SALUDOS!

M/M Bill Hoff

c/o Tom Schneller

Apdo. 986

from

San Pedro Sula

BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSION

Honduras, Central America

Corporate Office
P.O. Box 61013

Las Vegas, NV 89160-2013

Published Quarterly

Vol. 24, Number 2

Spring 1993

Summer Trip
June

24

Leave Knoxville

ter and brother-in-law

(Hoffs' friend will be driving the bus that belongs

to Lifeline Christian Missions. The Hoffs' per

28-29 To Las Vegas, NV

sonal belongings and furniture headed for Hon

30-31

duras will be in it. Bill will be driving the

Suburban, pulling the 23-foot travel trailer.)
11

Arrive near San Antonio (CJtopia, TX)

August
1

12 Arrive in Eagle Pass, TX

Cross Mexican border - arrive in Saltillo, Mexico

14

Arrive in Queretaro

Pack household items, hold a garage sale, keep

P.M. - Present work at Prescott Christian

A.M. - Bill preaches at Qlendale Christian

12 To San Antonio, TX

etc.

29-30

To Chino Valley, A2, visit Margy's parents

P.M. - Present mission work

dentist appointments, take care of business,

28

A.M. - Bill preaches in Vegas Valley Christian

Church; present work ofMexico and Honduras

Leave the travel trailer with friends

13

Visit Bill's brother and take care of mission busi

ness

Leave the bus with friends

15-27

25th Wedding Anniversary party for Margy's sis

16 Margy and Rebecca fly to San Pedro Sula, Hondu

Return to Eagle Pass; pick up trailer

ras; Bill begins paper work to get bus through

To Arizona

Mexico.

July

Arrive in Mesa, visit Bill's brother and sister-in-law

5-7 Visit Margy's family in Ashfork

8-9

In Mesa, AZ

10

To Yuma, AZ

11

A.M. - Bill preaches at First Christian Church,

Yuma

P.M. - Hoffs present mission work

12-13 In Campo, CA, visit the Clifford family and

In Alpine, CA, visit Bill's sister

14

In Orange County, visit Bill's aunt and uncle

15 To trailer park in Santa Barbara, CA

16

To Morro Bay, CA, visit Bill's parents

17

Rebecca's birthday party

18

A.M. - Present work at The Christian Church of

"V

Atascadero

P.M. - Present work at First Christian ofMorro Bay

21-22 To Springfield, OR

BUI putting in new engine.

Where Do I Go From Here?

Mark has been asking himself that question recently, and
his answers please his parents.
Mark is almost nineteen years old and about six feet, one
inch in height. He has just completed his freshman year at
Johnson Bible college with a 3.1 grade point average. His
major is in youth ministry/preaching. Mark explains that he
is not majoring in missions because he wants to broaden his
experience to make his ministry more effective.
Currently he is working full time for J.B.C. and living with
Norm and Mary Dungan (former co-workers of the Hoffs in
Mexico). Mark willbegin his sophomore year here in the fall.
His address is Johnson Bible College, Box 777396, Knoxville,

CANTA,

ALfCHa
A

otes

TN 37998.

Mark and his roommate, Jonathan

Far From Home & Family

Margy's nephew, Roy Baker, enlisted in the Army
last January. And as is normal, he was sent as far from
his family as possible for basic training: from Oregon
to South Carolina, a distance of 2330 miles. As Roy's
graduation grew near, he was allowed to have visitors
on Sunday afternoons. The Hoffs were determined to
take time out of their busy schedule for a visit. Roy
requested that they bring pizza. While picnicking on
the grounds, various friends came by to share in the

Picnicking on the grounds of Fort Jackson, SC

feast.

Blizzard of 1993

Heavy snow is rare in East Tennessee, so many trees

snapped under the two-footfaU ofwet snow. This caused
the Hoffs to be four and one-half days without power or
heat.

The Hofffamily (Bill's parents included), visited with

Lee Richardson as he cleaned up some of the scores of
fallen trees on his property overlooking the French Broad
River. Lee will help by driving the Hoffs' bus to Texas.

Spanish-Speaking

Centennial Year for

Work in Knoxville

Johnson Bible College

Valdecy DaSilva and David Calderon leading the

Spanish-speaking group in a worship service.
Homecoming 1993broughtpeople dressed in clothing
reminiscent of the founding ofJ.B.C.

SHTS

Young people from the Spanish-speaking

congregation enjoyed tacos at the Hoffs'hou^e.
A gift to the community where the school began 100
years ago.

The Hoffs hosted a reception for two future Latin

American graduates.

One of the largest graduating classes in recent

history -100 graduates to celebrate 100 years.

Glimpses of the Hoffs' Lives

The Hoffs will continue using the name Bajio Christian
Mission. Bajio means "lowlands" and San Pedro Sula, Hondu
ras, is definitely low, so the name will be appropriate in the new
work. Any gifts sent to the mission are tax deductible. The
address is P.O. Box61013, Las Vegas, NV 89160-2013. The
Hoffs are encountering many exf>enses in the transition to a
new field, so any financial gifts would be appreciated.

The Hojfs participated in the Passover Meal at

Seymour Heights Christian Church.

Pray
for the Hoffs as they travel this summer.
for Bill and his friend as they take the bus and
Suburban pulling a pickup through Mexico and Gua
temala and into Honduras.

Margy spent many hours working in the J.B.C. post

office with Aldena Jordan and Jeannie Lay.

for Rebecca as she takes her entrance exam on

August 18 to enter the International school in San

Pedro Sula. She Vi/ill be entering the ninth grade,
for Mark as he remains in the States.
for a house to rent in Honduras.

Praise
for completion of the school year and the blessings
that Johnson Bible College has been to the Hoffs.
for a commercial licensed driver to drive the bus from
Knoxville to San Antonio.

for the more than fifty prayer partners.

for additional funds that have been received for travel.

forthe use of a bus to transportour goods to Honduras.

Published by the
Rossville Christian Church

411 SpnjcePOB 187

Rossville, KS 66533

Lifeline Christian Missions has received a donation of a bus

for their ministry in Honduras. The Hoffs will use it to transport

their things to Honduras. Billwilldrive the busto San Pedro Sula
and then Lifeline willimport the bus to use as transportation for
the work groups that arrive there. The pickup that Billhad in
Mexico is being donated for the work there. Another pickup
has been purchased by Bajio Christian Mission to be used in
Honduras. A 10% duty vli be charged for importation. The
Suburban willalso be imported for a 40% duty. Billhas just put

a rebuilt engine in it. The age and outward appearance will

hopefully keep the price low. The travel trailer will be left in
Arizona to be sold. Allfuture trips to the States from Honduras
will be by air.

hiOM-PROFIT ORQ.
a.S. POSTAGE
PAID

ROSSVILLE, KS
PERMIT NO. 6

ADDRESS CORRECriOM REQUESTED

3^^

SALUDOS!

M/M Bill Hoff

Apdo. 986
from

BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSION

San Pedro Sula

Honduras, Central America

Corporate Office
P.O. Box 61013

Las Vegas, NV 89160-2013

Published Quarterly

Vol. 24, Number 3

Fall 1993

The Lord Watched Over Them

There are three basic means of traveling to Honduras from the United States: ships leave from ports on the gulf coast and cany cargo; several
airlines fly from Dallas, Miami, or New Orleans; or one can drive through Mexico and Guatemala. Because Billand Margy had scores of boxes
stored in Queretaro, they thought that the most practical means of getting them to Honduras would be to travel overland and pick them up on
the way. Bill planned to use a bus that Lifeline Christian Mission wanted delivered to Honduras.
The trip really began in the early summer at Knoxville when Billremoved, disassembled, and stacked the bus seats and loaded the furniture
the Hoffs had acquired. Then, Billand Margy began the first leg of a speaking tour that
took them as far as Oregon. Professor Lee Richardson, from Johnson Bible College,
drove the bus while Bill and Margy followed with their truck and trailer. The bus was
delivered in central Texas and Lee flew home. His help was indispensable, and the Hoffs
really appreciated him. The bus was stored for awhile, then it went into a shop for brake
repairs prior to the HofFs' return.
The Hoffs sold their trailer and returned with a 1982 Isuzu pickup in tow. (It would
be imported into Honduras along with their subuit>an.) The two trucks and the bus
required at least two drivers, so Bill recruited a former missionary, Dick Qring, his son,
Daniel, and Dick's brother. Bob. The Grings took the bus and suburban to Eagle Pass
while Billdropped off Margy and Rebecca at the airport in San Antonio. They met again
at Coiegio Biblico.
Lee Richardson with the bus.
TheMexican consulate in Eagle Pass informed them that the needed permits are now
only available in l-aredo or Brownsville. The brakes on the bus were leaking fluid badly,
so Bill removed the rear wheels and replaced a wheel cylinder. Time prohibited the complete system overhaul that was really needed. Thai
evening, Biiland the Qrings enjoyed the hospitality of the Cary family. Very eariy the next morning they drove to Laredo for permits. The process

was slowand costly. Beforethe vehicles could get on the road. Bill had spent $800 on permits. Theirs were the last vehicles permitted to leave
before the gates of the customs yard closed at 8:00 p.m. At the check point, 26 kilometers
south, there was a 2-mile-long line of trucks that had to check through. It was 1:00 a.m.
before the men were able to stop for the night.
The next day they arrived in Queretaro. In customs Bill had been informed that he
had to leave the country with exactly the 69 boxes that he entered with. That would have
defeated the reason for traveling over land, so Bill bought some very large boxes and
repacked many smaller boxes Into each one. The result was that there were boxes of
books that required 6 men to lift. The highways in Mexico were very rough and the heavily
loaded bus had poor brakes; consequently driving was very slow.
South of Queretaro lay another obstacle: Mexico City. The Capitol prohibits travel
of certain license plate numbers each day in order to reduce smog. With 3 different
vehicles, at least one would not be permitted to travel. To avoid this, the men went around
the city at 3:00 a.m. (an unrestricted hour). They drove from midnight to 9:00 the next
Bill with the Grings.
night. The plan was not to drive so far, but a washed out bridge forced changing routes.
The next day the travelers encountered what Billdescribed as one of the worst roads that
he had ever seen. It took 3 hours to drive 40 miles. The vibration caused the alternator on the bus to fall apart. There were no parts available,
so for the rest of the trip, batteries had to be changed from one vehicle to another.
At the Guatemalan border, it took a whole day to do paperwork. The men siept in the trucks and the next day crossed the country. Honduras
was a similar situation except that it was possible to drive to San Pedro Sula the same day, August 25. The Lord kept them safe through various
close calls. Once the driver of a Renault, looking for a place to picnic, stopped on the freeway. Bill nearly ran over it. But our God truly answers
prayers.

Following their arrival, the pickup and bus, with all the Hoffs household items, were impounded by customs until the appropriate taxes could
be paid. Because the paperwork is tlme<onsuming, the Hol^ did not see their things again for 18 days.

Visiting In The West

The article entitled, "TheWork in Review" sp>eaks of the Hoffs'

tripto Texas and then on intoMexico. After these twoweeks,they
returned to Eagle Pass, Texas, and then left for Arizona.
InMesa, Arizona, Bill, Margy, and Rebecca visited Bill'sbrother,

Cari,and hisgracious wife, Ellen. They parked the trailerbeside their

house. From there they visited other family members, went
shopping, and spoke about Mexico and their planned move to
Honduras in a church in Phoenix. While visiting Margy's sister,
Dianne, she decided to accompany them on their trip through
Califomia, Oregon, and Nevada. On their way to Yuma, Arizona,on
July 10th, the air-conditioner stopped working on the truck for the

TTie trailer and suburban in Mesa, AZ.

secondtime. Thiswasthehottesttimeofthetrip. Sunday,July 11th,

was a busy day as Bill preached twice in the morning services and
Margy and Rebecca talked and showed slides during children's
church. Inthe evening the work was presented, followed by an ice
cream social.

Late Sunday night, while it was relatively cool. Bill, Margy,

Rebecca, and Dianne leftYuma to visitfriends in Campo, Califomia.
During their 2-day stay, Bill was able to get the air-conditioner
repaired, bought fuel across the Mexican border, and he and Margy
got the prayer cards sent out for the month. OnJuly 14th,they left
for Morro Bay, the home of Bill'sparents, his grandmother, and his
aunt and uncle. They did not want to pull a trailer through Los
Angeles, so drove around it. Whilestaying with Bill's folks, the Hoffs
spoke about their work 3 differenttimes. It was a busy 5-day stay
because Rebecca celebrated her 14th birthday at that time.
The highlight of the trip in Oregon was the celebration of
Margy'ssister and brother-in-law's 25th anniversary. Much prepara
tion went into the evening and it was very successful. Pertiaps the

The Hoffs attend a pre-seasonfootball game.

most unusual part of the trip was when the suburban ran out of fuel

in southern Oregon. Bill had not allowed this to happen in 23 years

of married life. The mistake was made because Bill hoped to find
cheaper fuel. The Lord was with them as there was an off-ramp
where they ran out and Bill was able to buy 2 gallons of diesel from
a truck parked there. Meanwhile, Margy, Rebecca, and Dianne

Rebecca and Dianne with her 4 grandsons.

rested in the trailer in the shade while Bill returned 15 miles to fill the
tank.

Las Vegas was a new sight for Dianne. Bill'sbrother, David, was
very gracious to show everyone the sights of the city and the most
economical eating places. The Hoffs showed their slides and video
on Sunday moming in Vegas Valley church and then answered
questions following a potluck dinner. Inthe afternoon they were able
to take care of some business with the mission's treasurer.

Itwas good to return to Arizona because this meant that the Hoff
family was getting closer to their destination of Honduras. But it also

meant that there was a lot of work to do - packing the things from
the trailer so it could be sold. With help from Margy's parents and
later from Bill's brother, this was finally accomplished. Bill and
Margyspoke at Prescott Christian Church on a Wednesday evening
and Bill preached at Glendale on Sunday moming and, in the
evening, he and Margy presented their work once again.
Gordon Cliffordarrived from Califomia on August 11th with the
Isuzu pickup that the Hoffs bought to take to Honduras. The last
things were packed into it and covered vth a tarp. Gordon
accompanied the Hoffs to the Grings' home, west of San Antonio,
Texas. From there Billand the Grings would depart for San Pedro
Sula. The bus was still in the shop when Billwent to check on it. The
wrong part had arrived, so Bill and Gordon hastily made a trip to San

Antonio (about 1Vi hours away) for the correct part. Time was
running out before the planned departure date, but the Lord allowed

Howard Trout with his 3 daughters.

Charlie and Lyn

Mclntyre, treasurer
and board member

of the Mission,

Fulfilling the Vision

Margy believes that the Lord spoke to her early on a Sunday
morning last January. The message that helped the Hoffs decide to
serve in Honduras instead of another field was that she could help Ton!
Schneller with her children. Thus began the preparations for the Hoff
family to move to San Pedro Sula.
Margy has been working at that part of her ministry since arriving
in Honduras. The first 2 weeks Margy and Rebecca stayed with the
Schnellers. During that time, Margy was able to rent a house across

the street from where they lived. Tom and Toni purchased a house
about half a mile away and, in order not to pay September's rent, they
had to move by August 31st. So, the two families were in a lot of
confusion during the month of September. The Hoffshad their house,

The Work in Review

During last summer's travels, the Hoffs took a quick trip into
Mexico to assess their household effects stored there and to hold a

garage sale. Another motive was to check on the church in Queretaro.

They received several pleasant surprises. The first surprise was the
growth of the church: attendance is up about 35% in the congregation
where Hilario and Qraciela are serving. This speaks well of their
dedication to the ministry. It is also a reminder that ministry is more
effective when concentrated on a few areas. So often missionaries get
"too many irons in the fire," and none get hot.
Bill was gratified by the results of the church's attempt to register
with the Mexkran government as a religious association. There

no kitchen, no hot water, and no means of washing clothes, ittrulywas

remains a great deal of misunderstanding in regard to the law;

consequently, a number of churches have been unwillingto register.
But Paul reminds Christians that they are to obey the law; therefore,

a time that required mutual help.

the Lord will bless the efforts of those who seek to fulfill the law.

but no furniture or air-conditioners. The Schnellers had a house, but

The Hoffs survived with mattresses on the floor and an ice chest

Inthe kitchen. Tom loaned them a small air-conditionerwhich they put

in their bedroom so they could sleep at night. He also loaned them a
couple of stuffed chairs to sit on in the living room. Toni cooked many
meals for the Hoffs but, because she had no kitchen sink or cabinets,
had to wash the dishes in the shower in cold water. San Pedro has a

Wendy's, Burger King, and a Pizza Hut. TTiese are all more reasonable

than they are inthe States. They werefrequented byboth families until
everyone was sick of fast food.

Bill installed60 feetofwire fortheirdryer inthe laundryroom. The

Schneller'shouse had noconnection fora washerordryer,so Tom and
Bill broughtToni's to the Hoifs. Margy washed clothes for both families
until her washer and dryer came from customs and Bill was able to
install Toni's appliances In their house. Tom installed an electric
shower head so his family could have hot showers. Billinstalled a water

The most startling change that Bill saw in the church in Quer6taro
was that Ramon Avila was attending regulariy. Later, Bill was
absolutely dumbfounded when, on his trip to Honduras, he was told
that Ramon and his mistress had been baptized. Bill had known
Ramon for about 12 years, but he always feltthat the man who could
swear in4 languages was virtuallyunreachable (inspite of the fact that

4 of his daughters are devout believers). ButGod's Spiritwas working

through Hilario. His humble witness and persistent prayer brought
Ramon to the Lord. Rejoice Inthe Lord'sharvest, and pray that Hewill
show Ramon how to straighten out his marital status.
Tlie IHatk>nal Bible Institute InQueretaro is having an exceptional
year for student enrollment, and is building some small apartments to

help house the professors. The faculty and staffs vision really
impressed Bill and Margy. The school is almost totally supported by
national churches.

heater in his house. Later Bill helped Tom install wiring for airconditionersand other electricalappliances. Duringthis time, Margy
helped by baby-sitting. Racheltumed one-year-old on September 23;
Daniel had his 3rd birthdayon October 14; Davidis7 years ofage and
attends the international school.

Margy has also begun teaching the children's class on Sunday

evenings. On October 23rd, there were 20 children in attendance

betweenthe ages of2 and 12. Rebeccaand TonIalso help inthe class.
Correspondence, as always,takes a lotofMargy'stime. She is also in
a Bible study on Friday mornings with 13 other English-speaking
ladies.

Constructing apartments at Bible Institute.

What is Bill Doing?

Bill reports that his family are basically settled into their home and
that, except for their residence papers, have finished most of the legal

workinvolved in their move. So, it is fair to ask, 'What is Bill doing?"

The first answer Is: teaching. Bill has been giving Biblestudies in the
church in Las Brisas (on the side of the mountain west of San Pedro

sp>ecial service on the beach, which is located 1hours north of San

Pedro Sula. Tlie outing, which attracted 85 people, was a great

success. The worshiphour and Bibleschool classes werefollowed by
a picnic, swimming, and volleyball. Tom transported most of the
people on his bus while Bill drove his suburban.

Sula, a 15-mlnute walk from the road) and the San Pedro Sula
congregation. He has also taught at a retreat.

The nextansweris: preaching. Heisalready preaching Inrotation

with Tom and Julio in the church in San Pedro.

TTiis church is

relocating in a rented building that will provide room for growth.

Presently, the believers assemble in the covered patio of the house

Madonna Spratt has for giris who are studying in the city. There is
simply no room for visitors. Renting will also give sufficient classroom
space. Space limitations have restricted the church to holding two
separate services. The second Sunday in October, the church held

Fording a river.

of possible ways to organize such a school. They range from a formal

Bible college to TEE (Theological Training by Extension). Billwants
to consider all of the reasonable alternatives. For example, he is
analyzing the systems being used by denominations. He has also held
a meeting with the various missionaries to examine their concepts of
what shape such a school should take and what needs it should meet
Last of all, Billis leaming: He is leaming about the city of San Pedro

Sula - the locations, the people, the weather, etc. There are many
subtle differences between Mexico and Honduras which include:

Vie church group at Uie beach.

The third answer is: planning a leadership training program. This

Is not something that he is entering into lightly. There are a number

vocabulary, holidays, customs, etc. Bill is reading a history of the

country. All these things help a person to be better prepared to relate
to those around him and touch their lives.

Personal Glimpses
When Rebecca and (Margy) arrived in San Pedro Sula, Tom
immediately told us that there was a house for rent across the street.
Within a week, 1had rented a lovely 3-^edroom house in a nice middleclass neighborhood. It is ]-story with about the same floor space as
the downstairs part of our house in Queretaro. But it is sufficient to
meet our needs with only 3 of us. The yard is large and beautiful with
palm trees, rose bushes, hedges, etc. At the far end of the property is
a laundry room and a small room with an even smaller bathroom for
a maid. Bill has his tools and other things stored in this area. There
is also a covered carport which is very handy with so much rain. The
cost of livingin the city, and especially renting or buying property, has
gone up tremendously in the last couple of years. We pay about the
same amount for this house as we are receiving from renting our house
in Queretaro. Electricity will cost us more because of the airconditioners.

Rebecca Is attending an International school. It is 5 minutes from

where we live if there is no traffic; otherwise, it can take up to 20

minutes. She is enrolled in 7th grade Spanish since she has notstudied
It for the past 2 years. Her other classes are taught in English. She
normally has a lot of homework. The school totals 1200 students from
pre-kinder through high school and is accredited with the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools in the U.S. It is a preparatory
school for college. Rebecca enjoys the English-speaking church
service that our family attends on Sunday momings. She has 3 good
friends there and Is often invited to a hotel where she goes swimming
or sits and talks.

Our family has missed Mark greatly since moving to Honduras.

The plan was to talk to him by radio once a week, but because Tom
Schneller has moved and hasn't been able to put up his antenna once

Published by the

again, we have been talk

ing to Mark by telephone.
This has become very ex

pensive at $1.00 a minute.

The latest method of com
munication has been FAX.

Of course, this isn't quite as

personal.
Mark has adjusted to
college life without having
Daniel
Rachel
his parents on campus. A
big change for him this year is that he is a member of the soccerteam.
He really enjoys it, but It is very tlme<onsumlng. During one game he
collided with another player and they were both taken to the emer
gency room where a number of staples were put in his head. The Lord
allowed him to heal quickly. Mark's first car has caused him some
problems, but I am sure It is all a part of growing up. Last, but not least,
have been problems he has encountered with his computer. With the
help of friends, this should be resolved shortly.
In an attempt to utilize time and money as much as possible, I
suggested Mark visit us in Honduras over Christmas, which is a 25-day
vacation for Johnson Bible College students, rather than summer
when he could be earning money. So, Mark is coming for Christmas
and we are all thrilled. Another great thrill came when we learned that
the exact amount of Mark's alriine ticket, in the form of 2 different
checks, was sent to the mission treasurer marked for "personal use."
After living in Mexico for 20 years, it has been quite an adjustment
to come to Honduras. Please pray for our family, Including Mark at
J.B.C.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

Rossville Christian Church

U.S. POSTAGE

411 Spruce ROB 187

Rossville, KS 66533

ROSSVILLE, KS

PAID
PERMIT NO. 6

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

SALUDOS!

M/M Bill Hoff

Johnson Bible College

from

Box 28

BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSION

KnoxvUle.TN 37998

Corporate Office
P.O. Box 61013

Las Vegas, NV 89160-2013

Published Quarterly

Vol. 24 Number 1

Winter 1993

THE HOFFS MOVE TO HONDURAS

The following letter explains the decision that Bill and Margy have now made to
change fields of service. This decision has been made after much prayer and
investigation into various fields of the Spanish-speaking world. They are happy that
they will be working once again with Tom and Toni Schneller who were co-workers
of theirs for five years in Queretaro. The Schnellers now have three children: David,
6; Daniel, 2; and Rachel, 5 months.

February 9, 1993
Brethren in Christ:

I am writing this letter to share with you some exciting news of what God
has been doing in the lives of Bill and Margy Hoff.
As you probably know, the Hoffs are spending this furlough year
teaching at Johnson Bible College, What you may not know is that they have
also been much in prayer concerning their future ministry. Just recently, the
Lord gave them what they believe is the answer to their prayers.
When they left Mexico last summer on their way to Tennessee, it was with
the definite conviction that after twenty years in Queretaro it was time to
move on. The congregation in Queretaro was in the hands of capable
Vie HoffFamily

national leadership; the work in the Bajio had grown significantly; and the
national church was more able than ever to keep moving forward both in
evangelism and in discipleship. The furlough year, they felt, would be the
right time to make a change.

Butwhere wouldthe Lordhave them go? The firstfewmonths in Knoxville were a time of uncertainty, of pushing
on various doors, to see where in the Spanish-speaking world God might want them to use their unique gifts and
talents. Then, in January, the time of uncertainty ended; the conclusion was reached that He was calling them to
San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Central America, to partner in ministry with Tom and Toni Schnellera dedicated
missionary couple with whom they had previously worked in Mexico.
In the July 1992 issue of Horizons, in an article entitled "Honduras Re-visited," Tom Schneller and Madonna
Spratt write:

Presently, there are a number ofmen (both young and old) who desire to become further prepared
in order to serve our Lord. Until some form ofBible institute is established, classes and seminars have

been given to help fill the need of training nationals. It is our prayer that the Lord would make it
possible for the Honduran national to receive the training necessary within his/her own country,
which in turn would help the church grow spiritually and numerically.
This is the principal reason that Bill and Margy have decided to move to Honduras.
The Hoffs' work in Honduras will be diverse, however; Bill has been asked to develop a camp/retreat center.
He willoversee the actual construction of buildings, help plan camps and retreat programs, and teach when needed.
(continued on page 2)

Margy will develop a hospitality house, help with a

Bible-study-by-correspondence ministry, oversee all
other correspondence, and assist Toni with her
three small children so that Toni can develop music
and Christian education programs.
Rebecca willbe attending a large English-speak
ing school in San Pedro Sula, while Mark will remain
in the CJ. S. to continue his Bible college studies at
Johnson.

Brownsville

Mexico

The move to Honduras will not be without its

difficulties and adjustments. When the Hoffs left

Mexico, they left behind nearly all their belongings,
since they had no idea where the Lord might be
leading them. Now they face the logistics of the
move. The economic realities are that the cost of

living in Honduras will be higher than it was in

Mexico; and the necessity of air travel willadd to the
costs of living in Central America.
The greatest need of all, of course, always is
prayer support. It is the Hoffs' desire to have as much
prayer supfx>rt as pxjssible in preparation for their new
field of service. I would personally encourage you to
consider making a commitment to pray for them at
least once a week (once a day, if fx)ssible), and to ask
other family members and friends to do the same. If
you'll send your name and address to the Hoffs at their
J. B. C. address, they'll send you a monthly postcard
listing p>etitions and answers to prayers.
Both the Hoffs and 1 stand ready to field any
questions you might have about this new chapter
opening in their lives.
Yours in Christ's service,
Morm Dungan

Bajio Christian Mission

Trustee

Guatemala .^San Pedro Sula

Honduras

Salvador (Nicaragua

coffee, shrimp, beef, lumber, and sugar. Honduras is

reported to be one of the poorest and least-developed
countries in Latin America. Unemployment is listed at 12
percent, but actual underemployment is perhaps as high
as 30 or 40 percent.
The first missionaries from the Christian church, the

William Dykes and Robert Pate families, entered Hondu

ras in 1974. Most of their ministry was in village medical
evangelism in the mountains. In August of 1984, veteran
missionary Madonna Burget established a Christian health
center and began Bible studies in the Merendon moun
tains overlooking the San Pedro Sula valley. Not much
later, Dean Cary began an evangelistic outreach including
dally radio programs and Bible studies. In 1990, Tom and
Toni Schneller entered Honduras, seeking to plant indig
enous churches in

both rural and urban

HONDURAS

areas.

Home Bible

studies, Bible corre

The Republic of Honduras, with a population of ap

proximately 5,000,000, is located in Central America. The
area of the country Is 43,277 square miles (about the size
of Tennessee). The capital of the country, with a popula
tion of 640,000, is Tegucigalpa; San Pedro Sula is second
with almost half a million people. San Pedro has a hot,
humid climate. The current president, Rafael Leonardo
Callejas, is a born-again believer. Roman Catholicism
claims 90 percent of the population, but there is a fast-

spondence courses,
and leadership train
ing are means toward
their end of establish

ing churches. In all,

five churches have
been established so

far as a result of these

missionaries' efforts.

growing Protestant minority. Ninety percent of the people

More formal leader

are mestizo (mixed Indian and European). The literacy

rate is 68 percent, but only 16 percent read at the junior
high level. The country exports bananas, citrus fruits,

ship training is the

emerging need of the
church at this point.

The Schneller Family

BUSY AT WORK
PRAYER SaPPORT
If you are willing to pray for the Hoffs at
least once a week (once a day, if possible)
send them your name and address at John
son Bible College. They will send you a
monthly postcard listing petitions and an
swers to prayers.

THE CHANGES IN MEXICO

Bill and Margy's decision to go to Honduras will only
slightly affect the commitments Bajlo Christian Mission
has in Mexico. One commitment is to help Mexican
Evangelism Now with its program for paying evangelists.
B.C.M. will reduce its contributions to this organization

over a period of several years in order to encourage the

men to produce financially responsible indigenous
churches. The camp program and the National Bible
Institute are largely supported and supervised by nation
als. B.C.M. will no longer send Financial support to them.
B.C.M. also is committed to paying Hilario Rosas. The
Mexican pickup will be given to Hilario to facilitate his
ministry. His salary will also be reduced gradually.
Hilario reports that the nucleus of the church he Is
working with is growing. He also reports two baptisms in
the past month as a result of a Bible study. Billstarted this
study a couple of years ago. "I, (Paul) planted, Apollos
watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither
the one who plants nor the one who waters Is anything, but
God who causes the growth." 1Cor. 3:6,7. The correspon
dence school is presently growing.

Bill is currently teaching ten hours of classes at the

college. The four classes include: the book of Acts, Church
Growth and Evangelism, Theology, and a Seminar on
Missions. Because it is his first time to teach three of the

classes, much preparation goes Into them. The missions

class is somewhat easier. Bill is also teaching a Bible
school class on Sunday mornings on the books of 1and II
Peter. In the afternoons, the Hoff family assists in the
Spanish church which meets about 20 minutes from where
they live. Mark plans and prepares the weekly program, as
well as assisting in the services; Billpreaches once a month
and brings the Lord's Supper meditation when called upon;
Margy and Rebecca lead the children's class during the
Lord's Supper and sermon. The leaders for the Spanish
group are currently holding three Bible studies a week. Bill
is leading one about 45 minutes from the college on
Monday afternoons. Mark is assisting in the one at the
university.
Margy is working fewer hours at the college because
she needs more time to do correspondence work for the
mission and make future plans. She does work in the
college post office when called upon. She is taking an
intensive 12-week course on the book of 1 Thessalonians

each Monday evening.

Mark continues to study and work at the college. His
scheduling is a little easier on him than it was last semester.
He visits his parents on the weekends when his meal ticket
runs out at the school! Mark will remain In Knoxville this

summer to work and prepare for his next year of schooling.

Rebecca is looking forward to moving to Honduras and
being with the Schnellers once again. She took a liking to
their son, Daniel, the two-year-old adopted Honduran boy,
when the family visited the Schnellers during Thanksgiving
vacation. Meanwhile, Rebecca is very active In the church
youth group and is an excellent student In middle school.

A TRIBUTE TO BARBARA
Billand Margy, along with the board members of Bajio
Christian Mission, give a very special thanks and a tribute
to Mrs. Barbara Cookof Las Vegas, Nevada, for her years
of service to this work. Barbara has recently retired as
treasurer of the mission. She soon will be retiring from her
secular job and would like time to devote to various
interests.

Barbara has worked tirelessly for the mission for

many years. She has suffered with us during the trying
times of B.C.M.'s Incorporation and registration. Several
times she has handled misunderstandings with the I.R.S.,
and has maintained a positive, loving spirit through it all.
Barbara has told Margy that she works hard at being

a grandmother. She takes her four grandchildren to

church each Sunday, as well as taking them for recreation
duringtheweek. ShetrulyisaservantofGod. Thankyou,
Barbara, and may God bless you always.
The mission welcomes Mrs. Lynn Mclntyre as the new
treasurer.

Her husband has been a board member for

several years. Thank you for your willingness to accept

the job; the mission anticipates many years of service
together. The mission address will not change; neither will
the name. Please continue sending your correspondence
and gifts to Bajlo Christian Mission, Box 61013, Las Vegas,
NV 89160-2013.

PREPARING TO MOVE TO
HONDURAS
Much work and preparation is going into the
change of ministry for the Hoffs. They have sent
letters to supporters announcing the move, and
with this newsletter their many friends have been
updated on their plans. The following things are still
on the Hoffs "to be done" list:

1. Obtain residency papers. Needed: ap

plication, copies of birth certificates,
letter from bank, report stating no crimi
nal records, passports, health certifi
cates, photos, marriage license, and
letter from mission along with a fee.
They will have to make a trip to New

"Go ye into all the world."

Orieans where the Honduran consul is

located before everything is finalized.

2.

Prepare video on Honduras.

3.

Bill take exam to become an amateur

radio operator. He will be able to com

municate with Mark at the college
through a friend.
4.

Overhaul used engine to put in Subur

ban.

5.

Purchase small pick-up to take to Hon

duras.

6.

Coordinate the moving of household

items from Tennessee and from Mexico.

7.

Plan schedule to visit supporting

churches the latter part of this school
year or during the summer.

Please pray for the Hoffs as they strive to

accomplish these things.

Published by the

D.C. for Christmas - a living history lesson.

MON-PROFIT ORG.

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