Christopher powell, 03:00 PM 1/27/2005 -0600, RE: HORIZONS Page
1of 3GmilE-newsBill andMargy1 messageGeorgia Sharpe Bill &Margy
Hoff Fri. Apr 27, 2012 at 10:35 AMWe arebehind on getting out
aninformative email to youwho are our faithful friends.1want to
preface this E-news withathought. Perhaps you will remember the
Peanutscartoon strip whereLucy and CharleyBrown are talking: the
dialogueis like this"Lucy: "SometimesI get discouraged."Charlie
Brown:"Well Lucy, life does have it's ups and downs,youknow."Lucy:
"But why? Why should it? Why can't mylife be all UPS?If I want all
UPS, whycan't I have them?..Why can't I just move fromone UP to
another UP? Why can't I justgo fromand UP toan UPPER-UP? I don't
want anyDowns! I Justwant Ups and Ups andUps and Ups!"Well, seldom
do we admit our "downs"but they do happen.And the last six
weekshavebeen one of those times that has helpedus appreciate the
wonderful times andblessings that weusually receive. Margy went in
for"minor" surgery (don't alwaysbelieve the doctors) to relieve
aproblem ofincontinence. Things didnot go asplanned and the
five-dayrecovery that we hadbeentoldto expect has turnedinto
6weeksplus.I won't bore you with the details: you can write Margy
if you areinquisitive. But wehave had toput onholdmany aspects of
our life during that time. Some seminarswere rescheduled, meetings
were canceled, andin some cases we just missedchurch events. Margy
has suffered some bouts of discouragement, but over all, I
amPrinted for Georgia Sharpe 5/24/2012Christopher powell, 03:00 PM
1/27/2005 -0600, RE: HORIZONS Page 2 of 3" rejoicing as I consider
the many years of good health that we have enjoyed.
Finally,concerning Margy's health, there appears to belight at the
end of the tunnel.Mark andI just got back from some of our
seminars. In one of the churches, theleaders in our class informed
usof aproblem in their congregation. We encouragedthem that they
are God's men for such atime and that they are competent tolead
thecongregation through this difficult time. Traditionally the
churchin Latin America hasbeen made up of women, andit is often
difficult to findgodly men who can serve asleaders. We wouldlove to
see these menbecome strong leaders andbegin tofunction as
elders.Over the next few weeks, wewill finish the 4**^ book in our
leadership trainingseminars. At the same time we have received
arequest from another church tobeginanew series of seminars with
their leaders. We are working through our schedule toaccommodate
this request.The recruitment of students who can come toa
fixedlocationBible institute hasbecome almost impossible, so good
stewardship requires that we find an effectiveutilization of the
facilities. In the last Pastors'meeting, the leaders were
discussingthe problems facing their establishment of a camp
facility, so Mark andI offered tomodify the present institute
facility to make it more adequate for their needs. Theyagreed
toinvest the camping program's money in converting the institute
toacamp.Mark is currently overseeing the remodelingproject. If
campus based education everbecomes viable again we will still be
able to use the property. We will get moreinformation toyouin
futureletters.On May10^*^ Margy and Iwill be leaving for the States
to see our newgranddaughter. Our daughter, Rebecca, is expecting to
deliver within the week. Theyhave chosen "Hannah" for her name.
Zach, her brother, is now 8 years old, I supposethe whole thing
will be quite a shock tohim. We will enjoy helping the family for
afewPrinted for Georgia Sharpe 5/24/2012Christopher powell, 03:00
PM 1/27/2005-0600, RE: HORIZONS Page 3 of 3^ weeks. On the weekends
we have planned to visit some supporting churches that
liewithinadays drive of Knoxville.InHis service,BillPrinted for
Georgia Sharpe 5/24/2012From: Bill &Margy Hoff
[[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
10:51AMSubject: Email news from HoffsJuly 16, 2012Dear Family
andFriends,On Tuesday, July 3rd we returned toHonduras after
spendingalmost two monthsin the States;most of that
timeinKnoxville. Wewere truly blessed by the birth of our new
granddaughter, HannahRebecca; the baptism of Zach who is 8 years
old; and the purchaseof ahouse. This house will be used during our
trips toKnoxville andeventually for retirement.Our original plan
was to visit Indiana and speak at two churchesduring our last week
in Indiana, but God had adifferent plan. Thesetwo churches were
busy with VBS so we stayed in Knoxville. OnJune 24"^, Zach went
forward to accept the Lord. The followingWednesday Bill baptized
him. Two days later Bill signed papers onthe closing of the house
across the street fromBeka. Our familyand Alfredo's parents came to
help clean out all the trash that hadbeenleft in the house
andmovein some furniture fromBeka andAlfredo's house. We wish that
we had more time to work in thehouse but early the next morning we
had toleave forIllinois inorder to speak at achurch in Paxton on
Sunday.During our time in the States, Bill andI spoke at six of
oursupporting churches. We traveled to five of them on weekends
andthen returned toKnoxville. Zach went with us on these trips and
wefelt that he had a good experience in doing this. He always
wantedhis own map of the state we were traveling in, soBill
wouldhighlight our route.We were able to help with Hannah and to
entertain Zach. Bekawanted some things changed in the house in
order toaccommodate Hannah, so we were glad that we could help
withthat also. Beka and Afredo were very good tous during our
staythere.Hannahisa doll. I would talk to her ina soft voice and
shewould look at me and smile. One evening at meal time Zach
toldhisfather that we had purchased agift for him. Then he walked
aroundthe table andlooked at Hannahin her bouncer and said,
"Hannah,you are going to love Grandma and Grandpa."We will soon
have another granddaughter in Honduras. Mark andJoy's baby is due
on August 20. We are all excited.I am feelingmuch better. The
doctor made acouple of suggestionsthat helped andI gained alot of
strengthholdingHannah, ha.Meanwhile, in Honduras Mark and Joy
carried on with the work atthe church and holding seminars. We ask
your prayers for theministry here and for our family here andin the
States.Thank you for your prayers and financial support. God
bless.Bill and MargyUNfTEDyTATBSALUDOS!Bill and Margy
Hoff2227N.W.79ch Ave. Box P2025Doral, FL 33122-1615Phone
(Honduras): 011-504-566-2440e-mail:
[email protected]: bajiochristian.orgBajio
Christian MissionAttn: Lyn Mclnt}'re34428YucaipaBlvd. E-192Yucaipa,
CA 92399Phone: 909-797-4628HEXICO/ -fromSOimt AMERICA BAJIO
CHRISTIAN MISSIONMissionaries Since 1972 Vol. 43, Number 1Forty
Years in Ministry . . .This month of August, Margy and I celebrate
a milestone in theyears that God has allowed us to serve as
missionaries. Forty yearsago we first arrived in Queretaro, Mexico,
to begin ministry. A lot ofwater has flowed under the bridge on the
Rio Grande in the intervening years. We learned Spanish, which was
a major step. Over theyears, our ministryhas
includedproducingradioprograms, gradingcorrespondence courses,
tract distribution, visitingand baptizingstudents,
assistingnational preachers as theyestablished churches,helping
develop a camping program, and teaching a future generation of
church leaders. We also ministered to English
speakingfamilies.August 2012Our 40lh Anniversary DinnerOf course,
we did not do this alone. Our work in evangelizing central Mexico
was a small part of the total efforts. Manyfaithful Christians
cooperated and it would be remiss not to mention a few of them.
Norm and Mary Dungan nursed usthrough the culture shockand language
acquisition phaseand continuedto be faithftil coworkers for
12years; Bob Wright,(who recently went to his eternal rest,) and
his wife Bev were always insightful and encouraging. Without them
the campingprogram wouldhave been impossible. We must, aboveall,
recognize the Lord's help; all our labor wouldhave been in vain
ifnot for Him. Duringthe ministryin Mexicowe were blessed with two
children.After 21 years in Mexico, Margy and I moved to San
PedroSula, Honduras, (2000km farther south) and began again
withsome of the same ministries. This time our main focus was on a
Bible Institute. With the help of many work teams and local
laborers the current facilities were erected. Bill, along with
national and foreign teachers, helped prepare the
thirty-onestudents who have graduated fromthe Institute. Once again
many people have made this possible. The Chastain family cameto
assist us, but tragedyforced themto return to the U.S. Another
great blessinghas been workingwith our son, Mark, whobecame plant
manager and student workprogram director, and our daughter-in-law,
Joy, who has done food purchasing andhas devoted great energy to
teaching student wives.Family News . . .June 26th 2012 will always
be a date for us to remember as that isthe Wednesdaythat Zach was
baptized. His grandfather had the privilege of performing the
ceremony. Zach has been taught the Biblesince he was bom and on a
closing night of a Vacation Bible School,he came home desiring to
accept the Lord. Bill and I tried to visit asupporting church on
that date, but because they were in the middleof a Vacation Bible
School themselves, they asked us to speak at adifferent time. It is
always amazing how the Lord works.Zach's BaptismFamily at
BaptismHannah's First Day ofLifeHannah Enjoying the OutsideMay13th,
2012 (Mother's day) Hannah Rebecca entered thisworld and became
ourfirst granddaughter. I had the privilegeof being at herbirth.
Bill took Zach to church onthat Sundaymorning andthen theycame to
the hospital to see thenewestmember of the family.For over amonth
we hadthe honor tohold and entertain bothZach and Hannah. Zach is
very proud of his baby sister andenjoys holdingher and talkingto
her. I was very thrilledoneeveningwhen he told her that she is
going to love Grandmaand Grandpa. Hannahlikedbeing outsideand I was
alwayshappyto take her out on the screenedporch. My heart
meltedwhenshe smiledat me. 1sang(at least tried to sing) to her
andshe seemed so content. Bill was the happy Grandfather to bothof
his grandchildren. He helpedZach learnto ride his
bicycle,transported him to and from a morning VBS, and took him
onhis shopping trips. It was a great time to be in
Knoxville.Another blessing was traveling to five of our
supportingchurches while in Knoxville. The weekend trips took us as
farwest as southwestern Kentucky and as far east as
southwest-Hannah's First Sunday atChurchHer Fingers wereYummyem
Pennsylvania. Zach was with us when wevisited four of these
churches. He enjoyedseeing new things and following along onstate
maps. It was exciting for me to go toPennsylvania and visit where I
was bomand the two churches where my grandfatherpreached for
fifteen years.But our blessings did not end there. Forsometime we
had desired to buy a house nKnoxville and were especiallyinterested
inpurchasing the house right across the streetfromBeka and Alfredo.
But our first bid onthe house was rejected in early April. Onthis
trip we looked at various houses in thenearby vicinity, and Bill
made another bidon the house that we previously wanted. Onthe last
day that we were in Knoxville, Billsigned the papers and the house
became ours.Beka, Alfredo, andAlfredo's parents helpedus haul out
thetrash and move some furnitureintoit. Alfredo mowed the lawn and
trimmedthe bushes. We were all exhausted but happywhen the day
ended. Right now this house isa place for us, Mark and Joy, or
perhaps othermissionaries to stay while in Knoxville. Laterit will
probably be our retirement home.Early the next morning we left to
speak at achurch in Illinois. We had a very nice timethere. Sunday
afternoon we drove to Joy'sparents' home where we packed our bags
andleft on Tuesday morning to retum to Honduras. Webrought a lot of
things back for Markand Joy's baby which is due anytime. Weare all
excited as we will be welcoming oursecond granddaughter into the
world. Anothermiracle awaits us.The Seminars. . .The current church
groups that have been gathering forseminars willfinish their
studiesinDecember. Mark andBill continue to visit these groups once
a month. Joy attendsthe seminars at some of the closer
churches.There are already three groups that are possibilities for
anew series. The material will probably be revised for a one-year
programinstead of two years.IGrindstone Christian ChurchOur House
in KnoxvilleRenovations andRemodeling. . .As we have previously
explained, we are not currentlyholding classes at the Bible
institute property. So we areworking to make the facilities more
"campfriendly."Our son, Mark, has worked hard at remodeling both
ofthe married students' apartment buildings so that theyeach
contain two larger dorm rooms. Together, theseMission Services2004
E. Magnolia Ave.Knoxville, TN 37917RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDtwo
buildings have space to accommodate 88 campers. Additionally, 20
campers can be housed in the single students'dorm. There are still
not enough bunk beds to fill the dorms,so Mark and I are
havingthemcustommadeout of thick-wall steel pipe so they will last
many years. Most of theremodeling expense and cost of new bunks has
been defrayed by the Pastors' Association's camp fund. We
continuemodifying the present buildingsto make themmore usefulfor
spiritual retreats and small camps. One vision is to convert the
administrative residence to a kitchen, dining room,and cook's
housing. Our current kitchen and dining roomwas designed for 30
students so it is inadequate for largegroups of campers. The
current dining area may become asmall store and fellowship area.
The location of the facility (located on the highway between San
Pedro Sula andTegucigalpa) is very advantageous. It is easy for the
peopleto arrive by bus. Several evangelical church groups
outsidethe Christian Church have approached us desiring to rent
thecamp facilities. This option is possible because we have
adependable camp manager livingon site and more availablehousing
space. Renting the facility should offset some of theexpenses of
maintenance and electricity. Most other campsin the country are in
cooler climates.In order to compenNon Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PaidKnoxville, TNPermit #374sate, we have added air conditioning to
some of the dormsfor a higher fee to campers. A friend leaving the
countrysold Mark his used A/C units at a good price.Mark and Bill
have sought the advice and approval of theNational Pastors'
Associationfor all of these changes. Withall the changes, we still
will be able to use the buildings forInstitute classes whenever
recruitment becomes easier. Wewant the property to be useful for
the ministry.In the future, the Honduran church will have to take
responsibility for the facility. It is the firmbelief of our
missionthat the Honduran church must stand on its own: When
theydemonstrate that they are capable, Mark and Bill plan toturn
the property over to the board of directors of religiousnon-prophet
organization that is being formed to give legalstatus to the
Christian Church movementin Honduras. Thecharter of the
organizationhas taken years to obtain, but thelawyer believes that
they are nearing the goal. Bill and Markare prayerfully seeking
God's will concerning the propertyso that they will neither keep
the churches from takingresponsibilitynor overwhelm them by
dropping too muchresponsibility on them too quickly.Georgia
SharpeFrom: Bill &Margy Hoff[[email protected]]Sent:
Monday, November 12, 2012 10:54 AMSubject: A quick news noteDEAR
FAMILY AND FRIENDS,Time passes so quickly and I do not have time
for a full fledged newsletter because tomorrow we fly
toIndianapolis for the International Convention on Missions. So
what I will do is just give you a very briefoverview ofthe current
events.Mark and I have completed teaching the Leadership Training
seminars to the first class. It has taken two years.We have seen
positive results. In fact, we were invited to a baptism in our last
session at one ofthe churches. Atthe beginning of next month I will
pick up the final exams and begin grading them; they are 18 pages
long. Weshould be presenting Certificates ofAchievement to about 25
individuals.The institute facility is being slowly remodeled to
make it more suitable for retreats and camps. Mark hasspearheaded
this work. He also contracted the laborer for building 20 more bunk
beds. He and I rewired thebuildings after the interior walls were
moved.The churches of Honduras planned and organized a men's
retreat in October There were 116 in attendance. Theevent was a
wonderful challengefor men to take responsibility for their lives
and their families. The highlightwas the two baptisms at the end.
The lowpoint; as we were preparingfor dinner, a 36 year old man
died of aheart attack. What a shocking reminder of our fi-ailty.Our
English speaking church is blessed by having a local family who
found us as they struggled to learnEnglish. Theyhavebeenfaithfiil
and hardworkers. Yesterday I received a call from thembecause an
uncle haddied. They are very poor so asked me to help by picking up
a casket and taking it to the morgue to pick up thebody, and then
deliver it to their home where the wake would be held. (This sounds
like a DIY funeral, but thepoor can't afford the services of a
funeral home.) I had no problemhelping, but the deliverywouldtake
me deepinto a gang controlledpart of town. With the windows rolled
down so we could be identifiedas not beingpolice, we drove into the
dark streets. Then at strategiccomers I was told to flash
headlightsa certain number oftimes which also identified us. It was
interesting to say the least. But God brought me safely out
withoutincident. I feel terrible for those who are forced to live
in those lawless areas.We have had a couple weeks of cool, rainy
weather. It has felt good but knowsome Hondurans have
sufferedbecause of lack of warm clothing, roads washed out, or
bridges down.As most ofyou knowour latest grandchild was
bomonAugust 24^. Joy gave birth toKatrina Elise Hofif. Whata
blessing she is to Mark and Joy as well as family and church
friends both in Honduras and in the States.Katrina was able to
visit her cousins in Knoxville a week and a half ago. Zach, now 9
years old, enjoyedholding both his 6 month old sister and his new
cousin. We look forward to seeing Mark and family at theconvention
and then spend Thanksgiving with Beka and family.Receive our Love
and Blessings in Jesus Name.Bill and MargyOvkrry CfiristmasAs
weprepare for the specialactivities that surroundthe celebration of
the Lord's birth, my heart is turnedtothanksgiving. God so loved us
that He sent us Light! John1:9. There was the true Light which,
coming intothe world, enlightens every man. While many stumble in
darkness, we have been guided by light, and live inhope because of
the Light that first camein Bethlehem.What a year! What a year
wehave had! There have been a fewmilestones. Perhapsfor us the most
noteworthy were the births of twogranddaughters. On Mother's Day,
Hannah Rebecca entered this world.Sheis the happiest child.
Tthinkthat she resembles her maternalgrandmother, (Alfredo's Mom).
On the 24th ofAugust, Joypresented uswith KatrinaElise. Her photos
are indistinguishable from Mark's babyphotos. She has been
afflicted with colic, but whennot in pain has aneasy smile. The two
girls are so different, but I constantly confuse theirnames. I
don't have to tell you that our grandchildren are the prettiestones
in the world.I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this
spring, Zach, our 9-year old grandson and I took his bicycle tothe
school yard with the goal of learningto ride. There were the
inevitable crashes and the wails of "I'll neverlearn to ride this
thing!" (I confess that I can't run alongside as well as I did when
Mark and Rebeccalearned). Finally he put in a couple of miles
without a wreck, (I do approve of helmets and carry a box
ofband-aids).Also in the spring, we presented an offer on the house
across the streetfrom Rebecca. It was in the process of
foreclosure. Finally, the daybefore we were supposed to leave
Knoxville, we signed the papers. Thefact that we, whohave never
earned above povertylevel can pay cash fora house, is a testimony
to God's blessings in our lives. Incidentally, evendealing with a
bank, cash still talks.In August, we completed our fortieth year in
ministry. Margy and I willalways testify that through ups and
downs, God has remained faithful.We have never lacked. And our
children have continued to walk in theLord. What could be better
thanthat?Mark andJoy continue working with us inthe teaching
ministry and working with the local church. Alfredocontinues in his
specialtyfield, excavation, and Rebecca practices nursing in Oak
Ridge, Tennesse.Much more could be written about the Lord's
blessings.We close by wishing you a joy-fllled Christmas, and a
NewYear overflowingwith God's blessings.Bill andMargy
