April 2009 Photos

Marvin Alexi Soto and Cristino Hernandez were among the first eight boys to enter the Micah Project when we opened our doors in January 2000. Nine years later, after many triumphs and their fair share of struggles, both received their diplomas from Missouri Baptist University on April 28. What a proud moment! Above: they celebrate their graduation with Linda Miller, who supported them through their four years at Missouri Baptist.

Below: Tino smiles during the procession that began the graduation ceremony. Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox4DrWkvJM8 to see a short video of the ceremony produced by Dianne Becker (who has also dedicated a lot of time to these guys over the last four years!)

Above: Marvin smiles as he enters his graduation ceremony on April 28. Both Marvin and Tino earned degrees in Business Administration.

Below: Roger Figueroa has worked for the Micah Project since our very first day of operation in Honduras and has been an integral part of our young men's lives. Of course he had to go to St. Louis to celebrate this great accomplishment! Here, he and Marvin share a joyful moment with Marvin's girlfriend Marcella.

This group of Christian brothers and sisters has supported the Micah Project since 1999! They represent a Sunday school class from the Central Presbyterian Church, led by Neal Nielsen (sitting in foreground). Every month, the class has taken a collection to support the Micah Project. More importantly, the class sustains the Micah Project with their fervent prayers. When Roger visited the class during his trip to St. Louis, as soon as he entered the Sunday school room, he leaned over to me and whispered "It is so obvious that the Spirit of God is present in this place."

Above: most of the class members were able to attend a celebration the Saturday following the graduation. They are definitely spiritual parents (and grandparents!) for our young men!

During our visit to St. Louis for graduation, we are able to attend a Cardinals game with Oscar and Marvin. It was Roger's first baseball game! The Cardinals lost 10-3 in a game against the Cubs (but we had fun anyway!)

For the past several months, most of our younger guys have been taking carpentry classes with a missionary named Barry Horst. Barry has been very patient with our guys as he has taught them basic skills by doing practical projects. Above: Becca, Pedro Luis and Barry supervise as Marvincito attaches a wheel to a go-cart that the guys built!

Micah's chaplain John Bell (background) planned a weekend spiritual retreat for the entire Micah Project. He invited his friend Chris Tofilon (foreground), a gifted and truly anointed speaker. Chris held sessions with our guys all weekend long to explore the theme "God, our Father." Many of our young men began to understand for the first time that God is their abba, their daddy who loves them deeply and unconditionally. What a wonderful weekend!

Below: Chris leads the boys in a joyful time of worship!

During the spiritual retreat, the guys and staff also had the opportunity to do several team-building activities. Above: a facilitator leads Dan, Cristofer, Wilmer and Marvin through the high-ropes course. It was a test of their courage and unity as they walked tightropes 30 feet above the ground!

Below: the team celebrates after a very difficult challenge of passing each person over the logs and under the rope. Talking about holding on for dear life!

On April 11, we ran a 10 kilometer race called "Reason to Run Honduras." We ran to support Darin Swanson, who staged a 10 kilometer fund-raiser in Portland to benefit the Micah Project on the same day (see www.reasontorun.com ). Our version of the race was through the mountains between two colonial towns. Michael came in last place (Marvincito ran back after coming in second to help him get to the finish line), but was very happy to have finished at all!

Hector celebrated his 13th birthday while at the retreat. This was the first birthday that he ever celebrated, and the first time he ever received a birthday present. Another joyful moment in a month FULL of blessings!