Welcome back The Church at Covenant Park, Maryland Medical Team

 

This medical team returned full of faith and trust on what God was going to do this week.  Team Leader, Steve, shared during devotionals on the very first night our faith in God needs to be allowed to be stretched as far as God needs us.  This week let's get beyond our emotional insecurities and live richly in HIM.  HIS GRACE is making this week happen for each of us.  After an amazing devotional on allowing God to stretch out our faith beyond our comfort zones the team got busy preparing for their first day on the medical clinic.   The team was so generous to bring over 100 hygiene kits which Eric and Derek got organized to be delivered by Mike and Ginger later in the week to a public school.  Pauline and Stephanie prepared the lunches for the team.  Eric also sat and studied the chart they brought for medical terms in Spanish.  Jon was on the computer looking up songs in Spanish to be able to sing with the children who would come to the clinic.  Steve worked very hard on the medicines for the next day.  The team had prepped and prepared the medicines before they arrived in Honduras with the help of their church family.  This truly helped Steve out when he arrived.  This is an unique team in which Steve is the only medically trained person.  But God uses those who are unequipped so he can equipped them to do his work. I am sure Riyadh  was around somewhere assisting in some way.  Actually I believe he and Mike were discussing business at hand in the ministry.  Everyone believe me everyone did their part in making this a most beautiful week in serving our Lord and Savior.

 

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

Philemon 1:6

Pavana Medical Clinic

 

We all were welcomed by our brothers and sisters from the community called Pavana.  We picked this community to introduce ourselves to our new neighbors.  The Emmanuel Baptist Church in Pavana is on our way to the property NCBM has purchased. Mike and Pastor Carlos had discussed early on we need to take a team there so we can properly introduce ourselves by offering God's service to them.  Maryland was bringing a medical team and this is where God sent us.  The introductions and thank you to all went beautifully.  We were all trying to make a good first impression to our new neighbors.  The pastor was most gracious to us and thanked us for coming to provide medical care for the church family and community.  God is good all the time. All the time God is good.  Mike also shared how excited we all were to be there and to work beside each of them for three days.  Mike told them we are excited to have each of them as our new neighbors.  After the formal introductions we opened the clinic up in prayer as they did each and every morning upon arrival.

 

"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Galations 5:24 

 

Three Beautiful Days of Stretching for God

 

 

The first day of the clinic, the team assisted by Lizzy and Orfilio, Riyadh and Jon greeting each patient with love and laughter.  After registration the patient had not a fear of what was ahead with seeing the doctor.  Dr. Brenda and Dr. Leala worked hard caring and showing compassion to every patient who passed through their doctors.  The pharmacy was cranking up with Steve and all his assistants, Pauline, Stephanie, Eric, Derek and Maida.  Maida is our translator who explained to each patient how to take medicine prescribed to them and answered any questions they might would have with the help of Steve.  This clinic ran smoothly for three days.

Some of the opportunities of the week were cleaning out ears for folks who had not been able to hear for quiet along time.  Steve gave several breathing treatments to children and adults. During the three days at Pavana the medical team treated and cared for 357 patients.  The church members had everything so organized for the team which made the work they came to do much easier.  Team work was a definite on the first three days.  At the end of each day Steve, Dr. Brenda and Dr. Leala would meet and discuss what needs to be done differently for the next day and what medicines they were using for particular problems.  The three were an amazing team along side of the rest of the team who definitely stretched themselves all in the name of Jesus.  Steve was blessed with amazing gifted group of  people who came with no medical background but exceeded all the expectations of a successful medical clinic.  I believe we made an amazing first impression towards our new neighbors in Pavana.  Now as we pass through we get folks waving and smiling our way because we now can connect a face from our amazing three days at the Pavana Medical Clinic.  Once again Jose, our bus driver, was busy at work for Jesus as well.  He was able to befriend a young man, David, age 19 and lead  him to Christ.  We now have another brother in Christ.  Praise the Lord for Jose who is so faithful in finding out about people's spiritual health.  We are blessed to have you Jose.

 

Stephanie was humbled one day by a little boy coming up to her to say thank you for coming and helping at the medical clinic. Stephanie shared how God used this little boy to give her a smile.

 

Derek watched one of the church member's work on a light fixture to provide light for the pharmacy.  Finally after much time on this task he rewired the fixture and there was light.

 

Pauline with the help of Lizzy went outside to teach the children how to wash their hands.  She shared she was definitely out of her comfort zone but truly saw Jesus stretching her to do HIS work.

 

 Riyadh danced the "Tango" with a 90 year old lady who could not walk by herself.  He actually danced her all the way through the clinic visit.  Thank you Riyadh for loving unconditionally.

 

Jon learning how to take tempts along side of Lizzy.  Jon and Lizzy enjoyed speaking in English and in Spanish at the registration desk.  Blessed each day to have patients all check in by 11 so he could enjoy the children.

 

Eric in awe of the beauty and generosity of the Honduran people.  He felt a strong sense of community amongst the people in Pavana. 

 

Steve shared how he missed his Indio friend and realized he could do this by stretching himself out for Jesus.  When he did God did beautiful work through Steve, team leader this week.  Thank you Steve for allowing God to stretch you beyond your expectations.  God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

 

"I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

 

Juancho and the children

 

 

As I shared early on Jon, alias Juancho, enjoys the children.  He has a plus in his favor, he can speak fluent Spanish.  So after clinic each day he gathered the children hanging out at the clinic and shared a bible story and time to color pictures.  Also, he brought airplanes for them to play with.  After the first day Juancho had made numerous friends who came back the next two days to learn more about this man called Jesus.  Some of the children were from the community and not the church.  So hopefully through Juancho's willingness to share he planted seeds for these little ones to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  While there Lizzy found a friend who has the same name, Lizzy.  Little Lizzy enjoyed coming daily to the clinic to hear Juancho's stories and to get a chance to color pictures.  Thank you Juancho for taking time with the children. 

 

Jesus said, "Let the little ones come unto me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14 

 

A visit with Layla

 

The team finished up their first day to make a road trip to the home of their dear friend, Layla.  She is progressively getting worse as each day passes.  But her spirit is still there.  After a while she remembered who the some of the members of the team.  She requested roasted shrimp. She said she had cravings like a pregnant woman and had been craving shrimp.  So Maida cooked Layla up some roasted shrimp and the team made a return visit with the shrimp and some medicine for her congestion.   When Layla met Dr. Leala, age 26, she laughed at her when Dr. Leala told her she was a doctor.  Layla said you are just a child.  So this got us all tickled beyond words.  Layla laughed with us not understanding what was so funny. 

Each day at the clinic there was a lady who always came after the clinic closed. So Steve said if she comes back on the last day they would see her.  As we soon discovered she did not work across the street from the church.  She did not even live in Pavana.  She came from another location many miles away.  Jon asked her what her name was and she said Marta.  Jon asked her how old she was and she said five years old.  Jon asked her how many children she had and she said five.  Jon repeated the questions upon receiving the exact same answers.  So on the last day of the clinic Marte was seen by one of the doctors and received treatment for her aliments.  Thank you Marte for continuing your journey daily to the clinic to finally get a chance to see a doctor. 

 

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of the orphans. Fight for the rights of the widows."

Isaiah 1:17

Worship at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Pavana, Choluteca, Honduras

 

It was a beautiful day of worship.  There was three testimonies given by Jon, Derek and Steve.  Jon is bi-lingual.  Jon did not need the assistance of Maida.  This was special for someone who can speak the language of the country and sharing in God's word.  Well done Jon.  Praise God for your friend who took the time to share Jesus Christ with you and you now have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We always need to be grateful to this one special person who showed and shared Jesus Christ with us.  This determines our eternal home.  Derek, got out of his comfort zone and allowed the Lord to use him in his personal testimony.  Derek said, "I am not a public speaker."  Well God took Derek's weakness and made him strong.  Derek shared his journey with the Lord and God was glorified.  Thank you Derek for allowing God to stretch you beyond your own means.  All God's people said AMEN.  Last but not least Steve shared his testimony and how he grew up in the church but finally one day he realized he did not know Jesus personally.  You may go to church and do all good things but unless Jesus Christ is at the center of your being and you are at the center of HIS will for your life you may not truly know Jesus who is bigger than we will ever imagine.  Do not let this day go by and not recognize our Jesus who is bigger and greater than any thing you will ever imagine.  As Steve closed he shared how if he did not see them again he will see them in Heaven where everyone will be speaking Spanish.  This definitely brought laughter and love to the congregation.  As time was coming to an end with our first medical clinic and church family, the pastor asked Mike to come forward.  This gave Mike the opportunity to thank everyone on both teams, Honduran and North American for all the hard work which took place in the last three days.  He shared how he was looking forward to a future with his neighbors in Pavana as the construction on the property progresses.  With God we can do all things.  Thank you Maryland for helping bridge the gap between NCBM and the community of Pavana.   This week we were able to build a sence of community with our new neighbors in Pavana. Job well done good and faithful servants. 

 

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

I Peter 4:10

 

"Well done good and faithful servants."

Matthew 25:21

 

 

On our way to Las Juvas

 

 

The team got up at 5:00 on the fourth and fifth day to leave at 6 to arrive at one of the most beautiful sights this side of heaven.  Actually as they traveled up a rocky dirt road they kept wondering if they would ever get there while enjoying the beauty of God's creation.  Truly they were traveling to the tip of a mountain in the sky.  The saying "Once you get to the top of that mountain you will be there." is truly the case for the medical team of Maryland.  They could not drive the bus.  They took the truck and the Kia. After one hour on this rocky dirt path,  they arrived at the top of the mountain where they found the most quaint little church of 52 years.  This church was built by IMB missionaries 52 years ago.  It was not quiet as big as most churches we serve out of but it was so precious in its beauty.  It was nestled in the cove of a road.  The team got out to access and realized the entire clinic would take place in this small but adequate sanctuary.  God always prevails in all the details.  They set up their medical clinic with the help of the church family.  Pastor Carlos has been the pastor of this church for the last four months.  He travels over three hours from his home to pastor these people at the top of this mountain. It was obvious the church and the community loves Pastor Carlos and all he does for the church.  Thank you Pastor Carlos for your commitment to this precious little piece of heaven.  These people had not seen a doctor in years if at all.  Thank you God for showing Mike and me this place to serve you.

 

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "AMEN, Praise the Lord."

Psalm 106:48

 

 

Working at La Juvas

 

The team started their fourth day of clinic at a place up up up in the mountains of Choluteca called Las Juvas.  They were greeted by Pastor Carlos who is the pastor of this church.  The morning started out smoothly for all of the team.  This set up was quiet different from the first one.  The team had the entire clinic inside of the church building.  The first day of the clinic in Las Juvas was 150 patients.  The most patients seen in one day yet.  Ye the day ran smoothly and it all got done in a timely manner.

Some memories of this clinic.  Stephanie took four prescriptions and stuck them in her pocket to fill and the other pharmacists' assistants could not figure out why they did not have any prescriptions coming in.  Everyone got a big laugh out of this and named her "Little Debbie". 

Riyadh checked in a 40 plus year old lady who had severe rheumatoid arthritis.  Her 15 year old daughter carried her up the mountain to the clinic and once she was seen carried her back home.  The young lady of 15 had many years added to her life from the constant care she gives  her mother on a daily basis.

Jose observed Steve carrying for young boy who had severe wax build up.  The young boy stayed very calm while Steve worked quiet a while on his ears.  Jose shared it was almost like they were connected.  It was surreal how the little boy stayed calm.  This was probably the first time the young boy had seen a doctor.

Stephanie finally left her comfort zone of the pharmacy and spend some time playing by herself with the children.  Great job Stephanie.  Looks like from the picture above they wore you out.  Glad you enjoyed the little ones.

Eric was in awe of the beauty of the mountain top looking down into the valley.  Beauty of creation hand-crafted by our God.  How majestic our God is!!!!  Our God created all things even the beauty of Las Juvas.

Pauline shared how there is a sense of community all over the world.  This small church reached out to their community through a medical clinic with a little help from the North Americans.

Jon and Derek shared how a patient came in needing to have a caste removed.  They asked Dr. Brenda if this could be done.  She said yes and told Pastor Carlos to find her something to cut it off of the man's arm.  Pastor Carlos came back with a hack saw.  Dr. Brenda proceeded sawing on the caste until finally she had removed the caste.  There is not anything our Dr. Brenda cannot do if given the opportunity. 

At the end of the week the team had seen 586 patients total.  They had one salvation and many eyes saw Jesus throughout the five days.  To God be the glory for all these things.

 

"For nothing is impossible with God."

Luke 1:37

Las Juvas with the children

 

Pauline and Lizzy pulled all the children together for a bible story. Pauline shared how she was definitely stretching her faith for the Lord.  Lizzy translated while Pauline shared the story.

On the last day of clinic the team found out Dr. Leala worked with the children in her father's church.  So after clinic was complete they all gathered in the sanctuary and the North Americans and Hondurans all became like little children.  They did all kinds of activities with the children. Laughter filled the sanctuary which echoed throughout those beautiful mountains.  The team shared how much joy they found on that last afternoon of clinic by taking the time to play with the children.  Thank you God for the children.

 

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus to ask Him, 'Who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?' He called a little child over and had him stand among them. And He said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.'"

Matthew 18:1-3

Last evening in Choluteca

On the last evening some hidden talents dispersed from several of the team members.  Pauline could play the guitar beautifully along side her amazing voice.  Then here comes Derek and Jon who sang along with her, "Lord I need YOU, Oh how I need YOU.   Wow what a wonderful way to end a wonderful week serving the Lord through medicine.  At the end of the week the team had seen a total of 589 patients between two locations.   Thank you The Church at Convenant Park for stretching yourself through your faith in Jesus Christ to come share the gospel through medicine.  There physical and spiritual needs were definitely met this week.

Beloved I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."
3 John 3:2




 

Brother and Sister come to serve

 

 

Welcome back Steve and this time he brought his little sister, Pauline.  What a joy it was watching the two of them serving the Lord together.  They worked side by side in the pharmacy.  Steve watched his little sister get out of her comfort zone to work with the children on how to wash their hands and another day she shared a bible story with Lizzy's help.  Steve was proud of his little sister, Pauline, who got to share with him here in Honduras.  These memories will be forever etched in their hearts and treasures for ever.  Thank you Steve and Pauline for making this week special for all of us. 

 

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

Joshua 24:15

 

 

 

 

Reunion and greeting of old and new friends

 

The team leader, Dennis, introduced himself and his team to the Bonilla family. Alexis was proud to introduce his lovely wife and four precious little girls.  His brother and nephew were there as well to help him build his home.  We all gathered in a circle embracing one another with outstretched arms as we lifted up the day in prayer.  To God be the glory for putting this team here at this time with such a precious and loving family.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

 

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." 

Matthew 18:20

Every project is unique

 

As we have worked in Honduras for the last four years and this team has been coming 10 years we have all learned the famous phrase "No Problem" by our Honduran brothers and sisters.  After the greeting of everyone Mike walked Pastor G over to the foundation where there was no rebar in any of the corners.  So Pastor G proceeded to figure out how to fix the small opportunity.  A hour or so later the opportunity was history.  The construction of the home commenced.  Praise the Lord for his blessings even in the time of opportunities.  To God be the glory.

 

"For God all things are possible."

 

Matthew 19:26