The Hands of Christ, Inc.

Hello from Honduras, September 3, 2011

2011-09-03T11:35:00.002-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

We hope each of you is enjoying God's blessing in your life.
He is an awesome God that loves each of us.

We have several praises to share with you. God has been working a lot in our
lives and in the ministry that He has given us.

All 4 of our dispensas have been approved. As you remember a dispensa is
given so you don't have to pay taxes on items brought in the country. This
has saved us lots of money because the different taxes such as introduction
into the country, sales tax, and one or two small taxes they total around
33% of the value of the goods! Praise God for this great savings. Another
Praise we have is that our 2006 F250 is ready for us to pick up in Puerto
Cortes!!!!! This has been an 18 month ordeal for the different permissions
to bring it. We want to thank everyone who donated for the purchase of the
F250 way back in January of 2010. A big thank you to each of you. This new
truck will serve us and the people of Honduras well as we travel the rough
roads.

This past week we worked again in a community call Tres de
Mayo here in Tegucigalpa. The week before we worked in Unidad and Fuerzas
another very poor community. There is as always lot of need in the different
communities where we work. We are blessed by each of you and of course by
God to be able to go and serve in these communities.

We also have been busy with our customs agent. We have been
working on the paperwork to release the truck. We also have a shipment of
medicine that will arrive this week. And we are getting our paperwork in
order for the other equipment that is in route for the women's hospital. We
have also been to the highway dept. and our permission for the connection
between the highway & our land is about to come out. This is another praise
for God!!! He is providing all we need in His timing.

We need you to continue praying for our environmental
license and all the little things that need to be done so that this will
move through their system quickly.

Please continue to pray for our safety here in Honduras and pray for us to
be healthy so that we may continue our service to God. Pray for the funding
for the women's hospital to continue to come in quickly. We ask that each of
you pray and ask God what you can do to help in this ministry or who can you
tell about our ministry. We need to grow! We need your help! We thank each
one of you for your continued support and prayers. We are grateful for you
and your love of God that allows you to help us. What an awesome God we serve.

As we have said before we are looking for someone to help us
raise money for the women's clinic and overall work in Honduras. There is
compensation for this job.

The Hands of Christ

P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, Tennessee 37065

We appreciate each of you. Thank you for your prayers and support.

The following are the things we still need your help with. Pray about them
and see where God will lead you.

Site excavation and build road $62,000.00
Dig well 500' - 600' $16,000.00
Environmental license $10,000.00
Construction permit $10,000.00
2 Water storage tanks @ $13,000. = $26,000.00
Gray water tank $2500.00
Dilution tank $2500.00
Septic Tank $6300.00
Security Wall $70,000.00
Study by Environmental agency and removal of trees $2000.00
2 - 3 yard concrete mixer $25,000.00

Also don't forget that we have an abstract painting that can be yours for a
$100,000 donation.

(1968) by Frederic Matys Thursz (1930 - 1992)

This is a very large painting, measuring 6 feet wide x 7 feet high!

We have a notarized
authentication from Phillip H. Harris, Lexington, KY, who was a friend of
Frederic Thursz for four years while Mr. Thursz was on the faculty of the
University of Kentucky. The painting is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The
person who purchases this painting by donating $100,000.00 to The Hands of Christ will assume responsibility for moving it. It is in Frankfort, Ky.

Hello from Honduras, August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T07:20:00.001-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

We hope all of you are doing well. It has been a couple of weeks
since we wrote. We have been really busy finishing up with a team doing a
water project that will bring purified water to around 600 families in three
villages. They are going to donate 291 Sawyer Point One water filters to 291
families and teach them how to use the filters. Another 9 filters will be
installed in 3 different schools in the communities. To date 30 families
have received the filters and one has been installed in each of two schools
and two have been installed in the 3rd school. The members of the 30
families that know how to use the filters will be "teachers" in November
when the group comes with the other 266 filters.

We were busy with the 4 dispensas for around a month. If you
remember a dispensa is what we need to bring stuff into Honduras without
paying taxes on it. Well, I am happy to report that 3 of them have been
approved and the forth should be approved this week. We appreciate all the
prayers that offered for the dispensas.

We have also been working on the permissions for the construction of the
women's hospital. Please continue to pray for our Environmental license. The
part of the government that is in charge of that is called SERNA. Please
pray for them to approve our papers quickly. Also pray for those in charge
of the highway department. Our application to build an access to our land
was in someone's drawer for almost two months. This past week we tracked it
down and got it moving again. Pray for them to complete their work quickly.

Last week we also worked in a new neighborhood called Los Pinos. It is a
poor neighborhood that is not to far from our women's hospital site. We are
starting to work in more of the neighborhoods that are close to our women's
hospital site.

Just a reminder that we are looking for someone to help us raise money for
the women's hospital. There is compensation for the person or persons that
help us. We need your help!

We want to ask you to pray fervently for our safety and that we will hear
and obey God's voice every day. Pray that the ship bringing our new truck
will arrive without any problems. It is due to leave Miami on the 24th and
arrive at Puerto Cortes, Honduras on the 27th. Also pray that we will have
no problems getting it or any of the other donated items out of customs.
Remember that you can donate via the website using PayPal or by sending your
check to:

The Hands of Christ - P.O. Box 1252 - Franklin, Tennessee 37065

We appreciate each of you. Thank you for your prayers and support.

The following are the things we still need your help with. Pray about them
and see where God will lead you.

Site excavation and build road $62,000.00
Dig well 500' - 600' $16,000.00
Environmental license $10,000.00
Construction permit $10,000.00
2 Water storage tanks @ $13,000. = $26,000.00
Gray water tank $2500.00
Dilution tank $2500.00
Septic Tank $6300.00
Security Wall $70,000.00
Study by Environmental agency and removal of trees $2000.00
2 - 3 yard concrete mixer $25,000.00

Also don't forget that we have an abstract painting that can be yours for a
$100,000 donation.

Unsigned Painting

(1968) by Frederic Matys Thursz (1930 - 1992)

This is a very large painting, measuring 6 feet wide x 7 feet high!

We have a notarized
authentication from Phillip H. Harris, Lexington, KY, who was a friend of
Frederic Thursz for four years while Mr. Thursz was on the faculty of the
University of Kentucky. The painting is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The
person who purchases this painting by donating $100,000.00 to The Hands of
Christ will assume responsibility for moving it. It is in Frankfort, Ky.

https://app.e2ma.net/userdata/1401676/images/e1311440922.jpg

Hello from Honduras July 26, 2011 Update on Older Gentleman

2011-07-26T19:43:00.001-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

This is just a quick update for the older gentleman in the
photo in the last e-mail. The surgery team that is here right now
successfully repaired the two hernias that the man had. They were his most
pressing need and potentially most dangerous. Everything went well. The man
is back home here in Tegucigalpa. I would ask that you continue to pray for
healing in his body. He is signed up for the next surgery team that is
coming the 27 of August when they will remove the very large fatty tumor
that is on his upper back between his shoulders. His age was a factor in not
doing both of the surgeries at one time. But he felt good today when we
picked him up and said he did not hurt anymore. He was a little sore from
the surgery but not to much. Thanks for all your prayer. We appreciate each
one of you.

In Christ Service Always

John & Ana Lamon

Update from Honduras July 18, 2011

2011-07-18T06:56:00.000-05:00

For the coming week we are working to send a man to remove a fatty tumor ½
the size of a soccer ball on the back of his neck. There is a mission
hospital about an hour and a half from Tegucigalpa in Guaimaca that has a
surgery team arriving on the 23rd of this month. So he will be going this
Tuesday for an evaluation. So please pray that he will be accepted for the
surgery. He is 79 years old and has had a chest infection. Pray for him to
be completely healed so they will do the surgery. He has had this tumor for
more than 20 years.

Apart from this we will be working in Los Laurels for 3 days this week. Pray
for us to be safe, always hear and obey God, and to understand the patients
needs and give out the medicine correctly.

Pray for our Dispensas to be signed. The dispensas will allow us to bring
some equipment for the women’s clinic and our truck {that was purchased 1 ½
years ago} into the country without paying 33% tax on the different items.
Pray for our application for an environmental permit to be approved quickly.
This is also for the women’s clinic. Things move slow in Honduras but we
know that our God can make things move faster. We also know that all things
will happen in God’s timing and not ours. So I will ask you to pray for us
to be patient when necessary and pray for God to speed the government
process up.

We are asking each of you to pray about how you can help us with the
construction of the women’s clinic. It may be that God wants to use you to
tell someone else about the project. It may be that God wants you to
personally participate in some way. We are just asking that you pray about
this and listen to what God is telling you and step out in faith as we have.
Listed below are some of the immediate expenses that we will incur in the
next few months. Thank you for your prayer and support and God bless each of
you.

I would also like to ask each of you to share this e-mail with others on
your e-mail list. Please don’t keep it to yourselves!

Site excavation and build road $62,000.00

Dig well 500’ – 600’ $16,000.00

Environmental license $10,000.00

Environmental Engineer $1700.00

Construction permit $10,000.00

2 Water storage tanks @ $13,000. = $26,000.00

Gray water tank $2500.00

Dilution tank $2500.00

Septic Tank $6300.00

Security Wall $70,000.00

Study by Environmental agency and removal of trees $2000.00

2 – 3 yard concrete mixer $25,000.00

In Christ Service always

John & Ana Lamon
The Hands of Christ
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, Tennessee 37065

Update from Honduras July 13, 2011

2011-07-13T06:56:00.001-05:00

Today we worked in a neighborhood called Tres de Mayo or May 3rd. The people were
very grateful for our presence and the pastor along with his helpers took full
advantage and gave out tracks, prayed with some, & a few patients prayed to receive
Christ as their personal Savior. We had 120 patients today.

In Christ Service Always,
John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.com

Prayer Request from Honduras June 25, 2011

2011-06-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

After a quick trip to the states in which my lovely wife became an American citizen
we are back in Honduras. Since Tuesday have been hard at work trying to satisfy the
governments ever changing requirements. At this time we would like to ask you to
pray that our dispensas will be approved quickly and without further changes to
them. A dispensa is a paper that allows you to bring something into Honduras without
paying taxes and introduction fees which amount to 33% of the cost of something or
the value that they place on an object. We have requested a dispensa to bring our
2006 F250 Pick up truck to Honduras and another one for some pumps, water filters,
and a sewage treatment system that was donated for the Women's clinic. We also would
like you to please continue to pray for safety. Please pray that we will seek God's
will always and obey his voice ineverything we do. We continue to ask each of you to
pray for our ministry to be prosperous and grow in support and in the numb
er of supporters that we have so that we can improve our care that we offer to
those in need. Please pray about how you, your Churches, Sunday schools, etc. can
help with the women's clinic. Please use the share button and send this to your
friends and family.We appreciate each one of you as well as your prayers.

In Christ Service Always
John & Ana Lamon
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, Tennessee 37065

The Hands of Christ, Inc.
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, TN 37065
PH: 615-591-1706
www.thehandsofchrist.org

Hello from Memphis, Tennessee June 17, 2011

2011-06-18T17:30:00.001-05:00

Hello from Memphis Tennessee,

I hope you all will celebrate with us. My lovely wife Ana will become an American Citizen Friday (17th) at 10am. We are so proud of her.

On another important note: In response to the prayer request a few weeks ago all our prayers for a speedy process have been answered!! We have been recognized by the Finance dept. of the Honduran Government. I think this is a record. We received this recognition in only 3 weeks. We are so grateful for each of you that prayed for this matter to proceed quickly. We have an awesome God. Thank you God and thanks to each of you.

On yet another note: Below is a list of pressing expenses that we will be facing shortly with the women’s clinic. We would like to ask you to pray about these items and then listen to how God ask you to respond. Please share these with your Sunday Schools, churches, and friends. Let’s get this clinic built and in operation so we can better serve those in need. Thanks for your continued support and prayers. We appreciate each of you!! Please let us know when you can help and which one you can help with.

Site excavation and build road = $62,000.00
Dig well 500’ – 600’ = $16,000.00
Environmental license = $10,000.00
Environmental Engineer = $1700.00
Construction permit = $10,000.00
2 Water storage tanks @ $13,000. = $26,000.00
Gray water tank = $2500.00
Dilution tank = $2500.00
Septic Tank = $6300.00
Security Wall = $70,000.00
Study by Environmental agency and removal of trees = $2000.00
2 – 3 yard concrete mixer = $25,000.00
New Life water purification = $1600.00

Again, we ask you to pray about these matters and follow God’s leading. God Bless each one of you.

In Christ Service Always

John & Ana Lamon
www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Fanklin, Tn. 37065

Update from Honduras May 23, 2011

2011-05-23T08:15:00.003-05:00

As all of you know we at “The Hands of Christ” is going to build a large women’s clinic just outside of Tegucigalpa. The time is fast approaching to begin construction. Over the last year and a half many of you have said you wanted to help. Many have stepped up and done what they could. You have helped monetarily, with in kind donations, or introducing us to others that can help in other ways. We are very grateful for those that have begun to participate in the various ways. We need more of our supporters and friends to help. We just ask that you lift our mission up in prayer and then do as your heart leads you. God will speak to you! Use the “Share This” button at the top of the e-mail and send it your friends. Encourage them to learn about the work we do & support us. Your friends value your opinion.

With each of you helping to spread the word of the work that God has given us, we can continue to glorify God in our work and with our lives. For those of you that have been here and seen firsthand the people, how they live, and the love we give them through our work we are relying on you to tell others of your experience. We especially need you to share your experience so that others may be encouraged and God’s kingdom will grow. If your church, Sunday school class, or other group of interested people would like someone to come and share their experience and to learn about how you can support the women’s clinic, please let us know. We have several that would love to come and share with you. If you have any questions, please contact us at johnyana_41@hotmail.com. If you would like to talk with someone please call Jim Burris at 502-330-2317. We welcome your questions or comments. Please visit our website if you have not yet done so to learn more about who we are and what we do. www.thehandsofchrist.org

We thank you ahead of time for your prayers and support. May God richly bless your life in ways that you can’t even imagine!

In Christ Service Always,

John and Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P. O. Box 1252
Franklin, TN 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

May 12, 2011 Update from Honduras

2011-05-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

So far it has been a great week. We are working in a community called Vista Hermosa or Beautiful View. I think that is a matter of opinion. Any way we are working in a great church. They pray with the people for healing or other needs, council those that need it, & share the gospel of Jesus with them. All this with the people that are our patients. This is a fantastic church. We had 118 on Tuesday and 105 today. We will be there again tomorrow.

God is good all the time!

In Christ Service Always

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065

011-504-8-990-9396

Amazing day! Praising our Amazing God!

2011-05-04T05:39:00.001-05:00

We have had an amazing day. We went to work and saw a few patients in Nueva Jerusalen. Then we went to check on our Convenio with the Government Health dept. Yesterday they told us to come back today. The secretary we talked with today was very arrogant with us and told us it was not ready. On the way out we were very disappointed. I ask God to put someone in our way that could help us. Well he did! Just as we were leaving we ran into someone we knew and explained to her what had just happened. She said to call her in 30 minutes. When we made the call she said that our Convenio (agreement) had been signed!! Praise God!!!

We want to thank each one of you that prayed for the minister of health to sign this agreement. This is a big deal because it will allow us to bring all our equipment for the women's clinic into Honduras without paying taxes on it. This agreement took 13 to 14 months from the time we started working on it until it was signed by the minister. Lots of prayers went into this. Again we are thankful to each and every one of you that prayed for this!!!

To God is the glory and honor forever!! More prayer request will be coming in a few days!

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

Update from Honduras May 2, 2011

2011-05-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

Tuesday we will be working in Nueva Jerusalen. Wednesday & Thursday in Ulloa which is close to Fuerzas Unidas here in Tegucigalpa.

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065

011-504-8-990-9396

Child recovering due to caring person from THOC April 28, 2011

2011-04-28T06:49:00.001-05:00

This precious child now weighs almost 20 pounds after receiving the correct food for the last 6 or 7 months thanks to a caring person on a team that came to work in the area where the baby lived. She is now 2 years old and growing. When she starting receiving the care she needed she was 1 and a half years old and weighed 9 pounds and was very close to death. Praise God for caring people that listen to His prompting!!!

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065

011-504-8-990-9396

Urgent Prayer Request from Honduras April 25, 2011

2011-04-25T18:42:00.000-05:00

Hello from Honduras, I want to ask everyone to pray that every obstacle be removed from the Minister of Health's mind so that he will be sign our agreement with the government health department. He has had it for 4 - 5 weeks. There is no reason that he does not sign it. Each head of dept. within the ministry of health has approved it or requested a change in wording. All of this has taken place. The government lawyers have approved it. Please pray now and pray hard that his mind is clear and God with move his heart to sign the paper.

Thanks for your prayers.

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon
www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

Hello from Honduras April 21, 2011

2011-04-22T07:19:00.000-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

What a great week we had with the group from Brentwood UMC. They are an extraordinary group of individuals. Each brought their own talents that the Lord had given them and as a group put them to work serving Him. We worked in Nueva Capital, Las Adras, Carrizal 2 days, & Villa Linda Miller. When they arrived they were full of questions about what to expect. We tried to answer them as best we could and reassure them that all would be fine. There were 3 doctors, 3 nurse practitioners, 1 Physical therapist, & 4 really good helpers. There were no slackers in this group. Many had been on missions before, just not in the capacity as a medical professional. This was their first time. As the first day of work began we were on top of a mountain overlooking Tegucigalpa in a small wooden church and very crowded. The noise of 7 medical personnel, their translators, plus the patients, all talking at once can be quite loud. But I could see as the day wore on the jitters were leaving & everyone was adjusting to their work and the fact that most of them had to use a translator to do the job they know so well. By the end of day 2 everything was flowing smoothly and the number of patients seen daily was growing. They were a like a well oil machine doing what they do best, healing those that are hurting. Days 3, 4, & 5 were routine for them. Their efficiency continued to improve and they were relaxed enjoying their work. They were fantastic. I could not stop writing without talking about the pharmacy team. They caught on so quick to the work that I was impressed. They quickly learned the medicines and dosages that the doctors were ordering. The pharmacy dispensed the medicine almost as soon as they received each patients RX and each day we finished only 5 - 10 minutes after the doctors. It did help that two members of the pharmacy team spoke Spanish and could assist giving out the medicine. In the pharmacy we had 3 regulars and one nurse practitioner or PT rotating each day. Before the doctors or pharmacy could do their work, each patient had to pass through the pre-clinic where blood pressures were taken, allergies to medicines noted, and information about the patients current needs noted for the doctors. Those in the pre-clinic were fast and proficient. Hats off to a great group.

Notes From Dr. Ana: This group was really terrific. We worked as a real team. Even though I had not met most of them before, I can say, they gave their all for the Hondurans. As my husband said this Team is full of talents, what I noticed though was they were humble, and gentle and quiet in spirit. Nobody was arrogant or thinking they were auto sufficient. They always supported each other and in this way the whole week was successful. They were always listening to suggestions and working together before each challenge or new situation. I felt that I was really part of this group. I felt like the Holy Spirit was guiding us at every moment and as a real testimony I can say all of them were obeying what God was asking of them every day in different places that we work.

Finally, I can say no matter that a person can be an excellent professional, a prominent person, but if this person does not have a sincere love for your brother or neighbor all will be vanish.

I Peter 3:4: Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

April 8, 2011 Update from THOC

2011-04-08T12:48:00.001-05:00

We had a great 3 days working in Nuevo Paraiso here in Tegucigalpa. We had 305 patients total for the 3 days. All were sick. One patient came from Hospital Escuela, which is the hospital where the poor people go. They are suppose to receive the medicine and care they need there. He came to our clinic and had 7 prescriptions that they had given him. Dr. Ana checked him over and we were able to give him the medicine that he needed.

There is such a great need among the poor. Not just here but everywhere. It is our calling as Christians to go into all the world and proclaim Christ and help those in need as our Savior did.

I would like to take this time to thank all who have continued to support us, and our work. We are forever thankful for you allowing us to serve God here in Honduras. I would like to encourage those who have had to stop supporting us for whatever reason to please reconsider. Whatever amount you can send $10.00, $25.00, or more monthly would be a tremendous help to us. No amount is too small or too big.

We will be sending an email shortly to talk about immediate needs for the Women's Clinic that will soon be under construction. Be thinking and praying about how you, your Sunday school class, church, business associates, or whomever God puts on your mind can help. Pray first, and then take action. We pray God's peace to each of you.

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon
www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

April 5, 2011 Update from THOC

2011-04-05T07:16:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday, & Thursday we will be working in Nueva Paraiso or New
Paradise here in Tegucigalpa. Pray for our safety and for us to have wisdom
as we work.

In Christ Service Always

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org

P.O. Box 1252

Franklin Tennessee 37065

011-504-8-990-9396

2011-03-24T18:24:00.000-05:00

We had a great meeting with the environmental engineer yesterday. She will
start work on her report which she says will take about 3 weeks to complete.
She will visit out land Monday to better understand what is going on
environmentally. Pray for her to work fast!

In Christ Service Always

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org

P.O. Box 1252

Franklin Tennessee 37065

011-504-8-990-9396

2011-03-22T08:37:00.001-05:00

Today is the meeting with Jim Burris our architect and tomorrow is the meeting with the environmental engineer that will prepare a report for us & present it to the Environmental agency here.

In Christ Service Always,

John & Ana Lamon
www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

2011-03-19T06:04:00.001-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

We have great news to share with all our supporters. Our friend, Bill Drury, who has been working hard to develop and design our water and sewage system for the women's clinic has let us know that an American company & their employees have agreed to donate the 10 pumps that we need for the clinic. They have also agreed to donate a waste water treatment. They have also said that they will send people to Honduras to install the equipment. Not counting the people coming to Honduras this is right at a $50,000.00 donation. Praise God! He is good and faithful all the time. I challenge each of you to pray about our project and ask God to show you how you can help too. If you tell God you want to help, He can and will use each of us. You might say to yourself what can I do, but it might not be what you can do but who you know.

Please pray and ask God for guidance. If you need more info, contact us and we will answer each of your questions. God Bless each of you.

In Christ Service,

John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

March 17,2011 Udate from THOC

2011-03-17T09:23:00.001-05:00

Hello from Honduras,

Wow, have we been busy! There are just not enough hours in the day. I am sure many of you have that same thought at times. We just had an amazing medical brigade in Fuerzas Unidas with a great group from Kentucky. They did a fantastic job treating 1444 patients in the medical and dental areas. They also treated 800 children at the neighborhood school with fluoride and gave them toothbrushes and toothpaste. In addition they brought a veterinary that treated 312 animals including cows, horses, donkeys, cats & dogs. We have been visiting government offices trying to encourage them to work on our papers. We have worked in Nueva Jerusalen seeing many patients. We have visited 3 new churches and set up medical brigades with each of them. We are preparing for a group coming from Brentwood Methodist in Brentwood Tennessee. They are coming April 9th for a week. Jim Burris the architect for the women’s clinic will be here on the 21st of this month (March) for a meeting with our project engineer in Honduras and with an environmental engineer.

I would like to ask each of you to take a minute, go to our website (www.thehandsofchrist.org), and sign up for our twitter account so you can get quick updates to see what we are doing each week. And if you go to our blog site, www.thehandsofchrist.blogspot.com and become a “friend” you can see new photos quickly and the old e-mails and other updates.

As missionaries we rely on each of you for donations to continue our work. We are a non-profit organization. We are trying to grow our base of support for us, to purchase medicine, and for the women’s clinic and we need your help. God has shown us that He loves the Honduran people and wants us to help them more and more. God has given us the direction He wants us to go.

Through His leading we have developed plans for a modern energy efficient women’s clinic. We have the blueprints for the women’s clinic ready. We have our Honduran Engineer. We are getting really close to being ready to begin construction of the women’s clinic. We need you to think about those people that you know that truly love the Lord, have an interest in missions, and would be interested in helping us with our ministry. Let them know that you are supporting us. Your friends value your opinion. Encourage them to visit our website www.thehandsofchrist.org or contact us via the website or at johnyana_41@hotmail.com. We have several people that would love to come and talk about our mission with Sunday schools, mission leaders, business owners or whoever has an interest in missions. We can do video calls over the internet too. There are pamphlets that can be downloaded from our website. If you know a person in your church or another church or business that has an interest in missions, would you set up an introduction for us? God will show you who that person or persons are. Again please let them know that you are already supporting our work. Our ministry is growing. God has given us much to do, so I know that He will supply our needs. But that does not mean we can sit on our hands and do nothing. We are working hard and there are others that have done a tremendous amount too. In a few months we are going to have the permits to begin construction on our women’s clinic. So we are reaching out to you, our supporters, to help us find more support & resources for the ministry.

May God richly bless you as you bless others,
John & Ana Lamon
The Hands of Christ – P.O. 1252 – Franklin, Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

In Christ Service Always
John & Ana Lamon

www.thehandsofchrist.org
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin Tennessee 37065
011-504-8-990-9396

March Update 2011

2011-03-02T09:09:00.001-06:00

Greetings Friends, March 2, 2011

Let me share with you that Dr. Ana and John Lamon, representing The Hands of Christ, Inc. have been very busy over the last few weeks. Dr. Ana and John have been going several times a week to government offices trying to speed up the paper work on the "Convenio de Salud" (our "agreement with the health dept."). In the middle of January, Dr. Ana and John worked in Lepaterique, Honduras, checking 200 children that are in a program by run by Compassion International and spent extra time completing the paper work for this organization. Following that commitment, we again visited the government officials trying to help the “Convenio de Salud” paperwork through the appropriate channels. We also prepared and submitted papers to the medical and dental college to obtain permission for the doctors and dentist with the medical team from Kentucky to work legally in Honduras this week. We also completed the paper work for a Tennessee team that is coming in April. Last week medicine was purchased and 825 tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes for the Kentucky group. We also spent half a day going to customs and picking up medicine for them and taking it out to Fuerzas Unidas so it would be there for them to distribute. They have seen somewhere around 700+ patients yesterday and today.
We continue to proceed in planning the Women’s Clinic. In the last two weeks, we have visited our surveyor/engineer who was preparing the entrance and road plans to be submitted to the highway department and the environmental agency here in Tegucigalpa. We took them to the highway department for them to review before we submitted them for approval. They gave us a few minor changes to make and the engineer has completed the changes and our lawyer is preparing them for official submission before the end of the week.
At the end of January, Dr. Ana, John and John Israel traveled to the States for the Global Mission Conference at First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL. This conference and the friends that have been made there are revitalizing to our souls. While in Tuscaloosa, they attended a gathering of supporters to begin fundraising for the Women’s Clinic in Tegucigalpa. You will be hearing more about that in the near future. Please pray for us as decisions are made about the progression of the Clinic. Dr. Ana and John had the opportunity to visit with several other supporting churches in the days following the conference. Sadly, some visits had to be cancelled because of the winter weather that arrived in middle Tennessee while they were here but John Israel sure had fun playing in the snow with his cousins!
As you visit with friends and family over spring break and summer vacation the next few months, please be sure to tell them about The Hands of Christ and direct them to the website at www.thehandsofchrist.org to sign up for the e-newsletter. Encourage them to learn more and pray about how they are to support our mission.
On a personal note, let me share with you that communications will now be coming from Sharon Connell. She and her husband have known and supported Dr. Ana and John and The Hands of Christ since its inception. Our girls are becoming teenagers and their schedules sometimes make my head spin so I am going pass the communication baton to Sharon knowing she will do an amazing job sharing the news from Honduras. Thank you for all your support over the years and please continue to share with others the amazing work that Dr. Ana and John are doing for the Lord!

In His Hands,
Sarah Hathaway

2010 and THE HANDS OF CHRIST

2010-12-22T12:50:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from Honduras,

As we look back at 2010, we can see that much has been accomplished. For this, we give all the glory and honor to God. After all, He is the giver of all wisdom and abilities to succeed in this ministry.

We would like to thank each of our supporters. Without your prayers, contributions, and willingness to serve our work would not be possible. Your gifts have allowed more than 10,000 people to receive the medical care they so desperately need. For example, while a team was here with us we had a mother bring a severely dehydrated and malnourished baby to our clinic. The decision was made to send the baby to the hospital where it could receive intravenous rehydration treatments. This saved the baby’s life. One of the team members decided to sponsor the baby and is purchasing food and clothes for the baby. In a matter of several short weeks the baby responded to the nourishment it was receiving and is growing stronger. These are the miracles that each of you that support us is causing to happen.

Lives are changed physically and for some, spiritually too. Because we are here in Honduras, people are coming to know the Lord as their personal Savior. This only happens because you care enough to support us and to help us purchase the medicines that we need to run the medical clinics. God’s work continues here in Honduras. Some progress is being made on different permits and agreements with the Government Health department. Our Women’s Clinic plans continue to move forward. We are now working with the Honduran environmental agency to get their approval for our project. The slowness of the government is frustrating for us. We are trusting God that all will happen in His time. It is amazing as we look back and see how God has placed different people into our ministry at different times to help and encourage us, but more importantly to further His Kingdom and His work. He is Faithful all the time.

As 2010 comes to a close, please remember us in your end of the year giving. All gifts are tax deductable. We hope that you will continue to support us as the New Year begins. Please keep us in your prayers. Always pray for our safety and pray for us to hear and obey God. Pray for our base of supporters to grow. Please encourage others to visit our website www.thehandsofchrist.org. Please feel free to contact us at johnyana_41@hotmail.com. We would love to hear from you. If you would like to send a team or come as an individual please contact us and let us know.

We hope each of you has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God’s peace fill your hearts and minds, and may He fill your days with blessings that you cannot imagine. We appreciate each of you.

For correspondence or donations: The Hands of Christ -- P.O. Box 1252 – Franklin, Tennessee 37065

You may also donate through the website at www.thehandsofchrist.org .

In Christ Service Always,
John & Ana Lamon
Honduras

Alternative Gift Giving for The Hands of Christ

2010-12-02T12:16:00.002-06:00

December 2, 2010

Friends and Supporters:

As we enter this holiday season, The Hands of Christ is blessed to have faithful financial and prayer supporters like you. As you are making your Christmas and gift selection over the next few weeks we would like to offer you an alternative. If you would like to "purchase" a gift for The Hands of Christ in honor or memory of someone I will send you a gift tag to hang on your Christmas trees or wrap as a gift. Some examples of items you can gift to us are:

$15 for Medicine Bags and Supplies

$500 Shipment of Medicines

$30 for One Month Telephone Service or Utilities Assistance

$25,000 Cost of Medicines for One Year

$100 for Truck Fuel for 2 Weeks

$600 for Housing

Please send your gift and item notation to me by Dec. 15th at P.O. Box 1252 Franklin, TN 37065 or email me at the address below, I will in turn send you a “tag” for your tree!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sarah Hathaway
The Hands of Christ, Inc.
A Non-Profit Organization
www.thehandsofchrist.org
sarah.hathaway@comcast.net

Dr. Ana's gives a recap of recent medical clinics

2010-08-31T10:52:00.003-05:00

Please take a few minutes and read this heartfelt news from Dr. Ana Lamon about some recent midical clinics in Honduras. Pray about how God is leading you to help us. if you would like to make a donation you may go to www.thehandsofchrist.org and click "Donate Now" or mail your donation to The Hands of Christ P.O. Box 1252 Franklin, TN 37065. Thank you, Sarah Hathaway

One of our recent groups was led by Dr. John Waits from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They worked with us from July 17 until July 23. He brought his wife Rachel and one of his children Mitchell. Dr. Waits worked in the medical clinic while Rachel and Mitchell worked as part of the group with the non-medical people and the locals. It was fun to see them open themselves up to the locals. They colored pictures with the smaller children and with the older children the game was always soccer. Soccer is the national pastime in Honduras. Mitchell was good at interacting and sharing himself with others and he learned some Spanish words quickly. He shared some fun stickers with all the children. Whatever part you play on a team, medical or non-medical, the most important thing to remember is to be flexible and you will have a great time.

Also in the group was Laura, a medical student, and Dr. Beth Western. It was really a pleasure to work with them. They were very committed, disciplined, and had a great love for their work and fellowman. Their example continues to motivate me to go into the world and show the world God’s love and that God is real; to show that God has men and women ready to work with Him and for Him; to return the favor to God that He has so graciously given us {His love}. This group also realized that what they possess on this earth is really just on loan from God and to really enjoy God’s blessings we need to be people that enjoy giving and should not fear it. In this case, we all used our God given talents to serve those who are the “least of these”.

God has put in our lives a young man named Oscar Espinoza, who is our main translator. He is a young man full of life, a life he has given to God for Him to use and God does use him. Also we would like to commend Laura for her excellent job translating for Dr. Waits. She is a great example of letting God use her for His Kingdom. We can all be used for God’s Kingdom if we just let Him have control.

I don’t want to forget to mention our other translator for this group, Ana Leticia, the “new kid” for her young age of 20. This was her first experience translating and she was touched by the love this group from Alabama showed to the poor in Lepaterique. The atmosphere around them seemed supernatural. It was charged with God’s love and compassion for the people we were helping. It was amazing to see them praying for each patient and so eager to tell others about God’s love and salvation for them. We all know that God is love, but it seems so hard for most of us to share that as it is meant to be shared, yet for this group it came as from another dimension. It was easy for them and they were eager to do God’s bidding as we all should be. This group left me with a challenge to pray with all my patients. It is always amazing to me that even with them taking the time to pray for all their patients we saw each and every patient that God sent us.

The object of both doctors in the group was to give physical healing, but also to bring each patient to know Christ as their personal Savior. God knows with His infinite wisdom that not only our bodies need His healing but also our souls. In Mathew 9:1-7 Jesus first forgave the paralytic’s sins and then gave him physical healing. This is our example to follow! Many times while the doctors were praying with patients I (Ana) heard them ask God to forgive the sins of the patient they were praying for. This is the example given us in the prayer of faith in James 5:13-16. What a great example they were setting as they prayed for each patient.
Our God’s mercy is immense. To send workers such as this group makes me turn my face to God and analyze my actions to see if what I am doing is pleasing to God. Each day as we finish our work I give my work to God having done my part and knowing that He will do his and His name will be glorified.

I give thanks to God each day for His mercy and how He teaches us and helps us to grow in Christ. Each day I ask God for His wisdom and for Him to help me to see the more than 100 patients each day that we work. I know that when I am helping my fellowman that I am following God’s leading as taught in Mathew 25:31-46. Another thing that I ask just as Peter or Paul or any of His disciples ask was that after I finish examining my patient that I can lay hands on them and they will be healed. In all our work we are completing the verse found in Mathew 9:37-38 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” I need to and want to do what God has planned for me day after day with Christ as the center of my life and my husband’s life in relation to the ministry that we have been called to serve.

I want to share with you two miracles of healing. One happened while Dr. Waits group was here and the other while Claudia Stull and Charlotte Shepherd from Kentucky were here. There was a teenager with Hemorrhagic Dengue which can be fatal and a 5 year old boy with Leukemia. In both cases I looked for the local pastor and other to pray for them and they were healed!! They were healed by the power of God through His word. Again we were just following what it says in James 5:14-16. Is anyone of you is sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

In Christ Service Always,
Ana Lamon

Words from a Missionary from Kentucky

2010-08-18T11:46:00.002-05:00

A few words from Claudia Stull, a faithful summer missionary to Honduras for several years now. She, along with her friends, visit Dr. Ana and John each summer and support their work with time, love and prayer. If you would like to donate to The Hands of Christ you may send a check to P.O. Box 1252, Franklin, TN 37065 or donate online to www.thehandsofchrist.org.

It is so easy to get caught up in the daily doings and miss out on seeing God in action. How did I see God as work here today, I pondered in my room. How could I not see him when we are here to minister to the people in His name?

Over the weekend God told me to pray with each person or family that I saw in the clinic. That Monday, John opened the clinic in prayer and asked God to show us how to ‘open our mouths’, and speak what the people needed to hear. Confirmation. I began praying with those I saw.

That morning three women came with physical concerns, but also with issues of the heart that needed to talk and be comforted. Not the usual scenario. The next day six people accepted Christ. Later came the older gentleman who told us of how he met God two years ago and was now marrying his common law wife of 35 years, because he saw that living together was not what God would have him do. His desire now is to live his life in a manner pleasing to God.

Prayer was through a young interpreter and as she worked with all of us, the Holy Spirit came alive for her, replacing what she had known as a dead religious spirit. She asked God to show her how to live this vibrant God-filled life and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

The last day of clinic a young man was carried in minimally responsive. Ana diagnosed him with hemorrhagic dengue, which is most often fatal. Ana, Pastora Margarita and I prayed for him as Ana believed he had only a short while to live. Ana led him to Christ, and asked those with him to take him to the hospital immediately. Clinic was busy that morning but I did see him briefly and noticed that he was able to walk unassisted to a chair to wait on transportation. Later we learned that he recovered. As Ana said, “The boy is more than better. Everybody in Las Hadras admired the way GOD HEALED THIS BOY!!! HE NEVER WENT TO THE HOSPITAL. He just drank oral rehydration salt at his house. I remember this boy was running a fever and hypotension. I did not give him any other medication except what I told you. And the end of this story: GOD HEALED HIM.”

We saw the sprit of satan and the sprit of lawlessness at work, but we saw the Spirit of God as well, and God is more powerful still.

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jer. 23:19

We sought Him and He showed up.

True Story!!

2010-07-13T19:21:00.006-05:00

John and Ana, asked me to post this for all to read so you can see evidence of your contributions and how they are changing lives in Honduras and of the volunteers from America.

What Can a Preacher Do On a Medical Mission?
By Dan Kilgore, Assistant Pastor

It was 4:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning and I was standing in the church parking lot about to get on one of our church buses. What in the world was I thinking when I told Jim and Annette Mills that I would go with them on a medical mission to Honduras! What can a preacher do on a medical mission? And no one mentioned we would leave at 4:00 a.m.! But here I was with ten other folks going to a town in Honduras that I had never heard of -in fact I couldn’t even pronounce the name! By the middle of the afternoon I was in Lepaterique, Honduras, with Dr. Jim and Annette Mills, Dr. Jennifer Wright and Edmundson, her son, Dr. Ford Simpson and Holly, his daughter, Dr. William (Skip) Pridgen and Katie, his daughter, Dr. David Nelson, and Tracy Ferguson, a nurse from Tuscaloosa.

I went on my first mission trip in 1967, and have been on many of these trips in the U.S. and in about thirteen other countries over the years. However, this trip was special! In fact, it was very special!

What made it special? Well, first we knew the missionaries and they knew us! Dr. Ana and John Lamon have been part of our Global Impact Celebration. We have seen how dedicated they are to their work. We know their story. We have seen their son grow up over the years. We support their work with our mission offerings.

The imprint of FUMCT is on the churches and the people around Lepaterique. We have sent teams there for several years. Three of our team members had been before. All week we heard stories about the impact that doctors and dentists from our church have made on the lives of children and adults.

Pastor Omar and his church members greeted us as if we were old friends. Immediately we felt the warmth of Christian fellowship. We spoke different languages, but we serve the same Savior. These folks had everything so organized that the trip was an easy one in many ways. But work we did! We went to four different areas in five days. And everyday when we arrived at a small church there would be a hundred or more folks waiting for the clinic to open. Our doctors saw over 1,200 patients in 4 1/2 days.

On Friday after this team had been given the privilege to ease pain of so many and to pray with the patients and to be loved by the people, we made our way back to the capital city. There some of us got to see a dream of the future. “Hands of Christ” Ministry has purchased several acres just outside of the city where John and Ana hope to see a clinic built. Our church is committed to help with this project.

You see, one of the main reasons this was so special to me was because we have not finished in Honduras. There will be more teams to go help the Lamons fulfill the mission Christ has for them and us.

Will you join me in praying for the “Hands of Christ” Ministry every day? Will you go with me to Lepaterique or some other part of Honduras one day, because I want to go back!

P.S. What can a preacher do on a medical mission team? Well this time I was the pharmacist’s helper and I also got to preach in the church one night!

Update from The Hands of Christ

2010-06-29T19:21:00.001-05:00

June 28 Update from John and Ana:

Group arrived yesterday.
Today we are counting pills and getting ready for the medical brigades this week and next week. At this moment there has been no violence related to the one year anniversary of the expulsion of their ex president Mel Zelaya
Prayer list:
1. For paperwork to allow the new truck into Honduras without paying taxes to be signed quickly
2. For all permits for construction of women's clinic to be approved quickly
3. For our safety here in Honduras
4. For us to hear and obey God's voice in our lives each day

More photos to share from Honduras!

2010-05-31T10:21:00.005-05:00

Some of the many patients seen in Guagabal.

All 4 dentists hard at work.

Dr. Pridgen with his daughter Katie.

Letter from Ana

2010-05-31T10:18:00.003-05:00

Please read these words from Dr. Ana about her experience working with the friends from Tuscaloosa, Alabama!

Before beginning to write a “Greetings from Honduras” I prayed that The Holy Spirit would fill my mind with His presence and I can say what God really performed in my life and the lives of others during the amazing week working with the medical team from First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
When I saw my friend Annette Mills in the parking lot of the airport my heart was full of joy seeing her again in Honduras. There was Jim, her husband, bringing people impelled by God’s Spirit to serve, giving love, putting in motion all talents to be an instrument of God's love for man. And overall these people are answers to the prayers of many who are living their lives full of expectation from God. I do not know why, but my heart was overloaded with joy seeing this group. Maybe because of friendships with some or it was God telling me this is going to be different. In my mind there were too many questions. But inside me I knew that something great would happen and change the lives of these missioners for the rest of their time on this Earth.

It was there where I met Tracy, Holly, Katie, Dr. David, Dr. Ford, Ed and Dr. Skip. I already met Dr. Jennifer a few years ago. This was just the beginning of our adventure in Christ. I do not know, but every time I work with Teams it is a completely different experience. We are all different but we serve the only true God: The Christ.

My deepest desire was for all these friends to feel as if they are at "home". Anything I could do for them I would do. And I am sure that my husband felt the same as me. All the work we did was amazing, always giving honor and glory to God. It was not just the total amount of patients but it was a fantastic time that God let me have with these wonderful people.

Tracy worked in triage identifying emergency cases. For example, there was a 1 year old girl dehydrated from diarrhea. She was stabilized by the doctors and then sent to the hospital. The little baby is now back home and doing better. This case was not just a simple medical problem. This was a miracle. And I remember we were united and prayed for this little angel; and how grateful we were for her. This makes me feel that all together we can do more and more for God's creation while His life giving love and healing flows through us to those in need. I can say more about medical cases but I think this one caused a major impact in us. But it goes without mentioning that if our women’s clinic was built we could have sent patients there and given them better treatment. But I can say honestly say that we did all we could for each patient with what we had.

After eating dinner each night the spiritual highs and low for the day came out of our souls. The lows gave us understanding that what we were doing was not easy because sometime things were not going the way we wanted, but we had spiritual highs that made us to fly like eagles in Christ.

Two surgeons worked with me this time. Woohoo! Just God working in the way that He knows how. But let me tell you this, God had a purpose. And both surgeons did more than they thought. And they did it…seeing two hundred patients per day!!!!!!!!! This is hard labor.

The Dental Team consisting of Doctors Jim, David, Jennifer and Miny pulled lots teeth; up to 10 in one patient. They also “dug” out lots of roots where the teeth had completely rotted away. Also, Annette was praying for each patient that her husband Jim worked on. That is amazing!!! Dr. Jennifer and her son Ed worked together giving them such great bonding time. God is amazing!!!! Dr. David’s compassion and friendliness made him many new friends in Honduras. I think I can mention Dr. Miny (the Honduran dentist as the smiling lady. She performed a wonderful job. Thank you Dental Team for all you did in those communities. God will bless you forever.

Katie, thank you for being a wonderful girl. Your abilities in Spanish are fantastic. I know that God will use you in tremendous ways. Thank you Dr. Skip. Your work made a difference in my life. Making decisions and causing a great impact in children. God Bless you for the big and great heart that you showed us and being a example to follow. I hope we can see you again here in Honduras. Thank you Dr. Ford and Holly (his daughter). Even though you all left early you touched our hearts as you prayed for each patient after you finished diagnosing them. The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 4:16b)

To everyone we are grateful that you came to Honduras sharing Christ love and healing with the poor and needy. Thank all of you for giving to the Lord!!!!

Peopel waiting and then being served by the people of Tuscaloosa

2010-05-31T10:13:00.004-05:00

Nurse Traci taking a patients blood pressure.

Dr. David with a patient and his translator Anna.

The crowd waiting at El Naranjo.

What a Week in Honduras!

2010-05-31T10:10:00.003-05:00

Starting the day with prayer!

Update from The Hands of Christ

2010-03-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

Greetings to you from Honduras!
Ana and I hope this newsletter finds each of you enjoying life and the walking with God. The LORD is blessing us and the work we do serving Him among the poor in Honduras. We had a two wonderful weeks {2nd & 3rd weeks of February} serving with local pastors in the communities of Ciudad España, Las Hadras, La Brea, El Empedrado, La Guajire. The first two communities are a few miles outside of Tegucigalpa towards San Pedro Sula and the latter three communities are towards Lepaterique. Hundreds of patients received the medical attention they desperately needed. There is a critical shortage of medicine in the health department and public hospitals of Honduras. It is truly a blessing that we are here and able to treat so many people. The credit for our ability to serve others needs goes to our supporters and especially to God. The pastor for the group of churches around Lepaterique used us to bring people into the local church at El Empedrado and was inviting them to a grand reopening of the local church. It had been closed for several months after the pastor was unable to continue the work. God will use each of us in many ways if only we are willing to let him.

The following was written by Dr. Ana Lamon after the group from Frankfort, Kentucky went home recently. They were here the first week of March. The group was made up of 25 wonderful volunteers including but not limited to doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, a pharmacist, a pastor, a veterinarian and workers to keep things running smoothly. I am sure I have left someone out but as you can see it was a great group that accomplished much with God’s help.

After the Group of Kentucky left Honduras they have been in my mind since then. How can we forget this blessed week? Not just this week one, but weeks others before this. The impact that they caused in thousands and thousands of lives is impressive.

Their commitment, dedication, passion, knowledge and love are a terrific flag of hope to those in need. And their actions are noble to imitate. Therefore, they fulfill what the scripture says in Matthew 12:50 -- “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and my sister and my mother.”

It was a great week with surprises, adjustments, challenges and how can I not say to believe that with prayer all obstacles or obstructions can fall with the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, giving up opinions and doing what has to be done in the name of Jesus even though you don’t feel things should go that way. But, always understanding that Jesus is the captain of any boat you are sailing, and assimilating that your security comes from Him and He will always do His will. (2 Corinthians 1:24 -- Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.”). Matthew 16:27--For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

The second week of March we worked in a new community here in Tegucigalpa. It was called Policarpo Paz. We saw lot of really sick people and it was a good experience for us. You could feel God’s presence and His peace while you were working.
This week we have an individual volunteer and his daughter with us. We will be working in Los Laureles and Sabana Redonda which is near Lepaterique.

We appreciate your continued prayers and support for our ministry. Please visit our website at www.thehandsofchrist.org or you may e-mail us at johnyana_41@hotmail.com

May God richly bless your lives as you bless others.
In Christ’s service always,

John & Ana Lamon

End of the Year

2009-12-21T11:46:00.001-06:00

I am writing to you today as a thank you and a reminder about end of year giving. Many of you have already sent in a donation and for that we say “thank you very much”! If you have not taken the time to pray and ask the Lord how you are to help us then we ask you to do so. As we pray for our support team, we ask the Lord to make it clear how and where our financial support comes from. We have some looming practical expenses in the next few weeks. They include a new refrigerator to replace a 25+year old model that we brought to Honduras when we moved here 5 years ago and the replacement of a truck for our mission work and life in general. Our truck was 11 years old and we have repaired, patched and fixed as long as we could and it simply will not last any longer. A truck is most vital to our work as we cannot go out to the communities and villages without transportation. Over the years, if you have looked at the photographs of the roads we must drive on or if you have been to Honduras or any under-developed country, you know that the roads take a serious toll on a vehicle. If you would like to give a one time gift to help with the practical matters please let us know. Also, if you would like to become a “Helping Hand” monthly partner please let us know that as well. You may visit our website (www.thehandsofchrist.org) and click on the “Donate Now” button to donate thru PayPal or you may send a check to the PO box listed below.

We are a 501(c ) 3 Non-Profit organization and all gifts are tax deductable.

What a Gift!

2009-12-20T21:02:00.005-06:00

We recently received a gift from a young lady 10 or 11 years old who asked her friends to give money to The Hands of Christ instead of giving her birthday presents. She and her friends gave a $105! Wow!!! Way to go Elizabeth! Their sacrificial giving will help the needy in Honduras receive medicine and hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Elizabeth for your example of putting others first in the name of Christ!

The Hands of Christ Board Meeting

2009-12-12T11:01:00.003-06:00

The Hands of Christ Board met today and had some very exciting discussions about the building of our Women's Clinic! Planning to apply for permits in 2010 and get the roads and water systems started. Please visit our website at www.thehandsofchrist.org to read more about our ministry and show your support.

NEW WEBSITE

2009-12-09T22:47:00.001-06:00

Please checkout our new website at www.thehandsofchrist.org!

Dedication of the Land for the Women's Clinic

2009-11-04T21:08:00.003-06:00

Hello from Honduras, John writing here. We have finally had a good rain here in the mountains after more than a couple of months without adequate rain. Maybe things will green up a little now. With the elections approaching on the 29 of November, the Honduran people are hoping to finally put their political problems behind them. It has been 5 months since the now ex-president was removed from office for illegally trying to change the constitution.
Yesterday, Tuesday, November 3rd was a special day for The Hands of Christ, Inc. We gathered 3 pastors and 12 lay persons at the Women’s Clinic site and had a dedication service for the land that the clinic will be built on. The land was anointed for Christ’s service and all that participated walked the land and spent time praying for the building process and the women and families that will be served there. One of the prayers was for God's blessing in the work that would take place there. Afterwards, all were invited to our home for a delicious lunch (I cooked part of it ). Please see the attached photo of the dedication. On the 9th of this month we will be coming to the states to participate in the Global Mission Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Please pray for our trip that it will be safe and very productive for our mission.
On a more difficult note, our truck is having more and more problems that are very expensive to repair. It is 11 years old and has served us well but it is time to get another one. If you can help us financially with this endeavor it would be greatly appreciated. We cannot go to help others if we do not have transportation. Please pray specifically and ask God if you are to help us and how, in the purchase of a new to us / used vehicle.
We appreciate each one of you and all your prayers and help that you have given The Hands of Christ.

Ana writing here. As my husband has already said, yesterday was really a wonderful day for us. It's true that months ago God gave all of us this land. And if you see, I said "all of us", rather than just "us" because each supporter of this ministry helped us take the first step in the vision for this to become a reality. We know that God already made it a reality before we did anything. We are witnesses of His tremendous power and love for His creation. Thanks to God, because He let us participate in this project for His Glory and Honor. God doesn't need any help but He wants to bless all of us for being givers. I am not talking about just money but giving of your prayers and letters that let us know that we are not alone in Honduras. We are all children of God. As Christians we need to take care of each other’s needs. Thank you for helping us care for the children of God in Honduras.

Thanks again because you have never left us alone. We are far away in body, but we are together through the Holy Spirit.

Work Continues at the site of The Hands of Christ Women’s Clinic

2009-10-29T06:16:00.001-05:00

John and Ana continue to work and oversee work of the process of clearing the land for the future women’s clinic. All rocks, trees in the direct site and tree stumps must be removed and most of the work is completed by manual labor. The trees and stumps are piled together and burned.

Under Curfew

2009-09-22T12:40:00.005-05:00

Good afternoon! John and Ana called this morning to say that they are under curfew as are all residents of Tegucigalpa. Ex-President Zelaya returned to Honduras under the cover of night and there is or was a demonstration in Tegu in support of him. The media would have us to believe that tens of thousands people were involved in the demonstration but John said that it was probably 4 or 5,000. The city is really very calm and under curfew. John and Ana do not feel unsafe in any way right now. They are using these days to prepare for upcoming clinics getting medicines and supplies ready and for rest. If you have not been to Honduras, just riding around the city will exhaust you because the road conditions are quite bad. There are some stretches of road that are nice and smoothly paved but most are filled will pot holes if they are paved and many roads where John and Ana serve are all dirt and rutted from rains and travelers.

Please continue to pray for their safety and ability to serve the needy people of Honduras. Also, pray that the United States government would realize that the majority of the people in Honduras are "for" the new government and not for Zelaya and what he stands for.

Shoes not required for service!

2009-08-29T18:39:00.001-05:00

Hello from Honduras,
We hope this finds each of you doing well and enjoying God’s blessings in your daily life! Here in Honduras we are constantly being blessed by God as we continue to serve Him among those living under the hardships of struggling for their daily bread. In the last two weeks, we have worked with Compassion International checking children in Tamara, Fuerzas Unidas twice, El Naranjo, and Acaguaque. The latter two being communities 20 minutes and 40 minutes outside Lepaterique. In the next two weeks, we will work in Ciudad España, Fuerzas Unidas, Las Hadras, and San Miguel de Arc Angel. God is pouring out his blessings on our work and the people we serve. When you look at the photos of the people, look at their faces and feet. Most of them are gaunt and some including adults don’t have shoes. They certainly don’t have money for a doctor or medicine. In the picture of the very small 11 year old, Dr. Ana determined after talking with his mother that malnutrition and parasites played a large role in keeping him small. We need your help to continue this worthwhile work. Please consider a one-time gift or giving monthly to support our work. No amount is too small! Also remember us as you think about your yearend giving.

Our women’s clinic is moving ahead. We will be getting bids shortly to make the entrance road and connection to the highway. Please pray that God will continue to put good honest people in our project to help us. Don’t forget to pray for us to drill the well in the right place. This will be happening shortly after we get the entrance road built. I have added the picture of Dr. Ana standing alone unpacking her things to encourage others to come and help. Just one person or a small team. We need doctors, dentists, nurses, people to evangelize and anyone that feels God’s calling to help. Knowing Spanish is a help, but translators are available. If you are interested please contact us at johnyana_41@hotmail.com When construction on the women’s clinic starts we will be accepting teams to help with that also.

Hot Tin Roof!

2009-08-15T10:21:00.006-05:00

Friends,
Another week has gone by and the political situation is about the same. Honduras for the most part is calm even though I have been told on the news in the states they are portraying it quite the contrary. There are still some demonstrations and some groups are on strike, but all that is very common in Honduras and most of the time no one gives it a second thought, except the foreign news media. Anyway, we had a good week working in several places. The photos are from “Las Marias de Nueva Armenia”. This is a very remote very poor farming community where houses are scattered far apart. People cultivate the steep hillsides growing corn and beans for local consumption. Most people walked 1-3 hours to come to the clinic and all were very appreciative of the help we were able to give them. Many heard the salvation message and were prayed for by a pastor that we work with quite often. Her name is Pastor Margarita. She loves the Lord and loves even more sharing what He has done for her life.

You might notice in the pictures the inside of the church… the handmade adobe bricks, the dirt floor, the handmade benches without backs, and the heat which you can’t see but you can imagine. It is hot under the tin roof. Can you imagine going to worship and praise God under these conditions? Just something to think about. How much God has blessed us in the United States with comfortable worship conditions.

We are fortunate to be able to serve in these communities, but we can’t do it without your continued help. Please continue praying for us and sending your financial support. We are very appreciative. Please remember our women’s clinic project as the end of the year is fast approaching. The project is moving slowing ahead. A detail survey with tree locations and elevation has just been finished. We will be applying for a permit to make a connection to the highway for our entrance soon and then we will build the entrance road. As you start to think about your yearend giving, please remember us and this very worthy project that will help many people.

plowing with oxen

2009-07-26T22:30:00.002-05:00

2009-07-26T18:56:00.002-05:00

From top left: Jessica Murphy giving out medicine in Ciudad España. Top Right: 4 members of the church in Ciudad España praying for a patient. Bottom Left: A pill counting party with Claudia Stull, Betty, Charlotte Shepherd, Jessica Murphy, and Brandy Burns.

2009-07-26T18:06:00.001-05:00

This lady cooked our lunch (chicken, rice, and beans) on her home stove Claudia Stull doing pre-clinic in ciudad España where we saw around 300 patients

This Baptist Church was the site of our medical brigade about an hour and one half south of Tegucigalpa.

Dr. Ana checking the heartbeat of an unborn child in Las Hadras

Charlotte Shepherd preparing the medicine for the patients in Ciudad España

2009-07-26T17:55:00.003-05:00

These two pictures are of the hand carved road we traveled to get to Cerro Verde (Green Hill)

The community school where we held out clinic in Cerro Verde

This man was using his ox drawn cart to carry his corn to town to sell

On the way home from Guayabal we passed this young boy carrying firewood home so his mother could cook the family food

2009-07-26T17:45:00.002-05:00

This crowd of 300 patients greeted us Friday morning in Guayabal just outside of Lepaterique The pharmacy team of Jessica Murhpy and Jackie Parks ready for patients in El Espino, Lepaterique
The pharmacy team of Jessica Murphy and Jackie Parks ready for patients in El Espino
Teresa Law seeing patients with her translator Oscar in Las Hadras

Nurse Brandy Burns checking the blood pressure of a patient in Las Hadras

Laura Dover translating for Dr. John Waits in Cerro Verde (Green Hill) outside of Lepaterique

2009-07-26T17:22:00.002-05:00

Dr. Lacy Smith with a patient in Cerro Verde (Green Hill)

Dr. John Waits and Teresa Law with Laura Dover praying with this poor family

Another view of the road traveled to Cerro Verde. We were all sore after the hour and 15 minute ride

What a week!

2009-07-26T15:23:00.000-05:00

Hello from Honduras,
We hope each of you are enjoying the summer and perhaps some vacation time or at least some rest and relaxation.
I would like to take this time to say that God is alive and well in Honduras. I want to say that for two reasons. The first is that there has been no fighting between people and the police or the army as many news organizations are reporting with the political situation. There is peace in Honduras!! The only people trying to incite rioting and other problems are ex-President Mel Zelaya and Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela. Ninety-five percent of the Honduran people are behind the new government and just want peace. Democracy is prevailing in Honduras.
The other reason that I am saying God is alive in Honduras is because of the group from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that was here for the last week. They spent as much time being doctors as they did praying for the people and their needs. The Honduran people were very appreciative of the individual time spent in prayer. It was an awesome week. This was a first time group this group served with us in Honduras and they were greatly encouraging to Ana and myself.
We worked in two communities just to the north of Tegucigalpa. The first area was Divine Providence and the other was Las Hadras. We then went to Lepaterique and worked in the communities of El Espino, Cerro Verde, and Guayabal. Each day had its own distinct challenges and each day the group rose to the occasion.
Cerro Verde or Green Hill is a new community for us to work in and is probably the poorest and most remote that we have served. It is a good hour outside of Lepaterique with horrible roads to get there. These were by far the worst roads we have been on in the five years we have been serving God in Honduras. Our truck could not make the drive. We had to transition to four wheel drive trucks. Once we turned off the main road, it became evident why (see pictures of road). The second half of our trip was all on a handmade roads with large rocks being chiseled out with picks and other tools. We were all very tired and sore after the beating we took driving to get to this community to work. The only building we could see was the school building that we worked in. The poverty was evident as well, because of malnourishment in some of the people. Some of their sources of income are making a type of pine sol for cleaning floors from pine tree sap as well as some type of pine soap to scent clothes when they are washed. They also sell handmade ropes and handmade brooms. They have very little tillable ground which leads their poor diets and health problems. It was truly a blessing to be in this community as well as the others we served this week.
A note from Ana: As my husband already said, this week was unforgettable. In my entire ministry I have never seen so many sick people in just one week. It was like God guided us to make decisions that changed our lives as well as those of the patients. It was something different in the way that this group worked. For them, a priority was praying. How are they going to make it to see all the patients if they are praying so much¬? And I said to myself, God, do it your way not mine. That reminded me of the scripture of the two sisters in Luke 10-38: 42, and how God praised the one who chose to listen to Him. This was a big lesson for me. Thanks Teresa, Dr. John, Laura, Jackie and Dr. Lacy for being such a great Christians. Not only in the professional field were you all amazing but in spiritually loving the people you all were an example to follow. I know all of you made an impact on my people healing their souls and bodies. Thanks for being part of this journey and listen and obeying God’s voice and winning the crown that was already made for all of you. Thanks again, my sisters and brother in Christ.

As you can see we are impacting hundreds of people every week. But we can’t do it alone. We need your continued prayers and financial support to sustain this active and growing ministry. Please let us know your thoughts or any comments you might have regarding our ministry. We thank each of you for all you do for us. May God richly bless each one of you.

Hard work and politics?

2009-07-18T23:48:00.002-05:00

Also, please check out http://aimingtoserve.blogspot.com/. this is being written by a nursing student who is with John and Ana until the end of July.

Friends,
It has been many weeks of hard work, but at the same time we have seen God in control even when things don’t go the way we expect. We have been working continuously in several neighborhoods here in Tegucigalpa where the people are always giving us words of encouragement and thanks that we are there to offer them good medical care…. Something that is sorely missing in most of Honduras.

At this time there are many political problems facing Honduras due to the fact that the last government wanted to change the constitution so then president Zelaya could stay in power continuously. The supreme court stopped him using the constitution of Honduras. I could talk a lot about this problem but that is not why we are here. Even though we live in an unstable political environment, each day we leave our home to work trusting that God will always take care of us and that He will use us to pass His love on to those that do not know Him. We know that God will not put us in a place where someone can do us harm because He is using us to further His kingdom and win souls for Him. At the end of each day we give thanks that God has allowed us to serve Him and that we are able to bring hope to those who have no hope, those who are in need; the women, children, and elderly.

On another note, we just had one team from Brandenburg, Kentucky leave and we have another one from Tuscaloosa, Alabama coming this Saturday, the 18th of July. We also have 2 individual volunteers working with us right now. If you would like to send a medical team or individual to work with us we would love to hear from you.

As you know, we have purchased the land for the women’s clinic. A survey will be finished this weekend that will mark our boundaries, location of trees, and elevations. It will also include the elevation of the current highway so we can make our connection to it.

We appreciate each one of you. Your prayers, your comments, and your contributions. We hope that you will continue with each of them.
May God richly bless each one of you.
To make a contribution or to contact us by mail:
The Hands of Christ – P.O. Box 1252 – Franklin, Tennessee 37065

In Christ Service Always,
John & Ana Lamon

Update

2009-06-30T20:50:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that John and Ana are doing just fine. They held a clinic today on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa and saw 150 patients. Needless to say they are tired tonight but doing well. The political upheaval is not causing them any problems at this point. If you would like to know more please feel free to email me. Keep them in your prayers. They currently have a team of 3 women from Kentucky and tomorrow one young woman from middle Tennessee is going to serve with them for several weeks. Continue to pray for their safety and God's perfect provision. Thanks and good night!

Photos from Wednesday's Clinic

2009-05-30T20:32:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday of this week Mary Grace, Katie and I went with John and Ana and held a clinic in one of the very poor neighborhoods of Tegucigalpa. These photos are of the church building that the clinic was held in. Can't get the upload working -- will post photos later.

Wonderful Wednesday in Honduras

2009-05-27T17:22:00.004-05:00

Wednesday started out as an early day again with a 5:15 wake up for me so that we could leave at 6:15 to take John Israel to school. It takes 30-45 minutes to get to his school so once we arrived and played with him in his room a bit we left and went to our clinic site for the day. We were working at a church building (open air, tin roof and homemade pews of white washed lumber) and the pastor and people of the church were supposed to announce that we were coming but they forgot. So we were disappointed there was no one waiting when we arrived. As we set up for the work day, the woman who greeted us at the church sent some little boys out through the neighborhood to spread the word that there was a medical brigade with medicine at the church and to come! Well, as you can imagine it did not take too long for people to begin arriving. We saw 73 people in about 3 hours. We stayed until no one else was coming and then packed up. Most of the medicines we handed out were for fungus, infections of many kinds, tylenol and meds for diabetes. Ana says that there is an increase in diabetes in the people of Honduras becuase they can afford to purchase carbohydrates to eat and are lacking protein, fruits and vegetables. While Ana was seeing patients and John was working in the pharmacy, the girls and I were counting and bagging pills to be used on future brigades.

The people who came were all glad to see us and I know this only because of the grateful looks on their faces and not because I understand the language! We were so excited to share God's love through smiles and hugs and handshakes. God's love translates easy!

I am attaching photos of the view from the Statue of Christ we visited on Sunday and one of my girls, John Israel and myself.

Happenings in Honduras!

2009-05-26T08:22:00.002-05:00

We are having a great time in Tegucigalpa with John and Ana! On Sunday morning we visited the Statue of Christ and the park that surrounds it. We saw lots of beautiful native flowers and plants and were amazed and the beauty of the city even among the poverty from the view on the mountain where we were. You can clearly see the poverty everywhere you go here but from the mountain view it was even more clear. Many of the "houses" are really just one or two rooms made from scavenged boards and corregated metal in many cases with dirt floors.

On Monday, we were able to go with John and Ana to take John Israel to school. He is blessed to be able to attend an english speaking school. It is very clean and neat and his classroom had great learning toys and bright colors. The whole school is well taken care of. Ana's sister works there in the office.

I have discovered that part of the mission that God had planned for us while we are here is to help rejuvenate John and Ana. As you know, mission work is hard work. Not only do you work in the mission field that God has given you but you must work to raise your own pay check. Last week, just before we arrived, they moved into a much safer area which was needed whether or not we visited. In light of that, I have discovered they have some very tangible needs around their house. My daughters and I are working on that while we are here. It is fun to work for God when you can see the results which is great for my girls. The reality is that John and Ana do not always see the results that God has blessed them with because of the field of missions where they work. They do not always see the physical healing in the medical clinics nor do they always see and hear the lives changed through salvation but they are planting the seeds of salvation and sharing the medicine for the physical body.

Please continue to pray for John, Ana and John Israel as they serve in Honduras. Please pray for our trip and return to the states on Friday. Ask God how you can help this family continue their service to the glory of the Lord.

We have Arrived!

2009-05-23T20:50:00.003-05:00

Good evening from Tegucigalpa, Honduras! My daughters and I had an exciting and uneventful trip through Miami to Tegucigalpa. We easily went through customs and right outside was John Israel (age 5) eagerly waiting for us! We grabbed a bite to eat and then came to John and Ana's home. They recently moved into a safer area and their home is full of love and warmth. We are so glad to be here. Tomorrow we are going to see the Picachao --the Christ statue -- and to the english service at church. We are also going to meet with the architect who is here from Kentucky to continue the planning for the women's clinic. Weather permitting, we hope to walk the land on Monday or Tuesday and see where lives will be changed, physically and spiritually. I can already see the great need for the people of Honduras. Even here in the city, as in our own community, there is a desperation and sadness on many faces that only the love of Christ can remove. Please help us reach the people of Honduras. Please ask the Lord how you are to support this ministry. We need your prayers and finacial support. Any donations that you send will go directly to supporting John and Ana and their weekly medical clinic.

Packed and Ready!

2009-05-22T10:46:00.004-05:00

Sarah here today. Tomorrow morning at 6:00am, our two daughters, ages 10 and 11, and I will board a flight for Honduras! We are very excited to see what John and Ana do everyday and experience a week of life in Honduras. It is our girls first time overseas and my first time out of the country in.. well let's say .. a while .. since I was a teenager. I am looking forward to walking on the land where the women's clinic will be built and to go into some of the villages where John and Ana work each week. Please pray for our safety and health while we are gone and pray for my husband as he stays home and holds down the fort. We also have some business decisions and discussions to work through so please pray for clarity and unity for all in the cause of Christ. Thanks for your continued support and prayers!

2009-05-01T22:58:00.002-05:00

Hello from Honduras,
It has been a few weeks since we last wrote. Let me assure you that we have been working hard. Each year, there is a sad but true event here in Honduras as well as other central American countries. The people burn much of their country for various reasons and this year the fires burned the land that we bought. Although this is not good, we are taking advantage of it. We can easily see all the rocks and small stumps and debris on the land and we are cleaning it up. This will make it much easier to cut the grass, build the clinic buildings and do other things as they arise.

This past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we were in Ciudad España. I think this is the place where we see the most young children. As I looked at the patients lined up waiting to see doctor Ana, all I saw were mothers with 1 to 4 children and the occasional man mixed in. The babies less than a year old were very numerous. We saw lots of respiratory problems, diarrhea, and sinus problems. Among the older patients, we saw lots of high blood pressure. I think the respiratory problems were high because of the proximity of the fires to the community. For several weeks they have been breathing lot of smoke and dust from the fires and dry weather. Many of the fires have died down somewhat in the last day or two due to some cooler weather and some scattered rain (we got about 50 drops where we live). As always, we worked at Fuerzas Unidas this past Thursday. Our patient load is not heavy there, but they are always very sick. The total amount of patients that we saw were 319 for the week.

We are thankful for each one of you that supports our work. God’s work and the sharing of His salvation never ends. We have been blessed to have continued support for the purchase of medicines and for that we are grateful. We also need continued monthly support for our living and travel expenses to and from the clinics. This has fallen greatly in the last year and even a few dollars a month makes a difference for us. We know that times are difficult right now. We just ask that you pray about supporting us and follow God’s leading.

Please also pray for:
1. For us to hear and obey God’s voice in all we do and say
2. Our safety here in Honduras
3. For God to supply all our needs and the needs for the women’s clinic. He is the owner of all the gold and silver (Haggai 2:8)
4. For our campaign to raise money for the clinic (beginning soon).
5. God sends more workers because the field is much but few workers to work.

A view of the land we have purchased for the women's clinic -- Ana Lamon signing contract for purchase of land -- John Lamon signing contract

2009-04-08T11:30:00.004-05:00

Land is Purchased!

2009-04-08T08:57:00.001-05:00

WE HAVE THE LAND FOR THE WOMENS CLINIC !!!!
Wow! God has truly blessed us and the work we are doing here in Honduras!
With help from many people, The Hands of Christ, Inc. was able to raise the money to buy this beautiful 8 ½ acres of land. We give all the honor and praise to God! This is His work that we are doing and even in the mist of hard economic times, he has supplied all that we need for the purchase of the land. The land is basically flat with some scattered pines trees as well as good building sites for the clinic and other necessary buildings. (See attached photo).

Now, we are ready to raise money for the infrastructure (access road, well for water, septic system), building foundations, and security wall. We have contractors that are going to come and lay the blocks for the walls of the buildings. God is providing for this project every step of the way. After all, it is from Him and for Him that we do it. Many people have said they wanted to contribute to the buildings themselves and not the land purchase. Now is the time! We are ready to begin construction. Please send your donations to the post office box listed below with “clinic” in the memo blank.

Right after the group from Kentucky left Honduras a few weeks ago, we worked in several poor neighborhoods in and around Tegucigalpa. We saw around 600 patients. We were fortunate to have great helpers in nurse Brandy and Karla, one of our translators. The end of last week we worked in San Ignacio (about 2 ½ hours from Tegucigalpa) and El Naranjal (about 4 hours from Tegucigalpa). What a blessing it is to go where the need is greatest! In these two communities we saw around 200 patients over 2 days. Here we worked with nurse Kelly, dental hygienist Kathy, and Wanda, who is an assistant to a surgeon. What a great team they made. We also had Miny, the local dentist that we use from time to time with us. She stayed quite busy. We worked though the local pastor, Jose Vasquez and his wife on this venture.

We have lots of fun serving God, sharing His word, and meeting wonderful people. It is like moving in a spiritual dimension as we let God use us His way, in His time, and resting in Him and we believe that even thought there is an economic downturn in society, God is still on His throne and in total control.

From all the Lamons in Honduras, we wish you a Happy Easter!!

Always in Christ’s Service,
John & Ana Lamon

For donations or correspondence by regular mail:
The Hands of Christ
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, TN 37065

March 15, Update

2009-03-15T13:24:00.001-05:00

Hello from Honduras!

What a great week we just finished! We had a group here from Frankfort, Kentucky and the surrounding area. In their group was a pharmacist, ER doctor, gynecologist, doctor of Internal medicine, two dentists, a dental hygienist, health education teachers, a lab nurse, people for triage and intake, a hospital engineer, an optometrist as well as a number of people to support the daily operations. What a group! They treated well over 1000 people for the four and one half days that they worked in Fuerzas Unidas. Ana and I are thankful for their work and the community where they worked is also very appreciative.

Some notes from Dr. Ana Lamon:

God has made ways in our lives that we cannot refuse to walk in. He is so powerful that He wants to show us how to live an abundant life. We could live in our owns paths but when we recognize we don’t belong to ourselves it is impossible to ignore who made the earth and all existing in it ( I Corinthians 10:26).
For us it is a privilege surrender our lives to God. One more time, God displayed His grace upon my husband and me for giving us the opportunity to work with the group from Kentucky. We missed working with those that could not come for some reason but at the same time it was our pleasure to meet some new people. As always, this group made a tremendous difference in Fuerzas Unidas. The great commitment and willingness to help those in need were an inspiration for me. The demand of patients was tremendous. This team showed an excellent capacity to handle all the challenges of this year. God was working on our side and we saw the desire of our heart accomplished: to see as many patients as we could and not looking for a number of people but showing God’s love to all of them. We are trusting on God to perform the great commitment that He is sending His people to the Nations and spreading the good news of Salvation and His mercy for the human being. Together, we are an instrument of God.

Thank you, Methodist Church of Kentucky for coming and make possible this dream a reality. Thank you to the optometrist and group of doctors. You do not have any idea what it meant to me to receive your help. You took my pain, frustration, and anguish away from my heart that I feel when I cannot give medical care to those 100 patients that are left at the end of the day because sometimes I do not have enough energy to see 100 more patients each day. Thanks again. And may God bless you forever.

Thank you dental team for always doing an excellent work in the Fuerzas Unidas School as well as in the clinic . It is amazing to see you guys dressing like an operating room and seeing all the equipment settled. The way you are working sterilizing the equipment you use with each patient and your interest in doing a perfect job even sending some patients who required special attention to a local dentist in Tegucigalpa. And of course we are thankful that you are taking care of them and paying for their treatment.

Thank you to the pharmacy team for always showing diligence and dedication in all you do reviewing and changing prescriptions as needed. I thank God for you wisdom.

Thank you Reina for performing a great job in the educational area. Excellent English and Spanish, catracha!!!!! What can I say about the triage team? New faces and old friends organizing the patients to be seen by the different doctors. You were so helpful facilitating the patients with great interrogation (reasons for coming) and helping the speed of the doctors to see each patient. Melody, the great lady in the waiting area, with her tenderness, goodness, love and overall patience to talk to the people showing the quality of human life to all patients. You always did the distribution of the patients according to their necessity, order of arrival, and emergency with such great skill. Many patients told me that you looked like an angel coming from heaven to help them.

Thank you Arnie, Sister Larraine, T.J., Jeremiah, Cindy and Jim for gave us your time, talents in a tremendous ways.

What else can I say? Thank all of you for making this medical brigade a resounding success again.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

2009-02-21T20:46:00.002-06:00

This past week we were back in Ciudad España which is a community built for refugees from Hurricane Mitch which hit Honduras in 1998. We were there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We saw around 100 to 105 patients a day. Usually we see 15 -20% that just come for medicine for the future (we don’t like that). But here everyone was really sick. We saw lots and lots of children and babies with diarrhea and respiratory problems. The government health department for this large community has no doctor and practically no medicine. They were sending people to us!
The church that we worked through is call “Iglesia Cuadrangular”. What I like about working with them is while we are doing the “medical part”, they are working on the “spiritual part”. They would talk with the patients about Christ love for them and His plan for their salvation. They had a group of ladies that would pray with people for their healing or whatever problems they had. They also prayed for our health and our women’s clinic. If God is for you who can stand against you.

Return to Honduras

2009-02-15T07:11:00.001-06:00

Hello from Honduras!
We are back home after a quick visit to Tennessee & Alabama. We visited with family and friends for a few days and then went to Tuscaloosa Alabama for a 5 day mission conference. The hospitality of the members of Tuscaloosa First UMC was something special. They went out of their way to take care of all our needs as well as the needs of the other missionaries in attendance. Personally I really enjoyed the food! You just can’t find southern fried catfish in Honduras! And the deserts…. Well I am on a diet now! We are grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference. We always come away rejuvenated and ready to work again. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. Thank you Tuscaloosa, Alabama First UMC.
On another note, we are back in Honduras and have begun working again. This past Thursday we were in Fuerzas Unidas, here in Tegucigalpa and Friday we went to Lepaterique. In the coming week we will be in Ciudad España Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and on Thursday we will be in Fuerzas Unidas. We will also pick up Jim Burris on Thursday in preparation for their group from Kentucky the next week.
We would also like to thank Brentwood Methodist in Brentwood Tennessee for their continued support and the purchasing of medicine for our work. Without your support we could not accomplish all that we do. Thank you Brentwood Methodist!
We appreciate each one of you, your prayers, your support, and your commitment to helping us to help the poor in Honduras.
Of course it goes without saying that without God we would not be able to our work. He is our help & guidance every day. It is good that He is in control and not us.

Thank you Edwards Grove Church

2009-02-01T19:30:00.004-06:00

We want to thank Edwards Grove Church for their gracious hospitality this morning. We thoroughly enjoyed being in Sunday School and worship with you. John and Ana were greatly encouraged about the interest shown in the mission and a few people asking about traveling to Honduras to work for a few days. Sarah will be getting in touch with those who are interested with some details later. A big thank you to Jerry and Sharon Connell for coordinating our visit and lunch. Your love offering comes at a critical financial time and we are thankful for your support and prayers.

On another note we are still needing money for the purchase of the land for the women's hospital. Anything you donate will be matched from a generous donor so your $10 becomes $20 and your $25 become $50. Please pray about what God would have you to give.

Thank you and have a blessed week!

Global Missions Conference

2009-01-30T14:33:00.002-06:00

Good afternoon! John, Ana and John Israel arrived in Memphis earlier this week to spend a few days with our parents and are now preparing to go to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the Global Missions Conference at First UMC. They are meeting with potential donors for the women's clinic and visiting with other supporters while in Memphis. Please continue to pray for their preparation for the conference as they will be speaking with different groups and sharing the vision that God has laid on their hearts. May the Lord Bless you in all you do.

Message for the week of January 10th

2009-01-17T20:33:00.002-06:00

Hello from Honduras,
What a great week we have had! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we worked in a new neighborhood. The name of it was Alemania or Germany in English. They were extremely poor and have been affect greatly by the increase in the minimum wage that took effect the first of the year. I know that sounds like a good thing….and it is, but, the problem is the business owners do not want to pay or cannot pay the increase. The pay increase ranges from 60% up to 256% depending on where you are (rural or urban) and what type of job it is. Thousands have already lost their jobs and more will. Some businesses have already moved to other countries such as El Salvador and Nicaragua. Many of the poor want to keep the wage they have so they won’t lose their job and this way they can still afford to buy food to eat. Thursday there were some manifestations of workers and teachers protesting in favor of the increase in salary. The teachers are also protesting and saying they will not go back to work until they are all paid for last year’s work. Many have not been paid in more than 4 months and some up to 10 months. How many of us would work if we were not getting paid? Also, the teachers are in favor of the minimum wage increase because their salaries are tied to the minimum wage. If it is increased they get an automatic wage increase too. This is causing an already bad situation to get worse.
All this week we have seen many elderly and some not so elderly with high blood pressure. We are seeing lots of fungus that is on the entire body. Not just a couple of spots here and there which is typical. We have seen plenty of respiratory problems as well as muscle aches and pains from the hard physical life that the people lead.
We are so grateful for the support that each of you offers us and we appreciate your continuous prayers. We will be in the states beginning January 24 for several meetings raising money for the Women’s clinic and a 5 day mission conference in Tuscaloosa Alabama. Please pray for our safety during the trip as well as each day here in Honduras. Please pray that all that hear of our work will open their hearts and be generous in their support of us, purchasing the land, and the Women’s clinic. Pray for us to hear and obey God’s voice every day. Pray for us to have a good supply of medicine to work with. Pray for us to be in good health.
We appreciate each of you!
Sorry I don’t have any pictures… someone stole our camera! Please visit our blog at www.thehandsofchrist.blogspot.com and leave comments for John and Ana. Please click on the word “comment” to leave John and Ana a message.

Always
In Christ Service
John & Ana Lamon

For donations or correspondence by regular mail:
The Hands of Christ
P.O. Box 1252
Franklin, TN 37065

Telephone in Honduras 011-504-228-1902
Cell phone in Honduras 011-504-9-967-4574
Fax 011-504-228-1783
Sarah Hathaway 615-591-1706

Zechariah 4:6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.

2009-01-08T15:06:00.005-06:00

Good afternoon from Tennessee instead of Honduras! Sarah writing here wanting to update you a little bit. After a little time off for Christmas and the New Year, John and Ana are getting back into their weekly routine holding clinics and sharing the gospel. Please pray for John who is getting his eyes checked soon as he has been having a few headaches and probably needs a new prescription. Also, I have an unspoken request on behalf of Ana's sister.

John and Ana and John Israel will be traveling to the States at the end of January/first of February for the Global Missions Conference in Tuscaloosa, AL. Please pray for the travel safety and for their plans to go smoothly -- especially for an almost 5 year old John Israel! During the time they are here they are also trying to have some meetings regarding the women's hospital. Please pray for the Lord to set those meetings in His timing and with His results. On a practical note, please pray for their transportation while they are here traveling to and from Alabama, Memphis (where our parents live and where John's is planning a couple of meetings) and to Franklin to see our family and a few others. Pray specifically for God to direct every step we take as an organization and for us to follow Him willingly.

Thank you for your support.
Sarah

2008-12-16T16:27:00.005-06:00

Today we were back in Guayabal, Lepaterique. It was quite different from yesterday in several ways. The first being it was much colder. Lots of people were wearing coats and hats. We were literally in the clouds today. The clouds were low and we were up high in the mountains. They were moving right in front of us. The other thing that was different was that the people came from up to four and five hours away and were much sicker than yesterday. We are so glad we are able to help them. The first photo is of the modern way to go to work. The horse comes equipped with machete, rope, saddle and other assorted supplies. The second photo is of a little boy that dumped over the coal bucket on his foot. He came back today and was much better. The swelling was almost gone and he had less pain. We used an ace bandage to hold the gauze and burn medicine on. The last photo is a family of five. All the kids and the mother had respiratory problems and fungus.

2008-12-15T16:01:00.002-06:00

Today we went to the north side of Lepaterique to Guayabal. On the way we encountered these 4 young boys carrying firewood home so their mother could cook their families food. The other photo is some of the 101 patients that we saw today. We will work in Guayabal Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. We treated lots of fungus, sore throats, and sinus problems among other things.

2008-12-06T12:10:00.005-06:00

This is a mother and child. The child was examined by Dr. Ana. She is an example of the poor children in and around Lepaterique, Honduras. She is very short {as is her mother} and underweight. Many of the children that are 10 - 12 years old are only 40-42 inches tall and weigh 50 pounds or less. Some shortness is due to genetics, but most is due to malnutrition and parasites.

2008-12-04T20:10:00.003-06:00

Dr. Ana with her husband John Lamon are giving health checkups to 260 children in a feeding program in Lepaterique. This is a very poor area an hour west of Tegucigalpa. It is very mountainous and does not have very good soil for growing crops. Many of the people in this area are descendants of the Lenca Indians. They work very hard for the little that they have. We work through a group of christian churches in the area that works very hard to spread Christ love for the people. Our work goes hand in hand. A medical brigade always draws a crowd. While we are caring for the people physically the local church members are telling them about Christ love and salvation for them. This is works really good because the local congregation can follow up with the new believers.

Dr. Ana with young patient in the feeding program at Lepaterique and lots of moms with their children that participate in the feeding program

2008-12-04T19:54:00.002-06:00

The line of patients at Sabana Redonda in Lepaterique. A small church overlooking Tegucigalpa, Honduras where we have done medical work

2008-11-20T21:21:00.005-06:00

Cows always have the right of way. Ana serves an elderly patient

2008-11-20T21:07:00.004-06:00

Ana checking a mother with her 6 children. Ana checking the heartbeat of an unborn child

2008-11-20T20:56:00.002-06:00

2008-11-19T22:32:00.003-06:00

John and Ana Lamon with John Israel

The Hands of Christ, Inc.

2008-11-19T21:57:00.003-06:00

Hi! Welcome to our blog about our medical missions in Honduras. Let me introduce who we are and what we do. John and Ana live in Honduras and travel to rural villages and communities and offer basic medical care to very sick and needy people. Our goal is to share the love of Jesus Christ with our patients while meeting the physical health needs. We partner with local churches for buildings to run the clinics in and sharing the good news of Jesus. Sarah is a stay at home mom who volunteers her time with The Hands of Christ and her children's school, New Hope Academy. She serves as administrator and member of the Board of Directors. There are exciting plans in our future for our weekly medical clinics and our vision of building a medical clinic for women. We will all be posting at different times so please refer to our blog often. May the Lord bless you!