Floyd's Creek Tours Mt. Horeb

 

We would like to welcome back Floyd's Creek Baptist Church from Forest City North Carolina.  Team leader, Gregg, entered this week with his 15th year coming down to Honduras.  This year is team was offer a chance to work on Mt. Horeb and they accepted willingly and very excited to serve.  Team member, Roger "PawPaw", shared how much Mt. Horeb has changed in two years.  PawPaw Roger was unable to come last year and he was in awe of how much God has done since his last visit.  There was only land with not any structures.  God has provided the house where we house our staff now working on property, multi-purpose building, North American dorm and the missionary house where Mike and Ginger will live while serving in Honduras.  They adventured out and walked through the facilities envisioning how it will be one day when they will get to come and spend their eight days.  They got overwhelmed with the potential which lies ahead for Mt. Horeb.  After their tour they headed up the hill to their project for the week, Pastor Carlos' home.

 

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."

Deuteronomy 4:9-10

 

 

Greetings from Mt. Horeb to Floyd's Creek Baptist Church

 

Once we gathered up the hill, Mike introduced the team to our Honduran staff who work and live on Mt. Horeb.  Team leader, Gregg, allowed each one of his team to introduce themselves as Mike introduced the staff who will be working beside them for the week.  Pastor Carlos stood back in awe of what was fixing to take place.  Pastor Carlos has worked diligently for North Carolina Baptist Men for the last two years on Mt. Horeb.  He and two more gentlemen started out living on what we then called the property under a blue tarp with no bathroom facilities from June until September of 2013.  September rolled around and the Lord built the first dwelling on the property.  This became a place for Pastor Carlos and other staff who worked on the property a place to stay.  They still did not have a bathroom.  The gentlemen made a make shift shower but still they did not have a bathroom.  We never once heard anyone complain of their living conditions.  They were all grateful for their jobs on the property and gave their all to help further the work which was ahead.  In 2014 the security fence went up around a portion of the 36 acres we soon named "Mt. Horeb" out of Deuteronomy 4:9-10.  So on this particular when Floyd's Creek accepted the calling to come back to Honduras to work on Mt. Horeb they are blessing one godly sincere pastor who deserves this home.  He will now have privacy in the evening to prepare his sermons for his church up in the mountains of Los Uvas.  We are grateful for this time and place to help us get closer to being on Mt. Horeb permanently.    All God's people shouted "AMEN".

 

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Another Blessing for Everyone

 

God provided another blessing for Mike and I as well as for the team.  Four years ago during a week with Deep Impact in Tegus God introduced to us one of the most humble gentlemen He has ever created.  I would like to introduce to you Pastor Oscar and his lovely wife of 24 years, Lillian.  At Camp Betel four years ago Pastor Oscar led a construction team to build a feeding center.  Deep Impact, leader, Tom, as well as everyone else fell in love with the humble gentleman.  So we built a relationship with Pastor Oscar over the last four years.  As we finished up working on his church with Deep Impact two weeks ago Pastor Oscar offered to come help work on Mt. Horeb.  What a blessing this was to have him come down to Choluteca and serve beside us.  Once he arrived he and Pastor Carlos knew each other.  They have family in a nearby community who they each knew.  It is a small world wherever we travel.  Who would have known four years ago God would have started Mt. Horeb and send Pastor Oscar down to help with a project.  Thank you God for your many blessings with Pastor Oscar over the last four years.

 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10

Working Towards The First Block

 

Team leader, Gregg, shared how this was the nicest day in has seen in Choluteca the fifteen years he has been coming.  God provided their first day with overcast and a drizzle of rain all morning.  The new timers, Sandy, Corrine, Sam, Benjy, and Marie did not know how blessed they were having overcast clouds and even a drizzle of rain.  The team started moving blocks, setting up the cornerstones, cutting blocks and sifting sand to get ready to lay Pastor Carlos' first block.  The team came together and worked diligently taking pride in their work and enjoyed the beauty of God's creation which surrounded them.  Everyone pitched in and did all they needed to do to get the job done.  Team leader, Gregg, bragged and shared how proud he was of this team and how he was a little worried because of the number of men and women.  He quickly realized God had provided him the perfect team and they were able to show him what team efforts was all about.  The unity of this team was amazingly God sent.  Thank you God for putting together such an amazing team to come do your work on Mt. Horeb.   Gregg thanked God for his team and gave God all the glory for his provisions.  They were also blessed with Hondurans who worked along side of them each day.  As the girls said they were very patient with us and our lack of skills.  But taught us well and lack of skills are in the past.  This was a team with many different gifts brought to the table and they all used their gifts beautifully.

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

 

Praying Over the First Block

 

Pastor Carlos is always the one laying the mescal for the family before showing them how to place the first block on the foundation.  Mike went to one of the cornerstones sharing how he would do this for the new home owner, Pastor Carlos.  We gathered the team and all the Honduran staffs together.  We could not find Wiulmer and Rudi.  We shared with Pastor Carlos they are part of your family as well.  They were his adopted children who he is teaching many trades and discipling them to be godly leaders themselves one day.  We hollered for them across the mountain.  Pastor Carlos said we could start without them.  Then suddenly they came walking up the hill.  We all shouted faster, faster,"Rapido, Rapido."  Well Wuilmer and Rudi did not follow the directions as well as our two dogs, Lassie and Oso.  Lassie and Oso took off running up the hill leaving the two gentlemen still climbing up the hill.  As everyone gathered around Mike helped Pastor Carlos place the first block on the mescal.  Pastor Carlos asked Mike for more mescal and we all chuckled.  Pastor Carlos wants this first block to be just right. Pastor Carlos does his work exactly as he wanted his first block as close to perfection as a human being can get it.  He takes such pride in all his work and we are grateful to build Pastor Carlos this home he so earnestly deserves for all his hard work for the kingdom of God. Everyone placed their hands upon Pastor Carlos and surrounding friends as Mike prayed the prayer of dedication over Pastor Carlos new home.  As the clouds began to get darker and darker the prayer was lifted up to the heavens as others were saying amen and thank you God.  It was a beautiful beginning to a beautiful week. 

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
Ephesians 6:7

 

The Blocks Go Up In the Rain

 

 

 

 

 

As the morning progressed the rain continued coming down ever so slowly.  It would stop and it would start back up.  But everyone who had been before was thanking God for such a beautiful morning working Choluteca, Honduras.  They were grateful for this huge blessing falling from the sky.  There has not been any rain accept about a month ago for three days at the beginning of June.  We are now in rainy season and there has been very little rain at all.  They are unable to plant their corn and beans for this season.  So our prayer is to please continue to pray for us as we still need more rain.

The walls started going up.  By lunch time they had three courses up and everyone found their spot and took off working hard.  The new timers learned quickly how to lay blocks, sift the sand and how many buckets of sand goes into the mixer.  Everyone became unified and the work continued to flow.  As lunch time came around the rain was coming down harder and harder.  Praise the Lord.  The team got to a stopping place and broke for their lunch.

Gregg followed the lead from one of our Honduran staff and found him a hammock.   He shared how he enjoys the culture where life is slow and easy.  The team sat back and enjoyed their sandwiches and time of fellowship with one another.  Marie shared in her devotional one evening how we need to stop with the businesses of life and listen to God's gentle whisper.  Sometimes God does not speak to us through the thunderstorms or earthquakes but through a gentle whisper.  Do we ever get still enough to hear his gentle whisper?  Thank you Marie, first timer for seeing this and sharing with us to be a little like the Hondurans with our life, slow down and listen to what God has to say to us.

 

After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
I Kings 19:12

Lunchtime Devotional

 

 

 

Each day after lunch the team had a devotional lead by the three pastors. First day Pastor Robert shared a devotional out of Numbers 15:37-41.  He shared how God took His people out of Egypt from their bondage of slavery, their oppression and the evils of the world.  Just like God's people we too can be brought out of bondage by receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Today if you have received the sweetest gift of all and are saved by God's grace and His Son's who shed His blood on the cross I would love to share a blue rope with you to wear as a symbol of your faith in Jesus.  If you are still in Egypt and do not know our Lord and Savior you can not wear this blue rope because you are still in bondage to sin just like the Egyptians.  Pastor Robert challenged everyone not to let this day pass by without asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.  He shared how in the Old Testament the people would get up in the morning and put on their robes which had the blue tassels hanging off of them which reminded them of God's love for them.  During the day while they are out in the street they saw others with the blue tassels hanging from their robes.  It was a reminder all day of God's provisions for them.  In the evening when they returned home and settling in for the night they once again saw the blue tassels hanging from their robes as a reminder of God's love and promise for them.  Today if you are a Christian and need a reminder of God's love and provisions for us get you a blue rope and tie it upon your belt loop or your wrist.  If you are still in Egypt I encourage you today if you are reading this to please receive the greatest gift of a lifetime, Jesus Christ.  Jesus can free you from you bondage of sin, your oppression or from the darkness of this world and bring you into the light, which is every lasting life in eternity.  This journey is short here and do not miss a chance to receive Jesus Christ.  Tomorrow may be too late.

 

The LORD said to Moses,
"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.
You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.'"
Numbers 15:37-41

 

Starting the Day

 

Several team members started their day in God's word.  They gathered wherever they could find a place and had some quiet time with their Heavenly Father.  The quietness of the morning where the day is new and fresh is a beautiful way to start your day.  I encourage you to find time with God sometime during your day and enjoy the quietness of being in His presence.  Listen to His still quiet voice as He can lead you into a day of serving Him.

 

Honduran Rocking Chair

 

Everyone enjoys the Honduran rocking chair in the mission house.  Jose was blessed one morning to find it empty to enjoy his first cup of coffee.  Sam, our new friend was shown by Mike how to rock and get really comfortable in it.  Sam was not sure whether to trust Mike or not. Soon if found out the   hang of rocking and enjoyed his turn.

 

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

Pastor Oscar and Pastor Robert

 

The first day of the project Pastor Oscar and Pastor Robert bonded and became a team.  They worked side by side for three days.  Pastor Robert shared how he learned so much from the experience of working beside Pastor Oscar those three days.  The first day they worked all day together.  On the second day as Pastor Robert arrived on the project site Pastor Oscar motioned for Pastor Robert to work with him.  When you are serving the Lord there is not any language barriers.  God takes care of all barriers big or small.  These two gentlemen became kindred spirits which both will treasure for the rest of their days here this side of heaven.  We were grateful for Pastor Oscar's skills to help the team real their goal of building Pastor Carlos' home.  We were grateful for Pastor Robert's time of sharing God's word every chance he got.  On Sunday evening he shared about the obedience of Abel and what a legacy he left behind.  He challenge his team members as well as all of us, "What legacy will you leave behind on this earth?"  Will others remember you for what you had or for who you served?  Will people remember you for your righteousness as Abel did or for the career you pursued and accomplishment in the worldly standards?   What will we leave after we are gone? 

 

By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Hebrews 11:4

Working from the Scaffolding

 

Several team members were way out of their comfort zone this day.  Taylor shared she felt so uncomfortable up there working but how God used her anyway and she helped get the job done.  Taylor also shared how new team member, Marie, did a whole wall by herself.  This was the group team leader, Gregg, was worried about as far as getting the job completed.  Well ladies you showed him.  You let God use you in many ways this week.  Rachel hollered one time more mescal please.  All ladies were on board getting the job done.  Way to go first timer, Corrine, up on top of the scaffolding not sitting but standing there laying blocks and filling the joints with mescal.  God is faithful if we only allow Him to work through us.  From up on the scaffolding Paw Paw Roger said they saw a borge docking over in the Pacific Ocean.  If the team had not taken the plunge up on the scaffolding they would not been able to experience the beauty of all God's creation surrounding them.  Yes, it was very hot this day.  I believe the temperature got close to 100 degrees but this did not stop these folks from pushing forward to their goal God had given them.  Thank you everyone who help make this day happen.  Thank you to Sandy for keeping everyone hydrated and for Jessie for passing up the blocks to Gregg, Paw Paw, the girls, Sam and Pastor Robert.  Thanks to Benjy for staying focused on getting the blocks cut before they even asked for them.  Everyone worked had as a team.  Total team effort was exhibited today.  All God's people said AMEN.

Paw Paw's devotion one evening was on encouraging one another. I truly believe this day was one of a lot of encouragement.

 

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

 

 

Reunion and VBS

 

 

 

Since the group offered to work on Mt. Horeb they chose to worship with Los Delicious and do VBS with the children for three days.  As all you know if you have worked on the building of the church everyone loves Carlos.  He is always so excited to see his old friends and to show them the church which he so deeply loves.  His excitement of being a Christian is how we all should be.  We could learn a lot from our friend, Carlos.  Pastor Robert got a taste of this excitement when he arrived.  The team did VBS with the children.  Rachel shared the story of Noah's Ark.  Marie's God moment the second day of VBS was it was her turn to share the bible story.  They left the bible story book at the mission house so she relied on God to lead the way for this bible story.  The team members shared how beautifully Marie did and how she brought this bible story to life.  Afterwards they made puppets of Joseph's coats of many colors.  Rachel shared how she sat with one little fellow who was an outcast by his friends.  He was covered with flees and flees bites.  Rachel sat with him while he made his puppet.  Afterwards they gathered to dismiss and this little fellow came up to Rachel and hugged her and thank her for helping him with his puppet.  Rachel shared how God used this little fellow to reveal to her does she do this for everyone who may seem an outcast to their peers.  God revealed to Rachel how she needs to be more sensitive to others and their situations.  The last day they shared the plan of salvation and did salvation bracelets.  Sandy prepared in advance with the help of her grandchildren the bags for the beads and leather bracelets along with a Spanish version of what each color means.  Sandy shared with her grandchildren how they were apart of this mission trip as well as the team who physically entered this beautiful country called Honduras.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Four Families Come to Serve The Lord

I would like to introduce to you Benjy and his son, Sam, who are first timers to Honduras.  God truly blessed us this week with these two gentlemen.  They were true work horses.  They gave God all they had and worked so well together.  Sam was an amazing young godly man who his dad should be very proud to call his son.  I know God was proud of all these two gentlemen did to further the kingdom of God this week.  There was not anything these two did not try.  Benjy cut block the entire week as Sam worked beside him removing the chips from the cut block.  Sam carried the block to its right location to be laid by other team members.  One evening Sam was asked to share a devotional.  To God be the glory for the wisdom this young man has acquired.  I cannot wait to see what God does with Sam and Benjy will stand back and be proud of his son.

 

Jessie returned this year for I believe the third time bringing her daughter, Corrina.  This was Corrina's first time flying and it was by God's grace she got here.  Her passport came in the evening before their departure.  These two ladies worked side by side all week as well.  Jessie shared one evening during God moments today was one of the best days of her life working beside her oldest child doing the work for the Lord.  One evening the two ladies got out on the pilla and washed their laundry.  God is so good to teach us how to work together doing the most simpliest task.  But I bet Corrina would not call this the most simpliest task.  Washing clothes on the pilla is hard work and time consuming but Jessie and Corrina enjoyed this time together. 

 

Gregg made his 15th trip here to Honduras to serve the Lord.  Taylor is daughter has shared in this journey with him several times.  This is the first time they came without one of their other two daughters and sisters.  Taylor shared how blessed she was to do missions with her father.  There is so many out there who never get this opportunity.  "I am blessed" she said.  Gregg and Taylor did not work side by side but they were together.  Taylor made her and her Dad sweet tea each evening and was gracious to share some with me.  Thank you Gregg for leading this team to further the kingdom work for the Lord.

 

 

Pastor Robert and his daughter, Rachel, arrived for the fourth time to Honduras to serve side by side.  Each played their own individual role in making this project come together.  Pastor Robert challenged and encouraged the team all week to do their best for the Lord.  He shared how we all should be intentional about how we share our experience once we returned home.  How God had truly blessed him as he worked very hard physically to get those 900 blocks into place to make Pastor Carlos' home.  Rachel was faithfully daily to make sure everyone had their physical food, lunch.  She along with her friend Marie got up each morning and prepared the lunches for the day.  Rachel did an amazing job one evening with her devotional sharing how she is starting a new journey of her life. She is in a transitional stage and wants to totally rely on God for what He has in store for her life. God has a perfect plan for my life and for your life as well as long as we listen to what His will is for each of us.  Rachel shared the Hondurans have a true relationship with Jesus.  They truly rely on Him for their daily needs.  This is a good example for all of us to live by.

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Worship at Los Delicious

 

 

The team arrived promptly at 8:45.  People slowly started to arrive for worship.  Gregg shared with me how they do not get in a hurry even on Sunday.  Slowly as the morning progressed adults and children entered the church doors.  As always there is more children than adults.  Several of the church members along with Taylor, Rachel and Marie shared in music.  The three North American ladies sang "It is Well".  One of the ladies of the church read from Galatians 2:20 as everyone stood to read God's word. 

It was time for Pastor Robert to bring the sermon.  As he made his way to the pulpit the children existed to go to Sunday School.  There was quiet a few young adults left sitting to hear what Pastor Robert had to share on this very warm Sunday morning.

Pastor Robert  read from Numbers 15:37-41.   Before he started the sermon he shared how a year ago we came along side of each of you to build this church to reach out to the surrounding community to bring the lost to Christ.  To be able to worship here for the first time is a joy and very humbling.  But the church is not a building it is the people who make up the church.

As Pastor Robert started his sermon he shared how God commanded Moses to obey and tell the people:

1.  vs 41 I am the Lord your God.  God brought the people out of Egypt.  He was reminding the people where He brought them from.  Egypt represents the sin in our lives. The condition the people were in was slavery, bondage, oppression and controlled by the Egyptians.  Before we receive Christ that is our condition, in slave to sin, in bondage, oppressed and controlled by the evil one.  Out of Ephesians 2:1. 12-13 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.   As vs 13 says there is hope.  We can be brought of the darkness into the light coming out of Ephesians 2:4-6.

2.  vs. 39  Remember who we can count on: Do not follow your own heart and mind.  We cannot trust ourselves because our flesh is compelled to sin.  Proverbs 3:5-6   "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  Only God can help us and lead us in the right directions.

3. vs 40 What we are to do: Remember His commandments and do them. Be holy to God.  We are not to just know His Words but to do His Words.  Live them out daily. Pastor Robert asked the question to the congregation "Do you love Jesus?"  Then he read the scripture out John 14:16 "If you love me then you will keep my commandments."  Prostrating ourselves with our eyes and heart to the following of the world.  We need to follow Jesus if we truly love Him.

4. vs 41 Remember what you are: We are HIS chosen ones. God brought us out of Egypt.  We do not have the power to save ourselves.  This is what we should look like:  Colossians 3:12  "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  Colossians 3:12 wears very well on a Christian but what does not wear well is pride, lust, jealously and desires of our own heart.  Jesus is powerful enough to break down the barriers of sin in our lives.  Only Jesus through His blood shed on the cross for our sins.  Our sins he died a brutal death and all we have to do his accept this precious gift of eternal life and be His chosen ones. 
In verse 38 they were given a symbol of who they were.  They wore a blue cord on their robes so each morning when they woke up they would be reminded of whose they were.  During the day they would see others wearing the blue cord on their robes once again reminding them of whose they were.  In the evening as they prepare for bed and take off their robes they are reminded by seeing the blue cord whose they were.  They knew who they were which enable them to live out the commandments God told them to obey.  They were His chosen ones.  "Who you are and whose you are will fortify your faith for the future.
Who are you today?  And whose are you?  Do you belong to a fallen and dark world?  Or are you living out your life as God's chosen ones.  I urge you desperately today if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please find someone and learn more about this wonderful gift, eternal life.  Our only hope in this dark world is Jesus Christ and He is the light of the world.

Last Day

 

The team got a lot done in their five days of construction.  They trudged along beautifully in the scorching heat without a complaint.  As you can see in the pictures above a lot was accomplished.  Job well done Floyd's Creek Baptist Church.

 

"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 25:21

Dedication of Pastor Carlos' Home

 

Mike and I arrived for the dedication.  Before arriving Pastor Robert called sharing Corrina was sick.  We asked to let's do the dedication upon our arrival and then we would take Corrina back to mission house to get her cooled down and rested.  Well Lassie took care of her while we waited for Pastor Robert to do the dedication.  Everyone was ready for the final closure on their week.  Pastor Robert gathered everyone together and shared from Psalm 127:1 and what a blessing it was to be able to be here this week at this time and build this humble man a home.  Pastor Carlos taught us all how to be humble in our work and to share in God's blessing just by his example.  After Pastor Robert shared he asked Pastor Carlos if he wanted to share anything.  Pastor Carlos got emotional sharing where he had come from.  God now has given him three homes, his home in Cedeno, his home on Pavana and most importantly his eternal home awaiting him in heaven.  Can we say we have more than one home today?  Are you preparing on this side of heaven to enter into your eternal home one day like Pastor Carlos is doing.  He lives out every single day serving the Lord in so many different directions and ways.  He manages Mt. Horeb, helps with the construction teams, disciples the young men on the property daily, he has a family in Cedeno and he preaches in a little piece of heaven up in the mountains of Choluteca called Los Uvas.  He does all of this with a grateful heart.  The team shared how he was always encouraging not forceful with his correcting their errors.  He would correct them smile and move on to something else.  Pastor Carlos leads by example with his daily life.

We gathered around the interior walls placing our hands on them praying a prayer of dedication.  Gregg, team leader led the prayer thanking God for His provisions for making this week happen.  he prayed for Pastor Carlos and what all he has ahead to lead this ministry from the Honduran standpoint along side Mike and Ginger.  He thanked God for keeping everyone safe and well during this five day journey.  And all God's people shouted , "AMEN!!!!"

 

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

Kevin and Sam

 

Sam was truly blessed to be in Honduras working beside his father but God gave him someone else who became his friend.  Sam was blessed to work beside Kevin all week.  Sam shared how patient Kevin was with teaching him new techniques on different jobs he was trying to learn to do.  Kevin was much older than Sam but did not let the age difference come between their time together.  Sam shared how refreshing it is to be received for  who you are and to be liked unconditionally even with a language barrier and an age difference.  Kevin exhibited a beautiful example of true friendship.

 

"A friend loves at all times."

Proverbs 17:17

Work Contiues

 

After lunch the ladies and Sam went to do their last day of VBS at Los Delicious.  The men, Gregg, Benjy, Pastor Robert and Paw Paw Roger stayed on to get some of the floor down.  The gentlemen worked alongside of Manuel, Alexis and Pastor Carlos to get the job completed.  They climbed back up to the project to a mixer which would not start.  Mike and I were there to get some stuff done on the missionary house.  I was sitting on the porch of the North American Dorms watching and listening from afar. The mixer would not start.  They all worked diligently for about thirty minutes.  I sat there started praying for this mixer to start so they could continue their task at hand.  About ten minutes after I prayed God started it up and off they went. Each of the North Americans were carrying wheelbarrows full of mortar to pour on the floor.  Alexis and Pastor Carlos was smoothing it out as they dump the mortar.  Manuel continued making the mixture until they had done one half of the floor.  Thank you gentlemen for not stopping at the dedication but carrying it one more step and doing an awesome job serving the Lord.  These guys slept well that evening as they used body parts they did not know they had.  Well done good and faithful servants.  We appreciate everything Floyd Creek Baptist Church did this week to help us get closer to moving onto Mt. Horeb.

 

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Matthew 5:41

Thank You to these Folks

 

These people above came together as one family this week to make yet another phase of this journey appear.  We are working diligently with the blessings from many people to get the first phase of Mt. Horeb up and running. God's provisions have been humbling in so many ways.  We were blessed when Floyd Creek Baptist Church shared they wanted to help on Mt. Horeb this year.  Thank you God for all your many blessings.  Thank you to team leader, Gregg, Pastor Robert, Paw Paw Roger, Benjy, Sam, Sandy, Jessie, Corrina, Marie, Rachel, and Taylor who worked along side of Pastor Carlos, Wuilmer, Rudi, Alexis, Manuel, Kevin and Earlene (who came to volunteer one day) Maida, Jose and of course Lassie and Oso.  This was an amazing week with some amazing folks who became a family for five days and worked for the kingdom of God.

 

But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.
Deuteronomy 11:11-12

Thank you Jose

 

Our bus driver Jose takes his job very seriously driving each team each week from village to village.  He drives with the up most respect and care for all the teams.  Their safety is his most important aspect of his job.  We have heard he drives cautiously wherever he goes.  Some teams will tell Mike, "Jose does not do that."  Mike just smiles and is grateful for all Jose does for the teams.  We had left Mt. Horeb on the last day and heading back to mission house and got behind a long line of traffic. Traffic was back up at least five or six cars.  I said what is going on up there.  Well as I looked more closely I saw a white bus and yes there was our faithful bus driver Jose taking good care of his North American brothers and sisters driving cautiously one more time as he takes them back to the mission house.  We are blessed to have Jose on staff with us.

 

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.
I Thessalonians 1:2

Thank You Benjy for Perserving

 

On the first evening of God moments I was sitting next to our new team member Benjy.  He was the first one who opened up and shared about his first day.  Oh wow, was I taken back at first what he shared.  My heart ached for him as he shared how tired and hot he got.  He shared I am done and cannot do this anymore.  He shared he was ready to go home until he turned around and saw the back of Manuel's shirt which he wears on a regular basis.  It said "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40.  Benjy at that point had me crying, I am not sure what the rest of the folks were doing.  He shared at that point and time he knew why God had him in Honduras to serve Him however hard the work is and whatever God wants me, (Benjy) to do I will do with all my heart.  Benjy also shared he learned so much from his brothers who live on Mt. Horeb and those who come to work there daily.  He learned how patient they were with each of us and taught us correctly how to do something if it was done incorrectly.  Pastor Carlos, Alexis and everyone else taught me how to not worry about the small stuff in life.  If it is not eternal then do not worry about it.  He shared how he was going to take back their work ethics and tried intentionally to apply it to his life as he works along side of others.  Thank you God for Manuel's t-shirt that first day of work.  Manuel did not wear it again until the very last day.  As you can see above how Benjy's outlook several days in had changed with his beautiful smile glorifying God for providing him to work in the most unusual conditions than he ever had before.  He got out of his comfort zone and allowed God to use him mightily.  Thank you Benjy for such an awesome testimony of relying on God to get you through. 

 

The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40

Where is Salemburg Baptist Church?

 

On June 29th Mike and I get up doing our daily routine.  We had our quiet time, coffee and later our breakfast.  Martha comes in around eight o'clock to start her daily routine, coffee and rosquillas and preparing the sandwiches for the arrival of Salemburg Baptist Church.  Mike goes and checks the flight of the team to see how they are coming along.  They landed in their first destination in the Unites States.  The team was eagerly awaiting to board their plane to Honduras.  The flight got an announcement of some malfunction with the airplane.  So they patiently for further instructions.  As the morning progressed the time of boarding was further and further out.  At one point Mike called team leader to check on them to see what was happening to their departure time.  So both Mike and team leader, John, shared what they knew hung up saying hope to see you soon.  Martha finished her bagged lunches for the team.  Mike and I got other things done while waiting to hear what to do.  Mike called Jose and shared with him not to go to airport yet.  Time continues to pass Mike checking the airline flight status, two hours and 30 minutes delayed flight.  At this time Mike and I were wondering when they were going to cancel the flight. Mike continued to call Jose with updates.  Finally Mike texts the team leader to see how many pieces of luggage they were bringing.  He text back with the number NINE.  Mike and I thought that strange because they do three days of extensive VBS and team leader's wife, Carol, does a bible study for the women of the village.  But we got excited and called Jose back and said do not come to the airport.  We will only take the bus with very little luggage, we will make it work.  Finally around three o'clock our time they were boarding to leave and they got delayed again.  The airplane finally took off around three thirty and arrived in Tegus airport at 6:00 PM.  Mike and I arrived at airport at three thirty our time to beat the five o'clock traffic.  We sat upstairs waiting for the team to land.  We went downstairs found seats and waited tirelessly and patiently for that plane to land.  We joked about the airline leaving some luggage behind after nine hours of a delayed flight.  The airlines changed planes three times and yes they left one of the team members luggage in the United States.  Mike and I did not laugh about that but were grateful to see eleven North Americans we knew to come through immigrations safe and sound.  Team leader, John came out first and we ask was that all the luggage.  John shared no we have NINETEEN.  Mike and I looked at each other and said, "Oh boy."  But with God's provision we got nineteen pieces of luggage and thirteen of us on that bus and off we went to our home in Tegus.  We did not go to Choluteca this evening because of driving through the mountains during the night hours.  We arrived safely with beans and rice waiting a very tired and hungry team.  The team leader, John praised each of them for their flexibility throughout the entire day of waiting and waiting and waiting some more.  Praise the Lord they made it safely. 

The next morning the team woke up with a bowl of cereal and was on the road to Choluteca by seven o'clock.  Mike and Jose got us down there by 10:30.  The team ate lunch before heading out to their job location.  Everyone was grateful to be in Choluteca Honduras.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

 

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

The Group Arrives to Las Cabasas

 

After completing lunch which was the sandwich bags Martha made the day before, the team was ready to go.  Team members Sarah and Katie shared we knew we would be eating those bag lunches because Mrs. Ginger throws nothing away!!!!  Amen to that statement.  As we traveled down a very long and dusty road to Las Cabasas we saw some familiar faces coming from working out in the fields.  Upon arriving on the job site around noon these fellows showed up shortly after us.  They were there to help their brother and cousin get a home.

 Wow what a interesting twenty four hours.  But what a blessing to arrive to a precious family named, Samuel, a humble godly man, husband to his beautiful wife, Sulema, who exhibits a quiet gentle spirit.  They are parents to three beautiful children, Diana, age 14, Samuel, age 11 and Joselin, age 5.  They were as excited to see the North Americans as Mike and I were the day prior.  Mike explained and apologize to the family for the delay arrival.  They accepted with huge smiles upon their faces.  As we came down the dirt road surrounded by acres of farm land we saw some familiar faces heading towards the dirt road.  After arriving at Samuel's home these fellows arrived.  They were Samuel's brothers and cousins who left their work in the fields to help their family get a home.  We gathered together in a circle under the shade of a tree and introduced ourselves and prayed over the afternoon ahead. The entire team was concerned about how to make up for the morning they lost due to their delayed flight.  As the afternoon progressed they realized God was in control.  God provided men from the community who came along to help and the team left at the end of the day right on schedule.   Once again this team saw God's provision through the beauty of one special community.

 

since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:40

Salemburg and New Friends Prepare For The First Block

 

Harrison, third timer to Honduras, quickly got to work on cutting the blocks needed for the day ahead.  He was watched by his brother, Clem, first timer.  Mr. Mike gingerly worked beside Harrison to assure his work was accurate for what was needed later in the day.  Harrison did an excellent job cutting the numerous blocks needed and received some help from the children of Las Cabasas.  Everyone worked diligently to preserve the four hours lost earlier in the day.  God is so good.

 

Others got busy placing the four cornerstones into place.  Everyone pitched in and worked together for the better of the kingdom of God.  Yes it was about building a home but it was also about working together as a team with folks the North Americans and Hondurans came to know and love very quickly.  When brothers and sisters in Christ come together anything is possible because they rely on their strength and wisdom to come totally from the Lord.  Thank you God for your unconditional and profound love for us.

 

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Philippians 2:2

 

First Block

 

All in God's timing.  The first block was ready to be laid upon the firm foundation prepared by Samuel's family and friends.  This community works together as a family all the time.  They sat such a godly example of how family and friends should treat one another.  As the family gathered to pray over the first block, the North Americans, Samuel and Suelma's family and friends gathered close together as Pastor John gave God all the glory for this moment and this time.  As I listened to the prayer and realized where we had come in the last two days I was shown how big our God truly is.  He allowed this team to arrive late but arrive safely and was laying the first block by mid afternoon.  Thank you God for all you do and how you should always get the praise and honor for all things big and small!!!!

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits--
Psalm 103:2

 

 

Ladies Rule on This Team

 

The Salemburg team came in with more women than men.  These lovely ladies got their trials and gloves and off they went.  Mike gathered the new comers close by to teach them how to lay their blocks.  We would love to welcome my new friends and sisters in Christ,  Ethel and Mary.  They came prepared to give God all they had and learned very quickly how to lay block and fill joints.  Ethel shared during God moments later that evening how appreciative she was with everyone welcoming the new comers into the fold.  She was grateful for their patience provided for her during her learning process.  Lynda, Sarah, Carol and Katie worked along side their new comers and helped them throughout the day.  Mary shared during God moments how great the hugs were from everyone she met.  Their hugs were contagious and well received after the couple of days the team experienced.  It was truly a blessing to be received so warmly by such precious folks.  God's love and sunshine radiated down on this place as the five courses went up in one afternoon.  The team thanked God first and proceeded to thank God for all the Honduran help provided.  But thank God for these lovely ladies who gave their all to help those five course go up before the sun went down.  All God's people said AMEN!!!

 

The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host:
Psalm 68:11

Mike Sells Mango Slices

 

A nearby neighbor brought mango slices with chili for Mike and team.  Mike goes around trying to sell them to the workers for veinte leimperas.  Everyone laughs as the men take the mangoes but Mike does not receive his payment.  Once again this is an example of southern hospitality Honduran style.  Maida and Jose enjoy the delicacy during a break from their work.  Mike still tries to sell them to everyone.  Finally he gave up and joined in on the refreshing taste of mangoes.  Everyone enjoyed Mike's mangoes and laughter as they continued on with their work.  Nice try Mike.  Maybe next time someone will take you seriously.  We have way too much fun serving our Lord here in Honduras. 

 

 

Strangers Become Family

 

As the second day arrived and remember the team only worked one half day on the first day relationships were developing quickly by all.  Mike was reunited with long time friend, David.  Pastor Carlos connected very quickly with Samuel's cousin, Wuilmer.  Wuilmer was a extremely hard worker and learned a lot from along side Pastor Carlos.  Carol and every one's grandmother became friends very quickly.  Carol and ladies from the team went with the grandmother one day to visit her home.  The grandmother was so proud of her home and as she shared with the ladies about all her children and grandchildren the ladies added up around twenty eight grandchildren this grandmother was blessed to claim as her own.  Joy shown on her daily as she watched her children working closely together to build her son, Samuel and their brother and cousin a home.  We got reacquainted with an older gentleman who accepted Christ about three years ago and found out he was Sulema's father.  This gentleman fought the sinful battle of not wanting Christ for many years.  One day in this village during a medical clinic I spoke with him about receiving Christ as His Lord and Savior.  He said not today.  This was not the first time someone had spoken to him about receiving Christ.  I shared with him if he thinks Choluteca is hot, hell is going to be a whole lot hotter.  He still said NO!!!  About a year ago Mike and I were at Las Cabasas visiting our friends and this gentleman came running up to use greeting us as his brother and sister in Christ.  This gentleman finally received the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.  So last week when I saw him and realized he was Sulema's father this was even a sweeter part to the story.  The team members formed lasting relationships with many folks who touched their hearts deeply with their genuineness which is so rare to find this day and time.  The simplicity of life is a refreshing experience by so many North Americans friends who pass through this beautiful country.  Carol brought her long time friend, Ethel, from their career as school teachers to Honduras for the first time.  What an awesome experience to come along side an old colleague and share the love of our God here in Honduras. Katie connected with Sulema's little sister and was connected at the hip the whole week.  Also one special little girl named Stephanie who is not very well received by her peers was well received by the ladies of the team.  Stephanie is a little different and does not fit in very well with others.  Thank you ladies for making Stephanie feel special. 

 

"A friend loves at all times."

Proverbs 17:17

 

Harrison Brings Big Brother Clem

 

This is Harrison's third trip back to Honduras.  This year Harrison was able to bring his big brother, Clem.  Clem came the longest distance of any one who has traveled to Honduras.  He traveled from California.  Welcome to Clem.  Thank you for taking time away and joining us to build this sweet family a home.  This was special time for these two gentlemen to spend time together which is very rare for each of them.  Time with family is priceless when spending it serving the Lord and furthering the kingdom work.

 

 

                                       "All the families on earth will be blessed through you."  
                                                                                Genesis 12:3b



John and His Girls

 

This beautiful family returns again this year after numerous visits to Honduras.  They worked beautifully as a family unit.  They are all three blessings to whoever God places in their paths.  They worked side by side diligently with all their hearts.  Not only did the ladies, Carol wife of John and Katie, daughter, worked beside John on construction, John helped Carol and Katie prepare for VBS in the evening.  John made one special little friend, Joselin, the youngest of the three children.  She was near Mr. John throughout the entire week.  Mr. John had a special place in Joselin's little heart. Everywhere he was there was Joselin.  Thank you John, Carol and Katie for bringing such joy and blessings to Honduras. 

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Lynda and Sarah

 

Welcome back Lynda and daughter Sarah who have made their fourth trip to Honduras.  They come together and work side by side the whole week.  They work along side the other ladies building the home, doing VBS and the women's bible study. Lynda tried something different this year.  She worked with the fourteen year old Diana on her English.  Diana is learning English in school this year.  Lynda walked all around the community with Diana pointing to different objects saying them in English while Diana repeated each one behind her.  As one of the ladies' shared Lynda extended God's love in a special way by assisting Diana in her school work.  Thank you Lynda and Sarah for bringing the love of Jesus to Honduras this year.

 

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

Joshua 24:15

Home Goes Up

 

As the relationships are being built the home is getting built as well.  Each day the five courses are going up and the team with folks from different backgrounds became a n unified team, building Samuel's home.  John shared one evening how the unity level of this group was a true gift from God.  Everyone found their spot and off they went to get this family's home built.  In their short time the unified group put 800 blocks into place with the support of 50 plus bags of cement, two doors and two windows, floor and a roof.  It is amazing to watch a home go up in one short week.  Each week as teams come and go the weeks get shorter and shorter.  Time goes by too quickly so enjoy it by serving our Lord and Savior.  If you are reading this today and have not experienced this joy you are reading about I pray you will connect with someone and find out what true joy is, living and loving others in the name of Jesus.  We always wonder why folks keep coming back to serve with us where the heat is hotter than hot and the work is hard and strenuous.  But the answer is they love God first and they definitely loves these sweet folks in this precious part of the world called Honduras.  We thank God for all who come along beside us to serve here and to further God's kingdom through laying out 800 blocks and a lot of sweat in one short week.  What a blessing from God this is for all who get to come.  Thank you all for serving the Lord in Honduras.

 

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."
Philippians 1:3