it’s been a loooong while……

Greetings all from The Cocal Gracias Project team! Let me just start off and say, thank you to everyone who has donated their time, money, prayers, talents and energies to helping support the ministry efforts of the project. Without your direct support, none of this would be possible. We kindly ask that you will continue your noble efforts as there is so much more that needs to be accomplished. We have great goals for La Voz and for our students and staff and we truly appreciate it all that YOU do…..so thank you so very much!

So, it’s been quite some time since our last post…..since December of last year, in fact. We’ve had quite a bit of things happen since that time, probably too much to catch you all up to speed. We have had a couple of semesters come and go. We’ve added new classes, new staff and increased our student population. We’ve also added a new and yummy way for you to continue your support for the project. So for all of you coffee lovers – I want to take the time to tell you about our newest item available for purchase – Cocal Gracias Cafe de Palo!

Cafe de Palo is a roasted, savory coffee home grown in the mountains of Honduras. It has a light, nutty flavor that can be enjoyed black or with cream. (I drink it black and it’s fabulous!) It’s the finest coffee in Honduras and we are now offering it to you! We have ground or whole bean 350 gram bags available for less of the cost of commercial coffee brands in your grocery store. Not only will you get a toasty, creamy blend of the best coffee in Honduras, but you’ll also be supporting the volunteer and ministry efforts of The Cocal Gracias Project!

Please visit our website for purchase details!

Tool Donation Update

In June of this year, The Cocal Gracias Project held a tool drive to help bring in new and used tools for the La Voz Technical School classes. During this time, we received an email from some new friends who had been following the project. Dave and Angie Dunlevy have been following The Cocal Gracias Project since the beginning and were inspired to see what they could do for God in Honduras. When they heard we needed tools, they knew they could get us some. Dave and Angie started a non-profit organization to collect tools and other supplies for missions in Honduras. Because they were unable to come to Cocal themselves last year, and knew we needed the tools, Dave and Angie sent them in a shipment in June. The tools were sent to Santa Barbara, four hours away from us where they have been until recently. In November, we had the privilege of meeting Dave, Angie, and three of their friends, Sergio, Philip, and Leila. They came to Puerto Cortes and visited the school bringing the tools that had been sitting in Santa Barbara with them! They brought two full cases of mechanic tools, battery testers, goggles, and gloves. It was like Christmas for the project! We are very thankful to the supporters that gave to Dave and Angie and we want to thank them for bringing the tools to us personally. We will be using the tools this coming year in the new classes. We’d also like to thank each and every one of our supporters, friends, churches, colleagues, and volunteers who donated in The Cocal Gracias Project tool drive. Because of your generosity, we were able to get hammers, welding masks, gloves, a skill saw, a grinder, levels, wrenches, sockets, and much more. So thank you again for your support and your belief in what we are doing to make a difference in this world. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We’ve got Shirts!!!

Hey everyone! In case you didn’t know, we still have some awesome Cocal Gracias T-shirts left. They come in 3 different colors: gray, brown and dark brown. They are handmade by Genesis, our partner and one of the only companies in Honduras to employ people with AIDS. They’re only $15 plus $5 shipping & handling. Get one today!

http://www.cocalgracias.org/buystuff.html

12.21.09 Cocal Gracias Update!

It has been several months since we communicated anything about the Cocal Gracias Project to all of you.  I apologize for my delay.  I will try and make myself give updates each month so you can feel a part of the work down here.  You are a part of the work down here.

The last time I wrote you all, I talked about an experience I had visiting a village church in the mountains.  I sent some photos of Pastor Juan and his ministry and some of you responded to the need he had for a motorcycle.  Over two months, we received $1250.00 additional for Juan’s motorcycle and I am proud to let you know we bought him one!  I have not had the chance to take a photo of it, but it is a black Honda and he is VERY happy!  He sends his thanks to those that donated.

This last month, Work and Witness from the Church of the Nazarene, sent money to start construction on a fence around the property in La Eperanza (the property where the Cocal Gracias School is).  I was asked to head up the project and have been consumed in my free time by buying materials, organizing workers, and getting permissions from the city to build.  I have once again learned a lot about how things work in Honduras and am enjoying it, most of the time.  The wall and fence are scheduled to be finished this January.  In February a Work and Witness group will come and put the fence up!

I have been notified that Cocal Gracias will be receiving a shipment of food this Christmas!  A church in….took the initiative and raised  over $10,000 to make food for the community and ship it to us.  I will be going to the port soon to take it off the boat.  I am told we will have enough food to do a feeding center in the school several times and feed everyone!  When I get the food I will be sure to send photos of the feast.

The last two months, Cocal Gracias has raised $2500!  We thank you for your support of the project.  We used part of the money for the website, and the majority of it will go to starting classes this January.  I have already confirmed the welding class, and we received a large donation of tools and electric supplies. My uncle who taught the electricity class has already mentioned that he wants to teach again.  I am also working to start a sewing class and a baking class for the women.  Rina’s sister has offered to teach pedicures and manicures at the school also.

In January we will start classes, Cocal will receive and distribute shoes for the public hospital.  A medical team will also come in January. The Baker City medical team is coming back to Puerto Cortes and we are so happy!  We will be holding clinics around town the third week of January. We have a lot coming up for 2010 for the classes and we could use your support and prayers!  If you would like specific prayer requests, please email me and I will let you know.  Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas this year!

Brian

the cocal gracias project on wordpress.

hi everyone! we’ve decided to employ wordpress for our new blog site. this is where you’ll want to go to find ‘lengthy’ updates not able to fit on our twitter or facebook accts. thanks for checking up on us!

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