Team #2 of First Baptist Church Raleigh

Welcome back Team #two from First Baptist of Raleigh. They came in eagerly awaiting to go to their new location in San Lorenzo. They got up early on the first morning and got all their jobs done and was on the road by seven o'clock for their journey ahead with the most amazing and humble family around, the Flores. Once they got off the main road they rode and rode and rode and rode down this bumpy, boulder infected dusty narrow road to the top of the most beautiful spot God has created. The Flores' home or what was left of it after the foundation went in sets in a setting surrounded by mountains. Real close to heaven that week guys. But because of this beautiful mountain top view the bus could not make it all the way up to the job location. So those who rode in the bus were blessed to walk up the boulder infected road along beside the cows each morning. Once they got to the top they were greeted to the truck loaded down with 800 blocks to build the home. We are not sure why they were not delivered when we told them but this was God's way of teaching us when in Honduras to as the Hondurans do. So the team met the family and discuss the game plan for the day and prayed with the family. Pastor Gorge led us in prayer. The blocks were finally completely off the truck and down the hill it went and the team was ready to get started on the job they had come to do, build the Flores a home.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Getting the first day started

The team proceeded to unload the tools for their job ahead. There has not been many North Ameicans in this area in a while so there was alot of on lookers watching the progression of the day begin. Everyone found their spot and took to work. Several of the men assisted Pastor G and Orfilio with the setting of the corners of the home. Jose was busily mixing mortar with some of the locals in the village. Mrs. Flores stood back and watched as what she had been waiting on for serveral years was finally coming true. Her many years of faithful prayers of waiting for this home was finally happening. In the beginning everyone cannot actually "work" on the house but they can build relationships with the family while waiting for what they can do to help. Building relationships with the people of Honduras and seeking out their relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important part of this ministry. Sometimes not all folks in the family are believers. This is a perfect opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and in turn bless them with a home. There were alot of folks that week on the job site who did not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and I hope seeds were planted so they will come to know the Jesus who can save them and give them eternal life.

Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves ME, he will keep MY WORD; and MY FATHER will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him." John 14:23

Praying over first block and let the work begin

After the four corners were set and the mortar was mixed the first block for the family was ready for prayer. We gathered the Flores family around the block and we surrounded them and laid hands on them as Charles prayed God's blessings on this home. This family will represent Jesus Christ in their community and their home will be a place where others will see Jesus. Then the work began. The team members got started and all took a lesson in Block laying 101 with Pastor G. Off they went in different directions of the house to start their first course. John was in charge of block cutting. Brantley and Jerry found a corner and quickly learned how to lay blocks. Bob also a new team member caught on how to lay blocks. Charles a new member to Honduras took off and running with the block laying. Royce, Mark and Greg quickly remembered the technique for laying blocks. God is good all the time. These guys worked so hard the entire week for the Flores family. The team had four new members at the airport but by lunch time on the first day they were no longer considered new members. What amazing teamwork took place this week.

"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 3:23-24

Worship services

This team chose not to worship with the community where they were working but went visiting two other churches. Royce was able to plan the drums in one of the worship services on a Friday night. Pastor Amado shared the scripture and preached on Romans 12:1-2. We always enjoy visiting Colonia Unidas and praising and worshipping with them. Also on Sunday they worshipped in El Carrizo and Jeremy, John and Greg shared some words of encouragement to the people and children on doing their best in school and work.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Preparing gift bags for workers and other duties of the week

I truly enjoyed watching these guys work diligently on making 18 gift bags for the workers and family. I asked them to please make them as equal as possible. Each person recieved a bible, shirts, hat, hygiene kits and other items. These guys worked for over an hour to get everything just right. John is always the supervisor of the distrubtion. Thank you John for coordinating these efforts and providing the people with some amazing gifts.

"He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the ones in need." Proverbs 22:9

Two brothers on missions together

It is always a blessing when family comes down and do mission work together. We welcome Brantley and Jerry who worked beside each other all week serving the Lord. It is a very small world we live in because I attend church at home with their mother and step-father. The hygiene kit they are holding could have been one their mother made and sent down with us while we were home during Christmas. They were always eager to help in any way to get the jobs done. Thank you guys for coming here to serve together.

"But for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Welcome Back First Baptist Church of Raleigh Team 103

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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