Virginia Team comes to Honduras

 

We were blessed with a team out of Fairlawn, Virginia who came to serve the Lord in a town called Cedeno, Choluteca.  They came with seven women and five men ages from 24 to mid 70's.  We are never too young or to old to serve the Lord when we are at the center of His will.  This team formed and came together about a year ago planning and preparing for a eight day mission trip.  Some of them had been to Honduras in the past but there were several who were new to Honduras.  They all came ready to do the same thing: Serve the Lord. The team leader, Steve Taylor encouraged the team with a focal point for their week: "Springtime is a time of renewal, resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We are here to build a house but most importantly we are here to build relationships.  We are here to shed our former lives and come closer to Christ.  Isn't that what mission trips are for?  Would it not be a pity if after all the preparation and coming here we were not changed by this mission trip? Let's get closer to God this week." The men and ladies alike came ready to do whatever it took to make those 800 blocks into a home.  As the four cornerstones were laid into place the team was searching for where their location on the construction site would be for the week.  This was the repeaters first time to build a home and a comment was made on the first day,"We have not ever worked in such a close area."  But by the end of the week this was not a close area in longer.  This area had grown into many relationships developing as the structure of the home was moving forward.  This construction site was full of laughter and enjoyment amongst the Hondurans and the North Americans each and every day.  Juan and Oscar, father and son, worked diligently each day to help make these blocks into their home.  Juan is blessed to have a job which requires him to work nights.  He would work all night and come home each morning to work with the team all day long.  With a smile on his face and never a complaint he worked continuously until the last block and roof piece was in place.  What a start to an amazing and awesome week in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

"Even youth grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope are in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles,

They will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:30-31 

Finding God's love and faith in the lives of the children and adults of Honduras

 

Each and every team who passes through the doors of North Carolina Baptist Men and Women of Honduras share the same thoughts.  You can not find anyone whose faith is stronger and the love of Jesus Christ more evident than in the lives of the Honduran people.  Jesus never said life was going to be easy and we will see trials in our lives.  It is how we handle these trials and how we find Jesus in them is what makes us who we are, children of God.  The children of Honduras start their day somewhat different from the children of North America.  Some are out collecting water, sticks to cook with and they have now started collecting plastic bottles to sell for leimpras(money).  The children range from three or four years old up to teenagers.  Every family member participates in the daily task of every day living.  As the team worked on the home along side the Hondurans, Odili, wife and mother, and daughter Jessica worked in the kitchen all morning preparing breakfast and lunch for the Hondurans who were helping build their home.The family daily had different men show up to help with the mixing of the mortar and laying of the blocks.  They came together as a community to help out a friend in need.  Do they have a block home with a medal roof, I do not know.  But that is certainly okay because they have a friend who is getting one and they are there to assist in whatever way they can.  It is a humbling experience to see how the Honduran people care and assist one another whenever needed.  How do we reach out to our neighbors in time of need?  Do we know are neighbors?  These are some questions we often here from the teams who come here.  Most teams come here to bless these people but they in turn are blessed more by the Honduran Christians.  The Honduran Christians truly rely on their faith in Christ Jesus to get through each day.  We are grateful to be able to learn from these amazing and godly people.  Thank you Cedeno, Choluteca for showing us God's grace and mercy through your children and through all the many smiles we shared this week.  You all are our blessing.

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I am the Lord your God

who takes hold your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you."

Isaiah 41:10,13

 

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1Peter 5:6-7

 

"I can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

 

These verses and so many more is how we see the people of Honduras.  They truly live out God's word in their daily lives. Amen.

These ladies wore many hats this week

 

The seven young ladies on this team, Connie, Amy, Karen, Sara, Sandra, Leigh Ann and Paula were busy all week with many different tasks at hand.  They shared their wish this week was to do all the jobs on the job site.  Well by golly they did.  They were out there sifting the sand, mixing the mortar, laying the blocks and laying the floor.  There was not one project they did not attempt to do.  The Hondurans stood back in awe of these North American girls.  You go girls.  I was so proud to work beside each of you this week.  Job well done, in the name of Jesus.  One of them shared I can do anything through the Holy Spirit of Christ.  The temperatures this week finally hit 104 degrees.  The ladies took care of each other and did what it took to help the guys get the job done.  Once again you go girls. It was truly a team effort in completing this mission assigned to this group of people.

 

"And whatever you do, whether in words or deeds, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

Additional courses to the pilla

 

In March we had a team come from Campbell University to build Juan and family a pilla.  a group of ladies built the pilla in March.  So on the last day we had extra blocks and we asked the team would they like to add two more courses to the pilla.  This was a big day for Egla.  Pastor G put her in charge of the addition of the pilla.  He even handed her his level to make sure the job was done "perfecto".  The pressure was on but Egla was proven worthy of her calling to supervise the team in the extra courses on the pilla.  Curtis, and his wife Sandra, Connie, Karen, Leigh Ann, Paula who hauled the mortar while Amy and Sara were busy mixing the mortar worked together on the last morning while the roof and floor were going in by Sammy, Jeff, Joe and Steve.  To stand back and see all the activities happening on the fifth day of this project was such a God moment for me.  Everyone was busy working together for one common goal: To glorify God by building this sweet family a home.  There was a pilla being finished, a floor going in, a roof going up and there was even time to enjoy the children as they came by from school.  Thank you for all  you did this week in the name of Jesus Christ.  God is good all the time.

 

"Well done good and faithful servants. you have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness."

Matthew 25:23

This is the day the Lord Hath Made

 

After all the construction had been completed the home dedication was quickly approaching.  Steve shared how we have worked hard all week and now it is almost over.  Bittersweet time for all involved.  They worked so hard to get the home completed to come to this place and time of finalization of the trip.  It was a sweet service where Steve shared Matthew 6:25-34, Do not worry about your life.  This family had been waiting quiet a while for a home.  They lived in their prior home for ten years.  God's provision is always perfect.  They knew in God's timing they would one day have a home, a place where they will not get wet during rainy season and a lock and key to protect the family while their husband and father is working the night shift on his job. Once Steve finished the team and Hondurans placed their hands on the structure of the home while Curtis prayed the final prayer over the home.  At the beginning of the week the first block was prayed over and now the closing prayer over the entire structure.  Afterwards the entire group started singing in two languages "This is the Day that the Lord Hath Made", let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Thank you Virginia team for coming down to Honduras to work with us in the name of Jesus.

All God's people said AMEN!!!

 

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is life not more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in to the fire, will he not much more clothe you- you of little faith?  So do not worry saying, "What shall we eat?" "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:25-34

Lucy and family

 

There was one very special friend we have not mentioned yet.   Those of you who follow the blog have already met my friend, Lucy back in March.    Lucy delivered nine little piglets the first of April.  During the week the team spent time trying to name each nine piglets.  On the last day they had named all nine.  I would like to introduce to you Nutter Butter, Oreo, Chipper, Macaroon, Newton, Preacher, Nilla, Wilbur and Snicker Doodle.  The team enjoyed each day greeting Lucy and her little ones.  One other comment about this lovely family and their home, Odili had a beautiful flower garden out in front of her home.  God's creation was surrounding this new home.  Thank you Juan Ramon, Odili, Jessica and Oscar for sharing Lucy and babies with us this week. 

 

"Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.  And it was so.  The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.  And God saw that it was good.  And then there was evening and morning - the third day."

And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.  And it was so.  God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds.  And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:11-13, 24-25

Several families doing missions together

 

This week we had several families serving the Lord together.  There was Curtis and wife Sandra.  Connie sister-in-law of Curtis and Sandra.  Joe who is Curtis and Sandra's son-in-law.  Jeff and Paula making a return trip as husband and wife.  Sammy and Amy who are brother and sister doing missions for the first time together.  It was beautiful seeing families sharing in love with each other and what lasting memories they will have to share for many years in the future.  To God be the glory!!!

 

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Sunday Worship VBS and a Prayer Walk

 

The team came prepared to give their testimonies and Steve, team leader shared a sermon.  Thank you, Connie and Joe, who shared how God has worked in your lives.  Praise be to God when we allow God to use us in mighty ways. Thank you for sharing with us. The children eagerly awaiting for VBS to open the doors.   Three of the ladies, Amy, Sara, Leigh Ann and Egla, our translator, enjoyed times of singing, bible stories, crafts and some outside activities with beach balls and soccer balls.  Thank you ladies for all you did to bring joy to the children during VBS.  On Tuesday morning  all the ladies went on a prayer walk.  Paula and Sandra shared how welcoming the people were of them just dropping in to share Jesus and to pray with them.  One family had a newborn baby who the ladies got to meet and pray over.  They gave each family they visited a bible.  Thank you for going out into the community to share Jesus and to pray with the people.

 

Mrs. Connie shared a poem during her testimony called "Footprints in the Sand"

Please read carefully and I pray we all allow God to do for us what we cannot.

 

Footprints in the Sand

 

One night a man had a dream,

He dreamed he was walking

along the beach with the Lord,

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life,

He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

one belonging to him, the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,

he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path,

there was only one set of footprints.

 

He recalled that it happened

at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

He questioned, Lord, "You said that once I decided to follow you,

You'd walk with me all the way.  Then, why

during the most troublesome times in my life , the times

when I needed you the most, would leave me?"

The Lord replied,"My precious, precious child,

I love you and would never never leave  you.

During your times of trials and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints, it was

then that I carried you."

Memorial Baptist Church Returns to Honduras

 

We welcome back a returning team of at least seven years.Before the team left Greenville, members of their church showed up at the parking lot at 2:45 to pray with them.  They were covered in prayers the entire week by their church family. The team faced many opportunities before coming to Honduras.  Two or three team members were sick but still came because they were called by God for this particular week and place to serve HIM in Honduras.  Thank you for your efforts even when you were sick.  God is good all the time.  They come full of excitement and joy to be with their brothers and sisters of Choluteca, Honduras.  This week they visited a new community called El Botadera, Monjaras, Choluteca.  They came to be servants to a family of four, Gustavo, husband and father of Mayra, wife,  two sons Ezequiel and Yefriro.  Team leader, Ed Porter assisted Pastor G in laying one of the four corners while the rest of the team pitched in on the other four corners. After the four corners were put into place and the level was put in place, the team gathered around one corner where the first block was laid and a prayed over. Each team member found their spot and the 800 blocks began to make this foundation a home.  A repeater, Barry, mentored a new team member, Buddy throughout the whole week.  Buddy thanked Barry for taking him under his wing and to teach him how to build this home. John, shared how while very sick, Pastor G took him under his wings to help him cut the blocks.  Pastor G with the language barrier since something wrong with John's body language.  Pastor G showed God's compassion and love on his brother John and this act of kindness placed a lasting impression in John's life.  John was most grateful for Pastor G's sensitivity.   The team worked diligently each day along side their brothers and sisters in Christ to build relationships first then building Gustavo and family their home.  Their home before would have gotten them wet in about two weeks as we are entering the rainy season.  But this year when the rains come this one family will be dry and kept safe with their lock and key on their front door.  They will not have to worry at night about anything getting stolen or danger to come their way.  Thanks be to God for this project and appointed time.

 

"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:8-10 

 

 

 

 

Feliz Cumpleanos Juan

 

This year John was able to celebrate his birthday Honduran style.  Everyone brought down the party hats, the horns, the cake mix and melted chocolate icing.  Oh yes and even party hats.  This group of adults became child-like for one evening and enjoyed helping John celebrate his birthday.  What an amazing way to celebrate your birthday!!!!  Thank you John for sharing your special day with us.

 

For you created my inmost being,

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you  because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before on of them came to be."

Psalm 139:13-16

VBS and Church Service

 

Each day Bonnie and Beth went next door to do VBS with around 100 children. It was held under several mango trees.  Demi  shared how wonderful it was to hear the beautiful sounds of the children singing.  He shared it helped him forget how hot it was and he reflected on the beauty of God all around.  Especially the sweet voices of the little children. One day Bonnie and Beth did a drama with the bible story of Noah's ark.  Bonnie was able to bring a boat to do the skit.  Team members would act out the story.  On the last day she did the resurrection of Jesus.  Pastor Greg in church on Sunday shared the life of Simon in the bible. What an important part Simon played in the life of Jesus Christ. The team shared a hymn in English, Amazing Grace.  Thank you once again for coming and sharing in the many blessings received here in Honduras.

 

"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."

Mark 15:21

Why do people come to Honduras?

 

As you can see their former home they would most definitely have gotten wet in about two weeks.  Their beds, clothes and anything of any value would have gotten soaked soon.  I praise God for the hard work by this team to get every block in place and mortar mixed in the extremely high tempertures.  This is hard manual labor done here from not just this team but each team who comes here.  Some team members are not use to being out in the heat and yet they still come year after year to work in 100 degrees heat to serve the Lord.  Why do they do this?  Why do they come and sweat and do construction when they do not have a background in construction?  Why don't they just send the money?  Because our God is so much bigger than all of the above questions.  These people came here to SERVE GOD FIRST, then to serve these beautiful people of Honduras secondly and to share and learn about the love of God through laying block and sweating for four and a half days.  If they had sent their money there would not have been a relationship built with one of the guys who helped mix the mortar all week, Fernando, whose smile could radiate anyone's day.  Fernando is a young man who was lost but found Jesus Christ about four or five years ago.  Pastor Carlos took him under his wing and mentored and discipled Fernando as if he was his own son.  The team would never had this awesome experience of working beside Fernando if they had just sent their money.  We are so grateful for teams like this one who come back each year to serve the Lord and the people of Honduras.  Without teams we could not get the work done.  There are so many more stories and families who need assistance.  We say thank you for returning each year to help those in need.

 

"May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine on us

so that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations.

 

May the peoples praise you, GOD:

may all the peoples praise you.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you rule the peoples with equity

and guide the nations of the earth.

May the peoples praise you, God,

may all the peoples praise you.

 

The land yields its harvest,

God, our God blesses us.

May God bless us still,

so that all the ends of the earth will fear him."

Psalm 67:1-7