Dear Friends,
Did you know that I have a nickname amongst some of our Honduran bus route workers? Yep. I do. I am “The Dog Whisperer.” Here’s a fun fact for you about Honduras. There are very few fences. In fact, most dogs just wander the streets. I’ve also discovered that most Hondurans have a fear of any dog that isn’t their own. You don’t normally see Hondurans walking up to a random dog and sticking their hand out for the dog to smell. Now, when we are out on evangelism, that can cause a problem. If we see a dog, whoever I’m with usually wants to turn around and walk in the other direction. I, however, don’t have a problem with dogs. In fact, I cannot tell you the number of times that I have been on evangelism and had an entourage of dogs following behind me. Sometimes I’m in the middle of sharing the Gospel when a random dog comes up and starts licking my hand, such as the one in the picture. One time, I had three dogs follow me around from house to house for thirty minutes before they went back to where they came from. It normally causes quite a stir. It’s also a great conversation starter for those I meet along the way.
After school ended at the beginning of June, I returned to the USA for a few weeks. Since much of my ministry revolves around the school ministry, I use the six to eight weeks of summer to travel, updating the churches that already support me. This time during the summer also gives me an oppurtunity to try to continue raising support. Since I never had an official deputation period, this is a very important time for me. It also has the added benefit of allowing me to see my family. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. I enjoy being able to tell people about my ministry. But most of all, I enjoy seeing how God is working in churches all over the Southeast.
During one trip, I traveled to Chattahoochee, Florida. They invited me to be a part of their VBS, one of their biggest outreach programs. By the end of the week, four teens had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Praise the Lord! At a church in South Carolina, I had the privilege of hearing Ms. Margaret Stringer’s testimony. She was a missionary to the Citak tribe in Irian Jaya, Indonesia for over 40 years. She reduced their unwritten language to writing and translated the New Testament into two languages. After her testimony, the Pastor preached from Acts 26:17-18, “To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive the forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” What a great reminder of our purpose as Christians! There were many hearts touched during the message.
I am headed back to Honduras the first week of August. Please pray for safe travel, as well as our new school year. As all teachers can testify, a new school year brings new challenges. Pray that we will see many students saved through the outreach of the bilingual school. Pray that those who are saved will grow in their walk with Christ. Please also pray for our bus ministries. Pray that the Lord will open doors and hearts so that we can see people saved and the church grow.
Thank you for your kindness and your generosity. I am truly grateful for all who support me through giving and through prayers.
Sincerely,
Ericka Wright