Outreach
Bridges of Love
World Missions and Outreach Projects
At T&T, we believe it is both a calling and a blessing to reach beyond our “walls” to perform mission work.
September 2010 Letter from Bro. Vince Toomey serving in Mexico
Dear Co Labors in Christ,
I am writing to give you an update on this school year at Esculea Evangelismo Entrenamiento de fe.
For those of you that were not aware brother Ben Ohejda the founder of this work went to be with the Lord earlier this year, he is greatly missed by his family and all those that knew him, he was a great man of faith and vision, and I am sure he would be so excited to see what is happening this school year.
First we currently have 35 students which is more than double the number of previous school years. Second the level of hunger and desire is very intense, with all of the students. From the first day of school (which was August 9th) until now the Lord has been continuously moving in and through these students. We started the first week with 9 water baptisms in Jesus name followed by many more baptisms in the Holy Spirit, and the level of intensity is only increasing daily as they are pressing into his presence.
Our classes here begin at 7:00am each morning until 5:00pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s there are two additional two hour classes as well as ministry during the week and services on Saturday & Sunday, as well as any additional guest ministry or invitations.
Just before school opened there was a major flood that covered a big portion of northeast Mexico, here at the school there was over three feet of water that came in the school, thank God for sister Letti and her husband Estavan which saw to it that many of the appliances were elevated off the floor so they were not ruined, also for all those that came to help clean up, and most of these were local churches that are now involved with the bible school, that made it possible for the school to start on time. Thank God for what he has done in this area. I remember eight years ago when I first came here, there was only one local pastor that supported brother Ben in the vision, and now there are many and some are graduates from the bible school. The students that come to this school come from all over Mexico not just this area, and it is starting to become very well known because of the fruit that has been produced here.
One of the things God has done recently, is he gave us wisdom, as our water supply was very limited, the water service to the showers were almost non existent if we were using water in the kitchen or washing clothes, and as you can imagine with 35 students and 7 on site staff it was a big problem. When we received this months water bill we noticed we were paying for the school as well as the empty lot across the street, so we decided to dig a new line and hook up half the building to the empty lots water supply, and glory to God we have plenty of water.
Another area of concern is our electricity when it was first installed we were told by a contractor he would hook up the electric, well he did but not the way you would think, it is nothing more than a buried extension cord from a pole over 400 meters away. You can only imagine the kind of service we have and this year with so many students it is even a greater hindrance. We have been trying for three years to get regular electric service hooked up but it has been very hard and with many disappointments, no one wanting to commit to hook it up and when someone did come up with a plan the city would shoot it down.
We have been teaching the students concerning prayer and fasting, this last Monday we went to the electric company while the students were in chapel praying, we went in faith believing that God would make a way. When we went in it was as if someone had paved the way before us, as usually it is a very complicated and drawn out process but within 90 minutes we had a contract with the electric company to install the poles wire and service for 127000 pesos approximately $11,000.00 US, and a commitment to have it installed within 30 days of receiving payment. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness, you should have seen the reaction of the students when we told them of the results of the prayers, we just need to continue to believe the Lord for the funds that are needed. We now have $1100.00, as my pastor would say we only need to believe God for two more zeros.
Last night the students came to me after having their own meeting and said they wanted permission to get up at 5:30am every morning and pray and fast the morning meal for the next forty days for the needs of the school and for the electricity.
With this kind of attitude and desire we cannot help but expect to see the greatest move of God that has yet been poured out here.
Another great testimony is with the drug wars that are happening here they are taking place right in our area, but there is a spirit of perfect peace over this place, there is a complete absence of fear, I asked my 14 year old son who is here with me what he thought of what is happening, and he replied that he has no fear, God has given him peace, he quoted Isaiah 54:17 (no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper), he also said even if someone came to the school the Lord has a hedge of protection over us. What a testimony.
We would like you to continue to pray for the work here and the lives of these students, for they are truly being changed for the glory of God.
Please remember if you would ever like to come and visit the school, we encourage you to come and impart what God has so freely given you, I am convinced you would be truly blessed as well as being a blessing to the students and the work here.
We thank you for support and prayers, may the Lord richly bless you with his exceeding great plans for you.
If you would like a list of the ministry needs for the bible school here, please reply to this email for a complete list.
Please remember brother Bens wife and family in your prayers.
Vince Toomey
Acting Co-Director
Esculea Evangelismo
SanFernando, Tamalipus Mexico
Any donations can be sent to:
Abundant Life Minsities
P.O. Box 58
SanSaba, Texas 76877
In February 2010, T&T will embark on another journey across the oceans to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. T & T President Linda Thomas will travel to Haiti to provide Humanitarian aid and basic relief. More updates to follow...
In January 2009, T&T Construction teamed up with Convoy of Hope to build a school in El Salvador. Bill Thomas, VP of Operations Mark Dalton, Equipment Coordinator Fred Finley, Project Manager Juan Ramos, Transport Driver Angel Garcia, and Carpenter David Jamie, embarked on a four-day journey to El Salvador to construct a school for the local community which will last for generations. The schools in El Salvador not only meet the educational needs of the local children, they are places where children come to discover dreams and build on solid foundations for their future.
In conjunction with the January 2009 Convoy of Hope Team, T&T Vice President Jason Thomas assembled his team on the shores of El Salvador at local hot spot, K-59, to continue building a base camp. The camp is used by churches and other non-profit groups who visit the area to provide a wide array of humanitarian aid. The trip was a success. The team built a few of the main facilities such as meeting rooms, dorm rooms, and offices. Local Missionary Jonathan Farrant of TCCI, coordinated teams and used this facility as a base camp. Several of the local children visited with the team and received a big surprise as our Resident Balloon Artist Fred made all sorts of treats for them!
In November 2008, T&T VP Jason Thomas, Project Assistant/Estimator Alberic Correa, Project Manager Robb Watt and Pump Operator Augustin Estrella, traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico to build a church. While traveling deep into the jungles of Oaxaca to reach the indigenous Oaxaca Indians, the paved road stopped and the remainder of the journey involved six hours on a dirt path. Upon reaching the site, they enjoyed breathtaking views from the hilltops, which, coupled with the generosity of the locals, made this trip unforgettable. Constructing the church for the people of the area was not only rewarding but showed us what we can do with the resources that have been afforded to us.
In August 2008, T&T Construction returned to Vera Cruz, Mexico. T&T Vice President Jason Thomas, his wife Rebecca, VP of Concrete Angel Garza and his family traveled to Isla Veracruz, Mexico to visit Horfanato Adulam Orphanage. Since 2006, Angel and his family have personally supported, visited and provided for the daily needs of the children living at the orphanage. T&T teamed up with Angel and was honored to support this organization with our finances and our time. Delivering smiles, hugs and gifts to the children is the greatest satisfaction of every visit. Using our resources and combining our efforts, "As One", we build relationships on solid foundations that will last a lifetime.
In August 2008, T&T President Linda Thomas and her husband Bill traveled to the beautiful Galapagos Islands. Once again, Bill and his team constructed a tabernacle that could withstand the elements of nature, which are a part of life in this paradise, yet, more importantly, which will provide a safe place of worship for the families in the area.
In April 2008, T&T Vice President Jason Thomas, his wife Rebecca, and smile artist Dr. Chris Chard , of Williams, Solberg and Chard, traveled to El Salvador to host a dental missions' clinic. Teaming up with local Missionary Jonathan Farrant of TCCI , Dr. Chard and his team hosted a Dental Clinic to teach proper oral hygiene. They also distributed dental hygiene packs. The event was a huge success and resulted in big smiles all around! The dental clinic waiting room was full from sun up to sun down. Dr. Chard and his dental assistant Jason Thomas provided much-needed basic dental services such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, and other preventive dental care. Many thanks and blessings to Dr. Chard and his lovely wife Brittney.
In 2007,T&T President Linda Thomas and husband Bill traveled to Cape Town, South Africa. The project involved laying 15,000 bricks at the Cape Theological Seminary . The job was a complete success! Today the seminary offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs, preparing thousands of students for continued global success.
In October 2006, T&T President Linda Thomas, her husband Bill, and T&T Project Manager Vince Toomey teamed up with Frank Stankunas to build a 2,700-square-foot project consisting of a school and dormitories, during their 10-day trip to Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. The terrain was very rough. As you can imagine, the heat was almost unbearable, however, the smiles we saw made this trip well worth the toll it took on our bodies. The school and dormitories were constructed for orphaned kids who had been living in a dump nearby, and were built with solid 80-90 lb. blocks. The school and dormitory are owned and operated by Hananasif Orphanage Center. We encourage you to visit the following site to learn more about the center http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gM3pOcVCvg
In 2003, T&T President Linda Thomas, her husband Bill and T&T Vice President Jason Thomas, teamed up with Missionaries Donnie and Debra Daniels in Punta Arenas, Chile. Joining them in Chile was Mike Schultz of Central Florida Consulting Surveyors. The team went to Punta Arenas, Chile, to build not simply a place of worship for the local community, but a place where families can come and grow together. This area's climate is unique, and our team encountered all four seasons daily; from rain to shine, and wintery cold chills to sunny warm ocean winds. We always had our rain gear handy! The church's foundation was poured and walls went up. The frame for the roof was set in place for the next team who arrived shortly after our departure to put the finishing touches on the roof. The job was completed successfully and provided a much-needed building to promote stronger families, and growth for the local community.
Ready Mix...This is how Jason Thomas placing a super flat floor.
they deliver it.
"Local families and kids of the area visited the site daily to lend a helping hand."
T&T believes strongly in sharing with our community the gifts that have been given to us. We are proud to serve our community and the families who live, work and play right here in the good ol’ USA. Here are just a few ways we give back to our local communities.
Since 2007, T&T has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.
Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center: Since 2006, T&T Construction has stood beside the Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center, providing solid support locally that reaches beyond county lines. In 2006, their facility was growing much like a woman's womb and getting larger every day. They needed some assistance with the delivery of a new and improved office building. We were able to help the center expand its walls with a new office extension. With our hard work and their extended arms of love, the center is now able to help thousands of women with life's unexpected "miracles".
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: With various friends, families and co-workers affected by breast cancer, we believe strongly in supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We encourage you to take a moment to visit this site.
Each year the employees at T&T Construction team up with Faith Christian Academy to fill up plastic shoeboxes for kids around the world. Boxes are filled with toys, clothing, and basic toiletries. The boxes are taken to a distribution facility and loaded up on the trucks. Samaritan's Purse distributes the boxes across the world to areas such as India, Africa, Central and South America, Mexico and beyond.
Concrete Solutions for A Better World
