The Journey to San Juan

The Covenant team from Maryland arrived knowing their ride to San Juan, El Corpus was about a two hour ride.  But they said they were up for the challenge.  The pictures cannot touch the beauty of their ride daily.  They drove the Land Cruiser and the Kia daily.  They sat back and enjoyed the ride.  They got to see sleeping Elvis daily as they were headed near the top of this unique mountain.  The journey was shared by many on the team, breath taking.  What a gift from God to baste in HIS Presence daily just by riding up and down a rocky terrain to get to a little piece of heaven here on earth.  Was it a bumpy ride most definitely, but these fellows got passed the bumps and enjoyed the gift God gave them this week, San Juan, El Corpus.

As I shared above the pictures cannot touch the beauty of God's creation.  The mountains continued rolling and rolling and rolling all around the curved, rocky and narrow road to get to their project daily.  Pastor David approached us back in January about a medical clinic for this area.  We knew the conditions were not completely pleasant but the view was priceless.  We prayed about the team for this job and God placed on our hearts, Covenant. When we found out they had the perfect team of six we said lets move forward with this project of providing this community with a medical clinic.  John shared one evening during God moments that this time the number six was the perfect number for this project and for this time and place.  Amen.

We arrived the first day after our long journey up the mountains to San Juan to be greeted by Pastor David and the Mayor of San Juan.  Mike thanked them for the privilege to be with them and work beside them during this week.  Following Mike, Derek, team leader, also thanked them and then proceeded to introduce the perfect number six team members.  At that time the Mayor introduced the first group of helpers for the week.  She asked the community to come forward daily and volunteer to help wherever needed to get the medical clinic completed in five days. Each day there was different people from the community there to help with the project.  Whether is was construction or cooking the lunch for the Honduran workers.  After all this was said they opened up their day in prayer.  We all then dispersed to get this day started.

"On the day when I act," says the LORD Almighty, "they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.

Malachi 3:17

Preparing for the First Block

John kicks in with Mike to get the blocks cut for the week and all the special orders for the next five days.  Everyone pitched in to help Mike get the first massive load prepared.  They continuously were bringing in the blocks and lining them up according to Mike's request.  They proceeded by knocking out the notches and placing them neatly in a stack ready to be used at a later time.  These guys came in ready to do whatever needed to make everyone's jobs easier.  Such a great team effort all around this week.  They were one in the Lord and God is to be glorified.

Pastor Dan and Mike helped bring up one of the doors.  This incline was almost vertical and these guys did this all week as well.  This was the entrance to the medical clinic.  But praise God there was left over blocks so the Hondurans can make steps to go up into the area of their new medical clinic.  I looked back and here come one of the Honduran volunteers carrying the other door on his shoulder.  As he approached the area to lay the door down, Pastor Dan and Mike had just placed their door in place and turned around to see this gentleman with one door on his shoulder.  As you can tell by their faces they were in awe of his strength.  God has a great sense of humor.  You truly had to be there to get the full affect of my two North American brothers response of what they had experienced.

The Mayor and Pastor Carlos trying to figure out where to put the two doors was interesting as well.  She could not decide where she wanted the doors.  Pastor Carlos waited patiently for her to make her decision.  Also the Mayor worked beside her new friends and community cleaning up the grounds around the foundation.  Everyone was on board for this most precious project God placed before each of us.

John and Gave learned how to form the four corners with the instruction of  Pastor Carlos.  These two gentlemen worked hard together to make sure it was done to precise completion.  One of my God moments was when Pastor Carlos came over to each of  the four corners to check to see how if they were precise to completion.  Gabe stood humbly while Pastor Carlos pulled and tugged the iron beam on one of the four corners until he had it the way he wanted it.  Gabe exhibited humbleness to the most high his first morning in San Juan.  This is Gabe's first time to Honduras and to come in with such humbleness was beautiful to watch and for me to learn from my new friend Gabe.  Gabe's devotion one evening shared how he was craving spiritual fellowship with others.  Well Gabe experienced this day with Pastor Carlos by the way you learned from a godly man who taught you well.   But he also learned that morning how you were willing to learn from him openly and quietly as we all should.

Psalm 33

The Beauty of Honduras

Each day the Covenant Church team out of Maryland started out in prayer as a group and prayers throughout their day.  They have been surrounded all week by God's creation.  The sunrises to the sunsets daily God has blessed these guys with an amazing week of retreat for their souls.  They enjoyed the chirping of the birds and the chirping of the geckos as well.  The flowers and fruits around their job sight was breathtaking each and every day.  This was an exceptional spiritual journey from God's creation to praising HIS NAME on a daily basis as brothers in Christ.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  Praise God for the ability to stop and be still in HIS Presence on a daily basis. 

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

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

Three Pastors Working Together

This week God blessed this project with three amazing and godly men who we call our pastors.  Pastor Dan said this week he was Dan but he never gave up an opportunity to share the gospel on an amazingly gifted level.  He has the gift of "The Word" which rolls beautifully off his lips.  But he partnered this week with Pastor David as he adventured out with the help of  Meida to get to know Pastor David and learn more of how a Honduran pastor lives out his daily life. Pastor David is a soft spoken gentlemen who loves to help his community, his family and his church family.  Pastor David travels many miles on a motorcycle to help many people.  God has blessed many people because of Pastor David and his willingness to go out and meet the needs of others.  Pastor Dan build relationships this week with Pastor David and Pastor Carlos along with so many gentlemen this week.  Pastor Dan used his gift of people this week and it was a true blessing to observe how he interacted with these people sometimes without the help of Meida or Ronnie.  He jumped in and loved these people.  Thank you to all of our pastors this week who encouraged us in many ways serving our Lord here on San Juan.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

God First

As it came time to pray over the first block people from the community, the volunteers and the North American gathered around the mayor and Pastor David as they placed their hands on the first block.

This first block represents a lot of prayers prior to this prayer.  The community has wanted for over a year or more a medical clinic for San Juan, El Corpus.  God gave us just the right team to adventure up into this two hour ride to a little piece of heaven called San Juan.  God gave us a community willing to work for their medical clinic.  God gave us all we needed to be able to stand before Him on this first morning in San Juan to present this week to HIM.  For without God's provision, His every detail of  who would come and how we would get up there on a daily basis this could not have happened.  God is so good all the time and all the time God is good.  Team leader, Derek, asked  Pastor David to please pray over the first block of this project.  Pastor David put so much of himself into this happening and the team was much aware of this and what a humbling act of God for the first morning of a beautiful week. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Block 101

Mr. Mike gathered his students together for their first lesson in block laying.  Though John had been before he was only the block cutter on his prior visit.  So everyone gathered and listened inventively on soon became a new trade for each gentleman.  Gabe shared one day on the project I am going to change what I say each day as I leave my home to go "to work".  "I am going to my job", Gabe shared.  He shared this is true work in every sense of the word, "work".  I only go to a job.  This became a precious memory for me as the team learned a new trade and worked very hard all week doing just that, WORKED HARD.  All of them worked and worked until each day their tasks were completed.  The prayers sent up each day from their church family was answered because these guys were amazing in so many ways.  Mr. Mike was a great teacher to his "family" as well. 

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

Colossians 3:23

Off They Go

Blocks were getting laid early on this bright and beautiful Honduras morning.  The mountains surrounded us with their grandeur beauty.  God gave us an overcast as the blocks went down on the foundation.  Team leader, Derek, shared, "You guys have not seen hot yet.  You are being blessed with some unusual beautiful weather."  The guys took this as a God moment and blessing from God.  They found partners and worked side by side doing exactly what God called them to do build a medical clinic and huge relationships with each other.  One evening team leader, Derek, shared how we all six knew each other in church with a friendly hello but this week working side by side, eating three meals together a day and sleeping in the same room has brought us closer as brothers in Christ.  This week they all have come to love and appreciate each other.  So not only block walls were forming so were some relationships in the name of Jesus.  All God's people shouted AMEN!!!

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
Ephesians 4:4

Coffee Anyone

Each day Ronnie would come get a head count of who on the team would like a cup of coffee.  Ronnie would go to the house next door and share with Edith how many coffees to prepare.   Each day the number of coffee drinkers increased.  As Mike and I left our friends to enjoy their last day in San Juan Ronnie was going around taking coffee orders for the morning.  A lot of hands were going up on this special day of dedication.  It does our hearts good to see our North American friends truly enjoy the Honduran culture and get a great taste of what it is all about.  This was a huge encouragement for Edith and the ladies of the kitchen when these guys each morning participated in what started out Mr. Mike, Pastor Carlos and Pastor David's morning ritual.  Thank you guys for being such a blessing to God first, to us and most importantly our Honduran families. We love you!!!

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5

Two Amigos in Christ

The North American gentlemen were taken back by the partnership of these two work horses.  These two work horses or Pastor Carlos and Mike.  They have been working side by side for several years and they have orchestrated such a rhythm of work ethics, it will truly draw your attention.  As this week progressed these two work diligently side by side.  Team member, Mike, shared from the first day he and Bob were laying the wall on the back side which I believe was the North side, (long story) and Mike turned around to go back to start on the wall with Bob when he saw one entire row had been laid out in a matter of minutes.  I knew by watching what was going to happen but Mike, team member, was in awe of the quickness and accurateness of these two work horses. The sweet part of this story is both work horses do it very quietly and humbly.  They do not know how they draw attention from others with their beauty of unity in their work.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16

Third Day Visitors

On the third day we had some other friends ask if they could join us and work on the medical clinic.  By all means we shared.  We need all the muscles we can handle on this amazing feat.  Welcome Manuel, Pastor Carlos' son and Wuilmer.  Both of these gentlemen worked on Mt. Horeb.  They heard everyone coming back talking about the beauty of San Juan.  Neither of these young men had ever been to San Juan.  So this was more of an adventure than a work day for them.  Do not get me wrong, they worked hard all day up on the scaffolding while their North American brothers passed the blocks or mud up to them.  This was a well greased machine on the third day.  Our two extra helpers were a blessing from God.

Everyone pitched in on the third day to see their task to completion.  Dan and son, John, worked together carrying the mud into the inner part of the structure.  Dan was caught mixing the mud as well.  Gabe got in on the mixing of the mud and handing up of the mud all in the same day.  Mike's height was most helpful for all of the workers as he could just simply hand it up to them. Derek graciously brought the blocks to Mike so Mike could hand them up. The men on the scaffolding did not have to bend over to receive the bucket of mud.  Bob became apart of the two amigo team on the gables that day.  Bob learned quickly how to fill in those joints for our two work horses.  God has a way of using all our gifts to glorify his kingdom here on earth.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10

Crushing Ore

I was quietly sitting on the board when there was a new activity going on behind me at the back of the field.  I looked up and first saw Meida crushing this gentleman's ore he had gotten at the nearby river.  Well later here come the North Americans wanting a piece of the action.  This gentleman allowed each of them to take a turn living out what this man does on a regular basis.  He tries to grind this into enough of it to sell to feed his family.  What an amazing experience for our North American friends to be a part of this week.  There were at least two of these work stations at the job site.  This is a means of work for some of the men in this area.  Once again a little bit more of this beautiful culture here in San Juan.  Wow how amazing our God is to provide so many different opportunities of learning how our friends live out each day.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us-- yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17

Enjoy the Children

The North Americans quickly learned how to take a needed siesta or lunch break.  They enjoyed laughter and the joy of each other during their time of stillness.  They did not enjoy watching Mike and Ginger eating the Honduran lunch though.  So on the last day I ate in Edith's home so not to tease my friends with my most excellent cuisine.  It was a joy to watch the children on the first day Daniel, Jonathon and Dixie playing in their front yard with their soccer ball.  But what was most enjoyable was on the next day John brought out some paper airplanes and Frisbees.  Wow everyone got in on the action.  Pastor David definitely had thrown a Frisbee before this day.  John spent a lot of time with airplane repairs which he enjoyed the opportunity to speak with each little fellow who he assisted.  Gabe was take back by the beauty of the little girls and how he saw his little girls in these Honduran girls.  Derek did a lot of retrieving on the side of the mountain as the Frisbees seemed to travel there a lot.  Mike and Bob broke away from the construction site as well to enjoy the fun on the back side of the project.  Gabe shared how he could here the laughter from inside the structure and how blessed the laughter and cheering of the children was for him. Then later Dan found his way out there to help Scarlet learn how to throw a Frisbees.  These sweet children enjoyed their time with their new North American friends but the most precious was watching the mothers of all these children watch their babies having lots of fun.  Some new fun which they have never experienced.  Thank you gentlemen for stopping to build relationships along with the building of the medical clinic.  This moment was important as well.

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

Continued Working

The third day was a tedious day with the gables going in but the work was getting done.  Gabe was all over the place passing up mud and passing up blocks.  As I shared earlier Bob became the mud man of the team.  He watched Mike work before proceeding with the task at head.  These guys worked hard all morning on this one project to get the gables ready for the next stage of construction.  Thank you Bob and Gabe for working like a Honduran on this part of the project.  You guys were all over the place.   

Pastor Carlos had several teaching moments with Manuel, his son.  Manuel is such an eager learner.  He wants to learn how to do all the things his father and Mike do.  So he worked on marking the special blocks so John could get them cut according to order by Pastor Carlos.  Manuel learned a new task today and Pastor Carlos was as patient as a father could be with a son. Wuilmer was close by to assist Manuel as needed. But when it was all done it was a beautiful piece of art work on each end of the structure.  

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6   

Meet John, Jonathon, Dan and Daniel

John was working on a reparation  of one of the paper airplanes he asked the young man his name.  He looked up a John with those big brown eyes and said Jonathon.  Wow, that is my name too, John shared.  Dan walks up to the situation and there was also another young man standing there.  He was Jonathon's little brother.  So Dan asked him what his name was and he shared Daniel.  Well there we have it two sets of Daniels and two sets of Jonathon's standing side by side.  They all got a huge laugh out of this moment.  Jonathon and Daniel were more concern of getting the paper airplane fixed so they could go play some more.  Another precious God moment in Honduras.  All God's people said AMEN.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

Devotionals

The first night was quiet the unique time of sharing in God's word.  Derek, team leader, had not assigned any one for devotions on the first night.  But as we gathered around the circle each guy started sharing something from God's word.  It was like a domino affect.  One would share then someone else would share from God's word.  There was several scripture verses shared the first evening which led to many nights of spiritual blessings for all of us.

Gabe shared out of 2 Timothy 1:9 "He has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,"  Gabe shared how he did not know why he was here in Honduras but it was what God wanted him to do and he did it.  God ordained all of these gentlemen a long time ago for this time and place to serve HIM.

John shared out of  Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  John shared after an amazing first time three years ago he did not know what to expect from God this time.  But he was excited to be back and worship and serve God here in Honduras.

Mike shared from Hebrews 12:1-2, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Mike shared how he also did not know why God had him here in Honduras.  But he was ready to start this journey and do what God has called him to do, be obedient to HIS calling.

Bob shared how he left last year and he knew he would be coming back this year.  Whatever God wants me to do this week I am open to serve him.  Last year Bob did a medical team so this year was an all new journey for him. 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.

First Time Team Leader

This group of men were blessed this year to have Derek come as their team leader.  Derek has been numerous times to Honduras, sometimes twice in one year.  He fell in love with Honduras upon his first time here.  He loves the beauty of the country and the sincere beauty of the people.  He shared at the dedication of the medical clinic how he always learns something new from the Honduran people.  They bless him more than he blesses them Derek always says.   This year the project  was up two hours into a mountain called El Corpus.  The bus was not able to make the trip so Derek had to drive the Land Cruiser and as you can tell in the picture he was one happy man.  Derek takes his responsibility of being team leader very seriously which makes our job so much easier.  He knows exactly what we need to happen to make this a successful ministry.  We are very grateful to Derek as a team leader, as a brother in Christ and as a dear son and friend.  We love you Derek.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

Our Honduran Friends

This week was full of many new faces on a daily basis.  The community came out daily to help build their medical clinic.  We had some regulars on a daily basis and without our regulars we could not run this ministry without each of them.  Thank you Meida who is so much more than a translator.  She is always got her eyes open for whatever may come along.  Her job in her mind and heart is to always protect and put her North American brothers and sisters first in all situations.  Thank you Jose who also does more than drives the vehicles.  He mixes mescal as needed and reaches out to the community.  He also keeps his eyes peeled to whatever is going on around us on a daily basis.  The North Americans are his first priority as well.  Their protection and well being is of the upmost importance to Brother Jose.  Without saying Pastor Carlos is our stronghold through construction and through all he does.  He is the most humble and godly man I know.  He exhibits Jesus in all he does.  His patience with us goes without speaking.  His love for the Lord is outstanding in so many levels.  One day as Mike and I were leaving we looked up and there he was sharing and talking with the local volunteers.  Only God knows what a sweet message these guys received this morning setting around a tree trunk.  We always learn so much from our Honduran brothers and sisters.  The sweet part of all this is they are only live out their daily lives and do not know how much we learn from each of them.  Thank you God for an amazing staff who works closely each week with many different North Americans.

I thank my God every time I remember you.
Philippians 1:3

Pastor and Son Team

John came to Honduras three years ago.  But this year he was truly blessed to bring along his father, Danny.  Danny is also the pastor of Covenant Church of Maryland.  John was doubled blessed this week to serve along side his father, brother in Christ and his pastor all rolled into one special man.  These two gentlemen brought so many gifts to their team.  John with the gift of compassion and music just to name a few.  Pastor Danny is a walking bible.  He quotes scripture from memory and will pray spontaneously as the need arises.  The two of them together is an example of what a grounded Christian family truly is all about. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Worship in La Ero Blanco

Because this was actually a community project we decided to visit a church the team at worked at a while back.  Pastor Pedro and church family welcomed the team with open arms as if they knew the entire group.  Today we were able to call Dan by the proper name of Pastor Dan and Pastor Pedro had several things in common, the love of the Lord and their flock and they talk really fast.  I asked Media was she ready for this task ahead of her.  She had to translate for two fast talkers.  She said,"Si Mrs. Ginger." We opened the service by welcoming everyone from the children to the adults.  We sang several Honduran hymns, "I Have a Good Friend", "Alabado" and many more.  Ginger read from Psalm 23:1-3 in English for the North Americans.  Karen read the passage in Spanish for her church family.  The church slowly filled up while we were singing.  They asked the North Americans to come forward for their specials.  Yes these gentlemen praised the Lord with four beautiful contemporary hymns relating to all age groups.  The first one was, "This is the Day", second, "Alabado", "Jesus Loves the Children" and "Take My Life".  The first two were done in Spanish while the second were song in English. 

Pastor Dan proceeded to go to the pulpit to preach from God's Holy Word.  He preached out of Revelations 3:7-8.  He shared about the church in Philadelphia and how they were a lot like that church. They were welcoming to us as most of us were strangers coming into this church family today.  You welcomed us with hand shakes and hugs as if you had known us your entire life.  The Church of Philadelphia was a church of love, just as your church is a church of love.

God is a Holy God who comes to change us to be like Him.  He is true.  He is faithful.  He is covenant.  If you call on the name of the Lord you will be saved.  The key to the life of David was he was very rich but his pockets were empty.  He was rich in the Lord.  But our God is faithful of all our needs according to his Son, Jesus Christ.  We need to allow God to open the doors of our lives to see the love of God through all things.  God will make a way for us if we only allow HIM to do so. It is not our will but His will for our lives.  What doors are open for you today?  Sometimes doors seemed closed. But God can open the doors for us.  Sometimes I as well as you all have no strength but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us..  God will put strength in us when we are obedient to His calling.  Life may be hard sometimes but we do not need to deny HIM.  One day we will all be in Heaven together speaking one language.  We are one in Christ and their will not be a language barrier in Heaven.  Thank you so much for having us here to worship with you all today.  We love you!!

"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Revelation 3:7-8

Hot Dogs

We all enjoyed a good ole Southern hot dog on Sunday evening.  The team agreed on this early on so Mike and I purchased the needed items for the barbque as our Northern friends call it.  The Hondurans have figured it out on how to make a very good hot dog.  Some how I short changed Mike, Martha and I on a bun for our hot dog.  I sat down with Wuilmer and Manuel with my hot dog sandwiched between a piece of loaf bread.  They looked at it and asked me why I did that.  I said there was not any more hot dog buns.  They said we are sorry do you want mine.  This is how awesome our staff is here at Mt. Horeb.  They are always putting us first.  They are true gifts from God.  Everyone enjoyed hot dogs, chips, some beans and some rice and green bean mixture that Martha conjured up right quick.  At the end of the meal everyone was full and blessed.  Thank you God for all your provisions.

Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

Matthew 13:12

Honduran Cornhole

Thank you Derek for bringing the materials to create Mt. Horeb's own Corn Hole game.  This was beyond fun watching all our friends learn this new game.  Pastor Carlos caught on very quickly on how to keep score and put a bag in the hole.  Then along came Alexia and she showed all the men up with her new skills for Corn Hole.  She stripped net if there had been a net on several occasions.  Her smile alone was worth all the time and effort Derek and team put into producing this game that Sunday afternoon and into the evening hours.  This will be many hours of fun for years to come for the Hondurans and the North Americans.  Those of you coming in the near future get ready for some good ole fashion Honduran Corn Hole.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

A Time to Work

There is a time and place for everything as the book of Ecclesiastes shares with us.  The team arrived having their morning ritual of introducing all the new faces who came out for the dedication of the medical clinic.  The nurse and her boss came to be there for this special day.  After a prayer for the morning the team and volunteers all went about what needed to get done to call God's work complete in San Juan.  The roof started going up with a huge help of Pastor Carlos and Mike.  The team members all pitched to help pass the tin up to the roof area.  While the roof was being completed the boys started taking all the materials to the Kia to be loaded on by Jose.  Everyone worked so well together all week.  God has truly blessed this week by all who participated.  Team leader, Derek and Dan shared thoughts of how blessed this week has been to all of them.  They were in awe of the beauty of all God did through each of them this week.  Dan and son, John reflected on the week as Pastor Carlos stood up top looking around at all their accomplishment by the grace of God.  They were all wrapping their heads around this beautiful event which took place in lives this week.  They will be forever grateful for such an honorable opportunity to build a community a medical clinic.  By the way this was our first construction job for a medical clinic.  Team leader Derek shares how he has had a lot of first times here since coming down. What a blessing this is for him and his team.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Four and Fifth Days of Numerous Blessings

On day number four the gentlemen shared how a little overwhelmed they were going to their project.  They knew what was ahead for their day of accomplishments.  But they also knew who was in control of their day, God.  So upon arriving to their little piece of heaven called San Juan there was at least fifteen gentlemen waiting to help them put the floor down in the medical clinic.  What a humbling experience.  How God provided for them more than an abundant measure.  They circled up to be introduced to their fifteen plus angels for the day.  After the prayer everyone went to work mixing mud and pouring out the medical clinic floor.  The guys returned to Mt. Horeb earlier than Mike and I had expected them.  But when we found out how God provided them with just the correct amount of help for their task we were grateful to God as well for all His provisions.

On the fifth day Mike and I got word the school was shutting down early so the children could come say thank you to our North American team for building their community a medical clinic.  There were 80 children total and the North Americans spend two or more hours playing Frisbees, jump rope, airplanes and wiffle ball with those 80 precious Honduran children.  The North Americans had been hoping all week to get to play with some children.  Well they did a couple of days but on the last day God truly blessed them with an abundance of blessings.  They were blessed as well as the Honduran children.  How grateful we were to experience such an amazing week with a very content community nestled up high in the mountains of El Corpus.  The long ride daily was worth all the blessings my boys received this week.  This was an amazing week because we serve an amazing God who provides all our needs.  As the folks of Covenant Church say "God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Dios es Bueno todo es tiempo y todo es tiempo Dios es Bueno."

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3

Continue A Time and a Place

As the team realizing all great things must come to an end they gathered around the completed project they were sent here for.  The Hondurans gathered around in the shade of the building while Derek shared we still have a lot to learn from you all about finding the shade.  They all laughed and agreed with Derek.  Derek thanked each of them once again for allowing them to come up to San Juan to assist in the construction of their medical clinic.  Pastor Dan opened us up with praises to God in prayer.  Gabe read scripture from Psalm 127:1 and Luke 6:46-49.  Derek opened up the floor for others to share if they so desired.  An older gentleman stepped out and starting thanking them very quickly in his native language Spanish.  His own people asked him to slow down so Meida could translate for him.  He was so excited about the event and what was taking place, he could not keep up with his own words of gratitude.  He was precious in how he represented his community in such a special way.  The nurse shared how grateful she was for this opportunity to work for this medical clinic.  Then a very special love offering came forward.

Edith the home owner to the right of the medical clinic came forward to present the team with a plaque made out of different seeds from the mountains of San Juan.  There was coffee beans, beans which are good for healing a sick body, fruit seeds and many more different types of seeds and beans.  Her sons, Daniel and Jonathon went out to help find the seeds and beans for their mother, Edith.  After Edith presented the plaque Edith gave each team member a necklace which several of the ladies in the community helped her put together.  Along with the necklace came a basket for their church as well.  Derek remembered Edith sharing how she had something very small to present to them but it was done out of love for each of them.  Derek shared she has no idea how truly big these wonderful gifts were to each and every team member and for their church back home.  There was a lot of love and time put into each of these items.  Time of contentment in the Lord which this team learned about this week.  They learned all about being content in the Lord with what you have.

We gathered around the medical clinic placing our hands on the blocks as Mike led a most moving prayer of dedication to seal the work completed here this week.  Meida translated his words for the Hondurans to understand more clearly what was coming from Mike's heart.

Bob presented the nurse with the key to the medical clinic.  I cannot begin to share Bob's inspiring words to the nurse and the community.  This key will secure your needs and well being of all you have for this community as you start to care for their physical needs but remember your spiritual needs as well.  God gave us this facility to glorify Him as you serve His people here in San Juan.

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.

Psalms 127:1

Cereal Anyone

The team woke up thinking they were having cereal for breakfast.  Senovia was cooking eggs, beans, sausage and tortillas for the Hondurans so Mike asked could we add some more eggs so everyone could have a hearty breakfast.  Breakfast was at eight.  Everyone was there but a couple of us North Americans.  Well by the time they got to the line they got a few bites of eggs, tortillas, frilos and sausage.  Never been late for breakfast at Mt. Horeb.  Buen Porvecho means enjoy your meal.  This was a pleasant surprise for our North American friends. The cereal was out but I think only one friend had a bowl of cereal.

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

Fish Fry

God's provision one more time.  We had a big lunch today with about fifteen Honduran staff.  Pastor Carlos was able to get fish and another delicacy for lunch from his home town, Cedeno.  His son Manuel adventured off the day before so we would have fresh fish.  Martha, Senovia, Pastor Carlos and Wuilmer all pitched in to make this delicious meal happen.  We had some guest come as well our missionary friends Larry and his lovely wife Ruth.  God fed 25 people today and there was just enough.  For dessert Pastor Carlos' mother runs a bakery in a near by town, so we had pineapple turnovers which were absolutely delicious.  The time of fellowship and breaking bread together is what this ministry is all about.  God has blessed this multi purpose building so many times and today was one of those many blessings. 

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:42