Julio, Dulce, Gabby, Gabrielle and Amber Get a Home

 

I would like to introduce to you Julio and Dulce.  They are a young couple with three beautiful daughters.  Two of them being twins, Gabby and Gabrielle.  In December of 2014 on the 22nd Amber was born into this family.  Mike and I met the family last year and Dulce was excited to find out she and her family would be getting a new home.  Especially since there was a newborn coming along.  Julio is a gentle, humble, meek, godly man who is not ashamed of sharing his love for the Lord through numerous emotions of tears.  He always gave God the glory for his dream come true.  Julio had a job last year in a local hardware store.  But like so often here he got laid off at the end of the year.  Julio took his earnings from the end of the year and was able to put in his own foundation.  Mike and I rode by one day to check out his foundation and he was working diligently on making it just right for the upcoming week.  At that time tears flowed down his cheeks.  Tears of joy and gratitude for the opportunity of receiving a home to keep his girls safe at night.  To God be the glory for this opportunity to bless another family who is so deserving of a home. 

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Coats Baptist Arrives with a Warm Greeting

The team arrives one day late to Tegus airport.  They actually went the night before to spend the night in the RDU airport preparing for the ice storm coming.  They were on the second flight out but were about two hours leaving Raleigh which caused them to miss the only flight out of Atlanta to Tegus.  So they spent the night in Atlanta and started their journey a day later.  They came prepared to build a home and opted not to go shopping on their free day.  They spent five days glorifying the Lord through the construction of 800 blocks.  To God be the glory for this team and their willingness to do what God called them to do, build a home.

 

The team arrives greeting and getting to know the family.  Pastor Carlos goes to investigate an opportunity on the construction site.  The structure is up against another structure within a few inches of each other.  Julio stands close by as he watches Pastor Carlos check out what may be ahead of him and the team.  Team leader gets to know our new translator, Santos and discusses with Maida the week ahead.  This team came with enthusiasm ready to serve wherever needed. 

 

The team gathers around and introduces each other and Julio thanked them for accepting the calling to come to Honduras and help build his home.  The team gathered together and prayed for the day ahead.  The team gathered each morning after this to start their day with giving it all to God through prayer.  They may have started a day late.  But God knew the plans He had for each of them this week.  They were obedient to the calling.

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Giving God the Glory

 

The family, team members and Honduran helpers gathered around the corner of the house.  As we all gathered around getting prepared to pray up the first block the family wore a huge smile.  What a beautiful way to start our work as to pray giving God all the glory for each and every person there, every block which will be placed on the foundation, every shovel of mescal put into a bucket and every joint which will be smoothed to perfection.  There is so much which follows the opening prayer of the first block.  So much sweat equity put into building this family a home.  So many other jobs which go unspoken.  We thank God for everyone who played a part into making this house a home.

 

 

Four Families Come to Serve

 

Amy and Callie came to serve God together.  Callie came on the total strength of God.  She had several obstacles to overcome on her journey to Honduras.  God blessed her and standing up to all those obstacles and she was able to serve HIM to the fullest through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amy was one proud mommy!!!!!

 

Scott came a couple of years ago with his daughter Tori.  This year God blessed him with his son, Josh.  Scott and Josh worked side by side throughout the week.  Scott works for FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was able to do a week of Sport Camps and his son, Josh led one of the session.  What a joy to come side by side serving the Lord.  The two got up on the roof with Mike and Pastor Carlos to put the roof on together.  Well done gentlemen.  God is good!!!!

 

Welcome our first time friends, Ken and Suzanne.  They are a precious couple who love the Lord.  They love to serve HIM in many ways.  Ken also helped with the Sports Camp while Amy helped with VBS.  Ken was always looking for a way to share the gospel with others.  While Suzanne helped nurture and love the beautiful children around her.  They took their God given gifts and shared them with others around them. We are grateful for both of you and all you  brought to make God's plan work so beautifully this week.

 

Welcome Jimmy, Diane and Gracie.  They all three have been to Honduras before but not all three together.  What a gift from God to serve with your spouse and then an added perk, your lovely granddaughter.  Gracie was a quiet spirit but when you gave her the guitar she let her light shine brightly for Jesus.  Jimmy and Diane were a seasoned team with a lot of love for each other as well as the people of Honduras.  Their excitement of being here working for the Lord was contagious throughout their team members.  Jimmy thank you for your strong leadership skills you provided for your team and for Diane's gift of prayer for everyone.

 

"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly."

Acts 10:2

Coats Baptist Young People

 

There is not words to describe how amazing these four young people were this week.  Josh, David, Callie and Gracie exhibited strong skills of maturity, work ethics, leadership skills and maturity in their spiritual walk.  They got to work and did what was needed.  Also they spent time quietly preparing for their day in God's word or singing praises unto HIS NAME.  They were ready to help wherever you put them.  There was not a job to hard or challenging to these four.  They gave their all to the Lord.  During the dedication a couple of them quoted scripture to share with the family.  David led Carlos, the young boy to Christ through the Sports Camp.  David and Josh tagged team the last day of the Sports Camp while Callie and Gracie played the guitar and sang with the children.  Thank you for being such role models for all who were around you this week in Honduras.

 

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

Proverbs 22:6
 

Why We are One

 

This group spent numerous hours daily in God's word.  They were grounded in God's word to be able to go out into the mission field to spread the gospel.  David, 19 year old, led a fellow teenager, Carlos to the Lord with the assistance of our translator, Santos.  It was inspiring each day as I came through the dining area to folks studying the word.  God's word is our protection, our provision, our purpose and our prayer for each and every day.  Those of you who are reading this today, I pray you are first of all a believer, a follower of Jesus Christ.  I pray you are not just a fan of Christ but you are living out your life daily glorifying HIM through HIS word and then going out and sharing the GREAT NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST!!!!!  HE IS ALIVE!!!! 

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today I pray you will find out about the greatest gift of all, salvation through the blood Jesus shed on the cross.  But HE also was buried and arose three days later to join HIS heavenly Father.  Take the time today to read God's word, the best book you will ever read.

 

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe."

I Thessalonians 2:13

 

A House Became a Home

 

After a week of working together as one, the time arrived where it is so bitter sweet.  It is time to dedicate the home and say our good-byes.  They gathered around the home as team leader, Jimmy lead with opening words and shared Joshua 24:15.  What followed Jimmy was simply breath taking. Just about all the team members stepped forward and shared something from their heart.  Some quoted bible verses which were special to them and applied to this very special family.  One touching moment was when Kent spoke and one of the twins went to him and hugged him ever so tightly.  God moment all the way folks.  Another God moment was when Julio shared from his heart his gratitude to God first then to each of them for coming such a long way to help build his home.  Julio shared mi casa, su casa.  He said my home is your home. Jimmy gave Julio the family bible and the key to his home.  They laid hands on the home as Scott led the praying of dedication.  Once Julio got the door of his new home opened the twins, Gabby and Gabrielle ran in and jumping up and down.  The team joined them and they all sang "Oh Happy Days".

 

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

Joshua 24:15 

The Beautful Faces of Honduras

 

There is not words to describe what these little faces bring to each North American who arrives on Honduran soil.  They will brighten anyone's day.  Thank you little ones for just being you.

 

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

Matthew 19:14

Thank You

 

North Carolina Baptist Men are blessed with these folks.  Thank you Pastor Carlos, Maida, Santos, Jose and Ezekiel for making our job so easy each and every day.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

First Home for 2015 Hola to Andres, Suyapa, Maria and Lupa

 

October of 2014 Mike and I made a road trip to Cedeno to visit a family who had prayed for many years for a home.  Upon arrival without the family knowing we came upon the entire family on their front porch.  Andres and Suyapa were helping Maria and Lupa with homework.  I knew right away we had come upon a huge blessing in this four member family.  We asked them would they like a home in 2015.  Suyapa immediately started crying sharing how long she had prayed for this day to come.  We shared what all they needed to do before January 6, 2015.  We decided to place Pittsboro Baptist team with this family.  God's choice in connecting these two groups of people together was the making of a beautiful week.  Before we left on that October afternoon we gathered around and prayed with Andres and family.  Suyapa was still crying and feeling overwhelmed with the unexpected news on this October afternoon.  God humbled my heart that day.  The solicitation forms we receive from the pastors is so much more than a piece of paper with the information of the families on them.  It is emotions rolled up into a need, sometimes a dire need for a home where you can be safe dry and comfortable each day.  These are privileges we sometimes take for granted.  God's provisions should not ever be taken for granted on any level.  We are all blessed with our needs daily and need to thank God for them.

 

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to HIS riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Praying for the Week Ahead

 

Pittsboro Baptist Church arrived to introduce themselves as well as Andres introducing his family.  The team proceeded to open in prayer as they did each day before getting to work.  This was the beginning of many blessings for all involved.  Thank you God for the power of prayer which brings family of believers together for one common bond: that is to serve you and give you all the praise, honor and glory.  All God's people shouted "AMEN"!!!!!

Let's begin a home for Andres, Suyapa, Maria and Lupa.

 

Pray without ceasing.
I Thessalonians 5:17

Prepping for the first block

 

I stood back and watched how many folks it took to get the preparation of the first block to be laid out on the foundation.  There was folks placing the four cornerstones.  Folks sifting and mixing the sand with the cement.  Hunter got chosen to cut the blocks for the channels during the week.  Each team member found a place to serve and tried several different jobs before finding their place for the week.  Nicole, Kristen, Hailey and Danielle all sifted the sand and helped Hunter with the block cutting.  Mark, John and Chris helped Pastor Carlos and Ezekiel with the cornerstones.  Andres was working everywhere to get all done which needed to get done for the first block of his home.  Andres had cousins and church members there to work along side him to the completion of this home.  Jose helped supervise the ladies on the sand sifting.  While all this was taking place Suyapa was in her corner of the world, her kitchen area, cooking balendas for breakfast.  Yum,yum.....  I knew this was going to be a special week.  My favorite Honduran breakfast on the very first morning.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  All the hard work paid off that morning as we prepared for the ceremony of the first block.

 

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! 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

Prays for first block

 

We all gathered together as we prayed over the first block of this home.  Suyapa smiled as she bent down to dedicate her house to the Lord.  This house will become a godly home where others will truly see the love of Jesus Christ, as Andres and Suyapa exhibit on a daily basis.  We praise God from who all blessings flow for this first block of this home.

 

 

To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:21

 

 

 

Andre's existing home was started but never got finished for one reason or another.  Andre's and family was living in the portion of the home as you see above.  God provided 800 blocks, 52 bags of cement, several pieces of rebar, a floor, a roof, two doors and two windows.  Andres' home will be 19 feet by 25 feet at the end of this five day work week.  The back of his home as you can see did not have a back to it.  They were living out in the elements of mother nature.  When we were there in rainy season last year their home as well as themselves were getting wet.  Praise God as Suyapa said several times for God's provision.  Andres did not give the human glory for this miracle but only his Lord and Savior for providing his family a home.  Thank you God for your provision and for providing just the right folks to come and help you complete the plan you had for this particular week and time.  In God's timing everything is to perfection and completion. 

 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

The Construction is a small part

 

The team got the house up and going.  They all pitched in learning how to lay block.  There were five new people on the team but after lunch on the first day they were no longer new.  They were season veterans of Honduras.  They worked diligently the first day to get their first five courses up.  Interestingly they did find time to build other things besides a house.  They connected immediately with the family and their friends.

 

Welcome Pastor Jon, Mark, team leader, Nicole, Danielle, Hailey, Hunter, Chris and Kristen.  We were blessed to have these folks here for our first team of 2015. These folks came in with different gifts and talents and used them all to glorify God.  Kristen shared in her devotion one evening how she had learned so much from each person's many talents.  God has given us a beautiful start to an amazing year in all HIS glory!!!!!

 

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
I Corinthians 12:4

Many thanks to our Honduran staff

 

We are blessed this year with an amazing group of folks who help us in many ways but most importantly take excellent care of each team member while in their care.  We never worry about the well being of our teams with this crew on board.  Pastor Carlos with a quiet humble and gentle spirit leads the construction of each home.  Thank you Jose who drives the teams wherever needed as well as sift and mix the sand into mescal.  We would like to welcome on board Ezekiel who is assisting with the construction of the homes or wherever else he is needed.  He is also a pastor who loves to share the love of Jesus Christ and sing his praises as well.  He is gifted with a beautiful voice and uses it to glorify God.   Maida, our translator and many other hats she places on her head is definitely a God sent gift.  We truly appreciate all our staff.  Rosa (not pictured) keeps everyone well fed and Orfilio (not pictured) protects the well being of the mission house and enjoys his visits to the property to assist there as needed. Martha ( not pictured) assist in preparing bag lunches and beans and rice for the last meal before heading home.  God has truly blessed this ministry with godly staff and we thank God for each of them.  Without God's leadership first and foremost Mike and I could not do this ministry but then God blesses us with an amazing staff who goes beyond their duties.  They each one give God all the praise and honor for their opportunity to serve HIM in this capacity.

 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:3-11

 

The Culture of Honduras is Contagious

 

The children bring a smile to every face they come across.  I was sitting on the front porch of the project one afternoon and heard my favorite praise hymn.  I was trying to figure out where the sweet soft angelical voice was coming from.  Well one of the boys was swinging his baby sister in the hammock and singing the hymn to her.  He was singing a praise hymn to her.  What a humbling gesture from a young boy to his little sister.  A long time friend in Cedeno comes by selling his chips and telling us only L5.00 per bag.  "No Gracious" we said as he kept walking with a huge smile on his face.  Life is good for the children of Honduras.  They truly know how to be children and play and laugh and enjoy life.  One little fellow, Snyder, about two or three years old was so dirty but oh my gosh he was so full of happiness while playing all over the place.  The children bring joy to all they see and leave everyone with a huge smile.

 

The team enjoyed the culture of relaxing and laughing this week.  They enjoyed the beauty of God's creation all around them.  God's provision of a breeze and cool temperature was much welcomed by all the people.  They took time to enjoy the culture, the people and how they live.  The team leader, Mark shared one evening, first evening,  how pleased he was they all ate together at lunch and they were only four hours into the week.  The team came ready to build godly relationships with their brothers and sisters of Honduras.

Oh my goodness on the last day I arrive upon my girls learning how to make tortillas.  Kristen continued her practicing and got much better as she continued making them.  She shared this is harder than it looks. 

Danielle had her turn and also shared this is not an easy task.  These ladies do this all morning long to provide food for their family on a daily basis.  The Honduran ladies are good because it is apart of their daily routine.  Suyapa was patient as she taught the girls how to prepare and make tortillas.  I am so proud of you both for attempting the efforts of making  a traditional cuisine in Honduras.

 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:10

Father/Daughter Team

 

 

Pastor Jon has been coming to Honduras for the last four years.  But this year became a special year for him.  He was able to bring his lovely daughter Hailey.  They made an amazing team serving side by side for the kingdom work.  They came on board with their different talents but to serve one God.  Hailey was amazing with the children and so was her dad.  They both enjoyed laughter and the Honduran cuisine.  It was a delight and honor to have both of them here this year..  Thank you Pastor Jon and Hailey for coming together and making some amazing memories for the kingdom of God.

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Fellowship was important to Pittsboro Baptist

 

As the week progressed team leader Mark shared how he noticed all everyone quickly connected to each other.  They enjoyed lunches together as one from day one.  This is very unusual for most teams.  Normally it takes a couple of days for this to happen.  The team connected well for their first time as a team.  They had five new folks and there was three different churches involved.  Their was new friendships developed through this mission team.  Thank you God for all things you provided to each of us this week.

 

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

I John 1:3

VBS

 

For two afternoons Pastor Jon and the ladies on the team walked to the church for VBS.  Pastor Jon would share the plan of salvation and ask who would like to pray the prayer of salvation.  So as Pastor Jon prayed and Maida translated each child spoke the exact words.  After the prayer Pastor Jon ask how many prayed this prayer for the first time.  Twenty one hands went up and hopefully they sincerely received the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.  Each day they broke up into different stations where they did face painting, coloring, salvation bracelets and futbol.  They were blessed with around 40 to 50 children each day.  Thank you for taking the time to give these lovely children a little piece of heaven. 

 

 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14

Total team effort

 

Kristen, Nicole and Danielle wanted a try at putting the floor down.  Pastor Carlos worked patiently with each lady as they did their part on the floor.  They realized it was not as easy as it looked.  But all three ladies worked at it and got it figured out.  Chris Mark and Hunter brought the materials for the floor by wheel barrow into the house as needed to continue to make this house become a home.  This team worked hard together to complete that which God had called them here in Honduras to do.

 

First time since 2010 a woman climbed up and helped with the roof.   Well done Danielle.  Danielle is a gymnast from childhood and she took her God given talent of many years of practice and performing to glorify God.  With absolutely no fear and totally relying on God's strength and encouragement she Mike and Mark proceeded with the roof.  After she got the first half on team member Chris then joined Mark to the completion of the roof.  Thank you Chris for allowing Danielle to get outside of her box and serve God in this way.  Hunter, Christ and Pastor Jon delivered the sheets of roofing from the road to the back of the house for the pieces to be passed to the front side of the house.  This was a challenging task but one which did not slow this team down.  Well done good and faithful servants.

 

 

Our friend Hailey spent most days entertaining the children as she did on the last day as the roof and floor were going up and in Hailey was having way too much fun with the children.  She was really good with them and they truly enjoyed her.  Thank you Hailey for your endless energy level keeping up with our little friends in Cedeno.

 

Danielle shared during her devotion the below verse but also shared "Taking one step at a time with God leading the way."  We need to follow through faith what God has for us to do.

 

 

Home Dedication, an emotional one

 

After enjoying a delicious meal provided by Andres and Suyapa we gathered around the front of the existing home to dedicate their new home.  Pastor Jon shared from Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."  But what was most impressive to Mike and I and first time ever happening at a home dedication, Andres had his bible ready to listening to what Pastor Jon was going to share from God's word.  What a devout and godly man Suyapa is married to.  She and the two daughters, Maria and Lupa are blessed to have such a godly husband and father who demonstrates God's love on a daily basis.  The team shared their gratitude for the privilege and honor it was to serve them this past week.  Andres was then allowed to share and they started first with the girls who shared with tears coming down their cheeks.  These two young ladies are ages nine and ten and exemplify the love of Jesus Christ and have been taught God is the great provider of all things.  For these two little ones first gave God praise and honor before anyone else.  They knew from listening to their daddy God provided their home for them, not NCBM nor Pittsboro Baptist, but GOD.  What a powerful statement coming from two young ladies.  Suyapa tears never stopped once she saw Andres cleaning the way to the front door of their new home.  Andres will have his business of TVs and radio repairs out of the first existing home.  He was clearing a pathway to his new entrance to his new home.  Andres worked all week on making everything just right for this moment and time.  He took such pride in what God had given him.  Team leader Mark presented Andres with the key to his new home and then prayed over the home.  Andres, Lupa and Maria went to unlock their door while Suyapa was hugging and thanking everyone for her new home.  The family entered the home together as everyone applauded them.  Thank you God for such a beautiful first week in Honduras 2015.

 

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

Joshua 24:15

 

Church Service was beautfiul

 

We arrived for worship service in Cedeno at 9:00 and was greeted by hugs and smiles from all the church members. We learned quickly Andres and Suyapa led the worship service.  What a precious sight and confirmed their strong faith in their Lord and Savior.  Their joy of giving all week to the North Americans and Suyapa's amazing hospitality overflowed into worship on Sunday morning.  The team's blessings continued to flow until the moment they departed from Cedeno.

 

After the singing of hymns we were blessed by Lupa and Maria singing a duet together.  As they were singing it dawned on me the entire family was standing on the church stage together.  What an amazing testimony for all of us. As families we should worship together our Lord and Savior teaching our children how to serve at home as well as at church.  This was a beautiful testimony for a Christian family.  Thank you Andres and ladies for your testimony to each of us.

We had two testimonies given by Kristen and Nicole which shared in both how truly are we in a relationship with God, a personal relationship.  Kristen shared she questioned this at one point in her life and realized God wanted her life totally.  She surrendered her a whole being to her Lord and Savior through the power of the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit lives within us we know we are God's child.  His power is more than we can ever comprehend.  Nicole shared through trials in her life she realized she was not totally committed to her God.  She gave her life to God at the age of 30 by praying daily, reading His word daily and giving everyday to HIM.  Her day is not complete if it is not started with giving it to God.

Pastor Jon got up to preach and shared about "Love".  God's love which transcends all our understanding.  His sermon fell in line with the ladies testimonies and each did not know what the other was sharing.  This is how big our God is.  He ordained the worship service through each individual that Sunday morning.  Pastor Jon used Kristen verses came out of I John 5.  We are to give Jesus our total being.  We need to listen and then obey what God has for us daily.  Everyone born of God will overcome the world if they follow HIM daily. Following HIM daily is not about a bunch of rules.  It means to listen to HIM, hear his voice, get still and be quiet and listen to what God has to say to us each day.  Then taking all HE has shown us and love others with it.  It is not easy to love everyone but through Jesus Christ we can do this.  Love others as we want to be loved.  God loved us so much HE sent HIS only SON to die a brutal death on the cross so why can't we give out this glorious love to others especially those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  This was a beautiful day of worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We ended on a precious note of all the children coming back into the church marching in a line to recite their memory verse for the day.  Thank you God first, Honduran brothers and sisters and Pittsboro Baptist for making Sunday morning a glorious one in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

I John 5:13

 

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.
I John 5:1

 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13