Hilton church sends twelfth team to Honduras

Pictured front row from left: Pamela Merrill, Patricia Carpenter, Shannon Andrews; second row from left: Rev. Dr. Myke Merrill, Melanie Andrews; not pictured: Mark Sitterly. Provided photo.

Hilton church sends twelfth team to Honduras

Parma Christian Fellowship is preparing its twelfth team for ministry in Morazan, Honduras. Team XII includes Hilton residents Mark Sitterly, Melanie Andrews, Shannon Andrews, Patty Carpenter, Pam Merrill and Pastor Myke Merrill.

Over 40 different people have served on teams during the past six years the church has been helping in the city of Morazan, Yoro, Honduras, a small city in the central mountain region. The church sponsors a school named La Escuela de La Verdad y La Vida (The School of Truth and Life) where 147 children are enrolled in eight classes from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school is the largest private school in Morazan. Seventy-eight children receive tuition assistance from the church. The eight teachers, all Hondurans, receive scholarships to complete their university education as well. The school year runs from February to November.

For two years, Verdad y Vida has utilized gratis, a government-owned building in Barrio Centro (central neighborhood), which a previous team completely renovated for the town. The city would like to use the building for its own programs and offices next year. So Parma Christian Fellowship has recently purchased a building lot in a residential neighborhood just off the main street, and is beginning a twelve-room construction project this month. The financing for the project as well as the salaries for the contractor and laborers are all investments in the local economy of Morazan. The goal of the school and the entire process is to make such investments in Honduran society through education, friendships, modeling and development that will enhance the quality of life in this Central American country. Already, one of the recent graduates of Verdad y Vida, Miguel, is teaching English to adults in Morazan to raise tuition money for his high school education. Almost all graduates of the sixth grade have continued in high school.

Next year, the name of the school will change to Centro Educativo Verdad y Vida (Truth and Life Education Center), which will allow the school eventually to offer classes through twelfth grade. Honduras law requires only education through ninth grade, and many children do not attend beyond third grade. Graduates of twelfth grade can be teachers, and university education is available in the larger cities of Honduras for other professional training.

Donations are welcomed to assist with Team XII costs, and for the construction project. Donations of money, as well as unused cosmetics, women's shoes (small sizes), school supplies (especially pencils and dry-erase makers), or children's books (in English or Spanish) can be dropped off at Pastor Myke Merrill's house at 202 Lake Road or pick up can be arranged by calling (585) 392-8240.

Mark Sitterly, a Hilton resident and church member, is residing in Morazan for 10 weeks this summer, coordinating the plans and process for the building phase. Team XII will conduct a Bible school and teach in the classes, as well as help in preparing the land for construction. The team's trip will be July 23 to August 3.

Parma Christian Fellowship is an independent local church, with contemporary services, meeting Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. plus many small groups and other ministries happening throughout the week. The church is located at 202 Lake Avenue, Hilton.