Forgotten Children of Honduras

New Website

2010-03-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know we have a new Website up and running. We will still keep the blog updated as well, for those that like to follow the blog too. Please visit our site at: www.forgottenchildrenofhonduras.org . You can also sign-up for our newsletter from the site.

God Bless,
Richie and Lori Womack

Starting the year off right!!

2010-02-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

We returned home on December 28, 2009 and faced many trials, but God has been so faithful during this time. He worked everything out perfectly and we give Him all the glory in carrying us through these difficult moments. God truly is good!!

People waiting to receive beans and rice

We just finished our first three teams of the year and just when you thought it couldn't get any better God shows us just how awesome He truly is and how wonderful his plan is. We have had three teams from Birmingham and they have done everything from spending time with the boys, food ministry, street kid ministry, discipleship classes, and medical clinics. I can't begin to tell you how many lives have been touched over the last three weeks, but it was absolutely amazing to see what God has done.

Sharing the Gospel with people at the medical clinic

During the medical clinic we had three doctors, three nurses, a dentist and several team members carring out building projects as well as VBS. They treated almost 1200 people in three days. The greatest thing is all 1200 people heard the Gospel and many came to know Jesus as their personal Savior.

People waiting for medicines

Please continue to pray for us, the ministry, the teams, Honduran staff, missionaries and boys of the ministry. It is through your prayes we gain strength and rest to continue God's work here in Honduras. We can't thank each of you enough for all the support you have given to us over the years. We have been here for a full two years here in Honduras and everyday is a challenge, so please keep the prayers coming and for more opportunities to continue to spead the love of Jesus to whoever He puts in our path.

Need

We have started a new vehicle fund as we have found ourselves in desperate need for another vehicle. As some of you know Lori and I are needing to go in different directions as our ministries have grown and trying to do it all out of one vehicle. Lori is teaching English and keeping up with all the child sponsorship information which is a huge task in itself. I have been appointed the U.S. Director and have taken on more responsiblities as well as continuing discipleship classes. Please pray that God will provide us with another way of transportation and if God puts it on your heart to help out financially you can send a check to the office with "Womack Vehicle Fund" in the memo section on your check. Please use the following address to send your donation:

Forgotten Children Ministries

P.O. Box 24085

Chattanooga, TN 37422

Phone Number: 423-892-4979

Once again thanks so much for your prayers and support!!

May God Bless Each of You,
Richie and Lori Womack
Forgotten Children Ministries

Year End's Review

2009-11-11T22:50:00.000-08:00

We just sent our last team of the year home and what a year it has been. It has been a year of such term oil in Honduras, but in the midst of everything God showed up and showed us once again how big He really is.

The year started out as a normal year and then on June 28th President Manuel Zelaya was removed from power and the whole country was turned upside down and fear struck. Curfews began, riots broke out, a new president came into power, and it seemed like we were headed for some very difficult days. Teams began to cancel due to the unrest and the U.S. put out warnings for all travel to Honduras to stop unless it was necessary. Prayers from around the world were being lifted up and you could see God begin to move in such a mighty way. It was amazing how in just a few short weeks things went back to pretty much business as normal. The protests were still taking place in certain areas of the country, but much more toward the push for peace than violence.

Teams began to show up shortly after the Presidents removal and God did such a work through the teams and in the people of Honduras. We saw tons and tons of beans and rice given to the poor families living on the sides of the road, a new church plant as a direct contact of the food ministry, street kids being fed downtown, and the boys of the ministry being discipled and challenged in ways they had never thought. Through all of this we witnessed hundreds of people coming to know the Lord and getting excited about what God had in store for them next. In a time that we felt was unrest was actually a time for people to find rest in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One of the last nights we spent in Monte Redondo was one of the most powerful things I've seen as I watched 495 people show up to the church in this little community. It was not so much of the number of people that were there, but it was the hunger for the things of God that really touched my heart. I looked in the church and realized we had ran out of seats, but I noticed the faces in the windows. I walked around the church to see people gathered at every window just to hear what God had to say to them. It showed me once again how people truly are seeking the things of God. To God be the glory!

We are now back in the U.S. for a short time to refuel and going to churches to share what God is doing in Honduras. We are so looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in the upcoming new year, so please pray for us as God continues to carry us through such an awesome calling and allowing us to be a part of what He is doing.

We hope that each of you have a Blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. We could never be able to express how we appreciate each and everyone of you.

God Bless,

Richie and Lori Womack

E-mail us: teguc07@yahoo.com

Political Unrest

2009-09-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

We want to try and keep eveyone updated on the political unrest here in Honduras. As of Monday morning ex-president Mel Zelaya worked his way back into the country of Honduras. He is now holed up in the Brazilian Embassy surrounded by Honduran police and military. The Intrim government here has asked for the Brazilian Embassy to hand over Zelaya. All power, phones, and electricity have been cut off in that area and the country has been under curfew as of 4pm Monday. The curfew has been extended to 6am Wednesday morning and all air travel has been suspended both in and out of the country. There have been demonstrations taking place, but have been quickly dissolved by the national police and military. All major roads leading into and out of the city have been blocked to hold down on any protests here in the capital. So far everything has been relatively calm.

We will be posting updates through Facebook and with the office in the U.S.

We have recieved many e-mails and phone calls checking to see how we are. We so appreciate everyone that have sent encouraging words and the prayers that have been lifted up. We are doing fine and have been very safe through all the unrest that has taken place. Hopefully the curfew will be lifted very soon and we can go back to business as normal, but until then we will stay in our house until things improve.

Thanks for all your prayers and support during this time. I always remember what my pastor told me "there is no safer place than where God has you" and we know that God has us here and that He is in control of everything.

God Bless,

Richie and Lori Womack

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

What's been going on?

2009-08-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

We have finished up with summer teams, started english classes once again, starting our next discipleship class in a few weeks and moved to a new shelter. It has been challenging to say the least with everything that's been going on over the last few months. Ex-President Zelaya was ousted from his position which created uncertainty in the country and curfews making it difficult to move around in the city. It has now calmed down and things are back to normal as teams are making their way back into Tegucigalpa. There are still protests here and there, but nothing to worry about as they have been non-violent and organized. We want to thank everyone who called to check on us and all the prayers that were lifted up during this difficult time. Please continue to pray for the unrest of Honduras as they move into the new elections in November.

Florida Team sharing during a food misitry visit.

Lori has once again started up the English classes at Noah's Ark School and the boys are really enjoying trying the new words they have learned. It reminds me of when we were in language school in Costa Rica. They may not use it correctly, but they are trying their little hearts out to use what they know and that's exactly how you learn. Please pray for Lori and the boys as they move forward in teaching and learning. Lori has also been working hard on the child sponsorships in order to keep things up to date.

Lori and Juan Asael singing at Noah's Ark Baptist Church

I will be starting a new discipleship class in the next few weeks and this will be our 5th study in the past year, so please be in prayer as we start to deepen our understanding of God's Word over the next 6 weeks. I have also had an opportunity of watching a new church being planted in the community of El Guascolile and what a work God is doing in this little community. I was asked to preach two weeks in a row and saw 23 people come to know the Lord. This church already has over 50 regular members each week. Pastor Roldofo has been leading this church until such a time as God sends them a new pastor, so please lift him up as he continues to help this church out as well as pastoring the church in Monte Redondo.

Chruch in El Guascolile

Pastor Roldolfo, Mario, Richie, Avi and Edwin

Last night Lori and I went to a little church in Cerro Grande Zona 3. I gave an evangelistic message to a group of around 60 people. We had one decision for Christ, but the hand that went up was a man in his late 50s. He and another man played in a group that only played Christian Ranchero music. Last night was the first night he had truly realized that grace was sufficient and that we can't work our way into heaven. Most of the time we run into people that think they can either work their way into heaven or their religion will get them there. Please pray for our new brother in Christ as he moves forward in his new life. After the service last night God had opened up another opportunity to speak at another church near Ojojona in the near future. Please pray as God continues to open up these doors to share His love and grace.

We now have a new shelter in Cerro Grande Zona 2 and what a blessing it will be to the ministry. With this new shelter we will be able to house more boys, more team members, have our school there, and start a new transition home for the older boys 18 years or older. We have moved the little guys into their new home and all they could say is "masizo" (very cool). They will have their own play area big enough to play soccer and just hang out. Thanks for all the prayers during the search for this new facility. God has provided in a big way.

Need
Lori and I have been in Honduras for over a year and half now and have gotten established in our ministries and with the people of Honduras. We are constantly being challeged by transportation needs. With each of us having to go in different directions we are finding it more difficult to get where we need to be in one vehicle. We are now having to drop one off as the other goes to do something else, which leaves one of us waiting for several hours for the other person to return. We ask that you pray with us as we pray for God's provision for another vehicle. If you feel led to help with this need you can send your donation marked "Womack Vehicle Fund" to:

Forgotten Children Ministries
P.O. Box 24085
Chattanooga, Tn 37422

God Bless,
Richie and Lori

Trip to Campamento Viejo and our first team of the summer from Birmingham.

2009-05-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Juan Carlos' Story

This past Sunday Stan, Juan Carlos, and myself began a journey to Campamento Viejo to meet and spend time with Juan's family. Juan Carlos shared with us how God was moving in his life and how he wanted to further his knowledge of the Bible and start to learn more English. he truly spoke with a passion of what God is calling him to do and how excited he was about this new chapter of his life.

We arrived in Catacamas around 5:30 Sunday evening and were able to meet up with Juan Carlos' mother and two sisters. Catacamas and Campamento Viejo are like living in the Old Wild West where you see pistols on their sides and cattle drives down through the middle of town.

Sunday night we took the family to the nearby super market and bought a good month's worth of provisions. It was amazing to watch them for the first time to be able to shop and to actually get what they needed without the worry of "do I have enough money to purchase all this". Later that night we took the family to a nice little restaurant (As de Oro) for a typical Honduran meal and a time of fellowship. It was an awesome sight to see Juan Carlos cutting up with his sisters and just enjoying the moment.

Monday morning we headed out around 8 in the morning for our journey to Campamento Viejo and as most of you know there are no street signs in Honduras to help you along the way. We made our first wrong turn about 30 minutes into our trip and had to back track for an hour until we finally got onto the right road. Even though we were lost for a bit it was worth every minute of it to see the smile on Juan Carlos' face to be spending time with his mother and two sisters. We traveled for 2 more hours on a road filled with holes, cliff edges and the occasional car trying to pass on a road made for one car. After 3 hours of traveling we arrived in Campamento Viejo which is not too far from the Miskitia Jungle.

The good part of the road to Campamento Viejo

Slow Dangerous Curves

These are the mountains we had to drive through.

We were able to meet Juan Carlos' grandparents, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. It was like a thanksgiving with all the family there. We went to a place nearby that fixed us some typical Honduran food and had a time of fellowship. After lunch Juan Carlos shared his testimony of what happened to him while on the streets of Honduras and where God has brought him to today. It was such a touching moment as we watched him share the Gospel with his entire family. Stan then began to share more in depth of how important our decision to have a relationship with Christ is and that decision determines where we will spend eternity. A few minutes later Juan Carlos' mother accepted the Lord as her personal Lord and Savior. What an awesome day in the Lord and to see this precious lady become a new creature in Christ.

Juan Carlos' mothers house

Juan Carlos with his mother, two sisters, and niece

Juan Carlos with his grandparents

Richie with Juan Carlos' two nieces

Around 2:30 we began to say our good byes and started the journey back to Catacamas to stay the night before heading back to Tegucigalpa on Tuesday morning. Before we left one of Juan Carlos' grandmothers wanted to give him a gift and she brought him a live chicken to take back with him. To most people this would be a little unusual, but this is all she had to offer and what a humbling experience to know she gave all she had. Juan Carlos kept saying what a blessing it had been to visit with his family once again and to see his mother come to know the Lord.

We arrived back in Tegucigalpa around 1:30 pm on Tuesday and we were all ready for a little rest after watching God accomplish so many things in less than 48 hours. God truly deserves all the praise and glory for what He did!

Birmingham Team

The team from Birmingham came last week and really demonstrated what the Body of Christ looks like. They each had their own unique gift and it showed as they ministered to each person God put in their path.

We started the week out with such a powerful testimony to the Lord. The Lord had led us to three new houses to do food ministry and at one of the houses they met a man named Ismael Romero that had just lost his wife and two year old daughter in a car accident just three weeks prior. He showed the team their clothes and the car that had been involved in the wreck. It was amazing that anyone walked away from this wreck. Stan shared the Gospel with him and the man accepted Christ. he later told Stan why his life had been saved from that horrible car wreck. He said " I know that God knew you were coming today and that's why he spared my life, so that I may have a relationship with Him today". What a powerful statement from a man in his most tragic time and yet he found all the hope and peace that day that only God can give. Please rejoice with us and pray for our new brother in Christ.

Ismael Romero's house.

As the team continued to hand food out from the bus they began to share the Gospel with everyone they came into contact with. This resulted in many new brothers and sisters in Christ.

There was one young man by the name of Gregory that was such a blessing to the ministry this week. He had conducted a fundraiser to buy a new basketball goal for the boys and to also help out with furnishings for the new casita we have built. This 13 year old young man was able to raise over $4,000 for the ministry. Thanks for all your hard work Gregory in furthering God's Kingdom work!

The team also held soccer tournaments with all the boys in the ministry and then provided a day at the water park on their last day with us. God truly is good!!

Until next time,

God Bless

Time to Update

2009-05-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from the U.S. and things have been a little hectic the last few months. As most of you know we have had to leave the country every 90 days in order for our passports to be valid. We have faced many trials trying to get our residency here and we are now happy to say that we meet tomorrow to finalize our paper work. Glory to God!

As of three weeks ago I had to have surgery on my knee and praise God all has gone well with the surgery and the recovery as well. Lori had to come back three weeks before me, so it was an awesome day this past Saturday to see her again.

We will start with our first team next Friday, so we are excited to get busy and see what God is going to do this summer. Please be praying for them as they get ready to minister to the people of Honduras.

Over the past several years we have had two missionary couples (The Diegelmans and The Fosters) that have been raising support to get to the field and we heard they have been given the green light to start language school this August. Please be praying for them as they start their new journey and start to face many different changes in their lives. It is not an easy thing to give up your family, friends, church, the comforts of home, community and the steadiness of income. They have stepped out on faith for God to provide all their provisions, so we give all the glory to God in what He has done and is going to do through them as they come on board with the ministry full time. We are so excited about these couples coming along beside us and sharing in ministry together. Please check out there blogs in our "missionay friends" links.

Thanks for everyones prayers and support over the last several years. We can not say or show how much we appreciate and love each one of you. Without God and your willingness to partner with us, we could not continue to do what God has called us to do. Once again thank you soooo much!!

God Bless,
Richie and Lori Womack

How fast can God's word travel?

2009-02-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

The other day while Lori and I were out making rounds we came to an intersection where several street kids hang out. They are usually selling stuff for other people or trying to wash your windshield for a Lempira ($.05 U.S.). We really didn't need our windshield washed that day, but decided to give the boy some money to help him out. As I handed him the money Lori handed a Gospel tract to him as well. We watched the boy as he walked off and began to read the tract. He stopped working and immediately went and sat down on a nearby sidewalk and continued to read the tract. Before we knew it three more boys gathered around him and began to read along with him. I was blown away at how God could take a small tract and impact four lives in the matter of 30 seconds. It reminded me of Matthew 28:19. All we need to do is "go" and God will take care of the rest. We don't need to fear anything as we sometimes allow ourselves to do. People often say that it's different and easier in another country to share the Gospel, but I have found it much harder. First of all the language is much more difficult for me than English. All we have to remember is to see things through God's eye's and it makes things so much easier than looking through our own. God created each and every one of us and we function in the same way. Our hearts are designed the same way, we breath the same air, we all need food and water to survive and we need to know Jesus to have a relationship with the Father and to experience eternal life. The only thing that changes when we go to another country is the color of skin, language and the scenery. God is not after any of those things. He is after the hearts and souls of man. It's that simple and yet we make so much more complicated than that. Please pray for the boys out on the streets and we get another opportunity to share more about the love of Jesus and the price He paid for us.

Boys reading the tract on the side of the road

God Bless,
Richie and Lori

Cold in Honduras and Need Your Help!

2009-02-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well like in the states Honduras has turned cold and windy. I know that most people think it's always warm and sunny, but in certain times of the year here it turns off cold and for the people of Honduras they aren't used to the cold. While we sit in the comforts of our homes with the central heat and air the people of Honduras don't have that option. When we got home today we had three street kids at our doorstep waiting on food and the youngest boy (Enrique) did not even have a jacket, but an old short sleeve shirt thrown over his shoulders and shivering from the cold. God always knows what we need and today he provided that need for little Enrique. Lori and I made a mad dash through the things we had here to try and provide some kind of warmth for this 8 year old boy. We opened up one of the trucks and found a childs medium wind breaker. It fit him perfectly and a huge warm smile came over his face.

Enrique, Pedro, and Christian

During our conversation we talked about the ministry and the opportunity they could have being off the streets. Then Enriques brother (Pedro) told us a horrible story of the last time he went home. These boys are sent out in the streets to beg for money and help support the family. Pedro had been out begging and didn't have a good day out on the streets. When he arrived home his step dad told him he was going to kill him because he didn't come home with enough money. Pedro is only 10 years old and this is one of the situations that put them in the streets all alone. They simply get too scared to go back home in fear for their life. This is where the ministry comes in to play as we fight to save the lives of these young boys before the enemy swallows them up while in the streets.

We are asking for people to come along beside us and help provide some wind breaker type jackets to provide to these kids during this cold climate. The sizes we are looking for are 10-12 mediums and a few 14's as well. If God leads you to help out with this you can send them to the office in Chattanooga at:

Forgotten Children Ministries
5959 Shallowford Business Park West
Ste. 4274
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Once we have received them we can send them down with the teams that are coming. Thanks so much for all that you do for these forgotten children and God Bless each one of you. Please keep these boys in your prayers.

Until next time, God Bless!

The Year Has Begun!

2009-02-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Our first three teams have come and gone and what an awesome three weeks we have had. It's always funny how we plan a week and in an instant God has a different plan. Our teams have listened and followed God's direction as He led them.

The boys receiving Christmas cards from other kids in the states.

Team #1
Our first team came from Dawson Memorial in Birmingham, Al. They spent quality time with our boys in the ministry through many activities as well as food ministry. It's always a joy to see the boys with smiles on their faces as they play like a normal child should. Before coming to the ministry these boys never knew a life with very much fun and love. They were in the streets begging for money, digging through a dumpster for their next meal, or huffing glue. Thank you guys so much for being the hands and feet of Jesus and loving on the boys.

Team #2
Our second team was a group of men from Montgomery, Al and Canada. They came down to help us with some projects at the farm and two families in our food ministry, but God gave them an opportunity to be a blessing to a lady (Elisa) that is 106 years old. This lady had lived in the same house for 30 years when she was moved out with no place to really call home anymore. She had two other sisters, one brother (Antonio), and a sister in-law (Maria) that were living with her as well. The ages of all five range from 74 years old to 106 years old. The team heard about the need this woman had and came together to build her a new house. There was also a man in the village that donated the land that her new house stands on. The team was able to finish the roof, walls, and concrete floor before they left and this week we will be installing doors, windows, and painting. God is good and faithful. To Him be the glory! The team also built two outside cooking facilities for two of our families in the food ministry as well as supplying food to several families in our area. You guys are awesome!

Elisa's New House

Team #3
Our third team also came from Birmingham, Al and what a group they were. They did food ministry, evangelism in two communities, built a new cooking facility at Noah's Ark Baptist Church, and discipleship classes. The kitchen they built will provide food to the kids of Monte Redondo. What a blessing you guys were to these communities and the people that will be receiving a meal each week out of the new kitchen.

Street Kids

Street Kids

These teams also went to the streets to share pizza with the kids, but most importantly shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is so heart breaking to see these young kids in the streets. The youngest kid being three years old and being taken care of by other street kids.

Praises

We have been here for almost one year now and from the time we arrived God started putting street kids at our doorstep. We have had so many opportunities to share the Gospel as well as the ministry with these kids. We have received the first two in the ministry last week from these divine appointments. I met Noel one day begging for money at the Dippsa and the next day he showed up to help me wash the ministry vehicle. From that day on Noel has been my little buddy. Please be praying for Noel and Jose (Noel's brother) as they are adjusting to their new life.

Noel loving life in the ministry

Prayer Requests
1. Children still in the streets
2. Missionaries raising support
3. New kids in the ministry
4. Norma's family
5. Ministry
6. Teams that will be coming
7. Elisa's house and family

Until next time, God Bless!

Norma's Fight

2009-01-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight has been a sad night here in Honduras. A lady, by the name of Norma, passed away at 32 years old after fighting an illness for the last week and a half. Norma has been working in the ministry for several years and was always full of life and enjoyed it to the fullest. We will truly miss her and her always smiling face. Please pray for the family during this difficult time as they will have the funeral tomorrow in Choleteca.

Norma at Christmas

Time to say "good-bye" once again

2008-12-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

We have been in the United States since November 7th and what a great time we've had, but at the same time we are ready to get back down to Honduras and continue the work God has called us to do.

While in the states we have been on the road ever since we hit U.S. soil either visiting with family, friends or churches. God did allow us to have some down time while we were out and about as well.

Lori taking it easy after a long day of travels

Richie sharing the ministry

Even though we have returned to the states God's work never ceases no matter where God takes us. We have been in IL, AL, TN, NC, MS, FL, and Germany. We have met so many people along the way and able to share the ministry with all we have come into contact with over the past 6 weeks. We also had some time to spend with team members that came down over the summer.

Enjoying the outdoors..... AWESOME!

We will be heading back to Honduras this weekend and it will be another time of mixed emotions as we leave family and friends once again, but say hello to our Honduran family.

We want to say "Thank You" for all the prayers and support since we've been on the field. We can't express our appreciation enough to each of you. We thank God each and every day for the people he has put in our lives and the encouragement that we get from each and every one.

Prayer Requests
1. Street Kids and The People of Honduras
2. Health and Safety
3. Residency Process
4. The Ministry
5. Truck (We have purchased the truck, but still have to pay the other half)
6. Our Son in Iraq
7. Financial Support

Until next time may God Bless you and have a Merry Christmas.

Mixed Emotions and The Mississippi Team

2008-11-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Well we are back in the states as of Friday and what an emotional roller coaster it has been. It was very difficult saying good bye to the boys and seeing the expressions on their faces as we said our last good byes, but it was good to see family and friends once again here in the states. While we are here our hearts are still in Honduras with the boys and staff of F.C.M. We are missing our little Saprissa as well.

Richie and Saprissa

We spent some time with our Honduras family and friends just before leaving. What a great time to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. God truly has put such great people in our lives in our short time there.

Our family and friends in Honduras

A night at our house with Luis, Moises, and Lester (Notice the Georgia Bulldogs Shirts....Way Cool!)

Please be praying for all our little street kids that come to our house each day to receive food. We have left food for them while we are in the states, so they will still be able to receive a meal on a daily basis.

Lori and Ingrid

Lori, Jocelin, and Nelson

Nelson, Jose, Noel, Richie, and Gabriel

Enrique and Eduardo

We will be heading out to Germany this week to see our son Tim before he leaves for Iraq on his second tour. We can't wait to see him! Please keep him in your prayers as he goes and serves our country and freedom. We are so proud of him and his service as well as all the others serving along beside him.

Tim standing in front of his tank (Iraq)

With the help of Nap Barranco we were able to finish the roof of the new bodega and almost all the walls before we left. Thanks Nap!

Bodega

While we are in the states we will be heading to Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Mississippi, and other areas of Tennessee to visit with churches and supporters. Please pray that God will keep His hand of protection on us as we travel.

We will be heading back to Honduras at the end of December or the first of January and start working with teams once again. We have 19 teams lined up so far for next year. God is good!

Mississippi Team

We had a team come in from Kosciusko, Mississippi and had a wonderful time ministering with them. Their work consisted of four nights of evanglism in Monte Rodondo, Discipleship classes with the staff of F.C.M. and the women of Monte Redondo, Classes with the boys, and food ministry as well. They brought five youth with them that were AWESOME. They served with such passion while they were there. We will truly miss you guys and look forward to seeing you in the future.

Our youth buddies (miss you guys)

Discipleship Classes with the Ladies

Classes with the Kids

Food Ministry

Ronnie, Nestor, and Nixon

Linda and Wilmer

Good job guys! We will see y'all next year.

Until next time take care and God Bless.

So Now What?

2008-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well the teams have gone for the summer with only two teams left to come during November and December. Even though we don't have teams here there is still a ton of ministry to be done on a daily basis. We have started English and Discipleship classes once again. We still have construction projects going as well as taking care of 54 boys and visiting the street kids. We are in the community of Monte Redondo hoping to meet some of the needs they may have as well.

Over the past few months we have been ministering to a family that has a little girl (Nelly Ileana) that has been very sick for months now. It seems that she has had infection after infection, but the doctors think they have finally found the problem as to why she has so many infections. Unfortunately the problem requires surgery. This little girl is such a trooper and always seems to be able to smile amongst the pain she is in. Yesterday the mother (Carol) called us at 6 a.m. and was at the hospital with her daughter, but didn't have enough money to get the exams done. We went to the hospital and F.C.M. was able to help her with the exams this little girl desperately needed and now they have more information concerning her condition. Today the mother asked Lori and I if we could be the God Parents of her little girl. What an honor it was to be asked to be a part of this little girls life. It's truly amazing how Jesus shows Himself to others in all situations. Only through Him is any of this possible. Please be praying for this little girl and her surgery.

Here are some photos of the little girl and her family:

Richie and Nelly Ileana

Nelly Ileana and her family

Please be in prayer for the ministry, staff, and missionaries both here and in the states.

Que Dios Les Bendiga! (That God Bless You All)

Birmingham, Alabama and Quitman, Mississippi Teams

2008-09-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, we just finished up our summer teams today and what a summer it's been. We have seen God do some amazing things over the last few months and so many lives touched through the teams He sent here to Honduras.

We had a team come from Birmingham, Alabama that held a medical clinic for the people in Monte Redondo as well as V.B.S, a Pastors Conference, Evangelistic Services for each person that came through the clinic, a rolling medical clinic, food ministry, street ministry, clothe ministry, and construction on the bodega (storage building). They saw over 800 people come through the clinic in 3 days with many decisions to follow Christ. It is truly amazing how God can take a hand full of people and accomplish so much in a week. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them and look forward to their return.

Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Here are a few photos of their trip:

Food Ministry

Rolling Medical Clinic

People waiting to see the Dr. Brent

Pharmacy

Lifting the rafters

The Team (You Guys Are AWESOME)

MISSISSIPPI

Our next team came from Quitman, Mississippi and let me tell you they are troopers. They had only planned on staying 7 days with us, but compliments of Hurricane Ike they stayed an extra three days. They never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel during their extended stay. Over the week they did food ministry, construction on the bodega, handed out tracts and bibles, visited an orphanage, street ministry, and activities with the boys of the ministry.

Pastor Gene sharing with a police officer in Downtown Teguc.

Spending time with the boys

Showing some love to one of the street kids

Street Kids

Loving Honduras

The Team

There two men I want to share about that came with this team. These guys never slowed down and at every opportunity you would see them sharing the Love of Christ with whoever they met. There names are Mr. Bobby and Mr. Cotton and what makes them so unique is they are 82 and 83 years old. They are such men of Faith! They are already planning to revisit Honduras next year. I would just like to thank both of them for listening to God's call on their lives and being such an inspiration to the rest of us. And as Mr. Bobby would say "Whatever". We love you guys and look forward to seeing you in the near future.

Mr. Bobby spending time with the kids at the orphanage

Mr. Cotton spending time with the kids at the orphanage

Receiving their awards (Stan, Mr. Bobby, Mr. Cotton, and Pastor Gene)

We would like to give a HUGE THANKS to all of our teams that have taken their time out of their busy schedules to be the hands and feet of Jesus this year.

We still have two more teams scheduled to come down this year, so please be in prayer for them as they are preparing for their trip.

Until next time, God Bless!

North Carolina - Hickory Grove Baptist Church Team

2008-08-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

We had a team come in from North Carolina this past week and had a great time in ministry with them. They had a team of ten people and God used them in a mighty way to get His work accomplished. They did food ministry, spent time with the boys, fed some kids that are living on the streets and helped us out with our second youth service in Monte Redondo.

Giving food to the kids on the streets.

Sharing the Gospel with the kids. Two of them raised their hand to accept the Lord as their Personal Savior. What an exciting time to see people start a new life in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The team spent the first part of every morning giving out food to the people of Honduras. This is just one of the houses along our route that rely on God to provide all their needs. It's so good to see the smiles on their faces as God continually provides their needs. The team shared the Love of Jesus with each of these families with many decisions to follow Christ.

Mike sharing the Gospel during one of the visits.

Another house in our food ministry.

The team at Gloria's house.

Lori sizing shoes for a little girl that didn't have any.

Some places aren't so easy to get to, especially by vehicle.

The poverty here is so great that when the people see the bus they come from everywhere in hopes that a bag of beans or rice will be available. God always seems to give us just enough to share with these people as well.

People waiting for food and clothing.

We had our second youth service this week and was a huge success as we had 63 kids show up for the service. The Hickory Grove team shared a drama and our Honduran Director shared the message. The kids are so excited about the new service that they asked me on Wednesday night if it was going to be at the same time this coming week.

Luis preaching to the youth of Monte Redondo.

Ministry boys helping with the youth service.

We want to thank this team for all the hard work this week and we look forward to their return in the future.

We are ending our summer teams and what a summer it's been. God has done so much through our short term mission teams that we stand in awe of His moving. We have two weeks off and then our medical team will be arriving. Please be in prayer for them as they prepare for a big week as they will be serving the people of Honduras. The last Medical team we had saw over 1,200 people and each person heard the Gospel before entering the clinic.

To God be the glory in all that He does!

Our Home Church - Morris Hill Baptist Church

2008-08-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure last week of having our home church come down and serve with us. It was a great time of seeing our church family and catching up on things back home. We Love You Guys!

They helped us with starting a youth service for our boys as well as the youth of Monte Redondo and what a blessing it was. The team had gone out into the village and handed out flyer's to all the youth and hung them up in the local pulperias along the way. I figured if we had 40 show up it would be a good start and the youth would catch a vision of what youth ministry could look like, but God had a different plan. The first day we had around 120 youth show up. I was blown away at this point and realized God really wanted to do something HUGE during the week. The next day rolled and I thought to myself "what if we have a 150 youth today?" Well to my surprise about 200 showed up for the service. God is truly awesome! The team did a time of worship, a drama, a message and Bible studies with the boys at the farm. The boys in our ministry were so excited about doing youth ministry that some of our boys did one of the dramas for the Wednesday night service. It was really cool to see them catch the vision God had set before us. They are ready to start a worship band as well.

During Wednesday night service we had around 100 people show up for the regular service. In three days 450 people came through the doors of the church with 60 decisions to follow Christ.

Drama

Having some fun with the kids of Monte Redondo

Sharing the message

The team also did food ministry to many families. In one situation the whole family came to know the Lord as their Personal Savior.

Food Ministry

Please be in prayer as we continue these youth services every Tuesday from 3-4 pm.

Here is a short video from the service.

To God be the Glory!

A New Face, Having Some Fun and an Infomercial

2008-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well we have a new boy in the ministry named Hector. Hector was found in Siguatepeque begging for money at a bus stop called Bongos. Those of you from Birmingham know this place better than anyone. This is the cousin of Junior and entered the ministry last weekend. We had a plan to bring the other three boys into the ministry, but God apparently had a different one. Gods plan is always better then our own! He had adjusted well and we are so glad God gave us the opportunity to help rescue Hector from the cruel streets he faced each day. He always smiles and has such a sweet spirit. Please pray for Hector as he continues to adjust.

A team from North Carolina just left us last week and what a time it was. Both of our new missionary couples came on this trip (The Fosters and The Diegelmans) and what a blessing they are. They are in the process os raising their support, so please be in prayer for them as they continue to move forward in their support raising. They truly are where God wants them to be. This team took a week and spent their time with the boys of the ministry and did food ministry as well. So we want to share a few pictures of the day at the Water Park.

Having some fun under the waterfall

Water Slide

A little rain didn't stop these guys from having fun

Just happy to be here

Water Slide Video

Here are a couple of our boys making up an Infomercial and what a duo they are. Hope you enjoy the show.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

Prayer Requests - Three Boys and a Truck

2008-07-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

First Prayer Request - Three Boys from Siguatepeque

Since the closing of Toncontin Airport in Tegucigalpa we have had to travel 110 miles (5 1/2 hours) to pick up our teams. We were all dreading the trip , but God had a plan in store for us during these last few weeks. Our first trip back from San Pedro Sula we met three boys at a bus stop in Siguatepeque begging for money. Their ages are 8, 10, and 12.

Isaias, Yunior (Junior), and Nery

One of the boys, Junior, told me that his parents were dead and that his brothers and sisters were also dead from eating some sort of poison when they were little, but he was living with an aunt. He began to tell me that he begged for money so that they would have enough money for his family to eat. The other two boys also beg in order to have some food on the table. We shared the ministry with them and told them that we would be coming back through the next week and would like to talk to the relative that was overseeing them. We gave them a time for the next week, but due to flight delays we were unable to find them. We have looked for three weeks for these young boys and Glory to God we found them last weekend at a different bus stop. We went to each of their houses and how our hearts broke when we arrived.

Isaias and Nery's house (it's really just a metal roof with no walls)

At one house (Juniors) we had to get out of the truck and walk because the road got so bad that we couldn't drive any further. We have a meeting set up with them this weekend to possibly bring them into the ministry. Please pray that the relatives overseeing them will find this a great opportunity for them to get off them streets and have a new start in life.

Truck Fund
Over the past several months of being here in Honduras we have run into several difficulties with transportation. We have been using a ministry vehicle from the time we arrived in February and with this being the only vehicle in the ministry you can probably imagine how difficult things can get. It's like having a family of 70 people and trying to get it all accomplished. Lori and I are in the process of starting a "Truck Fund" in order to help out with the ministries transportation needs and to meet our own everyday needs. We ask that you all pray with us as we start this fund. If God lays it on your heart to give to this fund and you would like to donate online then follow the link below:

https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=21951

Once you have gone to the site then check our names: Richard and Lori Womack
Then put "Truck Fund" in the "Donation Allocation" box.

If you would like to donate through the postal service then send to the following address:

Forgotten Children Ministries
P.O. Box 24085
Chattanooga, TN 37422

Please list our names and "Truck Fund" in the memo area of your check

Remember that all money donated is tax deductible.

Three Groups: Oh Canada, Florida, and Alabama

2008-06-27T20:50:00.002-07:00

We have just finished with our first three teams of the summer and "They were awesome."

OH CANADA!
Our first team came down from Canada and they were able to share the Love of Jesus through the giving of food and activities with the boys of the ministry. They were so obedient in what God wanted them to do and we truly miss them as they continually encouraged us and our staff. Here are a few photos of the week.

Food ministry in La Cuesta

FLORIDA
Our next team came from Florida and was able to supply food to the families of some our boys from Danli, VBS, and a Pinewood Derby. They also provided food for our regular route in the food ministry. The light of Jesus was shining in every house they went into and every life they touched. They were truly blessing to the people of Honduras and made all of us feel like we were part they're family. We truly miss our friends from Florida and it was good to see some of our old friends. Here are a few pictures from the trip:

In Danli

Food Ministry In Teguc

Pinewood Derby

Henry and Michele

VBS

Oh yeah Michele and Pat, we brought Henry into the ministry this past Tuesday. God is so Good!

ALABAMA
Our third team came from Birmingham, Alabama this past week and what a week it was. They did door-to-door evangelism in Monte Redondo, activities with the boys, food ministry in another barrio near Rio Abajo, and on top of that they helped with the construction of the bodega. It was a awesome sight to see the people they ministered to come to the Wed. night service. They had four decisions during the service and so many more through the door to door ministry. You Guys Are Awesome! They reminded us so much of our home church and enjoyed sharing in ministry together. When you guys are able to get back down here we will have lunch at Bongos...hahahaha! Here are a few pictures from the week:

Construction on the Bodega

Heading out to share the Gospel in Monte Redondo

Jorge, Luis, and Ever

We just can't say enough for each one of these teams. They each were unique in the how they served and it was truly awesome how they followed God's leading and how flexible they were when the time came. We are looking forward to serve with each of you again and we want you to know that each one of you are very special to us and this ministry. Until next time God Bless you all.

Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

One Stormy Night!

2008-05-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight was an awesome night in Monte Rodondo. My friends Pablo, Freddie, and myself headed out to Monte Rodondo to lead the church service tonight. While on our way we had severe storms and high winds. When we got to the church we realized that the power was out and the total community was covered in darkness. We opened the church and sat there discussing if we could possibly have service since we had no electricity. As we looked around the church we found a rechargeable florescent light in the corner and Gladys showed up with some candles. So we made the decision to continue with the service. The next concern was anybody going to come during the outage. To our amazement people started walking through the door. We had around 50 people show up and the service started. We did praise and worship, but when it came time to give the message the florescent light died on us. As Pablo (translator) and myself stood up to deliver the message the power came back on. As a result of a church being faithful God provided everything we needed and two people came to know the Lord as their personal Savior. God truly is faithful no matter the circumstances and we want to give Him all the Glory in what he accomplished tonight. Please be in prayer for our new brother and sister in Christ and please pray for Lori as she is sick with the flu.

The greatest team and a decision

2008-05-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well we are back in Honduras and things are back to normal. We were able to see the little guys play their first soccer game last Thursday in Colonia Kennedy. THEY ARE AWESOME! The final score was 19-1 with our guys being the victors. They had such a great time .

Here are some video and pictures of the game:

A little fancy footwork

Kevin working hard for the goal

The Team: Back row Carlos, Cesar, Amilcar, Kevin, Delmer, and Deybi

Front row Beto, Saul, Samy, Carlos, and Lubin

After the game, we all went the concession area for the boys to get their well deserved cokes and God had something else in store to make the day just a little better. While standing in line ordering the team cokes I heard a little voice coming from around the corner "gringo, fresco por favor". There stood a small boy by the name of Henry looking up at me with these big sad eyes. We bought Henry a coke, gave him some food and were able to share the Gospel with him. I have never seen a little childs eyes light up like his did as he listened to the Gospel. After sharing with him the plan of Salvation, Herny accepted Christ as his Savior. What a wonderful ending to our morning. Please pray for Henry as he is out on the streets at 7 years old. Maybe one day he will be a part of Forgottn Children Ministries.

Sharing the Gospel with Henry

Henry after his decision

This week we started breaking ground on the new storage building at the farm. The holes were dug today and the poles are going to be set this week. Our first team will be arriving this Saturday and start framing the much needed building. Please pray for the team as they are preparing to come.

Week four of the boys Bible study was completed today and will be finishing up our first study in two weeks. The boys are really enjoying the time we have been spending in the word. We will be staring another series once we are finished .

Lori is doing a great job with the English classes. I went into her class today and got bombarded with tons of questions in English. It was truly awesome to hear them asking so many questions and laughing as they asked them.

Lori, Freddie, and myself went last night to a school event for two of our older boys and it truly amazes me how God works in every place he takes us to. While we were waiting for the boys, to take them back to the farm, there was a street kid right in the midst of the crowd. We had a bag of food with us and asked him if he had eaten and as usual the reponse was no. So we gave him the food and started to share the Gospel with him. His name is Nelson. He began to share with us that he had made a decision to follow Christ some time back. So we fellowshiped with him for a few minutes and it broke our hearts as we pulled out of the parking lot knowing he was going back to the streets. Still in the midst of his circumstance Nelson had the biggest smile on his face because of the little food he received. Pray for Nelson and another opportunity to share more about the ministry with him.

Well that's all for now and we will rty to update more from Honduras as soon as possible. Take care and God Bless!

Where to begin?

2008-04-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well we are now going on three months of being in Honduras and getting ready to head back to the States for two weeks. We are currently in the process for residency here, but we aren't far enough along in the process to stay longer than 90 days.

Here is a little info. on what's taken place so far.

We have started the English classes with all the boys in the ministry and let me tell you it's pretty cool to hear them speaking English. Lori has really bonded with the boys and most of them are eager to learn the language. Here is a little video of one of the classes:

Teaching the older boys

Every Tuesday we have chapel with the boys at the school. There is a time of worship with a short message following.

Worship with the boys

Sharing the Word during chapel

We have also started Bible Studies at the farm with the older boys. It has been awesome to see them ask questions and share about The Word of God.

Bible study with the boys from the farm

We have also been involved with the staff meeting every month. What an awesome time it is to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Honduras. Sometimes it's a little difficult understanding everything, since we are still adjusting to the language. God was gracious to me and the words that came out of my mouth, as I was asked to share The Word in Spanish this past week during our meeting. God truly is GOOD!

Sharing with the staff

Luis leading the meeting

Lori has also just completed our quarterly Birthday Party with the boys who had a Birthday during the first part of this year. They were so excited and now the rest of them tell us they have a birthday tomorrow...hahahaha!

As you can tell, nobody wanted to stand that close to the guy that was blind folded.

These are just a few things that has been going on with us lately, but God has done so much more since we've been here. We are reminded of His power, love, and mercy on a daily basis. He truly is an Awesome God!

We have 16 teams coming in this summer starting May 31. Please be in prayer for these teams and their captains as they prepare to come. Also pray for the staff here as they prepare for the teams.

Til next time.....God Bless!
Richie and Lori

Meet Our New Friend!

2008-03-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Meeting new people here is always nice, but there is one special friend I want to guys to meet. His name is Noel and he begs for money at the Dippsa Station in Cerro Grande. I normally see him when I have to go grab something from the store and I usually buy him something to eat. Well today as I was working outside when I heard a little voice through my gate saying "Hola Mi Amigo" (Hello My Friend) and it was Noel. He wanted to know if he could help me wash the ministry truck. He began to share with me that he had parents, but that they did not have a job so he goes and begs for money to help them out with the everyday essentials to live. He lives in the city and walks every Monday to the Dippsa and stays there until Saturday morning when he returns home with his weeks pay. What's even more surprising is that he is only 10 years old. It just blew me away how he still smiles in the midst of his circumstance. I have never seen anyone smile as much as he did while washing that truck. When we finished washing the truck, he wanted to know if we could take a picture of it now that it was clean. This kid is AWESOME! Lori prepared him some food and then we parted ways. Please pray for Noel and for his safety.

Life in Honduras

2008-03-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well we have been here for three weeks now and things are going well. We are able to finally get around the city by ourselves and have just about finished with the painting in our house. Most of the time we have just been hanging out with the boys and building relationships with them. It's truly amazing what God has done in the lives of these boys.

A few weeks ago we went to the National museum with the boys from Noah's Arc School and there was a moment that made me realize exactly where God brought them from. We were crossing Puente Chile and as we got to the corner on the other side one of the boys sitting next to me covered his nose and mouth due to the horrible smell. The same place he used to live. The same river he took a bath in and drank his water from. The same place he used to find food at. It was overwhelming to see the provisions of God for this young boy. God is Good and to Him be the glory!

Every morning we still see the kids in the streets, dumpster, and down on the river, just trying to survive the cruel streets of Teguc. We know that God has a plan and we trust in His grace that he will provide. Please pray for these kids and their protection.

God has really opened up doors for us while we have been here. I will be speaking at the International School here in Tegucigalpa the week after Semana Santa or Holy Week. I will have the opportunity to share about the ministry and a message to the the students there. Also yesterday we met a man at church that works with the Micah Project. They also work with street kids in Honduras. We have found an attorney to start our paper work for residency and she just happens to be the sister of one of the guys that works at the shelter. She specializes in immigration. We have also become friends with the Honduran Consulate while being here and have been invited to eat lunch with her and her husband before they head back to the States. God has put all kinds of resources in front of us that could be vital to the ministry here.

Lori will be starting some English Classes soon and the boys keep asking her "when are we going to start". It's like watching a kid in a candy store when they ask. They are very excited to have the opportunity to learn another language. Pray for Lori as she prepares for the classes.

We will have a team coming in from Chattanooga, Tn (Silverdale Baptist) this coming weekend and we ask that pray for them while they minister to the people of Honduras.

Special Prayer Request

My best friend was called up to serve in Iraq and we ask that you pray for him and is family. His name is Mitch.

We've made it at last!

2008-02-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

Well after numerous prayers and 4 years of waiting we finally made it to Honduras. It has been a challenge since we arrived, but things are coming together quite nicely. The first Sunday we were here was awesome. Stan had told us about an indigenous group called the Miskito Indians that had a church in Tegucigalpa and that three of the ladies in that church were going to be Baptized at the farm in our water reservoir. It was awesome to see these young ladies begin a new journey in Christ. First they sang a few hymns in their native language and then the Baptism.

Friday morning we went to the National museum with the boys from the Noah's Ark School. It was exciting to see them taking notes and wanting to learn all they could about their country. Later that day two of the boys had gotten permission to come and hang out at our house. It was just an awesome time of building relationships and they really enjoyed the movie and pizza.

This morning I was able to preach to the people of Monte Redondo and as always God does what he does best and repairs our hearts. We had one lady come to know Christ as her Savior and many others learned how to get through the trials we face each and every day. We also got to be a part of The Lord's Supper this morning and the presentation of a new baby (baby dedication). We are now preparing for the Bible Classes and Lori has been working on getting information on some new boys that have entered the ministry. Please be praying for us during this time of preparation and building relationships with the boys and communities.

Sacrifice or Privilege?

2008-02-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

We will be leaving in the next few days and the word that has been brought up on many occasions is "sacrifice". I began thinking about this word and what it truly means. Is leaving a country you grew up in, starting a new life where people speak a different language, and giving up the comforts of what we know life to be really a sacrifice? Well for me the answer was "no". It is more of a privilege than a sacrifice when God calls someone to serve Him. You see the way I see it, God never asked me to give up my son for the world and yet He did. That to me was the greatest sacrifice ever and to ever be. I could never repay what God did for me and the rest of the world, but I can be obedient in changing a few simple ways of life for Him especially when He has changed my life for eternity.

Want to know more about this life changing experience click on the following link : http://www.thekristo.com/

Here is a little video of the boys singing "Open the eyes of my heart Lord"