Newsletter - July, 2008

The Least of These My Brethren

July, 2008

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." Matt. 25:40

Published by the Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210. (717) 349-7033

God Provides for the Faithful

Jose Manuel with some of his inventory

From the moment that Brother José Manuel Alonzo came to know the Lord, he committed his life to His service. Around the year 1984, Brother José Manuel started attending Bethel Church in Siguatepeque, and he served there for many years in different ministries.

Before I met José Manuel in person, I recently asked a friend of mine who attended Bethel church for many years what he could tell me about José Manuel. He replied, “José is a faithful, constant and hardworking brother. I knew him as a deacon at Bethel Church. He performed this ministry with much love and dedication. He was always on top of everything, and he took care of the maintenance of the church without regard towards the amount of hours he had to work or the harshness of the weather. He truly has been constant and dependable in the work of the Lord. What’s more, he’s been a hardworking brother that attends to his family needs.”

It was really nice to hear this testimony about José Manuel. However, meeting him in person and seeing what he does was even more remarkable. He is now a pastor of a church in the community of San Isidro. This is a town near Siguatepeque that has about 400 houses. The church that José Manuel pastors—called New Jerusalem—has an attendance of 65 to 100 people (including children). José Manuel told me that through a donation recently made by a brother from the United States, the congregation was able to build a meeting hall and five classrooms. Now, they are working on a small house for José Manuel, the pastor, to live in.

Jose Manuel at work

It’s important to mention that José Manuel uses his own money to support himself in the ministry. That is why his business is essential to him. Brother José Manuel sells and repairs watches, and two years ago he went through a difficult time with his business. Some thieves entered his shop and stole everything he had in the shop. It was after this unfortunate situation that the Society of the Good Shepherd granted him a loan to restart his business practically from scratch. I might add that José Manuel has faithfully paid his loan.

Jose Manuel checks his watch batteries

José Manuel has been able to make ends meet with his small business, although the competition is fierce. There are many larger businesses in Siguatepeque that also sell watches of all kinds. His repair business has also suffered because of the new popularity of digital watches in Honduras. Digital watches usually cannot be repaired, as can mechanical watches.

Jose Manuel’s Repair Booth

Nevertheless, in spite of all the setbacks, José Manuel’s business has stood as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, and it has kept José Manuel in the ministry. Brother José Manuel wants to thank the Society and all the people that through their donations have helped him. He asks that you continue to pray for his business and ministry, that the Lord will continue to strengthen his spiritual and family life. He also asked you to pray so that the Lord provides him with a vehicle, because his mini-van is very old and keeps breaking down. Having a vehicle is very necessary because he needs to travel long distances between his house, the community where the church is located, and his shop. Thank you and God bless you. Nancy Barahona

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100% of all donations go to the designated work in Honduras. Our overhead and travel expenses are paid through other means.

Click on the following link to read our Past Newsletters

Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Donations

100% of all donations go to the designated work in Honduras. Our overhead and travel expenses are paid through other means.