Coats Baptist Church Medical Team 2013

 

We would like to welcome back Coats Baptist Church Medical Team.  They arrived with two North American doctors, Dr. Lori and Dr. Brad, two nurses, Laura and Lisa and alot of folks who wanted to come to serve along side of the medical staff, Jimmy, Scott, Lee, Sarah, Julia, and Tori.  They each played a vital role in the success of the medical clinic this week.  But our team would not be complete without the huge help of our Honduran staff.  We would like to send huge thank yous to Dr. Brenda who is very knowledgeable of medicine and her specialty is home remedies for our patients who cannot afford the medicines after the prescriptions run out.  Thank you to Meida, Heida, Stephanie and Belksie who translated for the the medical team.  Orfilio assisted in the medical clinic checking in the patients.  Without all these folks this week would not have ran as smoothly as it did.  BUT without the leadership and guidance of JESUS CHRIST THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT  none of this week would have happened.

When they arrived all of them got into the dining hall, sharing and sorting through all the medicines.  Dr. Lori and Dr. Brad were very attentive to Dr. Brenda and her suggestions.  This was an awesome trio this week.  They all three worked side by side to treat each patient according to their needs.  Dr. Lori shared on the way to the airport what a pleasant and non stressful week this was for her.  She did not feel rushed and felt like she saw each patient and was able to assist with their needs in a timely manner.  She never felt rushed.  It was more about the patient this time than ever before.  God is good all the time.  Dr. Brad, first timer, got right in there and assisted in whatever way he could do get the meds in order for their first day.  Laura, Lisa, Julia and Sarah worked diligently this first night to get ready for their first morning of patients.  They were well organized and being this way really paid off for them throughout the week.  Thank you Coats Baptist Medical Team for putting so much time and effort to this five day medical clinic.

 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:23-24

Time of Praising the Lord and Preparing for the First Day

 

The team arrived promptly at 8:00 am at Lajero Blanco, Marcovia to set up for three days of medical treatment.  They gathered with the church family who were there to assist them.  We opened up with introducing each team member and then in turn Pastor Pedro introduced his church family.  His lovely wife Maria was right by his side. Team member Scott lead the group in a morning devotion and we opened up in prayer done by team member Jimmy.    The church family had arrived earlier the first morning to clean and prepare the church for the medical clinic.  The team had an ideal situation here where each doctor had their own office, (Sunday School classrooms), to check each patient.  The pharmacy was set up on the stage of the sanctuary inside the church.  This medical team was set up and ready to go within an hour.  Amazing when two different groups of people who do not speak the same language come together and pull off such a task as this.  It took hard work on both groups to be ready to go within an hour.  I sat back watching in awe of how beautiful it all came together.  I would like to give our Lord and Savior all the glory for this.  It was obviously a prayer ordained morning. 

 

"Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith and one baptism."

 

Ephesians 4:3-5

 

 

Sharing the gospel through futbol

 

The team brought more along than medicines.  They brought Scott who came prepared to do a "Futbol" clinic with the children of the community.  Scott shared the gospel of Jesus Christ through the sport of futbol.  He gathered the children outside for a game or just practicing their techniques.  After he did this he would share the gospel of Jesus Christ with each of them in a group.  This was an amazing tool to get the attention of the children while sharing Jesus Christ with them.  Thank you Scott for entertaining the children during the medical clinic.

 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.  The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sin against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.  God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

 

2 Corinthians 5-17-21

Spiritual Medicine for the Soul

 

The team brought along another non medical man who shared the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Word of God.  Jimmy came down to meet with the people after they got their medical exam to ask them about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  While waiting for their prescriptions to be filled Jimmy shared with them how their bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and we should all treat it with high regards.  He touched on how we should wait until we are married to make the bond with one man and one woman.  Women are a gift from God not property for a man to do however  he chooses.  During Jimmy's time of sharing over the five day period there was 19 salvations and several re dedications to Jesus Christ.  Also on the last day, Jimmy was able to go door to door to visit with folks and check out their spiritual relationship with Jesus. 

 

"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 at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies."

1Corinthians 6:19-20

The Medical Clinic

 

At Lajero Blanco the medical team was able to assist 500 patients with anything from cleaning out their ears to treating a head cold that was going around the community.  They were able to see babies and even an older couple of over 60 years of marriage and 19 children.  They were able to provide the medicine for each person as needed and if they did not have the medicine Dr. Brenda would give them a home remedy to use.  The pharmacy was steadily filling prescriptions as needed.  This was an amazingly smooth process.  We learned this week if you have high blood pressure do not use cinnamon and honey.  Cinnamon is not good for high blood pressure.  Also for dehydration  Dr. Brenda said to use lemon and water.  Dr. Brenda shared so many of her home remedies with us this week.  A very talented and godly lady serving here in Honduras.  Thank you Dr. Brenda for your wisdom.

 

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

Proverbs 17:22

 

 

Fellowship with brothers and sisters through spiritual food and physical food

Each evening the team would reflect on the day and how they could improve their skills for helping the people.  Afterwards they would share in God's word and how powerful our God is in all we do.  We had a time of fellowship with each other debriefing on how we could share in church on Sunday with testimonies and songs.  We had several nights of beautiful singing of hymns and praise music.

One day at lunch a few of us enjoyed the fine cuisine of Pastor Pedro's lovely wife, Maria and other ladies of the church.  It was rice, beef chips and tortillas.  Thank you so much ladies for all you did this week providing delicious meals for the Honduran church family who assisted the medical team. Tori, Sarah and Scott also say thank you for a delicious lunch.  Yum Yum!!!!  The fellowship was much more than the food though.  This is an amazing loving community to work with and God's love radiates all around this church family.

 

"They devoted themselves to the apostles  teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possession to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Acts 2:42-47

Worshiping One God

 

On Sunday morning we arrived for an awesome time of worship.  The group led the church in several hymns. There was testimonies done by Laura and Lee.  Lee carried his testimony a bit further which was one of the most humbling acts I have ever experienced here in Honduras.  Lee has a medical condition and one of the problems is he may loose his vision.  The day before Lee was having trouble with this particular eye and Lee asked if Pastor Pedro would please pray for his eye, for complete healing.  Pastor Pedro said he was honored and privileged to be able to pray for Lee. Words truly cannot express the beauty of that moment

. 

Jimmy got up and shared from Mark 5 about the demon possessed man.  This demon possessed man could see the presence of Jesus and Jimmy's question to all of us and himself was "do we see Jesus and know Jesus the Son of God for who he is?"  The demon possessed man did. We are not talking head knowledge here.  But do we personally know him as our Lord and Savior who died on the cross for our sins.  Sins he never once committed.  But MY SINS, do I know him? 

Jimmy shared one thought  it does not matter about our past because God can use us right where we are right now in our lives.  We all have a story to tell.  Let's take us where we are and tell others about the precious love of Jesus Christ.  Someone somewhere took the time to share Jesus with you and me.  We need to in turn share this beautiful gift with the world we live in. 

 

"Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

Mark 5:19

 

Two days in Samaritano,Choluteca

 

The last two days the medical team traveled down a long dirt road to a precious community called Samaritano, Choluteca.  Upon arriving there they found out the pastor was not there and would be there around 11:00.  I believe Pastor Paulblino was working.  PTL he had a job.  But two ladies of the church were there waiting on us and we gathered together for introductions, devotional and prayer.  Everyone dispersed and started setting up for the clinic.  The doctors learned quickly everything would be inside the church.  The doctors, pharmacy and Jimmy's evangelical group as well.  There was standing water all around the church.  So everything had to be inside.  Where are tables was one question that had to be asked.  The ladies of the church went to neighbors' homes to borrow tables for registration and for the doctors to work from.  Dr Brad and Dr Brenda were able to share some one's dining room table as their work station.  The two "B"s working together all for Jesus.  Once again the team was ready to start their last two days of serving Christ.  During these two days there was 276 patients treated.  They had two salvations in this community.  Bringing the total new brothers and sisters in Christ to 21.  To God be the glory.  On the last day they all were able to go walking around the community making some spiritual home visits.  Tori shared how happy the people were to see them and to be able to talk about Jesus with them.  Alot of these people were already Christians but there were a few who were not and would not receive the most precious gift of all: Jesus Christ.  Please pray with us for the ones out there who are lost and do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank you Coats Baptist Church for partnering along side North Carolina Baptist Men in sharing the medical and spiritual healing for the  beautiful people of Honduras.

 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

 

Several families serving together

 

Welcome Dr. Brad and mother, Julia to Honduras.  Along with Tori and her Dad, Scott.  We were definitely blessed to have back Jimmy and his lovely wife Laura who have been in the past.  Also a future family forming is Dr. Lori and Tori (future daughter in law).  We always enjoy families coming to Honduras to serve.  There seems to be more and more families coming here.  To God be the glory!!!!

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Forest City Shares the Gospel One House at a Time

 

On September 9th Bobby Edney, team leader, and his team arrived in Tegus Honduras ready to lead the lost to Jesus Christ.  Bobby shared a devotional on Monday evening from Leviticus 19:9 "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleaning of your harvest."  God will provide for us  We sometimes plow all the way to the end.  But this week, time and place this evangelism team left time to come to Honduras to share the gospel.  They did not use of their harvest but left some of their harvest(time) to come here and share the gospel with others. We need to learn from this, leave some of the harvest so we can share it with others.  Do not use it all up and there is not anything left to give to others.  Jose, team member, shared where two or more come together in His Name prayers will be answered.  AMEN!!! 

Tuesday morning they met at Colonia Unidas greeted by Pastor Amado and church family. They divided up into three groups to go out into the community to share Jesus to a lost and dying world.  They traveled up and down rocky dirt roads to different homes.  They all went in three different directions.  Each group eager to lead the lost to Christ.  Bobby's first stop was a young lady who accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Bobby shared how this encouraged him to keep climbing those rocky roads. 

Jeff and Tammy shared how special it was to share the gospel together as husband and wife in Honduras.  They shared the gospel with a devout Catholic lady.  She had the head knowledge of Jesus Christ but did not know Him personally.  As they continued to share their life and testimony with this lady the barriers started breaking down.  She was slowly being transformed into a child of God.  It was amazing to see her body language actually slowly change as the Holy Spirit started breaking down all the barriers which were keeping her from having true peace only found in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Wayne shared how God was able to use him to lead a Jehovah Witness to Christ.

Maria led a 70 year old lady to Christ.  Maria said she shared it like sharing it with a small child. She slowly shared all the details of the plan of salvation as if the lady had not ever heard it before.  The older lady shared these are the best times of her life and she wanted to share them with Jesus. Praise God this 70 year old lady found Jesus before it was too late.  Amen.

Harry and his group met a elderly lady who could not read the bible because of her vision.  Harry gave her a pair of reading glasses and she was so excited to be able to read God's word.  Harry and team continue on their journey through the village.  They came across some men working in a field.  They started a conversation with them.  One of the gentlemen thanked Harry for giving his wife reading glasses.  This team did not give them any reason for not reading or hearing God's word. 

Jose was sharing the gospel with a family while one of the girls of the home was making tortillas at a distance.  Jose asked her was she interested in hearing more about Jesus' story.  She said yes.  Jose share how Jesus can turn the darkness into the light.  She listened to all Jose had to say and received Jesus Christ into her life.  Amen.

 Their first day they were able by the power of the Holy Spirit to led 30 people to Christ. 

The second morning the team arrived at the church broke up into their small groups.  They took time to have a devotional and share prayer requests with each other. 

Jose lead a young man who was a Mormon to Christ.  Jose also had a little girl travel all day with him and his team. As Jose came upon some farmers on a hillside working.  He asked them did they know Jesus.  They said no.  But they were too busy working and did not have time.  The little girl told Jose one of the men was her daddy and he needed Jesus.  Jose called the man over to talk to him.  Jose shared how this little girl, your daughter says you do not know Jesus.  Jose shared with the man he should be the spiritual leader of his family.  It is important to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Jose asked him could he pray with him.  The man said let's go to my home and pray there  They arrived at the man's home and gathered around in a circle and Jose started praying for the man.  The man broke down with tears flowing down his cheeks as his sinful life was being washed away by the blood of Jesus.  This day this farmer became the spiritual leader of his family.  All God's people say AMEN.

Maria was able to pray over a little girl who had a high fever. 

Wayne shared there was one man so secure in his "religion" but yet so lost.  The man did not know Jesus Christ in a personal way.  He only knew about him.  We need to be more than religious.  We need a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  What a profound statement Wayne made that day. 

On the second day there was 28 salvations and 4 re dedications.  To God be the glory. 

 

"Comfort, comfort my people,

says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and proclaim to her

that her hard service has been completed,

that her sin has been paid for,

that she has received from the Lord's hand

double for all her sins.

Isaiah 40:1-5

 

 

Preparing praising and praying

 

Each evening they would return to the mission house to prepare themselves in God's word, songs and prayer for the next day.  They debriefed the day to see how they could improve or what needed to be done differently. 

On hump day they were able to revisit some of the families from the day before.  Maria went back to check on the little girl who had the fever.  Praise God her fever had past.

Jeff had prayed with a woman who literally got chills as she was standing in her home of 100 degrees plus.  Only the Holy Spirit could produce chill bumps like this.  Jeff also was able to lead 5 teen age  boys to Christ after VBS.  They were standing outside watching from the windows.  They wanted the salvation bracelets the other children were receiving.  So Jeff went outside and gave each one a bracelet and with the help of Jose those young men accepted Jesus Christ. 

Darren and team arrived at a man's home. When the gentleman saw them coming he took off running into the back of his home.  Darren called him Jonah.  Darren shared with the gentleman you cannot run from God. Darren shared with him the plan of salvation and the man finally accepted Christ.  Darren gave him a bible and signed his name and gave the gentleman a new name, Jonah.

The man smiled as he received his bible.

Bobby got aggravated with some little boys wanting to take his evang-cube from him.  Bobby shared it with the boys.  One of the boys started sharing it with the other boys and all boys accepted Christ out on that rocky dusty road.  Bobby shared how he was humbled by God's way of taking a situation which started out be annoying and turning into a blessing.  Our God is mighty and worthy of praise.

Harry shared how a little girl had followed their team all day long.  The church members were stopping at one more house before heading back to the church.  This little girl looked at Harry and said this is my home.  The team goes inside and shares the gospel with this little girl's mother.  But she shared she was not ready yet to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.  If you are reading this today and you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior or not sure of your salvation please contact a pastor or Christian friend who can help answer any questions you have.  This will be the most important decision you will ever make.  Please do not tarry with this decision like this lady did at their last stop of the day.  Tomorrow may be too late.

On hump day their was 28 salvations and 4 re dedications.  To God be all the glory!!!

 

On the fourth day Jeff Tammy and team went to a home where a woman was cooking.  One of the Honduran church members went over to cook for the lady so she could hear the word of God.  As Jose held her hand to pray with her a tear started down her cheek.  She was ready to receive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Thank you God for sending this group to this home at this time.  All in God's timing.  Amen.

Joel went out with the team one day and shared how Darren was talking to a gentleman.  The man told Darren he did not have a bible.  Darren gave the man a bible.  The man said I do not have eyeglasses to read the bible.  Darren gave the man a pair of reading glasses. The man shared he was too busy working in the corn fields and does not have time to go to church.  Meida, our translator, asked him who grows the corn.  The man said "I do".  Meida says no you do not. God grows the corn you harvest.  Not man, but God.  Without God you would not have any corn to grow.  The man said I suppose I do not have any more excuses.   Just like this man there is someone reading this who does not have time to read the bible or go to church.  What is keeping you from being in God's word or being involved in a local church family?  Is it your work or Internet time or just stuff in general.  Our stuff can keep us separated from the most important "Stuff" of all, God's word and our relationship with him.  Please do not let the stuff of this world weigh you down where you do not take the time daily to be in God's word or be in worship on Sunday with other believers.  Without God we are nothing.  God gives us all we need and we need to give Him back what is rightfully HIS: Our total being.  He does not want some of us He wants all of us. 

 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33

 

"So faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of Christ."

Romans 10:17

 

"And I am sure of this, and that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6

Worship service

 

The team shared in worship service with this community.  They prepared before arriving how to sing some songs in Spanish.  The team did an amazing job singing "How Great Thou Art".  They sang the verses in English and sang the chorus in Spanish. 

Jose preached a sermon in Spanish to the congregation.  At the end of the service he asked all the people there who had received Christ during the week to please come to the front of the church.  Pastor Jose prayed over each one and afterwards we all got to go down and welcome them into the family of believers.  And all God's people said AMEN.  It was a beautiful worshiping in the house of the Lord.

 

"All the nations will come and worship before you Lord, they will bring glory to your name."

Psalm 86:9

Jeff and Tammy first time together to Honduras

 

Jeff has come several times to Honduras to serve.  But this year was a very speical time for Jeff.  He brought his lovely bride of four years here to serve beside him.  They worked so well together.  They sang together and shared the gospel door to door together.  Jeff said one of his God moments was seeing Tammy sharing the gospel here in Honduras.  Jeff and Tammy do this back home but this is their first time together to Honduras.  Welcome and thank you both for coming together in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Welcome back Jose and Maria

 

 

 

Jose and Maria are no newcomers to Honduras.  Jose is a pastor so when he comes to Honduras he is ready to share the love of Jesus Christ with others.  His lovely wife has such a servant's heart and works right beside her husband sharing the gospel with other people.  They have been happily married for forty two years.  During these forty two years they have led numerous people to Christ.  Their excitement and joy of sharing the gospel is so contagious.  Thank you Jose and Maria for coming to Honduras to work beside the Hondurans in spreading the Good News.

 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:19

 

 

One Hundred Eleven Salvations This Week

 

These two young ladies are only two of the one hundred nine salvations this week.  Forest City went to every home in Colonia Unidas.  Knocked on every door and was only rejected a couple of times.  The people in this community were receptive of their sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Some wanted to hear all they could about the "Good News".  Others would say they were too busy.  This team climb all the way to the top of this mountainous area to the very last house to make sure all the people in Colonia Unidas heard the "Good News".  They were blessed with many young people aging from 15 on up to go out with them to share the "Good News".  What a testimony for us all.  These young people learning early on how important it is to go and share the Jesus with their community.  Job well done to all who participated.  To God be the glory for every step that was taken this week.

 

"Train a child up in the way he should go

And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Let's play dodge ball

 

Bobby and Jeff headed out with about five children to play dodge ball.  As the game  progressed so did the number of children.  Children are such a joy to be with and spend time with.  Thank you Bobby and Jeff for taking this time with the little ones.

 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

Feliz Dia de Ninos

 

Words cannot truly describe how beautifully this Sunday morning turned out to be.  We arrived parking the bus at the bottom of the hill.  Due to much rain the road had washed away.  Once arriving at the top of the hill there is where we all found a bit of heaven.  Pastor Amado had orchestrated a very special day for the children.  They had three or four pinatas.  Pastor Amado and church family insisted on the North Americans doing the first pinata.  We all got a chance to try to break the pinata up.  Harry finally got the pinata to break open and all the children headed for the floor.  Then they continue with the other pinatas.  Saul, minister of music, lead the children in songs as the ladies of the church fed everyone a plate of chicken rice and tortillas.  Oh did I say how many of us where in the church today.  There was 222 people worshiping in the Lord's House today.  About 100 of them were the children.  This church family demonstrates true Christian service to their own church family and the community around them.  Everyone was blessed by all the love which poured out of this mountain on this very special day, Day of the Children.  Praise God for our little ones who grow up to be leaders, mothers, fathers, doctors, brick masons, teachers and pastors.  Thank you Pastor Amado and church family for investing in your little ones.  They are our future. 

 

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from who you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ."

2 Timothy 3:14-15

 

 

 

Second part of the evangelism team

 

Forest City Baptist Church was very gracious in letting two extra folks tag along.  Welcome Joel and Theda.  Joel and Theda came along to go and help work on the property.  God has blessed us with our first construction job on the property.  We are building a home/storage building for the people who are working on the property.  We are very blessed to have the opportunity to start building.  This will give the workers a dry place to sleep at night and place to store the building materials.  We also were able to enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by Pastor Carlos wife, Suamada.  Pastor Pedro, a young man named Noe, Pastor G and two of his disciples, Dingo, Fernando and Orfilio also helped out Joel and Theda on the property this week.  Please continue to pray as we moved forward in what God has planned for North Carolina Baptist Men here in Choluteca Honduras. 

This was our first team who did evangelism and construction on the property.  It was a very successful endeavor I must say.  Thank you our God for allowing this to take place in your name I say AMEN.

 

Please read I Corinthians 12 on many different gifts but one God.

A piece of Heaven here on earth

 

 

I would like to introduce Fernando and Tio (Uncle).  Fernando is a twenty two year old who three years ago was so close to being a member of a Honduran gang.  Pastor Carlos took him under his wing and has mentored this young man into an amazing godly gentleman.  Fernando has helped his community for three years building homes and volunteering at the church when there was a medical team.  Pastor Carlos shared with us how he had to earn the respect back from the community he once stole from to supply the needs of the gang he was associated with .  Last year he came to Mike and I asking if we could look at his home.  Later on that year Mike and I met him and went to another community to see his home.  All this time we thought he lived near the church because he was always there helping.  He lives about three miles down the road from the church.  I always felt for Fernando  and thought how hard it was for Fernando to be in Cedeno where he did alot of his gang activity.  So Mike and I show up to his home and all we saw was a flourishing flower garden and nestled around the flower garden was a make shift home out of palm leaves, black plastic and whatever else he found to make this house a home.  We get out of the truck and walk up to meet Tio.  Fernando's uncle lives with him and gets all the credit for this beautiful flower garden.  Until the team arrived we did not know Tio actually had a name, Moses.  Moses gives us a big hugs as we share with him and Fernando they are receiving a home. So welcome to a week of a little piece of Heaven. 

 

"The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is' or There it is , because the kingdom of God is in your midst."

Luke 17:20-21 

August 15 was a huge day of celebration

The team arrived in a little community on the outskirts of Cedeno on August 15 to build Fernando and Tio their home.  Three years ago on August 15 Fernando accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. We did not know August 15 was Fernando's spiritual birthday  but God knew this a long time ago.  God ordained this week all according to HIS perfect plan.  God is good all the time all the time God is good.  So August 15 will always be a special day for Fernando and Tio.  Jesus Christ radiates on this little corner of the world through the commitment and dedication Fernando and Tio have for Jesus Christ.

 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heaven for you who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

I Peter 1-3-4

 

Elizabeth learns to cook Honduran style and Meida does more than translates

 

We arrive on the job site and unload the beans, rice and mesaca for the tortillas.  We asked Fernando who is going to cook lunch for the Honduran workers.  Fernando says I do not know.  As we all know in Honduras the famous phrase "No Problem" came out of our lips.  This team came with three people who spoke Spanish, Elizabeth being one of them.  So Meida offered to cook the lunches that week and I volunteered Elizabeth to help Meida and she willingly said yes.  Elizabeth made some awesome tortillas which her husband, Ryan enjoyed eating.  We were blessed with Meida and Elizabeth's willingness to do cook this week.  Throughout the week Fernando shimmied up a coconut tree to provide the team with a refreshing coconut to drink.  As the week progressed we learned how well the community respected and loved Fernando and Tio.  The children came up and hung out on the perimeter of the property.  Neighbors came by to help out or just stopped by and said hello.  We visited a family who shared with Jon and I how special Fernando was to his community and how deserving he was to receive his new home. 

 

"As Jesus was walking beside the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman.  "Come follow me," Jesus said,  "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 4:18-20

Bill's special ministry

 

Bill, a first timer to Honduras, shared a special treat with the boys of the community.  Bill prayed God what do you want me to bring to Honduras to simply make a difference in some one's life.  God revealed to him toy airplane gliders.  This is an item which has never entered Honduras until Bill listened to what God shared with him.  The most precious part of this week is Bill asking the boys to please bring the plane back at the end of each work day.  At the end of each work day the boys brought back the airplane glider to Mr. Bill. Most of the times we experience items not returning. Sometimes during the day they would bring the airplane to Mr. Bill for small repairs.  He had brought another plane and parts just in case of a casualty.  He came well prepared for this adventure God embarked on him.  Mike and I were leaving the job site one day when we saw the group of boys climbing up a tree and hanging out over the top of the bus.  The airplane had gotten stuck on top of the bus.  So Mr. Mike climbs up on the fender of the bus to retrieve the airplane.  Mr. Bill's special ministry brought lots of love and joy to these little boys and to the others who watched them play all day with "a" paper airplane.  This makes me reflect back to my childhood when I was so content with the simple things of life.

 

"Then I said, "Here I am, I have come it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, my God,

your law is within my heart."

Psalm 40:7-8

Honduras 10 - North Americans 5, Game two North Americans 2 - Honduras 1

 

There was two soccer games this week while construction was going on.  After lunch one day  Jonathan, Jon, Derek, Jason, Ryan, Pastor Paul, Dan, and Brad played a game of futbol with five year olds.  Tio felt so sorry for them he got out there to help the North Americans.  Then Pastor Paul and Jon went back over to the job site and it was down hill from there.  Let me make this very clear Bill stayed on the job site to help with the house so he is not to blame for the five year olds crushing the North American team.  Pastor Paul and Jon are innocent as well.   So fellows we are so proud of your willingness to let the little ones cream you.  What willing servants you are. 

Now the North Americans were not going to be totally defeated.  Before the home dedication the Honduran young people not children played a game with the North American team. Tio played with the North Americans.  Well, the North Americans came back on top this time and beat the Honduran gentlemen 2-1. 

Thank you God for allowing your servants to build more than houses.  They were able to build relationships as well. 

 

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend."

John 15:13

Worshiping on the property

 

About a month for this team came down to serve the Lord we were at the property with several of the pastors talking about different things.  Pastor Amado from Colonia Unidas shared how there needed to be a work day on the property.  He chose August 18.  So Covenant Church of Maryland was blessed to participate in the workday.  Before the workday started we had a time of worship and singing praises unto the Lord.  We were expecting seventy Hondurans and one hundred forty showed up.  God truly blessed the labor of over one hundred fifty Hondurans and North Americans that day.  Pictures and words cannot describe what a blessing this day was to all who attended. Thank you God for being so much bigger than we can even imagine.  God is good all the time all the time God is good.

 

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity.  Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

John 17:22-23

VBS came to be

 

Jon came down not know where God wanted to use him besides building a home.  Like Elizabeth, Jon is bi-lingual.  Jon and Elizabeth connected with the family next door.  So they asked can we do a  VBS.  By all means please share the gospel with these little ones.  Jonathan was willing to learn a song in Spanish to sing at VBS.  The daughter of this family wanted to learn a song in English.  So they spent some time one afternoon teaching each other their language.  The willingness on both were simply God and beautiful.  The mother and 19 year old daughter rounded up the children once they heard there could be a VBS.  They also borrowed chairs from neighbors, cleaned up their home and got every detail just right for their afternoon of VBS.  Also throughout the week Elizabeth felt led to go door to door to share the gospel.  Elizabeth, Ryan and Jon took bibles and visited different families in Fernando's community.  Ryan was able to share with a man who has not  been in church for years how we all go through tough times but God is the only one who can help us and we need our church family as well to draw support.  Ryan said it was humbling to share the gospel while his lovely wife, Elizabeth did the translating for him. Elizabeth led a 11 year old boy named Christian to Christ and there were several people who received bibles who did not own one. Once again they allowed God to work through them and get them out of their comfort zone to truly serve Him in more ways than building a home.  Job well done good and faithful servants.

 

 The Master replied,"Job well done good and faithful servants.  You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things."

Matthew 25:23

 

 

 

 

 

Dedication of Fernando and Tio's Home

 

As we all gathered to dedicate this home I reflected back on the week and how this group of people from Cedeno Honduras and North Americans from Maryland had become one in the Lord.  Ryan, the team leader, shared how this house is now a home.  A home where Fernando and Tio will live safely and radiate Christ's love throughout their community.  This corner of the world where the lovely flowers are nestled all around will be a home where the children can come play and where Fernando and Tio can share the love of Jesus with their neighbors.  This is a home they will take pride in and enjoy for many years to come.  Thank you The Church at Covenant Park in Maryland for coming and sharing in this amazing week of serving Christ.  Job well done good and faithful servants.

 

"Except the Lord build the thy labour is in vain."

Psalm 127:1

Happy Anniversary Ryan and Elizabeth

 

 

Happy 9th Anniversary to Ryan and Elizabeth.  They spent a week together serving the Lord side by side and sometimes in different directions.  They were able to evangelise together where Elizabeth translated for Ryan.  On the evening before they flew out Ryan asked if he could pick some flowers out of our yard for Elizabeth.  So when she woke up the next morning outside her bedroom door was a fresh bouquet of flowers with a letter of love and gratefulness for nine wonderful years.  How beautiful it was to see this couple share the gospel through construction, cooking and evangelise on the week of their anniversary.  This definitely will be an anniversary they will never forget.  Thank you God for sending these two beautiful people to Honduras to serve beside us. 

 

"Then the Lord God made a woman from the ribs he had taken out of man, and he brought her to the man.  The man said,

"This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh,

she shall be called woman,

for she was taken out of man."

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united and they become one flesh."

 

Genesis 2:22-24

As the week comes to an end

 

On the fifth day the usual took place.  The roof goes up and the floor goes down.  But please realize this team did not get a Sunday afternoon of rest.  They worked on the property with the Hondurans.  In saying this they gave it their all, 100%.  They mixed the mescla for the floor.  All of them except Brad and Dan were working the floor.  Brad and Dan were voted to put the roof on.  As all this was going on Pastor Carlos' wife and her cousin show up that  morning to do a fish fry for the team.  So after the work was done the team had an amazing fish and shrimp plate compliments of Fernando and church family.  Fernando and a friend shimmied up the coconut trees one more time  to provide one last coconut water treat for these North Americans.  It never ceases to amaze me how generous our Honduran brothers and sisters are.  How they always give all they have and their very best.  Thank you Fernando and Tio for being such willing and humble servants.

 

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:6-8