Update from Honduras-- Urgent Need

Hello, Everyone,

Just wanted to give you an update on what's been happening here. After 4 days of heavy rain, flooding, and power outages our electricity was restored on Friday night. Local people walked miles in the pouring rain and crossed rivers at flood stage in order to work together with the power company crew and one of our own missionaries to get new poles and wires up. Even so, the hope was to have it back on by today. But incredibly, even in the midst of a heavy downpour and well after dark on Friday night, it was restored and has stayed on despite the nasty weather since then. We are rejoicing to be able to wash our wet and muddy clothes, cook, and keep refrigerated food at home again.

We've had many maintenance issues at the hospital and in the homes with water leaks, mudslides threatening the stability of our roads, bursting pipes due to too much pressure from flowing rain water, lack of fresh water supply in some homes and the Children's Center, etc, but nothing compared with what the local people are suffering in their villages. There has been much flooding, the worst of which was in Balfate where the hydroelectric dam opened their gates all at once and without warning, sending a wall of water down river, as I described in my previous e-mail. Four people drowned as a result of that event. All the local people are still dealing with lots of water and mud in their homes, no clean dry clothes to put on, no dry blankets with which to warm themselves, and now, lack of food. The rain hasn't let up long enough for the crews to even think about coming in and beginning to make needed repairs to roads or bridges, therefore food is in short supply. We hear that it may be another week or more before there's enough dry dirt to repair the bridges. Fortunately, it was fairly dry for the better part of the day today, which allowed government helicopters to fly food in to some of the more remote areas. They were flying back and forth overhead all day delivering packages of rice, beans, and corn, but unfortunately none were dropped in Balfate or the other towns around the hospital who also desperately need it.

Local church leaders are calling and asking for help, but we have very limited resources with which to respond. The hospital is already low on food for our patients and Children's Center, however we are doing what we can to meet the most pressing needs, especially for our Honduran staff members and their families. Today the hospital brought in 200 pounds each of rice, beans, and Maseca (used to make corn tortillas), as well as 100 bars of soap for washing clothes, which were transported across the rivers by canoe and by foot. Once at the hospital, it was all measured out into 5 pound allotments and these were put into the hands of the local schools and churches for distribution to the neediest families. Our desire is to do much more in the days and weeks ahead, but that will only be possible if we have others willing to stand with us and help in this effort.

We have been told that the Hospital finances are extremely limited right now and that we will only be able to make this response if there are sufficient funds being offered to Cornerstone to cover the costs the hospital will incur in purchasing these supplies. We have been asked to call on our home churches, friends, and families to help in this relief effort. If you are willing and able to help, please send donations directly to the Cornerstone Foundation office as soon as possible, and designate them for the "flood relief effort". Your money will go directly to help many of our neighbors and friends who are in great need.

The address is as follows:

Cornerstone Foundation

18384 W, Lake Dr.

Saucier, MS 39574

On a more personal note, the Concepcions (and Katy, too!) are all doing fine. With rainy season approaching we were already stocked up with plenty of food in the pantry and freezer for such a time as this. The missionary community has really pulled together and pooled food and resources where needed, and is working together to make necessary repairs to the hospital property and homes. But our main concern is to try to meet the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves. That's why we're asking for your help at this time. Thanks for your prayers and notes of encouragement. They are keeping us going!

For the only cause that matters,

Margo, for all of us

The Concepcions are serving with Latin America Mission at Hospital Loma de Luz in Balfate, Honduras

"However, I consider my life nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

Field Address:
La Familia Concepcion
Apartado 94
La Ceiba, Honduras
Central America

www.LAM.org www.crstone.org

Support for the Concepcions may be sent to:
Latin America Mission
P.O. Box 52-7900
Miami, FL 33152-7900

**Please enclose a note designating the funds for the "Concepcion support account". Our names should not appear on the check itself for tax purposes. Thanks!