July 5, 2011
Greetings in the Name of our Lord!
It is hard to believe that another month has gone by! I ended the month of June with a short trip to Danlí, Honduras (June 24-28). The purpose of this trip was to meet as many of the new students as possible, as well as, to do some research into the possibility of installing a video conferencing system that would allow us more flexibility in teaching. There is already such a system in place in our institute in Guatemala. With such a system a last minute change of teachers for the short courses would allow someone to travel to Denver rather than Honduras, which is expensive at the last minute. It would also allow for simultaneous teaching of seminars in the two institutes.
My trip was a bit more adventurous than I like this time. Due to mechanical problems with two different planes, it took me a day and a half to get to Danlí, when it usually takes half a day, and seventeen and a half hours to get home when it usually takes about twelve. Still, with the help of many prayers on my behalf, God brought me home safe and sound.
The rainy season has begun in Honduras and already there has been some flooding, but so far no damage to the church building or to any homes of our brethren that I am aware of. Please continue to keep our brethren in this area in your prayers.
I was able to meet six of the seven new students and I am very excited about this new class (Beta Class). Five of the seven men are married and that was an area where we wanted to expand. Classes are set to begin August 1.
As for the video conferencing system, the basic need was high speed internet access. Brother Nery Irías and I were able to learn that it is indeed available, but expensive. We will be working more on that project.
I plan to return to Danlí at the end of this month for the beginning of classes on August 1. I’m very excited that Noma will get to go with me on that trip. We return home on August 2 and then I plan to travel to Guatemala August 6 to teach the short course on Job the following week.
I want to thank you all again for your interest in this work. If you have any questions you may contact me at:
2013 Rushing Meadows
Edmond, OK 73013
Cell Phone: (580) 326-1914
Email: dnbates1@gmail.com*
*Please note the change of email address!
Thank you again and God bless you all!!
Donnie Bates