for the street cats in the neighborhood and a play ground for the male cat fights. One cat has been badly injured.   Please pray that our landlady will respond to the urgent repair need!
 
Tangible ways that you can help!
 
I will be visiting the US in August. We are in need of baby clothes 6 months to 18 months.  I can only bring back about one suitcase of baby clothes, but if you have any gently used baby clothes they would be greatly appreciated by the new moms and their babies (boy and girl).  Thank you in advance for blessing these little ones!
 
For His glory alone!
Lorraine &  Team

 

Update from Lorraine ~ July 10, 2019

Dear Ones,
 
Praises ~
 
Two young girls, F. & D. received Christ as their Savior in the mayor’s school.  We had 38 children last week and are grateful for the opportunity to share the Gospel in this area.
 
Freddy is with a mission team in Columbia serving as a translator for the American team in Columbia serving with two of our missionary families from our El Salvador home church..  He was overjoyed to have translated the Gospel to a man who received Christ as his Savior this morning.  
 
We continue with  Bible and discipleship classes in our regular villages.  One of our 15 year old girls, S., her mother died of Lupus last Wednesday.  S. is a believer.  Please pray for her comfort and that her extended family members that will take her in.
 
Prayer Requests ~
 
Please pray for Pastor Joaquin as he and his wife continue to faithfully serve in El Salvador.  These past six months the gangs have been active in their mountain village and taken many lives.  A month ago only 36 children came to their classes in the school down from the normal of nearly 190. Whenever there are lives taken in the communities, the families withdraw their children from Bible classes.  
 
Please pray for Pastor Wilfredo who is working in two very dangerous prisons.  This past weekend the President of El Salvador, held a live broad cast “town hall like” meeting which included deputados “mayors” from the various departments “counties” of the country.  He is the first President to take on the gangs to bring order to the country.  He is ready to implement phase 3 after finding that the gang leaders were still ordering killings by prisoners released with messages to carry out the orders.  Now they are transporting messages by swallowing a special plastic that messages are written on which are not destroyed by the gastric juices.  They are however detected on x-rays.  The gangs have promised severe repercussions to all including their own families and especially their girlfriends if they are not smuggled in money and solar powered drones.  This morning I watched and heard the news cast from this weekend.  A number of judges have sided with the prisoners and not with the President, making his work more difficult. 

We are asking prayer for the following:
> The salvation of our President
> The safety of our President (one mayor said that the gangs needed  to extort to feed their children.  The President responded, “Are you out of your head, they can get a job and go to work like the rest of the people!”  The gangs have infiltrated government offices and the President would like to “out” them in an effort to stop gang activity.)
> The safety of those working in the prisons including Pastor Wilfredo.  Even though Pastor Wilfredo knew he was facing danger this morning, he went to the prison to have Bible classes.
With phase 3 in operation, it is reported that many of the non-incarcerated gang members are heading to other countries and that includes the USA.  
 
Not by might, nor by power, but by the Lord!
Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

Update from Lorraine – January 29, 2019

Dear Ones, 

Praises ~

The week of January 14th, we started back with our weekly children’s Bible classes in the villages. We ask for prayer for the children’s families, particularly for those who profess to be believers but are living in adultery.

 

Praise in that another spiritual son, Diego, started studying Theology at the Evangelical University in San Salvador.  It is a five year program when the students go full time.  Since he is studying English at the same time, it will take him a little longer.  Please keep him in your prayers as he studies.

 

This past Sunday, we invited all 13 who helped us move into our current mission house.  Everyone came at different times, so I was able to share one on one with a family of four who are non-believers. Seeds were planted. Please pray for the salvation of all six of those who have yet to make a decision for Christ.

 

Praise God that after a month without parts, the Toyota is running.  The vehicle is 14 years old and needs frequent repairs.  Often it is difficult to get parts for this vehicle, requiring us to buy used parts that have been repaired when our parts are not repairable.

 

This past weekend we had two floods in the kitchen and one in the office bathroom.  By God’s grace we were able to get help to toggle things together until we had a repairman work on them.  Unfortunately, we need to replace a cabinet door that was ruined when a 5 gallon water carafe lost it’s air bubble and poured down a kitchen cabinet while we were at church.

 

Prayer Requests~

 

THIS COMING SUNDAY IS OUR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. THANK YOU FOR STANDING IN THE GAP & PRAYING FOR OUR ELECTION. 

 

At the last minute, all nine ladies from our previous neighborhood sent us messages that they could not come to the mission house to join us for lunch and a short Bible lesson.  Except for individual home visits, they have not gathered with us for quite a while.  We are in our fifth year working with these ladies and desire to see them come to faith in Christ.. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will move in their hearts and draw them to salvation.

 

> For the children’s spiritual growth in the weekly Bible classes
> For our Children’s Outreach on Saturday, February 9th

 

Serving together to reach the unreached in El Salvador,
Lorraine & team

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – January 14, 2019

 

Dear Ones,

 

Greetings for the New Year.  Praying God’s blessings on you, our ministry partners.  We are very thankful for all the gifts we have received from each of you, both monthly and year end gifts.  Your monthly giving has enabled us to continue to share the gospel, disciple new and young believers, do medical missions, prison ministry, and more.  Your year end gifts made up for the lean months where giving was below our monthly budget so that we are now in the black and ready for another big year of serving Christ in 2019!  Thank you so much for being our partners in the gospel.

 

 Praises ~

 

On the way to the village to do VBS we had several road blocks including a demonstration of the people in the villages along the main highway seeking help from the government because they have no water.  The national police were called in to disperse the people and reopen the highway.  The roads to this village are under construction (election year) making our 1 1/2 hour trip 2 1/2 hours.

 

When we arrived, the children were patiently waiting for us.  We had a new host family who did a fantastic job preparing the yard for us and provided us with well water for our health hygiene station during VBS.  In total we had 68 children over the age of three, five toddlers under the age of two, and eight mothers.  A ten-year-old boy and seven-year-old girl received Christ as their Savior. We had two new volunteers who were awesome helpers.  One took great care to help a blind youth and the guys on our team took turns carrying a seven year old who was unable to walk.  Grateful for your prayers and thankful for God’s hand and blessing upon the VBS. Many requested that we return soon.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

We resume weekly VBS classes in two other villages this week.  Please pray that for the children as they return to the classes.

 

I have three new believers that I am discipling.  Please pray for their walk with Christ.

 

God is faithful!
Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine ~ December 26, 2018

 

Dear Ones,

 

Greetings in the Name of our Precious Savior!  Christ became Man to give us life through Him.  1 John 4:9.  During this season as we remember His Birth, we must also remember his Death and Resurrection – the reason He came to earth – to save us from our sins and eternal separation from God our Creator.  Our mission and ministry focuses on sharing the Gospel through different outreaches especially for children and youth and making disciples.  During this time of giving, I encourage you to remember HIS birth and to consider giving a gift that has eternal reward – reaching the children and youth in El Salvador for Christ.

 

We have just finished six intense weeks of VBS, sharing the Gospel with 255 children with 10 children making a profession of faith in Christ Jesus during the months of November and December.  One 10 year old boy cried as he prayed thanking Christ for dying for him and saving him.  A seven year old girl from extreme poverty seemed distracted at times throughout the mornings of VBS, yet she stayed behind during game time to receive Christ as her Savior.  A family whose 15 year old daughter attended our VBS in 2016 and went missing about a year ago, never seen again and believed to be killed by the gangs, brought their youngest child to VBS this past week.

 

We continue to receive requests for updates on Sandra.  We are happy to report that she was able to attend the Joni & Friends Family Retreat with her mother and brother who also has a physical disability.  Sandra is no longer receiving physical therapy as the doctors believe she has reached her recovery potential.  She remains at home with her family and continues to teach Sunday School.  Along with Freddy and Pastor Wilfredo, we were able to send seven other volunteers to the Joni & Friends Family Retreat to provide care for children and youth with disabilities. It was amazing to hear how the volunteers’ lives were impacted and blessed greatly as they cared for these individuals.

 

An update on J and T.  Both are finally adjusting without their mother who left them to live in the US.  They have settled into their “new” life without her and are doing well in church and school.

 

In looking back at the past 12 months as a team, including Pastor Wilfredo’s prison ministry, we shared the Gospel with 2,810 people resulting in 58 professions of faith.  Fifty five adults and 9 children completed a discipleship course and 33 are currently in discipleship classes.  Pastor Joaquin and Lorraine have individually discipled 14 adults and three were baptized during 2018.  Lorraine taught Health & Hand Hygiene to 1205 children and adults, 12 adults attended Diabetic classes and had 112 patients visits during 2018.  God has enabled us to reach many through your partnership of prayer and giving. He is so faithful! 

 

We, like John the Baptist, have been called to prepare the way of the Lord! Sharing the Good News that Christ came to save us through His death and resurrection that we might have life and spend eternity with Him.  THANK YOU for being a part of God’s plan in reaching El Salvador for Christ.  We are so grateful for your partnership in preparing the way of the Lord!  YOUR REWARD is ETERNAL!    

 

May God bless you!  
Lorraine & Team
Board of Directors

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine ~ December 7, 2018

 

Dear Ones,

 

Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support throughout the year!  Also, thank you for considering Hannah’s Hands in any year-end giving you may do.  Year-end gifts help us throughout the year for the many months where giving is below our average monthly costs, so that we can continue doing what we do: reaching the lost, making disciples, and doing medical missions.  May God bless you as you continue to help us to be a blessing to others and further God’s kingdom.   May God especially bless you in this season as we are reminded of the coming of our Savior as He humbled Himself at the will of the Father to bring us redemption through His obedience, sufferings, and resurrection!

 

Praises ~

 

For the 32 children that came on the final day of VBS last week.  One 10 year old boy had tears rolling down his cheeks when he received Christ as his Savior. There were many new children.  Pray that they will return to the weekly Bible classes.

 

Today is the first day of Joni & Friends Family Retreat in El Salvador. Freddy and Pastor Wilfredo went with six of our youth. One of the youth is S. from a village in which we minister.  We are praying that this will be a life changing experience for S. as he sees the love of Christ in action as 25 families with disabilities hear the Gospel and receive respite care.

 

We shared the Gospel with 20 children and adults at the Medical Clinic yesterday.  The clinic was targeting the population in a particularly shady district.  Few from that area attended so staff went into the streets to invite the vendors and poor from the area.  It was a joy to see one elderly man and woman share the Gospel with such enthusiasm. Praying that the seeds planted will be watered and bear fruit.

 

Prayer Requests ~ 

 

For the salvation and transformed lives of many at the J & F Retreat.  Safety for all involved.  For many this will be their first time in the ocean.  There will be life guards but the ocean waters along the coast of El Salvador are not calm.

 

For VBS in villages in the next two weeks. For our staff to have energy, for new children to come to hear the Gospel and make decisions to receive Christ and be His disciples.   Also for our protection in these two gang controlled communities.

 

We are so grateful for your partnership in reaching the children and youth for Christ before they travel down the road to destruction!

 

Glory to God!
Lorraine & Team

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – November 11, 2018

 

Dear Ones,

 

Praises ~

 

This past Thursday we had nine children ages 7 – 14, who graduated from Discipleship classes.  Although 22 or so attended over the past year, nine were faithful in coming, completing their workbooks, doing their assignments, learning their verses and sharing with us about their spiritual struggles. One in the class who has come for five years has not received Christ as her Savior.  Please pray for J.’s salvation.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

We start VBS this week and are short on volunteers since our volunteers are in the universities taking exams.  We have asked several of our older youth who have been in the classes over the past five years to help with the crafts this week and next week.  Please pray in particular for J. and S. to receive Christ and become true disciples.

 

Pastor & Mrs. Joaquin have finished another year of teaching values to the children in their local school, using accounts in the Bible.  So grateful for the principal who has allowed them to teach values according to God’s values.

 

Missionaries face the same temptations as others.  I am asking you to pray for several missionary couples whose marriages have fallen apart and are going through divorces. Satan is alive and going about seeking whom he can destroy and kill.  He attacks everyone, but in particular those who are in the positions of ministry.  Please be in prayer for your pastors and their families, missionaries and their families and the body of Christ to withstand the devil and flee from him.

 

Our God is greater than he who is in this world!
Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – October 31, 2018

 

Dear Ones,

 

Praises ~

 

Thank you for your prayers for our safe return to El Salvador.  We were definitely blessed on our return trip to the point that one of our lost suitcases was being safe guarded by an airport employee.

 

We are so thankful for Scott coming to El Salvador for our youth and volunteer retreat showing us from the Gospels what being a true disciple of Christ is and how we can be better equipped to make disciples for Christ.

 

This past Saturday, S., a nine year old boy, was baptized.  His mother gave permission for the baptism because his life has changed drastically since receiving Christ as his Savior.  She was happy to give her blessing in his desire to obey and follow Christ in baptism. Please pray that he will continue to be the testimony that he has been to his family.

 

Tuesday we had the privilege to join Pastor Wilfredo in the three sectors of the prison.  We were able to share our testimonies and truths from the Word of God with the most dangerous youth, as well meet of those who had accepted Christ.  Eleven youth accepted a challenge to learn eight verses in the next eight weeks to “earn” a Bible of their own.  Please pray for the Word of the Lord to take seed in those most resistant to Christ.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

Please be in prayer as we finish up the Bible classes for the year and begin Vacation Bible School.

 

Please pray for new children to come to VBS to hear & receive the Gospel.  For sufficient volunteers to work with our staff, and safety in the communities.

 

Serving together to reach El Salvador for Christ Jesus!
Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – July 11, 2018

 

Praises ~ 

 

We were able to move K to a private out patient surgery center.  He had surgery on his right Tibia and Fibula last Sunday evening and has been recuperating at the mission house.  He is doing well and is up on crutches.  So thankful for your prayers.

 

Today 34 youth from Pastor Wilfredo’s Discipleship classes will “graduate” and receive a diploma for completing the Discipleship Course. He has started classes in another area of the prison so that more hear the Word, receive Christ’s forgiveness and grow in their faith. He asks for prayers for T who has “rejoined” the gangs.  He appreciates your prayers as his ministry field is emotionally and spiritually draining.

 

Prayer Requests ~ 

 

Last evening Pastor K’s wife, Y, had a severe lupus crisis yesterday (K is the youngest Central American Mission’s pastor in El Salvador).They made a four hour trip to San Salvador to go to the Emergency Room.  She is around 22 years old, is in End Stage Lupus and Renal Failure (stage 5), so the doctors believe she is not a candidate for a kidney transplant or dialysis. In March, she was given a one year life expectancy. Her pain is horrible and she suffers from thrombosis in her legs. Her feet are blue. Through all her pain, she still serves along side her husband in the church ministry in a community high up on a volcano. They arrived at our mission house close to 2 am, only to get up at 5 am to head back to their community.  Please pray for the Lord to give Y pain control and complete healing. Also, pray for their congregation during this time.

 

We have a very busy weekend coming upon us. Our team will be helping a youth group with a children’s outreach this weekend. Also we will be helping Pastor Wilfredo prepare for those graduating from the Discipleship Course, and  I will be teaching discipleship to a few of my spiritual children.

 

Prayers appreciated for my Diabetic classes every other week. Some of the Christian ladies who have diabetes are inviting other ladies from the communities. We are praying that God will use these classes not only to educate them about taking control of their diabetes, but as a venue to share the Gospel with the non-believers.

 

Please continue to pray for the children in our weekly Bible classes.  As some are “aging out” as defined by community pressure so they no longer receive teaching from God’s Word.

 

For God’s glory alone,
Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – July 1, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

We are praising God that our team in El Salvador is currently discipling 51 children, youth and adults.  During June, 50 youth participated in weekly Bible classes in two prisons and over 50 children participated in the weekly children’s Bible classes in two villages.

 

This past month we made ten home visits praying and sharing the Gospel with the parents of the children who attend the Bible classes and with our immediate neighbors.  We provided care for several complicated medical patients, including pre-operative hospital visits for an eleven year old boy from our weekly Bible classes who needs knee surgery.  And although P is permanently blind in his right eye from the accident with the electric saw, we were able to help him get prescription glasses to help with diminished vision in his left eye.

 

Diabetes is a very serious and common medical condition in El Salvador with Lorraine caring for several young newly diagnosed diabetic patients. This past week Lorraine started Diabetic classes in two locations with ten ladies attending, including one who is not a believer. These classes not only provide diabetic education, but a means of sharing the Gospel.

 

While Lorraine has been teaching English and providing counseling, another team member has been preparing children for Baptism.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

K, a 20 year old who came to Christ several years ago while attending The Judgment House Drama Outreach with Lorraine, and then later attended our youth group and continues to serves with us in the ministry, was in a motor cycle accident on Thursday morning, June 28th.  Both his tibia and fibula bones were broken in his right lower leg.  The public hospital where he was taken to is over crowded so he is still waiting for surgery which could be up to 10 days.  K. received intravenous pain medicine once.  He vomited immediately after the medication and has not received any further pain medicine.  We were asked to purchase pampers for him because the hospital does not have urinals and he can’t to get out of bed to use the bathroom.  Because Lorraine is not immediate family she was denied entrance to the hospital today during visiting hours.  Your prayers as appreciated as Lorraine tries to negotiate medical care for K.

 

Specific Need ~

 

We are so thankful for all those who partner with us through prayer and financial support.  Your partnership allows us to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in El Salvador.  Financial giving has been particularly low for the past several months.  As of the end of June, we have a $10,000 deficit year-to-date.  If you have been a prayer partner, but have not considered being a financial partner as well, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us on a monthly basis or consider a one time gift to help close the gap as we fulfill God’s great commission to reach El Salvador for Christ Jesus.

 

For God’s glory alone!
Lorraine & team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – June 19, 2018 

 

Praises ~

 

Last week I was in a remote mountain area for discipleship with some of my spiritual children.  No cell phone reception and sketchy Internet made it great for devoted time for spiritual growth. We shared the Gospel with three others. God answered in a big way when prayers of salvation and reconciliation were said.  We were all crying tears of joy for the goodness of our Heavenly Father, the gift of Salvation and that as believers we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Eph. 4:30.

 

Several children from our weekly Bible classes are thinking about being baptized.  One mother has given her permission.  The others have not asked yet asked their parents for permission.  Please pray that they will obey the Lord in this area of their lives and give this public testimony to following Christ in baptism.  

 

Hermana Tomasita is gaining strength and energy every day as she recovers from typhoid.   She celebrated her birthday and rejoices for another year to serve the Lord.

 

God willing P will be fitted with his new eye glasses this Thursday.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

God willing in July, we will be participating in a wedding ceremony with the parents of one of the boys who has accepted Christ as his Savior in our weekly Bible classes.  The parents want to get married (civil ceremony is the only wedding ceremony recognized by the law) so they can follow Christ in baptism.  We will be using this opportunity as a venue to share the Gospel of Christ to all the family members who are scattered throughout the country of El Salvador and as a testimony to their son and community.  Pray that God will do great and mighty things through this simple civil and garden ceremonies.

 

For R. a 24 year old, as he has been struggling with spiritual warfare.  He came to the mission house last evening for prayer.  Pray for R. as he learns to submit his life to Christ and put on the whole armor of God daily. (Eph. 6)

 

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

 

Lorraine & team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – June 11, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

We took P to the Eye Hospital this past Thursday and he was fitted for special glasses, however he has still has no vision or pain in his right eye from his injury caused by the saw accident.

 

God closed the doors for the Outreach in one area this Saturday and opened the door in a village where one of my spiritual sons is teaching weekly Bible classes.  We were able to come along side him and support him in the community by holding the Outreach.  In addition to doing a drama, our team taught the Gospel Hand and I taught Hand Hygiene in an effort to combat the spread of Typhoid Fever which is the highest it has been in many years. We had 4 mothers and 20 children between the ages of 3 to 15.  Everyone was so attentive.  S, an eight year old boy who can not read, accepted Christ as his Savior.  Please pray that he will continue coming to the weekly Bible classes and grow in his faith.

 

Prayer Requests ~ 

 

Tomorrow our team will be teaching a Bible lesson on “big moments in one’s life” in a school. They did not go with the assigned lesson, but with help and much prayer, our team now has a lesson on Creation, Sin, and Christ being the ultimate sacrifice for the world. They will be using many great scripture verses.  This lesson will be unlike any they have done before.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the youth and the teachers to hear and be open to God’s great moments of providing the perfect sacrifice – His Son to pay for our sins and that many will put their faith in Christ.

 

Our God is faithful!
Lorraine & the team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – May 30, 2018

 

Praises & Prayer Requests ~

 

Twice in the past week when there has been a need for prayer, the people we are serving came to us for prayer needs. The first was last Wednesday during the Bible class when E, a mother who accepted Christ last year, interrupted the Bible class asking us to go and pray for her brother. P is 30 years old and was working late at night to make ends meet to provide for his family.  While working with a circular saw, the blade came loose and cut into his right eye.  He was seen at the local hospital but they were not prepared to handle his situation.  We went to his home, shared the Gospel and prayed with him.  P said he had accepted Christ as his Savior several years ago, but knew he was not walking with the Lord.  The next day while the team held Bible class, Freddy drove him and his mother to the Eye Hospital for a more detailed exam.  He has no vision in the right eye. The doctor said that it would truly take a miracle for him not to lose the eye.  Please pray that his eye will be preserved, his vision restored, that God would receive all the glory, and that he his personal relationship with the Lord will be restored.

 

Sunday, one of the neighbor ladies came to the mission house and shared with me about her brokenness and depression for over two hours.  I tried to share the Gospel and go over scripture with her, but she continually interrupted to continue her detailed story of pain and anger that has been going on in her life for the past 30 years.  Her anger is the root of her depression and causing her anxiety attacks for which she has been hospitalized recently.  Please pray for A to trust the Lord as her Savior, to turn the pain over to the Lord, forgive those who have wronged her and let go of the anger so that she can be healed. 

 

A total of nine youth have come to Christ in Pastor Wilfredo’s Bible classes.  R, who was a gang leader and now a believer, has had the biggest change in his life.  Pastor Wilfredo describes this prisoner as being “in love with the Lord” and making it known to the others.  Please pray for R to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and for Pastor Wilfredo as he ministers in the prison.  He reported that several churches started a “prison ministry”, but because the ministry is difficult, they have all quit after one or two weeks.  Please pray for his safety and that he will continue to bear fruit.

 

Thank you for all your prayers for T.  Praising God that she is slowing gaining her strength. Please pray for Pastor J, the senior pastor of my home church here in El Salvador.  He is very ill with Typhoid Fever.

 

The flies are the worse I have ever seen in all my years in El Salvador.  Pastor Wilfredo says the youth in the prisons are suffering from flies eggs and worms in the hair.  Recently I have been constantly reminded how God sent the flies into Egypt.

 

Rejoicing in the faithfulness and goodness of God our Father!
Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – May 20, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

Praising God daily for our faithful ministry partners who pray and give so that salvation may be proclaimed in El Salvador.  

 

This past Tuesday a 19 year old in Pastor Wilfredo’s Bible class accepted Christ.  Pastor Wilfredo gives new believers a spiritual name and he gave this youth the name of T.  Please pray for this youth as he will be tested greatly in the prison.

 

Also for E, the name given to another spiritual son of Pastor Wilfredo, has been released from prison.  Although he has spent a few nights at Pastor Wilfredo’s apartment, he is not able to stay there everyday.  It is complicated because the 24 year old can not get a job because of his past history.  Pastor Wilfredo is asking for prayer for wisdom in this matter.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

There has been fair amount of discussion on the news about the gang brutality in the US.  It is a daily occurrence here.  Believers are often affected by their thirst for blood.  The only thing that will change this brutality is for the gang members to come to a saving faith in Christ and to become new creatures. Join us in prayer as we pray for their salvation in El Salvador and the US.

 

One of our previous volunteers (2010 – 2015), D, lost his mother to alcoholism and pulmonary disease from cigarette use. He said that his mother made a profession of faith when he was 10 years old, but her life never changed.  Please pray that the death of their mother will draw D and his brothers, M and J, back into close relationship with Christ.

 

Please continue to pray for wisdom in all areas of the ministry as we are faced with many difficult decisions almost daily.

 

For our youth to walk in righteousness.

 

Pray that the government will soon spray for mosquitoes.  They are furious right now.  Also, we are also plagued with hundreds of little biting ants that are invading the kitchen cabinets, all the rooms and even our closets.  Everything that we have tried to get rid of them has not worked.  We need a solution.  Please pray we will get one immediately.  Thank you!

 

Serving together to reach the unreached!
Lorraine & team in El Salvador

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – April 30, 2018

 

Praises ~ Over the last couple of weeks three children in our weekly Bible classes have accepted Christ as their Savior. Several of the children are ready and wanting to be baptized.  We are planning to baptize those who are ready during the first part of July.  Please pray that the parents will not only give permission, but will attend as their children make a public profession of their faith in Christ Jesus.  Please pray specifically for the spiritual growth of V and the others who are have recently accepted Christ.

 

C is an eight year old boy who attends the Bible classes.  He is being convicted by the Holy Spirit about the “bad” music he enjoys listening to.  He asked if he was still saved because he likes bad music.  We assured him of his salvation and urged him to obey the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for him to have victory in this area of his life.

 

Last month N, a teen from Pastor Joaquin’s church was murdered.  This is the second of their church family that has been murdered in 2018.  The parents’ of the youth have left the area.  Please pray for the comfort of these two families and for Pastor & Mrs. Joaquin’s ministry in their community and the local school where they are teaching values and using the Bible Text to teach the values.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

Last Sunday, R, a teenage girl, did not return home after soccer practice.  She is in the youth group of a missionary friend.    So far no one has heard from or seen hear.  Please pray for her safe return.

 

* Safety for all our staff, volunteers and other missionaries serving in El Salvador.

 

* For our youth to walk in righteousness and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.

 

* For the outreach in May.

 

For God’s glory alone, Lorraine & our Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – April 14, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

Thank you for praying for the little girl A, who  was being abused by her mother.  She is now living with her birth father who is very attentive to her. She was in Bible class on Wednesday. She participated in the class, smiled at times, took my hand and even sat on my lap for a few minutes.  We dropped her off at her home.  Her father picked her up immediately and she wrapped her arms around his neck.  We are so grateful for your prayers and rejoice in how God hears and answers.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

Last weekend we took eight youth to see the film, I Can Only Imagine.  This was the first time that four of them heard the Gospel, including one of our neighbor ladies’ grandson.  Please pray for C, J, L and M’s salvation.

 

Tomorrow we will be holding an Outreach where Pastor Wilfredo holds Bible classes in the prison on Wednesdays.  We will be doing a drama twice and our team will be sharing the “Gospel Hand” of Salvation.  Please pray that it will not rain during the day, that we will have secure parking near the park, for the sound system to work, for the message of Salvation as it is presented, and for God to be glorified and many to come to Salvation in Christ.

 

For God’s Glory alone, Lorraine & Team in El Salvador

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – March 31, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

He is not in the tomb, our Savior is Risen and at the right hand of the Father interceding for us!  Glory to His name!

 

This past week, I had the privilege of being a part of the Louisiana and Nazaret Central American Mission Medical Outreach Team.  We traveled to remote mountain areas so high that one could see for miles and miles around and there was no cell service, thus no gang activity.  The roads were not what we would call roads and required 4WD to pass.   Tucked away in these mountains are hundreds of people steeped in religion, without the knowledge of the saving power of Jesus Christ.    Two villages have pastors who go in regularly to share with the children, only to have the parents come and remove the children from the Bible classes.  Monday through Thursday this past week, through medical-dental- health education and Gospel sharing teams, 816 people heard the Gospel with 265 children and adults making decisions for Christ.

 

Prayer Requests ~ 

 

For the pastors and their church teams who will travel into these areas to disciple the new believers and teach children’s Bible classes. For the new believers to remain strong as they will be challenged and mocked by the members of the communities.

 

Pastor Kevin is 23 years old (the youngest CAM pastor) and his wife, Judith have been ministering for the past two years in a mountain village far from their family and friends.  Judith has end-stage Lupus and her kidneys have failed.  Her lupus has progressed rapidly and her health has deteriorate greatly.  She is in renal failure and would not survive a kidney transplant if one was available.  Yet, through all her pain she serves the Lord faithfully along side her husband.  Please pray for Judith and that if it is God’s will, as the Great Physician, He will in His mercy, heal her so that she can continue serving with her husband in reaching the mountain people for Christ.  

 

We serve a RISEN SAVIOR!

 

Lorraine  & Team El Salvador

 

Update from Lorraine – March 18, 2018

 

Praises ~ With a poor turn out, the mid term elections in El Salvador went smoothly without any violence. The conservative party (non-left) won the majority of the local positions.

 

Pastor Wilfredo extends his heart-felt thanks for your prayers as he travels to share the Word of God in the two prisons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Because the bus could not make the entire passage, he had to walk 6 kilometers through dangerous areas last Wednesday and was praising God for protecting him.

 

There was a real break through at the ladies neighborhood luncheon last week.  I taught on Christ’s Resurrection and how He is our Intercessor.   I told the ladies how much we loved and prayed for them, but that we would really like to pray for the their specific needs.  One lady opened up about her stresses with tongue cancer and her husband’s stroke and another shared tearfully about her struggle with depression and how she has prayed to die (“Senor please take me”).  Both asked for prayer and we prayed for them.  Then another, who has only come three times since starting the ladies outreach in December 2014, asked if she could pray.  She prayed to the Heavenly Father and in the name of Jesus. She prayed for all those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ to have a personal relationship.  The “leader” of the group said that we need to do this more often.  No one used foul language or stood up to leave.  Over the next month the plan is to visit each of the nine ladies individually and follow up with them.  I am also praying about having a ladies Bible study one afternoon a week (time issue).

 

Thank you for your faithful prayers for the children’s whose cards you take each year at our annual Hannah’s Hands banquet.  I want to share with you how prayer has changed the life of A.  She is 11 or 12 and lives with her father and a step mother who is abusive both verbally and physically.  The person who took her photo committed to praying for her regularly.  Things have changed in the home.  Although she was taken out of school to work to supplement the family’s income, she comes to Bible classes most weeks.  She even smiles and eats her snack instead of taking it home to her stepmother.  She participates more in the class and comes for hugs.  Prayer changes lives as God responds to our prayers.

 

J, one of my spiritual sons, helps another missionary in his community reaching the children through surfing and skate boarding.  His goal is to keep the children out of the gangs and have them gather so the missionaries who moved into his community can share the Gospel and teach them the Bible. God is changing lives through discipleship.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

Please make a commitment to pray for “A” who is around 3 1/2 years old.  Her mother left her father and is living with another man.  According to the neighbors her mother does not want her.  She came to Bible class last week with 2 large marks on her left thigh after having been beaten with a tree branch for spilling her soda. The child is withdrawn and will not let us get near her.  She is often disruptive.  Pray for the salvation of the mother and that God will work in her heart and give her a mother’s love for her daughter.

 

Pray for many more opportunities to share the Gospel during the Resurrection Week. During the last week of March, I will be serving in a medical campaign in various communities of El Salvador.  We will be working in gang territories.  Pray for our safety and for many to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

 

Because we serve a RISEN SAVIOR!

 

Lorraine & team

 

Update from Lorraine – February 23, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

For the wonderful visit with Pastor Steve and Etta, my sending church’s Mission’s pastor and his wife.  We are grateful that they were able to join us in a couple of our ministries during they brief stay in El Salvador. Last week we had a detour related to a road closure due to a police investigation.  We were not sure where we were going, but God sent us a guide – a pick up truck carrying a few passengers.  The driver waited to see if we would make it a cross a shallow river.  We gave praise to God seeing how He cares about the smallest and greatest details in our daily lives.

 

Thank you for your prayers for the Outreach.  Based on the number of Gospel Hands that we handed out, there were around 100 people who heard the Gospel.  A local Baptist pastor & members from his church shared the Gospel with 35 individuals with four people making a profession of faith. On Tuesday Pastor Wilfredo was not permitted to enter one prison for his Bible and discipleship classes.  A youth had been murdered inside the prison and it was on lock down.  Today 34 young men at another prison attended his Bible class. He thanks you for your prayers. For the children and youth who attended the weekly Bible classes in the villages.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

• For those in discipleship and for those waiting to be discipled.
• For S’s walk with the Lord.
• For the safety of Pastor & Mrs. Joaquin as they minister in the mountain village.
• For God’s wisdom in all that we do and that it will bring glory to God and others to Christ.
• For F who hid from us because he does not want to have a MRI so he can have surgery.

 

For His glory alone,

 

Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team & our faithful volunteers

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – January 30, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

The children are really enjoying the discipleship course materials. We are praying about asking the children who have accepted Christ if they would like to be baptized when we complete that part of the course.  Please keep this matter in prayer as we are not sure how the parents will react to the children being baptized and we are uncertain about the logistics of baptism. Praise God, S went with us to the Bible classes this past week.  She worked with some of the children who are not in the discipleship class but are given other Bible lessons.

 

Pastor Wilfredo found an apartment and we will be helping him move this weekend. He is thankful for the youth and young men in the two prisons who are attending the weekly Bible classes.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

Please pray for God to intervene in the life of R and provide for loving and compassionate care givers. Prayers appreciated. Please pray for the Visa decision for our dear sister in Christ, T.  Her final hearing is tomorrow.

 

For His glory alone!

 

Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team and our faithful volunteers

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – January 16, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

Last week we finished our last VBS for this Nov – Jan school break.  Fifty-seven children ages 3 – 14, six mothers, 1 grandfather, and five toddlers under the age of 3 attended.  Six children made a profession of faith.   Pastor Wilfredo helped us with VBS last week.  Today he is teaching the Bible in a prison.  He has nearly a 2 hours bus ride each way and will be there teaching 3 different groups of male prisoners.  He will then be teaching in other prisons another day this week. Thank you for lifting him up in prayer as he enters Satan’s stronghold to share the Gospel and disciple new believers. This week we will resume our weekly Bible classes.   Since we have taught through the Bible in the past four years, this year our team will be teaching doctrine.  We have workbooks designed for children using the Good News in Action Course Materials.  Please pray with us that everyone who begins these lessons will finish the course and be well grounded.

 

Prayer Requests ~ 

 

S, a six year old girl with lower body paralysis, came to the first day of VBS in her village.  Her mother drowned in a river and she is being cared for by her older siblings while her father goes to work. They live far back in the village on roads that are very difficult to travel by foot or by vehicle.  Her older siblings, who are in their early teens and are very thin, do not have the strength to carry her places.  We made a home visit and found her sitting and crawling on the dirt floor.  Please pray that we will be able to help get her a wheelchair and that her family will have the energy and heart to care properly for this little girl.  Her head appears slightly larger than normal. I am not sure if she has a mild degree of encephalopathy or not.  She appears normal in her upper body and understands Spanish.  She is a beautiful girl with big brown eyes that convey a world of sadness.  Your prayers for her family are appreciated.

 

We covet your prayers as we hold an evangelistic outreach.  It is directly adjacent to the Catholic Church.  Please pray for us to have safe travels and safety as we publicly share Christ.  Also, that we will have enough workers, for the Gospel to fall upon prepared hearts and that the Holy Spirit will convict many of their need for Christ.

 

Thankful for the two prayer warriors who have committed to pray for our outreaches.  If others are willing, please send us an email for more specific prayer requests for these outreach events.

 

Please pray for my spiritual son, J.  He is spending time in prayer, but has yet to start spending time reading the Word of God.  He has a burden for the children and youth in his community, especially those without fathers and those that are at high risk to be recruited by the gangs.  Please pray that he will have the desire to study the Bible so that he will grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ and be grounded as he reaches out to the youth in his community.   Also, for his wife, who has started her own business of making soaps and lotions to help support their family of four.  Pray that God will open doors for her to have shop owners willing to sell her products.

 

Thank you for partnering with us in reaching El Salvador for Christ!

 

Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team & our faithful volunteers

 

 

 

Update from Lorraine – January 8, 2018

 

Praises ~

 

For a new year to be followers of Christ and to live out His love! The opportunity to pray with and for those who are in hurting or coming out of hurting relationships over the holidays.

 

Pastor Wilfredo and I were able to visit his maternal grandmother who is lacking in maternal love.  On prior visits she has been aloof and unfriendly. This time she was receptive.  He boldly shared the Gospel and she paid attention stating that she did accept Christ once when she went to another church.  Please pray for restoration and for her to grow spiritually.  She has breasts tumors and is not sure if they are cancer or not.

 

This past Christmas, a new believer at Pastor J’s church was telling his boss about the poor children in the church.  His boss at Pizza Hut asked for the names and ages of the children in the church.  This boss purchased gifts for each child, donated 3 large cakes and pizzas for everyone.  We are not sure if this manager at Pizza Hut is a believer, but he blessed the children in the church who otherwise would not have received anything for Christmas.

 

Recently, Pastor Wilfredo’s vehicle “died” in front of our neighbor’s house and the mission house blocking both garage doors.  I knew I did not have the strength to push the vehicle by myself.  I prayed and in ONE MINUTE the neighbor came out of his house to leave.  With him and his son helping me, we were able to push the vehicle out of the way.

 

For the birth of S.  Rejoicing that the Lord spoke to the father at the time he accepted Christ as his Savior to marry his girlfriend of 10 years.  Now both are believers, serving the Lord in their community, active in their church and being an example to others to be obedient and marry instead of living together.

 

Prayer Requests ~

 

We did site visits to two public parks.  Both parks are at the foot of those town’s central Catholic churches.  The department of Tourism was helpful in one town.  We have submitted a request to hold two events there in the coming weeks.  Please be in prayer that we will not have opposition, any electrical problems with our sound system and that the Holy Spirit will go before us and prepare the hearts of those who will come to the event.  Also, please pray we will have sufficient volunteers.

 

VBS this week.  For safety on the roads and for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the children.  We have requested that we do not have children under 3 years of age as we do not have the ability to accommodate these ages. Serving the King of kings! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team and our faithful volunteers!

 

Update from Lorraine – December 19, 2017

 

Praises ~ Many blessings from the Lord be upon you and your family in this season as we remember our Savior’s birth and wonderful gift of eternal life!  Thank you dear prayer and financial partners in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His work through Hannah’s Hands this year!  In January 2018, Pastor Wilfredo will join Hannah’s Hands to expand our ministry into the prisons, provide outreach to the families of present and past prisoners, and establish a church among them so they have a way to mature in Christ and fulfill His great commission.  Please prayerfully consider Hannah’s Hands if you have the opportunity for year-end giving.  If you are not already a prayer and financial partner, please prayerfully consider becoming one for 2018 as we expand the work of Christ in El Salvador. Praises ~ Thank you for all your prayers for VBS.  We have completed five weeks of VBS during November and December. We have one more week of VBS. This past week we held VBS in the community of A.  We were told that we would have around 25 children.  We had 75 children attend with 66 attending on Thursday.  We were thrilled that 24 were youth ages 11 to 17.  That is uncommon for an area where the gangs are active.   Two trouble makers asked to be helpers and we could not have asked for better helpers! In total 251 children attended with 20 children making a decision for Christ during this VBS season, including the five decisions in the village of N with Pastor & Mrs. Joaquin. They also had the joy of baptizing two young ladies who completed their discipleship course. On Saturday, our youth and Pastor David held an outreach with 44 children attending. That is nearly half of the children from that community.  Please pray for this community as they work with these children each Saturday. This past Sunday, D met with his camper from Joni & Friends.  The youth with Downs Syndrome had missed D so much that the family arranged from him to have pizza with him.  Our youth have truly demonstrated the love of Christ to the families and campers with disabilities. Prayer Requests ~ During this holiday season the youth in the mission house have returned to their homes.  They will be tried and tested as their parents have already contacted the priest to have meetings with them individually.  Please pray that they will grow spiritually, give a good testimony to their parents and through each trial be refined as gold.  Thank you for up lifting them in prayer. On Wednesday, our Neighborhood Ladies group will meet at a coffee shop.  I have prepared little gift bags with Bible booklets.  For our Christmas gathering they requested to meet in a public place instead of coming to the mission house where we always do a small presentation from the Bible.  Please keep these ladies in prayer for Salvation. Thanksgiving ~ We thank God daily for your partnership with Hannah’s Hands.  You are a vital part of reaching the children and youth for Christ! May you experience the joy and peace of Christ during this special time of year and take every opportunity to share Christ with others! Our Savior Reigns! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team & our faithful volunteers   Update from Lorraine – December 7, 2017 Praises ~ Thank you dear prayer and financial partners in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His work through Hannah’s Hands this year!  In January 2018, Pastor Wilfredo will join Hannah’s Hands to expand our ministry into the prisons, provide outreach to the families of present and past prisoners, and establish a church among them so they have a way to mature in Christ and fulfill His great commission.  Please prayerfully consider Hannah’s Hands if you have the opportunity for year-end giving.  If you are not already a prayer and financial partner, please prayerfully consider becoming one for 2018 as we expand the work of Christ in El Salvador. Praises ~ Two of our staff and eight of our youth served at Joni & Friends Family Retreat, caring for those with various disabilities, giving respite to the families while bringing the love of Christ and a time of pleasure to those with great needs.  Our youth served the body of Christ while the Gospel was shared with the parents and siblings of those with disabilities. Prayer Requests ~ Last week we did many medical visits and are asking your prayers for the following critical needs: G is 19 and one of our youth.  His father died in September of this year.  Although weak and tired, he went into the hospital to give blood for his father.  It was discovered that he had ALL (Acute leukemia).  They had an old car and his father had a motorcycle that he drove to work. Both were sold so they G could have chemotherapy.  He has had four treatments with each treatment cost $200.  The house they rent is over 100 years old. The walls have cracked from earthquakes and are no longer safe.  One can see through the walls to the outside and through the roof as the termites have destroyed the roof.  There is no door on the house.  Thankfully the entrance to the home faces the ally and not the main street.  They have a gate to the patio which is only closed with a latch.  The mother had a little stall in a building where she sold cream and cheese, but it was closed a couple of months ago so she is without work.  Please pray for God to meet G’s medical needs and that we can help them locate a rental home that is safe for them to live in.  G’s mother is suffering from depression and anxiety.  Please lift her up in prayer that she will experience peace from the Lord. C is in his 40’s. Along with his brain tumor that has caused him visual changes with dizziness, headaches, seizures and “blacking out”, he now has kidney disease and a “fatty liver” which complicates his ability to work and care for his wife and three children.  He is a believer and very poor.  He is not getting the medical attention he needs in the public hospitals.  We are praying for a healing for C. M, is 70 and dying from kidney failure because she no longer wants dialysis weekly. We praise the Lord hat she has accepted Christ as her Savior (and she chose to get baptized in a swimming pool). She is ready and waiting to die so that she can go to heaven.  She was more alert, did not have pain and was not in respiratory distress.  She had a low grade fever and was dehydrated. Please pray for her home-going to be peaceful and pain free. Pastor David’s grandfather died early this week.  Please pray for the family’s comfort and for the strength of our youth.  The culture here is to stay up all night with the family.  Three of our youth stayed up with the pastor tonight because he was there for them when their grandfather died. This was a real challenge for them as it is all hands on deck for VBS this week. VBS in a remote village this week.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the children and that the children will take the Gospel back to their families. Home visits on Friday.  We will be traveling many miles on Friday.  Please pray for our safety on the road. We serve a faithful and awesome God! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team and our faithful volunteers   Update from Lorraine – November 17, 2017 Praises ~ Praising God for the youth who learned and shared so much about the Reformation to the church family and how it impacted the Gospel and biblical truths that we teach! We finished our first VBS for this school break.  Fifty one children came, five accepted Christ and 20 were over the age of 11.   We had seven children who walked two miles to come to the VBS.   We weren’t without trials.  Vehicle repairs Monday, Tuesday,and Wednesday.  We had to be towed home.  Yesterday the battery died, the Toyota shut off five times before we got it going to leave.  When we got home we did not turn off the car so that we could go buy a new battery.  Our God is greater than the one who did not want us to share the Good News of Christ in VBS this week!  Thank you for your prayers. E was very ill – near death last Wednesday and was taken to the hospital after having high fevers and a seizure that left her unconscious for a long time with facial weakness which has resolved.  She is a believer, but the major concern was who would take G, the 23 year old orphan with a four year old mental capacity with violent tendencies.  Ester returned home from the hospital on Monday and G is back in her care.  She is on bed rest until she gains back her strength.  Cause of fever and illness is unknown.  Prayers appreciated for this situation.  There is only one state run home that takes adults with mental disabilities.  Not a place that would benefit G, but because he gets violent it is a challenge for others to care for him.  He has been with Ester since his mother died many years ago. Praises that Pastor Wilfredo is joining our team in January 2018 and will restart weekly Bible study and discipleship classes and begin a church in two prisons for those who have come to faith in Christ.  Our staff will hold outreaches in the communities near the prisons for the family of prisoners who have come to Christ.  We have taken this step of faith and obedience. Prayers appreciated as we move forward.  We have pledges for 50% of his monthly support.  Anyone who is interested in helping to support Pastor Wilfredo can do so by donating via our webpage – www.hannahshands.org, or by regular mail – Hannah’s Hands, PO Box 5097, Cary, NC  27512 – 5097 or setting up “auto” monthly recurring checks through your bank bill pay services. A special thanks for those who have been praying for the young girl living in an abusive home.  The abuse is less.  She attended VBS every day and received a prize for bringing three other children to VBS this week. Prayer Requests ~ For God to go before us in each of the communities for VBS.  For the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the children and for the children to carry the Gospel back into their homes. For our health and stamina.  Several of our volunteers were ill all week with sinus infections and sore throats, yet the served faithfully every day. ~ VBS in upcoming weeks ~ Staff and volunteers serving those with disabilities at the Joni & Friends Family Retreat in El Salvador ~ Wisdom in caring for critically ill patients ~ Wisdom in weekly home visits Thank you for serving with us in all that God is doing in El Salvador! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team and our faithful volunteers   Update from Lorraine – October 30, 2017 Praises ~ Safe return to El Salvador experiencing miracles in clearing TSA in the US and customs in El Salvador with all supplies including car parts and Wordless Book soccer balls arriving with us. For the opportunity of Scott McNeill, HH President, coming to El Salvador, working with us in the villages, during an outreach and teaching our staff.  That week was at our usual fast pace and it was amazing to see all the God did.  Three miracles in one day…Dark heavy rain clouds ready to pour rain on our outdoor Bible class. Scott prayed and with in five minutes we had blue skies and sunshine.  I accidentally ate something with onions and having an allergic reaction and the thought of using the outhouse all afternoon make me sick to my stomach.  Again, Scott prayed and I did not have an allergic reaction to the onions. AND four boys who were invited at lunch time to come to the Bible class, accepted Christ as their Savior!   God meets our needs in so many ways, great and small.  To God be the glory… great things He has done! Thirteen children accepted Christ  through the weekly Bible classes and the Outreach in a village. Lorraine and one of our staff shared the Gospel with Maria, an eighty year old, who when asked where she would spend eternity before hearing the Gospel, stated, “I don’t know”.  After Maria accepted Christ, the same question was asked and she responded with a big toothless smile, “I’m going to heaven when I die!”   God’s Word is alive.  How can they know, unless we tell them of the finished Work of Christ….Salvation through faith in His shed blood? Prayer Requests ~ Please be in prayer for the Rodriguez family.  The father, has a brain tumor that is growing on his forehead.  He continues to work night shift, over one and half hours ride from his village.  The doctors just want to “watch” the tumor, even though he suffers from seizures and horrible headaches.  He is a believer, his faith is strong.  Please pray God’s will in this matter and for pain relief.  Thanksgiving to our sister in Christ from Cary who gave funds so that the his daughters could have new shoes. For the Up Coming Ministries

 

• Every week our youth go to a Hospital to share the Gospel with the families.
• D and K will be presenting a project on the Reformation and the impact it has on Christianity today.
• Missionary Retreat
• multiple VBS weeks during this season
• Joni & Friends – youth and our staff will be volunteering
• Christmas Outreach

 

We appreciate your prayers for our strength and health, for the Holy Spirit preparing the hearts of the children and families attending, for salvation and spiritual growth of all. Serving together reaching the lost for the Kingdom of our Father! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands Team and our faithful volunteers   Update from Lorraine – September 18, 2017 Praises ~  Thankful for God’s faithfulness and goodness in all things! While in Canada, I held three “Meet and Greet the missionary” meetings.  After sharing about what God is doing in El Salvador, we had wonderful prayer times.  It is so encouraging to know that we have ministry prayer partners in several different countries!  I am  praising God for the funds provided by friends in Canada for me to be able to return next year! On Friday, five of our youth helped with an all night Outreach in a village (same area where the school outreach took place earlier this year). They worked with Pastor D from a nearby church and performed drama, sang praises and shared the Gospel.  Over 100 attended a service from 6 pm to 4 am.  One mother accepted Christ. Saturday of the following week, our team held another Outreach in a community.  Forty six children attended. Three young girls accepted Christ. We will return to this area to do VBS during our school vacation. It is a blessing that the ministry goes on while I am in the United States, including some medical.  The mission house had a lady recovering from eye surgery recently. Although we had had some heavy rains over the past few weeks, our hosts families provided covered areas so we could continue with the Bible classes. Prayer Requests ~ Hannah’s Hands Mission Banquet is on Saturday, September 30th, at Colonial Baptist Church.  Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm in the Parlor.  Reservations will be taken through September 27th. $10 for Adults, $5 for children 2-10, and children under 2 are free. We will be sharing the miraculous things God has been and is doing in El Salvador. We look forward to seeing you at the Banquet! [Tickets can be purchased online with a link from our home page]. We have sent letters to 109 churches and two universities asking for an opportunity to share about the ministry of Hannah’s Hands.  Please pray that we will have “yes” responses. For God’s provision for the church plant with Pastor W for the believers being released from prison. Serving a faithful God! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands team and our faithful volunteers   Update from Lorraine – July 28, 2017 Praises ~ In addition to my ministry responsibilities,  I spend many hours each day caring for youth at the mission house, whether it be meals, dishes, laundry, housework, or homework.  At times I have asked the Lord, “is this what I am meant for?”  At times it is tiring and I feel overwhelmed.  Then comes the reward!   This past Saturday, D finished his last Bible lesson for his school.  He individually asked each youth if they wanted to accept Christ as his or her Savior.  No one responded, but when the class was over, one youth stayed behind and told D that he wanted to accept Christ.. Then God through His Word reminded me that this is where He has placed me and given these youth to me to care for and nurture them in Christ as well as meet their physical needs.  The scriptures that came to mind were Galatians 6:10  and Philippians 2:14.  This pass weekend I offered up praise and thanksgiving that I have been given the opportunity to care for these youth, being an example and making it possible for them to go forth and bear eternal fruit!  My studies in nursing and medicine did not prepare me to be an English teacher.  Several times over the years in El Salvador, I have had to teach English, whether in the girls’ prison, helping University students with home work, or holding English classes to reach others for Christ.  Just when I take teaching English classes off my plate, God puts it back on.  I am not trying to rebel against God, but feel inadequate at times.  Last week D and two of his classmates at the University worked on our mission car’s brakes for four evenings.  Last Thursday evening they put aside their English homework once again to work on the brakes.  That is when the Lord spoke to me to help them with their homework.  They said it was very helpful as they don’t understand the teacher.  Now I am teaching English two – three evenings a week and on Saturday mornings.  Please pray for me to have the wisdom and knowledge to teach in a manner that will make it clear for them to learn.  Learning English opens the doors for better job opportunities here and abroad. Thankful for those who use Smile.Amazon and list Hannah’s Hands International, Inc. when making purchases!  Every little bit helps our ministry on the field. Prayer Requests ~ Village Outreach – Saturday July 29th Village Outreach  – Saturday, August 12 For K and D as they teach children’s classes and Sunday School. HHI Mission Banquet September 30th. Serving together for the Kingdom of Christ, Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands Team & our faithful volunteers   May 22, 2017 – Update from Lorraine Praises ~ This past week, I received a 6-month permanent residency status and I will need to return later this year to see if I received the permanent residency.  Thank you for your prayers. The rain has been gentle and, most of the time, it rains at night so it does not affect our outdoor Bible classes. Praise God! The boy who had the appendectomy, is doing well.  He can walk several miles at a time. Pray that he will be able to return to working in the sugar cane fields.  Also, for the continued discipleship for him and his wife. They have made excuses the past several weeks as to why they could not meet for their discipleship time. Praising God that it was a good week for home visits and Bible classes in the schools. Prayer Requests ~ Last fall I shared with you about a very sick young boy, F and that his 20-year-old brother had died at home because his mother refused transport to the hospital.  Since F stopped coming to Bible class, we visited his family this week.  We were told that another older brother disappeared early December and has not been seen since. This was after many nights when the “police” visited their area. The “police” were likely gang members dressed in police clothing since the real police do not go into dangerous areas at night for fear of being ambushed. They are not sure if this brother ran away because the gangs were after him or if he was killed.  F is very fearful and is not going to school, not coming to Bible classes and is afraid to leave his mother’s side. Please pray that those who are harassing them will be stopped by God. Please pray for the safety of F, his brother, J, his 26-year-old brother who works in the sugar cane fields, and for his mother.  Her faith is remaining strong. Also F has an older brother with several children around 9 – 11 years old.  One daughter, 11, is being physically beaten by the the brother’s girlfriend. Please pray that God will give me wisdom if I am to intervene or that God will do a miracle as a response to our prayers.  Some interventions by missionaries are not taken too kindly by the government.  At one point this young girl was living with a grandmother because of the abuse, but she is now back with her father. It has been noted that she is always covered with bruises, and the father chooses to turn a blind eye. We were able to make three home visits in a remote village. One lady’s husband, age 38, died of kidney failure this week.  Praise God he accepted Christ as his Savior and asked to be baptized in his weakened state before dying.  She has four children, ages seven months to 12 years, and she does the work of a man in the sugar cane fields while the 12-year-old daughter has taken the responsibility of caring for the home and the younger children. This girl is very sad and has a responsibility far greater than her age.  Please pray for God to provide for this family and for the salvation of all the family members, particularly the 12-year-old, who appears bitter.  Another daughter, around 8 years old, comes most of the time to the weekly Bible classes. Please pray that our team who have the opportunity to teach Bible lessons in the schools, will spend adequate time to prepare their lessons. For His glory alone, Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands Team, and all our faithful volunteers   May 14, 2017 – Update from Lorraine Praises ~ Our team taught again in the village school on Saturday. Two “class trouble makers” accepted Christ as their Savior.  Please pray that they will be the seeds that fall on good soil, grow and bear fruit. Last week, we visited 57 homes and delivered Mother’s Day gifts with the Gospel booklet, “God’s Plan for your Life”.  Most homes were receptive, especially the mothers who needed comforting as they had lost a child.  Please pray that fruit will be borne from the visits.  On a sad note, we saw R, a boy with great physical and mental disabilities, sitting in a chair with no one around and the door to the house locked.  Upon investigation we found that the caregiver’s cousin has to leave him alone at times while she goes to buy things.  His mother is back in the hospital because a previous medical procedure is not working and she is not healing. It was a grand experience for D at his graduation.  All the family was able to attend.  He is so grateful that he has graduated from high school as so many youth never complete high school. Thankful for all those who are using smile.amazon.com to help Hannah’s Hands receive a donation for your amazon orders.  For anyone who is interested, just follow the link and look up Hannah’s Hands International, Inc, select us and place your order!  Thank you! Prayer Requests ~ Please continue to pray for my residency.  The intake personnel returned to me more documents from my application, documents that were required in previous years.  I am to return this week.   Pray that the reviewer does not deny me because documents are lacking in my application.  This has happened to other missionaries. Please pray for the widow of a pastor that we take food and water to weekly.  She is very ill with family members, who are not usually involved in her care, remaining at her bedside.   She has been non-compliant with much of her medical care due to her mental illness, making it extremely difficult to provide medical care. PRAY for mothers who are believers, to be the godly women, guiding, teaching, training, caring and loving their children.  One of the things that I am most grateful for is my mother having daily devotions with us.  It instilled in me the love for and the knowledge of the Word of God to guide me.   Pray for the mothers who do not know Christ to come to a saving knowledge of Christ!   Happy Mother’s Day! Serving a RISEN Savior! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands Team, and all our faithful volunteers   May 10, 2017 – Update from Lorraine Praises ~ Thank you for praying.  K was baptized on Saturday.  Both of her unbelieving parents came. Continue to pray for her parents salvation. Also, thankful that R followed the Lord in baptism even though none of his non-believing family would come.  He received Christ at a drama at church recently.  After completing discipleship classes, he was baptized! Four doctors operated on my father for a long blood clot in his leg.  They were amazed at how well he did. Your prayers have been greatly appreciated.  Please pray that he will have pain control and no complications. Our team taught lessons by Ken Morrill, “Why my life is better in Christ!”, in village schools this week.  The children each received a booklet of the lessons.  Please pray that these doors remain open and that many will come to Christ. Prayer Requests ~ May 7 is Mother’s Day in El Salvador.  We will be visiting 66 homes in two villages, delivering tooth paste and tooth brush holders, sweet bread and tracts for the mothers. Pray that God’s Word will not return void. One team member has his official high school graduation ceremony even though he finished classes in November and is now studying Auto Mechanics.  He loves taking care of cars, but he has a heart for ministry.  Pray for God’s will in his life. Soon I have an appointment with Immigration. Please pray that they accept all my papers and that I will received my permanent (2 year) residency. A previous volunteer, who has left the ministry, just came by for a visit.  She brought me a gift for Mother’s Day.  She is living with a boyfriend and not walking with the Lord.  I have asked her to return so we can talk more.  Please pray she will come, that the Holy Spirit will convict her and draw her back to Christ. One of the leaders of Joni & Friends in El Salvador went home to be with the Lord. His daughter, also a leader, has been a quadriplegic for nearly 20 years.  He and his wife together have cared for their daughter.  Please pray for their comfort, for Joni & Friends as they move forward, and for another person to help care for the daughter. For His Glory alone! Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands Team, and all our faithful volunteers   May 3, 2017  –  Update from Lorraine Praises ~ Praise God, we are having gentle rains to replenish the wells and streams! K plans to be baptized this Saturday.  Please pray for her father and mother’s eyes to be open to salvation through faith in Christ by the grace of God and not by works. Our team will be sharing the Gospel this weekend in the village schools where a ministry church is installing water filters.  Pray for many to trust Christ as their Savior. Last week’s Bible lesson was on prayer.   We had the children write down prayer requests.  One boy wrote a thank you note to God for allowing him to live.  He had no requests, only a big thank you! We made four home visits last week, but sadly all said they were not ready, even though we shared with them that today is the day of salvation as we do not know what tomorrow brings.  Please pray for the Holy Spirit to open their blind eyes. Prayer Requests ~ Several children in nearby villages have chicken pox.  One dear seven year old girl, D, while suffering from fevers and intense itching, was caring for her father’s illegitimate baby. The baby’s mother was a teen age girl sitting nearby. She does not have a mother’s love.  Her hair was matted and full of lice, but I could not treat her as I did not want them to confuse the medications. Yesterday, Pastor & Mrs. J were here for prayer and fellowship.  They thank you for praying and ask that you continue praying for the believers in the village.  Many are fleeing for safety.  One man, with whom they recently shared the Gospel with and refused, was murdered the other day.  They want to remain bold and faithful for Christ.  They have 26 new believers from the medical outreach so they are discipling daily.  Pray for their safety and for them to have the energy for all the work that they are doing. Today we are going on an outing with our landlady.  I covet your prayers for the Holy Spirit to work in the heart of this precious lady. We are asking God to open her eyes and heart. Please keep us in prayer and that God will give the me scriptures to show her that Christ is the Son of God, was with God in the beginning, and is the only way to heaven. For His glory alone, Lorraine, Hannah’s Hands Team, and all our faithful volunteers *Names of children and villages have been abbreviated or omitted for their protection.