Georgia Sharpe

From:
Sent:

Bill Hoff [l:^ndmargyhoff@gmaj[.com]

=Tuesclay, F^mary 05, 2008 10:44 AM

To:

Undisclosed-Recipient:;

Subject:

Back home, back to work

Dear Friends,

It is so good to be back in Honduras. I am going to make a point of

remembering how miserable -6 degrees Fahrenheit is when I am inclined to
complain about the heat and humidity here. Another thing is almost certain:
henceforth, I am going to try to program visits in the north in any season but
winter. I should not complain about the weather; the Lord protected us
through it all. It seemed like everywhere we went the dangerous driving
weather was just behind or just in front of us. That is important because I
have 35 years of subtropical and tropical driving and never learned to drive
in snow.

We have been back six days and are just beginning to get into the swing of
things. Today Mark and I met with a preacher who lives about two hours
away to arrange for a children's Bible School that a group of believers from
California will be presenting. Tomorrow we meet with potential teachers for
the Bible institute.

Some of you will ask what did we accomplish on our trip. The answers are
many. First and foremost, we got some assurance about the treatment of
Margy's health concerns. We also got some much needed dental work
done. Secondly, we were able to visit a number of our churches and report
about the ministry. This is important because it helps them to pray for us.
Thirdly, we were able to visit our families, both of our mothers have failing
health and we want to honor and comfort them as much as is possible.
Besides that, we were able to spend time with our grandson and our
daughter and son-in-law, and our siblings.

I am very pleased to report that Ken and Polly MacHarg, the couple who
served as interim ministers in the International Christian Fellowship, were
wonderful. The church people loved them. Ifthey had been available for full
time ministry, I would now be out of a job. I put them on a plane this
morning, but before they left I spent several hours asking how I could better
serve the congregation and they had some great ideas. I hope to implement
the changes in the near future.

This weekend we are hosting a minister's retreat at the Bible institute. The

everit will be a working retreat, in that they are going to prepare the
constitution for a Religious Non-profit Organization. This will provide
government recognition and protect the churches and thus, make the
construction of a camp a reality. Naturally, I hope that the organization will
one day also take charge of the Bible Institute.

God bless you and thank you for praying for our safety while we were
traveling.

Bill and Margy

Georgia Sharpe
>ent:

C. BilMoffjBillandmargyhoff@gmail.com]

To:

vveanesday, March 26, 2008 7:10 PM

WALKER, ROBERT L; Waldt, Ronnie and Mary Alice; Waddell, Bill; Vosdingh, Larry&Carol;
Vivas, Leo &Jennifer; Vijil, Christine; Trout, Bill; Thomas, Tim; Templar, Chris; Taylor, Bart
& Carrie; Tate, Todd; Tanner, Rod; Sutton, Anona; Summers, Mike and Suellen; Sturm, Don;
Stone, Sam; Spratt, Madonna; Sperow, David & Marty; Soriano, Noe; Smithe. Shirley; Smith,
Betty; Smiley, Larry; Skonberg, Noms and Susan; Simpson, Ron &Jean; Shurr, Bob;
Shrader, Laretta; Shold, Steve & Millie; Shold, Kerri; Sharp, Georgia; Shank, D.; Semonsen,

Debbie &Keny; Seevers, Matt; Seehom, Steve; Scott, Brad; Schrage, Mike; Schneller, Toni;

Subject:

Schneller, Tom; Schmieg, Barbara; Runyon, Ron&Tvy^ila; Rozell, Anna; Rowe, Jeanette;
Rowan, Richard; Roudebush, Carl; Romero, Casey and Arells; Rollison, Joanne; Rodriguez,
Jose & Karii; Rivera, Charlotte; Ritzer, Michael; Riley, Jim; Rice. Susan
An email newsletter

Dear Friends and family,

Last Sunday waswonderful as we remembered the Lord's Resurrection. I am impressed by the apostle Paul's
reminder in Romans 14:5 "One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike...."
There is an element lost when we only remember the resurrection on "Easter" or remember the incarnation on
Christmas. Those of us who participate in the Lord's Supper frequently can saythat we remember the
.^^M'esurrection weekly, but the truth is that we need to remember the incarnation, the suffering, the crucifixion, and
the resurrectionevery day that we live. By remembering we can walk in the paths of Jesus. Perhaps our

"holydays" (misspelling intentional) are detrimental to our walk, because they reduce the memories to a few
special days. Let us walk always in remembrance of Him.

Things are changing fast in Honduras. We used to say that the city would be deserted during "Holy Week" (the
week before"Eastef), but this year there were many who didn't observe the annual pilgrimage to the beaches.
Almost 30% answered an inquest abouttheir vacation by sayingthat they feared security problems: either that
their homeswould be robbed while they were away, or the risks of life and limb on the highways. A few said
that they had economic problems and couldn't go, and about 5% said they were going to church. An
internationally renown cartoonist said that each year "Holy Week" gets longer and less holy.

Our English speaking church held its traditional Friday picnic at the Field's house near Lake Yojoa. Attendance
was smaller than in previous years becausethe Mennonite families from a local community, that usually join us,
were grieving the drowning death of a young man. We had a great meal with a lot of food. AleckGilen, our
Russian church member, barbecued chicken. The children and young adults rode down a 100 foot "slip and

slide" (a wet peaceof plasticwith a bit of detergent on a long steep slope.) One boy managed to ride it standing
up to the end several times. Amazingly, everyone made it to church Sunday without broken bones.

. ' Thursday through Saturday, several national churches held a youthcamp at the Bibleinstitute. About 100
campers were present. Because ofthe lack ofbuildingsfor so many, some brought tents. They really enjoyed
the freshly mowed grass and lack of fire ants. The event was well organized.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. They are needed.

Bill and Margy

SALUDOS!

UNITED STATES

Doral, FL 33122-1615

Phone (Honduras): 011-504-566-2440

e-mail: billhoff@amnethn.coin
website: bajiochristian.org

MEXICO

from

SOUTH AMERIC^\

Bill and Margy Hoff

2227 N.W. 79th Ave. Box P2025

BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSION

Bajio Christian Mission

Attn: Lyn Mclntyre

34428 Yucaipa Blvd. E-192

Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 909-797-4628

Published Quarterly

Spring 2008

Vol. 39, Number 1

The Church Learns to Cooperate

We were blessed to host the quartedy pastors' meeting in
February. Twelve pastors and three missionaries were present.
(Four of the twelve pastors are alumni of the Bible Institute.)
The men were very encouraging and provided us with ideas
for training leaders.
These men have been facing the reality that there is only one
facility available for rent in Honduras that will accommodate
the National Fellowship Convention and youth camps such as
CIY. Unfortunately, it is owned by a denomination that gives
priority to its churches.Their churches have begun to utilize
all the available dates. As a result, this last year the calendar

^
.,
'
r 1was tuU, with no room for our convenaon. Because of this, m

f'.

Ministers meeting tor lellowship and cooperation

o
r
r

a previous meeting the ministers voted to began searching for a plot of land on which to develop a retreat center.

In January, the men purchased a site and placed it in the names of five of their
number. The land sits at about two thousand feet elevation, near Lake Yojoa.
It is located within a few hundred feet of a small dam that creates a beautifol

Camp property

little lake. It borders on a very small creek. The lake is visible on Google Earth
at the following location 14 52' 32.86" N and 87 55' 24.07W (isn't technol
ogy wonderful). So at February's meeting, we drafted bylaws for a non-profit
religious association which will become the owner and manager of the prop
erty. We have not yet obtained the funds to pay the lawyer fees to get the reg
istration underway, but at least we have agreement among the parties involved.
In February a handful of youth and preachers from the various congregations
went out and cleared some underbrush (leaving the trees) so that we can begin
to plan construction. Buildinga retreat center will be a long slow process but a
journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. At least we have an agree
ment and a common goal. In the future we may be solicitingwork teams to
help build, but first we need the religious association status. Bill

Church Visits
Much of the work of the Institute depends upon the sup
port of the churches of Honduras. Over the fall semester,
we took an opportunity to visit several churches in an effort
to promote the Bible Institute and strengthen relationships.
Our professor, Antonio, worked with the students to develop
a presentation. They sought to encourage church members to
respond to God's call on their lives. Mark, Bill,Jason (Mark's
friend), Antonio, and the smdents visited six churches in an

endeavor to motivate believers to newer levels of service and

ministry.

Joy

Students and personnel visiting churches

ReUef Work
In September, we braced ourselves as the forecasts indicated that Honduras
would be taking a great hit from Hurricane Felix. However, Felix took an unex
pected turn toward Nicaragua,causinggreat damage and loss for our neighbors
to the south. Nicaragua required much aid and support at that time. 100 people
were killed and homes and roads were destroyed.
In the mean time, Honduras had receiveda great deal of rain and some of the
poorer communities located in the lowlands were also suffering. In pannership
with the International Christian Fellowship and Samaritans Purse, Mark, Bill,
and Jason visited one such community and delivered mosquito nets and tarps
just weeks after the hurricane passed. We were again able to respond a month
later with bags of food for each family. It was a great opportunit)' to he the
hands of Jesus and show his love to a suffering village. Joy

Packaging relief supplies

Distribution of supplies

What's New in 2008

When the new year arrives, many of us are saying, "Out \vith the old, in with the new."This has definitelybeen the case this year for the
Bible Institute. At the end of last year, we were disheartened by the fact that our professor,Antonio, and his wife, Sarahi, would not be
returning after the Christmas holidays. The Sorianos struggled in their adjustments to a new culture, rural living, and distance from family.
We were very blessed during the seven months that they served wiih us. They were a great gift to the ministry, the students, and the local
churches in Honduras.

As the school yearcame to a close, we were also saddened by the number of students. We began the yearwith five students. Three of those
students completed their first year; one student returned in Februaryto completehis studies. With no promise of anynew students in Feb
ruary,we were forced to change our strategy for training pastors and leaders in Honduras.
We believe God has a plan and is directing us in this new year. As with anything new, our human nature approaches things with a bit of
fear and discomfort. However, we trust the Lord and are seeking Him with each decision.
Billis teaching our remrning student two days a week. With the help of two local pastors, Mardoqueo is on track to complete his second
year of classes and graduate in the fall. In addition to taking classes, Mardoqueo is teaching Bible at a Christian school and beginning a new
church plant.

Our question has been, "What will the 'in with the new' look like?" After spendingmuch time in prayerand speaking with several Honduran pastors, we decided to hold monthly seminars and training workshops for pastors, institute alumni, and lay leaders in the church. We

will beginthese seminars at the end of March. It is our hope that we will continue to be able to strengthen the leaders of existing churches,
raise up leaders for new churches, and motivate interest in more full time training at the Bible Institute in coming years. Joy

From Nevada to Florida

This past winter Bill and I spent three months in the States.. The trip was multipurpose;
we had some medical issues to take care of, we needed to report to churches, and we vis
ited family and friends. We spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Bekaand family
in Knoxville. The trip was very fulfilling, but tiring.

We flew into Indianapolis whereJoy's parents picked us up. After spendinga few days
with them and visiting some friends nearby, we spoke at a supporting church in Indiana
before driving to Knox\'ille. We took Bekaand Zach with us to Cincinnati for the National
Missionary Convention. It was wonder
ful seeing many friends. After spending
Thanksgiving in Knoxville, we began our
trip to the western part of the States.

Alfredo, Rebecca, and Zach

We made several stops before arriving in

Arizona. Christmas in November at Tom

and Dianne's (my sister) house is always

a lot of fun. We spoke at the Prescott
and Yuma Christian churches while in
rw'

Zach with his grandparents

Arizona. We spent three days at the

Mayo Clinic for tests and consultations.
The report was encouraging and the
adjustments of medications have made

me feel better.

After visiting family members in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, we traveled back to
Margy's sister, Dianne, and Tom
Knoxville for Christmas. New Year's Eve was spent in a cabin in Daniel Boone country
east of Lexington. Wewere joined by family and friends. A week later we traveled to Florida to a supporting church. That was our first
experience in traveling the full length of Georgia and into Florida (Tampa).
From Knoxville we traveled to Lexington for dental work. Saturdayafternoon, January 12th we said goodbye to Alfredo, Beka, and Zach
and drove to Ohio. Sundayafternoon we drove to Indiana where we spent a day and a half with Mark and Joy before they returned to
Honduras. The Hazelwood Christian Church has a mission guest house which they allowed us to use for our final two weeks in the States.
During this time we spoke and visited.
The weather was verv cooperative for us during our time in the States. Our only complaints were when BUI drove through rain and thick
fog in Tennessee and the cold weather we encountered in Illinois. When the people in the area south of Chicago complained about the
cold, 1 thought "it is really cold."
A special thank you for everyone that hosted us during our travels in the States.Also a special thanks for your prayers during our travels. It
was so good to return home to the work here and enjoy warmer weather. Margy

In the cabin

Praises:
We praise God for the refreshing time wewere able to spendat the National Missionary Convention.
Wepraise God for beingable to visit family and friends over the holidays.
We praise God that Margy feels better with her new medications.

Prayers:
Please pray for Mardoqueo as he continues his classes, teaches Bible,and begins a new church.
Please pray for Mark and Bill as they meet with various church leaders to discuss the best time frame and curriculum for the seminars.

Please pray for the Bible Institute facility. Pray that we will be able to find a good guard and caretaker for the property during this time.
Please pray for Antonio and Sarahias they seek to minister in Mexico.
Please pray that the 27 alumni willremain faithful to their calling and in close fellowship with the Lord.
Please pray that God will raise up willing servants to attend the Bible Institute in the next term.

Please pray for the continued construction of the Educational-Administrative buildings.

Please pray for the Churches in Honduras as they seek nonprofit status and develop the camp property.

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Georgia Sharpe
From:
Sent:
To:

Subject:

Bill Hoff [blllanclmargyhoff@gmail.com]

Saturday, May 03,2008 5:56 PM
Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Bill is back and greatful for your prayers

Dear Ones,

Thanks for your prayers during my trip to Las Vegas. I really needed them.

My mother has deteriorated considerably since our visit last December. She naturally perks up during
visits but it took a couple of days for her to get my name. With the loss of memory has come a
profound change of personality. She has become defiant, embittered, and devious. She refuses to
take a bath. We had to sneak ten-year-old cans of food that are bulging and ready to explode out to
the trash because she insists they are still good. We had to buy new undergarments and substitute
them for the old ragged ones which we buried deep in the trash.

Our daughter Rebecca was good enough to fly out from Knoxville. Her help around the house, and
her experience with Hospice, was invaluable. She particularly wanted to review the Dementia Alzheimer care units we are considering for mom. After all, she spends several hours a week caring
for people in similar institutions and has a criteria that is more objective than ours. We were pleased
to have her there, and also Zack, our four-year-old grandson, who enlivened the house considerably.

Before we can get mom admitted to a care facility, we have to have her declared under our
guardianship. So while there Mu brothers and I began the process; we should have guardianship
before the end of the month. My brother who lives in Vegas is suffering a lot of guilt, but recognizes
that if Mom were in her right mind, she would approve of the action. My brothers latest note says that
Mom doesn't remember his wife's or daughter's name,nor the Dog's. So after her high during our visit
she is slipping again.

I spent long hours working on the house so that it can be sold. I know that it is a lousy time to sell real
estate. But so be it.

My family always seems to provide special entertainment when we are in the USA. Two trips ago it
was a houseboat fire. This time I am going to let my brother describe the special activities.

"Weird times... Sunday we (us including William andMom) went to the 09:15 service. After church Elizabeth,
mom's care giverfor the day, went back to the house and we went toMemphis Barbecue. On the way home a
cop car came screamingpastus. Then afire truck andlater an ambulance. We gettothe neighborhood andit is
blocked by the police. No infojust "go away". We callElizabeth andeverything seems OK. So we go the the
mall and rent a wheelchair to kill some time. Then Becky's andAdelia's cellphones stop working, but mycheap

Trac phone continues towork (turns outthere is noaddress associated with the Trac, but there is with their
phones). We call various people we hww in the area and it seems somebody wasarmed and threatening to
commit suicide. Elizabeth tries togo outdoors andis turned back by SWA T. Some neighbors are escorted outby
the police butnotElizabeth and the two houses Exist ofMom's. Then the ladyjust West ofMom, who is of
questionable sanity, reacts toall the bull horns andjumps the wall into Mom's backyardandhides in the
bushes. (Elizabeth who doesn't know abouther imbalance) headsout thefront door and SWATheadsin and
tells her togo into a back bedroom. They knock down the screen door andRay Ann, the neighbor, iscarried out
in handcuffs. We go backto the neighborhood onlyto be turnedawayagain. About 18:00 we convince

Elizabeth toget in her car and ifshecanand leave. She got away. We continue to killtime andgo toRedRock.
Then we go toBassPro shops. Andeventually we go back to the neighborhood. It's about19:45 when we tire of
talking to the amateur radio guywho is thefirst line defense and hasflares all over thestreetand is keeping
people out. Further in are thepolice blocking the street but theguy keeps their hassle to a minimum. Two cars
race outofthenext streetover and, before he lets them pass, the Hamradioguyfinds out that they are snipers
in unmarked vehicles. Things are close to wrappingup so we go to Big Dogs and eat.
Bottom line: Guy is ex-Marine with threeyoung kids. He'sfired off 7rounds in his house. News coverage is
minimal. Hope he isn't a vetwith post traumatic whatever it is. Sunday is wasted, so William in all his efforts to
fix everyproblem in the house can'tfinish all ofthem.

Well, I could done without ten hours of trying to entertain Mom and ourselves. But blessedly, the man
surrendered without blood shed. And we pray he will receive the help he needs.

Thanks for the prayers

Bill

Georgia Sharpe
From:
Sent:

Bill Hoff [billandmargyhoff@gmall.com]

Monday, June 23,2008 8:57 PM

To:

Undisclosed-Recipient:;

Subject:

The latest from the Hoffs

Thank you all for your prayers and please continue to pray.

Mark decided, after visiting an orthopedic surgeon, not to have surgery on his broken collar bone. The doctor thinks there is
enough contact between the bones to heal fine. He issupposed to have two weeks ofpain, then two weeks todevelop new
bone tissue, andthen two to four weeks for the bones to fuse. He will need therapy after that butitis predicted thatinsix to
eight months Mark will be back to normal. Wearethankful that no surgery is needed but he still needs a lot ofprayer.

We (Bill and Margy) had our cataract surgery on Saturday. The lady preparing us prayed with us before thesurgery. Sunday
moming we went for a checkup. The doctor thought Margy was doing fine but Bill had aninflamed cornea. The last two days
he couldnt see well in the moming but a little later his eyeswere much improved. Thesurgeon also prayed for us after the
checkup. Wefeel very pleased with the results. Margy no longer hasthe blun-ed vision. Ofcourse, we have to restoureyes
often.

Once again we thank ourfamilies and friends for beingconcerned and praying.

God bless, Bill and Margy

SALUDOS!

UNniDSrATB

MEXIQ)/

Bill and Margy Hoff

2227 N.W. 79th Ave. Box P2025

Doral, FL 33122-1615

Phone (Honduras); 011-504-566-2440

^ '

e-mail: billandmargyhoff@gmail.com
website: bajiochristian.org

from

Bajio Christian Mission

SOITTH AMERICA

BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSION

Attn: Lyn McInt)Te

34428 Yucaipa Blvd. E-192
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 909-797-4628

Missionaries Since 1972

September 2008

Vol. 39, Number 2

Leadership Seminars .. .
We have been able to host two leadership seminars over the last few months. The first of these was held on Saturday, April 5th.
Twelve church leaders took part in sessions on "Leadership in the Local Church" and "Instructions for Leadership and Eldership
found in the book of Titus". The second of these seminars took place on Saturday, May 24th. Twent)--five shared in this training
session. Bill continued his series on "Leadership in the Local Church" and we showed a video about being a Man of God. We were
pleased to see several participants return for the second seminar. In addition to the extreme heat, Satan attacked both seminars with
the loss of electric power. Bill and Mark are now making efforts to cool the chapel by adding insulation to the roof.

Bill teaching seminar

Seminar

Camps, Camps, and More Camps . . .

The national churches have purchased propert}^ to build a new camp to ac
commodate their activities throughout the year. At this point, it is only land
and will take much time and resources to develop. In the mean time, we have
made the Institute facility available for such events. We are equipped to house
10 single smdents and 8 married families. These accommodations have been
stretched, but the churches have been able to continue the camp programs.
In March the churches combined for an annual youth camp held during Holy

Week. Their camp theme was "Difficult Times" focusing onreligious confu-

camp

sion, economic problems, immorality, and violence. About 100 youth participated in this three-day camp.
In June we hosted the annual family camp. One hundred and ten people took part in this three-day weekend. The camp theme, "More
Than Conquerors," was expressed through sermons, small groups, and dramas. The large number of campers was possible because
many brought mattresses and tents.

Family camp

Class Family Camp

John the Baptist's Head

Property Lines . . .
In July the owner of the institute's neighboring propert)'^ approached us.The squatters on her propert}' claimed that the Institute actu
ally falls in her property boundaries. She believed this was true and sought to convince us to hand it over to her for a small compen
sation for the buildings. We found a lawyerwho reviewed our documents and had a topography study done. These studies showed
that the institute property legally belongs to us. Our lines are slightly off, but it appears that this error will not affect any structures.
Another topography study will show where the exact lines should be.

Volunteer Labor . . .
In May, Darryl Olson (presidentof Billand Margy's mission board) came to Honduras with two friends from Kansas. Darryl, Bob,
and Randy worked diligendy with Mark and Bill to install the roof structure for the two new buildings at the Institute. One build
ing contains 2 classrooms and the other is a library/computer lab and administradve office. They were able to complete most of
the steel beam structure during the week they were here. Darryl stayed on for two addidonal weeks to help with various things and
encourage all of us in the work.

Mark and Bill were able to accomplish their goal of finishing the roof structure before family camp on June 13th. They included
insulation in the library and office building, which has proven to make a significant difference in the temperature. Both of these
buildings were quite useful, providingshady places to meet during camp.

Mark working on roof

Randy from Kansas

New building

International Christian Fellowship News . . .

Every year we must saygoodbve to dear friends as members of our church move back to the States. This year was no exception.
Seventeen people moved to the States lea\nnggreat holes in church work and in our lives. Among those in the States are some of
our youth that have begun college and others that have moved with their families. They are adjusting to great changes in their lives
and we are missingthem here.

The angels rejoiced with us recendy as three people accepted the Lord and were baptized. Jeffrey-Lee is the twelve-year-old son of
one dear family that returned to the States this summer. Karla and Abel have both turned their lives around greatly to follow the Lord.
A special thank you for everyone that hosted us during our travels in the States. Also a special thanks for your prayers during our
travels. It was so good to return home to the work here and enjoy warmer weather. Margy

Jeffrey-Lee

Abel

Karla

Three-fold Trip .. .
On July 21st Bill and I took a two and a half week trip to the
U.S. Our goals were three-fold. After spending a day with the
Rowans (Joy's parents) we drove to Lexington where we both
had dental work done. I was happy because a crown was being
prepared on a lower tooth. I was anxious to chew on that side
of my mouth for the first dme in a year. But then the dentist
said that I needed a tooth pulled which was directly above the
crown. Maybe next year I will be able to chew on both sides.
The second purpose of our trip was for Bill to replace the
carpet in the living room, dining room, and hallway of Beka
and Alfredo's house with laminate flooring. The first evening we
were there all the furniture was moved out into the garage. Ear
ly the next day the carpet was taken out and Billand Alfredo
went to buy the necessary supplies.The better part of four days
was devoted to the project and the flooring looks very nice.
We, of course, we were very anxious to arrive in Knoxville to
see our family. The family has grown to four. In April Zach was
given a puppy. He is a mixture of Feist and Beagle. I suggested
the name Bendey when Beka told me about the addition. (All
dogs in the Hoff family have names that begin with "B". The
only exception is Jenny (our boxer) that was given to us by the
Oakley family. It was great to play with Bentiey and Zach. Both
have a lot of energy.

'v '

Bill and Alfredo finishing floor

Ti aik
I
.rrri'i""'

Bill had one day of rest before he drove to Nashville for the
World Convention of Christian Churches and Churches of

Christ. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there. He chose his own

Beka and Bentiey
schedule and attended whatever he wished. He met people from all
over the world. He said the food was great in the restaurants he selected for his meals. He
went out to eat with former members of the church here.

While Bill wasgone I spent a morning with Susan Calderon, long time missionary friend
from Mexico. She currendy teaches at Johnson Bible College. The next day Beka and I had
a 6-hour shopping spree. It was wonderful but very tiring.
Billarrived back in Knoxville on a Sunday afternoon in time to eat lunch with us following
our church service. Monday morning Billand I had brunch with Norm and Mary Dungan
(friends since 1972).

After a couple more days of purchasingand packingin Knoxville we headed back to

Lexington. We were invited to eat with the Oakley family who also invited several of our
church members who were currentiy in the States for the summer. It was a lively time.
Then it was back to the dentist to get my tooth pulled. Immediately after that we drove to
Indiana where we boarded the plane the following morning.

Mark's Accidents ~ God's Healing . . .

On June 11 th (two days before the annual family camp) Mark had a car accident. Fortunately, no one was injured and our car insur
ance was paid the week before. On June 15th (the final day of the annual family camp) Mark was joining others as they each took a
turn on a church member's motorcycle. Mark took a fall and broke his collarbone. He had to wear a brace for eight weeks and slept
in the recliner for about six weeks. In the first few weeks we struggled with the decision about surger)'. Through the advice of doc
tors in the States and in Honduras, we felt a peace about not havingsurgery. God truly is the Great Physician and has designed our
bodies to heal themselves miraculously. Mark is now back to work, He still has to be careful as he buUds his strength up again, but
we are thankful to the Lord for His great hand of healing.

Praises:
Manyhave been able to come to the Institute to study God's Word and grow in their relationship with Him through seminars and
camps.

The roofs on the two new buildings were completed in time for family camp.
Three people have accepted the Lord and were baptized at ICE
Mark is healing well from his accident.

Prayers:
We pray for students to enroll for classes in February.

We pray for our alumni as they seek to serve God throughout Honduras.

Wepray for Mardoqueo as he completes his last semesterof study.

We pray for future opportunities to train leaders at the Institute.
Mark and Billare working to add insulation to the chapel roof.
We pray for the ICF families that are adjusting to life in the States.
We pray God will protect our property from the neighboring squatters who would like to obtain the land.
Bill and Margy's health.

NOTE: Mark and Joy contributed some of the articles in this newsletter.

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Georgia Sharps
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Bill Hoff [bilIandmargyhoff@gmaiI.com]

Wednesday, October 01, 2008 12:52 PM
Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Hoffs News

Dear Friends,

May the Lord bless you with Peace and the Joy of Salvation.

Margy and I had a great time with Beka and family during our short lime in the States this summer.
We were also blessed to see some former church members. Margy had a crown put on one tooth and
then needed another tooth pulled. She has another dental appointment in December in Lexington
before we go to Knoxville for Christmas.

There have been a number of noteworthy events here in the past few months. Margy and I finally got
our new glasses following the cataract surgery. After the second attempt they got mine right, but
Margy still must get her bifocals changed. It takes so much time to do the simple things here.

Another health problem that I currently have is two broken ribs. Two weeks ago, I slipped on the
sidewalk and fell across a short retaining wall in front of our house. I fell hard and the wall prevented
me from getting my arm down to break the fall, so the fall broke me. I heard the crack as two ribs
broke (# 4 and 5 on the right side.) It has been a painful experience. It hurts to breath, cough, hiccup,
and above all to sneeze. Saturday I had an X-ray; it cost about $14 dollars, and yesterday I finally
went to see the doctor. He said I am healing well. He also asked when I broke the second rib on the
same side. I don't remember ever doing that, but the x-ray shows the nicely healed fracture, i am
blessed, he said, with a high tolerance for pain.

The latest project at the institute has been the installation of insulation in the chapel roof. When the
project began, Mark couldn't do much because of his broken collar bone, but that has healed nicely.
Lately, I haven't been able to do much because of the broken ribs. Last week Mark, Higenio (the
watchman) and I put the final piece of insulation in place. The effect is noticeable; it is much cooler
now.

Icontinue teaching and preaching for the church white Margy spends much time in communication
with family, friends, and former and current church members.

We covet your prayers. God bless, Bill and Margy

Georgia Sharpe
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Bill Hoff [billandmargyhoff@gmail.com]

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 3:16 PM
Undisclosed-Recipient::
Christmas Greetings fom Honduras

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters.

It is such an honor to be able to send you Christmas greetings. I know that your world is slowly trying to
remove the Christ from Christmas. Some stores are reportedly ordering their clerks not to use the word for fear
of offending someone. The "prince of this world" would like nothing better than to erase the Name of Jesus the
Christ from all human memories. Blessedly, here in Latin America we are not yet under such restrictions. Feliz
Navidad is acceptable and well received.

The fact is that we enjoy many blessing at this time of year. The weather is the coolest we will see during the
whole year: in the low seventies. The rain has helped reduce the smog and dust pollution, and best of all, the
youth and children of the church are working hard at memorizing their parts for the Christmas program which
will be held this Sunday morning.

On the other hand, the stores are starting to get crowded and the rain has, totally devastated the streets which
have about as many potholes as good spots.

We rejoice to be here, representing the One whose birth we remember every day. So we unashamedly wish you
a Christ filled celebration of Christmas.

Feliz Navidad,

Bill and Margy