NCBM in Honduras

Welcome Back First Baptist Church of Raleigh Team 103

2012-02-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome back First Baptist Church of Raleigh. This excitable team arrived on January 31 ready and willing to go to work to build Reyanldo and family a home where they will never be exposed to the elements again. Off we went down the roads of Honduras towards the south to Choluteca. Arrived safely and settled to arise early on February 1. The team got up made their sandwiches, fixed their gatorade and water, washed their dishes and loaded the kia. While all this was going on Pastor G arrived to reunite with his former construction team. Hugs were shared by all. Before departing we gathered in a circle to pray for the day ahead and what all the Lord anticapated for this team. The team went off to load up in the van and the kia. Unfortunately the friends in the kia had a slight opportunity which actually happened several more times before the problem was corrected. They got to push the kia off and they went all the way around the next block before it started. There is always a special opportunity to arrive each and every day we serve the Lord. No matter where we are located. It is all in how we look at the opportunity. That first morning our cup was only half full. In the words of Pastor G "NO PROBLEM". So off to the job site. They traveled down a dusty dirt road about forty minutes before arriving at one of the sweetest villages God has ever created, El Carrizo. Reynaldo was eagerly awaiting the North American group at the gate of the church. He opened the gate so the three vechicles could pull in to the job location. We gathered together with Reynaldo's family and introduced ourselves and shared a prayer with them before disbursing to get the four corners set and string lined up for the first course to be layed. The beginning of an amazing week in El Carrizo.

"Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself is the cornerstone , in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22

Praying over the first block laid

2012-02-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

As the team continued to unload materials, start on a week of realtionship building, finding just the right spot for the gatorade and setting up the block saw and the mortar station I observed the family watching except for Reynaldo who got right in there and never stopped until the last job was done. The most spiritual blessing on that first day is praying over the first block. The family gathered around and Dudley along with Egla translating shared the most inspiring prayer for a most inspiring week which lied ahead. Thank you Dudlely for lifting up the family and the team to our most gracious and amazing Heavenly Father. We serve such a mighty God and HE is so worthy of praise. We stopped at that place and time to give God complete glory for all things HE has so graciously provided for us that week. Then the team was off and running to serve the Lord in a mighty way for the next five days.

"And they shall rebuild the old ruins,

They shall raise up the former desolations,

And they shall repair the ruined cities,

The desolations of many generations,

For as the earth brings forth its bud,

As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise

to spring forth before all nations."

Isaiah 61:4, 11

Building a pila for Fransico

2012-02-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

While the team diligently worked on the home for Reynaldo others were busy building a pila for Fransico, a neighbor near by. God has blessed us beyond what we can comprehend in this ministry. Thank you for allowing us to provide Fransico a means of bathing and washing his families clothes on a daily basis. there were other activities going on as well which are most beneficial. Thank you Bob for providing the Hondurans with fresh drinking water and gatorade during each work day. What a blessing!! Also Mike met a new friend while building the pila. The days we were there building the pila Fransico was working in the melon fields, Praise the Lord, so Fransico Jr assisted in getting the job done. Thank you Joel, Mike and Steve who brought the blocks from afar to provide this luxury to a precious and deserving family.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Reynaldo

2012-02-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

God has placed in many peoples' lives an phenominal young man who is only ten years old. Please meet God's little angel here on earth named Reynaldo. Back in October Baptist Men was building a home nearby Reynaldo's home. All week Reynaldo was right there helping in all ways possible to get his uncle a home. One afternoon Mike and I went out to the job site to check on the team and the progression of the home when Reynaldo asked Mike will you go and look at my home please. So off Mike and Reynaldo went down the dirt path to his home. The major rains we had during this time had washed away the back wall of his home. There were ten people living in this home. Mike and I left that day crying over such an act by such a young man. Well needless to say we prayed about this and immediately decided this fellow needed a home. Well on Feb 1 all he could say was thank you and I am so happy to get this home. Reynaldo worked five solid days with out stopping except on the fourth and fifth day to go inside the church and be a child just for a short time. He sang songs with Cristen, Rachel, Egla and Bobo. I caught him sitting at table coloring a picture. It was such a blessing to see him stop and just be a child. Such a responsiblity on such a young man. Thank you God for sending such a special blessing into so many lives.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:14-16

Steve's Testimony

2012-02-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

Before starting this story I was given permission by my brother in Christ, Steve, to share about his time between last January and this February. Steve came down last year and helped build Sunday School classrooms for Colonia Unidas. He worked hard all week and I did not realize how hard this was for him. So when he left Honduras last January 2011 he made a commitment to God and then himself he was going to get his body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, in better shape for this year. So he made a commitment to eat healthier and to exercise more. There were days he said he would be in the gym attempting to work out and just was not feeling it that day and God would bring to his mind these beautiful people of Honduras and off he went pushing and perservering as hard as he could. Well sixty pounds less later he came back to Honduras and felt so much better and not nearly as tired and exhausted in prior years. Thank you God for Steve and his commitment to you to take care of his body so he could better serve you in Honduras. So please never say you cannot do something because with Jesus Christ all things are possible. To God be the glory.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20

Two Families Serving the Lord

2012-02-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

It is always a special blessing when families come together to serve the Lord. First of all I like to welcome back Dennis and Cristen this year. They were the father/daughter team who joined First Baptist this year. The other family team was Joel/Steve, brothers. These two families came together this week and worked together to serve the Lord in building a home and building new relationships with other families here in Honduras. We always enjoy when families come to Hondruas and worship and serve the Lord.

"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing, he gave generously to the those in need and prayed to God regularly." Acts 10:2

Happy Birthday Kristen

2012-02-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

While Kristen was with us in Honduras she celebrated her 30th birthday!!! Feliz Cumpleamos Kristen. But thankful Mr. Mike did not celebrate Honduran style. God bless you this year and many more to come.

"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live,

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." Pslam 104:33

VBS and Church Services

2012-02-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

This team had the opportunity to worship in two churches this week. Thank you Dudley for bringing the message of the Greatest Commandment out of Matthew 22:36-38. Jesus says if we truly love God we will keep the commandments. But in order to truly love God we must accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The greatest gift of God is His Son Jesus Christ. As Dudley ask the people of Honduras this question,"Do you know our living Savior Jesus Christ, does in live in your hearts today?" If you are reading this today and you do not know our living Saviour Jesus Christ as Steve shared in devotionals one night tomorrow may be too late. We can build homes here forever but if the folks we are building these homes for do not know Jesus Christ their eternal destination is Hell. Please do not take OUR JESUS lightly, accept Him today and spend eternity with HIM. During the week Steve and Egla shared with the father of the house, German, who was not a Christian, had never accepted the free gift of salvation. Please pray because after a lengthy time of sharing the plan of salvation and praying with German he would not give up this earthly life for a life of eternity one day.

The children enjoyed several days of VBS with Bobo playing the guitar, Egla, Rachel and Kristen singing and doing serveral activities with them. It is a joy to see these children enjoy some fun at their local church on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. What a blessing when teams come down and share coloring picture and bible stories with the children. Thank you ladies and Bobo for spending precious time with the children.

Thank you Joel, Egla and Bob for sharing your testimonies.

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:"Love your neighbor as yourself."

Matthew 22:36-39

The Washing of Feet

2012-02-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

The last day has arrived and the team is working hard to finish the home and prepare for a most memorable event. A young man named Wiley last year said we should become true servants and wash the feet of the family we build the home. Well at the airport I asked Steve if he remembered this thought from last year and he said YES. So Steve discussed it off and on all week and when the day arrived and it all came together it was the most beautiful sight. Tom and Joel became a true Honduran when they carried the water upon their head from the well. In front of the completed home the team placed a bench for the entire family to sit on. They placed a bucket of water with soap and a rag in front of the family. But prior to that Steve shared how on the last night before his cruxifician Jesus washed his disciples feet. Today we would like to have the honor to wash the feet of each family member. Egla then read from John 13:1-19. The team eagerly got on their knees before one of the family members to wash their feet. First of all it was amusing to some then you could suddenly feel the presence of the Lord in this place. Silence overtook the crowd along with curosity. All you could hear was the splashing of the water. A comment that evening during our share time from Keith was heart wrenching. He shared how he does not know how he was honored to be the one who washed the feet of Reynaldo. What a humble statement. Keith you are worthy to wash his feet and the joy which was on Reynaldo's face as you painlessly and with much detail washed not just his feet but his legs as well and took such time and effort to dry them was breathtaking. Thank each of you for becoming humble servants of Christ and washing the feet of these beautiful people. Pray this act of worship will encourage German to come to Jesus Christ and anyone else who stood there and watched such an amazing act of service.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR ALL THINGS!!!

John 13:1-19

Please read this beautiful story from God's word.

Home Dedication

2012-02-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

After the washing of feet the family then were given a beautiful cross made by someone back home and they key to their home. Tears flowing as German put the key into the lock of his families new home. As he turn the lock and it disconnected from the latch everyone clap and praise the Lord. At that time all there was asked to place thir hands on the side of the home as the home was dedicated in prayer. Thank you first of all to our Lord for providing this week this time and this place to occur. Thank you First Baptist Raleigh , Bob, Keith, Dudley, Steve, Joel, Mike, Tom, Dennis, Kristen and Rachel for accepting the call to come and build Reynaldo and his family a home.

His Lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Matthew 25:21

Welcome Back First Baptist Church Jacksonville Dental Team

2012-02-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

This is the third year Mike and I have been given the opportunity to serve beside First Baptist Jacksonville Dental Team. After several opportunities in Jacksonville airport and Atlanta airport they arrived safely in Tegus with an amazing positive Christ-like attitude. In Jacksonville three pieces of their luggage did not arrive with them. One having supplies needed to start work on Monday. God is good all the time. They came in on Saturday and allow us Sunday to go back to Tegus to pick up the luggage. Thank you Orfilio and Jose for doing this. Then while in Atlanta they were delayed leaving because of the weather. BUT once again God prevailed in a mighty way and got them here safely. On Sunday morning we got up, ate an Honduran breakfast and off to worship with Pastor Carlos in Cedeno. After worship the team assessed the church and Sunday School classrooms to decide on they wanted to set up the clinic. Once they arrived back to the mission house the team worked on getting organized for the first day of service to the folks in Cedeno. The most important observation I witnessed during the week they made the time to have a devotional in the morning and in the evening. One of the God moments during worship Sunday morning was when Dimuis preached in Spanish and English at the same time. And shared an amazing sermon on how we are to evangilise the gospel to the ends of the earth.

"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME in Jeruslaem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8

Setting up the first dental clinic

2012-02-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS!!! There is so many different jobs to get a dental team up and running. The amazing part of all this is they got it all set up and ready within 45 minutes. There is putting the sets together, setting up the instruments, filling packs for pain meds, making sure they did the exact fomula for cleaning instruments, making sure the generator and air compressor ran correctly, organizing the set up for the patients, making sure the blood pressure cuff machine had batteries and after all that was done they opened in prayer before starting the clinic. Everyone seemed to know where to go and what to do. There was several new folks on the team and you would have never known. They all worked side by side without a hitch. Before seeing each patient the dentist prayed with their patient. Mrs. Alice found her way to the church to lead in songs and bible stories while the patients waited to be seen. A God moment during the first day was when a lady ask how much would this cost her? The team said nothing this is a gift from GOD. It is our pleasure to serve you today. One patient got in the dentist chair and thanked God for the opportunity to have her teeth checked. She praised the Lord several times before they started working on her. Alot of these people have never seen a dentist before. I was standing with the choir director of the church, Karen, watching her expression of all the equipment, the noise coming from the equipment and all that was going in the Sunday School classroom she also teaches in on Sunday morning. This was probably her first experience with a dentist. By the way she was the last patient to be seen on the last day of the clinic. Karen is a humble servant and always puts others ahead of herself. During this clinic there were five people who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The dental team healed physical needs and provided spiritual needs as well. Each person who accepted Christ received a bible to take home and continue their walk with the Lord. Pastor Carlos also prayed with them and encouraged them to come to church with other fellow believers.

"And HE said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

Mark 16:15-16

Everyone helps to get the job completed

2012-02-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

There is many behind the scenes jobs going on during the clinic and in the evening. Nicole, a young lady who tagged along with this team kept the children entertained just about all day. Nicole with the help of Egla, our translator, told bible stories out on the grass behind the church. Two of the stories Nicole told was David and Goliath and Noah and the Ark. Much to Nicole's surprise the children knew these stories very well and helped by answering questions during the bible stories. There was alot of folks hanging out because of curosity so we had Pastor Carlos, another Pastor Amado, Orfilio and Jose doing crowd control. I suppose I would be curious as well if I heard some stranges noises coming out the local church in my village. Each evening all the team members got around the dining hall tables preparing the gift bags for each patient. Tooth brush, tooth paste, floss and stickers went into the bags. They wrote on the front of the bags in Espanol, Phrases like Jesus love you, Jesus is Alive, and many more. Every task was a team effort. Unity in the Lord is a beautiful sight.

"How good and pleasant it is when GOD'S people live together in unity." Psalm 133:1

Last day in Cedeno

2012-02-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

Our last day in Cedeno the team worked very hard to see as many patients as possible. Aleyda, our Honduran dentists did an exceptional job with the children especially those who had the urge to let out a screeching scream before they even sat down in the dentist chair. The young man holding the instruments was waiting for a root canal while watching a friend screaming in another chair. Stuart, dentist, from Jacksonville came prepared this year to do root canals for his patient and was able to do a total of four during the week. Stuart did not have access to exrays so he used another mechanism to help him judge the distance for the root canal. Will who will be starting dental school in the Fall was assisting Stuart each day. Susan and David who I learned have worked together for thrity years was a team and Aleyda and her assisant, Hannah, who wants to be a dentist one day as well. Dimus was amazing assessing the patients and Nicole checking blood pressures as well. Ms. Alice would translate between Moms in Prayers, Reginia and Kim kept the instruments cleaned and ready to go as well as kept the pills counted as needed. The dental team makes quiet a difference in a person's appearance and self esteem. They had a time of praise and prayer before they said their bitter sweet good-byes to a very special village. One of the God moments during this day was when Dimus played the church piano and realized half the keys were missing from the piano but yet the church uses this piano every Sunday without a complaint. They are grateful for what they have. Also the young people of this church come together every Saturday morning from five to six am to pray for their community and evangelizes in the afternoon. Also the ladies of the church are going to continue with Moms in Prayers with all the awesome resources Mrs. Alice left them. God is good all the time.

"Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice."

Psalm 55:17

Second location - Monjaras

2012-02-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

The team left Cedeno and stopped by the next village called Monjaras where they will spend the next two days seeing more patients. In this church they met inside the church sanctuary. They assessed how to set up for the next day. They arrived on their fourth day got set up yet once again and started seeing patients. While this was going on the church was having a fund raiser for their church building to help pay for the floor to be tiled. They were selling chicken tacos. Pastor David had the clinic very organized and had no trouble with crowd control. The team was able to see about alot of folks. Pastor David needed alot of work on his teeth but he wanted his congregation to go before him. So he did not get his teeth checked. How many times do we sacrifice for others and allow them to go before us or receive before us? What an amazing testimony? This man gave up his only chance to see the dentist for his own congregation to go first. Also he is planting another church about ten miles down the road. Guess how he gets there? ON HIS BIKE. He has asked for an evangilizing team for his sister church. Please pray we will provide this opportunity for God's people. As this week came to an end the dental team saw 197 patients, 4 root canals, 183 extractions, 49 cleanings and most importantly 5 NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST. Thank you dental team providing such a precious gift of service to the precious folks of Honduras.

" Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel." Mark 15:29-31

Moms in Prayer

2012-02-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Each day Mrs. Alice gathered the ladies together to share the bible study on Mom's in Prayer. Through knowing the language she found out from Pastor G, our construction team leader, his church does this on a weekly basis. She shared this ministry with his ladies last year. Mrs. Alice is very commited to this ministry. Her hearts desire is for women everywhere to pray pray pray and pray for their families, churches, government and all things of the world. Her passion for this ministry is contagious and I always enjoy her sharing it with the ladies of Honduras. Thank you Mrs. Alice for providing this ministry in Honduras.

"Pray with out ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:17-18

Susan and Julio

2012-02-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Last but not least meet JULIO. He was a big hit with the children and adults as well. Last year I did not get to see his performance so I was extra excited to see how he teaches the children the proper way to care for their teeth. His assistant, Susan, did an amazing job with the children and allowing them to assist her and practice brushing Julio's teeth. Well done Julio and Susan. You two were a big hit at the dental clinics. Thank you First Baptist Church Jacksonville for coming and providing such awesome care to two special villages in Choluteca. God bless you all!!!!

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

Colossians 3:23

Team 130 Memorial Baptist Church Greenville NC

2011-12-21T06:13:00.001-08:00

On November 30 Memorial Baptist Church arrived to finish out our 2011 year with North Carolina Baptist Men's ministry in Honduras. We say thank you for coming in December when this becomes a busy time of year for most of us. Thank you for responding to God's call to come and serve HIM through the beautiful people of El Carrizo which is in the outskirts of Choluteca. The first day the team drove down a dirt and rocky road about four miles to one of the most beautiful areas God has ever created. Their job location was off the beaten path of El Carrizo. The family of Mercedes was the last home in this eight home village. Her adobe home was nestled under several huge trees which provided shade the entire week for the team. In December the temperture drops about twenty degrees which was quiet comfortable for the North Americans who came expecting extremely warm weather. On the other hand the Hondurans were chilly from the drop in temperture. They were wearing sweaters and socks with their flip flops.

The team began building relationships as soon as their feet hit the dirt. Ed, team leader and Bonnie, his wife, were greeted with a huge hug from Pastor G who remembered them from last year in April. This is always so amazing how the people of Honduras remember us after a period of time has lasped. The team introduced themselves as well as the people of the village. We all gathered and held hands as we prayed for the week ahead and all God had in store for each of us. Each person found where they could work and serve as the morning progressed. Once all the corners were put in place and the mortar was mixed up for the laying of the first block the team gather around placing their hands on Mercedes and each other until everyone was connected and then Keith prayed over the first block and the Mercedes' family and the people there to assist in building her a home. By the end of the first day there was five courses up and running and relationships building. There was quiet a few Hondurans there to participate in the building of Mercedes' home. Some had received homes before from North Carolina Baptist Men and others eagerly and patiently awaiting for one day they too will have a block home where they will not get wet during the rainy season.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34

Ladies Your Husbands Can Cook and Clean

2011-12-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

As the week progressed each team member took turns cooking breakfast. Thank you guys for such awesome meals and good old homemade bisquits from my friend Barry. The team also came together each evening to help Bonnie and Beth with preparations for VBS. It was special to see the guys cutting and preparing the crafts for the children daily. It definitely takes team work and you guys had team work 100%.

"Well done good and faithful servants." Matthew 25:21

Vacation Bible School Under a Tree

2011-12-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

Bonnie and Beth had Vaction Bible School each afternoon after lunch under one of the trees. They would recruite some of the men to participate in the skits they did daily. Blaine portrayed Jesus in the Storm one day. John also portrayed Peter who caught enough fish to feed many people. The women as well as the children participated in the Vacation Bible School time. One mother, Alexia, who helped build her aunt's home would stop long enough to go and do a craft for her two year old daughter, Anna, and hear the bible story. As they worked on their craft each day their was Christmas carols being played for the children in Espanol of course. It was so amazing how God's love can radiate wherever you serve HIM. The beauty of Christ surrounded that area throughout the entire week. Thank you God for your provision.

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

Many watched on as the home went up

2011-12-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

Each day many were there helping with the progression of the home. Pableno Senior showed up everyday with his blue shirt and pants and white rain boots on. He watched the men and women working and he was proud his daughter was receiving her home. Many did extra to make the home look appealing to the eye. They worked on the joints to smooth them out and to make this house more a home than just a house. While some of the North Americans worked on the block home they discovered Pableno Senior was rebuilding his adobe home which washed away during the heavy rains in late October and early November. Several of the men went over to assist him in digging holes for the cornerstones to place the logs in. God is so good all the time. Pableno Senior was proud his daughter was getting a home for her and her family. He shared with the team, his days were numbered and all he needed was his little adobe home to finish out his days here on this earth. Thank you Pableno Senior for teaching us all on how to put others before yourself. Especially during this Christmas season.

"So the people asked him saying,"He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none and he who has food , let him do likewise." Luke 3:10-11

Church Service with Pastor Pableno

2011-12-21T06:09:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the team decided to go to Pastor Pableno's church which met under a porch of a nearby preschool. This is a new church planted with about fifty people and children. The children met for Sunday School under a nearby tree. Keith led by the Holy Spirit shared his testimony with the congregation. Thank you Keith for sharing from your heart. We sang Honduran Christian hymns. As we worshiped that day several of the people also shared their testimonies. I also observed how many of the people did not have bibles. I want to say thank you to all North Americans who bring bibles to share with the folks of Honduras. These people will definitely be benefiting from your generosity.

As we worship in our fine churches this little church is worshiping as well. God is wherever you come together to worship HIM. Where will you worship Christ this Christmas season?

"Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:20-22

Going Beyond Construction on Home

2011-12-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

As the week was coming to an end some of the team members were able to go and check out the rest of the village. Some where able continue helping Pableno Senior on his home and others went to a nearby farm to visit the farm animals and milk a few cows. Also in this village is a well which is about 40 feet deep and all dug out by hand by Aldopho a neighbor of Mercedes. He shares the well with the 8 families in his village. The team asked him does he charge his neighbors for the use of his well. Of course not they are my meighbors. The Lord gave this well to me and in turn I am sharing with others. Another lesson learned by our Honduran family and friends. Unbelievable generosity flows from these people who truly have more than we do. They have the true JOY of Christmas everyday. Once again how will you share this kind of JOY this Christmas season.

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to ME shall never hunger, and he who believes in ME shall never thirst." John 6:35

Home Dedication/Christmas Nativity

2011-12-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

On the last day with the project on the home we dedicated the home with Ed sharing a few words and giving Mercedes a bible, the key and a wooden cross which was made by one of Memorials' church members. After the prayer was shared over the home the team provided a very special presentation of THE LIVE NATIVITY. How breathtaking this setting was as the story of our Lord and Savior's birth was betrayed by Egla, our translator who shared the story from heart. How beautiful are the hands and feet of God. There was one extra special angel in the nativity named Omar. He added a little something special to the entire story of Jesus' birth. Come let us adore HIM, CHRIST OUR LORD.

Luke 2:1-20

Thank you Ed, Bonnie, Beth, Barry, John, Mike, Keith, Blaine and Edward for providing a very special Christmas treat to our friends in Honduras. May God bless each of you this Christmas season.

Eye Clinic from Mooresville/Troutman/Davidson

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

On November 21, The Eye Clinic from the Mooresville area was suppose to arrive. As we were preparing to leave our home Mark Abernathy calls us to inform us the team missed their flight from Atlanta to Tegus due to weather conditions. So we called it a day and prayed for them to arrive safely with us on the 22nd which they did. They came with new folks who had never come before and were ready to give some Honduran people physcial eyesight as well as spiritual eyesight. They get their training from an organization called "Eye Doc in a Box". This is an amazing ministry which we had down here earlier this year. This group has no eye doctors with them or anyone who works with an eye doctor. This is a ministry they have chosen to do and has done for several years out of the love for Jesus. Their first stop was Colonia Unidas, Pastor Amado's congregation stepped forward and assisted the team for two days orchestrating a very organized and productive eye clinic. One of the stories of the day, an older lady got up that morning preparing to go to the eye clinic and was praying to the Lord, "I pray I will get eyesight today." Oh what we so take for granted. If we can see or go down the street to get our eyes examined once a year. All this dear lady wanted was hope this team could give her eyesight. And God provided this lady with new eye glasses and now she has her sight back. The second day, I believe,Ken shared that the team left a suitcase at the mission house with eyeglasses and other items needed for the day. As the day progressed God provided them with all they needed. They even had a gentleman come in who had a work related injury that morning. Phil was assisting this gentleman with his glasses. Phil walks over to the boxes of eye glasses and comes across one pair of safety glasses. This was the only pair of safety glasses in the entire inventory. That was an amazing God moment for Phil. This was their first stop on their journey of providing eyesight to many people this week. Thank you God for eyes to see.

"As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son Of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David have mercy on us!" Jesus stopped and called to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." Matthew 20:29-34

Hands and Feet of Jesus

2011-12-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

During the week as well as providing physical and spiritual eyesight the team broke off and did other projects as well. The team had a friend named Pastor Israel who put in stoves for two families. Ken, Nat, Jack, Bob, Chad and Steve painted some Sunday School classrooms and built two families bathrooms(pilla and shower). This group shared one night during devotions how to be flexible, full hearted and joyful without complaining. God showed this through this team the entire week. They were worked diligently at whatever task was placed before them. Thank you eye clinic for showing joy in all you did this week.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." Philippians 2:14a,18

Preparation for Thanksgiving breakfast and dinner

2011-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

We at North Carolina Baptist Men of Honduras and the Eye Clinic want to wish you all a HappyThanksgiving. God blessed us abundantly with a wonderful breakfast prepared by Jack, Steve and Pastor Israel. After the eye clinic we came home to a delicious Thanksgiving dinner which consist of chicken, dressing, string beans, peas and corn, cranberry sauce, flan and a special dessert the Hondurans share around Christmas time. Thank you to Egla, Nancy, Meida, Rosa and Amy who prepared the Thanksgiving dinner. God is good all the time.

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness,

come before him with joyful songs

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever,

his faithfullness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100

Eye Clinic at Colonia Manuel Valladares

2011-12-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Our next stop was at a special community called Colonia Manuel Valladares. We were able to spend two days with these wondrful people. During the eye clinic the patients got examined, got their eye glasses or whatever they may need and then they drop by the last station called the salvation station. Several team members this week led many people to Christ and had several rededications. They used the evaga cube and even a soccer ball with all the many colors of the salvation story on it. God uses many tools through us to reach others to Jesus Christ. Thank you Amy, Ann, Chad, Josh and Steve for sharing the gospel with the people of Honduras. Also at this community there was a lady getting her eyes examined by Josh and Nancy. The more she was refracted and the clearer her eyes became the more excited she got. Finally when they found the right strength she shouted I can see!!!! Josh said that was definitely his God moment for the day. Phil had a man he and Meida were working with who needed bi-focals. The team did not have bi-focals with them. Phil wears bi-focals. Phil said he heard a very small voice say "Why did you come here today?" Phil took off his own eye glasses and gave them to this gentleman. This was a humbling time for all of us.

"They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked ,"Do you see anything?" He looked up and said "I see people; they look like trees walking around ." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. "

Mark 8:22-25

Two amazing worship services

2011-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

During the week we were able to worship on Thanksgiving night with Colonia Unidas. Phil playing the trumpet and Jack playing the guitar to the beautiful music of Amazing Grace. Steve got up and shared his personal testimony. Several members of the church sang solos. But the most heart wrenching one was Christian who months ago would not get up there and sing. On Thanksgiving night he got up there and worshipped the Lord from the bottom of his precious heart. The churches start the children very young in leadership roles of the church. We were all so proud of you Christian. Thanks to Mike who preached this evening.

On Sunday we were able to worship with a baptist church in Cedeno. Josh, translated by Meida, shared his personal testimony. Later in the service Phil playing the trumpet and Egla singing along with Phil, the hymn Victory in Jesus. Pastor Chad did the sermon on we may be the only bible people see. Pastor Chad shared how the Honduran people shared all they had, beans and rice with their neighbors who helped this past week on the construction. Do we give all we have to others? Does Jesus get our best or what is left over?

"Whatever you do , work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:23

Eye Clinic at Cedeno

2011-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

As their week was coming to an end the team did one last clinic in Cedeno after worshiping with them. During the entire week each team member worked in different stations. They all got enough experience to be able to lead one themselves. I thank Ken and Amy for such awesome leadership in allowing them to all get a taste of the different stages this week. Steve was able to lead in the salvation station. We closed the doors at 3:30 in order to finish the people in there by four. Well somehow a gentleman got the door open came in and someone gave him a pair of sunglasses. All the stations were closed except the salvation station. Well he went over to the salvation station and sat back to listen to plan of salvation. This gentleman accepted Christ on this Sunday afternoon by being persistant enough to get the door open. There was 734 patients seen in four and a half days and 43 salvations. 43 new brothers and sisters in Christ. There was around 20 rededications of faith. Thank you so much Eye clinic for coming and giving physical and spiritual healing to so many people. To God be the glory for all things.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5: 14-16

First Pastor Wives' Retreat of Choluteca

2011-11-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

On Nov 11 six Pastor Wives, Egla, our amazing translator and I got together in a local resturant to share in fellowship of games, songs, lunch, and God's Word. As with most times when you are trying to do God's will, Satan is really close by to tear you down. My dear precious husband, Mike, Egla and I headed to the restuarant around 8:45 a few minutes before the ladies were to arrive to set up our room. There was no one in the restaurant but a security guard and he had no idea what we were talking about. I thought to myself, I have 6 ladies coming in about fifteen minutes and I have no where for them to meet. (And the bible study was on joy in all circumstances). We asked them to please call the restaurant manager because we were in their books for this day. It never happened so we found another restaurant to accomadate us and off we went. Mike stood outside the restaurant who did not steal my joy that day directing the ladies to the new location. We started out with a game called the Name Tag Game. The ladies wrote their name on a name tag put in it a hat and then pulled out a different name tag and wore it during the morning. If you said the lady's real name you gave her your name tag. The lady with the most name tags at the end of the morning won a door prize. Well needless to say I lost out in the very beginning when I asked Egla was she ready to start with the ice breaker game. There was a gift bag with lotion and perfume that got passed around after each question was asked. Whoever had the answer got the bag and when we got to the last question the lady with the bag was the winner. We sang some traditional Honduran hymns. I opened with prayer then followed with the sharing of my personal testimony. Through laughter and tears I shared with the ladies I have been through trials and tribulations just like them. But with the strength I receive from God through his Son, Jesus Christ, I like them can overcome any obstacles which pass our way. Before starting the study I said a huge thank you to all the people who made this possible. I taught a group of ladies bible study in my home for fifteen years. I shared with them my dream of leading a Pastor Wives' Retreat one day. They help provide the gifts, the games and whatever else I needed. There were others who also donated items to make this day happen. Thank you to all of you who made this day a very special one for my new sisters in Christ. My Honduran sisters were very blessed that day. Several weeks before I handed out the bible study on JOY. I asked the ladies to come prepare to share and discuss the study. They each came ready to share in God's word. We shared and discussed the Joy found in John 15 and in the life of Elijah when the famine came. And the beautiful story of Ruth and Naomi. There is so much pleasure in sharing God's word especially the topic of Joy. We all came to the conclusion at the end of the day the only JOY you can truly have is found in Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ and a personal realtionship with Him there is never true joy. There maybe happiness but that is not anything compared to the joy found in Jesus Christ. The world cannot provide you with joy. Stuff will not do it. It may for a short time. But when you have that most intimate relationship with Jesus you will find all the JOY you need in his presence. "If you have lost your joy, it's right where you left it - in HIS PRESENCE."

"You have made know to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

Kenansville Baptist Construction Team

2011-11-23T05:18:00.000-08:00

On November 7 Kenansville Baptist Church arrived at the airport around two o'clock. They had several new faces on the team this year who were excited and ready to head through the mountains of Honudras down south to build a home. Little did they know they would be building more than a home. God works that way. He uses us where we never dream we can be used, when we are willing and the big word down here is flexible. We got up the next morning and was on the road by 7:30 to a sweet village called El Carrizo. God is good all the time. Fransico, brother of Pedro ( the homeowner) and friends already had the blocks inside the foundation. So the team busied themselves setting the corners for the home and mixing the mortar for the first block. Ernesto and Honudran friends worked hard mixing the mortar for the first block. We gathered Pedro and his quiet and humble wife, Orfilia and children to lay the first block. Mario, one of the team members from Kenansville prayed an inspiring prayer to our God and Savior for the family and their future home. Once prayer was completed everyone scattered and off to do what God had called us all to do that week, build a home. Orfilia went straight to her kitchen and cooked with the other ladies beans and rice for the Hondruas workers. There was a quick lesson in laying block called block 101 for all new team members taught by Pedro's niece, Alexia. This team work deligently each day as a team along side the Hondurans. It was such a beautiful sight seeing so much activity taking place around that piece of property. After the first day they were right on schedule with five courses completed and setting for the next day of work. On the second day work continued exactly like on the first day. Team worked hard on getting their task done. But during all this time they found the time to build relationships with the people of El Carrizo.

"See I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make sure the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line." Isaiah 28:16-17

Sharing Christ in Many Ways

2011-11-23T05:17:00.000-08:00

The team spent each day at the job site working, eating their lunch and having loads of fun with the people of this community. There was serveral activities taking place throughout the day. There was about eight ladies who hauled the water for the mortar from a nearby well. This was their job the entire week. Jose takes the time to share and talk about Jesus with Alexia. There was on lookers who enjoyed watching the progression of the courses going up daily. While the team and their volunteers were busily at work, others were enjoying the children with jump ropes and a huge game of futbol. One afternoon they all got serious with futbol and took it to the futbol field. Pastor Pedro shared the story of salvation with the children under a nearby tree before the game began. Mario, Dan, Dave, and Connie along with Mike, Jose, Egla and Orfilio proceeded to play futbol with the children and well the rest is history. Good try guys but those kids are really good. Amy you were an excellent side line coach though. Maybe next time. The children throughly enjoyed playing with the adults and praise the Lord no adults got hurt. After each day of work and fun the group gathered together to share God moments and a devotional. Some thoughts shared from Matthew why worry today has enough worries of its on. Is your cup half full or half empty? "God does not call the equipped he equipps the called." Thank you Kenansville for sharing God's word each night.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9

This week Kenansville Baptist put into practice what God had taught them. God is good all the time.

Construction continues......

2011-11-23T05:16:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days the team continued laying blocks and mixing mortart side by side as a team. They worked very hard together and God was smiling down on them as they were providing a precious family a home where there are no leaks and a door which will lock for their safety. God is so good all the time. We even had a nearby pastor come by to assist the team. Everyone down here comes together to help each other out. Pastor G was in seminary the last three days so he had one of his disciples to come out and assist the team to the final day. The last day of construction was putting on the roof and pouring the floor. Mike and I pull up with the roofing materials and there is two maybe three piles of mortar being made for the floor. They worked very hard to get the job done in time for a home dedication that afternoon.

"But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Meals of Honduras

2011-11-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS is all I can say. Kenansville was blessed with three young men from the Latino heritage. I called them my three amigos. They enjoyed eating and we got the pleasure of trying some really delicious Honduran dishes. Ernesto and Dave his assistant, cooked one night and gave Rosa a break. But I promised Rosa her cooking was much better. Gotta keep Rosa happy. On Thursday afternoon the only day the pulperia sells tomalis, the three amigos went to the nearby pulperia and bought 30 tomalis to go along with our enchaladas that evening for dinner. They had a taste test on the back of the kia in the courtyard. Unbelievable sight to see. Jose and Orfilio were enjoying themselves beyond what words could describe. Thanks go to my three amigos who brought excitement and good food to the table.

"Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

Dedication of Home/Worship

2011-11-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you Bert, team leader, who did a beautiful job leading the team this week. The team had completed the home and took a lunch break before having the home dedication. Some played with the children one more time before the dedication. During this time Mike had put the lock on the front door in preparation for the dedication. Pedro and Orfilia came up to Mike and ask for the key to their home. They were confused their new home was locked and they did not have their key. Mike promised them after lunch we would dedicate their home and present them with a key. Thank you Bert for doing such a beautiful job presenting the dedication. The team, Amy, Pam, Connie, Bert, Dan, Dave, Mario, Pedro, Ernesto and Wally sang a song of dedication both in espanol and English. What a beautiful melody of God's praises we shared at that time. There was two languages with one message and one God. The family was presented with a bible and finally the key to their home. Pedro eagerly unlocked the front door as Orfilia looks on with amazement as the front door slowly opened. She clapped her hands with joy. First signs of emotions all week from this lovely lady. She finally had her home and the key as well. Pedro shared some words of gratitude to the North Americans for providing his family a home. Bert encouraged the family to open their home and share the gospel of Christ and his love with family and friends. On Sunday morning we finished up our week by worshiping with these beautiful folks. There was standing room only as Pastor Pedro shared a message out of Genesis. Once again the team got up and sang a beautiful melody in Spanish and English. Thank you God for all things this week. We give you God the full honor and glory in your precious Son's name.

"My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Mark 11:17

Coats Baptist Church Construction Team

2011-11-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

After 6 straight days of sunshine in Choluteca we were ready to move on with the plans of building a home for Maria and family. Maria was suppose to receive her home on October 18 but because of the system that came and sat on this area for twelve days and the flooding Maria was put on hold. Maria has been waiting for a home around three years. A while back we drove up to Maria's home unexpectantly finding her reading her bible and her daughter Cynthia doing homework. We spoke to her and told her to please pray for more teams and when we got a team for her we would build her a home. The day we went back to tell her about her home she started crying with tears of joy and tears of sadness. She had just found out her pastor was leaving to go to Spain. So in her mind she was sad about him leaving and was afraid she would not be getting a home. God's timing is always beautiful. Mike prayed with her and we told her when she was getting her home. Well that was not the time or the team God had for Maria's home. After the system settled in we had to tell Maria she would have to wait another week or two. This is a lady who has been waiting three years for a home. She said she definitely understood. I praise the Lord there was another construction team signed up to come the next week. Coates Baptist Church came and worked very hard for fives days providing Maria the home she was patiently waiting for. Coats Baptist had some new members on board who got in there and learned how to lay blocks, cut blocks, play with the children, mix mortar and worked in a unified manner. They all found what their calling was for the week and they perservered to get the job done. During the week Pastor G got injured so he had to stand back and give directions to the team on how to complete the home. This team of 8 worked diligently with the awesome instructions from Pastor G who was not happy he was not working too. We are so blessed with an amazing staff to work with our North American teams. Thanks be to God for all the hard work that week. "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called to HIS purpose." Romans 8:28. Maria waited for her home and everything worked for good because God knew his plan he had for us that week.

Building Relatinships in the name of Jesus

2011-11-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

During the week Coats Baptist enjoyed time together as a team and with the fellow Honduran brothers and sisters. And some who were not brothers and sisters as we found out throughout the week. Jose and Drew were visiting with the neighbors across the street and found out they were not Christians. So Jose and Drew shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with the family and gave them a New Testament bible. The guys they were mixing mortar with all week were not Christians as well. Drew spent time talking to them and sharing with them his testimony and the consequences of not having Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Laura and Eric from two different military backgrounds came together as one and cooked up some pancakes one morning for the team. They were amazingly well as chefs in the kitchen. Thank you guys for serving our country. Each evening we shared God's word and God moments. It is always beautiful to sit in a room with fellow Christians sharing God's word and reflecting on how blessed we are to be followers of Jesus Christ. One night Pastor Jesse shared Jesus is simply all we need, nothing else matters. Yet in life sometimes we have too much stuff which gets in our way of just simply being with Jesus. Being still and listen for that still quiet voice. in 1 Kings 19:12 "Came a gentle whisper" to Elijah. Elijah reached out to God and God spoke to him in a gentle whisper. Let's be able to hear that gentle whisper by taking time to be still and know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Perservering to get the job done

2011-11-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

As the week progressed team continued to do the job God had called them to do. Some even learned other jobs during the week. Laura, Thomas, Drew and Eric were busily pushing a wheelbarrel full of mortar as the floor was being bored. Mrs. Peggy, Pastor Jesse and Danny were working on making the floor picture perfect. Laura also was busily making a bridge for the wheelbarrel to go across for her friends who were coming through with the mortrar. If you have never pushed a wheelbarrel full of mortar it is not easily done unless you are Honduran. Those guys made it look so easy. You always found team leader, Mark, on the upper end of the job. He was our Pastor G that week. He worked long and hard on getting that roof in place. Mrs. Peggy worked beside our friend, Nigedel who has medical problems which require medication on a regular basis. He worked very hard beside us all week. Nigedel is a brother in Christ and a very strong one. He is the only member of his family who knows Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. We pray for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Without HIM we are nothing. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised HIM from the dead, you will be SAVED." Romans 10:9

Pastor Jesse and Mrs. Peggy

2011-11-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

It is really a special time when a husband and wife can go on a mission trip together and share their love for Jesus Christ, as Pastor Jesse and Mrs. Peggy. They worked side by side during the week and set such a godly example for all of us about serving the Lord.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Worshiping and Having fun with our Hondruan Friends

2011-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Worship service is always special in the churches of Honudras. Pastor Jesse brought God's word and we sang traditional Honduran hymns led by a 18 year old young lady named Blanca. Her family is a pillar of the church. Her mother, Vilma leads a Proverbs 31 woman's lifestyle and also sets the presence for the rest of the church. On the last day as the job was coming to a close, Laura, Eric, and Mrs. Peggy made balloon animals with the children. Laura wanted the children to have their handprints in their home, so Pastor Jesse and Pastor G made a slab outside the home for the children to place their hands in and claim this beautiful home as their own. Laura got into a little soccer match with David I believe. Drew continued to find opportunities to share Jesus Christ right up until he left. This little corner of the world definitely knew Jesus Christ built this home and not man by the time Coats was finished. Thanks to Mark, Danny, Thomas, Eric, Pastor Jesse, Mrs. Peggy, Drew and Laura who build this home on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

"By the grace of God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 3:10-11

Dedication of Home

2011-11-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

As time was drawing near for the home dedication, Eric was busy with last minute details of cleaning the front door of Maria's home. We all gathered around together to share the joys of the week and the gratitude from both the North Americans for allowing them to serve beside this beautiful family and community and Maria's family who thanked Coats Baptist through this time with tears of true joy. Maria finally got the home she so patiently waited for. Mark thanked everyone for all they did during the week to make this possible and gave GOD all the glory for this accomplishment. Pastor Jesse shared from God's word how Maria's home is now a place where she can share the love of Jesus with her family and community. Mrs. Peggy felt the need to share with the people whoever did not know Jesus Christ she prayed they would come to know HIM as their Lord and Savior. Mark presented Maria with the key to her home and Maria opened the front door with the most breathtaking smile upon her beautiful face. God is good all the time!!!!! Afterwards everyone laid hands on the home as we had the prayer of dedication.

Thank you of God our Father and Coats Baptist Church for providing Maria her home.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD." Colossians 3:23-24

Parkwood Baptist Church Came to Serve Wherever Needed

2011-10-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

On October 15 a system came into Honduras and stayed right on top of Choluteca area. The area started flooding, the rivers started swelling and the roads started covering in water. The rain would not let up. We got Hamlet Second Baptist home before the storm became worse. But we had another team prepared to come in the next couple of days. We kept praying for the rain to seize but it would continue to pour into the town of Choluteca and surrounding areas. As time came nearer for the team to make a decision we encouraged them and told them there was no way they would probably be building a home. The team had decided if there sole purpose was to come and support Mike and I in prayer they would be there for us. We explained they would have to be super flexible because we did not know what the days ahead would hold for all of us. There is only one way from Tegus to Choluteca and the news was showing several areas were the roads had washed out. We communicated with folks in Choluteca about the road situations. We had received word Pastor G's community, home and church was under four feet of water. Pastor Pedro in LaJero Blanco and areas near the beach were under water also. Mike and I just wanted to get to Choluteca to check on our families who were suffering. The team waited for our call on what to do. We had an awesome devotion that night from Hebrews 1 and shared and prayed about the days ahead. We sang hymns while Allison played her flute and was lead by Brandi's beautiful voice. At one time Martha got away from her housework and sang with Brandi and Allison. This team made the very best of their most unusual situation. Sometimes God does not want us to do what we plan to do. His will not ours.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with MY EYE."

Psalm 32:8

Being Flexible and Receiving Blessings

2011-10-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

The day Parkwood arrived we had contacted Pastor Benjamin of El Tablon out of Tegus to see if we could bring the team to do VBS. He was more than gracious and allowed us to bring them over the next afternoon. At this time we did not know how long it would be until we could travel to Choluteca. The team got their VBS materials ready and off we went to an afternoon of one blessing after another. Hidden among this team was alot of talent. Renee played the piano and her husband, Richard played the drums. John got out of his box and joined in with the Praise and Worship with the church. Brandi and Allison added their gifts and we had us a Praise Band like no other. Chuck took the Evangi Cube and shared the plan of salvation with the children. One young man accepted Christ that day because of everyone being flexible and follow God's will. John, Tiffany, Richard, Brandi, Allison, Alan, Chuck, Christy, Renee and Hannah all help make salvation braclets and sing alot of songs with those beautiful children. Thank you Pastor Benjamin for also being so flexible and allowing us to come and worship in your church.

"Trust in the Lord with all your hearts, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Going South to check out the Flooding

2011-10-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

We got back from VBS and check the news on tv to see what was going on down south from us. There was a entire road washed away. I thought there is now way we can get down there. We had just about accepted the fact we were staying put yet another day. Jose offered to make a trial run down to the spot where the road had washed away and we also get a phone call from a friend down there who said they had dug out the mountain and they were allowing one lane of traffic to get through the wash out. So we pray first and then packed up the Kia and Land Rover. The team piled into the two vechiles and off we went. We got through the wash out with no problem. Just a slow ride because it was still raining and the pot holes had multiplied since our last trip there. Prasie God we made it safely to the mission house and ask the team once again to please be flexible while we go and access what was going on down at Pastor G's and surrounding areas. They got settled in by praying and waiting patiently not knowing what might lie ahead.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which suprasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Team Prepares Food Bags for Flood Victims

2011-10-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Mike, Orfilio, Egla and I assessed the damages. Families were living up on the main road for about ten miles. The Red Cross was bringing plates of beans and rice once a day. They were cold and wet. Yes it was cold because of the many days of rain and no sunshine. Water was standing everywhere and was sitting on the very edge of the main road. Pastor G's church was under water as well as every home on that front row. What use to be melon fields was a full blown pond. Sugar cane was washed away. They claim they may be able to save some of them. An entire cementary was washed up and destroyed. Picture of Mike, Pastor G and Orfilio is a road that ran for miles overflowing with running waters. We hurried back into town to try to find beans and rice to buy and bag up for delivery the next day. God is so good all the time. We found a place that sold beans, rice, flour, sugar, salt and coffee and the bags to put them in. So we purchased 2000 pounds of beans rice, etc and off to get an anxious team busy bagging up the groceries. Well little did we know they were professional assembly line folks as well. They do a massive chicken dinner at their church twice a year selling 1000 plates. So they got busy and had the 650 bags done in no time at all. We did the math and one bag of food cost $6.88 to feed a family of four or five for one week. Jose was busy supervising the process and kept the team busy as Mike and I, Orfilio, Egla and team leader Alan went back out to Pastor G's community with 20 mattresses and blankets for the children to sleep on that evening and evenings to come. When we arrived Pastor G's face ripped my heart out. He had not had sleep for ten straight days accept for maybe a couple of hours a day. He looked at Mike and me and pointed to his family, his people, to his church and started crying. He was exhausted and overwhelmed and blessed all at the same time. His famous phrase was "NO PROBLEM". Even in the worst of situations Pastor G still has the strongest faith in God of anyone I know. He reminds me of Job in the bible.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

Misplaced families from flooding receive food

2011-10-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

After several hours of bagging up the beans and being inside the mission house wanting to get out and get busy, off went what once was the construction team which now is the distribution team of Parkwood Baptist Church. We had ask Pastor G did we need to get police out there to help with crowd control. Once again he said,"No problem". So we trusted him and got ready to start the distribution to 350 families. We started out with a prayer with the church members and others who were standing around waiting. Pastor G had brought in his disciples from the church to help with crowd control and the calling of each family name. Unbelievable what took place on that road that day. Pastor G only had to get up and ugly a couple of times. Then the crowd settled down and eagerly awaited for their name to be called. My prayer was we would have enough bags of grocery for each family represented. God is good all the time. We even had enough to go to another area and give out 50 more bags of groceries. The next day they were able to go to three other locations and finish delivering the food to others in need. Total of 650 bags of groceries were given out in two days by ten people willing to be flexible. The beauty of the respect Pastor G's community had for him was amazing. How his disciples who were also flooded stepped forward and worked and help the team give out the food to their family and friends of Santa Cruz. God is good all the time. After the end of the first distribution the team broke for lunch. Pastor G's disciple, Jose G's and his wife opened their home up to us to have lunch. Her home was also flooded and she was in the process of cleaning it out. Their home was built earlier this year by the college group from Southern Pines. Their water line was not as high as we are building the homes foundation higher up now. But my point is how many of us would open our home to a bunch of strangers to eat when we are in the process of cleaning up from a massive flooding. Once again I have learned what is true hospitality. We all sit and enjoyed our lunch while Jose G's wife stood there with a beautiful smile on her face. It had been 10 -12 days of absolute rain and so the children and a few adults enjoyed some good ole futbul outside under God's beautiful blue skies.

"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

Colossians 3:23-24

John and Tiffany's 5th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

2011-10-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Pastor Alan had everyone bowed their heads and pray as he read from Gensis about husband and wife. No one knew what he was doing but Mike and I. When he got to a part where he use husband and wife, he switched out the names John and Tiffany. Egla said that was not in the bible. Happy 5th Anniversary John and Tiffany. What an awesome gift from God to serve him on a mission trip to Honduras. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

"And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one." Genesis 2:18, 24

Second Baptist Church of Hamlet Construction/VBS

2011-10-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

October 5 arrived along with a team from Mike's hometown, Hamlet, NC. There was many new faces on this team along with a couple of people from Hamlet First Baptist. We journeyed through the mountains of Honduras to Choluteca where the mission house is located. It has been raining every evening for days and days. I believe we rode in some rain as we traveled through the mountains. There are numerous pot holes due to the rain which made the ride even more exciting. Along the way we came across some young children and young adults filling in the pot holes. We have a special fund set aside to give to our volunteer DOT's of Honduras. Without them filling in the holes the ride would be so much more interesting. We arrived at the mission house unpacked and did the orientation and ate Jose's wife's delicious chicken tacos. The team was anxious to get to the job site and start the task they came here to do build a home for Fransico and his family. They were up bright and early (NC time) to head out. We gathered together once upon arrival to introduce ourselves and pray with the people who had gathered to help. The village we were working at was El Carrizo. After the corners were set and mortart in place the team and the family gathered to pray over the first block. Each person layed their hand on someone else and we were unified in the Spirit of God. Everyone found their place and started learning how to lay block, mix mortar and build relationships which is the most important part of the mission trip. "Not laggin in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11

Working together as One

2011-10-23T06:38:00.001-07:00

As I shared in the first blog this team came to build a house but most importantly came to build relationships. After the second day they found a local soccer field and off they went to play and get beat by the children of Honduras. Good job North Americans for trying to keep up with those experienced futbol players. Someone asked don't you all get bored doing the same thing every week. Well, folks it is never the same any day much less every week. We had a huge opportunity this week and God got us through it. Rosa 's knee gave out on her coming to work the first morning and was rushed to the clinic. Long story short, she was out of work for four days. So Mike and I go to check on her and she was horizontal with an ice pack and getting shots each day in her knee. She layed their with a smile on her face through the pain and apologizing for not being able to come to work. Mike said no problem, just take care of yourself. So Mike asked her the recipes for beans and rice, enchailadas, etc. So for the next four days Mike and Mrs. Claire cooked our dinners. Of course they were not as good as Rosa's but God provided us with a hot meal each night. We were all glad when Rosa returned to work. We appreciate each and every one of our employees. Without them and the grace and mercy of God we would not have a ministry here in Honduras. "Jesus said to them,"I am the bread of life. He who comes to ME shall never hunger, and he who believes in ME shall never thirst." John 6:35 One evening we went to worship with Pastor Pedro in Lajera Blanco where the Hamlet team was last year. Pastor Jason preached and Egla was asked by the church to sing. The hangings in the last set of pictures was given by Oakdale Baptist from Rocky Mount in August. They truly treasure all we do and give them. I looked up and saw them I thought I have seen them before and I realized where they came from. God is good all the time.

Happy 40th Birthday Pastor Chris

2011-10-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Pastor Chris celebrated his birthday all day long. We sang to him that morning, the people of El Carrizo sang to him. We went to Pastor Pedro's church that night and the entire church sang to him. The tradition in Hondruas churches is to have the birthday person at the front of the church and each member comes by and hugs the birthday person. Pastor Chris assumed it was all over when we got back for our devotion and God moments. We were all sitting around eagerly awaiting the Honduran birthday party. In one of the pictures you can see our dear sweet Jose sitting behind Pastor Chris and Heather. Inside his shirt pocket was not one but two eggs. Jose quietly gets up and gently places the two eggs on top of Pastor Chris' head and we proceeded to sing Happy Birthday. We told Pastor Chris no more surprises and he said he wanted to celebrate his next birthday in Honduras and I believe he will according to the schedule. God bless you Pastor Chris.

Construction team working together even in the rain

2011-10-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Hamlet team worked diligently on Fransico's home in the blistering heat. During the day the sun beat down on them. They welcomed the shade and cold water. We woke up on the last day of construction to what became a huge system that sat on Choluteca for 12 days. It was pouring down rain and tempertures had dropped alot for Choluteca. The team arrived on the job site hoping to put the roof on and the floor in. They arrived to the house full of water. Pastor Chris quoted later how everyone was saying we cannot do this in the rain. How are we going to finish the house with this rain pouring down on us. They looked inside the house and it was full of water. Pastor G very gingerly quoted:"Praise the rain because great victories are only received through great sacrifices." Well that was all it took the men got busy. They literally carried buckets of water out of the house while there were men working on the roof. The women and children watched from inside the church and prayed for no injuries. Pastor G cut his hand on the roofing materials and the ladies bandaged him right up. No problem he said and went right back on the roof to finish the job he came to do. The team worked diligently until the job was done. God is good all the time!!

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My WORD be that goes forth from MY MOUTH: It shall not return to ME void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:10-11

2011-10-23T06:35:00.001-07:00

While the men and Betty Lynn continued to work on the construction, Heather, Francis and Claire prepared and taught Vacation Bible School. One day Claire shared the story of Noah and the Ark. The children were called to be the two animals in the story. Two by two they walked up on the stage to play their part. We claim Claire was the one who brought the flood water from her telling of the bible story Noah and the Ark. One afternoon they were given a cross to keep in their pocket as a reminder of what Jesus died and did for each of us who are Christians. Heather worked very hard to get the VBS put together for the children of El Carrizo and it was a huge success. On Sunday morning Francis gave her personal testimony and sang for the congreation. Pastor Chris then led the service preaching on Christ is our only way to Heaven. During worship the children went to Sunday School and returned at the end of the service to share what they had learned in Sunday School. The children of Honduras know their bible verses. It is always refreshing to see them recite them. What was most impressive is the number of teenagers who were reciting their bible verses. They are the future of our churches.

Jesus said to them,"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 9:14-16

Building more than a home

2011-10-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hamlet took time to play and enjoy the children of El Carrizo. They found out very quickly how precious they are. There became alot of entertaining with the wheel barrell and some jump ropes. Go girls!!!! There was also a chance for families on the team to bond together. Betty Lynn was blessed to be able to work beside her son Cameron that week. Cameron lives in Utah so this was a double blessing for him and his mom. Jose never misses a chance to share the gospel with the children. Fransico is an awesome uncle to his nieces and nephews who live alone without their parents. Thank you Fransico for being there for them. Fransico is a deacon in his church and a very godly man. We are grateful to be able to work with him and his family this week. Fransico Jr worked diligently beside his father as well. At the end of 6th grade the government will no longer pay for education so this past week Fransico Jr learned a new trade, missing mortar and laying blocks. Hopefully he will have a future there one day. He is 14 years old and is one hard working young man with a beautiful smile. What a blessing this week to work with such beautiful people.

Dedication of the Home

2011-10-23T06:34:00.001-07:00

Once the home was finished the team and the family made their way into the church to dedicate the home. The rain was still pouring down on El Carrizo. They presented the family with a lock and key and a bible for the family. Fransico Jr was so in awe of the accomplishment of his new home tears streamed down his face throughout the entire dedication. Team members joined in as we were all grateful for "Praising the rain because great victories are only received through great sacrifices. Thank you Trent, Pastor Chris, O W, Mark, Steve, Alan, Cameron and Jason for hanging in there and accomplishing what God sent you to do: build a home and lots of lasting relationships.

"Behold, I am the LORD, the GOD of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?"

Jeremiah 32:27

Pastor Chris and his wife Heather

2011-10-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

It does our hearts good when a pastor and his wife come on a mission trip. Thank you Pastor Chris and Heather for serving the Lord here in Honduras. You are a good team.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Purchasing Pigs

2011-10-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

NC Baptist Men are now in the business of purchasing pigs. We collected four that day and have three more to pick up later. This helps the family to be independent. The money used to buy the pigs will provide food for the family and clothes for the children. God is good all the time. Thank you God for allowing us to help our Honduran brothers and sisters become independent.

Forest City Baptist Church comes to Amapayla

2011-10-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

On September 15 Forst Lake Baptist Church arrived in Tegus. Today was a special day in Honduras. It was their Independance Day. We handled things a little bit different on this day. This is a big celebration for the people of Honduras. This group came here to evangelize on an island called Amapala which is about an hour from Choluteca. Mike and I had made prior accomodations for the team to stay on the island for their week. They were going to work with an awesome pastor named Ever Vilchez. Pastor Vilchez asked us not to come to the island on Independence Day because of the business of the celebration. So the team went to down to Choluteca to get their orientation, chicken tacos and a good night's rest. While waiting to leave the team sang hymns in English and Spanish. They never let a moment go by they were not reading or study about God and his word. They were preparing for the week ahead. Bobby Edney had a "God moment" the morning we were to head out to Amapala. He was having his quiet time early that morning and he happen to look up and there were two more men having their quiet time, along with Mike praying quietly. All you could here were the birds chirping outside the window. Bobby shared that he felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in that place at that time. He said it made his hairs stand up on his arms. God could not have said, "I am with you " any clearer if He had said it verbally. What a mighty God we serve....What a SAVIOR!!! The team was to head out about 9:30 so they got busy loading the kia with cots, boxes and coolers of food, let's just say they took all they needed for a week on the island of Ampayla. Mike and I had a different experience with this group that we had ever had before. The house they were staying only had two bedrooms and one bathroom. So we were not with them during their week here accept one day we paid a visit and had lunch with them. The team arrived at the island and loaded the Kia and themselves on two ferries and off they went across the water to the most beautiful island God has ever created. Looking on both sides of the water were the most grande and lovely mountains you could ever ask for. God's creation is sometimes all we need . So Mike and I said our good-byes and told them we would see them in a few days. When they arrived they got settled in and some of the team members put cots in the living room for bedtime. They made a make shift shower since there was only one bathroom. Most of the men took their showers outside when there was water. There water supply was limited. Oh did I share they did not have air conditioning as well that week. This group truly sacrificed the comforts of home to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. To God be the glory. Rosa Famosa did not go to the island with them. They hired a local lady to do their cooking and to do their laundry. This was a true blessing for this lady for it provided extra income for her that week. This group had been to Ampayla in 2005 and help start a church there. They went back this year to share the gospel to the city where this is the only Baptist church. The church is presently meeting outside on the property of the church. Please pray one day they will get a church building. Even though we all know the people are the church. After settling in they met with Pastor Vilchez to plan out their week. Their days were full of awesome opportunities of serving the Lord. They broke up into three groups and did door to door evangalizing and then had a revival at 4:00 every afternoon. Pastor Jose Epinal, one of the team members held a marriage conference Monday - Wednesday in the local church. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings were special because the team were allowed to go to two local schools and speak to the children about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the evening they would have their devotionals and "God moments". During those two days 155 children accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The total salvations for the week were 178 people who are now brothers and sisters in Christ. To God be the glory. What a Savior we serve. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that who so ever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2011-10-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our three staff members being "tourists" that week. They even named one of the beaches after Egla. The beach of Egla. Each morning Egla and several of the team members made their way down to the beach to see the sunrise and have their quiet times with God. Egla thought she had found a hidden secret but soon several of the team members joined her "Beach". Orfilio was there to protect and guard the home daily. Thank you Orifio for being an awesome body guard. Jose learned the island very quickly as he took the team on the Kia wherever they needed to go. As I shared earlier the team stayed very busy with door to door and Marriage conference. The day Mike and I headed to the island we arrived on the island and Jose with a huge smile eagerly awaiting our arrival. We got into the Kia and the bottom fell out. God is good all the time. He took us through some beauftiful roads to the school where two teams were sharing the story of Mary and Martha and how they both served the Lord in different ways. Even in the pouring rain the gospel of Jesus Christ was being shared in a public school gymn area. Mike and I left to go find Pastor Espinal and the Marriage Conference. We sat in on the conference and observed serveral couples or individuals soaking up the word of God. As it was approaching lunch time the VBS teams arrived at the local church as the conference was coming to an end. The rain had come to an end as well. So we walked to a local restaurant to eat shrimp and fried fish. The restaurant was sitting on a corner near the dock for the ferries which were coming and going. The view from our table was breath taking. God's creation was all around us. The mountains surrounded the body of water. The short time Mike and I were with the team they never ceased an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone. The team shared some God moments with me to share since I was not with them daily. There was one which really stood out to several of them. The first day on the island Pastor Jose witnessed to a man. Jose asked the man did he want to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The man said no thank you. So Pastor Jose told him he would pray he would not sleep until he accepted Jesus Christ. The last day on the island Pastor Jose saw this man and ask him was he ready to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The man said yes he had not been able to sleep since they had their discussion on the first day. Praise the Lord for one more brother in Christ who will see eternity one day. Pastor Jose gave him a bible and ask him to read it daily. What a challenge for all of us to stand bold in our witness for Christ. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 As Christians we need to pray and bring the lost to Jesus. Who works beside you today who does not know this Jesus we talk about. This Jesus who died a brutal death on the cross and arose again on the third day for you and me. If you are reading this today and you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please receive the greatest gift on earth: ETERNAL LIFE ONLY FOUND BY ACCEPTING JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

Visiting the Island of Amapayla

2011-10-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

This last blog is a view of Amapala. The team worked hard that week to share Jesus Christ but were blessed with beautiful people and a beautiful island. It is always amazing to me how we have the beauty of God's creation all around us and we get too busy to enjoy it. This week at this time Forest City Baptist was able to take in the beauty of God's creation and share His Word with many people. Many did not receive Jesus that week but many seeds were planted. We need to continue to pray for those who have received Christ, they will grow in the Word and for those who still have doubt. Forest City was the light for the people of Ampala that week. Pastor Vilchez goes each week to the island which is about forty minutes one way by boat and road to share the gospel with these people. Let's pray for him as well as he continues to bring the lost to Christ and to shepherd his flock. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 Thank you Forest City Baptist for being the light for the people of Amapala. God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

Coates Baptist Church Medical Team

2011-10-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

On Sept 26 Coates Baptist Church Medical Team arrived in Tegus with a lot of luggage full of medicines for the people of Honduras. We had several people who had never been to Honduras and there were several who had been before. We were excited to have this medical team. Mike and I have been praying God would send us a medical team since we came on board last year. God is good all the time. On the team was two doctors, four nurses, one social worker, one translator, one eye dr and one assistant to checked in the patients and did blood pressures. We arrived in Choluteca and had our chicken tacos and then went over briefly the week ahead and the aniticpation for the week. After the meeting the team immediately got out the suitcases and started sorting out the meds for the next few days. On the first day they went to a village called Colonia Willims. The ladies of the church had worked very hard to get the church ready for the medical teams. They had all the tables they could find and each one had a very lovely tablecloth placed on them. As I walked in that morning it literally took my breathe away how lovely and precious the sanctuary of the church was prepared for the medical team. The medical team busily got their materials and supplies set up and was ready to go at 8:00. There was a line already at the door of the church waiting for their chance to see a doctor. As the morning passed we promoted Orfilio our groundsman and body guard to checking in patients along with a lady of the church. The young man, Nathan, age 16 started at that point only doing blood pressures. Nathan was working diligently on checking in patients and blood pressures and we realized more and more people were coming so we use the word that is so popular down here flexibilty and got Nathan some back up. Thank you to the lovely lady of the church and Orfilio for stepping up to the plate. We were blessed this week with three doctors, Dr Marcos, Dr. Lori, Scott who assisted Dr. Lori and the pharmacy in translating and Dr. Antonio. The doctors prayed over each patient they saw during their examining time. They saw 700 patients at their first location. They gave out vitamins, parasite meds, creames for rashes and ibuprofeno. The pharmacy ladies, Amy, Sherry, Peggy and Laura stayed very busy filling the prescriptions the doctors passed along. Also while all this was going on Julie, who did the eye clinic was busy at work along with Gabby one of our translators. Numerous people were blessed with receiving eye glasses. Mike and I were coming into the village one day about a block out from the church and some of the people were looking and sharing their eye glasses with one another. They were trying them on and were so blessed and happy to have their new set of eyes. I believe the first morning a man came to the clinic asking for help. Dr. Marcos and Ms. Peggy, nurse, went to the home to find a husband and wife in shock of the death of their healthy 12 year old son. Dr. Marcos finally convinced them to take the husband to the hospital due to complications from the death of his son. He was having seizures. The wife, mother of the boy was in shock . Ms. Peggy spoke with her and slowly rubbed her arms trying to get her to speak to her. ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE. Ms. Peggy worked with her for quite a while and finally she got a very small response with tears running down her cheeks. Ms. Peggy with the help of Dr. Marcos told the mother God loved her and loved her son who had passed. God knew her pain because God had also lost his son on the cross. She asked the mother did she know Jesus Christ the man who died for our sins. The lady said yes and Ms. Peggy told her only Jesus can give us the peace we need especially in times like these. Ms. Peggy prayed with the lady before she left. The young boy's body was in the next room. Once the father got out of the hospital they were to bury the boy. On the last day of the clinic the lady showed up at the clinic and Ms. Peggy said she has such a peace about her and even her appearance was different. Amazing what taking time with someone and sharing the love of Jesus Christ can do for others. "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! Ihave overcome the world." John 16:33. We have such a mighty and powerful God. Yes this team was here to treat patients for physcial illness but their spiritual health is so much more important. Eternal life is why we are here to share with all people. On the afternoon of the second day they had seen so many patients they were running low on some meds. We took Orfilio (who knows the ends and outs of the market place) and Dr. Marcos who also spoke spanish to try to find some more meds. The medical team had been so gracious to donate some medical supplies to the hospital. Our first stop was the hospital. We gave Neavis, supply administrator, the medical supplies and we asked could we possibly buy certain medications from the hospital. She got it approved by the hospital's administrator. While waiting for the red tape of signing off on the meds, Neavis asked Dr Marcos did he want a tour of the hosptial. Well of course he said yes. Mike shared for me to go with them and he and Orfilio waited on the meds. Off we went on the tour and they were both speaking to each other in spanish and I was trailing behind them. We made a sudden stop and above the door was a picture of Jesus Christ looking over the shoulder of a surgeon performing an operation. We went through the doors and we were fixing to tour the ward where surgeries were performed. We gowned up and took a tour of this area and Dr. Marcos was so appreciative of his opportunity to do this. And I was appreciative I did not faint. God is good all the time. We got the medicines from the hospital and off to the market to the local pharmacies. We made two stops and got enough medicines to last the rest of the week. That evening the team got around the table and rebagged the new medicines and got ready for the third day and last day at Colonia Williams. On the third day two daughters brought their 103 year old mother to be checked. What a blessing to meet such a lovely young lady who did not look 103 years old. While all this was going on Jimmy, social worker and Egla, the other translator had classes going on in one of the SS classrooms. We were trying something new and I feel it was affective in many ways. The young ladies of Honduras get pregnant at young ages, due to rape or leaving home with an older man because this is what they think they are suppose to do. Jimmy with Egla's help met with different age groups and shared what God intended for their lives. How our body's are a temple of the Holy Spirit and sacred in the eyes of God. During their five days of classes they had 6 salvations and some recommittments to Christ. Jimmy spend numerous hours preparing for this week with scripture and lots of prayers to be used as God saw fit. To God be the glory for the message these people received this week. Thank you Jimmy and Egla for sharing spiritual examswith these people which is most important exam of all. The hope they have in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Taking a break from the medical clinic

2011-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

On the second location, there was a entirely different set up. These lovely community is called Las Casbasas. They also did the same procedures here but saw fewer patients. Dr. Lori tied off one child's finger because he had one extra finger and Laura and Peggy worked on a man's foot which was very infected. This team truly stepped up to the plate and did what they could to help these beautiful people. The total for the two days was 400 patients. So some of the team members decided to build some relationships buy playing futbol and kickball. Also someone brought balloons so they were able to make balloon animals with the children. I truly do not know who had more fun the team members or the children. We also want to thank the school for allowing us to use their facility for the medical exams and pharmacy.

Church on the Grounds

2011-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning we headed out to church at the school under the trees of Las Cabasas. This village does not have a church building but definitely has a church body who loves to worship and praise the Lord. The team got there at 9 and only one man was there. Where is everyone they said. So Gabby suggest we pray for people to come. So the group stood in a circle and each one lifted up a prayer for those who God had called to be there that day at that time to arrive. After they finished praying they started practicing their hymns they were going to sing, How Great Thou Art, We Praise the oh God, To God be the Glory and Halliuegh. As they sang in Spanish not English people started arriving. They were walking in all different directions. Coming from every path around. It was such a beautiful sight to see the people coming and singing the hymns as they entered the property. After singing the hymns Lori recited Philippians 2:5-11 in the form of a drama. Laura and Scott shared their testimonies and Jimmy asked did anyone want to share. One of the ladies shared her testimony and sang a solo. Afterwards an amazing thing occurred, a blind man with an accordian got in the middle of the circle of people and started playing Honduran Christian music and the Honduran people started singing with him. We were in awe of the beauty of the morning. Jimmy shared the message on "Being Fishers of Men" Jesus picked 12 ordinary men to lead the way for us and today He still chooses the ordinary people of this world to share Jesus Christ. Jesus doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called. After the worship service was complete God had lead 85 people to church that day under the trees of Las Cabasas. Pray God will plant a church in this community. Thank you Coates Baptist Church for coming and meeting physical and spiritual needs of the people of Honduras. Also pray God will lead other medical teams here to share the gospel. To God be the glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Baptist Church of Southern Pines- The Older Young People

2011-09-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

On September 6, First Baptist Church of Southern Pines landed in Tegus with five new team members and some veterans. We headed down to Choluteca talking about their memories from last year and sharing with all the new men what they had to looked forward to. We always enjoy new people and their excitement and enthusiasm of serving the Lord in Honduras. Discussion was had on where the blocks would be when we got to the job sight. They were hoping and praying they would be inside the foundation. One word the teams learn when working in Honduras is flexibilty. We are in the rainy season now and there has been alot of heavy evening rains. As we getting closer to the answer of where the location of the blocks were there was a traffic jam. In Honduras the cattle have the right away and the highway is theirs. So we patiently waited for the cattle to cross and then we turned down the road which God had placed us for the next five days. As we appeared to the corner lot there were Hondurans eagerly awaiting our arrival to start a week of building a home for Nora but more building lasting friendships. There was several hugs from the prior year of working in Marcovia on another house. Some of the Hondurans who helped last year were also here to help build Nora's home. Oh back to the blocks, they were not in the foundation because the foundation had not been completed because of the heavy rains. Pastor G apologized for the floor of the foundation not being completed. As we always say every job is different, so flexibity was the word from the beginning. They were to work from the outside instead of the inside of the foundation. But before all the work was started we gathered all the people there to pray for the day and the week ahead. After the cornerstones were put in and the first block was to be laid Pastor G prayed over the first block and then off they went to build Nora's home. As the morning passed and the blocks were going up everyone found their place where they felt comfortable. There were many people, North Americans and Hondurans busy at work. Down the narrow dirt path came a huge dump truck carrying rock and sand to fill in the floor. This dump truck backed into the area right up to the foundation and dump out the rock and sand. Well this created another job to get done. The First Baptist team along with the Hondurans started leveling out the rock and sand while others continued to work. This did not slow down the process. Maybe an hour later, another dump truck arrived with the sand to mix the mortar. Once again it backed into a narrow spot and dumped out the sand for mortar. That corner lot had alot of activities going on and alot of outsiders standing watching as the North Americans learned to mix mortar, lay blocks, cut blocks, carry mortar and build relationships. The First Baptist team learned quickly the Honduran way to build a home. This was such a beautiful week. Everyone had a place and everyone worked very hard and I was in awe of all the activites going on the entire week. It was such an amazing flow of all people. You knew God was in the middle of all of it. The love of Jesus was definitely on that corner in the village of Santa Cruz. Nora's church family came forward and helped her build her home. Nora has always been there to help others when we have done numerous jobs in the Santa Cruz and Cedeno area. She is always there with a smile and joy for Jesus Christ in serving others. So now it was Nora's turn to be served and it was definitely evident on the week of Sept 6.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are MY disciples, you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Dedication of Nora's home

2011-09-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

The home was completed in four days. Day of the dedication had arrived. As I shared in another blog we have started having the dedication on the outside of the home where we are a witness to the entire community. Pastor David of Southern Pines shared words from God's word and presented her with a family bible for her and her son, Juan Carlos. At that time, Franz, Joy, Egla and John(who played the guitar) sang Amazing Grace in Spanish and English. Franz and Egla were singing in Spanish. What a beautiful sound of two languages coming together as one. God is good all the time. Nora with tears flowing down her cheeks shared how she thanked her GOD first for all he had done in her life, for his love for her and all he has given her. Then Pastor G said a few words thanking God first then his church family for coming out the last four days and helping Nora get a home . Joy presented her with the key to her home. Nora proceeded to go over and unlock the front door to her new home. Everyone applauded and Praised the Lord.

"For as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 21:15b

Sharing gifts sent by First Baptist Southern PInes

2011-09-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

First Baptist Church of Southern Pines was busy long before September 6. During the year they have collected items for hygiene kits, soap and wash cloth, tooth brushes and toothpaste, beanie babies and onsies and blankets for the children and babies in the Choluteca hospital, and they came with one more new idem this year, dresses for little girls ages two to ten. One night as we were sharing what and how to distribute them items we decided to let the two ladie, Joy and Karen on the team to go and spend the morning with us and deliver some items. All was well with them going until the team leader, George, found out Egla was going too. Well George soon got over the fact we were taking his translator when he found out how many blessings we had that morning. So off we go. The first home we stopped at there were eight children and there were several of the girls who could wear the dresses. So we left this family with several dresses and gave each family member hygiene kits. Before we left we prayed with the family and received numerous hugs of gratitude for their gifts. Off we went yet to another home which we will be building in the fall to let her know she was getting a home. Joy and Karen also shared hygiene kits with this family and once again we prayed with the family. This family had just lost their pastor and she was in tears of their loss. So God put us their with hope for her in his timing and not ours. Thank you God for leading us there on that day at that time. God is good all the time. Off we go again to yet another family with eight children and shared some more dresses and hygiene kits. We had an appointment at the hospital at 10 so we quicky headed in that direction. Upon the arrival at the hospital the Administrator to the supply room, Neives, was waiting with a big smile on her face. She had taken the onesies and blankets we had delivered the day before and put them in a yellow or blue gift bag depending on the gendor. She had organized for the women to come who were there waiting to deliver or for a check up to receive their gifts. After this Joy and Karen and Egla headed to the C-section wing to hand out more gift bags and also beanie babies to the babies. They were allowed to go in where the new borns were located. They geared up in gowns and went with their gift bags and saw actually a baby who was only five minutes old. Then off to the Peds wing where there were numerous ages of children in the hospital with various things going on. This wing has actually just been remodeled and had rooms for seperate illnesses. This was so great to see. So as you see we had a very amazing morning sharing all the items First Baptist Southern Pines has collected and made. Karen shared each Wednesday night they would meet to work on the dresses and share fellowship together. Because of their time and effort many children were blessed. Thank you for your giving hearts those who could not be here but were here in spirit.

"God loves a cheerful giver." 2Corinthians 9:7b

It is more than building a home

2011-09-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

There is so much more than building a home when teams come down to Honduras. They get to enjoy the culture of the Honduran men and women. Well while the house was going up the ladies were in the background cooking for the Honudran workers. They are busy gathering their sticks for cooking, collecting water from the well, making the mixture for tortillas. There is a famous phrase in our Baptist Men's Manual which we all learn while working for five days with the people. "Americans have the clock and the Hondurans have the time." About mid morning everyday the Honduran ladies walked around with a tray of catraches for the Honduran workers. They would stop working go and sit down under the shade tree, eat their catraches, talk, laugh and enjoy fellowship together. So the North Americans stopped along side them to take a break as well. One gentlemen said, "How long are we going to break?" I said probably 15 minutes or so. We can learn so much from these people on how to stop and smell the roses so to speak. As the week went on the North Americans were figuring it out. John took time one day to sing to Nora with her guitar. And one day Nora was singing with Joy, Karen and Egla. Joy and Karen got to learn how to make tortillas one day. It was so nice to see the team of First Baptist sitting under the tree along side their brothers and sisters of Honduras. They enjoyed laughter and songs and it was all from two different languages. With God there is only one language: His son, Jesus Christ.

Honduras Children's Day and Worship

2011-09-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

On Sept 10 while First Baptist Southern Pines was here was Children's Day. So after the completion of the home we had a pinata, Sponge Bob, for the children full of candy. They allowed all the children or most all the children to participate in hitting the pinata. As time went on though the size of the children changed drastically. They seemed to have gotten bigger. Pastor David, George and Mike were out there hitting Sponge Bob. Finally Mike knocked poor old Sponge Bob one hard time and candy flew everywhere. Adults and children alike were scampering for the candy. On the next morning we went to Sunday church with Pastor G and Nora. Pastor David led the message from Ephesians 4:1-7 and 11-16 Commitments to Jesus Christ. Pastor David read from John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Pastor David shared Jesus is the Lord of our life. In Christ is life and light. We are one body, people of God. My hope is in Jesus Christ and to then be encouragers to others. Pastor G then did a follow up of Pastor David's sermon simply saying "Go and make disciples of all nations, take up your cross daily and follow me." Wow this was a powerful message coming from two different pastors but the same God. Once again we enjoyed hearing Franz, Egla, Joy and John(playing the guitar) singing Amazing Grace. Once again on Sunday the church had provided over 120 children with a chicken wing and slaw for Children's Day. They also had a pinata as well. I felled to share with you all First Baptist had a special guest, Flat Kylie from Forest City, North Carolina. She is seen in serveral of the pictures throughout the blog. We always welcome special guests to Honduras.

Disaster Relief at Cedeno

2011-09-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

First Baptist Southern Pines was able to finish their construction in four days. But God was not finish with them yet. Some of the teams like to go to the beach after church on Sunday for a seafood lunch and some chilling time. Mike and I had gotten word there was a bad storm that had come through back in August. So we rode out to the beach during the construction of Nora's home to see what was going on. NO FEMA ASSISTANCE here. Pastor Carlos took us out to the beach but a different way. The road to the beach was washed out due to 20 foot waves that hit landfall. So off we go a different way. Upon arrival at the Baptist Camp of Honduras there was devastation everywhere. The outside chapel's roof was partially gone. The apartment which the pastor and his wife and two small girls lived in was at least three to four feet in beach sand. The rooms where people come to stay and have retreats was in the same shape. Mike and I said we cannot feel good coming out here and eating a fish plate when there is debris and devastaion everywhere. We went back to the mission house that night and shared what we had experienced and ask if the team would like to spend Monday doing some good all North Carolina Baptist Men Disaster Relief. Well the rest is history. On Monday morning along with Pastor G and his congregation and Pastor Carlos from the area and First Baptist we went to shovel beach sand and clean up the best we could what the storm tore down. The ladies were busily in the kitchen preparing lunch, fish and shrimp plates and seafood soup. As lunch time and quitting time was approaching we had an idea. The Hondurans are always serving us with such gracious hearts, so today we decided to serve them. We said our blessing and ask if they would all go and be seated to be served their lunch. The hands and feet of God are so beautitful when serving others. Tears came to my eyes as I saw the beauty of service being shared on the beach that day. Pastor Hector was very appreciative for the hard labors of all. Now his family came move back into their home and hopefully continue to rebuild the Baptist Camp.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fevor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:10-13

Team 121 Oakdale Baptist, Evangelism

2011-08-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Back in February God led a dental team to La Gero Blanco. But the church Gethsemane Baptist had just lost their pastor and a lay person, Pedro, had stepped forward to keep the church going and to have some sort of order to the church. About a month ago we knew we had an evangelism team coming down from Oakdale Baptist Church out of Rocky Mount, NC. This team was a new team and only one person on the team had been to Honduras before, Buie, the team leader. It has and always will be exciting to see new faces come and serve the Lord with us in Honduras. We did not have a solicitation for an evangelism team. The Lord placed on my heart Pastor Pedro. This church could use a revival so to speak, a renewing since the loss of their pastor. We made a phone call to Pastor Pedro and asked him would he like an evangelism team to come and go door to door visitation and do VBS. He was more than grateful and of course said yes. Well two days before Oakdale Baptist was suppose to arrive we met with Pastor Pedro to go over last minute details for the following week. With tears in his eyes he thanked God for this team who as we were preparing in Honduras was preparing in North Carolina to come and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people they had never met before. Pastor Pedro had worked so hard with every detail of what his church was going to do to help that week run smoothly. We also wanted to try a few new ideas to help the evangelism groups who went out to go smoothly. So Oakdale Baptist arrived on August 8 with excitement and lack of sleep in their eyes. The lack of sleep did not slow them down once we arrived in Choluteca. We had our chicken tacos and they adventured through the orientation and next thing I knew Buie had out his guitar and he and Egla, one of the three translators were singing praise music while the rest of the team members were getting ready for the next day. One item we added to the first morning of evangelism is we have juice and rosquettas as an ice breaker for the individual groups before going out door to door. Pastor Pedro also added something to the chain of events, introducing each person in his church who would be assisting in the week of events. It takes many people to make an evangelism team successful. Pastor Pedro may have been a new pastor but he had God at the center of his details. So each group broke up on the first day after their introductions and had a devotional, shared prayer requests, discussed their morning ahead and prayed for they hit the pavement and dirt paths of La Gero Blanco. Thank you God for bringing in new ideas from Pastor Pedro and from our end as well.

VBS

2011-08-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Oakdale Baptist also brought their own ideas to the table for VBS. As you know when we say VBS in Honduras there is going to be anywhere from seventy five to one hundred plus children. So we shared with Buie via emails he could count on two hundred children per Pastor Pedro. Oakdale Baptist did not let the large number keep them from doing what God had called them to do in Honduras, share Jesus with those beautiful children of Honduras. They had prepared three to four stations for each day. One station was the craft for the younger children, Lisa and Kay provided and Nancy, Emily and Maida, our translator assisted and there also was a craft station for the older boys, Thomas and Kelly provided, Clayton and Karla, our translator assisted, sports station consisted of learning the game of softball, played dodge ball and of course futbol provided by Boo, translator, Caroline and Adam, and the bible story/singing provided by Buie, Pastor Joe, Tony and Egla, our translator Each station elaborated on the bible story taught by Pastor Joe and Egla. Thomas brought in pennies, nickels and dimes he had placed on the train tracks back in Rocky Mount, once they were flatten the young men were able to make necklaces with the salvation beads on them. The ladies provided a salvation book one day for the children where they could read the plan of salvation as they colored the pictures in their book. Each night the entire team got around the tables in the mission house to prepare for the next day of VBS. As we shared God moments we were busily cutting strings, squares, etc to provide enough materials for the 170 children who came to VBS. As always we started with 130 and each day the numbers inched up to 170. But God is good all the time and he provided all they needed to provide an amazing week of VBS for the children. The children of the church and Egla taught the team the famous "El Pollo" dance. So that became an added attraction to the end of VBS each day. At the end of the three to four stations the whole group would get back together in the sanctuary to put closure on their afternoon by singing, offering acceptance of Christ and closing in prayer.

Pastor Pedro

2011-08-19T06:40:00.001-07:00

I mentioned earlier all the time and effort Pastor Pedro provided to assist in making this week successful for all involved. Pastor Pedro is also a new daddy. His wife, Maria had a little girl, Estella, three weeks prior to Oakdale arriving. He also has five other children who were actively involved in the entire week. Maria and Estella did not come until the second night of worship. She arrived after walking at dusk two miles with Estella in her arms. Her smile as she approached the church brought joy and tears to our eyes. Thank you Pastor Pedro and family for welcoming us like family into your church and community. Your servant heart was humbling and contagious for all of us. To God be the glory.

Night Service

2011-08-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

As dusk was approaching the evening the church bus arrived with the thirty plus children on the back of it. Dark clouds were surrounding the church as the people arrived. One night a storm came upon us before the service was to begin. Some of us got inside before the storm began. The church was half full and the church members continue to come in the rain. Please understand they did not drive up in the cars or trucks. They came on foot from miles around. The storm did not stop the Honduran congregation from coming to worship the Lord. Pastor Pedro had a guest pastor come the first night and share the Word of God, Pastor Carlos. We did not know all he said but we knew the Holy Spirit was with us. The night Pastor Joe preached was an amazingly beautiful evening in the house of the Lord. For once again we had a storm come up and we waited for the church to fill up before we started worship. The North Americans sang a beautiful hymn with guitar and harmonica which requested an encore from the Honduran congregation. Una mos por favor. Well this was the only hymn they had prepared for so they sang it again for the church. But while they were singing I believe this was when the power went out and never came back on until the very end of the service. Pastor Joe preached in the dark with a few flashlights glowing in different parts of the church. This was an amazing time in the house of the Lord. On the last night Pastor G brought his praise band from Santa Cruz to share in the worship service while God's creation shown over the skies of Honduras. There was standing room only. So many of us where outside on the porch of the church looking in while God provided us with a full moon shining down upon us. During one night of worship there was an older lady brought in by her daughter in a wheelchair. She was thin, frail and her color was pale. About middle of the service she fell over in her chair. Mike, Buie and Boo helped get her out of the church and they took her to home. Her daughter shared they were waiting for her to die. She was afraid that was what happen to her mother that night. Buie carried the limp body into the hut and placed her in her hammock and turned to see her coffin beside her. She did not die that night. Buie prayed with the family only words God could provide as Egla translated. Egla also ask the lady about her salvation per Buie. The lady said she was ready to go home. If you were to die today are you ready to go home and be with our Father and his most precious Jesus. I pray today as you read this and you are not sure of your salvation, today could be your day for a homecoming with Jesus. Do not go another day without knowing when you die where you will be.

The Bible in different languages but one God

2011-08-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

God's word was shared during the door to door evangilism each day. The team started the morning out with a devotional in God's word through their small group. We had a devotional in the evening from God's word. We as a country are so blessed to have God's word in our homes and probably have more than one of them sitting around. Oakdale found out from visiting, even the Christians did not own a bible. They gave out bibles to those who accepted Christ or did not have one in their home. We have a bible and how many times do we not sit down and be still and read God's word was shared one night during our sharing times. As usual we took away so much from working beside our brothers and sisters of Honudras. Pastor Pedro had a bible but his wife, Maria did not own one. So our prayer is to provide bibles for more of the people of Honduras. As Oakdale expereinced and shared we out of Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Thank you Oakdale for making this scripture real for the people of La Gero Blanco. In the scripture it said baptizing them, well during share time one night one of our own, Boo, had accepted Christ but had never been baptized. We baptized Boo in the Pacific Ocean after worship on Sunday morning. And we sang, "We Have Decided to Follow Jesus" No turning back no turning back on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Thank you Lord for your love, grace and mercy.

Tony

2011-08-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

There was three groups who went out door to door. This group consisted of Tony, Lisa, Kay, Boo, Emily, Pastor Pedro, Fanny, Navin, Joclelyn, Little Pedro, Maida(translator), Valentine(from El Carrizo) and Aurielle(from El Carrizo). Pastor Pedro grouped three members from his church with each group, two adults and one youth. The churches of Honduras start their young adults, ages 14 and up with leadership roles in their churches. So Pastor Pedro put one youth in each of the three groups for training in evangelism. Each morning the people met at the church around 8, sang hymns and broke up into their groups. The groups as I said earlier did a devotional, shared prayer requests, talk about where they were going that day and then closed in prayer. Off they went out into the streets, paths, and up into the mountains of this community. They may have visited one two or more homes each day. They took as long as was needed according to the need of the families at each home. We had ask the team to share a God moment from their week and this is the one this group shared. They were in awe when they approached a home and they were welcomed in by the families. They always thanked the North Americans for taking the time to come and share Jesus Christ with them. They had three to recommit their lives to Jesus Christ, one to ask Jesus in their heart and so many seeds were planted. We pray the words shared that week with each person will impact their lives to come to Jesus Christ. The "God Moment" for this group was a family who had recently lost their seven year old son to a tumor which was located near his heart. His mother shared with the team when people heard he was dying they would cry and say I am sooo sorry for you and your family. The little boy would tell them, "please do not cry for me because when I die Jesus is going to carry me away!" What an awesome testimony for all of us, at the age of seven this young man knew when he died where he was going, home with Jesus. So on this day the team was the one blessed not giving out the blessing. We never know when we are sharing the gospel how God will use this time to give us a "God moment" and teach us something. Today this little boy is gone home to be with Jesus which has left his mother with peace knowing one day they will be together again. How awesome is our God!!

Pastor Joe

2011-08-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

The next group who went out door to door daily consisted of Pastor Joe, Adam, Caroline, Kelly, Stella(elder of the church), Hilario, Carmen, Jefferson, Karla(translator), Mauda, Jose(our bus driver), Darwin(El Carrizo) and Jesus(El Carrizo. The as well met with a devotional, prayer requests, plans for the morning and prayer for the hit the pavement and dirt paths of Le Gero Blanco. This group's most memorable witnessing experience was on their second day. They got the chance to share the gospel with a couple who were struggling with addiction and abuse. Although we hared the message of love with them and shared the gift of eternal life, they were still unsure of the decision they were making. We asked them if they would like to accept Christ and they said that they would, but we left feeling as if they still were not at peace with the decision. They to church on Friday night and came forward for prayer, and we could tell they still were wrestling inside. On Saturday night, Karl had the opportunity to speak to the woman. She came in tears saying that her boyfriend had returned to drinking and she was restless and looking for peace. Karla shared the gospel with her again and she accepted Christ, finally understanding the decision she was making. Our gracious God was to give Karla one more opportunity to share the plan of salvation with this young lady. We must pray for the young man and many others who that week did not receive eternal through Jesus Christ.

Buie

2011-08-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

This team consisted consisted of Buie, team leader, Clayton, Thomas, Nancy, Martha, Daniel, Martin, Moses and Egla our translator. Their God moment appeared on their first day. They shared this was all new for them, there was newness of excitement and nervousness of being in a country where they could not speak the language. But how God had provided three awesome young ladies who did their translating. They had visited a couple of homes and as I shared earlier were welcomed with open arms and smiles. But as they came upon their third home the young man on the porch smiled and welcomed us but there was something wrong something did not feel exactly right. The people there on the porch shared with the team, the lady's son is very sick and was acting out and could not calm down. So the team gathers around the child and lays hands on him. Martin, a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church starting praying. Praying hard and fervently and praying without ceasing. The kind of praying which did not need to be translated and understood but praying which Martin was doing was to our God and maker of our universe to heal the body of this young boy and to give him peace which only God could give him. As Martin was saying AMEN, the young boy relaxed and was calmed. "We say God answer our prayer right before our eyes", Buie said. We later learn the young boy has autism. His family shared how he has those attacks which causes him suffering as well as his family. The team experienced a situation they did not understand, but God showed them through an opportunity his power and compassion. They knew then it was going to be an amazing week and they continued to see God answer prayers throughout the rest of the week.

Relationships/Dedication

2011-08-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

As with all teams Oakdale developed many life long relationships with this church family and community. On Sunday morning which was their last day with their new found friends, they taught Sunday School for the younger children and Tony taught Sunday School for the adults. We were blessed to have 30 plus adults in Sunday School that morning, which is the most adults in Sunday School at Gethsemane in a while. The amazing part was there was four young men from Pastor G's church who spent the night in the church with the young people and two of the young men, Aurielle and Jesus, taught Sunday School outside under a tree to forty five young people. What a beautiful sight that was. As we left that day there was a huge discussion on building on the young people which came that week and hopefully start a youth program with the help of Pastor G's church. So please pray God will provide the means for this to take place. Egla our translator while we are home on vacation visiting family ask could she please go back and teach the ladies who are the Sunday School teachers of the young children how to use the materials Oakdale left behind. There is so much to do to build the kindgom of God in Honduras. Thank you Oakdale Baptist Church for planting so many seeds this past week and hopefully there will be many fruits produced one day. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR ALL DETAILS THIS PAST WEEK.

Team 120 Jacksonville, Home Construction

2011-08-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

On July 27 First Baptist Church of Jacksonville arrived for their tenth time to Honduras. They arrived as if it was their first time. Their excitement was contagious as we road through the mountains of Honduras towards our destination, Choluteca where our mission house is located. We headed toward a town called Cedena where we built a home for a lady named Edelma, her husband, her daughter and four grandchildren. The four grandchildren's mother passed away two years ago so Ms. Edelma is raising her four grandchildren. Each morning the team had a devotional before heading out to the job site and prayed. They also shared their "God moments" in the evening after their evening devotional. The team consisted of seven women and two men and alot of Honduran brothers and sisters. This was definitely a "family and community" project. The sense of family was definitely on that corner while the home was being built. They built the new home up against the existing home and put one of the doors going into the existing home. Ms. Edelma will continue to use the old home for her kitchen area. They had to take part of the roof off at the front of the old struture down so they could build the newer one. The team stayed right on schedule the entire week with five courses on the first day and each day the courses continue to get higher and higher. Pastor G had to assist in driving the kia a few days because Jose had recently lost his mother. So Pastor G offered to come to the house for three days to drive back out to Cedena. We are so blessed with such dedicated employees. They all are so willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. This team perservered to get their task at hand completed. Job well done First Baptist Jacksonville.

Cooking from two different Cultures

2011-08-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

This week there was alot of cooking going on at the job site and at the mission house. We had a few ladies who knew how to cook Hondruan dishes and we enjoyed some baleadas for breakfast one morning. We enjoyed bacon, eggs and grits each morning before heading out to the job site. But once they got to the job site they had the priviledge of watching and learing how to truly cook Honduran style. The Honduran workers were fed extra good this week. Like I said the community came together as well with the cooking as the construction. It reminded me of how the Amish people come together to help each other out when building a home. There may have been two different cultures cooking but it was all good eating that week. Thank you Honudran sisters and North American sisters for all the great and delicious meals. God is good all the time, even in the kitchen. It is really awesome to experience the culture in Honduras and learn more about how they prepare cook and clean up after feeding so many people. The Honduran ladies spent the entire morning preparing for there noon meal. They enjoyed each others fellowship. We never saw them in a rush or how perfect it had to be. They truly enjoyed preparing their meals with laughter and singing of hymns occassionly. The true presence of the Lord was in this place. The humble and dedicated servants we saw in the ladies of Cedena was breathtaking. As always we learn so much from our Honduran brothers and sisters and this time especially from the ladies. Such giving and serving hearts were in that place.

Church Service

2011-08-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we had the priviledge for the first time to visit Pastor Carlos' church family. It was a beautiful church sitting on a beautiful lot and some amazing dedicated SS school teachers. Of course the team noticed how well behaved the children were as they made their crafts and heard their bible story. They learned a bible verse and returned to worship to recite the verse they learned. While Ray, Janet, Samantha and Katrina were teaching the children's SS, Ronda was teaching the adult SS lesson on Matt 6:25-34. Jesus teaches us about worry. Thank you Ronda for teaching in such a way we all could benefit from the lesson. The Honduran ladies were taking notes and wanting copies of the six reasons why not to worry about life. Praise the Lord for our Heavenly Father who takes such good care of us if we only let him and how worrying takes away from HIS mighty work which He can do through each and every one of us. We all serve the same God and the language barrier does not hinder the word of God from going to all nations. Later in the service, Donna gave her testimony and then we sang hymns of praise and worship. Pastor Carlos shared a little about how he became a Christian. His brother in Christ Pastor G is the tool God used to lead Pastor Carlos into the ministry. How blessed we are when others take the time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with us and encourage us to go and serve Him.

Building Relationships and dedication of Home

2011-08-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

Through out the week there was other things going on as the walls were going up. Praise the Lord for Joey who was tall enough to help when the job got taller and tougher. Joey was a big man with a quiet and gentle spirit. He also took the time to teach some of our new friends, Kristen, Donna and Samantha how to lay the blocks. This team was blessed with a cozy area with shade to go and take their breaks each day. During these days of building relationships there was a hair salon set up where Katrina and Samantha both got their hair cut. While hair was being cut there was fun time with the children of the family with bubbles and key chains being made. Everyone was wanting to make key chains, children and adults alike. Someone made a keychain to go with the new key to the home, Honudran colors, blue and white, of course. After lunch one day Jose G one of the volunteers from the local church brought out a guitar and he and Nora sang Christian hymns of praise to the Lord. What a beautiful way to spend a lunch break and an afternoon, Praising the Lord. Finally the day come when the home was completed. We decided to have the dedication outside the house and lock the front door and present Ms. Edelma the key to her home so she could be the first one to open the door. Thank you Orfilio for that suggestion. It was a beautiful gesture to add to the dedication. Ray did an awesome job sharing thoughts from his heart and reading from God's word. As the dedication came to a close everyone placed their hands on the wall of the house and a prayer was prayed over the home and the family. It is such an amazing witness for Christ when you have outsiders standing watching from the road and surrounding homes while the dedication is taking place. Hopefully others heard the word of God who may not have every heard it. Pray someone found Jesus that day during the dedication of Ms. Edelma's home.

Team 119 Floyd's Creek, Construction

2011-07-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Floyd's Creek Baptist out of Forest City arrived for their tenth year to Honduras excited as if it was there first time down here. There were a few new friends who came this time who fell in love with the country of Honudras immediately. We journied through the mountains on our way to Choluteca talking of the week ahead and memories of the past years down here. It is always so awesome to share our memories from former years and how many awesome memories we all share. The place we worked out of Colonia Calleja, was about forty five minutes from the mission house and this team woke ready to go each morning to make their way to Monjaras. On the first morning they arrived we introduced the team to Ms. Lorensa Hordones. Well the next thing I saw was each team member going up to her and giving her a big hug. What a warm welcome for all. Sometime the teams are blessed and sometimes not so blessed with the block inside on the foundation. So Floyd's Creek went straight to work putting the block inside the foundation while some others were helping get the corners ready. Pastor Roberto worked hard all week on mixing the mortar along side with his son Daniel, Michael, Taylor, Gregg, and Scott. And there was probably more of the team I did not see. The team was very blessed with Honduran help as well. They joined a unity from the very beginning up to the last day. But also there was something that got their attention: the kitchen. Ms. Lorensa and her daughter Mary Lou were making the tortillas which was right in front of the area where the team could rest and also near the mortar location. The team was very gracious and allowed our daughter, Stephanie do be a part of the team that week. Daniel and Stephanie were found learning how to make tortillas. Well, Bubba, Gregg, Pastor Robert and of course Mike had to try them out. I thought oh no we may never get this house completed. They enjoyed learning about the culture of the Honduran people and being apart of all things going on around them. But the house construction continued on throughout the week and all the details were well taken care of because God was leading the way. Our famous saying that week was: "God is good all the time". They all found where they could serve best and off they went. Each day as the courses got higher and higher the team kept on working to see it to its completion. All team members at some point had mixed mortar or laid a block or whatever needed to get the job done. It got extremely hot one day even for Orfilio, Jose, Egla and Pastor G. But I read a devotional today that had me reflect back to that week where the team both North American and Honduran people worked so hard even in the hottest circumstances. It reflected on how much Christ suffered for you and me. He gave his all for each of us to have eternal life. He died a brutal death so all of us will have no more suffering like we experience here on this earth. Thank you Jesus for reminding us "We can do all things through you who give us all our strength." Philippians 4:13 Thank you Floyd's Creek for working beside your brothers and sisters in Christ in the name of Jesus. To God be the glory for all things.

Building Relationships

2011-07-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

As I said earlier team enjoyed the kitchen area of the job site. Also they took from laying blocks, etc to meet guest who can by to watch what was going on on the corner of the village of Colonia Calleja. There was always folks stopping along this main road watching all the activities going on at Ms. Lorensa's home. There was some doing construction, some learning how to cook and some taking time to chat with new Honduran friends. At night Egla spent time with Ana, Patti, Jamie and Taylor on VBS. The girls were responsiblity for preparing the lunches each day while Paw Paw was busy cooking breakfast and helping keep the kitchen clean beside brother Scott and Pastor Robert. The team was servants to our brothers and sisters of Honduras as they served them water or gatorade as they worked. There was one gentleman that worked diligently beside the team everyday with the use of only one arm. How humbling it was to work beside this brother who never once complained but worked with a huge smile on his face. He was very quiet up until the third or fourth day and then he opened up and shared about his faith in Jesus Christ and how blessed he was to be able to serve the Lord with us that week. God is good all the time. He was our devotional for that day in real life.

VBS/Worship/Dedication

2011-07-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

On the third day of their journey Anna, Patti, Taylor, Jamie and Daniel headed up the road to the nearby church to do VBS. They also added a little something special to VBS. They brought bible stories on the big screen in espanol for the ninos. Egla started the children in music as they got everything set up and then Daniel told the bible story with alot enthusiasm as Egla translated for him. The ninos(children) then enjoyed a time to do a craft. The house dedication was a special one for the team this year. They decided to have it outside instead of inside the house. Afterwards we realized how awesome that was because of all the people who had been around watching all week. So during the dedication those who were outside of the property got to hear the word of Jesus Christ shared and witnessed the laying of the hands on the home as the home was prayed for and blessed. Since the job site was a ways out we worshiped with a local church one night but then had worship on Sunday morning with the people of Colonia Calleja. There was over 100 children in worship on Sunday and about 10 adults. Pastor Robert preached such an awesome sermon on the analogy of building a house and all it takes to build a house and how we need to build our relationship with Christ. What an awesome sermon on how God can use even the broken pieces which means He can use all of us in some way to further His kingdom, just like the broken pieces of block fill in the holes, so can our broken pieces be used to fill up the kingdom of God. We came home to change clothes to go out on Sunday afternoon God provided us with the most beautiful double rainbows as we were heading out. God's promise is here as well as in North Carolina. WE have such a large God who provides all we need which is HIS SON JESUS. Thank you Floyd's Creek for serving our God with us in Honduras.

New Hope Baptist Church Construction and Eye Clinic

2011-07-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

On June 24, New Hope Baptist Church of Raleigh arrived in Honduras ready to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This group has a history of only working in the rain so of course while we were riding through the mountains of Honduras the Lord blessed this team with some rain showers. This group definitely has a good spirit and flexible attitude when it comes to workng in Honduras. By the time we arrived in Choluteca the rain had slowed down some. This did not dampen their spirit at all. We ate our chicken tacos and had an orientation to get ready for the week ahead. The village the team worked out of is called Las Cabesos and they were building a home for a 70 year old lady named Hilania Alvarado. Ms. Hilania along with four boys aging from 7 to 16, her son and an older gentleman laid one of the best foundations ever. The day we checked on the foundation was about a week out from the teams arrival. They were busily working on it. We noticed how muddy the road was to the house from the secondary road in the village. Questions started popping up "Will we be able to get the vehicles down to the job site or will the truck delivering the blocks, etc be able to get there?" Well we got our answers on the first day as the team arrived to get the project started. There was only 150 blocks and they were up at the secondary road leading to the road to the job site. So New Hope started loading the block on the back of the Toyota truck 50 at a time and taking to the job site. Oh it gets better. The truck could not get down to deliver the sand and gravel for the mortar. So we had to buy sand and rock from the older gentleman who helped build her foundation. After getting the blocks on site they started hauling sand in the back of the truck. All of these opportuntities never once deterred New Hope from moving forward. And for some reason the doors and windows did not get delivered to be taken out the first day. Satan was hard at work to keep New Hope from builidng this beautiful lady a home. During share time the first night one of the gentleman said he wanted to become less task oriented and more flexible in God's work. Well the entire team got that experience on the first day. With all that said they did get five courses up on the first day and before the afternoon rain came. While waiting for more blocks and for the sand to arrive some of the team members went down to a nearby river and watched children playing in the river and ladies washing their laundry. They took advantage of their down time and enjoyed what God had called them to come do in Honudras build relationships. Pastor G was even caught in a wheel barrel chilling while waiting patiently on the materiasl they need to build Ms. Hilaria's home. Famous words of Pastor G, "No problem". They took what they were given on that first day which was literally very little to work with and still met the goal for the first day and built relationships with each other and the Honduran people. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.

Worship Service

2011-07-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

There first day of work was on a Saturday so the next day of course was Sunday and it was time for worship. In Las Cabosas there is not a church. Ms. Hilaria has Sunday School in her home each Sunday for the children of her village. Around forty children come to her home each week to worship and learn about Jesus. Ms. Hilaria is a well respected lady of her village. The adults as well as the children look up to her and respect her highly. She is the "Pillar of her Village" A Matriach is an awesome way to describe Ms. HIlaria. So we arrived after another evening of heavy rain. The team loaded up on the back of the pick up truck to head down the muddy road to Ms. Hilaria's home. Now in order to get to her house they opened up a cow pasture for the vehicles to drive through. So off we go to worship under a tree next to her existing home. We arrived around 9 to start the service. She brought out some plastic chairs for the team to sit in and as people came they were bringing their own chairs. About 9:15 there was around 20 some of us. But slowly people were walking from every direction, down different paths to come and worship Jesus together. So as most of you were worshiping in North Carolina or somewhere in the United States we were worshiping the same God as you but under a big fruit tree with our final number that morning turneing out to be 80 children and adults. Tears welled up inside of several of us as our worship experience started. It was one of the most beautiful and godly moments ever experienced. Lois, led the children's church as she shared about God giving Paul eyes to see spiritually and how she and several other ladies were there to help them to see physically with an eye clinic and to share about their spiritual vision as well. Then Scott read scripture from God's word. There was one observation we all had no one had a bible. But they were all eagerly listening to every word shared by Scott from the WORD. Egla and Gabby, the teams translators led the children in some songs which all children should know. Once again tears welled up when the children did not know the songs but were eagerly wanting to learn the words and sing along with the girls. Some things we all take for granted in life like Jesus Loves Me. I cry as I write this. God is so good to send New Hope to this precious village with such loving and beautiful people who need Jesus just like you and me. Beth and Arnold shared their testimonies before we were led in worship by Pastor Ricardo. Pastor Ricards positioned himself in the center of the group on a block and he shared the story of the the one lost sheep and how the shephard looked for his lost sheep. How we all are important to Jesus just like that lost sheep. I hope as you read this today you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and you live out your life with as little or alot that you have with HIM at the center of your life. Worshiping that day under that tree was the most powerful experience ever imaginable and to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit : TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR SUCH AN EXPERIENCE.

Many Different Jobs to Build Relationships and a Home

2011-07-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

As well as building a home there was preparations for an eye clinic. So the ladies, Beth and Lori busily at work going through the eye glasses and preparing for Monday morning with the eye clinic which as well provided a Salvation Station which Sandy was praying and preparing for. Each team member also had other duties as well. Lois,Lori and Ray had breakfast duty and of course Ray always was making sweet tea for the week. As was shared in the Worship Service blog the people did not have bibles so the team went out and purchased enough bibles for all the families in the village to have one. One of the evenings they spent time praying over the bibles and signing their names and words of encouragement to each family. It was always encouraging to get up in the morning and seeing someone having their quiet time before their day started. There are always new and improved jobs added to the job site. This particular job the water had to be brought in from a nearby well. So little did the team know that all week the water was being brought in by Ms Hilaria and her neighbors. So off goes Arnold, Scott and Pastor Ricardo to help bring in the five gallon jugs of water. Unlike Ms. Hilaria and her friends, the guys did not quiet get the carry the water on the head concept down. But you got to give them credit for trying. Good try guys. Maybe next year. The Honudran men had mixed mortar all week and so Ron and Jerry offered a helping hand with the mixing and hauling of the mortar for the floor of the home. Thank you guys for working so hard and getting out of your comfort zone and being flexible in doing God's work. Even the children of the village were hard at work trying to get Ms. Hilaria's home completed. It took all the North Americans and Hondurans to get the job done. Two different languages but ONE GOD. AMEN and AMEN

New Hope's Eye Clinic

2011-07-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Lois and Beth work for eye doctors and eagerly wanted to come here and share their gifts and talents with these beautiful people. They ran the eye clinic for four days with the help of Amanda assiting Beth with the fittings of the eye glasses, Lois and Gabby checking the eyes and prescribing the correct set of glasses and Sandy and Egla sharing Jesus Christ in the Salvation station. Jon assisted in crowd control while the patients waited their turn. Some of the Honduran people had not had an eye exam before. So this was a blessing from God for so many. There was alot of sun damage, one man got stung by a bee and lost his eye sight from not getting the right care of the time of the sting. There was many more stories like his where no help provided at the time the eyes needed them. The ladies did the best they could and was able to help 135 some patients that week. There was 30 plus salvations and several rededications to Christ that week. As the week went on we decided to have a baptism for those wanting to get baptized. Thank you God for providing Las Cabasos with an eye clinic and a spiritual healing as well.

Dedication and Baptism

2011-07-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

The last day arrives and it is time for the home dedication. Ms. Hilaria stands in the middle of her new home for the first time listening to every word shared by the different team members. She received a bible and a key for her new home. While we were having the dedication the children were outside playing ball. The voices of the children having fun in her backyard was just priceless. As the dedication came to an end everyone placed their hand on the wall of the home as the prayer of dedication was said over her home. There will be many children and adults who will enter this home and learn more and more about Jesus by the way Ms. Hilaria lives her life. What an example of true Christian hospitality by such a godly woman. Thank you Ms. Hilaria for teaching us how to share Jesus with each other and others as well. Well after the dedication those who wanted to get baptized piled on the pick up truck and off we went to a nearby river where Pastor G and Pastor Ricardo baptized four young people and we all shared in singing the hymn "No Turning Back". This was the most amazing GOD MOMENT all week. Thank you God for allowing New Hope to serve you in Las Cabasos and for putting Ms. Hilaria in each of our lives.

Team 116 New Hope Baptist Youth Group

2011-06-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

On June 15, New Hope Baptist Church Youth Group arrived in Tegus for the first time. It always does our hearts good to have young people come here and especially for the first time. They came ready to learn all they could about the people and their country. This is our fourth youth group this year and we have been beyond please with the excitement and energy these young people bring with them to Honudras. The group met that night with their Youth Pastor and discussed the week ahead and what to expect on the first day. The Youth Pastor, Brian came last year and was able to enlighten them on the culture and their week ahead. Each night a different youth shared a devotional with the group. Each morning they got up with their different job duties. It takes alot of people to make this opportunity to build a home function. There were two young people who mixed up the gatorade, several people in charge of breakfast, lunch and dinner. There were several young people loading the equipment on a daily basis. Being a new group we had a class of laying blocks 101. Our translator, Egla is much more than a translator, she is also a block mason. So with the help of Egla and Orfilio the team learned how to build the house. They got to work and found where they were suppose to be and off they went with getting the first five courses up on the house. It was such a pleasure to stand back and watch these young people hard a work along with their brothers and sisters of Honduras. The Garcia family stood from the doorway of the old house watching as each and every block and mortrar went on their new home.

Construction keeps moving

2011-06-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

On day two we were preparing to pray for our day out in the breezeway when we received a phone call from Pastor G which he shared he had been in a motorcyle wreck. So after the phone conversation we all gathered and prayed for the day and for Pastor G's safety. We were on the way to the scene of the wreck when we got a phone call he had driven he and his son to the job site. Mike and I arrived at the job site with him trying to work. Well, that did not last long because I had him sit down and he had messed up his shoulder, several severe scratches but the worst of all was a hole in his ankle. So the team, for the first time since Pastor G came to work for us was on their own. So while we took Pastor G to the hospital we left Arnold in charge of the construction. God is good all the time. Thank you Arnold for stepping up to the plate and keeping the construction moving along. By the time we got back from the hospital there was one of Pastor G's friends from a sister church helping out and remained the rest of the week. Pastor G's son was not as badly injured so he also continued helping as Pastor G watched on the side lines. This is definitely not something he does very well. We finally got him three stitches in his ankle after a second trip to the hospital. The team continued working throughout the rest of the day and got up to the ninth course on the second day. Pastor G was very proud of this group of young people. As well as building the home they also built memorable relationships with these beautiful children. The children of the area and home pitched in and help mix mortar and carry mortar and sift sand. This was definitely a huge team effort to keep working and doing their best to get the job done.

Continuation of Home Construction

2011-06-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

There was not anything they would not try. They all pitched in did several different jobs each and every day. Those of you who are the parents of these young people should be beyond proud of all they did this week. They definitely got out of their comfort zones and done things this week they had never done before. We share "God moments" each night and man did we have plenty of them this week. This group of young people can proudly say they finished this house in four days along side their new found friends of Honudras. There was a tremendous amount of team work going on this week. God is good all the time.

Church Services

2011-06-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

In prepartion for their mission trip they were all encouraged to prepare a testimony. We were blessed to go to two different worship services. Eight of the youth shared their testimonies and their walk with Jesus Christ. At each service they shared a song with the church families. Pastor Brian, Youth Pastor preached at one of the services and Pastor Ricardo, Sr Pastor, preached at the other service. Both pastors had different sermons but similar messages. We need to go out and share Jesus with the people in our villages. We all are suppose to go and out and be fishers of men. This week these young people went out into a new village and were all fishers of men. Parents you would be proud once again of how this group shared Jesus Christ with people in another part of the world.

There is more than just Building a House

2011-06-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

There is more to building a house. There is building relationships. From day one these young people played with the children. There was numerous games of futbol and jump rope as well. And there was also time to build relationships with one another as a family. This week this team developed a new family. A family they will always treasure. They learned alot about one another and shared alot with one another. As the week went on there was another small bump in the road. Pastor G's foot swelled up with infection. His famous words as he looked at us was "No problem". Orfilio shared we could get some medicine to kill the infection. So off we go the Farmcia to get the injection over the counter. I asked Orfilio who is going to do this because I sure can't. He said "no problem" I can do it. So Orfilio gave Pastor G an shot of medicine to take care of the infection. Pastor G's next question was when is the next team coming in and we told him on Friday. His comment was "No Problem" I will be ready for them. God is good all the time. Thank you God for such dedicated employees that we have in this ministry.