Welcome To Las Prados

Last November 2015 we visited a community called Las Prados.  This was our first time visiting this area in our seven years working for North Carolina Baptist on Missions.  Pastor Martin met us at the church with about five solicitations.  We started and went through each one.  There was three homes, a SS classroom need and a church plant need as well.  There was one of the solicitations that was six years old.  I shared with Pastor Martin I want to meet this family.  We finally met this family and they were the only family who did not have their papers for their property.  But their solicitation was the oldest one.  I looked at the father of the family, Orlin and said I need you to work on getting your papers because God first and then Mike and I want to build you a home in 2016.  We returned in January of 2016 and we got word they had their papers.  Well than we had to decide who we could put there who would be willing to travel an hour and fifteen minutes one way.  The ride to Las Prados was beautiful but the ride would be a long one for a team.  I asked team leader of New Hope Baptist Church, Ron, if they would be willing to travel quiet a distance to build this family's home.  Ron shared they would love to travel to build Orlin and his family a home. Thank you New Hope Baptist Church team for your flexibility to accept this calling for your team project.

"And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time."

1 Kings 8:61

New Hope Baptist Church Meets a Special Family

Ron, team leader introduces his team for 2016 to Orlin and his family.  Orlin in turned introduced his family, brothers, cousins and neighbors who came to help him get a home. After the introductions we gathered together to start our new found relationships by Pastor Carlos opening up with an inspiring prayer lifted up to our Heavenly Father.

Pray continuously

1 Thessalonians 5:17

A Solid Christian Family

We would like for you all to meet, Orlin, his wife, Fanny, David age five and Annalee, age three.  This family sets the standards high for what represents living your life for Christ.  Orlin, soft spoken and loved by his wife but most of all by his little boy David and of course Annalee.  But David loves his daddy so much.  Where you saw Orlin you saw David.  He watched all his daddy was doing to help build their family's home.  Fanny tried to keep up with Annalee.  Annalee was a little cutie with a spark in her personality.  She loves her mother very much and enjoys keeping David close at her side.  She speaks and David comes running.  He takes good care of his little sister.  The entire family is musically talented.  Orlin plays the guitar the piano and sings amazingly unto the Lord.  Fanny is right along beside him with a beautiful voice and singing praises unto her Lord.  David can play a trumpet.  At a early age David is developing is Daddy's skills and talents.  Orlin plays a huge role in the leadership of his church family.  As well as loving his own two children he and Fanny's home seems to be the gathering place for the children of the community.  The school is next door to their home and when the children have a break they came through a path from the school to their front door and they always came out with something to eat.  Orlin and Fanny definitely exhibit a strong commitment to their home and community.  We have been blessed to learn from this family this week.

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

Joshua 24:15

A Few Opportunities

This was our first time working in Las Prados with a construction team.  The foundation praise the Lord was perfectly squared 19x25.  But the 800 blocks were on the outside of the foundation against the fence.  So this was not this team's first rodeo with blocks on the outside.  So they started an assembly line and off they went passing blocks one to another until the blocks go to the foundation.

They continued to pass block to the foundation until they reached Gorden who stacked them ever so neatly and orderly.  Gorden knew exactly how many blocks were in the middle of the foundation once they got to their stopping point.  This was a well greased machine from day one with the team working as a team.

Also the re bar had not been put on each corner stone.  So Pastor Carlos and Mike went to work drilling holes to place the re bar in place.  During God moments that even Maurice shared how we got off to a rocky start with things not the way they were suppose to be BUT you did not here anyone complaining about the mishaps or anyone getting an attitude about the extra work.  Everyone pitched in and got started on all that needed to be done to get the day up and running.  The team finally got caught up to where they needed to be an hour into the morning.  But again this did not slow them down.  They completed their five courses on the first with a lot of help from their Honduran brothers.  Orlin had a lot of community and family support during this week.  Thank you God for all your many blessings this week.

Penny's devotional on the second evening was spot on from the day they had just completed.  The title of her devotional was "Evaluating the Foundation".  She shared about a tree growing up through a rock foundation.  People shared how someone needed to do something about this.  But no one every did anything about the tree growing.  Just like the tree growing through the old church building this team had a few problems with their foundation the first day.  But unlike the story they did take care of the blocks and the re bar so they could build this home on a solid foundation.  Our relationship with Christ should be built on a solid foundation.  We should get rid of the trees(sins) growing in our lives so we can like this team be able to build our lives from a solid foundation and that is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Evaluate your foundation today.  Where is your foundation grounded?  Is it in God's word or what man tells you?  As I share this today if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior I pray you will receive the greatest gift of all.  Build your life on the foundation of God's Word.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practiced is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practiced is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Matthew 7:24-27

Now To Get The Day Started

Once the team with the leadership of Pastor Carlos got the kinks out of their project they were ready to start mixing mortar, laying the four corners and cutting the blocks.  Everyone worked together to get caught up from the opportunities they encounter upon arriving on their job site.  Now remember this team is driving one hour and fifteen minutes to their job and arrives with opportunities.  Job well done good and faithful servants.  You were ready to pray over the first block after being their two hours.  God is soo good all the time and all the time God is soo good.

"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

Prayers Lifted Up

We gathered together with Orlin, Fanny, David and Anna Lee.  Team leader, Ron, asked his long time friend and brother in Christ, Gorden if he would deliver the prayer of dedication over the first block.  Everyone's heart melted when David and Anna Lee placed their tiny fingers upon the huge concrete block and looked up like we are ready to pray.  They knew exactly what to do as everyone gathered around touching the family and reaching out to touch others in their circle of prayer.  God's spirit was in our presence this morning as Gorden prayed a most profound prayer of blessings for the family, all the volunteers and his fellow team mates.  He prayed for all our safety as we worked side by side during the week and how this block was the beginning of a home for this family where God will reside with them to help them grow as a Christian family.  Tears of joy streamed down Orlin and Fanny's faces as they walked away from the beginning of their new home which they had waited six years to get.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Let's Lay Block

The team got to work teaching Mrs. Peggy who is our newest team member how to lay block.  She learned very quickly as she watched and started participating  in the 800 blocks which will make this house a home.  Everyone find a friend to pair up with and off they all went.  I enjoyed watching the team working together knowing they all come from five different churches.  They only get together once a year and they act like they had lunch together last week.  This is a special team God has orchestrated for New Hope Baptist Church.  I call it the Heniz 57 team because of the many different churches reprensented here.  But watching them work you would not know they were not one big happy family.  Thank you Ron, team leader for making this team a joy to pariticapte with. 

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

Learning From the Hondurans

This team knows how to take time and be still for the most part.  They had a beautiful shade tree where the family had placed numerous chairs for them to gather for a siesta.  They enjoyed getting together with fellowship and lots of laughter.  They all took very good care of each other throughout the week.  They truly act like they see each other on a weekly basis.  Most of this team has been together for the last five years.  But only get together once a year in Honduras.  This is a solid family of believes who truly love each other even miles apart.

One evening Betty Lynn, Mike's home church sister, did her devotional on "Prepare Us God".  Betty Lynn shared the only way we can be prepared with life challenges is to be still. She shared we are not the ones building this home and we are not the ones who is doing the eye clinic, but God is the one doing all these things through our obedience to HIM by being still and listening to HIS voice.  God will allow us to have more than we can bear but know God can bear it all. 

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10

Mt. Horeb

The team has enjoyed the beauty of the ministry campus Mt. Horeb.  The solitude and grandeur of the landscaping that God's rain is now providing.  Everything is turning a lush green and the birds, cows, horses and all livestock are enjoying the freshness of the green grass.

Pastor Carlos, Rudy and Wuilmer are excited as well. They are able to plant their corn and beans for their first crop of the season.  This is the first time in two years rain has come in May.  May is the official month of the rainy season for Honduras.  The last two years the rainy season did not arrive before late July.  There was only one crop last year for these folks. This year they will prayerfully receive two harvests.

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 9:8

Enjoying the Multi-Purpose Building

This new facility has provided many perks for the teams thus far.  They are able to fix their water and Gatorade on the back porch, their lunches can be prepared while breakfast is being prepared.  There is enough room for everyone to spread out and get their chores completely in a timely fashion.

The meals are so delicious.  One morning we had an interesting combination, grits and refried beans.  Actually a couple of the Honduran staff put both dishes on their plate.  Jose still puts a lot of ketchup on his grits and acts like he enjoys them.  The team enjoys their time to sit and fellowship after meals around the table.  God's provision for this beautiful facility has been a blessing to all who enter the doors.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
Mark 6:41

Worship Service

The team got up early on Sunday morning for their one hour and fifteen minute ride to this precious community called Las Prados.  The worship started at 9:30 while people continue to arrive to worship the Lord.  Orlin led the music as he played the electric piano.  A gentlemen of the church read Psalm 133 then Ginger read it in English.  Pastor Martin sang and led the church in singing "Because He Lives and other contemporarily hymns. 

The team got up and did a special called "More Precious Than Silver and Gold.

Team leader, Ron, led in the sermon for the morning worship.  His topic was on "God's Mercy and What It Means".  He shared how he was studying the book of Revelations this year and how difficult it could be until you truly understand what it is sharing and saying to us.  It talks of God's mercy.  We can be rewarded for loving God and showing HIS mercy to others.  In order to do this we have to have a personal relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ.  This relationship with Jesus Christ allows us to spend eternity with Jesus and our Heavenly Father.  When we receive God's mercy it is up to us to pass it on to others.  Ron shared several stories from the bible about God showing mercy to others.  Out of Matthew 18 where the servant owed the King money and the servant could not pay it back. The King told the servant it is okay and showed the servant mercy.  Well the servant let someone borrow money and asked for it back.  This person could not pay it back and the servant had this person thrown into jail.  Well the king got wind of this and threw the servant into jail.

Another story about the woman who was the adulterous.  The Pharisees shared with Jesus about this woman being a sinner.  Jesus said to them, He who has not sinned pass the first stone,  All the Pharisees walked away as Jesus remained there with the adulterous woman who went away sharing what Jesus had done for her.

God will forgive us if we would only ask for His forgiveness.  Mercy is necessary for our salvation.  Thank you  God for your mercy and forgiveness of our sins.  Are we like the servant and quick to judge and not show mercy.  Be like Jesus and show God's forgiving mercy to whoever God places in  your path today.

Two Godly Couples

Maurice and Penny come at least twice a year to this place Penny calls paradise.  Penny shares how God stretches her when she is here serving HIM.  She loves to disconnect from the social media and reflect totally on the Lord while she is here.  Maurice enjoys being with his lovely bride and watch her relax and smile a lot.  Maurice is a laid back guy who loves the Lord.  He prays for the lost to come to Christ and to have eternal life.  This is a desire of both Penny and Maurice, as it should be for all of us.  We should all live daily praying for those who are lost to come to Christ.

Ron and Reba are starting their second year serving together here in Honduras.  Ron prayed for Reba to join him one day in Honduras.  Ron's love for Honduras is contagious and he shares it with everyone he meets.  Well, Reba came last year and got bit as well.  I enjoyed watching them on the first day working side by side on the house.  A real special moment took place this week for this lovely and godly couple.  Ron preached on Sunday morning and Reba shared her devotional that evening.  They both talked about our eternal home, Heaven.  What a beautiful way to start and end our day with Ron and Reba sharing their love of Jesus.

Reba's devotional was "Is Everyone Going to Heaven?"

She read from several scripture references on the answer to this question:

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1John 5:12

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Revelation 21:3

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 3:16, 18

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

Reba challenged us in her devotional to be intentional about praying for our lost family members, friends and anyone who does not have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Do not miss out on the most precious gift of all, Jesus.  Do not let today go by because there may not be tomorrow.  I pray those reading this blog will accept Jesus if you do not have a personal relationship with HIM so one day you will be able to be with HIM in our Heavenly home, our eternal home. 

Best Friends

These two fellows have been best friends for more than thirty years.  Ron and Gorden have been coming to Honduras at least twice a year now for about four years.  They are fun to be with and watch their witty laughter back and forth to each other.  The two always have each others back at all times.  They love the Lord and love working for HIM together.  Once again.....

"A friend loves at all times."

Proverbs 17:17

The Two P's

Penny and Peggy met for the first time at New Hope Baptist Church.  Peggy assumed Penny went to the second service by the way she greeted her at one of their fund raisers.  They connected at the hip immediately.  They worked side by side each morning making everyone a sandwich with a smiley face and a word of encouragement.  These two ladies love the Lord and they are very focal about their love for Christ.  It is a joy to watch them interact and share their love for the Lord together and with others.  They enjoyed the children daily together as they shared bible stories, bubbles and jump rope.  Thank you ladies for making the love of Jesus such a joy to watch in each of you.

"Friends love at all times."

Proverbs 17:17

Loco Ron

Everyone loves and knows Loco Ron.  When Ron gets ready to come down we share with the staff who is coming by saying, "Loco Ron is on his way again to Honduras."  Ron loves Honduras so much and loves to share about this beautiful place every chance he gets.  His wit and humor makes every one overflow with joy and laughter.  I always say I need a good dose of Ron, don't you Mike.  We both smile and remember all the great times Ron provides for us and our Honduras family.  Thank you God for putting Ron into our lives.  We love you Ron.

A Long Travel But a Beautiful Place

Team leader Ron, shared we will go wherever we are needed.  We shared with him it was an hour away give or take a few minutes.  He said we will go where we are needed.  So each day the team traveled to a community called Las Prados, Choluteca,  Honduras.  The mountainous views daily grew from brown to green in a matter of days because of all the rain we got nightly.  It started raining once the team arrived and is still raining.  Thank you all for traveling such a long ways to serve the Lord with a humble and willing spirit.  You all were so flexible this week with this lengthy journey daily.

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Psalm 29:23

A Precious Home for a Precious Family

Each day Orlin, Fanny, David and Anna Lee watched the walls go up on their home.  Each day they were grateful for God's provision from HIM first and then from the North American team.  On the last morning Anna Lee chattered and pointed to her new home as Pastor Carlos and Mike were on top putting the roof on.  We could not tell if she was excited or worried about them being up so high on her home.  David worked all week helping his Daddy work on their new home.  David stood there watching the floor going in as he eagerly awaits for all this construction to end so he can go to his own home and sleep in his own bed or hammock.  Fanny was in awe of this blessing from God.  She got all dressed up on the last day as she prepared lunch for the workers and waited for the dedication of her home.  This family was truly a blessing for all who they met this week.  Thank you God for such a special week in Las Prados.

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Psalm 86:12

Floor and Roof

Each morning the gathered in a circle to pray for their day ahead.  Today on the last day the men circled up with the exception of one little lady who entered the circle, little Anna Lee grabbed her Daddy's hand and prayed with all the men. 

There was one small problem with all this grateful rain we have been receiving.  The foundation got too wet so they could only do a small portion of the floor.  So they did what they could do and the family will finish the floor once the foundation dries out.

So all the men pitched in to get what they could get done on the floor.  This is not the first time New Hope Baptist Church was not able to finish their project because of too much rain, team leader Ron shared during God moments.

Also they added steps to the front and back door of the home for easy access.  This team went the extra mile to help this house become a beautiful home. 

Pastor Carlos and Mike worked on the roof while the men, Ron, Ken, Jimmy and Gorden were completing the portion of the floor.  They were finished before lunch time and rested until time for the dedication.

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.

Philippians 1:6

Construction and an Eye Clinic

This year the team came prepared to do two days of eye clinics at the church.  The five men stayed back each day and worked on the house along side the Hondurans.  The five ladies, Beth, who was the one heading up the eye clinic, Betty Lynn, Penny, Reba and our new sister Penny did the eye clinic with the help of Meida and Ronny.  The ladies set up the eye clinic into different stations.  The first station was the station where you checked into the church.  The ladies of the church checked in their patients.  The second station is where the patients would go and get their eyes assessed by Beth with the assistance of Ronny.  Betty Lynn checked their eyes with a chart before going to Beth.  Once Beth evaluated the patients and received their prescription off they went to Penny, Peggy and Reba to get fitted for their eye glasses or sun glasses which ever was the case.  The church family did the salvation station once the patients received their necessary eye glasses or sunglasses.  They saw a total of 200 patients in one full day and two half days.  Thank you ladies for providing the community with a physical sight as well as a spiritual sight.

Friends Come to Eye Clinic

I sat at the construction sight waiting on Mike to complete the roof so I could go to the eye clinic.  Well the eye clinic was next door at the school.  The children at the school were having a work day.  Team member, Maurice shared how all the boys were taking their majettis to school. Well there was a good reason for them taking their majetts.  There was a school work day.  All the children were cleaning the school grounds.  I looked over and most of them were wearing their sunglasses from the eye clinic visit the day before.  They would gingerly take their sunglasses out of the plastic bags given to them in order to keep them clean and protected.  These little men were so proud of their new sunglasses and they all looked very handsome.

Jose and I were talking to this little fellow at the job site.  I could not quiet figure out why he was not in school unless he had aged out and just did not look old enough.  He was barefooted and slightly dirty.  We asked him had he been to the eye clinic at the church.  He nodded to us no.  We encouraged him to go to the eye clinic and get him some sun glasses or whatever else he might need.  Mike and I finally got to go up to check on the eye clinic and there he was getting his eyes checked.  We made eye contact and we gave each other thumbs up and he gave me a grateful smile. He was my God moment.

Our little David came to get his eyes checked.  He walked up to the church all by himself.  He jumped up in the chair and let Betty Lynn check his eyes with an eye chart and did a very good job.  Reba, Penny and Peggy worked in the eye glass distribution table.  Beth was the last person the patient saw before receiving their eye glasses.  But there was one more station people were asked to attend, the Salvation Station.  During the two and one half day eye clinic the most important problem was solved, five people came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Two of these people were Orlin's brother and cousin.  Orlin stood outside of the church along with Penny and Maida praying for his family's salvation.  Team member, Jimmy led the two gentlemen and one devout Catholic lady to the Lord with the huge assistance of one of our translators Ronny. Jimmy shared he would speak to the men and Ronny would take it one step further.  Jimmy shared how important evangelism was to Ronny.  There was several folks who would not make this important decision but they heard it so now they are accountable for their spiritual sight.  Because their spiritual sight is so much more important than their physical sight.  Beth shared how the eye clinic was the tool but the men working beside each other all week was the seed planted which led these gentlemen to receive Jesus Christ.  There was two other salvations where Maida assisted Penny. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

The Home Dedication

The time had finally come for Orlin, Fanny, David and Anna Lee to celebrate with the team their new home.  Ken led the dedication in scripture and words of encouragement.  He read from Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.  He shared Joshua 24:15 and open the floor for someone or any one to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Ron gave the family their bible and shared words of encouragement for their home to be open to family and friends where they can share the love of Jesus.  They can go to God's word in the good and the bad times.  Jesus is always with us.

The family then gathered around the home and laid hands upon the home as Peggy led the closing prayer over the 800 blocks which became a home this week for this precious godly family.

Beth presented the family with the key to their home and shared with them how they are secure spiritual and now physically as well. 

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

Joshua 24:15

Five Special Friends

Ron's team grows each year with newfound and long time friends.  These friends are not members of New Hope Baptist Church but all feel like family to our New Hope family.  Thank you Jimmy, Ken, Betty Lynn and Maurice and Penny who came along these guys to build this home.  They all come from four different churches and backgrounds.  But once a year they come together with New Hope Baptist Church and pick right up where they left off last year.  Thank you Ron for always opening up your team for others to join you in serving our Lord here in Honduras.

“Others”
By Charles D. Meigs (written sometime between 1890 and 1902)

Lord help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for – Others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I do for you
Must needs be done for – Others.

Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep; and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again
Unless to live for – Others.

And when my work on earth is done
And my new work in heaven’s begun
May I forget the crown I’ve won
While thinking still of – Others.

Others, Lord, yes others
Let this my motto be
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.

One More Eye Clinic

Beth was so gracious to do one more eye clinic for all our staff.  We met on the porch of the North American dorm and they got a complete eye exams.  The ladies, Martha and Alba had to get glasses but the three boys only needed sun glasses.  Thank you once again Beth for a job well done.  In the two and one half day of eye clinics 246 patients received eye care. So God opened our eyes and our hearts this week with the dual construction and eye clinic team.  Thank you for going the extra mile and doing two different projects in one week.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Ephesians 1:18

Mt. Horeb's Many Blessings

Each day the team found their way to the pulperia where they got a soda in a glass bottle with some of their very own peanuts, thanks Maurice.  Some folks got an ice cream or chips while sitting chatting about their day on the project.  Their laughter was contagious and everyone was so grateful for time to be away from their busy lives and just be still.  Betty Lynn's devotional one evening was on just being still and being in the presence of our Lord.

Free entertainment provided daily by our two pups who worked all night to provide us with safety.  But they play by day.  Every day they enjoy just being dogs.  Thank you Lassie and Oso for being so precious in so many ways.

Last but not least the meals here are amazing.  Some new menus have come out but we have heard no compliments.  We have the typical beans, rice and plantains with fresh tortillas daily with fresh squeezed limeade, pastaletes with Hondurans slaw and chismo, Honduran spaghetti, chicken dish with rice and vegetables and hamburgers with banana chips and Honduran slaw.  You will not go hungry while serving the Lord at Mt. Horeb. 

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
Ezekiel 34:26

First Baptist Church Southern Pines College Team

We would love to welcome back out college group from Southern Pines.  Once again they came and made us so proud to be serving beside them.  There was some new team members this year who were not new very long.  They pitched right in and helped make this ministry run smoothly.  They were excited to be on the new ministry campus.  A lot of these folks put the floor down in the North American Dorm last year.  They walked in surprised and in awe of what they saw.  Knowing they played a big part in us moving out quicker because of all their hard work last May.  Thank you all for making this year happen.

Each morning they got up at six for breakfast which means three of them got up at five each morning to cook bacon, eggs and toast.  Thank you Barry for teaching our friends how to cook bacon.  Barry had two new friends each morning who he taught how to fry up some delicious bacon.  Thank you Brenda for leading the lunch group each morning making the sandwiches and cutting up the bags of chips.  There was also the hydration crew who prepared the water and Gatorade daily.  The two young men, Chris and Caleb loaded the truck daily with the help of  Mike and Jose.  Each morning before heading out to face the cattle on their path to the project they prayed for their day ahead.

Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Please Meet Maria

Marie is a sweet quaint little lady who blessed this team beyond words.  She is the grandmother of Alexis who works for us on Mt. Horeb on as needed basis. We did not know this until after we told her she would be receiving a home.  Alexis shared with us one day on Mt. Horeb thank you for building his grandmother a home.  We live in a small world even in Honduras.  One of her grand daughter's Yanellis age 13, lives with Marie.  Her smile and genuineness was a blessing each day.  When the team arrived she was busy at work in the center of the foundation moving blocks wearing her lovely pink dress.  I shared with Ms. Marie, "no, no, the team will take care of this."  She walked away with a huge smile and said Gracias para todo.  In English this means thank you for everything.   But we are forever blessed for meeting this lovely lady.

Pastor Bryan shared in his devotional the first night, we are all called to serve the Lord.  We are all called to be disciples here in Honduras and back home.  If we would not have accepted the calling to come here this year we would not have met Marie and Yanellis and all the other beautiful children who live in Marie's community, El Tabor. This week, this team was one in the Lord and Spirit as they built Marie's home.  They were blessed as well as Marie.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;

Ephesians 4:4

Introductions and Prepping for First Block

The team gathered around the foundation for introductions and prayed for their day ahead.  The team was blessed with four pastors this week, Pastor Bryan, Pastor Brenda, Pastor Carlos and Pastor David.  Pastor David is Marie's pastor of her church.  Marie's new home is being built right next door to her church home.  Pastor Carlos was the construction team leader for the week.  Pastor Bryan and Pastor Brenda were two of the adult chaperones for this week.  The team started unloading and getting set up for the week.  Boards were placed under a beautiful shaded thatched hut where the team ate lunch and took breaks all week.  Pastor David brought plastic chairs out of the church sanctuary for them to use this week.  This spot became a very special relationship building area for the Hondurans and North Americans.  A lot of laughter and serious topics of conversation took place here with the team.  This was a great place for them to relax and enjoy being with each other.  These young people all came from different directions this week.  They all go to several different schools across North Carolina and this week they got to reunite to serve the Lord together and relax like their fellow Honduran brothers and sisters do.  Brenda shared one evening how she wanted to take back with her how to slow down and take a "siesta" as needed like they did here in Honduras.  We need to take time for each other talking and being together.  More importantly we need to be still and be in the presence of Jesus and talk with HIM. Katy's devotion one  evening was Jesus and Solitude. What and who determines what we do each day.  The stuff we think is so important isn't that important.  Even Jesus was led by his Father in Heaven daily on how and what to do. We need to spend time with our Heavenly Father daily and not be too busy for HIM.

 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35