Where did Daniel go?

We first met Daniel Belcares during the summer of 2005 in Helene. He helped lead music at the Methodists Church, next to the Clinic. He is a talented keyboard musician. Daniel is an islander, about twenty two years of age. We renewed our appreciation for Daniel this summer during our mission trip back to Helene (July 1st-15th). Daniel was continuing to assist with worship and over the last year had developed YP. YP is a youth program for the island teenagers. About 30 teens would attend YP to sing praise songs, play games, and do bible quizzes. Man those islanders are quick at looking up Bible verses!

One night, after YP, Daniel came over to the Clinic to visit. We had a great time talking about what God had been doing in Helene and YP. At the end of our time, we asked Daniel if he had any prayer requests. "Oh, yes, I want prayer for God's guidance and continued blessings". In the Helene way, five of us laid hands on Daniel praying for God's continued blessing on this special young man.

Last week, I learned that Daniel had left Helene. I wondered what what would pull him away from Helene and YP. Yesterday, my questions were answered thanks to an mail from Marjie (the beloved RN).

During our recent mission trip, we met Ronnie and Tammy McLaughlin at their home. They are on Alternative Missions staff in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. They were back in Helene to check on their house and fulfill Honduran visa requirements. Like, Daniel, both Ronnie and Tammy are islanders. Ronnie and Tammy had served faithfully at the Clinic before being called to ministry in Costa Rica. That ministry in Puerto Viejo has a strong youth emphases. Apparently, Daniel was challenged to serve in Puerto Viejo and he took that huge step of faith to go.

Please pray for Daniel as he enters his new phase of ministry that our wonderful God will meet all his needs. Please pray for the youth in Helene that God will raise up another person to minister to their needs.

It delights me that God is raising up and sending out missionaries from that small, little known island of Helene.

Posted by Scott in Portland, Oregon 8/6/06