HELPS INTERNATIONAL Program

Even when we cannot see the why and wherefore of God’s dealings,we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can rejoice always.

– J.I. Packer

We’ve received so much feedback from our family this month that we just had to share the good news!!

Crosses were sent to our sister Kay in Monticello, MN who prepared them for their final destination in Guatemala through the HELPS International program. Here’s what she had to say when they arrived:

God bless you and your ministry today and always! To begin the Sabbath day, the Lord led my roommate to see a box sitting on the front step. Here it was the box you sent full of your beautiful crosses. Praises went heavenward for His goodness and mercy. I dressed and went to church. I was so thrilled to announce to the congregation that the crosses had arrived by angel express on a Sunday morning!! God is so good and never late!

I was able to set up a Monday morning appointment with the fellow who will hang the crosses on wire throughout my garage. He will spray them with a clear coat sealer. On Friday, I am having 24 men, women and kids come to my house to make the necklaces for Guatemala. On the next Monday, those necklaces will be packed with the medical equipment we will use on our mission trip (HELPS International). It takes many days to pack the crosses and quilts along with the equipment into equipment bags. Thank you, Jesus, for the timely arrival of the crosses. What a great and awesome God we serve! Thank you again for answering the call to provide those beautiful wooden crosses. I look forward to meeting you one day in heaven and seeing the harvest of folks who were able to know the Way, the Truth and the Life because of your ministry.

Kay also shared some photos of the work in progress, along with an additional note:

The group of 24 adults and children came to my house and created 300 cross necklaces in less than 3 hours. Amazing! I leave for Guatemala on March 17th and return on March 29th. I will be with a “HELPS INTERNATIONAL” group of doctors and nurses. We do over 150 operations that improve the lives of those involved. Most of the group is from the St. Cloud, MN area. This will be my 5th year of going. What a blessing to be a blessing. I will send you a report when I return. God bless you and your Cross the World ministries.

And, here’s a photo of the HELPS medical crew in Guatemala and a recap of their mission:

Our HELPS team had a very productive and successful week in Huehuetanago. It is so amazing to be part of a wonderful group of dedicated people who gave of themselves and their expertise to make life better for so many deserving people. We just completed 8 days of doing what we were each called to do—be the Lord’s hands and feet. Over 100 surgical procedures were performed by skilled doctors and cared for by loving & caring nurses and helpers. Thank yous given to the following: all who came and gave of themselves in so many ways; to the men who came and installed stoves to make life safer and more productive for over 100 homes; to the expert cooks and their caring helpers for the delicious food; and to the many knowledgeable interpreters who made it possible for us to communicate with the people of Guatemala. Without all these wonderful people who gave of their time and talents, we never could have accomplished all we did this past week. God bless you one and all.

Thank you, Kay, for sharing your journey with us.

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A beautiful note was received from Bill and Mary of Oakdale, MN. Here’s what they had to say:

Thank you for your dedication to continue Harlow’s dream. It is evident each of you also share his desire within your own heart as seen by your commitment to continue to tell the world of our Savior’s love. My husband and I received five crosses (one for each of our family members) from a man who works in a prison in the TC area (possibly as a probation officer). He was attending the “God Is Not Dead” film in the same theater that we were viewing it. At the end of the movie, he had a bag filled with crosses that he was offering to anyone who wished to take one or more. He was open to answering questions or listening to people’s stories also.

We have not forgotten this man, but sadly we lost his number due to a phone changeover, and we never had the opportunity to connect with him again as we had intended to do later. We know this sounds like an unusual request, really more like asking for a miracle, but if by chance you know this man, you are welcome to forward our information to him, so maybe we can reconnect. Your ministry has been known to experience miracles!

The words attached to ‘your’ cross hold great promises which we have claimed over the years, especially after the death of our youngest son at seventeen. We believe in its power and would like to make a donation to cover 100 crosses for others who may not have the funds to financially cover their order. We pray that Harlow’s/your ministry continues to change hearts and lives by opening blinds eyes to the gift of Christ’s salvation, as well as encouraging believers to look to God’s constant provisions to us here and for eternity.

And, God provided the miracle!! We remember well the gentleman Mary talked about and we remember his excitement about handing out our crosses not only at the ‘God Is Not Dead’ movie but also at a Newsboyz concert in the Bemidji, MN area. We forwarded her note to him and his address to her; hopefully, a successful connection will be made!

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Kari from Sartell, MN was one of the missionaries who journeyed with others from The Waters Church in Sartell to LaLibertad, El Salvador. She shared these thoughts and photos:

The crosses blessed children at an orphanage, a women’s center, a children’s cancer center and multiple local churches, along with the local people. The crosses brought immediate joy and opportunities to just love God’s children. Thank you, CTW, for the generous gift that is felt around the world!

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And, this from our sister Susan in Bullhead City, AZ: She shared news about Buddy, the miner, who worships and winters in the AZ area (when he’s not in Alaska mining!). Buddy is responsible for placing our crosses on the ‘Welcome to Oatman’ city sign and this is the note sent to ‘The Giver of Little Crosses, c/o Oatman NV Post Office, Oatman, NV’:

Dear Giver of the Crosses:

We drove through your rustic, inviting town in October as we traveled west on Route 66. (It was one of the most beautiful, restful drives we’ve ever taken!). As we entered Oatman, I happily noticed your gift crosses on their signboard. It brought me joy to realize that at least one other fellow believer was quietly spreading truth and hope in your town.

Several times since our trip, I’ve reflected on your giving heart that’s making a small but significant statement for the Gospel of Jesus. You are a wonderful example of making the most of every opportunity.

I look forward to meeting you one day!