Much of our continued involvement in missions is "behind the scenes" and doesn't make for an exciting story. We tell the story because we believe those who receive our mission newsletters are interested. Since the fall 2007 activities were not included in the January 2008 report I posted on the website, I will do some catching up in this report.

Fall 2007
We were at the World Mission Workshop at Oklahoma Christian University in October. We helped tell the story of what is happening in Honduras, and especially focused on the work of the Association Amicus at Baxter Institute and the JMA Clinic. During October, Noe Perez from Baxter Institute visited with us (a privilege and blessing for us), and we provided him transportation for several mission presentations, as he continued to tell the story of the work we are doing at Baxter and the JMA Clinic.

Also in October, I spoke at a "Missions Emphasis Sunday" at Northside in Mena, Arkansas; I also spoke on behalf of Baxter Institute at a Missions Dinner at the Park Plaza church in Tulsa. After getting snowed in and unable to leave Oklahoma during the December 2006 board meeting, I was relieved to be able to travel to Honduras for the annual board meeting and graduation in December 2007. The tables reversed-I had to stay in Honduras an extra day due to the severe ice storm in Oklahoma. The extra day was a blessing from God as I was able to connect with a team of Baxter students targeting the Dominican Republic and to spend additional time with Loy Burch from Blacksburg, Virginia. I have told that story in more detail on my blog (December 27, 2007) which is available at www.bobyoungresources.com/blog. The December trip also reconnected with friends Dwight and Joanne Tomkins. They were on their way to language school and are now in Catacamas, Olancho, Honduras. That friendship will be a blessing as we continue our work in that region and with EBH (Escuela Biblia Honduras).

In October, we were able to assist with the ongoing process of installing church leaders (elders and deacons) at the El Varal congregation in Columbia. This involved lots of correspondence along with providing some financial support, which we were able to do as a result of the continuing generosity of those who support our work "behind the scenes". Most of the financial support for this project came from the Northside church in Mena, Arkansas, assisted also with some donations from members at the Waldron, Wickes, Hatfield, and Cove congregations.

Spring 2008
In January of this year, we were able to spend a little time with Shawn and Barbara Gary during their time in the states. They are part of a team in Leon, Mexico, supported in part by the Main and Oklahoma church in McAlester. They were formerly our coworkers in stateside ministry. We plan to see them in Leon later this year (October, 2008) and to view and assist with the work firsthand.

In March, I spoke at a special series focused on the book of Revelation in Stuart, Oklahoma. They were very generous in providing additional support for the mission work we are doing. At least one of the members there, Anne Coleman, will be part of a summer campaign in Honduras. We were also at the Tulsa workshop in March and enjoyed reconnecting with lots of friends. In early April, I spoke at the Ohio Valley University lectureship. It was the 50th lectureship with previous Bible chairs returning. In addition to the keynote address, I taught a class focused on "Contemporary Challenges and Directions in Ministry." In addition to the joy of seeing the continuing progress of OVU, a special delight was spending time with Bob and Ridglae Stephens, our former coworkers there. We are looking forward to sharing more time with Bob and Ridglae in Quito, Ecuador later this year (a story for a future report). In late April, I preached a gospel meeting at the Mena, Arkansas church. Space does not permit mention of every activity and several consultations and meetings with churches and elderships concerning ministry and missions dynamics, but I do want to mention a weekend men's retreat with the Bentonville, Arkansas church and special conversations with John Dyas, whom I first met when he was in Toluca, Mexico.

Summer 2008
In a few days, we will begin a month-long mission trip in Central America. Because of the problems at the airport at Tegucigalpa, we have had to reroute this trip. It will involve time in San Pedro Sula with a mission team already on the ground there, then to Guatemala (via Copan and a visit to the Mayan ruins there). In Guatemala we will do research and writing, language training and practice, and also work with a campaign in Santa Catarina. We anticipate connecting with the Guatemalan churches and brothers and sisters in Christ. From Guatemala we will return to Honduras by bus to visit Baxter Institute and the Clinic, and finally meet the mission team from southeast Oklahoma for a week in Catacamas. I look forward to seeing the Tomkins there. I will preach the campaign, be involved in evangelistic and other work as God provides opportunities, and assist with the evaluation at Predisan. We look forward to renewing relationships and building new ones during this time, and for the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of God's kingdom work.

Our purpose in this ministry is to help the people of God take the good news of Jesus to our communities and our world. We have some working fund needs as we travel and provide support for missions and are always appreciative of those individuals and congregations who help us. Almost always, I have a list of projects needing funding. Our philosophy is to do those things that the local congregations can support and continue after we are gone, without U.S. financing. It is a joy to help with temporary needs and in establishing new churches. We are effectively training preachers for Latin America and sending them forth "into all the world." If you would like to know how your congregation could be a part of an exciting mission work, please contact me for details. There is no limit to what God is willing to do through us, "immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine."

We invite you to join us in God's purpose of sharing "Eternal Hope". We would be pleased to visit your congregation and make a presentation about what God is doing. Every person or congregation who participates receives regular reports and updates concerning the work being done. Checks may be made payable to Main and Oklahoma Church of Christ and marked for "Bob and Jan Young Missions". Checks may be sent either to PO Box 1004, McAlester, OK 74502 or to 205 Ainsley Ct, Edmond, OK 73034. 

Our next report will be available in late summer or early fall, with lots of news about these comings and goings. I also plan to blog regularly during the trip if you want to keep up with us in that way www.bobyoungresources.com/blog. For now, we are thankful for your continuing interest and support in what God is doing through us in the kingdom.

Que Dios le bendiga (may God bless you),
Bob and Jan