Food and Blanket Program Begun in Montana de la Flor

In June, 2006, Francis Seivert, from Elkton, S.D., along with Paul Gengler and Richard Seivert, Le Mars, Iowa, all representing Mission Honduras LeMars and Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, had a meeting with the Xicaque people of Montana de la Flor. During the two hour meeting with the people and their Chiefs, the representatives of MHL and GMH asked permission to begin two new programs for this impoverished people: a food program and a blanket program. The food program involved shipping over 100,000 pre-made meals to MDLF in late 2006. The meals were made in May 2006 by the students, staff, and volunteers of Gehlen Catholic Schools, Le Mars, Iowa, through the ‘Kids Against Hunger’ program. The food bags were used as a supplemental nutritional component of the normal diet of the Xicaque. Richard Seivert, director of Mission Honduras LeMars said, “We have seen evidence of increased good health in those we have given this food to on previous visits – they really need a supplement to their current situation – malnutrition in Montana de la Flor is very real.” The Chiefs and people were excited and pleased with this effort. This combined food packing effort has already sent over 80,000 meals to Tanzania in eastern Africa. Gehlen officials and MHL officials see this as a sustainable program in the future and will send more food to the Xicaque of Montana de la Flor in the years to come.

The second initiative was born out of a need for blankets for the children of Montana de la Flor. Blankets had been donated throughout the year to MHL and coupled with the purchase of another 100 blankets while in Honduras, Paul Gengler and the Seivert brothers distributed these blankets, under the guidance of the Chiefs, to the most needy families.  This program, like the food program, is also sustainable. MHL and GMH took another load of blankets to the Xicaque in November, 2006, and plan to continue this effort in the future.

Las Delicias Water Project Completed                                   

This past year saw Mission Honduras LeMars involved in numerous water projects. In November 2005, Mission Honduras LeMars, coupled with local, district, and international Rotary Club monies, completed a water project in Las Delicias. Even though it was funded by money from both groups above, the actual work was completed by students from Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa, during their annual mission trip to Honduras. The project was difficult and found the Briar Cliff students digging trenches along a 3 mile route. They also got involved in laying the new piping. Richard Seivert, director of Mission Honduras LeMars commented how special it is when different groups come together to assist those who are less fortunate. Mission Honduras LeMars thanks the Rotary Clubs who contributed and the Briar Cliff team who did the work.

Other Water Projects

During the spring of 2006 Mission Honduras LeMars completed two other water projects in rural Honduras villages – both projects were funded by MHL but completed by the villagers themselves. They were in El Guante and Pueblo Nuevo. Mission Honduras LeMars wants to thank the efforts of David Castro and all the villagers from both El Guante and Pueblo Nuevo for their efforts. Fresh potable water to rural Honduran villages is one of the most important things in their life. Both projects involved the purchase and installation of new pumps. If you would like to make a contribution to help bring fresh potable water to those that currently have none, please contact Mission Honduras LeMars.

Other Projects Completed     

Mission Honduras LeMars has been involved with many and varied projects from July 2005 to July 2006. The following is just a partial list of those projects: Funding for medical tests for numerous children and adults.             Supplies to medical clinics in El Guante, Suyatel and other clinics in Honduras.             Purchase of medicines and supplies used by Medical Team in January 2006.             Purchase of supplies for Montana de la Flor.             Purchase of Spanish children's books for Riecken Foundation Library.             Coordinated the construction of water projects in El Esfuerzo and Majaditas. The best way to find yourself is in the service of others.                       ~ Gandhi We work to become, not to acquire.     ~ Elbert Hubbard             Funding for health care initiative (hospital) in Sulaco, Yoro, Honduras.             Seed program for agriculture initiative in Montana de la Flor.

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