Welcome Hopewell Baptist Church

 

 

In April of this year North Carolina Baptist Men held their annual conference.  Mike and I were asked to lead a break out session on the ministry in Honduras.  God blessed us to be home during this period for a short time.  Well God blessed us that Saturday morning when team leader, Julie, came to one of our break out sessions.  She came up to meet after the session and shared she was bringing a team in September.  I never knew how blessed we were going to be that Saturday morning until this team rolled into the airport at Tegus.  There was seven team members all who had been on an international mission trip except for one, Josh, who is sixteen years old.  They arrived eager to get down South and "assist" the Hondurans in the building of a home for a family.  They were not aware they would be building the home along side their Honduran friends.  But without any delay they were ready to start the next morning to build our "accident" Marie a home. 

We told Pastor Carlos earlier in the year to go find Marie who husband was no longer in the home and there was four children.  So he ask around and God sent him to this Marie.  When we went to assess Marie's situation I questioned where we were going.  I remember Maida sharing it was down another road.  But I trusted Pastor Carlos and off we went.  Well folks God is not in the business of accidents and this is the Marie we were suppose to go visit on this day.  We arrived to assess her existing dwelling and found her son, David, and her mother, Marie, greeting us.  Marie was at the hospital with her five year old daughter, Cindi who had gotten burned with an overturned pot of bean soup.  Marie's mother shared how she had lost her second son to dengue two months prior to our visit.  Marie's life was full of despair every way she turned until we accidentally went to her home this day to tell her she was getting a home.  This was the most precious accident we had ever made.  Marie, the mother of Marie showed us the papers for the property and we shared with her and David, her son, they will be getting a home on September 17th.  Marie's ;mother started crying as we shared how God had led us to them today and told us this Marie was to receive a home.

As we gathered on September 17 to meet and greet each other Marie shared with tears in her eyes how she had been praying for two years for a home.  God got the glory first of all and she thanked God for sending Hopewell Baptist Church to Honduras to build her home.  This was Hopewell's first mission trip to Honduras and we are grateful for Julie picking Honduras to come and serve the Lord this week.   God blessed each of us this week in so many different ways.  To God be the glory for this accident on this week.  The scripture below was quoted by team leader, Julie on one of the last evenings of God moments.  This is so true for this week.

 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

 

Six Hundred Blocks

 

We arrived to seeing all the blocks out in the dirt road behind two piles of sand and rock.  All I could think is oh no!!!!  This group who thought they were going to assist got to start their week off my moving six hundred blocks from the dirt road up to the foundation.  They never skipped a bit.  They literally moved those blocks for one and half hour while Pastor Carlos and Ezekiel laid out the corner stones.  I believe it was team member Sandy who shared, "Let's make an assembly line."  They spread out along this span of space to send each block to the foundation.  During this time Sandy and Julie were spread rather thin between each other along with Rodd and his wife, Rita.  So we got David and his best friend Miguel to get between Sandy and Julie and Rodd and Rita.  This made it much simpler for everyone.  Everyone was working diligently to get this task done while the cornerstones were going up.  Marie and her husband, Augustine, were helping out as well.  They got about two thirds of the blocks inside of the foundation when Mike shared you can get the rest tomorrow.  This group of folks came in with the word "FLEXIBILITY" under their belts.  Thank you Hopewell for stepping up to the plate and doing what needed and had to be done so we could soon start Marie's much needed and prayed over home. 

 

"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing,
so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."

Philippians 2:13-15

 

Marie and Family

 

Marie and her husband, Augustine with their three children, David, age 11, Cyndi, age 5 and Diego, age 3 along with her mother Marie won the hearts of our team serving in Pavana this week.  Cyndi's smile you will see continuous through out this blog was contagious of all who came across her path.  David and his sad eyes became open with joy on the second day as he saw these many blocks becoming a home for him and his family. He became closer to the  North Americans as the days progressed.  His sad eyes became full of laughter and joy.   Diego was a pistol from the get go and he kept everyone hopping with his very presence.  Marie's mother would watch from afar as her daughter was getting a much needed home.  The pile of wood above was the first home and its remains.  Marie made a make shift home while her new home was being constructed.  This is where they stayed up until a few days ago.  God blessed her with a home where they all will be safe and dry during the rainy season.  What a blessing this family was to each of us North Americans.  We saw true joy in this family you cannot find back home.  Thank you Marie and family for exhibiting true joy.

 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13 

Sandy Building Relationships

 

In the midst of mixing the mescal for the first block and the cornerstones going into place, Sandy stopped the task of getting the job done to spend time with the children.  Sandy allowed the children to be children.  She simply pulled out some coloring sheets and crayons for each of the children to color.  They all had been working or in Diego's case getting in trouble or getting in the way.  Sandy spent one on one time with these three sweeties.  Each one of them got so excited over this piece of paper handed to them and did their very best. Rita came over to join in on all the fun as well. We were all called over to the pray over the first block and they did not want to leave their coloring.  But once the block was prayed over they rushed back over to finish coloring their picture Sandy had taken the time to share with them.   Sandy you allowed these children to be children for a little while the first morning on the site. This was my God moment  on the first day. 

 

 

Preparing for First Block

 

After the task of moving blocks the team adventured out to find other jobs which needed to be done. They all pitched in learning how to level the courses with a plumb line.  They helped Jose and Ezekiel sift the sand to prepare for the mixing of the mescal.  Josh, our newest team member learned very quickly the recipe for mixing mescal.  Everyone found a job do to and got it done.  Jose found  Clint Eastwood on the job site.  Rodd in turn named Jose, Charles Bronson.  They both had similar cowboy hats and became a team the first day.  Charles and Clint worked closely together during this week.  We definitely have a lot of fun serving the Lord. 

 

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

Psalm 100:2

 

Josh Prays Over First Block

 

We were blessed this morning beyond any words.  The team leader ask who would like to pray over the first block and Josh spoke up, "I will."  Josh is a sixteen year old young man who with great confidence not in himself but in the Lord prayed a prayer of dedication over this first block for Marie and her family.  Josh shared how this house will become a home and will watch over this family because it is built by God.  Josh's maturity level this morning spoke volumes to all the adults on this team.  Well done Josh for stepping out and allowing God to use you in a mighty way. What an example for all of us who are seasoned in the Lord to step out and allow God to use us for His glory.

 

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12

Block 101

 

As I shared earlier our friends have never built a home.  So Mike gathered them around and showed them the process of laying block with mescal.  They were quick learners and were able to get their first five courses done on their first day.  I shared with the ladies how to fill joints between each block.  This team got to work and quickly the course went up.  Josh spent some time being shepherded by Pastor Carlos.  They were humble folks willing to learn how to do God's work the Honduran way.  Thank you Hopewell for all the hard work your first day. 

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Colossians 3:23

Rodd and the Block Saw

 

After Mike felt confident with the team laying blocks he shared with Rodd sixty blocks needed to be cut.  Mike and Rodd headed to the dirt road where they left behind enough block for the channel course to be cut.  After just a few minutes Mike left Rodd cutting the sixty blocks.  One afternoon Rodd was busy working on the block work with the team and he heard the block saw crank up.  Pastor Carlos went over to cut the block he needed without bothering Rodd.  The entire week the team worked side by side just like this.  They all did what was needed to get the job done.  Pastor Carlos was aware of Rodd busy with a project and he simply walked over to cut the block.  Pastor Carlos shared how much he enjoyed working beside Rodd and his team members this week.  Rodd shared during one of the evenings of God moments how Pastor Carlos hugged him and thank him for all he had done this week to get the job done. 

 

"A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"

Psalm 133:1
 

Ladies Filling the Joints

 

After the first course went down the ladies started filling the joints between each block.  They were working ever so diligently when along came David and his best friend Miguel.  They bent over nicely showing the ladies a much better way to do this project.  They worked beside the ladies for quiet a while.  The ladies generously took their advice and worked along side their two new friends.  They did not brush them off for being children but learned the correct way from two young men, age 11, how to correctly fill the joints.  Thank you Sandy and Rita for being humble and allowing these fellows to help you.  This could have been the beginning of David's sad eyes slowly disappearing into eyes full of joy.  He felt accomplishment and had ownership in his new home.  Augustine does not live with his family as is the case here sometimes.  David was the man of his home because he is the oldest.  He wanted his home to be built correctly and beautifully.  Thank you for taking the time all week ladies for working those joints to perfection.

 

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Deuteronomy 11:19

Someone along the way has shown these two young men how to lay block and fill joints.  So they were able to teach this trade to Sandy and Rita.  Thank you for allowing these two young men to teach you something new this day.

 

 

God Bless Our Honduran Staff

 

North Carolina Baptist Men are so blessed with the staff God has provided.  There was only seven team members so we recruited Rudi and Wilmer to help us out a couple of days.  Maida was even mixing mescal and carrying it into the house for the floor.  Jose always does beyond is call of duty.  A member from the Baptist Church in Pavana, Alejandra, showed up several days to help and worked very hard for the Lord not for man.  He received absolutely nothing from this but one thing, to give God all the glory and to share the gospel with this family who was receiving a home.  One day Pastor Amado showed up just at the right time, God' timing to help out on the construction.  Our Honduran staff exhibits God's grace and mercy in their daily lives. 

 

"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building."

1 Corinthians 3:9

Our Team Leader

 

As I mentioned earlier in the blog, I met Julie, team leader, at the NCBM Conference in April.  I never knew that day what Julie would bring to her team.  There was not one job Julie did not do this week.  She mixed the mescal, she shoveled the rocks for the floor and she even took time for the children during this week.  Julie set an excellent example of a team leader who was a team player.  She encouraged her team daily in her quiet sweet spirit.  The team worked beside her with up most integrity and respect throughout the whole week.  At the end of the week we all thanked her for going to the NCBM website and picking a mission trip to Honduras.  She then pursued it to Pastor Larry, missions pastor at Hopewell and said I want to try something new.  Well, Ms. Julie, Honduras is not new any more.  You and your team have become a part of the family here in Honduras.  Thank you so much for listening to God's calling for you to lead this team to Honduras.

 

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

Jeremiah 29:12

God Bless These Three Friends

 

Mike quickly connected with Pastor Brian and Rodd in a mischievous kind of way.  We do not need these three to be alone for a very long time.  There was always laughter and something going on in their midst.  Do not get me wrong these three worked very hard for the Lord this week but found time to get into trouble together. 

 

 

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.  Romans 1:8

God Brings the Rain and More

 

Choluteca, Honduras has been without rain since last November.  It may have rained five times since May of this year.  On the second day of the project a bad thunderstorm appeared.  The North Americans got inside the incomplete construction under the boards for safety.  Marie motioned for them to come for shelter under her make shift home.  Surprisingly it was dry in this structure.  Our translator, Maida, is extremely scared of thunderstorms.  Suddenly the team started singing hymns as Maida joined in the team saw Maida become calm.  As they continued to sing Maida started singing along with them.  Rita shared an evagi cube with the children while under this shelter.  Everyone in front of Rita with the help of Maida was watching as Augustine, the husband and father, was listening very intensely as Rita shared the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pastor Larry looked up to see Diego come walking in from the rain.  He had been out there in the storm and no one was aware of his absence.  Diego is one tough little dude.  He was not afraid of the storm as he calmly walked in to the structure soaking wet from head to toe.  The entire team shared how this thunderstorm brought an oneness for each of them.  They all worshiped, shared and stayed dry together for this short period of time.  God stopped them from working long enough to get to know each other a little more intimately.  Thank you God for your perfect timing.

 

"As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."

Psalm 18:30

God's Day of Worship and Rest

 

The team traveled out to Pavana to worship in the Baptist Church.  They prayed for the family to come worship with them this day. David and his best friend, Miguel came to church.  Because of the materials on the project, Marie stayed behind to watch over everything.  We started singing hymns unto the Lord.  One familiar hymn sung was "How Great Thou Art".  Pastor Larry got up to the pulpit and preached an amazing sermon out of John 15:1-8, " The Vine, The True Vine".  He shared the most important part of the vine is the root system.  This is where the nutrients for the vine come from.  He then proceeded to share how we as Christians should be connected to the vine, The True Vine, which is Jesus Christ.  He asked the question are we truly connected to the VINE.  And if you do not think you are connected to THE TRUE VINE how can you be connected.  JESUS CHRIST is our only source to be able to connect to THE TRUE VINE.  JESUS CHRIST IS  THE TRUE VINE.

Pastor Larry shared out of John 14 he was having the Last Supper with his disciples.  They left there to go up to the Mount of Olives.  As they were traveling along the road there was a vineyard. Jesus used all visuals to help with a teaching moment.  He shared with his disciples, "I am the way the truth and the Life no one comes to the Father except through me."  Jesus was preparing them for His departure.  The disciples needed to know the Holy Spirit would carry them through their journey after Jesus left them to sit next to His Father in heaven. Not everyone will have this source of life, the Holy Spirit, unless they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  We are all sinners saved by God's grace.  Once we receive Jesus Christ we have this life source and we are connected to the TRUE VINE.  But once we receive this life source then we need to do something with it.  We need to bare fruit.  We are not talking about our bananas, mangoes, pineapples and papayas.  We are talking about  the eternal fruit from our Lord and Savior to further the kingdom here on earth.  Farmers have to clip the vines when they are not producing.  They call it pruning. Pruning is hard.  We have to be pruned as well.  We have to be taught and trained how to grow in Christ by Him pruning our lives.  Only good fruit comes from God.  So go out into your community and bear fruit we can only produce through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Let's make sure we do not get into the way of God using us to help produce good fruit.  Only God can do this through our willingness to serve Him faithfully.  We are building this house only because of God's will in our lives.  God gets all the glory for this happening this week in your community. We have not done anything to receive praise for this.  When it rains God gets the glory.  When the crops come off God gets the glory.  If it does not rain God still gets the glory.  If we do not have crops God still gets the glory.  God is the same in all situations.  If not it would be for us and not for God.  Pastor Larry recognized the numerous children in worship on Sunday and how attentively they were listening to the worship service.  This children are the future of this church and their community.  Please continue to raise them up hearing the Word of God.  Thank you so much for having us here today to worship with you.

At this time the children came forward to sing in praise and worship unto the Lord.  They sang several songs which they knew from memory.  They sang to the tops of their sweet little lungs.  They sang songs full of praise and honor to the Lord.  This church is obliviously teaching these young ones about Jesus. The entire team was in awe of how they were able to praise the Lord with fullness from their hearts.

After worship the team was able to share a wooden cross with each church member which was made by a gentleman from their church, Hopewell.  This gentleman does this as a ministry for others.  He makes these crosses out of wood he collects from whoever is willing to share.  He makes hundreds of these wooden crosses a year to spread the gospel and bear fruit for the Lord.

 

The Beginning of the Floor and the Roof

 

God blessed them with substantial energy on Day Four. Pastor Brian and Pastor Larry prayed for some extra energy for this day.  They had just finished hump day and were told that half of the floor will be going down the next day .  Once again this team stepped up to the plate and continued their journey of providing through God's strength a home for Marie and her family.  Everyone was making the mescal for the floor even the ladies.  Everyone was working hard to get the first half of the floor done.  They finished the task put before them. 

 

The beams for the roof needed to go up as well.  Mike was planning to help out along with Pastor Brian.  Rudie shows up to bring Pastor Carlos his special trial for the floor and ended up staying to help Mike and Pastor Brian get the beams in place for the roof the next morning.  God's provision at just the right time. 

 

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,"

Deuteronomy 10:12

Taking Time to Be Children

 

The ladies took time out again to spend some quality time with the children and young people of the community.  There was always about six or seven children there daily.  Sandy pulled out the jump rope and bubbles on the last day.  There was excitement had by all including Marie and her mother jumping rope.  This was the first time since coloring pictures Diego was not getting into trouble.  He spent hours with the bubbles.  He learned how to blow bubbles while Sandy coached him along.  Rita, Julie and Josh joined in the activities for a while as well.  Everyone became like little children on the last day of the project.  This worked out beautifully.  It kept everyone from getting in the way of the floor going down and the roof going up.  The children stayed occupied the entire morning just simply being children. It is amazing what a rope and some bubbles can do for a morning of entertainment.  The simple things in life are the best!!!!  So much fun had by all with very little materials for the entertainment. 

 

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
1 Timothy 6:6-7

 

 

 

Mr. Mike and Josh

 

What a team this was on the last day.  Mr. Mike taught Josh a new trade.  Josh quickly skimmed up the ladder to join Mr. Mike up on the beams of the house to start putting the tin roof into place.  Josh did not skip a beat.  He worked right beside Mr. Mike as the tin became a roof.  Rodd, Josh's father joined them helping keep the tin in alignment  Within one hour the roof was complete and Josh shared he was ready for it to be done because it was mighty warm up there.  Josh enjoyed learning a new trade and task.  As in the beginning of this week Pastor Larry brought out Josh prayed over the first block and nailed the last nail into the tin.  Josh started this project and ended it as well.  Never doubt the abilities of our future young people.  We are always so proud to have the young people come here and serve beside us and Josh is a perfect example of why!!!!

Chilling

 

These two took time out to take a break while putting up the roof.  Mr. Mike was sharing some of his techniques with Josh on how he does things.  Josh respectively listened and learned while sitting up under the tree drinking his water and appreciating the time of rest.  Well done good and faithful servants.

 

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."

Psalm 62:5

The Three Ladies and Jose and Pastor Brian

 

 

I was wanting to get a picture of the three work horses, Julie, Sandy and Rita.  But for some strange reason Pastor Brian and Jose thought the picture would not be complete without a man on each end.  These ladies worked hard all week along side all the men folk.  There was not a job they did not attempt and succeed in doing.  Pastor Carlos was blessed with this small team in numbers but mighty powerful in their dedication to complete what God had call them to do, assist God in building Marie's home.  Thank you ladies for all your hard work.

 

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,"

Ephesians 6:7

Team Work

 

The team worked together to mix the materials for the floor.  Julie sifted the rocks with the children as Maida, Alejandra,  Jose, Sandy, Rita and Rodd mixed the mescal. After Josh got through with the roof he jumped down to help mix the mescal.  This was all about team work.

 

 

 

As the roof was going up the floor was going down.  Pastor Larry, Pastor Brian worked along side of  Pastor Carlos in getting the floor put down.  This was a beautiful sight seeing three pastor working side by side to complete the floor.  This was hard work but they all said at the end of the day what an awesome tired they were.  Rita's devotional one evening explained the kind of work which came from this group.  Julie shared how she observed how everyone watched out for one another and worked hard beside of one another.

 

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Philippians 2:1-4

The Work Continues

 

The team did not stop with the floor and roof on the last day.  Pastor Larry swept around the house to get the ground cleared from debris.  He proceeded to pick up rocks and place them around the house edge of the home.  As Pastor Larry was placing rocks, Miguel got the wheel barrow and went to load it up with the huge boulders from the job site.  He pushed the wheel barrow up the hill to the home and Pastor Larry and team starting unloading the boulders and placing them around the home.  Rodd who has some experience with grading land started digging out from the home to make a channel for the rain to run down and go out into the road.  Josh, his son, and Pastor Larry assisted him in this endeavor.  While this was going on Sandy, Pastor Brian and Cyndi was cleaning the front door.  They also picked up the debris around the house and disposed of it.  The family joined in cleaning up their yard before the home dedication.  The team from Hopewell built this home to glorify God and built it as if it was their very own home. 

 

"A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."

Psalm 127:1

The Dedication

 

Pastor Brian with the help of Maida led the dedication of the home for Marie and her family.  Pastor Brian pulled from the scripture of Deutoronmy 10:12-14  and shared how this home will be a safe haven for them and how God will be their protection.  They will make this home a bless where others will see Christ as the cornerstone of the home.  He encouraged them and anyone around if they did not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior this was a time for an open invitation to receive Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all.  The home was given to them by God and now they need to in return give back to God with their lives.  After Pastor Brian shared Alejandra was asked by Rita the day before if he would sing at the dedication.  So before he sang "How Great Thou Art" he also challenged the couple if they did not know Jesus would they like to receive HIM as their Lord and Savior.  Marie said she would like to rededicate her life to the Lord and Augustine received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  This led into the hymn "How Great Thou Art".

 

After Alejandra finished singing he gathered around the family to pray a prayer of acceptance of Jesus Christ into their lives.  Pastor Brian continued the dedication with anyone who had words to share.  Actually Marie and Augustine were the only ones who could share words at this time.  As I looked around there was not too many dry eyes who could share.  Everyone was full of joy and sadness as this was the ending of a beautiful week with some truly joyful and humble people.  Marie thanked God first and then thanked the team for answering the calling to come and help her and her family receive a home.  At the time Pastor Brian gave Marie a family bible, gave David a devotional book and gave Cnydi and Diego a child's bible.  Diego was in awe of his new bible and did not want to let it go.  Marie was wanting to take it so he would not get it dirty.  Diego was too busy looking through the pages at the pictures of Jesus.  At this time Pastor Brian gave her the keys to her home but before opening up the door to her home Pastor Brian prayed over the home and gave it all to God. 

A lot of beautiful things took place this week but the most important of all was we now have another brother in Christ, Augustine.  The home was the tool used to bring the lost to Christ.   Praise God for this blessing.  All the hard work, the sweat, the sore muscles and all the opportunities in between was worth it all to have someone come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.  All God's people said AMEN!!!!!!

 

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it."

Deuteronomy 10:12-14

 

 

Two Families Coming To Serve

 

We would love to introduce our new found friends and brothers and sister in Christ, Rodd, Rita and their son Josh.  They brought so many different gifts and talents to their team this week.  They all three worked endlessly to help build this home.  Rita shared evangelism with the children as well as with Augustine who on the day of dedication received Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Rita planted the seed and Alejandra and Pastor Brian watered it and harvested it.  Rodd was not afraid of any thing you placed in front of him.  He gave it his all each and every day.  The evening he shared his devotional brought everyone into tears of humbleness as he shared from Job 41:10-11, "Everything under heaven belongs to ME." Rodd shared the 600 blocks which had to go inside the home God provided the energy we needed to get the job done. This was not of any doing of ourselves.  It was all God's.  Rodd shared we do the things we do because the power of the Holy Spirit overflows in us.  Rodd felt the Holy Spirit one day on the job site when Pastor Carlos prayed in Spanish and when the song in church was song, "When The Role is Called Up Yonder".  We did not know the language but he shared how he felt the power of the Holy Spirit. He was mostly humbled when his son, Josh, prayed over the first block and what an eternal difference this made to everyone. Their son, Josh not only prayed over the first block but he worked right along everyone else this week building this family's home.  Josh is sixteen years old but fit right in to us old folks.  On the last evening together Josh shared he did not want this to end.   Honduras was blessed to have been apart of this family  this week.  Thank you for giving of your time and talents to come here and work beside of North Carolina Baptist Men in Honduras.

 

We would like to introduce to you another precious family who came to Honduras to serve beside of us.  Welcome Pastor Larry and his lovely wife Sandy.  They came with many gifts as well.  Pastor Larry jumped in there wherever he was needed.  He would go the extra mile to make everything look beautiful.  He worked beside Sandy a lot and did not work beside her a lot as well.  They both served the Lord wherever they saw the need.  Sandy saw the need several times to take time away from the construction to reach out to the children.  She felt the Holy Spirit  move her away from the construction and build relationships with the children.  I feel also helped David become more joyful as the week progressed.  Pastor Larry and Sandy worked hard near the end to make sure the floor got down as well.  They saw the need to clean up around the premises and they somehow got everyone involved as a part of the clean-up crew.  Pastor Larry taught the family the importance of caring for what has been given to them.  He took the time when he could have stopped and said we are done.  The roof is on and the floor is down but he continued treating this home as if it was his own.  These two make an amazing team and brought so many different gifts to the their Hopewell team. 

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Pastor Brian is Blessed

 

 

 

 

 

One evening Pastor Brian decided to wash his pants on the pilla.  I was with him observing his technique.  At the time I did not him well enough to correct his errors.  But never fear Julie came by and said let me help you get the water out of his pants.  Julie got right to work and helped him wring out the water so he could proceed to hang them out to dry. 

 

Before the dedication service Pastor Brian was sharing with Maida the reference in the bible.  He said I would read it to you but I can't.  Maida looked from her bible and ask why not?  He said it is in Spanish.  Maida giggled and said, "It is also in English Pastor Brian."  So you had to be there to appreciate the laughter which formed from these two.  Pastor Brian then read it to Maida as she followed along in Spanish.

 

 

 

The Beautfiul Smiles of Children

 

This week was one full of blessings from the children, small and large alike.  There was never a time when there was not a smile glowing off of one of those precious faces.  This along with the Holy Spirit's strength pouring through this team was a week of blessing after blessing after blessing.  Thank you to all these faces for making this week awesome in every way!!!!  We love you!!!!

 

"Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him."

Psalm 127:3

 

 

Evangelism Team from Forest City Baptist

 

Praise the Lord, Bobby, team leader, Pastor Wayne, Harry, Darren, Pastor Jose and wife Marie returned to serve with us again.  This time they brought a couple of new faces,  We would love to welcome Richard, Pastor Wayne's son and my dear sweet cousin, Lee to Honduras.  This is their first time on a mission trip to Honduras and we are excited to have them join Bobby and the evangelism team this week.  They came filled with excitement of what the Lord was going to do this week and they were already give HIM the praises and honor HE so rightly deserves.  This humble group came well equipped and prayed up for what the Lord had planned out for them.  Wherever HE leads me we will go they shared.  It was such a great way to start out our fall with these sweet folks from Forest City Baptist Church which is a membership of around fifty people who pray, love and support missions here in Honduras.  Thank you church family for sending such an amazing group of disciples to represent Jesus first then your church body.

 

Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD.
Psalm 106:48

Welcome Back Forest City Baptist Church

 

We are grateful to have return team leader Bobby and his church family.  As time came for this team we prayed over where to put them to share God's word.  God revealed a little piece of heaven here on earth up in a mountain called Las Uvas, "The Grapes". This mountainous rural village is where our Pastor Carlos goes three times a week to preach shepherd his flock.  God provided a very special group of people to come along side Pastor Carlos and his church as they went door to door throughout the hills, valleys and to the top of Las Uvas in five days.  God blessed them as well as the Honduran people.  This was a sweet sweet journey over the five to six days up in those mountains.  Temperature was also much cooler as well.  Do not misunderstand me it still got hot but not as bad as down in Choluteca.

 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8

Las Uvas Evangelism Team

 

 

 

Each day in the Land Rover and KIA the team traveled at least an hour to get this beautiful village up in the mountains of Honduras.  As you can see in the picture above there is a  peak at the top of this mountain which you can see from Choluteca.   The team arrived and we headed down south to Choluteca as we were entering the city of Choluteca Mike shared with the group with us to look out their window at that tiny peak and then he said this is where you will be serving the Lord this week.  Bobby, Harry, Darren and Lee all looked like oh my goodness.  This seemed a long ways away.  They were exactly right.  Each day the team broke up in three groups with "young" people, Pastor Carlos and a few older ladies from the church to go out with each group.  There was a lot of  "young" people who played a huge part in the leadership of this little mountain church.  This church was build over 50 years ago by an IMB missionary and it has remained a Baptist church all these years.  Each day they went in different directions sharing the gospel with the lost, born again Christian and Mormons.  There was quiet a few Mormons living up in those hills.

Each night we shared in God moments as the team reflected back on their day. 

 

Pastor Wayne shared how he simply enjoyed the beauty of the country of Honduras as he rode in the KIA daily  The mountains are absolutely breath taking as they were surrounded by the mountains all week.  Pastor Wayne shared how the Hondurans opened up their homes to you, wiped off their plastic chairs and made you feel right at home.  His team had visited with a lady named Judy who later came to Jose's bible conference.  Pastor Wayne shared how it was worth it all to see her come to church.

 

Bobby shared during his devotional one evening about the amazing things in this world .  But he shared I wonder what amazes Jesus.  In Luke 7: 9 Jesus was amazed at the great faith the people had.  Jesus was also amazed at their lack of faith in Mark 6:6.  Bobby encouraged his team to let their faith grow in Honduras this week.  The fourth day Bobby and Harry climbed to the top of the mountain with Maida to share the gospel.  There was actually families living up there.  Pastor Carlos was with them.  Bobby shared how Pastor Carlos wanted everyone to hear the good news of Jesus.  It did not matter where they lived.  The couple above accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.  If these folks had not traveled to the edge of the tip of that mountain that day two people would not have received Christ.  Bobby asked Maida to go back up there again to see someone else they had missed.  So off they go this sweet lady already knew the Lord as her Savior.  But she shared how she had prayed God would send someone to visit with her.  Thank you Maida for trudging back up the mountain with Bobby Harry and Pastor Carlos to visit a very sweet elderly lady who had lived there her whole life.  Bobby shared how Maida never blinked an eye once he asked her to climb back up that mountain, all she said was, "I am a Warrior for Christ."  Amen Maida.  You all were Warriors this week.  They covered a lot of trails some very narrow to reach out to a lost and dying world.

 

Lee was truly overwhelmed with the gratitude from each and every person she met.  She shared how they genuinely received her with hugs and embraced her as if they had known her their whole lives.  God has a reason for Lee coming to Honduras other than serving beside her cousin, me.  God introduced her to a lady named Deidra and her husband Oscar.  Deidra and Lee had many similarities in their lives.  Lee shared how she was estranged from a family member back home and she also has a neurological disease.  Deidra shared with tears in her eyes she has not got a relationship with her family members and both her and Oscar have an incurable disease.  Deidra and Oscar have a teen age son who they are concerned about his future.  Lee shared her testimony with Deidra and Oscar.  While there Deidra  and Oscar rededicated their  life to Christ. After they got through Darren and Pastor Carlos went on outside while Lee stayed behind to talk longer with Deidra and prayed with Deidra and the future of their family.  Deidra thanked God for Lee coming to her home that day.  Lee shared later she knew why she came to Honduras, so God could introduce her to Deidra.  Lee shared she will pray daily for this family God placed in her life in Honduras.  They both agreed they may never see each other again but they will be reunited in Heaven.  Deidra and Oscar were in church on Sunday morning.  Pastor Carlos shared he will disciple Oscar so he could help with the church's responsibilities. 

 

Darren was in awe of the young people and their knowledge of God's word.  They went out daily with Darren and Lee to share the gospel.  They knew their scripture from memory.  They would be reading scripture to a family and the young people were saying it along with the person reading.  The young people were eager to help do whatever it took to bring the lost to Christ.  Darren's devotion on sin being like leprosy was right on.  The priests job was to go out and check on the people with leprosy.  Just like with us we went out to check out and find the lost people full of sin in their lives.  We like the priest prayed with many people who rededicated their lives to Christ or received HIM as their Savior.  We as sinners can be cleansed by the blood of Christ if we would only say yes to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.  Darren shared about the Woman at the Well as he and Lee were speaking with a lady who said she would not get to heaven because she was living with a man.  Pastor Carlos asked her was she putting this man before Jesus Christ.  She said yes.  Darren shared a very amazing quote concerning this lady, "Are you willing to be willingly to be changed?"  Something to think about.  How many of us put others or situations you are in before Christ.  Christ is pushed to the side and is not welcome into your home.  Like this woman who said yes she is putting a mere man, a human being, who will sooner or later disappoint her, before her heavenly Father, who sent his Son and shed HIS blood for you and me.  We do this everyday some way some how.  Please pray for Jesus Christ to be first in your life today. This is the most important decision you will make.

 

Richard shared how he was impressed with the people receiving a bunch of North Americans, complete strangers into their homes.  Back home people would not even come to the door  Richard shared how he observed Jose's boldness in sharing the gospel.  He was there to talk about Jesus if they were not interested he would dust the dirt off his shoes and continue on to the next home. Richard's devotional on the last day was most convicting.  How we should have it right with God  and with others before we shared the gospel with others.  We have to rely on God in all details of our lives and let God have complete control.  These were wise words from such a young man.  Thank you Richard for not stopping and preserving the day you sprang your ankle.  You would not let this stop you from sharing the gospel and God truly blessed you by a quick recovery.  Well done good and faithful servant.

 

Harry and his long time friend and brother-in-law, Bobby spent five days encouraging, inviting and sharing the gospel with Las Uvas.  What did Harry's heart good was going out everyday visiting people who may or may not have heard of Jesus.  Harry had a close encounter with some Mormons one day.  God blessed Harry that day.  Harry shared how he was blessed after going to so many different places during the week and to come to church on Sunday to see those people in worship.  His prayer is these folks will continue to reach out to the church as their family and to help grow the gospel in Las Uvas.  Harry's devotional was phenomenal.  The scripture was out of Matthew 4:8-11, "The Temptations on Jesus by Satan".  Our world is full of idolatry.  Jesus is our greatest gift and so many times we put HIM up on a shelf.  We put our television shows, our Internet games, sports, our families, our children and yes even our grandchildren before Jesus.  We do not have time to spend intimate time with Jesus.  There is too much stuff getting in our way. Sometimes our busyness at church robs us of our time with Christ.  Harry with tears shared how he has a routine daily of coming home eating supper and watching the news.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with this but this is time Harry shared he could spend with the Lord.  How much quality time does the Lord receive from each of us?  Thank you Harry for such a profound and convicting devotion we all needed to hear.

 

Jose and Marie went out separately to serve and reach the people.  They both along with Maida translated for the North Americans.  Jose was bold in his words about Jesus  and was able to lead many to Christ.  He led two teenagers to Christ along with Marie's assistance. This was after they were through for the day and had an opportunity and took full advantage of it.  Jose led bible conferences for the adults of the church daily as well while VBS was taking place.  Marie led her team and shared the gospel with many ladies who needed to be encouraged in the Word.  Thank you both for the willingness of coming and sharing with your people in Central America.

 

 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Day One

 

We arrived at the mission house and ate our delicious chicken tacos and got straight to work.  They pulled out their needed tools and instruments for the five days ahead.  The most important tool of all is to be covered in prayer.  They came with 100 bibles, evangi-cubes, spiritual tracks and good walking shoes.  These folks were getting ready to go on an interesting journey in the mountains of Honduras out of Choluteca.  They came well-equipped for the days ahead. 

 

 

equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Hebrews 13:21

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.  Ephesians 4:12

Lee's Morning Devotion

 

 

Bobby asked our first timer to Honduras, Cousin Lee, to do our morning devotions.  Each morning the team received a card with a word on it and on the back side of the card was scripture relating to the card.  Not sure these will be in the correct order that Cousin Lee did each day but I feel it is important to share them with you.  These are words which should be apart of our daily lives not only when you go on a mission trip.

 

Sacrifice - "For God so loved the world that he gave HIS only begotten SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

 

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

Philippians 2:4

Lee shared how she already felt a part of this family of believers.  She observed how they looked out for each other on the flight down to Honduras.  This is how we should be towards all our brothers and sisters, look out for their best interests.

 

Reveal - "Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to HIS holy and apostles and prophets."

Ephesians 3:5

 

"And to make all see hwat is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 3:9

 

Lee shared how God has revealed to each of us HIS plan for us to be here this week.  This is not an accident we are all here together at this appointed time.  This time has been ordained by God for the better of HIS kingdom.

 

Hope - "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the ONE who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

 

"The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in HIM."

Lamentations 3:24

 

"For with God, nothing will be impossible."

Luke 1:37

 

Lee shared this was all new to her.  She has shared the gospel back home but in a different country and a different language was a new experience for her.  She challenged her team members to fear not but to trust totally in God for all their opportunities along the way this week.

 

Serve -  "As each one has received a gift, minster it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold of grace."

1 Peter 4:16

 

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to the world to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:28

 

Endure - "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

1 Corinthians 13:7

 

"For you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

Hebrews 10:36

 

This week we have endured numerous inclines some Lee shared only God could have got her to climb up as high as she did.  God is our hope and when you are in the will of God you can endure all things. 

 

Eternity - "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Romans 10:13

 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23

 

"Most assuredly I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in HIM who sent ME has everlasting life."

John 5:24

 

This week a lot of folks heard the good news of Jesus Christ.  If they did not receive the greatest gift of all they will become accountable on the day of judgment.  If you are reading this today and do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior I pray you will not let this day pass and not ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.  All God's people say, "AMEN"!!!!!