Today is Friday, June 23rd, and for those going to Honduras on the mission trips it means we are one week away from departure! Excitement (and anxiety) are running high right now, for all who are preparing to go on the trip. It is such an exciting time, for most, an event we have been waiting for nearly a year. For those of us who have been making the plans and schedules, it is crunch time, trying to tie up loose ends and making sure everything is in order before we leave. So, here is the long awaited information about the trips that are coming up, pay attention and take notes!
We have, in the next 24 days, 3 teams that will be in Honduras. The first July team is made up of about 70 people from Memphis, Tennessee; Benton, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Montgomery, Alabama; Sarasota, Florida; Kittanning, Pennsylvania; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Approximately 45 land on Friday, June 30th, from the Nashville airport, and 25 on Saturday, July 1 from the Miami airport. The second July team is made up of 50 people from Columbia, South Carolina. They arrive on July 7th. And the final group is made up of 70 people that come from Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Sarasota, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; and Bradenton, Florida.
The July 1 and July 7 teams will be working in Tegucigalpa, and also Comayagua, a large city about 2 hours northeast of the capital. The July 14 team will be working in Tegucigalpa, and Choluteca, about 4 hours west of the capital on the Pacific Coast. All 3 trips have big plans that will include building houses; food distribution; VBS and adult Bible classes; hospital visitations; orphanage visitations; painting projects; service projects and more. The July 1 team will be staying at Hotel Morales in Comayagua and the July 7 team will be staying at Hotel Santa Maria in Comayagua. The July 14 team will be staying at the Hacienda Gualiqueme in Choluteca.
Please take note to the following information concerning the trip:
* Make sure that you are at the airport 2 ½ hours ahead of your departure time. International flights take longer to check in.
* All airline tickets are electronic tickets so all you will need is your passport.
* You are allowed to check 2 suitcases for the trip. Maximum weight limit is 50 pounds. They will charge you if you go over!!!
* You are also allowed a carry-on (backpack) and a purse or handbag. You should pack any important items (medicine, money, credit cards, etc.) in your carry on bag.
* You might want to pack an extra change of clothes too in case your luggage doesn’t make it on the flight (you never know…)
* DO NOT PACK HAMMERS, KNIVES, ETC., IN YOUR BACKPACK OR CARRY-ON BAG!!!! You will have to donate it to the security guys if you do.
* If you have received your Torch t-shirt/ journal, don’t forget to bring them! There are no extras. If you have not received them yet you will get them in Honduras.
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
Bible/ passport
Toilet paper (comfort is everything)
Pepto Bismal (the pink miracle)
Tooth brush/paste
Soap/shampoo
Hand wipes (bring a lot!)
Hand sanitizer (very important)
Imodium (life savers)
Shaving cream/razor
Towel/wash cloth
Deodorant/Q-tips
Insect repellent (Cactus Juice)
Multi-vitamins
Camera/film
Deck of cards
Watch (waterproof)
Work clothes (disposable)
1 set of new twin sheets (white)
2 bottles of Pepto Bismol
Work shoes (closed toed)/Work gloves
Peanut butter/jelly/ Snack food
Laundry bag
Zip-lock bags (sandwich & gallon size)
Flash light/ Alarm clock
Spending money ($50 - $90+)
Hat/visor
Water bottle (s)
Sunscreen (psf 20 +)
Paper/pen/pencil/ Sharpie marker
Backpack
Spanish/English dictionary
Pocket knife/ Sunglasses
Band-aides/ Personal medicines
(Items in bold are supplies to be given away)
Torch Missions Honduras 2006
Tentative Schedule
June 30 - July 11 trip
June 30th (Memphis group, Benton, Kentucky group, the Crew)
12:20 - 1:08 pm: Arrive in Tegucigalpa. Clear customs.
2:30: Get luggage, exchange money, load bus
3:00: Shop at grocery store for lunch foods
4:00: Dinner (fast food in Tegucigalpa).
7:30: Arrive at Hotel Morales, Comayagua.
9:00: Devotional
10:30: Room check.
July 1st (Florida group & Nashville group arrive and do June 30th schedule)
6:00 - 6:30: Wake-up call.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work assignments (TBA).
4:30: Return to hotel; clean-up.
6:00: Dinner with full team. (Belmont team lands in Tegucigalpa)
7:00 - Mixer games (Brett Mitchell in charge)
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional (Belmont team arrives at hotel)
10:30: Room check.
July 2nd
7:00: Wake-up
8:00: Breakfast
9:15: Depart for church services
12:00: Lunch (Wendy’s)
2:30- 4:30: Visitation teams (Hospital, clinic, and special needs orphanage)
5:30: Return to hotel
6:00: Dinner
7:00: Small group discussion time
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional
10:30: Room check. (pack luggage for departure tomorrow)
July 3rd
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Bring luggage to lobby
8:45:Morning devotional.
9:15: Depart for work assignments (TBA)
3:00: Return to hotel. Load luggage and depart for Tegucigalpa.
5:30: Arrive at Mission House / get rooming assignments / unpack
6:30 - 7:30: Dinner.
7:30 - 8:30: Free time.
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional.
10:30: Room check.
July 4th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
5:00: Return to Mission House; shower.
6:00: Dinner
7:15: Shopping at grocery store.
9:00- 10:00: Evening devotional
10:30: Room check.
July 5th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:30: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30: Return to Mission House / shower
6:00: Dinner
7:30: Small group (or possible devo at Jesus statue)
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional (depending on weather)
10:30: Room check
July 6th
6:30: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast (in restaurant)
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30- 5:00: Return to Mission House / showers
6:00: Dinner
7:00- 9:00: Free time
9:00: Devotional.
10:30: Room check.
July 7th (South Carolina group arrives)
6:30 - Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30: Return to Mission House / shower.
5:30: Depart for town / going out for dinner (fast food junction)
8:15: Depart for Mission House.
9:00: Evening devotional (combined devo with South Carolina group)
10:30: Room check.
July 8th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:30: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30: Return to Mission House / shower
6:00: Dinner
7:30: Small group (Barnabas project)
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional
10:30: Room check
July 9th (Belmont team leaves to go home)
8:00: Wake-up.
9:00 -9:45: Worship service @ Mission House (with South Carolina group?)
9:45 - 10:30: Brunch
10:30: Load luggage on bus
11:00: Depart for Hotel Copantyl / Check-in.
11:30 - 2:30: Free time at hotel
2:30: Bus departs for mall / dinner
7:30: Bus loads to return to Hotel Copantyl
8:30: Devotional
11:00: Room check
July 10th (Tennessee & Kentucky team departs on this schedule)
8:00: Wake-up.
9:00 -9:45: Breakfast
9:45: Load luggage on bus and depart for airport
10:30: Baggage check-in / receive boarding passes (Continental & American)
1:20: Continental flight departs
2:15: American Airlines flight departs
July 10th (schedule for remainder of team)
8:00: Wake-up
8:00 - 10:30: Breakfast @ hotel
10:30: Morning devotional
11:15: Depart for Valley of Angels (visit orphanage and shop)
5:00: Dinner @ Santa Lucia
7:30: Devotional at Santa Lucia church
9:30: Arrive back at Hotel Copantl
11:00: Room check
July 11th (Florida and Pennsylvania group)
8:00: Wake-up.
8:00 -9:30: Breakfast
9:30 - 10:15: Morning devotional
10:30 - 11:15: Load luggage on bus and depart for airport
11:30: Baggage check-in / receive boarding passes (Continental & American)
2:15: American Airlines flight departs
Torch Missions Honduras 2006
Tentative Schedule
July 7 - July 17 trip
July 7th
12:30: Continental group arrives.
1:08 pm: American group Arrives. Clear customs; claim luggage; load bus.
2:00: Eat lunch across the street from airport.
3:00: Visitation at blind school (or similar project)
5:00: Arrive at Mission House / dinner
6:00 - 7:30: Unpack, settle into rooms
7:30: Team meeting in cafeteria / rules / orientation
9:00: Combined devotional with July 1 team
10:30: Room check.
July 8th
6:00 - 6:30: Wake-up call.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work assignments (building 2 houses in San Miguel; painting team; food packing team)
4:30: Return to Mission House; clean-up.
6:00: Dinner.
7:30: Devotional at chapel
8:30 - 10:30: Free time / journals
10:30: Room check.
July 9th
8:00: Breakfast for South Carolina group
9:00 -9:45: Worship service @ Mission House (with July 1 team)
9:45 - 10:30: Brunch for July 1 team. (South Carolina team packs toys and flyers for Valley of Angels project)10:30: Everyone departs. July 1 team goes to Hotel Copantyl to begin retreat, South Carolina group for project.
10:30 - 12:30: Lunch fast food junction (Camparos; Little Caesars; etc.)
1:30- 3:00: Pass out flyers for VBS at Valley of Angels
3:00 0 4:30: Visit orphanage at Valley of Angels
5:30: Dinner in town
7:30: Return to Mission House
7:30 - 8:30: Evening devotional
8:30 - 10:30: Free time / journals
10:30: Room check.
July 10th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00:Morning devotional.
9:15: Depart for work assignments (VBS at San Miguel and adult Bible studies; food distribution and hospital visitation)
4:30: Arrive at Mission House
6:00: Dinner.
7:30 - 8:30: Evening devotional.
8:30 - 10:30: Free time / journals
10:30: Room check.
July 11th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
5:00: Return to Mission House; shower.
6:00: Dinner
7:30: Evening devotional
8:30 - 10:30: Free time / Journals
10:30: Room check.
July 12th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:30: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30: Return to Mission House / shower
6:00: Dinner
7:30: Small group (or possible devo at Jesus statue)
10:30: Room check
July 13th
6:30: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast (in restaurant)
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30- 5:00: Return to Mission House / showers
6:00: Dinner
7:30: Evening devotional.
8:30 - 10:30: Free time / journals
10:30: Room check.
July 14th
6:30 - Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30: Return to Mission House / shower.
5:30: Depart for town / going out for dinner (nice, sit down restaurant)
8:15: Return to Mission House.
8:45: In room devotionals / pack suitcases for morning departure.
10:30: Room check.
July 15th
6:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Load luggage for Comayagua
9:00: Depart for Comayagua
11:30: Arrive in Comayagua / Check into hotel / lunch / settle in / free time
2:30: Team meeting / depart for visitation projects (special needs orphanage and hospital)
5:00: return to hotel / dinner / free time
7:30: Evening devotional/
10:30: Room check
July 16th
8:00 - 9:45: Breakfast
9:45 - 10:30: Worship assembly at hotel (tentative, depends on local church assembly time, might be able to worship at Comayagua church)
10:30: Day activities and free time / lunch on your own
5:00 - 7:00: Dinner
7:30: Evening devotional
11:00: Room check
July 17th
6:00 - 7:30: Breakfast
7:45: Load luggage on bus and depart for airport
10:30: Baggage check-in / receive boarding passes (Continental & American)
12:20: Continental flight departs
2:15: American Airlines flight departs
Torch Missions Honduras 2006
Tentative Schedule
July 14 - 24 trip
July 14th
1:08 pm: Arrive in Tegucigalpa. Clear customs; claim luggage; load bus.
2:30: Clear customs, get luggage, exchange money, load bus
3:30: Arrive at Mission House, settle in.
4:30: Orientation
5:30: Dinner.
6:30: Orientation / mixer games
8:30 - 9:30: Devotional
10:30: Room check.
July 15th
6:00 - 6:30: Wake-up call.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work assignments (TBA).
4:30 - 5:00: Return to Mission House; clean-up.
6:00 - 7:00: Dinner.
7:00 - 8:45: Shopping at local grocery store
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional
10:30: Room check.
July 16th
7:00 - 7:30: Wake-up call.
8:00 - 8:45: Breakfast.
9:00: Load buses for San Miguel (church clothes / bring outfit to change into after worship assembly)
10:00 - 11:30: Worship @ San Miguel (Monaloa)
12:30 - 2:00: Lunch (fast food junction / pick up pizzas for pizza party)
3:00- 5:00: Visit Dadasko orphanage / pizza party for children
7:00 - 8:45: Dinner
10:00: Evening devotional: small group (in room devos)
July 17th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work assignments (TBA)
5:00: Return to Mission House.
6:00 - 7:00: Dinner.
7:00 - 8:30: Free time.
9:00 - 10:30: Evening devotional.
10:30: Room check.
July 18th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
5:00: Return to Mission House; shower.
6:00: Dinner
7:00-8:30: Pack luggage for morning departure
9:00- 10:00: Evening devotional
10:30: Room check.
July 19th
6:30 - 7:00: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:30: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for Choluteca (on Pacific coast, 4 hour drive)
12:45: Check into hotel
2:00 - Depart for work projects (TBA)
6:00: Return to hotel / shower
7:00: Dinner in restaurant (note: food not included at hotel, we will eat off of the menu in the hotel restaurant or at Wendy’s, depending)
8:15- 9:00: Free time
9:00 - 10:00: Evening devotional
13:30: Room check
July 20th
6:30: Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast (in restaurant)
8:30: Morning devotional.
9:15: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30- 5:00: Return to hotel / showers
6:00 - 8:00: Dinner (hotel restaurant)
8:45- 9:45: Evening devotional.
10:30: Room check.
July 21st
6:30 - Wake-up.
7:00 - 7:45: Breakfast.
8:30: Morning devotional.
8:45: Depart for work projects (TBA)
4:30: Return to hotel / shower.
5:30: Dinner @ Wendy’s
7:00 - 8:00: Evening devotional.
8:00 - 10:30: Pack luggage for morning departure
10:30: Room check.
July22nd
6:30: Wake up
7:00- 7:45: Breakfast (in restaurant)
8:00: Morning devotional.
8:45: pack luggage, load on truck.
9:00 - Depart for San Salvador, El Salvador
3:00: Check into hotel / settle in (note: no meals are included on the retreat. Meals are each team member’s responsibility)
4:30: Depart for mall; shopping, dinner
8:30: Arrive back to Hotel
9:00- 10:00: Evening devotional.
11:00: Room check
July 23rd
7:00 - 10:30: Leisure time / breakfast at hotel (Ben, Linda, Margaret leave)
10:30: Worship assembly
10:45 - 7:30: Planned activities / free time / dinner (more details TBA)
8:00: Evening devotional
9:00: pack luggage for morning departure
11:00: Room check
July 24th
7:00- 8:00: Breakfast
8:00- 8:45: Load luggage
9:00: Depart for airport
10:00: Check-in / boarding passes / pay exit fees
1:20: Depart American Airlines back to the states
As always, please remember that all of our schedules are tentative (aka pipe dreams). There are a multitude of things that can cause changes in the schedules and veterans know that being flexible is just part of the experience. But the schedules are here to give those going and those staying back home an idea of what might be going on, and more importantly, where we will be.
Communication is always a challenge for us, but this blog will give you daily reports of what we are doing. When possible e-mails will be sent back home and there might even be the possibility of a phone call every now and then. But please remember, we are in a third world country and we are working a very long and busy schedule from day to day. Emergency phone numbers and e-mails will be posted while we are on the trip so check this blog often.
Wow, after months of planning, dreaming, and praying, the trip is here. I look forward to working with all of you in Honduras, be ready for God to do amazing things through you. For those staying back, keep us in your prayers and thank you for your support. My prayer is that God will be glorified in what we do and that we will be able to make a difference while we are in Honduras.
Terry Reeves
Trip coordinator
Friday, June 23
Monday, June 12
Mount Trashmore
24 of us just returned from a week’s work in hurricane battered New Orleans. We left Sarasota at 5:30 am on Monday and arrived in the Big Easy around 8:30 that evening. Over 200 volunteers were assembled for evening devotional led by Tim Hines. The singing was quite good, especially for those of us that had driven all day to get there. Groups were there from Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida. We were all there for the same reason, to help get families get back on their feet.
Tim heads up Hilltop Rescue and Relief, a church of Christ disaster response team, located in the St. Bernard Parrish. It is quite the operation, from logistics to support, Hilltop has got it. Hilltop was given the use of an elementary school by the St. Bernard Parrish council and it has been converted into a command center for the volunteer operation. Classrooms have been converted into sleeping quarters with cots to sleep on and air conditioning to help ease the pain of the New Orleans heat and humidity. A large room has been converted into a cafeteria and assembly hall, another the kitchen. Other rooms serve as showers, laundry room, and storage rooms.
Hilltop has received thousands of dollars worth of food and equipment for the clean-up effort. Trailers carry wheel barrels, shovels, rakes, sledge hammers, crow bars, hoes, and other tools to the work sites. Volunteers stay to cook 2 hot meals a day and bread, meat, and snacks are provided to take lunches to the job sites. Just about anything you can imagine that you would need is there and the volunteers who help run this program are amazing.
Days start out at 6:00 when wake-up takes place. 6:30 -7:20 is breakfast and morning devo starts promptly at 7:30. At 8:00 you are given your work orders along with a map. Finding your site is one of the hardest things you will encounter since nearly all of the road signs have been blown away from the storm. But with some creativity and imagination, along with some graffiti on houses, addresses to the work sites can be found. Owners of the houses are there waiting for you, which is a neat experience, and something none of us will soon forget. Hearing their stories really helps put everything into perspective as you get ready for the very hard work ahead of you.
They call it de-mucking. The term does not do justice to what you are about to do. It is the hardest work I think I have ever done in my entire life. De-mucking means going into a house and removing all of the contents that are in it that were destroyed and ruined by the storm. We worked in St. Bernard Parrish where over 27,000 homes sat under 5’ to 9’ of water for over 3 weeks. Literally everything inside the homes were ruined by the water and wind. And, to make it worse, the houses that we worked in had been left untouched for nearly 9 months after the storm had hit.
You can only imagine the condition of the houses when we entered them. The floor was covered in a thick, gooey black mud that was 6” to 12” deep. It was given the name “poop mud,” for obvious reasons, and it was a nightmare. We had to force our way into the houses and begin shoveling the mud out of the door openings just to be able to get into the houses to get to the wet and moldy furniture, paintings, dishes, clothes, bedding, etc. Room by room we would go clearing out all of the belongings, looking for anything that might still be salvaged. The heat was sweltering and the smell was almost unbearable. And we found a lot of bugs living in all of the muck.
Literally a mountain of trash accumulated outside the house by the road of each house we worked (we worked on 6 houses while we were there). We had to separate bio hazards, such as paint and batteries, in one pile, electronic devices in another. Appliances had their own pile too, with everything else going into the pile we called “mount trashmore.” Then came the task of breaking away all of the drywall from the house and pulling out all of the nails that held it in place.
Needless to say we took a lot of water breaks during the day to stay hydrated. It was extremely hot and humid and Hilltop provided lots of purified drinking water for us. Each of us drank a gallon or more a day. By the end of the day we hardly had the strength to go back to Hilltop for a shower. Dinner was from 6:00 till 7:00 and we ended the day with a devotional from 7:30 till 8:30. Lights went out promptly at 10:30 (and not a complaint from the group!). Sleep was what we all desired more than anything and 10:30 couldn’t come fast enough.
I have to admit I was quite proud of our team. We had a wide age range, from those who just finished 6th grade to our senior leader, Jim, who at 68 worked us all under the table. We had more girls than guys and the girls certainly held their own. But we left New Orleans with a feeling of accomplishment, a realization that we really did make a difference while we were there. Not only did we see Jesus at work in the attitudes and hard work of those around us, we showed Jesus to the families that we helped. And that was awesome to say the least. If you would like to find out more about Hilltop Rescue and Relief go check it out at their website at www.hilltoprescue.org . Maybe you, or somebody you know, would like to go and volunteer some time there. Believe me, we left plenty of work behind for others to do.
Terry
Tim heads up Hilltop Rescue and Relief, a church of Christ disaster response team, located in the St. Bernard Parrish. It is quite the operation, from logistics to support, Hilltop has got it. Hilltop was given the use of an elementary school by the St. Bernard Parrish council and it has been converted into a command center for the volunteer operation. Classrooms have been converted into sleeping quarters with cots to sleep on and air conditioning to help ease the pain of the New Orleans heat and humidity. A large room has been converted into a cafeteria and assembly hall, another the kitchen. Other rooms serve as showers, laundry room, and storage rooms.
Hilltop has received thousands of dollars worth of food and equipment for the clean-up effort. Trailers carry wheel barrels, shovels, rakes, sledge hammers, crow bars, hoes, and other tools to the work sites. Volunteers stay to cook 2 hot meals a day and bread, meat, and snacks are provided to take lunches to the job sites. Just about anything you can imagine that you would need is there and the volunteers who help run this program are amazing.
Days start out at 6:00 when wake-up takes place. 6:30 -7:20 is breakfast and morning devo starts promptly at 7:30. At 8:00 you are given your work orders along with a map. Finding your site is one of the hardest things you will encounter since nearly all of the road signs have been blown away from the storm. But with some creativity and imagination, along with some graffiti on houses, addresses to the work sites can be found. Owners of the houses are there waiting for you, which is a neat experience, and something none of us will soon forget. Hearing their stories really helps put everything into perspective as you get ready for the very hard work ahead of you.
They call it de-mucking. The term does not do justice to what you are about to do. It is the hardest work I think I have ever done in my entire life. De-mucking means going into a house and removing all of the contents that are in it that were destroyed and ruined by the storm. We worked in St. Bernard Parrish where over 27,000 homes sat under 5’ to 9’ of water for over 3 weeks. Literally everything inside the homes were ruined by the water and wind. And, to make it worse, the houses that we worked in had been left untouched for nearly 9 months after the storm had hit.
You can only imagine the condition of the houses when we entered them. The floor was covered in a thick, gooey black mud that was 6” to 12” deep. It was given the name “poop mud,” for obvious reasons, and it was a nightmare. We had to force our way into the houses and begin shoveling the mud out of the door openings just to be able to get into the houses to get to the wet and moldy furniture, paintings, dishes, clothes, bedding, etc. Room by room we would go clearing out all of the belongings, looking for anything that might still be salvaged. The heat was sweltering and the smell was almost unbearable. And we found a lot of bugs living in all of the muck.
Literally a mountain of trash accumulated outside the house by the road of each house we worked (we worked on 6 houses while we were there). We had to separate bio hazards, such as paint and batteries, in one pile, electronic devices in another. Appliances had their own pile too, with everything else going into the pile we called “mount trashmore.” Then came the task of breaking away all of the drywall from the house and pulling out all of the nails that held it in place.
Needless to say we took a lot of water breaks during the day to stay hydrated. It was extremely hot and humid and Hilltop provided lots of purified drinking water for us. Each of us drank a gallon or more a day. By the end of the day we hardly had the strength to go back to Hilltop for a shower. Dinner was from 6:00 till 7:00 and we ended the day with a devotional from 7:30 till 8:30. Lights went out promptly at 10:30 (and not a complaint from the group!). Sleep was what we all desired more than anything and 10:30 couldn’t come fast enough.
I have to admit I was quite proud of our team. We had a wide age range, from those who just finished 6th grade to our senior leader, Jim, who at 68 worked us all under the table. We had more girls than guys and the girls certainly held their own. But we left New Orleans with a feeling of accomplishment, a realization that we really did make a difference while we were there. Not only did we see Jesus at work in the attitudes and hard work of those around us, we showed Jesus to the families that we helped. And that was awesome to say the least. If you would like to find out more about Hilltop Rescue and Relief go check it out at their website at www.hilltoprescue.org . Maybe you, or somebody you know, would like to go and volunteer some time there. Believe me, we left plenty of work behind for others to do.
Terry
Tuesday, May 30
WELCOME TO HONDURAS!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to Honduras!!! (editor’s note: this phrase is used whenever something has gone wrong, a plan has fallen apart, or something beyond your control has happened. In other words, it takes the place of “Its not my fault that…). So, with that being said, let me again say, “Welcome to Honduras!”
The May trip was absolutely wonderful. What an awesome team! 41 of us made the first Torch trip of the summer and we started the summer off on the right foot for sure. We had 10 incredible days of work and experiences while we were there. Not to mention some new stuff too, enough that even the long time veterans had to say it was the best trip ever. (editor’s note: veterans tend to say every year’s trip was the best ever.) The May team was a very diverse group, coming from many different places. But we bonded together to make a well oiled machine at the end and a lot of ministry was accomplished.
This was a really balanced team. Nearly a 50% - 50% split in veterans to rookies, nearly a 50% - 50% split in guy to girl ratio too. Just enough “adults” to balance the team too. All in all, I don’t think I could have asked for a better group. And since most were collage age, they could stay up late and get up early and it was almost impossible to work them too hard. They left wanting more, and I believe them!!! And for a few of us, saying goodbye wasn’t too hard because we knew we were coming back in just a few weeks for more!
But, I have to write a brief description of what I believe was the most memorable “Welcome to Honduras” moment in the 15 years I have been going to Honduras. It happened on the last day of the trip, the day we were scheduled to go home. We were staying at the very luxurious Hotel Copantl, about 20 minutes from the airport, on the mountain that the Mission House is located, enjoying the end of our 1 and ½ day retreat. Our flight didn’t leave until 2:20 so we were not suppose to leave the hotel till 10:30 so that we could be at the airport at 11:00. We were to sleep in, have a late breakfast, load the bus and leave. It was to be very relaxing, very laid back, very low keyed. WELCOME TO HONDURAS!
Cary Hadley woke up at 6:00 am because he had to go to the airport early to take one from his group to catch an early flight since he flew on another carrier. He turned on the TV and our whole world turned upside down within a couple of minutes. Cary woke me up to watch the local news (in Spanish, which I found amusing since I don’t speak Spanish!). However, I didn’t need to speak Spanish to understand what was going on. A transit strike was happening. All taxi cabs and public buses were not operating to protest high fuel prices and low pay. (editor’s note: Honduras strikes all of the time. It is not unusual to see a strike any day of the week. Interesting enough, Hondurans are so peaceful that even their strikes are peaceful too.)
Now, this strike was different in the fact that the drivers were well organized and used their vehicles to block all of the major roads, intersections, and bridges in the city. And they were WELL organized. Our early morning departees took off and had little trouble getting to the airport because it was so early in the morning. But by 8:00 and entire city was shut down and nobody was traveling in or out of the city. Businesses closed up, schools shut down and a bunch of American gringos were about to have the ride of their lives!!!
We decided to leave at 9:00 to give us an additional hour to get to the airport. Great plan, but WELCOME TO HONDURAS! The bus drivers, bless their hearts, cannot plan more than 5 minutes ahead of time. As we jumped on the bus to leave for the airport we had to stop to get fuel (we used the buses all day the day before, do you think they thought to tell me they needed fuel then??? Noooooooo, of course not). As we stopped at the bottom of the mountain to get fuel, we literally watched the roads all around us shut down and get blocked. So the buses took off, left the two pickup trucks to stay to pay for the bill, and headed off for the airport.
I will leave out a lot of details here, but those of us in the trucks pretty much thought we were in the filming of a movie involving James Bond, Indiana Jones, the Fast and the Furious, and the Cannonball Run all wrapped up in one!!! It was the most exciting thing I can ever remember in Honduras. So, we will fast forward by saying that every way we knew to get to the airport was blocked by a very peaceful strike. We hired some locals who told us how to get around the blockade by going through some neighborhoods so we hired them to take us. They did a great job of taking the back roads and they got us to within a couple of miles to the airport but even their route was blocked. But amazingly enough (or a God thing), we found our buses on the same road and we reunited with them!
Randy Kluge got out of his car and went to speak to the drivers of the blockade. He told them how much he appreciated what they were doing and that we totally supported them in what they were striking for that day. He told them that he hoped that they would get the fuel rebates the government promised them and that they would all get raises. Then he told them of our dilemma. He told them that we were missionaries and that is was critical that we got our plane to go home. He explained that if we missed that flight that hundreds of other missionaries coming down this summer might not come because they would be afraid of Honduras. The drivers met together and literally came to a decision 15 seconds later. “Move the cars and let the gringos through!!!!!” It was like Moses parting the Red Sea! It was so awesome!!! And we made it to the airport in plenty of time and caught our flight and came home. What a God thing. What a moment of faith. When we did everything we could do within our ability, God made it happen.
A lot of people missed their flights that day. The strike ended at 2:00 when the police went out and sent everybody home. (editor’s note: that is how all strikes end. Hondurans strike, they make life tough for a couple of hours/days, the police come in, everybody goes home.) But for us, it was a memory that will be told for a long time. (another editor’s note: save this blog. It is accurate. In a few years, you will catch me stretching the truth on this story because it will get better and better as the years pass! I am famous for this.)
Here are the totals for the May trip. To the other Torch teams coming in this summer, the May team set the bar high. May people were touched by this group and a lot of spiritual seeds were planted. I can’t wait for God to produce the harvest!
* Painted the dinning room for the nurses’ station on the children’s ward of Hospital Santa Teresa in Comayagua.
* Bought new table and chairs and cartoon posters for the children’s ward of Hospital Santa Teresa.
* Dug a HUGE drainage ditch in front of the Comayagua church of Christ to help solve the road problem in front of the building.
* Spread 6 tons of gravel in front of the Comayagua church building on the road to fix the ruts and pot holes.
* Painted the inside of another congregation about 30 minutes outside of Comayagua and had a picnic lunch with the members.
* 2 days of visitation at Hospital Santa Teresa passing out toys, stuffed animals, balloons, hugs, smiles, and prayers.
* Visited a special needs orphanage in Comayagua and learned sign language. We passed out toys, balls, coloring books, and more.
* Built one house in Comayagua for a Christian women who was disabled and caring for 4 children.
* Built 4 houses in San Miguel, a colony in Tegucigalpa.
* Painted the newly built kitchen at the San Miguel church building that will provide a hot meal every day for 300+ children when up and operating this summer.
* We did an unbelievable 1 day VBS in San Miguel with about 100 kids present (preacher’s count… we forgot to get an official count).
* We had a 3 day Bible study with the adults of San Miguel with Ben Wright from Kittanning, Pennsylvania, leading the class and Cary Hadley from Orlando, Florida, translating.
* We witnessed 5 baptisms on the trip in San Miguel and received work another took place after we left and 3 more scheduled within the week!
* We visited Hospital Esquela twice and passed out coloring books, Bibles, toys, stuffed animals, etc., and had intense prayer time.
* Packed and distributed 230 care packages of food (each package will feed a family for 2 weeks).
* Dug another drainage ditch in Santa Ana at the children’s home (Casa Esperanza). Moved rock and other chores as needed.
* Played 4 exhibition soccer games (Faulkner University men’s team). These “Good News” games received a lot of press while we were there. (editor’s note: even though we did not win any of the matches, a huge learning curve was achieved. The Americans learned that speed kills! Hondurans are very fast and have played soccer in the worst of playing conditions since they were 5 days old…)
* We had 15 incredible devotionals.
* Had 235 in attendance at the San Miguel church on Sunday!
* Bought really nice Spanish Bibles for the families that moved into the new houses and for the ones that were baptized.
* Bought a portable baptistery for San Miguel.
* Collected $600 for Sunday morning collection (the equivalent of 1 year’s collection during a “normal” service.)
Thanks to all for a great trip. God was indeed glorified and we saw His glory. Have a blessed summer. And for those about to go, get ready, it is going to be totally awesome!!!!!!!
Terry
The May trip was absolutely wonderful. What an awesome team! 41 of us made the first Torch trip of the summer and we started the summer off on the right foot for sure. We had 10 incredible days of work and experiences while we were there. Not to mention some new stuff too, enough that even the long time veterans had to say it was the best trip ever. (editor’s note: veterans tend to say every year’s trip was the best ever.) The May team was a very diverse group, coming from many different places. But we bonded together to make a well oiled machine at the end and a lot of ministry was accomplished.
This was a really balanced team. Nearly a 50% - 50% split in veterans to rookies, nearly a 50% - 50% split in guy to girl ratio too. Just enough “adults” to balance the team too. All in all, I don’t think I could have asked for a better group. And since most were collage age, they could stay up late and get up early and it was almost impossible to work them too hard. They left wanting more, and I believe them!!! And for a few of us, saying goodbye wasn’t too hard because we knew we were coming back in just a few weeks for more!
But, I have to write a brief description of what I believe was the most memorable “Welcome to Honduras” moment in the 15 years I have been going to Honduras. It happened on the last day of the trip, the day we were scheduled to go home. We were staying at the very luxurious Hotel Copantl, about 20 minutes from the airport, on the mountain that the Mission House is located, enjoying the end of our 1 and ½ day retreat. Our flight didn’t leave until 2:20 so we were not suppose to leave the hotel till 10:30 so that we could be at the airport at 11:00. We were to sleep in, have a late breakfast, load the bus and leave. It was to be very relaxing, very laid back, very low keyed. WELCOME TO HONDURAS!
Cary Hadley woke up at 6:00 am because he had to go to the airport early to take one from his group to catch an early flight since he flew on another carrier. He turned on the TV and our whole world turned upside down within a couple of minutes. Cary woke me up to watch the local news (in Spanish, which I found amusing since I don’t speak Spanish!). However, I didn’t need to speak Spanish to understand what was going on. A transit strike was happening. All taxi cabs and public buses were not operating to protest high fuel prices and low pay. (editor’s note: Honduras strikes all of the time. It is not unusual to see a strike any day of the week. Interesting enough, Hondurans are so peaceful that even their strikes are peaceful too.)
Now, this strike was different in the fact that the drivers were well organized and used their vehicles to block all of the major roads, intersections, and bridges in the city. And they were WELL organized. Our early morning departees took off and had little trouble getting to the airport because it was so early in the morning. But by 8:00 and entire city was shut down and nobody was traveling in or out of the city. Businesses closed up, schools shut down and a bunch of American gringos were about to have the ride of their lives!!!
We decided to leave at 9:00 to give us an additional hour to get to the airport. Great plan, but WELCOME TO HONDURAS! The bus drivers, bless their hearts, cannot plan more than 5 minutes ahead of time. As we jumped on the bus to leave for the airport we had to stop to get fuel (we used the buses all day the day before, do you think they thought to tell me they needed fuel then??? Noooooooo, of course not). As we stopped at the bottom of the mountain to get fuel, we literally watched the roads all around us shut down and get blocked. So the buses took off, left the two pickup trucks to stay to pay for the bill, and headed off for the airport.
I will leave out a lot of details here, but those of us in the trucks pretty much thought we were in the filming of a movie involving James Bond, Indiana Jones, the Fast and the Furious, and the Cannonball Run all wrapped up in one!!! It was the most exciting thing I can ever remember in Honduras. So, we will fast forward by saying that every way we knew to get to the airport was blocked by a very peaceful strike. We hired some locals who told us how to get around the blockade by going through some neighborhoods so we hired them to take us. They did a great job of taking the back roads and they got us to within a couple of miles to the airport but even their route was blocked. But amazingly enough (or a God thing), we found our buses on the same road and we reunited with them!
Randy Kluge got out of his car and went to speak to the drivers of the blockade. He told them how much he appreciated what they were doing and that we totally supported them in what they were striking for that day. He told them that he hoped that they would get the fuel rebates the government promised them and that they would all get raises. Then he told them of our dilemma. He told them that we were missionaries and that is was critical that we got our plane to go home. He explained that if we missed that flight that hundreds of other missionaries coming down this summer might not come because they would be afraid of Honduras. The drivers met together and literally came to a decision 15 seconds later. “Move the cars and let the gringos through!!!!!” It was like Moses parting the Red Sea! It was so awesome!!! And we made it to the airport in plenty of time and caught our flight and came home. What a God thing. What a moment of faith. When we did everything we could do within our ability, God made it happen.
A lot of people missed their flights that day. The strike ended at 2:00 when the police went out and sent everybody home. (editor’s note: that is how all strikes end. Hondurans strike, they make life tough for a couple of hours/days, the police come in, everybody goes home.) But for us, it was a memory that will be told for a long time. (another editor’s note: save this blog. It is accurate. In a few years, you will catch me stretching the truth on this story because it will get better and better as the years pass! I am famous for this.)
Here are the totals for the May trip. To the other Torch teams coming in this summer, the May team set the bar high. May people were touched by this group and a lot of spiritual seeds were planted. I can’t wait for God to produce the harvest!
* Painted the dinning room for the nurses’ station on the children’s ward of Hospital Santa Teresa in Comayagua.
* Bought new table and chairs and cartoon posters for the children’s ward of Hospital Santa Teresa.
* Dug a HUGE drainage ditch in front of the Comayagua church of Christ to help solve the road problem in front of the building.
* Spread 6 tons of gravel in front of the Comayagua church building on the road to fix the ruts and pot holes.
* Painted the inside of another congregation about 30 minutes outside of Comayagua and had a picnic lunch with the members.
* 2 days of visitation at Hospital Santa Teresa passing out toys, stuffed animals, balloons, hugs, smiles, and prayers.
* Visited a special needs orphanage in Comayagua and learned sign language. We passed out toys, balls, coloring books, and more.
* Built one house in Comayagua for a Christian women who was disabled and caring for 4 children.
* Built 4 houses in San Miguel, a colony in Tegucigalpa.
* Painted the newly built kitchen at the San Miguel church building that will provide a hot meal every day for 300+ children when up and operating this summer.
* We did an unbelievable 1 day VBS in San Miguel with about 100 kids present (preacher’s count… we forgot to get an official count).
* We had a 3 day Bible study with the adults of San Miguel with Ben Wright from Kittanning, Pennsylvania, leading the class and Cary Hadley from Orlando, Florida, translating.
* We witnessed 5 baptisms on the trip in San Miguel and received work another took place after we left and 3 more scheduled within the week!
* We visited Hospital Esquela twice and passed out coloring books, Bibles, toys, stuffed animals, etc., and had intense prayer time.
* Packed and distributed 230 care packages of food (each package will feed a family for 2 weeks).
* Dug another drainage ditch in Santa Ana at the children’s home (Casa Esperanza). Moved rock and other chores as needed.
* Played 4 exhibition soccer games (Faulkner University men’s team). These “Good News” games received a lot of press while we were there. (editor’s note: even though we did not win any of the matches, a huge learning curve was achieved. The Americans learned that speed kills! Hondurans are very fast and have played soccer in the worst of playing conditions since they were 5 days old…)
* We had 15 incredible devotionals.
* Had 235 in attendance at the San Miguel church on Sunday!
* Bought really nice Spanish Bibles for the families that moved into the new houses and for the ones that were baptized.
* Bought a portable baptistery for San Miguel.
* Collected $600 for Sunday morning collection (the equivalent of 1 year’s collection during a “normal” service.)
Thanks to all for a great trip. God was indeed glorified and we saw His glory. Have a blessed summer. And for those about to go, get ready, it is going to be totally awesome!!!!!!!
Terry
Wednesday, May 24
Last Day
First let me began by apologizing for this blog being posted a day late. The internet at the hotel was down so I was unable to post a blog. Today we were able to sleep in until 10 am; much needed rest might I add. Today was also the day we said goodbye to three of our team members. To those three I wish you the best, God’s speed!! After everyone had had brunch, we put our luggage on the bus and headed down the mountain to the hotel. There we checked into our rooms and got ready to go play indoor soccer.
Our fearless leader Terry Reeves rented the indoor soccer place for us to play. It was so much fun; well at least I had fun. We were able to play for two hours, and mom the ankle is ok, a little purple, but ok!! This was a great opportunity to meet more people on the trip too. I wish all of you guys could have been here.
After two hours of soccer we loaded the buses and went back to the hotel to get ready to go to the mall. When everyone was ready we loaded the buses to go to the mall to eat and hang out with the friends we had made. After two hours there, we went back to the hotel for devo. While waiting, the soccer boys wrestled with Coach Mitchell and finally pushed him into the pool. I’m working on pictures, and I hope to have all of them posted by tomorrow. Nate Reeves brought us our lesson tonight to rap up the trip.
I’m sure everyone is looking forward to seeing there loved ones, you were all missed and the feeling is mutual. We will be home tomorrow. Thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers. Please continue to pray for our Honduran friends. We have all come to love them. God Bless!!
Brandy B
Our fearless leader Terry Reeves rented the indoor soccer place for us to play. It was so much fun; well at least I had fun. We were able to play for two hours, and mom the ankle is ok, a little purple, but ok!! This was a great opportunity to meet more people on the trip too. I wish all of you guys could have been here.
After two hours of soccer we loaded the buses and went back to the hotel to get ready to go to the mall. When everyone was ready we loaded the buses to go to the mall to eat and hang out with the friends we had made. After two hours there, we went back to the hotel for devo. While waiting, the soccer boys wrestled with Coach Mitchell and finally pushed him into the pool. I’m working on pictures, and I hope to have all of them posted by tomorrow. Nate Reeves brought us our lesson tonight to rap up the trip.
I’m sure everyone is looking forward to seeing there loved ones, you were all missed and the feeling is mutual. We will be home tomorrow. Thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers. Please continue to pray for our Honduran friends. We have all come to love them. God Bless!!
Brandy B
Monday, May 22
Rise and Shine
Rise and Shine!! I cannot believe that this was our last word day. It seems like we just got here. Time flies when you’re having fun ministering to the people of Honduras. Today started out early for the soccer boys. They had to be up and ready to leave by 7:30 to go to Santa Ana to dig ditches and level roads. We had French toast and fruit this morning for breakfast, and it was good!!!! The boys were gone by 8 and the rest of us had devo. Chad (Nino) Roberts spoke to us this morning.
When devo was over we packed our bags full of toys and loaded the buses to go to Santa Ana. Santa Ana is where TORCH has been working for the past year to build an orphanage. According to Joe, the orphanage should be getting children within the next few weeks. For some of us it was a very unique experience to visit Santa Ana. The people who were on TORCH trips last year had a lot to do with the construction of the orphanage, so they were able to see it completed. It was neat!! The soccer boys had already been there for at least an hour working on a couple of ditches and leveling the road. They worked really hard today, and I am extremely proud of there hard work and enthusiasm.
We were able to stay at Santa Ana for about an hour before we loaded a bus and went to eat then to visit the hospital. The soccer boys and a few others stayed because they were going to go play a game today. The rest of us headed out to Teguc. for lunch. When we finished lunch, we loaded up and went to the hospital. There we divided into three groups. My group went to the cancer unit. I mention in a previous blog that going to the hospital is a very emotional. Today was no different. However, when we visit the children they are so happy. No matter how much pain they are in they will just smile when you hand them a toy or just sit and color with them. It is amazing.
We stayed at the hospital for two hours then came back to catch the last three minutes of the soccer game. Our soccer boys have done a really good job, I think. They, unfortunately, did not win today, but I’m sure they had fun. After the game we came back to the mission house and just relaxed for an hour before supper. Tonight we had chicken, rice, and roles. When supper was over we had about 30 minutes to hang out and talk before meeting back in the mess hall for a “surprise”. At 7:30 we all came back together for Terry’s “surprise”. He wanted to give everyone the opportunity to write encouragement letters to other people on the trip. He also brought watermelon for us to eat. It was good to be able to reflect back on the trip and think about all the new people we have met. Each person will receive their letters tomorrow.
After about an hour of that, we loaded up the bus and went to the Jesus Statue. This is something we try to do for each trip made. There we are able to have devo and look out over all the city. The view is A-MAZ-ING!!!! Terry Reeves brought us our lesson tonight. His main emphasis was that God has a plan for all of us and to let God work through us. He said that no matter what happens in our lives good or bad, that God is always good. It was a very encouraging lesson. When Terry finished his lesson, Nate Reeves got up and told the history of Honduras. He said that the only reason he knew it was because he heard Tim Hines tell the story 73 times last summer. I have heard it a few times myself and Nate did a sufficient job. Great job Nate!! After the history lesson we walked back to the bus and came back to the mission house for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we are going to be able to sleep in a little while, and I know a lot of people are very happy about that. Two more days and we will be home. Keep praying for us and for the Hondurans. See you guys in a couple days. God Bless!!
Brandy B
When devo was over we packed our bags full of toys and loaded the buses to go to Santa Ana. Santa Ana is where TORCH has been working for the past year to build an orphanage. According to Joe, the orphanage should be getting children within the next few weeks. For some of us it was a very unique experience to visit Santa Ana. The people who were on TORCH trips last year had a lot to do with the construction of the orphanage, so they were able to see it completed. It was neat!! The soccer boys had already been there for at least an hour working on a couple of ditches and leveling the road. They worked really hard today, and I am extremely proud of there hard work and enthusiasm.
We were able to stay at Santa Ana for about an hour before we loaded a bus and went to eat then to visit the hospital. The soccer boys and a few others stayed because they were going to go play a game today. The rest of us headed out to Teguc. for lunch. When we finished lunch, we loaded up and went to the hospital. There we divided into three groups. My group went to the cancer unit. I mention in a previous blog that going to the hospital is a very emotional. Today was no different. However, when we visit the children they are so happy. No matter how much pain they are in they will just smile when you hand them a toy or just sit and color with them. It is amazing.
We stayed at the hospital for two hours then came back to catch the last three minutes of the soccer game. Our soccer boys have done a really good job, I think. They, unfortunately, did not win today, but I’m sure they had fun. After the game we came back to the mission house and just relaxed for an hour before supper. Tonight we had chicken, rice, and roles. When supper was over we had about 30 minutes to hang out and talk before meeting back in the mess hall for a “surprise”. At 7:30 we all came back together for Terry’s “surprise”. He wanted to give everyone the opportunity to write encouragement letters to other people on the trip. He also brought watermelon for us to eat. It was good to be able to reflect back on the trip and think about all the new people we have met. Each person will receive their letters tomorrow.
After about an hour of that, we loaded up the bus and went to the Jesus Statue. This is something we try to do for each trip made. There we are able to have devo and look out over all the city. The view is A-MAZ-ING!!!! Terry Reeves brought us our lesson tonight. His main emphasis was that God has a plan for all of us and to let God work through us. He said that no matter what happens in our lives good or bad, that God is always good. It was a very encouraging lesson. When Terry finished his lesson, Nate Reeves got up and told the history of Honduras. He said that the only reason he knew it was because he heard Tim Hines tell the story 73 times last summer. I have heard it a few times myself and Nate did a sufficient job. Great job Nate!! After the history lesson we walked back to the bus and came back to the mission house for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we are going to be able to sleep in a little while, and I know a lot of people are very happy about that. Two more days and we will be home. Keep praying for us and for the Hondurans. See you guys in a couple days. God Bless!!
Brandy B
Sunday, May 21
This is the Day!!
This is the day that the Lord has made. The first day of the week, a day of worship. This morning we woke up between 7 and 8 for breakfast which was cereal and fresh fruit. The plan was to leave for worship at San Miguel at 8:30, which for once, we did. Worship starts at 9:30, well 10:00 Honduran time. Nothing in Honduras is on time. When we got to San Miguel the children were waiting. It was so cute to see each kid waiting for a specific gringo.
Worship started with singing, first an English song then a Spanish song. It was neat to hear the same songs sang in both languages. After the Lord’s Supper the ninos went to class while the adults stayed for worship. Worship went very well. Ben Wright delivered a powerful message about preparing for the storms of life. Four people were baptized today. After worship we were able to hang around for a while with the children who have become our best friends. It was so hard to say goodbye today. What was worse was seeing the children’s sad faces when we had to leave.
After we left we went to eat. We had a choice for lunch to eat Camperos, McDonald’s, Churches Chicken, or Pizza Hut. We got an hour to eat. Cary Hadley wanted me to let everyone know that he had the Camperos nuggets with mashed potatoes, fried plantains, and a delicious strawberry ice cream cone. When we were all finished we loaded the bus and went to the Valley of Angels to shop. YIPPIE!!
When we were finished shopping we loaded the bus and went to eat at Ruby Tuesdays. This was a great opportunity to talk to everyone and just hang out. That’s really all we did was hang out. After dinner we came back to the mission house for some down time before going to bed. It might seem like we had a very relaxing day, but…ok yeah we did have a very relaxing day. It was, however, a great opportunity to spend time with the new people we have met this trip. Although, tomorrow we will pick up the pace again. The plan is to go to Santa Ana to do some work, and then go to the hospital, and the soccer boys have a game too. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers; we will all be home soon. God bless!!
Brandy B
Worship started with singing, first an English song then a Spanish song. It was neat to hear the same songs sang in both languages. After the Lord’s Supper the ninos went to class while the adults stayed for worship. Worship went very well. Ben Wright delivered a powerful message about preparing for the storms of life. Four people were baptized today. After worship we were able to hang around for a while with the children who have become our best friends. It was so hard to say goodbye today. What was worse was seeing the children’s sad faces when we had to leave.
After we left we went to eat. We had a choice for lunch to eat Camperos, McDonald’s, Churches Chicken, or Pizza Hut. We got an hour to eat. Cary Hadley wanted me to let everyone know that he had the Camperos nuggets with mashed potatoes, fried plantains, and a delicious strawberry ice cream cone. When we were all finished we loaded the bus and went to the Valley of Angels to shop. YIPPIE!!
When we were finished shopping we loaded the bus and went to eat at Ruby Tuesdays. This was a great opportunity to talk to everyone and just hang out. That’s really all we did was hang out. After dinner we came back to the mission house for some down time before going to bed. It might seem like we had a very relaxing day, but…ok yeah we did have a very relaxing day. It was, however, a great opportunity to spend time with the new people we have met this trip. Although, tomorrow we will pick up the pace again. The plan is to go to Santa Ana to do some work, and then go to the hospital, and the soccer boys have a game too. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers; we will all be home soon. God bless!!
Brandy B
Saturday, May 20
WOW!!!
WOW!! What a day!! The day started out really well. There weren’t a lot of people at breakfast again, but it was still good; we had omelets, toast, and beans. This morning we had devo at eight. L from Faulkner led us in a few thoughts.
After devo we got our things and loaded the buses with the food bags we prepared yesterday. When everything was on the bus we loaded up and went to San Miguel for VBS. When we got there kids were already waiting for us. They were so cute today. We unloaded a little of the food for the food distribution team. While some were getting VBS materials ready others played soccer with the kids. It was so much fun. The kids schooled some of the soccer guys and everyone had some laughs. One little boy, Walter, told Steven he was very bad, it was hilarious.
Once all the materials were together we divided into boys in girls. The boys did different relays and talked about endurance and running the race. They had so much fun and they were so cute. The girls talked about beauty. We did a little skit for the girls then took them and painted their nails, washed their hair, feet and face, and fixed their hair. Today was just unbelievable. They were so beautiful. The soccer boys had to leave before the beauty shop was finished so some of the rest of the guys came and helped out with the makeovers. It was so neat to see guys washing and brushing little girl’s hair. I wish all of you could have been here. Today touched my heart more than anything I’ve done in Honduras. I know that these little girls do not receive much at all. If they have never been shown love, today they were shown the love of God. The smiles on their faces will never be forgotten by anyone who helped with the makeovers. I mentioned before that we handed out food today. We gave out over 200 bags of food that will feed a family for two weeks.
When we finished the makeovers we loaded up the bus and went to the soccer game. Today the soccer boys played the Cobras. The Cobras are the national police of Honduras. The boys played really hard today. It was good to finally watch them play. They, unfortunately, lost 5 to 1. Let me just say that they played really hard and did a great job. However, this is coming from someone who knows nothing about soccer.
After the game we came back up the mountain and cleaned up for supper. The Kluge’s had us over for supper. It was delicious. We had BBQ chicken, potatoes, corn, green beans, SWEET TEA!!!, and for dessert we had blueberry cobbler, ice cream, and brownies. I mean WOW!! I told you all we had an amazing day today. When finished eating we had devo. John Wallace spoke to us tonight. He told us about his life, and encouraged us to be the best Christian we could be. Then we did “Where did You See Jesus”. Jesus was seen everywhere today. He was seen in Zach and Jordan for staying to wash and brush the little girl’s hair, in our translators for the amazing job they do, and in the teams distributing food. Josh told a story about Walter that I just had to let everyone know about. Walter asked for a bottle of water and Josh gave him one. Instead of drinking it for himself, he gave it to the other children around and made sure each had some. He didn’t have any. Now if that doesn’t touch your heart, then I do not know what else to tell. Stories like this are what makes me come back to Honduras year after year.
When all was finished we loaded the bus and came back to the mission house for bed. As you can tell from the blog, today was, yes you guessed it, AMAZING!!! I am so grateful God gave me this opportunity. Thank you all for your prayers. God Bless!!
Brandy B
*Check out the pictures and the messages to see what we’ve been doing.
After devo we got our things and loaded the buses with the food bags we prepared yesterday. When everything was on the bus we loaded up and went to San Miguel for VBS. When we got there kids were already waiting for us. They were so cute today. We unloaded a little of the food for the food distribution team. While some were getting VBS materials ready others played soccer with the kids. It was so much fun. The kids schooled some of the soccer guys and everyone had some laughs. One little boy, Walter, told Steven he was very bad, it was hilarious.
Once all the materials were together we divided into boys in girls. The boys did different relays and talked about endurance and running the race. They had so much fun and they were so cute. The girls talked about beauty. We did a little skit for the girls then took them and painted their nails, washed their hair, feet and face, and fixed their hair. Today was just unbelievable. They were so beautiful. The soccer boys had to leave before the beauty shop was finished so some of the rest of the guys came and helped out with the makeovers. It was so neat to see guys washing and brushing little girl’s hair. I wish all of you could have been here. Today touched my heart more than anything I’ve done in Honduras. I know that these little girls do not receive much at all. If they have never been shown love, today they were shown the love of God. The smiles on their faces will never be forgotten by anyone who helped with the makeovers. I mentioned before that we handed out food today. We gave out over 200 bags of food that will feed a family for two weeks.
When we finished the makeovers we loaded up the bus and went to the soccer game. Today the soccer boys played the Cobras. The Cobras are the national police of Honduras. The boys played really hard today. It was good to finally watch them play. They, unfortunately, lost 5 to 1. Let me just say that they played really hard and did a great job. However, this is coming from someone who knows nothing about soccer.
After the game we came back up the mountain and cleaned up for supper. The Kluge’s had us over for supper. It was delicious. We had BBQ chicken, potatoes, corn, green beans, SWEET TEA!!!, and for dessert we had blueberry cobbler, ice cream, and brownies. I mean WOW!! I told you all we had an amazing day today. When finished eating we had devo. John Wallace spoke to us tonight. He told us about his life, and encouraged us to be the best Christian we could be. Then we did “Where did You See Jesus”. Jesus was seen everywhere today. He was seen in Zach and Jordan for staying to wash and brush the little girl’s hair, in our translators for the amazing job they do, and in the teams distributing food. Josh told a story about Walter that I just had to let everyone know about. Walter asked for a bottle of water and Josh gave him one. Instead of drinking it for himself, he gave it to the other children around and made sure each had some. He didn’t have any. Now if that doesn’t touch your heart, then I do not know what else to tell. Stories like this are what makes me come back to Honduras year after year.
When all was finished we loaded the bus and came back to the mission house for bed. As you can tell from the blog, today was, yes you guessed it, AMAZING!!! I am so grateful God gave me this opportunity. Thank you all for your prayers. God Bless!!
Brandy B
*Check out the pictures and the messages to see what we’ve been doing.
Friday, May 19
Time Flies
Is it really our fifth day here? It seems like we just got here. Time flies when you are having so much fun spreading the Word of God. However, I can tell that everyone is getting tired. Today not many people made it to breakfast. We had eggs, toast, ham, and beans, it was very good. Devotional began at 8:00 am. Kyle, from Faulkner, spoke to us this morning. He did a wonderful job. He ended by telling us how he told people back home about his trip last year. He said he thanked them for allowing him to help his friends. If you haven’t been here then you probably do not understand what he is saying. The Honduran people have become our friends. When we come back year after year they remember us by name, that is what it will be like when we get to heaven. Isn’t God incredible?!!!! I love the feeling Honduras gives me. It makes me want to go to heaven so much more. I wish you could all experience this amazing country.
Ok, now about our day. Today we split up into four groups. Two groups built houses, one painted, and the other went to the hospital. The groups that painted and built were amazing. They worked incredibly hard today. They were able to accomplish the task without any difficulty. The hospital group went to the hospital and spent two hours with the patients there. There were ten of us in this group. This was a huge eye opener for some of the people in our group. A lot of the patients we saw today were in severe pain, some had terminal illnesses, but all of them needed love. It is amazing to see how just sitting with a child in pain can brighten their day. Today Nikki, Daniel, Nate, and I were able to sit with a child that has a terminal illness. The nurse in the room said they did not expect him to live to the end of the year. His mother was not there, and he missed her a lot. When we asked he just started crying. It was so hard to keep it together, but we all did. We sat there for at least 30 minutes talking with him and praying with him. Things like this is why it is important for these people to know God. I know that if I never see this little boy again on Earth, I will see him in Heaven. How Amazing!!
After we were finished at the hospital we went to eat. It was a wonderful meal. We all had some type of chicken, some had nuggets, some had wings…well you get the picture we had chicken. After lunch we came back to the mission house to bag food. We bagged over two hundred bags today. They will be distributed later on the trip. The other teams arrived back at the mission house at about six for supper. We had chicken quesadillas!! (Just a side note: I prayed that we would have quesadillas on this trip is God wonderful!!) It was yummy!! After supper some people went and played soccer, some took showers and other sat around and talked about the day. At 7:30 several of us went to the grocery store to by more food. It is always an experience going to a Honduran grocery store, so I just went along for the ride. Well, nothing much happened, but it was a fun ride.
Back at the mission house we split up into dorm devos. Each room did their own devo. This is a good time for reflection, prayer, and worship. It also gives everyone a chance to meet the other roommates. I love having devo with the group, but there is something about the room devo that makes it more personal. Of course after each room had there own devo people went to bed, or played cards. There wasn’t really anything else to do unless they wanted to play in the rain. Oh did I mention that it rained today, who would of thought something like that would have happened. Thanks guys for keeping up with trips. Like I say after every blog, please continue to pray for us and the Hondurans. Pray that the rain will ease up so we can do what needs to be done. We love you all and miss you. God Bless!!!
Brandy B
Ok, now about our day. Today we split up into four groups. Two groups built houses, one painted, and the other went to the hospital. The groups that painted and built were amazing. They worked incredibly hard today. They were able to accomplish the task without any difficulty. The hospital group went to the hospital and spent two hours with the patients there. There were ten of us in this group. This was a huge eye opener for some of the people in our group. A lot of the patients we saw today were in severe pain, some had terminal illnesses, but all of them needed love. It is amazing to see how just sitting with a child in pain can brighten their day. Today Nikki, Daniel, Nate, and I were able to sit with a child that has a terminal illness. The nurse in the room said they did not expect him to live to the end of the year. His mother was not there, and he missed her a lot. When we asked he just started crying. It was so hard to keep it together, but we all did. We sat there for at least 30 minutes talking with him and praying with him. Things like this is why it is important for these people to know God. I know that if I never see this little boy again on Earth, I will see him in Heaven. How Amazing!!
After we were finished at the hospital we went to eat. It was a wonderful meal. We all had some type of chicken, some had nuggets, some had wings…well you get the picture we had chicken. After lunch we came back to the mission house to bag food. We bagged over two hundred bags today. They will be distributed later on the trip. The other teams arrived back at the mission house at about six for supper. We had chicken quesadillas!! (Just a side note: I prayed that we would have quesadillas on this trip is God wonderful!!) It was yummy!! After supper some people went and played soccer, some took showers and other sat around and talked about the day. At 7:30 several of us went to the grocery store to by more food. It is always an experience going to a Honduran grocery store, so I just went along for the ride. Well, nothing much happened, but it was a fun ride.
Back at the mission house we split up into dorm devos. Each room did their own devo. This is a good time for reflection, prayer, and worship. It also gives everyone a chance to meet the other roommates. I love having devo with the group, but there is something about the room devo that makes it more personal. Of course after each room had there own devo people went to bed, or played cards. There wasn’t really anything else to do unless they wanted to play in the rain. Oh did I mention that it rained today, who would of thought something like that would have happened. Thanks guys for keeping up with trips. Like I say after every blog, please continue to pray for us and the Hondurans. Pray that the rain will ease up so we can do what needs to be done. We love you all and miss you. God Bless!!!
Brandy B
Thursday, May 18
AMAZING!!
God is so AMAZING!!! Today was an amazing day. If you haven’t already figured it out, I love to use the word amazing a lot, but it is perfect to describe Honduras. Today everyone woke up between 6:45am and 7:30. For breakfast we had pancakes, fruit and orange juice. It was really good. After breakfast we had devo at the rock looking over the mountains, it was beautiful. Joe brought us the lesson this morning, and basically he just wanted to say that God is good all the time and all the time God is good!!
Once devo was over we loaded the buses and headed out to San Miguel, a small community in Teguc. There we divided into two teams, the soccer boys and the rest of the group. The soccer boys headed out first. Their task was to tear down a house so a better one could be built. From what I heard they had a great time building the house. They were also surprised to find out they were playing tonight at Baxter. Surprise boys!! So they headed out earlier then the rest of the crew. At the other site a few people were busy cutting through a mountain so we could build the house, while others started the half of it that was already leveled. There were also people playing with the children to keep them out of the way of the workers. Everyone worked really hard today. Tomorrow a group will go back to this site to finish the other half of the house.
Earlier I mentioned that Joe talked about God being good, well it couldn’t have been a better day to say this. Our groups left San Miguel just as the heavens opened up. I mean it was perfect timing. So we made our way back up the mountain for super. Tonight we had beef tips, chips, salsa, and beans. It was, yes you guessed it, AMAZING!! As we were eating the soccer boys were playing. They, unfortunately did not win today, but I’m sure they had a great time. They got back just in time for devo, ok yeah of course we would have waited on them before we began, but they made it back at the scheduled time for devo. Tonight AB talked to us. He talked about how people put God it a box. He said that God is huge and shouldn’t be put in a box. We should serve Him in everything we do, do not limit ourselves. He had some very encouraging words.
After devo we all said our good nights. The soccer boys, however, stayed up to have pizza since they missed super. After they finish I’m sure they will go to bed, well I hope they will. Thanks so much for keeping up with our progress. Please continue to pray for us and to pray for good weather. It is very important that the rain holds off for couple of days so we can finish these houses. God Bless you all!!
Brandy B
Once devo was over we loaded the buses and headed out to San Miguel, a small community in Teguc. There we divided into two teams, the soccer boys and the rest of the group. The soccer boys headed out first. Their task was to tear down a house so a better one could be built. From what I heard they had a great time building the house. They were also surprised to find out they were playing tonight at Baxter. Surprise boys!! So they headed out earlier then the rest of the crew. At the other site a few people were busy cutting through a mountain so we could build the house, while others started the half of it that was already leveled. There were also people playing with the children to keep them out of the way of the workers. Everyone worked really hard today. Tomorrow a group will go back to this site to finish the other half of the house.
Earlier I mentioned that Joe talked about God being good, well it couldn’t have been a better day to say this. Our groups left San Miguel just as the heavens opened up. I mean it was perfect timing. So we made our way back up the mountain for super. Tonight we had beef tips, chips, salsa, and beans. It was, yes you guessed it, AMAZING!! As we were eating the soccer boys were playing. They, unfortunately did not win today, but I’m sure they had a great time. They got back just in time for devo, ok yeah of course we would have waited on them before we began, but they made it back at the scheduled time for devo. Tonight AB talked to us. He talked about how people put God it a box. He said that God is huge and shouldn’t be put in a box. We should serve Him in everything we do, do not limit ourselves. He had some very encouraging words.
After devo we all said our good nights. The soccer boys, however, stayed up to have pizza since they missed super. After they finish I’m sure they will go to bed, well I hope they will. Thanks so much for keeping up with our progress. Please continue to pray for us and to pray for good weather. It is very important that the rain holds off for couple of days so we can finish these houses. God Bless you all!!
Brandy B
Wednesday, May 17
Back to Teguc.
Good morning to all of you back home!! Today started like yesterday. We got up between 7 and 7:45 for breakfast today was eggs, beans and cheese. After breakfast we had devo. Brett Mitchell shared some thoughts with us this morning. After devo we went to our rooms to gather out luggage to check out. Once that was taken care of the soccer boys left for there first match of the trip. Today they played the University of Comyagua. They were supposed to play last night, but because of the rain they were unable to. After they left the rest of us went to the toy store to but toys for the students at the special needs school.
Once we had bought the toys we left for the school. It was a very interesting day. A few of the guys and girls played soccer with some of the children while the others colored and learned sign language. The children loved all of the activities. They really loved the soccer game. A few people even learned some sign language. Niki Haab, from Sarasota, was given a name in sign language; it was the cutest thing I think I’ve seen in a long time. This was my first time to this particular place and enjoyed every minute. I hope to have pictures posted tomorrow, but right now I am having some difficulty with the picture thing. Anyway, we spent about an hour there before we went to meet the soccer boys at Wendy’s for lunch.
The soccer boys put up a great fight today. Judy Mitchell says that they came in second. The guys seemed to have really enjoyed playing. They will have the opportunity to play more games throughout the trip. I wish I could tell you more about the game, but I wasn’t there so I really do not know what else to say. Go Soccer Boys!!
After lunch we loaded the buses and went to some ancient ruins that, according to Lee Tucker, not many people do not know about. Well I can tell you first hand that the reason many people don’t know about them is because they are out in the middle of nowhere. Despite the long ruff drive, I really enjoyed going. The view was beautiful; once again I hope to have picture up tomorrow.
When we were finished there we loaded the buses to make the trip back to Tegucigalpa, but we didn’t make it that far. Our bus, well, had a flat tire. So we had to get that fixed before we could make it back. Finally, after about 45 minutes we were able to make the trip back. It took about 2 hrs. to get back to the mission house in Teguc. Once we were back we had super. Tonight we had lasagna, salad, and bread. It was very good, what I’m trying to emphasize to the moms is we are eating really well so don’t worry.
After the amazing meal we had devo. Tonight the funniest man alive shared some thoughts with us. Cary Hadley spoke to us tonight. He started by sharing with us something that was written on the wall at the hospital. “You will never know that God is everything until He is all you have.” He then talked about how some people make comments about being so close to God on these trips. He was glad that they felt this way, but was bothered as to why it took a mission trip to make them feel like that. He wanted to emphasize to us the importance of knowing God and when we know God then we always be close to Him.
After devo we had a few announcements about tomorrow and then went to bed. It looks like tomorrow is going to be another Bufftruck day. Just between you and me…I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!! Good night guys! God Bless!!
Brandy B
Once we had bought the toys we left for the school. It was a very interesting day. A few of the guys and girls played soccer with some of the children while the others colored and learned sign language. The children loved all of the activities. They really loved the soccer game. A few people even learned some sign language. Niki Haab, from Sarasota, was given a name in sign language; it was the cutest thing I think I’ve seen in a long time. This was my first time to this particular place and enjoyed every minute. I hope to have pictures posted tomorrow, but right now I am having some difficulty with the picture thing. Anyway, we spent about an hour there before we went to meet the soccer boys at Wendy’s for lunch.
The soccer boys put up a great fight today. Judy Mitchell says that they came in second. The guys seemed to have really enjoyed playing. They will have the opportunity to play more games throughout the trip. I wish I could tell you more about the game, but I wasn’t there so I really do not know what else to say. Go Soccer Boys!!
After lunch we loaded the buses and went to some ancient ruins that, according to Lee Tucker, not many people do not know about. Well I can tell you first hand that the reason many people don’t know about them is because they are out in the middle of nowhere. Despite the long ruff drive, I really enjoyed going. The view was beautiful; once again I hope to have picture up tomorrow.
When we were finished there we loaded the buses to make the trip back to Tegucigalpa, but we didn’t make it that far. Our bus, well, had a flat tire. So we had to get that fixed before we could make it back. Finally, after about 45 minutes we were able to make the trip back. It took about 2 hrs. to get back to the mission house in Teguc. Once we were back we had super. Tonight we had lasagna, salad, and bread. It was very good, what I’m trying to emphasize to the moms is we are eating really well so don’t worry.
After the amazing meal we had devo. Tonight the funniest man alive shared some thoughts with us. Cary Hadley spoke to us tonight. He started by sharing with us something that was written on the wall at the hospital. “You will never know that God is everything until He is all you have.” He then talked about how some people make comments about being so close to God on these trips. He was glad that they felt this way, but was bothered as to why it took a mission trip to make them feel like that. He wanted to emphasize to us the importance of knowing God and when we know God then we always be close to Him.
After devo we had a few announcements about tomorrow and then went to bed. It looks like tomorrow is going to be another Bufftruck day. Just between you and me…I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!! Good night guys! God Bless!!
Brandy B
Tuesday, May 16
RAIN?
Wake up!!! So today was our first work day, and WOW, what a day!! Today was amazing. It is so great to be back in Honduras. This morning we had breakfast between 7:00 and 7:45. It was a lovely ¨Welcome to Honduras¨ meal; we had eggs, beans and bread. YUMMY!!!!! We had devo at 8:00am; Jeremy Quilliam shared some thoughts with us before we split up into groups.
We split up into four different groups today. One group went to build a house, one went to paint the inside of one of the churches in the area, the Faulkner soccer boys went to dig a ditch in one of the small villages outside of the city, and the last group went to the hospital to visit with the kids and to paint a room in the hospital. We were all very busy today.
Let me began by telling you all that Honduras hasn’t had rain in like three months. Ok...now that you know that, guess what...today...it rained. Who would have guessed it? It began by being a nice sunny hot day, and then the heavens opened up. Wouldn’t you know it our first day of work and it rains. With that in mind, my group went to work on the house. There were eight of us six guys two girls. It was a blast. When we arrived the house already had a new roof so we knew we weren’t going to have to put a roof on, I mean how hard could it be, right? Well, easier said than done. The house had plastic rapped around it to keep rain and other things like that out so we had to take that off first. Once that was off we had to work post by post to get the walls up. It took all six guys to get the post out because, well, they were trees. I was very much impressed by their hard work, way to go guys!! So, once each post was in we put up the walls. Easy, right? WRONG!!!!!!! We didn’t have a chainsaw so we had to cut the door and the sides off with a hand saw; now that was supper!! The rain also made it very interesting, but, hey what’s a little water…ok a lot of water. All in all it was a great day filled with excitement.
The soccer boys had the privilege of digging a ditch to help with the flooding in a small village, this was a Bufftruck job and they were all amazing. They were able to experience poop mud first hand. When they got there a pipe had burst and poop mud was leaking into the street. Brett Mitchell said they worked extremely hard and accomplished the task at hand. Great job guys!!
The third group went to paint the inside of a church. This was a huge surprise for the members because they weren’t expecting anyone for a few more weeks, they were very grateful. From what I have heard this group did a great job also. The Fourth group went to the hospital to hand out toys to the children there. They also took fresh water and juices for the patients, which is a very much need necessity. After that was finished they painted the inside of one of the rooms. They didn’t quite finish so they will have to go back tomorrow to put another coat on. Today, as you can see was very eventful.
When we all arrived back at the hotel we had super. Tonight was steak, chicken, rice beans, bread, and fruit, it was pretty good. After dinner we had devo, Ben Wright shared a few thoughts with us. When devo was finished we said out good nights and went to bed. Tomorrow look like it will be just as AMAZING as today. I hope all of you will continue to pray for the work in Honduras as well as for all of us. We love you all and miss you very much. God Bless!!
Brandy B
In case there is an emergency you can call Jen Arnold. She lives in Honduras and will be able to get in touch with us if need be. The number appears to be a Nashville number, but it conects in Honduras.
615-866-4396 Jen Arnold Emergency
We split up into four different groups today. One group went to build a house, one went to paint the inside of one of the churches in the area, the Faulkner soccer boys went to dig a ditch in one of the small villages outside of the city, and the last group went to the hospital to visit with the kids and to paint a room in the hospital. We were all very busy today.
Let me began by telling you all that Honduras hasn’t had rain in like three months. Ok...now that you know that, guess what...today...it rained. Who would have guessed it? It began by being a nice sunny hot day, and then the heavens opened up. Wouldn’t you know it our first day of work and it rains. With that in mind, my group went to work on the house. There were eight of us six guys two girls. It was a blast. When we arrived the house already had a new roof so we knew we weren’t going to have to put a roof on, I mean how hard could it be, right? Well, easier said than done. The house had plastic rapped around it to keep rain and other things like that out so we had to take that off first. Once that was off we had to work post by post to get the walls up. It took all six guys to get the post out because, well, they were trees. I was very much impressed by their hard work, way to go guys!! So, once each post was in we put up the walls. Easy, right? WRONG!!!!!!! We didn’t have a chainsaw so we had to cut the door and the sides off with a hand saw; now that was supper!! The rain also made it very interesting, but, hey what’s a little water…ok a lot of water. All in all it was a great day filled with excitement.
The soccer boys had the privilege of digging a ditch to help with the flooding in a small village, this was a Bufftruck job and they were all amazing. They were able to experience poop mud first hand. When they got there a pipe had burst and poop mud was leaking into the street. Brett Mitchell said they worked extremely hard and accomplished the task at hand. Great job guys!!
The third group went to paint the inside of a church. This was a huge surprise for the members because they weren’t expecting anyone for a few more weeks, they were very grateful. From what I have heard this group did a great job also. The Fourth group went to the hospital to hand out toys to the children there. They also took fresh water and juices for the patients, which is a very much need necessity. After that was finished they painted the inside of one of the rooms. They didn’t quite finish so they will have to go back tomorrow to put another coat on. Today, as you can see was very eventful.
When we all arrived back at the hotel we had super. Tonight was steak, chicken, rice beans, bread, and fruit, it was pretty good. After dinner we had devo, Ben Wright shared a few thoughts with us. When devo was finished we said out good nights and went to bed. Tomorrow look like it will be just as AMAZING as today. I hope all of you will continue to pray for the work in Honduras as well as for all of us. We love you all and miss you very much. God Bless!!
Brandy B
In case there is an emergency you can call Jen Arnold. She lives in Honduras and will be able to get in touch with us if need be. The number appears to be a Nashville number, but it conects in Honduras.
615-866-4396 Jen Arnold Emergency
Monday, May 15
Safe and Sound
You all will be glad to know that the group has arrived safely in Tegucigalpa. As I type, they are on their way to Comyagua to begin their work.
Please keep them in your prayers as they travel and serve our Lord. The work will be demanding yet fulfilling.
Also, please pray for the hearts that will be touched by the work here. Pray for open minds and hearts for Christ to enter. Pray for those who have not accepted Him. Pray for those who will be receiving a sturdy home this week. Pray for those who will receive clothing and food. And especially, pray for those who will receive the love of Jesus these next several days.
Please keep them in your prayers as they travel and serve our Lord. The work will be demanding yet fulfilling.
Also, please pray for the hearts that will be touched by the work here. Pray for open minds and hearts for Christ to enter. Pray for those who have not accepted Him. Pray for those who will be receiving a sturdy home this week. Pray for those who will receive clothing and food. And especially, pray for those who will receive the love of Jesus these next several days.
Tuesday, May 2
What a beautiful sight
Today was a wonderful day. I guess every day is a wonderful day is one way or another, and for me it was in an usual kind of way. Today a huge burden was lifted off of my shoulders! I’m standing tall again (well, as tall as a short person can stand). My container left Sarasota today!
Now, any of the team leaders that ships containers to Honduras knows the stress and frustrations of packing and shipping a container (right Gayle???). You spend months collecting supplies. You spend weeks sorting supplies and discarding stuff that comes in that just isn’t appropriate to ship to Honduras (all I can say here is that I am constantly amazed what people donate to Honduras. I will leave it at that, those who help are laughing right now because they know). Then comes the days and days of boxing, labeling, and inventorying the supplies. Then, you call the shipper, book the date, and then pray that the truck actually arrives on the right day and the right hour!
But the grand finale is the day that the container is actually packed. And no matter how hard you try, you still have to scramble at the end to get the last things done, going without sleep, and pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion. And for me, the added worry of wondering if there will be enough volunteers to come to help. I have decided that I am a worry wart. I really am. You can ask my wife, she knows more than anyone! I seem to take on the worst case, disaster written all over it kind of attitude. For the past few days I was convinced that there would be a “nobody showed up” crew to help load today.
But, as it happens EVERY time, I was wrong. And for the record, I am so glad that I am wrong every time on this one. I had the A team crew show up today. Not 5, or 6, I am talking around 20 volunteers came to help load the container. And just about every one of them SACRIFICED to be there by taking time off of work and working in the hot sun (my northern friends do not understand that concept this early in the year….). It took a bit longer than planned, but I just chalk that up to a “Welcome to Honduras” moment. And believe me, there were several of those this week and today. At one point all I could do was laugh.
The 40 foot container was packed tighter than you could possibly imagine. It looked as if every available inch of cargo space was used on this one. We spent 20 minutes trying to get the doors shut on the container because stuff was bulging out the back of the trailer. I am pretty sure I got my money’s worth out of this shipment. And it was full of very useful stuff this year. I can’t wait to get down there with the teams to give it all away. And that is one of the most awesome parts of the trip. To know that it is going to be GIVEN away, in the name of Jesus Christ, to people who really NEED it. Here in the states we get stuff because we WANT it, down there they NEED it. And it is so rewarding to be able to do it.
Thanks to everyone who helped today, and for all of you that donated supplies for the trip. Thanks to everyone that makes these trips go, I am truly convinced that Torch Missions is doing something right, and that we are providing an avenue for Christians to partake of the wonderful experience of mission work. To know the joys, and sorrows, the victories, and defeats, that make up kingdom work. To this end we will continue to provide ways and means for anyone who has a thirst to go and teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for He will be with us always, even until the end of the age.
Did I mention how beautiful a 40 foot container looks going down the road carrying mission supplies? B E A U T I F U L ! ! !
It is a beautiful sight, let me tell you! Next up, the May mission trip! Less than 2 weeks till departure. I am getting e-mails and phone calls everyday from the team members telling me how excited (and nervous) they are about the trip! And I am too, but the thrill of getting on that plane is the adrenaline to the soul! It is going to be a great trip, we have a great group going. Bring it on, we’re ready!
TR
Now, any of the team leaders that ships containers to Honduras knows the stress and frustrations of packing and shipping a container (right Gayle???). You spend months collecting supplies. You spend weeks sorting supplies and discarding stuff that comes in that just isn’t appropriate to ship to Honduras (all I can say here is that I am constantly amazed what people donate to Honduras. I will leave it at that, those who help are laughing right now because they know). Then comes the days and days of boxing, labeling, and inventorying the supplies. Then, you call the shipper, book the date, and then pray that the truck actually arrives on the right day and the right hour!
But the grand finale is the day that the container is actually packed. And no matter how hard you try, you still have to scramble at the end to get the last things done, going without sleep, and pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion. And for me, the added worry of wondering if there will be enough volunteers to come to help. I have decided that I am a worry wart. I really am. You can ask my wife, she knows more than anyone! I seem to take on the worst case, disaster written all over it kind of attitude. For the past few days I was convinced that there would be a “nobody showed up” crew to help load today.
But, as it happens EVERY time, I was wrong. And for the record, I am so glad that I am wrong every time on this one. I had the A team crew show up today. Not 5, or 6, I am talking around 20 volunteers came to help load the container. And just about every one of them SACRIFICED to be there by taking time off of work and working in the hot sun (my northern friends do not understand that concept this early in the year….). It took a bit longer than planned, but I just chalk that up to a “Welcome to Honduras” moment. And believe me, there were several of those this week and today. At one point all I could do was laugh.
The 40 foot container was packed tighter than you could possibly imagine. It looked as if every available inch of cargo space was used on this one. We spent 20 minutes trying to get the doors shut on the container because stuff was bulging out the back of the trailer. I am pretty sure I got my money’s worth out of this shipment. And it was full of very useful stuff this year. I can’t wait to get down there with the teams to give it all away. And that is one of the most awesome parts of the trip. To know that it is going to be GIVEN away, in the name of Jesus Christ, to people who really NEED it. Here in the states we get stuff because we WANT it, down there they NEED it. And it is so rewarding to be able to do it.
Thanks to everyone who helped today, and for all of you that donated supplies for the trip. Thanks to everyone that makes these trips go, I am truly convinced that Torch Missions is doing something right, and that we are providing an avenue for Christians to partake of the wonderful experience of mission work. To know the joys, and sorrows, the victories, and defeats, that make up kingdom work. To this end we will continue to provide ways and means for anyone who has a thirst to go and teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for He will be with us always, even until the end of the age.
Did I mention how beautiful a 40 foot container looks going down the road carrying mission supplies? B E A U T I F U L ! ! !
It is a beautiful sight, let me tell you! Next up, the May mission trip! Less than 2 weeks till departure. I am getting e-mails and phone calls everyday from the team members telling me how excited (and nervous) they are about the trip! And I am too, but the thrill of getting on that plane is the adrenaline to the soul! It is going to be a great trip, we have a great group going. Bring it on, we’re ready!
TR
Tuesday, April 25
breaking all of the rules
Why is it that we never hear any good news on television or read about it in the newspaper anymore? Has anyone out there noticed this??? It just seems that we get bombarded with negative news day after day and hour after hour. And it is depressing. Really, it is, and at times it really gets me down. And I know for a fact it is not just me, it happens to all of us. The only ones that seem to be happy and carefree are the ones who don’t watch the news or read the newspaper.
If there hasn’t been anything truly bad that has happened in your neck of the woods today I can assure you that you will hear and read about something that took place somewhere half around the world. We read about a girl who lives in Pakistan who had forceps left in her 3 years ago during an operation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I feel very sorry for her, and surgeons went in and got them out, but really, why did I need to know about that? I bet there are about 250,000,000 Americans who will never be in Pakistan and will never have to have their appendix taken out while there. And all of the sensationalism is causing me to become dull to what is happening. And that, my friend, is a bad thing. When we begin to not care about things, bad things will happen.
And our indignation gets out of kilter too. For example, this week I read that over 100,000 people have been displaced over civil war in the Sudan region and that literally thousands have died there. Did you read that, THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS. Yet gas hits $3.00 a gallon and what do we get upset with? Of course, you guessed it. Millions of illegal immigrants are in our country and a cat gets stuck between a wall in New York. You guessed it, for 13 days we watched and read as they rescued a stupid cat (sorry pet lovers, not a very politically correct statement, but there are many out there that said an “amen” to this one). Can I ask what in the world is going on????
When we get numb to the news around us, we begin to not care. And not caring is a horrible thing. A group of students are busted in a plot to assassinate several classmates and teachers at their school. When interviewed, several students did not seem to care and were not even worried. “Oh, those guys are always joking around”, one student said. Even though Columbine is still a recent memory for many, many have become so numb that they do not even sense danger when it is staring them right in the face. They could have died and it was not a big deal to them.
And we get that way about sin too. We get numb to what is going on and we don’t seem to care anymore about sin in our own back yards. We see it, think about it, and then ignore it and go on. Everyday we read about teachers having sexual encounters with their students, teens and pre-teens killing people, high profile movie stars “living together” and having children and being put on the covers of our trendiest magazines. Does anyone remember “Thou shall not kill? Thou shall not commit adultery? Thou shall not covet? Thou shall not lie? Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain? Honor your father and other? Thou shall not have any other god before Me? Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy? Thou shall not steal? Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor?”
Maybe the reason our country’s legal system has gone to such great lengths to get the 10 commandments and Christian principles and teachings removed (separated) from our government and nation is because we are breaking all of them!!!!! If Moses was alive today and came down off of the mountain and saw our country involved in all of the sin that we are doing, he would throw them down again! Yet we are so numb today, so worn down by everything we are seeing and reading about, that we don’t seem to care very much. And that is scary and dangerous.
When is the last time you took a stand on something? We had a lady at church that went forward and told of watching “Brokeback Mountain” and how horrible and disgusted she was of the movie and how she wished she had not seen it and warned others not to see it. I agree with her totally, but we should go even one step more. We should not even see the movie, not spend one red penny on it, lest the makers of the movie make money off of their wares.
When was the last time you walked out of a movie in disgust? When was the last time you flipped the channel because the content offended you? When was the last time you told your kid that they could not go to a party because you knew there was going to be alcohol there? When was the last time you read your kids MySpace blogs? How many of you even know that your kid has a Myspace blog? You would be shocked to read what is out there. You can learn a lot about your kid and their friends if you wanted to, I can assure you. I know I learned a lot about the kids in my youth group by reading their MySpace.
Its not too late to change and make a difference. It is not too late to get our heads out of the sand and take a good look around us. It is not too late to get involved. The front lines need some fighters, some reinforcements, some cavalry to come to the rescue. The battle is not going away, ignoring it will only make it worse. We all need to work together in this thing.
The line has been drawn, which side are you on. Jesus said, “You are either with me or against me.” Think about it, which side do you really want to be on. You’ve read the book, right? You know who is going to win. You would think that this would be a no brainer, right? Think again. How many warriors have you seen fall and go to the other side? Really, which side are you on? There is no middle ground. To try to take the middle ground is foolish, Jesus says that he will spew the lukewarm out of His mouth because it makes Him sick. Really, which side are you on? “Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
TR
If there hasn’t been anything truly bad that has happened in your neck of the woods today I can assure you that you will hear and read about something that took place somewhere half around the world. We read about a girl who lives in Pakistan who had forceps left in her 3 years ago during an operation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I feel very sorry for her, and surgeons went in and got them out, but really, why did I need to know about that? I bet there are about 250,000,000 Americans who will never be in Pakistan and will never have to have their appendix taken out while there. And all of the sensationalism is causing me to become dull to what is happening. And that, my friend, is a bad thing. When we begin to not care about things, bad things will happen.
And our indignation gets out of kilter too. For example, this week I read that over 100,000 people have been displaced over civil war in the Sudan region and that literally thousands have died there. Did you read that, THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS. Yet gas hits $3.00 a gallon and what do we get upset with? Of course, you guessed it. Millions of illegal immigrants are in our country and a cat gets stuck between a wall in New York. You guessed it, for 13 days we watched and read as they rescued a stupid cat (sorry pet lovers, not a very politically correct statement, but there are many out there that said an “amen” to this one). Can I ask what in the world is going on????
When we get numb to the news around us, we begin to not care. And not caring is a horrible thing. A group of students are busted in a plot to assassinate several classmates and teachers at their school. When interviewed, several students did not seem to care and were not even worried. “Oh, those guys are always joking around”, one student said. Even though Columbine is still a recent memory for many, many have become so numb that they do not even sense danger when it is staring them right in the face. They could have died and it was not a big deal to them.
And we get that way about sin too. We get numb to what is going on and we don’t seem to care anymore about sin in our own back yards. We see it, think about it, and then ignore it and go on. Everyday we read about teachers having sexual encounters with their students, teens and pre-teens killing people, high profile movie stars “living together” and having children and being put on the covers of our trendiest magazines. Does anyone remember “Thou shall not kill? Thou shall not commit adultery? Thou shall not covet? Thou shall not lie? Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain? Honor your father and other? Thou shall not have any other god before Me? Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy? Thou shall not steal? Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor?”
Maybe the reason our country’s legal system has gone to such great lengths to get the 10 commandments and Christian principles and teachings removed (separated) from our government and nation is because we are breaking all of them!!!!! If Moses was alive today and came down off of the mountain and saw our country involved in all of the sin that we are doing, he would throw them down again! Yet we are so numb today, so worn down by everything we are seeing and reading about, that we don’t seem to care very much. And that is scary and dangerous.
When is the last time you took a stand on something? We had a lady at church that went forward and told of watching “Brokeback Mountain” and how horrible and disgusted she was of the movie and how she wished she had not seen it and warned others not to see it. I agree with her totally, but we should go even one step more. We should not even see the movie, not spend one red penny on it, lest the makers of the movie make money off of their wares.
When was the last time you walked out of a movie in disgust? When was the last time you flipped the channel because the content offended you? When was the last time you told your kid that they could not go to a party because you knew there was going to be alcohol there? When was the last time you read your kids MySpace blogs? How many of you even know that your kid has a Myspace blog? You would be shocked to read what is out there. You can learn a lot about your kid and their friends if you wanted to, I can assure you. I know I learned a lot about the kids in my youth group by reading their MySpace.
Its not too late to change and make a difference. It is not too late to get our heads out of the sand and take a good look around us. It is not too late to get involved. The front lines need some fighters, some reinforcements, some cavalry to come to the rescue. The battle is not going away, ignoring it will only make it worse. We all need to work together in this thing.
The line has been drawn, which side are you on. Jesus said, “You are either with me or against me.” Think about it, which side do you really want to be on. You’ve read the book, right? You know who is going to win. You would think that this would be a no brainer, right? Think again. How many warriors have you seen fall and go to the other side? Really, which side are you on? There is no middle ground. To try to take the middle ground is foolish, Jesus says that he will spew the lukewarm out of His mouth because it makes Him sick. Really, which side are you on? “Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
TR
Friday, March 31
pack wisely
Can you believe that April is here already? Unbelievable (I use that word a lot). April 1st marks the start of my 7th year here at Central Church of Christ, in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. Yeah, some of you got it right off the bat. April 1st. April fool’s day. Yep, that was my first say of work down here. Funny, huh? But that is my anniversary none the less. Its almost fitting to be honest. 6 full years working in Sarasota, my 14th year in Florida (5 in Miami and 3 in Orlando). This year also marks my 25th year of working with teenagers. Teaching, coaching, and working in youth ministry adds up to 25 years of service. OK, that was my pat on the back, now I think I will go drink some Boost or something. I am officially declaring myself old. Physically that is (especially the knees), but trust me, mentally, still as young as ever. I don’t plan on every growing up completely! I love what I do and can’t think of anything else I would want to do. Except mission work, which is what this blog is all about.
The summer trips are right around the corner!!! Its time to panic, time to find that stupid “easy button” you see on TV!!! Run around in circles and scream if you have to, its time! ITS TIME!!! OK, might have been a bit dramatic, but it is time to get in gear and get going. Especially if you are going on the May trip. The May trip, as of today (Friday, March 31st), is 45 days away from departure. That, my friends, might as well be tomorrow for those of us planning these things. 45 days is the “point of no return” you hear about. You know, the sign above the river that goes over Niagara Falls, the one that says if you go beyond this point in the river you have no choice to go back, you are going over? We are at the point of no return on the May trip. Tickets are set in stone, names are on them, and it will cost a lot of money to change anything now.
SO, IF YOU ARE ON THE MAY TRIP, HERE IS INFORMATION ESPECIALLY FOR YOU (July teams take note, most, if not all, applies to you and your trip as well):
* Make sure you have your passport. Is it current? A photocopy of your passport needs to sent to me ASAP for your file.
* Make sure you have checked your insurance to make sure it is current and you have done whatever is required for traveling outside the United States. Make sure you have an insurance card to carry with you. Everyone going on the trip receives SUPPLIMENTAL accidental insurance on the trip.
* YOUR FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE TRIP IS DUE APRIL 29TH. THE TOTAL AMOUNT FOR THE MAY TRIP IS $1,150 PER PERSON. SPENDING MONEY IS EXTRA.
* Shots are not required for the trip but make sure your tetanus shot is current. All shots (hepatitis, malaria, and cholera) are optional.
* You are allowed 2 (two) suitcases) for checked-in baggage. EACH BAG CANNOT WEIGH MORE THAN 50 POUNDS!!! There is a fine (mucho dinero) for going over, so don’t! Pack wisely.
* Remember that the Mission House has laundry service available for $4 a load (wash, dry, and fold). Pack wisely.
* You need to bring a backpack; use it as your carry on bag. In your carry -on bag, include 1 set of clean clothes (you never know 100% if your bags will make it down with you on the flight…. wish I was joking). Also, your money, passport, and any other items of real importance, should be in your backpack. ALSO remember no knives, hammers, nails, etc. in your backpack! You can say hasta la vista if you forget. Hammers, knives, tools, etc., go in your check-in luggage. Pack wisely.
* Girls, you can also bring a purse on the plane if you want. Guys, well, you are on your own, I am not going there…..
* Remember, there is a dress code on this trip. Modesty is of utmost importance. Shorts are knee length, shirts have sleeves and are not tight fitting. CLOSED TOED SHOES ARE A MUST, sandals and flip-flops are used in the dorm areas only (Honduran dirt is packed with bacteria on steroids). Girls, this includes Sunday church attire. No tank tops or equivalent. Pack wisely.
* Work gloves and eye protection are required. Sunglasses work fine. But you have to have them if you are working at a construction site.
* Canteen or water bottle required. Several are better. Staying hydrated is muy importante, si!
* A light jacket is also needed, especially one that is water resistant. Also a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Bull Frog sunscreen is the brand of choice, along with Cactus Juice bug repellent.
* I recommend that you bring your own hammer for the trip. Go and pick out one that works well with you (weight, feel, etc.). We do have tools, but having your own is best. Guys typically like to swing a 20 ounce hammer or bigger while girls tend to use lighter hammers.
* We will be on a media fast during the trip. Please leave your I-pods, Walkmans, CD players, etc. at home. We want you focused on the trip and getting to know your teammates, not jammin’ out in your own space.
* We will be going to a grocery store when we first get to Honduras. You will be able to buy a lot of your snack foods and lunch items there. However, it will be cheaper to buy stuff here in the states.
* The rules sheet, WHICH MUST BE NOTARIZED, is being sent out this weekend. This document must be signed, notarized, and sent back to be no later than April 29th. Everyone going on this trip must do this.
THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST OF SUPPLIES YOU ARE TO TAKE ON THE TRIP:
Bible
Toilet paper (comfort is everything)
Pepto Bismal (the pink miracle)
Tooth brush/paste
Soap/shampoo
Hand wipes (bring a lot!)
Hand sanitizer (very important)
Imodium (life savers)
Shaving cream/razor
Towel/wash cloth
Deodorant
Q-tips
Insect repellent (Cactus Juice)
Multi-vitamins
Passport
Camera/film
Deck of cards
Watch (waterproof)
Work clothes (disposable)
Work shoes (closed toed)
Work gloves
Peanut butter/jelly
Laundry bag
Zip-lock bags (sandwich size)
Zip-lock bags (gallon size)
Flash light
Alarm clock
Spending money ($50 - $90+)
Hat/visor
Water bottle (s)
Sunscreen (psf 20 +)
Paper/pen/pencil
Backpack
Spanish/English dictionary
Snack food
Pocket knife
Sunglasses
Sharpie marker
Band-aides
Personal medicines
FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR THE NASHVILLE GROUP IS AS FOLLOWS:
Depart Monday, May 15th, from Nashville International Airport on American Airlines flight # 1879 @ 6:56 AM arriving Miami @ 9:59 AM. Connect on American Airlines flight #953 @ 11:47 AM arriving Tegucigalpa @ 12:08 PM.
Return on Wednesday, May 24th on American Airlines flight #954 @ 1:20 PM arriving Miami @ 5:39 PM. Connect on American Airlines flight #1422 @ 8:27 PM arriving Nashville @ 9:46 PM.
FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR THE MIAMI GROUP IS AS FOLLOWS:
Depart on Monday, May 15th from Miami International Airport on American Airlines flight #953 @ 11:47 AM arriving Tegucigalpa @ 12:08 PM.
Return on Wednesday, May 24th on American Airlines flight #954 @ 1:20 PM arriving Miami @ 5:39 PM.
* YOU MUST BE AT THE CHECK-IN COUNTER AT LEAST 2 ½ HOURS BEFORE THE FLIGHT! LOOK AT YOUR FLIGHT SCHEDULE AGAIN… YES, ITS THAT EARLY….
TENTATIVE WORK SCHEDULE:
* Santa Ana (Tegucigalpa area): clean-up / paint / work on road
* Build 2 or 3 houses (Valle de Angeles and San Miguel)
* Comayagua church project (leveling road and digging drainage ditch); hospital visitation; orphanage visitation; possible medical work
* Work on Baxter’s retaining wall (Tegucigalpa)
* Valle de Angeles children’s home projects
* Stucco and paint inside of San Miguel’s church building (Tegucigalpa)
* San Miguel’s feeding program and food distribution (Tegucigalpa)
* Visitation at Hospital Esquela and Hospital San Philippe (Tegucigalpa)
* Visit orphanages and children’s homes (Tegucigalpa)
* VBS at Valle de Angeles (3 days)
* Devo at Jesus statue and @ Santa Lucia; dinner @ the Kluge’s
* Retreat at Hotel Copantyl
Faulkner men’s team soccer matches:
* Baxter University
* Los Pinaras Academy
* Honduras Air Force team
* University of Comayagua
* University of Honduras/ Tegucigalpa
* Cobras Elite Task Force team
Lodging in Tegucigalpa: Casa Gracia (Mission House)
Lodging in Comayagua: Hotel Moralas (2 days, 2 nights)
Retreat in Tegucigalpa: Hotel Copantyl
Our team will meet in Miami and will fly down together. Torch T-shirts and journals will be passed out at the Miami airport.
So, there ya go, more information than you thought could be possibly given out before a trip. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I hope everyone is getting excited about the trips, I know I am! And, for those going in July, specific information about your trip is coming soon. Pray for success for the trips, may God always be glorified by what we say and do. God’s speed to all of you.
TR
The summer trips are right around the corner!!! Its time to panic, time to find that stupid “easy button” you see on TV!!! Run around in circles and scream if you have to, its time! ITS TIME!!! OK, might have been a bit dramatic, but it is time to get in gear and get going. Especially if you are going on the May trip. The May trip, as of today (Friday, March 31st), is 45 days away from departure. That, my friends, might as well be tomorrow for those of us planning these things. 45 days is the “point of no return” you hear about. You know, the sign above the river that goes over Niagara Falls, the one that says if you go beyond this point in the river you have no choice to go back, you are going over? We are at the point of no return on the May trip. Tickets are set in stone, names are on them, and it will cost a lot of money to change anything now.
SO, IF YOU ARE ON THE MAY TRIP, HERE IS INFORMATION ESPECIALLY FOR YOU (July teams take note, most, if not all, applies to you and your trip as well):
* Make sure you have your passport. Is it current? A photocopy of your passport needs to sent to me ASAP for your file.
* Make sure you have checked your insurance to make sure it is current and you have done whatever is required for traveling outside the United States. Make sure you have an insurance card to carry with you. Everyone going on the trip receives SUPPLIMENTAL accidental insurance on the trip.
* YOUR FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE TRIP IS DUE APRIL 29TH. THE TOTAL AMOUNT FOR THE MAY TRIP IS $1,150 PER PERSON. SPENDING MONEY IS EXTRA.
* Shots are not required for the trip but make sure your tetanus shot is current. All shots (hepatitis, malaria, and cholera) are optional.
* You are allowed 2 (two) suitcases) for checked-in baggage. EACH BAG CANNOT WEIGH MORE THAN 50 POUNDS!!! There is a fine (mucho dinero) for going over, so don’t! Pack wisely.
* Remember that the Mission House has laundry service available for $4 a load (wash, dry, and fold). Pack wisely.
* You need to bring a backpack; use it as your carry on bag. In your carry -on bag, include 1 set of clean clothes (you never know 100% if your bags will make it down with you on the flight…. wish I was joking). Also, your money, passport, and any other items of real importance, should be in your backpack. ALSO remember no knives, hammers, nails, etc. in your backpack! You can say hasta la vista if you forget. Hammers, knives, tools, etc., go in your check-in luggage. Pack wisely.
* Girls, you can also bring a purse on the plane if you want. Guys, well, you are on your own, I am not going there…..
* Remember, there is a dress code on this trip. Modesty is of utmost importance. Shorts are knee length, shirts have sleeves and are not tight fitting. CLOSED TOED SHOES ARE A MUST, sandals and flip-flops are used in the dorm areas only (Honduran dirt is packed with bacteria on steroids). Girls, this includes Sunday church attire. No tank tops or equivalent. Pack wisely.
* Work gloves and eye protection are required. Sunglasses work fine. But you have to have them if you are working at a construction site.
* Canteen or water bottle required. Several are better. Staying hydrated is muy importante, si!
* A light jacket is also needed, especially one that is water resistant. Also a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Bull Frog sunscreen is the brand of choice, along with Cactus Juice bug repellent.
* I recommend that you bring your own hammer for the trip. Go and pick out one that works well with you (weight, feel, etc.). We do have tools, but having your own is best. Guys typically like to swing a 20 ounce hammer or bigger while girls tend to use lighter hammers.
* We will be on a media fast during the trip. Please leave your I-pods, Walkmans, CD players, etc. at home. We want you focused on the trip and getting to know your teammates, not jammin’ out in your own space.
* We will be going to a grocery store when we first get to Honduras. You will be able to buy a lot of your snack foods and lunch items there. However, it will be cheaper to buy stuff here in the states.
* The rules sheet, WHICH MUST BE NOTARIZED, is being sent out this weekend. This document must be signed, notarized, and sent back to be no later than April 29th. Everyone going on this trip must do this.
THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST OF SUPPLIES YOU ARE TO TAKE ON THE TRIP:
Bible
Toilet paper (comfort is everything)
Pepto Bismal (the pink miracle)
Tooth brush/paste
Soap/shampoo
Hand wipes (bring a lot!)
Hand sanitizer (very important)
Imodium (life savers)
Shaving cream/razor
Towel/wash cloth
Deodorant
Q-tips
Insect repellent (Cactus Juice)
Multi-vitamins
Passport
Camera/film
Deck of cards
Watch (waterproof)
Work clothes (disposable)
Work shoes (closed toed)
Work gloves
Peanut butter/jelly
Laundry bag
Zip-lock bags (sandwich size)
Zip-lock bags (gallon size)
Flash light
Alarm clock
Spending money ($50 - $90+)
Hat/visor
Water bottle (s)
Sunscreen (psf 20 +)
Paper/pen/pencil
Backpack
Spanish/English dictionary
Snack food
Pocket knife
Sunglasses
Sharpie marker
Band-aides
Personal medicines
FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR THE NASHVILLE GROUP IS AS FOLLOWS:
Depart Monday, May 15th, from Nashville International Airport on American Airlines flight # 1879 @ 6:56 AM arriving Miami @ 9:59 AM. Connect on American Airlines flight #953 @ 11:47 AM arriving Tegucigalpa @ 12:08 PM.
Return on Wednesday, May 24th on American Airlines flight #954 @ 1:20 PM arriving Miami @ 5:39 PM. Connect on American Airlines flight #1422 @ 8:27 PM arriving Nashville @ 9:46 PM.
FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR THE MIAMI GROUP IS AS FOLLOWS:
Depart on Monday, May 15th from Miami International Airport on American Airlines flight #953 @ 11:47 AM arriving Tegucigalpa @ 12:08 PM.
Return on Wednesday, May 24th on American Airlines flight #954 @ 1:20 PM arriving Miami @ 5:39 PM.
* YOU MUST BE AT THE CHECK-IN COUNTER AT LEAST 2 ½ HOURS BEFORE THE FLIGHT! LOOK AT YOUR FLIGHT SCHEDULE AGAIN… YES, ITS THAT EARLY….
TENTATIVE WORK SCHEDULE:
* Santa Ana (Tegucigalpa area): clean-up / paint / work on road
* Build 2 or 3 houses (Valle de Angeles and San Miguel)
* Comayagua church project (leveling road and digging drainage ditch); hospital visitation; orphanage visitation; possible medical work
* Work on Baxter’s retaining wall (Tegucigalpa)
* Valle de Angeles children’s home projects
* Stucco and paint inside of San Miguel’s church building (Tegucigalpa)
* San Miguel’s feeding program and food distribution (Tegucigalpa)
* Visitation at Hospital Esquela and Hospital San Philippe (Tegucigalpa)
* Visit orphanages and children’s homes (Tegucigalpa)
* VBS at Valle de Angeles (3 days)
* Devo at Jesus statue and @ Santa Lucia; dinner @ the Kluge’s
* Retreat at Hotel Copantyl
Faulkner men’s team soccer matches:
* Baxter University
* Los Pinaras Academy
* Honduras Air Force team
* University of Comayagua
* University of Honduras/ Tegucigalpa
* Cobras Elite Task Force team
Lodging in Tegucigalpa: Casa Gracia (Mission House)
Lodging in Comayagua: Hotel Moralas (2 days, 2 nights)
Retreat in Tegucigalpa: Hotel Copantyl
Our team will meet in Miami and will fly down together. Torch T-shirts and journals will be passed out at the Miami airport.
So, there ya go, more information than you thought could be possibly given out before a trip. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I hope everyone is getting excited about the trips, I know I am! And, for those going in July, specific information about your trip is coming soon. Pray for success for the trips, may God always be glorified by what we say and do. God’s speed to all of you.
TR
Wednesday, March 29
Its true
I have been following with great interest the story of the Afghan who converted to Christianity 16 years ago who was recently thrown into prison in Afghanistan, his home country. According to Afghan law, converting to Christianity is against the law and is punishable by death. As news of this event reached around the globe many countries implored the Afghan court to reconsider their law and set Abdul Rahman free. Clerics from the Muslim faith voiced their condemnation and vowed Abdul’s death if he was set free.
Protestors chanted “death to Christians” during their protests as the fate of Abdul rested in the hands of the high court. Pressure mounted from presidents and prime ministers from all over the world, along with religious leaders, including the Pope. But the Muslims of Afghanistan made it very clear what their thoughts were on this event. They said the Quran calls for infidels to die. Abdul was caught with a Bible in his hand and even confessed to the charges. This was a very serious moment. What would the court do?
The high court announced that Abdul would be released because of lack of evidence against him. The court also said that it was not sure if he was mentally stable enough to stand trial. Clerics were outraged and protests of the news swept through the streets. Abdul was kept under heavy guard for his own protection. Then, without warning or announcement, he was released. His where a bouts was unknown. I cringed at the possibility of what would happen to Abdul. His life was in danger and the court released him. I was certain that he would be killed. But today I read that Abdul is safe in Italy and that they are granting him asylum. Leaving his home country was Abdul’s only choice, if he wanted to live. Leaving his home, his family, his relatives, leaving everything behind. Why? Because he became a follower of Jesus.
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion in the world and one of the fastest growing here in the US. Many of its spokesmen say that the Muslim religion is a religion of peace. They say that the Muslims that are terrorists and murderers are a small radical group that does not represent the whole of the Muslim people. However, I disagree. I believe that the Muslims are extremists, that they believe that they alone shall be justified before Allah and that anyone who is not a Muslim is an infidel, and should be considered an enemy. We need to be very concerned about all of this. Countries all over the world are having major problems with riots and uprisings and if you look closely, you will see that in many cases it is the Muslims that are involved. Their goal is global domination. And once they are in control, look at the laws they make. Look at the laws in Afghanistan, against anyone who proclaims to be different, such as a Christian. Look at what happens in Muslim countries, do you think for a moment that we really know everything that is going on over there? Come on, wake up and get real! For every Abdul that we read about, there are a thousand we never hear about. People are dying all over the world because of their relationship with Jesus. EVERYDAY.
Jesus said that if we followed him that the world would hate us. It is true. He said that if we followed Him that we would be persecuted. It is true. Jesus said that it would not be easy, for if the world hated Him that the world would hate us. It is true. Jesus said not to fear the one who could kill the body but to fear the one who could kill both the body and the soul. It is true. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life. No man can go unto the Father except through Him. It is true. Jesus said that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. Again, it is true. Obedience in Jesus Christ is without question the most important thing in the world.
I am afraid that another holy war is coming. Just like the crusades we read about in our history books. Christianity against the Muslims. Except this time it will not be swords, bows, armor, and horses. It won’t be spears and javelins and foot soldiers. What will it be like? Tanks? Missiles? Bombs? Nuclear weapons? I don’t know. Will it be a war of words, policies, and sanctions? Will it be a war of political maneuvers? I don’t know. Or will there be no war at all, will the world allow the Muslims to sweep in and take control without a fight? I don’t know that either. But the thought scares me to death.
Have we been so busy fighting among ourselves, “defending the faith,” dotting our “i’s” and crossing our “t’s” that we have allowed the real enemy to approach unhindered? Has the Christian community beat themselves senseless yet? Have we learned to fight against ourselves to the point that we can’t fight against the real enemy? Believe me, Satan’s hand is in this mess. He is the conductor of this orchestra. He can play religion with the best of us. If he played it with Jesus during the temptations in the desert, he will certainly play it now. He can turn neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother. Country against country, and religion against religion.
The world needs Jesus more than ever; to know who He is and what He can do. The world needs to know about His mercy and grace. The world needs to know about His salvation and His judgment. This planet is a ticking time bomb. Death and destruction is in the air. People are dying everywhere. Lost. Without hope. Without Jesus. ETERNALLY LOST. Maybe we should take that Great Commission thing just a little bit more seriously. Now. What do you think?
TR
Protestors chanted “death to Christians” during their protests as the fate of Abdul rested in the hands of the high court. Pressure mounted from presidents and prime ministers from all over the world, along with religious leaders, including the Pope. But the Muslims of Afghanistan made it very clear what their thoughts were on this event. They said the Quran calls for infidels to die. Abdul was caught with a Bible in his hand and even confessed to the charges. This was a very serious moment. What would the court do?
The high court announced that Abdul would be released because of lack of evidence against him. The court also said that it was not sure if he was mentally stable enough to stand trial. Clerics were outraged and protests of the news swept through the streets. Abdul was kept under heavy guard for his own protection. Then, without warning or announcement, he was released. His where a bouts was unknown. I cringed at the possibility of what would happen to Abdul. His life was in danger and the court released him. I was certain that he would be killed. But today I read that Abdul is safe in Italy and that they are granting him asylum. Leaving his home country was Abdul’s only choice, if he wanted to live. Leaving his home, his family, his relatives, leaving everything behind. Why? Because he became a follower of Jesus.
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion in the world and one of the fastest growing here in the US. Many of its spokesmen say that the Muslim religion is a religion of peace. They say that the Muslims that are terrorists and murderers are a small radical group that does not represent the whole of the Muslim people. However, I disagree. I believe that the Muslims are extremists, that they believe that they alone shall be justified before Allah and that anyone who is not a Muslim is an infidel, and should be considered an enemy. We need to be very concerned about all of this. Countries all over the world are having major problems with riots and uprisings and if you look closely, you will see that in many cases it is the Muslims that are involved. Their goal is global domination. And once they are in control, look at the laws they make. Look at the laws in Afghanistan, against anyone who proclaims to be different, such as a Christian. Look at what happens in Muslim countries, do you think for a moment that we really know everything that is going on over there? Come on, wake up and get real! For every Abdul that we read about, there are a thousand we never hear about. People are dying all over the world because of their relationship with Jesus. EVERYDAY.
Jesus said that if we followed him that the world would hate us. It is true. He said that if we followed Him that we would be persecuted. It is true. Jesus said that it would not be easy, for if the world hated Him that the world would hate us. It is true. Jesus said not to fear the one who could kill the body but to fear the one who could kill both the body and the soul. It is true. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life. No man can go unto the Father except through Him. It is true. Jesus said that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. Again, it is true. Obedience in Jesus Christ is without question the most important thing in the world.
I am afraid that another holy war is coming. Just like the crusades we read about in our history books. Christianity against the Muslims. Except this time it will not be swords, bows, armor, and horses. It won’t be spears and javelins and foot soldiers. What will it be like? Tanks? Missiles? Bombs? Nuclear weapons? I don’t know. Will it be a war of words, policies, and sanctions? Will it be a war of political maneuvers? I don’t know. Or will there be no war at all, will the world allow the Muslims to sweep in and take control without a fight? I don’t know that either. But the thought scares me to death.
Have we been so busy fighting among ourselves, “defending the faith,” dotting our “i’s” and crossing our “t’s” that we have allowed the real enemy to approach unhindered? Has the Christian community beat themselves senseless yet? Have we learned to fight against ourselves to the point that we can’t fight against the real enemy? Believe me, Satan’s hand is in this mess. He is the conductor of this orchestra. He can play religion with the best of us. If he played it with Jesus during the temptations in the desert, he will certainly play it now. He can turn neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother. Country against country, and religion against religion.
The world needs Jesus more than ever; to know who He is and what He can do. The world needs to know about His mercy and grace. The world needs to know about His salvation and His judgment. This planet is a ticking time bomb. Death and destruction is in the air. People are dying everywhere. Lost. Without hope. Without Jesus. ETERNALLY LOST. Maybe we should take that Great Commission thing just a little bit more seriously. Now. What do you think?
TR
Wednesday, March 22
A better offer???
I was reading from the book of Job recently. You know, that is a very interesting book. In a lot of ways, too, because this is a guy that a lot of people, like myself, can relate to on a regular basis. He seems like a pretty normal kind of guy, in most ways, although he does seem to be pretty wealthy (by any standard). Going through life, doing his thing, happy as can be. Good family, good wife, good job, nice house, plenty of stuff to make one happy. Not a bad gig if I say so myself.
Then comes “the meeting.” You know, THE MEETING. God summons his angels and asks what they are up to and Satan is there too. God asks what Satan has been up to, and of course he tells it like it is. “Seeking people to DESTROY. Did you catch that? Standing before the throne and telling God that he is seeking souls to destroy. Whew, that is hard to take in when you really think about it. Then comes the clincher, God asks Satan if he has considered Job. Now, I ask you, what did Job do to deserve this??? He is down there on good ol’ planet earth, minding his own business, and up in the heavenly realms he has just become the center of attention. WHY???
You know the story, I won’t go into all of the details. But I constantly think about the “WHY” question. Why was Job called out? Why did God put Job on the line? Why did all of that have to happen to him? WHY? Now, a philosopher will give you lots of reasons, and most preachers too. And they all make a little bit of sense, I guess. But it all seems weird to me. And Job comes through it all, but not without a lot of questions himself. But he learns who God really is, and understands his relationship with Him. And he certainly learned a lot about Satan, his power, and his unending desire to DESTROY him. What if God had said, “Have you considered my servant (insert YOUR name here)…” And that, my friends, scares me to death.
Satan is out to kill us all. That is what he wants more than anything else in the world. He wants to destroy us, rip us away from God, from His grace, from His mercy. He wants to ruin us, stain us, take away our value. He wants to flush us down the toilet and spit on us. He wants us to spend eternity with him in the burning fires of hell and darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. That is what he wants alright, and he will do whatever it takes to do it.
He will lie to you. He will deceive you. He will flatter you. He will tempt you. He will make things that are horribly sinful seem appealing to you and will convince you it is OK to do it. He will make you abandon your senses and common sense, he will make you doubt your upbringing and your morals. He will do other things too. He will take away your self esteem, your will power. He will isolate you and make you feel unwanted and unloved. He will pour guilt upon you and make you think you are worthless. He will ride you to the ground and crush you like a bug. Or he will give you great power, lots of money, anything it takes to distract you from serving the One who really loves you and wants the best for you.
And the sad thing is that Satan is really good at what he does. He is really, really good. I have watched as many have fallen to his wily ways. I have watched people fall away from God, from His church, and wallow in stuff that they, at one time, knew to be wrong. I guess working with teenagers really makes it tough. You work with teens for 4, 5, sometimes 6 years. Teaching them, through scripture, through example, though service, the path that they need to take. Then, when it is time for them to go, stretch their wings, they are picked off with Satan’s fiery darts that we read about in Ephesians. They get wrapped up in so much garbage, so much mess, so much sin, and they are trapped. And Satan is as happy as a lost soul can be when it happens.
But, God is still God. He is still the Master and Commander. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the King and Savior. And He is the Judge. He is unchanging, He is true and faithful. He constantly seeks and calls, pleads and beckons. He wants all men to draw unto Him. And I hold out to hope. I hope that those, who were some of the most faithful, most fervent, most focused, will come back to the one love of their life. That they will see that through Christ all good things come, and that what the world has to offer is a cheap imitation of the real thing. That their relationship with God is real.
Life is hard and so are the consequences of our decisions. And it affects not only the ones who make the decisions, it affects all those around them too. THAT’S RIGHT, IT AFFECTS OTHERS. To abandon God, to turn your back on Him, after all He has done for you, is a reckless decision. It is selfish, it is insensitive, and heartless. But Satan will give you all of the resources you need to make it happen, and he will do it with a smile on his face. AFTER ALL, WHAT DOES SATAN HAVE TO LOOSE? HE HAS ALREADY LOST EVERYTHING. Maybe the question should be, “WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOOSE?” What are you waiting for? A better offer??? You’re kidding, right?
TR
Then comes “the meeting.” You know, THE MEETING. God summons his angels and asks what they are up to and Satan is there too. God asks what Satan has been up to, and of course he tells it like it is. “Seeking people to DESTROY. Did you catch that? Standing before the throne and telling God that he is seeking souls to destroy. Whew, that is hard to take in when you really think about it. Then comes the clincher, God asks Satan if he has considered Job. Now, I ask you, what did Job do to deserve this??? He is down there on good ol’ planet earth, minding his own business, and up in the heavenly realms he has just become the center of attention. WHY???
You know the story, I won’t go into all of the details. But I constantly think about the “WHY” question. Why was Job called out? Why did God put Job on the line? Why did all of that have to happen to him? WHY? Now, a philosopher will give you lots of reasons, and most preachers too. And they all make a little bit of sense, I guess. But it all seems weird to me. And Job comes through it all, but not without a lot of questions himself. But he learns who God really is, and understands his relationship with Him. And he certainly learned a lot about Satan, his power, and his unending desire to DESTROY him. What if God had said, “Have you considered my servant (insert YOUR name here)…” And that, my friends, scares me to death.
Satan is out to kill us all. That is what he wants more than anything else in the world. He wants to destroy us, rip us away from God, from His grace, from His mercy. He wants to ruin us, stain us, take away our value. He wants to flush us down the toilet and spit on us. He wants us to spend eternity with him in the burning fires of hell and darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. That is what he wants alright, and he will do whatever it takes to do it.
He will lie to you. He will deceive you. He will flatter you. He will tempt you. He will make things that are horribly sinful seem appealing to you and will convince you it is OK to do it. He will make you abandon your senses and common sense, he will make you doubt your upbringing and your morals. He will do other things too. He will take away your self esteem, your will power. He will isolate you and make you feel unwanted and unloved. He will pour guilt upon you and make you think you are worthless. He will ride you to the ground and crush you like a bug. Or he will give you great power, lots of money, anything it takes to distract you from serving the One who really loves you and wants the best for you.
And the sad thing is that Satan is really good at what he does. He is really, really good. I have watched as many have fallen to his wily ways. I have watched people fall away from God, from His church, and wallow in stuff that they, at one time, knew to be wrong. I guess working with teenagers really makes it tough. You work with teens for 4, 5, sometimes 6 years. Teaching them, through scripture, through example, though service, the path that they need to take. Then, when it is time for them to go, stretch their wings, they are picked off with Satan’s fiery darts that we read about in Ephesians. They get wrapped up in so much garbage, so much mess, so much sin, and they are trapped. And Satan is as happy as a lost soul can be when it happens.
But, God is still God. He is still the Master and Commander. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the King and Savior. And He is the Judge. He is unchanging, He is true and faithful. He constantly seeks and calls, pleads and beckons. He wants all men to draw unto Him. And I hold out to hope. I hope that those, who were some of the most faithful, most fervent, most focused, will come back to the one love of their life. That they will see that through Christ all good things come, and that what the world has to offer is a cheap imitation of the real thing. That their relationship with God is real.
Life is hard and so are the consequences of our decisions. And it affects not only the ones who make the decisions, it affects all those around them too. THAT’S RIGHT, IT AFFECTS OTHERS. To abandon God, to turn your back on Him, after all He has done for you, is a reckless decision. It is selfish, it is insensitive, and heartless. But Satan will give you all of the resources you need to make it happen, and he will do it with a smile on his face. AFTER ALL, WHAT DOES SATAN HAVE TO LOOSE? HE HAS ALREADY LOST EVERYTHING. Maybe the question should be, “WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOOSE?” What are you waiting for? A better offer??? You’re kidding, right?
TR
Saturday, March 11
Are you listening out there???
OK. I can‘t stand it any longer. I just have to write my thoughts on this. To all of those out there who read this blog, please allow me some time to vent here. Agree with me or not, I just want to say a few things that are on my mind. Everyone has opinions, ideas, view points, and I want to share mine right now.
I just finished reading the current Sports Illustrated and its article (excerpt) from the book, “ The Game of Shadows.” The book itself is scheduled to come out at the end of the month. The book goes into great detail describing the drug use of Barry Bonds, the powerful slugger for the San Francisco Giants. The drug use outlined in the article involves steroids and other growth hormones that can, and is, used by many athletes today to increase their muscle mass and performance capabilities to give them an edge on their competition. This article goes to great length to document its findings and to establish the legitimacy of the claims made by its two authors, both reporters for the San Francisco Chronicle.
In the past couple of years major league baseball (whom has kept its head in the sand on the problem of steroids and drug use), finally addressed the issue. Other sporting organizations have for years been testing athletes for illegal use of performance enhancing drugs. We have seen and read over and over again different athletes that have been caught cheating with steroids and watching their medals, awards, and records stripped from them. Now baseball, our national pastime, is involved. We watched as big name players went before congress under oath TO TELL THE TRUTH, denying the use of these drugs. Only to find out later that they lied, trying to hide the truth to the world, the dishonest way in which they played the game.
These drugs have horrible side effects. Deadly side effects. Athletes, both famous and unknown, have suffered the price for their use. Lyle Alzado, the great football player for Denver and Oakland, died in his early 40’s from steroid use. He admitted it before he died. Body builders, track stars, Olympic athletes, football players, weight lifters, you name it, have been and are now involved in their use. And the great cover-up continues. Denials and lies, and carefully chosen words are used when addressing the issue. And now we are focused on Barry Bonds, the man who is chasing one of the greatest records of all time, the title of Home Run King.
And Barry Bonds, one of the men who testified before congress under oath, is denying the accusations and using very carefully chosen words in his interviews. Reporters, news anchors, coaches and managers all mention that there is every indication that Barry Bonds is not telling the truth and that the evidence is overwhelming. Of course, Barry is in elite company. During the hearings several high profile players, many of which I truly admired, stated that they did not do anything wrong and that they would not talk about the past, only the present and future.
Now, I said all of that to get to the issue at hand. Sure, I am a baseball fan, and a sports fan all of the way. I love watching sports of every kind, that is why ESPN is my favorite channel. I know there are a lot of people just like me out there, who can’t get enough. We will watch anything considered a sport, ANYTHING! And I also know that there are those out there that could go days, even weeks (perhaps a life time for all I know) without watching a sporting event. But what I want to talk about is not really about sports, although it is found there. But it is also found at work, in relationships, in academic settings, you name it. IT IS CALLED LYING AND CHEATING.
We live in strange times. We live in a strange culture. Its true! Our world today is struggling over moral issues at every turn. And we are having a hard time deciding what we are going to do about it. The erosion of our moral fabric is so evident today that it is scary. Absolutely frightening. We are confronted with black and white issues of right and wrong, fair and unfair, good and bad. And we don’t know what to do about it. If you don’t believe me just watch your news channel and listen to what is being said. The way the media reports the news shows the dilemma that we are in today.
People, famous people, high profile people, are constantly in the news for lying and cheating. Martha Stuart, Ben Johnson (track runner), top executives from Enron, presidents (who can forget Clinton and Monica?), congressmen (Tom Delaney), I could go on for hours. Cheating on their taxes, cheating on their mates, cheating on anything and everything. And lying. Lying about what they did or did not do, lying about accepting gifts and donations. Lying about this affair or that affair. Choosing words very carefully. Its both amazing and sickening at the same time. High profile people, those in the public’s eye all of the time, doing things that are wrong and getting caught and then trying to get out of it. WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THEY THINKING???
Do they think that they are above the law? Above reproach? That nobody’s watching? As we say in the south, “have they outgrown their britches?” Do they think that they will not get caught? Do they think that if they are that they can cover it up? Do they think they can talk their way out of it? Do they think that the public won’t care? Or is it because they just simply do not think at all???
Now, back to the problem at hand. Our culture today, this current generation, what do we think about all of this and how do we react to it? And how does all of this affect us? DOES IT AFFECT US? Is Barry Bonds, President Clinton, President Bush, Raphael Palmeiro (baseball player who denied before congress that he never used steroids and was caught last year, forcing his retirement), Martha Stuart, Pete Rose (baseball player with all time most hits, banished forever from the hall of fame because of his gambling addiction and his lying about it) and others, simply a reflection of our generation? Is lying and cheating so prevalent in our society today that this is just the tip of the iceberg or is this just isolated instances?
Lying and cheating has been around forever. Cover-ups and well chosen words too. But today we are living in an epidemic. Our morality has eroded to the point that lying and cheating is being confronted at every turn, from the highest and most famous, down to the nobodies and the average Joes. Cover-ups, well chosen words, and dishonesty is everywhere. People lying under oath, lying in courtrooms, in principle’s offices, in management offices. Lying to policemen, bosses, teachers, ministers, friends, and store clerks. It is everywhere. Moral or immoral, religious or not, good or bad, it is striking everywhere we turn.
And it is being demonstrated to our children. They see it at home, at school, they watch it on TV and in the movies. They hear it, read about it, and watch role models, family and friends do it. And children, teens, and others are redefining what cheating and lying even means. Is copying homework from another student wrong? Is it cheating? Not according to teens today! The VAST majority of teens do not see copying homework as cheating at all. Pressure to make good grades, to maintain high GPA’s, to get those coveted academic scholarships, has the best students cheating to make the grade. Competition to make the best grades, to win ball games, or to have and to hold, has caused people to do whatever it takes to achieve it. The “win at all cost” mentality has filtered into every aspect of our lives. Children are the mirror of our society today.
Catching people in the act of lying and cheating is one thing, but what are we going to do about it? Do we “re-define” it? Do we “ignore” it? Do we “confront” it? Do we shrug it off or do we get irate? What do we do? What CAN we do? Is it just part of life and do we need to just learn to accept it and go on and make the best of it??? That is where we are today? We are trying to decide what we need to do. Do we establish categories of lying and cheating? Do we draw lines in the sand and say this is acceptable but this is not? Do we establish “white” lies and “minor” lies and compare them to “big” lies? Shall we say that this kind of cheating is OK but this kind is not? And who is going to draw all of these lines and establish the measuring sticks? What will be the standard today? Tomorrow? Next year? 10 years? Me? You? Who??????????
Oh what a tangled web we weave. We cry outrage because President Bush “lied” to us about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Who cares if Saddam Hussein killed thousands of innocent people. Martha Stuart cheats and lies about inside trading and goes to prison. We are outraged that she goes to prison and feel sorry for her. Barry Bonds takes steroids and human growth hormones to get the edge so that he can break Hank Aaron’s long standing (and fairly earned) home run record. Nobody seems to care. Much. But let two handicapped tennis athletes in wheel chairs get caught for using the same drugs and we suspend them! (No joke! Read Sports Illustrated February 22nd issue). Hello? Is anyone out there?
I can’t believe I am living to see all of this! I can’t believe we live in a society that is so messed up that we can become so judgmental and uncaring at the same time. I can’t believe that I live in a place where cheating and lying is so commonplace that we dismiss it and call it normal. We have got to come to grips on this. We have to establish the fact that there is right and wrong, fair and unfair, and that there are real consequences for the decisions that we make. If we don’t teach these values now we are going to reap the whirlwind in the future, and I am talking about the very near future. Think about the consequences of Iran lying about it nuclear activities?
And think about the moral aspect. Lying and cheating are sins, contrary to God and His holy nature. Lying and cheating are eternal decisions. Think about it. What do we have to loose? A lot. Both now and later. Much later. Stand up for what is right, teach what is right. There are absolutes, and God’s word addresses it. We can’t be cowards about this, there is too much at stake. And just because you or I have lied or cheated before doesn’t change the outcome. No matter how badly you have messed up, you can make it right. You can’t change the past, but you can allow the past to change the future.
We should be outraged about cheating and lying. Barry Bonds, are you listening? We should speak up and stand up for what is right. YES, IT IS A BIG DEAL. YES, WE DO CARE. YES, WE HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. YES, THERE ARE consequences for our actions. May God help us now, more than ever, to be His ambassadors in this corrupt generation. You know, when you think about it, we really shouldn’t be all that surprised at all of this, the world is Satan’s playground, and he has polluted it with all of the evil that he can muster. But the false fascia Satan has put up has been stripped away and the ugliness of his demeanor has been revealed. The fight is on. The battle lines have been drawn. Where do you stand? Are you listening out there?
TR
I just finished reading the current Sports Illustrated and its article (excerpt) from the book, “ The Game of Shadows.” The book itself is scheduled to come out at the end of the month. The book goes into great detail describing the drug use of Barry Bonds, the powerful slugger for the San Francisco Giants. The drug use outlined in the article involves steroids and other growth hormones that can, and is, used by many athletes today to increase their muscle mass and performance capabilities to give them an edge on their competition. This article goes to great length to document its findings and to establish the legitimacy of the claims made by its two authors, both reporters for the San Francisco Chronicle.
In the past couple of years major league baseball (whom has kept its head in the sand on the problem of steroids and drug use), finally addressed the issue. Other sporting organizations have for years been testing athletes for illegal use of performance enhancing drugs. We have seen and read over and over again different athletes that have been caught cheating with steroids and watching their medals, awards, and records stripped from them. Now baseball, our national pastime, is involved. We watched as big name players went before congress under oath TO TELL THE TRUTH, denying the use of these drugs. Only to find out later that they lied, trying to hide the truth to the world, the dishonest way in which they played the game.
These drugs have horrible side effects. Deadly side effects. Athletes, both famous and unknown, have suffered the price for their use. Lyle Alzado, the great football player for Denver and Oakland, died in his early 40’s from steroid use. He admitted it before he died. Body builders, track stars, Olympic athletes, football players, weight lifters, you name it, have been and are now involved in their use. And the great cover-up continues. Denials and lies, and carefully chosen words are used when addressing the issue. And now we are focused on Barry Bonds, the man who is chasing one of the greatest records of all time, the title of Home Run King.
And Barry Bonds, one of the men who testified before congress under oath, is denying the accusations and using very carefully chosen words in his interviews. Reporters, news anchors, coaches and managers all mention that there is every indication that Barry Bonds is not telling the truth and that the evidence is overwhelming. Of course, Barry is in elite company. During the hearings several high profile players, many of which I truly admired, stated that they did not do anything wrong and that they would not talk about the past, only the present and future.
Now, I said all of that to get to the issue at hand. Sure, I am a baseball fan, and a sports fan all of the way. I love watching sports of every kind, that is why ESPN is my favorite channel. I know there are a lot of people just like me out there, who can’t get enough. We will watch anything considered a sport, ANYTHING! And I also know that there are those out there that could go days, even weeks (perhaps a life time for all I know) without watching a sporting event. But what I want to talk about is not really about sports, although it is found there. But it is also found at work, in relationships, in academic settings, you name it. IT IS CALLED LYING AND CHEATING.
We live in strange times. We live in a strange culture. Its true! Our world today is struggling over moral issues at every turn. And we are having a hard time deciding what we are going to do about it. The erosion of our moral fabric is so evident today that it is scary. Absolutely frightening. We are confronted with black and white issues of right and wrong, fair and unfair, good and bad. And we don’t know what to do about it. If you don’t believe me just watch your news channel and listen to what is being said. The way the media reports the news shows the dilemma that we are in today.
People, famous people, high profile people, are constantly in the news for lying and cheating. Martha Stuart, Ben Johnson (track runner), top executives from Enron, presidents (who can forget Clinton and Monica?), congressmen (Tom Delaney), I could go on for hours. Cheating on their taxes, cheating on their mates, cheating on anything and everything. And lying. Lying about what they did or did not do, lying about accepting gifts and donations. Lying about this affair or that affair. Choosing words very carefully. Its both amazing and sickening at the same time. High profile people, those in the public’s eye all of the time, doing things that are wrong and getting caught and then trying to get out of it. WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THEY THINKING???
Do they think that they are above the law? Above reproach? That nobody’s watching? As we say in the south, “have they outgrown their britches?” Do they think that they will not get caught? Do they think that if they are that they can cover it up? Do they think they can talk their way out of it? Do they think that the public won’t care? Or is it because they just simply do not think at all???
Now, back to the problem at hand. Our culture today, this current generation, what do we think about all of this and how do we react to it? And how does all of this affect us? DOES IT AFFECT US? Is Barry Bonds, President Clinton, President Bush, Raphael Palmeiro (baseball player who denied before congress that he never used steroids and was caught last year, forcing his retirement), Martha Stuart, Pete Rose (baseball player with all time most hits, banished forever from the hall of fame because of his gambling addiction and his lying about it) and others, simply a reflection of our generation? Is lying and cheating so prevalent in our society today that this is just the tip of the iceberg or is this just isolated instances?
Lying and cheating has been around forever. Cover-ups and well chosen words too. But today we are living in an epidemic. Our morality has eroded to the point that lying and cheating is being confronted at every turn, from the highest and most famous, down to the nobodies and the average Joes. Cover-ups, well chosen words, and dishonesty is everywhere. People lying under oath, lying in courtrooms, in principle’s offices, in management offices. Lying to policemen, bosses, teachers, ministers, friends, and store clerks. It is everywhere. Moral or immoral, religious or not, good or bad, it is striking everywhere we turn.
And it is being demonstrated to our children. They see it at home, at school, they watch it on TV and in the movies. They hear it, read about it, and watch role models, family and friends do it. And children, teens, and others are redefining what cheating and lying even means. Is copying homework from another student wrong? Is it cheating? Not according to teens today! The VAST majority of teens do not see copying homework as cheating at all. Pressure to make good grades, to maintain high GPA’s, to get those coveted academic scholarships, has the best students cheating to make the grade. Competition to make the best grades, to win ball games, or to have and to hold, has caused people to do whatever it takes to achieve it. The “win at all cost” mentality has filtered into every aspect of our lives. Children are the mirror of our society today.
Catching people in the act of lying and cheating is one thing, but what are we going to do about it? Do we “re-define” it? Do we “ignore” it? Do we “confront” it? Do we shrug it off or do we get irate? What do we do? What CAN we do? Is it just part of life and do we need to just learn to accept it and go on and make the best of it??? That is where we are today? We are trying to decide what we need to do. Do we establish categories of lying and cheating? Do we draw lines in the sand and say this is acceptable but this is not? Do we establish “white” lies and “minor” lies and compare them to “big” lies? Shall we say that this kind of cheating is OK but this kind is not? And who is going to draw all of these lines and establish the measuring sticks? What will be the standard today? Tomorrow? Next year? 10 years? Me? You? Who??????????
Oh what a tangled web we weave. We cry outrage because President Bush “lied” to us about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Who cares if Saddam Hussein killed thousands of innocent people. Martha Stuart cheats and lies about inside trading and goes to prison. We are outraged that she goes to prison and feel sorry for her. Barry Bonds takes steroids and human growth hormones to get the edge so that he can break Hank Aaron’s long standing (and fairly earned) home run record. Nobody seems to care. Much. But let two handicapped tennis athletes in wheel chairs get caught for using the same drugs and we suspend them! (No joke! Read Sports Illustrated February 22nd issue). Hello? Is anyone out there?
I can’t believe I am living to see all of this! I can’t believe we live in a society that is so messed up that we can become so judgmental and uncaring at the same time. I can’t believe that I live in a place where cheating and lying is so commonplace that we dismiss it and call it normal. We have got to come to grips on this. We have to establish the fact that there is right and wrong, fair and unfair, and that there are real consequences for the decisions that we make. If we don’t teach these values now we are going to reap the whirlwind in the future, and I am talking about the very near future. Think about the consequences of Iran lying about it nuclear activities?
And think about the moral aspect. Lying and cheating are sins, contrary to God and His holy nature. Lying and cheating are eternal decisions. Think about it. What do we have to loose? A lot. Both now and later. Much later. Stand up for what is right, teach what is right. There are absolutes, and God’s word addresses it. We can’t be cowards about this, there is too much at stake. And just because you or I have lied or cheated before doesn’t change the outcome. No matter how badly you have messed up, you can make it right. You can’t change the past, but you can allow the past to change the future.
We should be outraged about cheating and lying. Barry Bonds, are you listening? We should speak up and stand up for what is right. YES, IT IS A BIG DEAL. YES, WE DO CARE. YES, WE HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. YES, THERE ARE consequences for our actions. May God help us now, more than ever, to be His ambassadors in this corrupt generation. You know, when you think about it, we really shouldn’t be all that surprised at all of this, the world is Satan’s playground, and he has polluted it with all of the evil that he can muster. But the false fascia Satan has put up has been stripped away and the ugliness of his demeanor has been revealed. The fight is on. The battle lines have been drawn. Where do you stand? Are you listening out there?
TR
Wednesday, March 8
They are waiting for us
I just got back from Honduras a few days ago from what we call the scouting trip. Myself, along with 4 of my best amigos on the planet, Ben, Brett, AB, and Brian, spent 5 days racing across the Honduras countryside checking out different places to work this summer. Of course, I use the term “racing” loosely, if you have been to Honduras you know what I mean. If you can reach a top speed of 65 kilometers (about 45 miles an hour) you are driving at break neck speed down there because of the conditions of the roads. And the drivers. And the pedestrians crossing the roads. And the cows and pigs wandering down the roads. And the peddlers standing in the MIDDLE of the road trying to sell you their goods. It is almost like you are playing a video game on a really large screen, it just seems unreal to be honest.
And, driving in Honduras just wouldn’t be complete with the traffic signs, lights, and laws. All of which is completely meaningless it seems. Which, by the way, is completely foreign to American drivers, but given time, rubs off on you. I spent nearly a week riding around with my buddy Randy, who has been living in Tegucigalpa for several months now. He was insane before he ever got there, so I am not sure what term can be used to describe him now. Riding around with him has made the idea of riding roller coasters at theme parks seem like a waste of time and money. But he does get you to where you are going!
I also got to ride around with Jen Wright, whom it seems has taken to driving in Honduras well, she is right there with the best of them. And Katie, a very safe, courteous, and contentious driver. She uses her turn signals, seat belt, looks both ways, uses her mirrors, the whole 9 yards. Of course she was a sitting duck most of the time! Driving like an American in Honduras fits in just about as well as mixing oil with water. But, I have hope that Katie too will be able to develop a combined offensive/defensive driving style. We certainly did our part to encourage her while we were there!!!
Our scouting team was rounded out by Jen Arnold, who chose not to drive during our stay. Jen opted to just ride in the car with us and helped keep conversations going during the drives, keeping our minds occupied and distracted from all of the stuff happening on the roads. None the less, it is awesome to ride around town and see everything and watch a city of 3 million do its thing. You see expensive cars and SUV’s, lots of pickups, and every other car is a taxi, which is a foreign car, built in the early 70’s, painted white. Taxi car drivers are the worst, they never obey traffic lights and signs and are likely to stop at any given moment, right in the middle of a road, if they even THINK they might get a fare. Same goes for public transit buses, which are 1970 - 1980’s school buses.
It was a great trip. Blue skies and warm temperatures greeted us every day. The smell of diesel was in the air. New construction was everywhere. Signs of economic growth was everywhere. And it seemed everywhere we went there were people out and about shopping and selling. Stores were packed with customers, sidewalks bustled with activity. Cars filled the streets. Landscaping along the boulevards and streets. Light poles and billboards. Road crews sweeping the streets and picking up trash. In some ways, it seemed like a different city. It appeared as if Honduras was “growing up,” so to speak.
But, behind fresh concrete and shinny steel, you could still see the crumbling adobe bricks and the peeling paint. You could see beggars along the streets and by stores. You could see the tattered clothes of the venders along the streets. Honduras is showing signs of growth, showing signs of improvement, but in reality it is still very much a third world country. Coming from America and going to Honduras is still very much a culture shock. We are very much out of our comfort zones when we get there.
Traveling outside the city, to the edges of town, is where we focused most of our attention. Poor villages, most without power, water, and sewage, sprawl with people trying to survive and make a living. This is where we will concentrate our efforts this summer. Helping the poorest of the poor, trying to make a difference for people who are completely helpless. San Miguel, Nueve Oriental, Santa Ana, Valle de Angeles, Comayagua, and Chuloteca, to name a few. The need is great and I hope our teams are ready for the challenge.
We found several new places to work for this summer. A new children’s home in Valle de Angeles, run by a wonderful young married couple, has 17 adorable children that they have taken in and has committed to rearing them until the age of 21. We located hospitals that we have never visited before, and orphanages. Physical rehabilitation centers. Birthing centers. Small churches that are pleading for help and resources to help their ministries. New retreat locations for our end of the trip wind down were found. New contacts were made and old ones were reestablished. It was quite a scouting trip. It amazed me how much we got done in such a short amount of time.
Now the task is at hand, taking the notes and ideas and putting them into a working plan for the trips. Trying to match up tasks and activities with the talents that each group brings to the table. Trying to make sure we cover all of the bases and get all of the work done that we can do. I can assure you that God’s hand was very evident in the trip. We saw Him everywhere we went. Doors were opened right before our very eyes. I could write and write and write about all of the stories of things that happened on the trip. But the point is God is in charge and we were watching and listening. Now it is time to respond and do it.
As we departed, we flew over the city. As the sun reflected off of the tin roofs, I thought about our friends that live in Honduras, working everyday there. Randy; Melissa; Katrina; Alora; Karen; Jennifer; Katie; Joe, and Jen. Thanks for all of the help this past week, without you all being there, so much of what we do could not take place. To Tim; Mark; Gayle; Paul; Marc; and Tom, God bless your efforts this summer. To my co-leaders, Steve; Tom; Brian; Ken; Ben; Tim; Taft; Diane; Joel; Judy; Brett; Jeff; Patty; Linda; Margaret; John; and Big Ben, its game time. Lock and load, summer is just around the corner. Its time.
We are so blessed and honored to be going to Honduras this summer to serve as missionaries and ambassadors for God. We are fortunate to have the energy, talents, and financial abilities to go help the poor. Never take what you have for granted, never assume that there will be a next time. Make every moment count as you get ready for the trip. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of people in Honduras anxiously awaiting your arrival.
TR
And, driving in Honduras just wouldn’t be complete with the traffic signs, lights, and laws. All of which is completely meaningless it seems. Which, by the way, is completely foreign to American drivers, but given time, rubs off on you. I spent nearly a week riding around with my buddy Randy, who has been living in Tegucigalpa for several months now. He was insane before he ever got there, so I am not sure what term can be used to describe him now. Riding around with him has made the idea of riding roller coasters at theme parks seem like a waste of time and money. But he does get you to where you are going!
I also got to ride around with Jen Wright, whom it seems has taken to driving in Honduras well, she is right there with the best of them. And Katie, a very safe, courteous, and contentious driver. She uses her turn signals, seat belt, looks both ways, uses her mirrors, the whole 9 yards. Of course she was a sitting duck most of the time! Driving like an American in Honduras fits in just about as well as mixing oil with water. But, I have hope that Katie too will be able to develop a combined offensive/defensive driving style. We certainly did our part to encourage her while we were there!!!
Our scouting team was rounded out by Jen Arnold, who chose not to drive during our stay. Jen opted to just ride in the car with us and helped keep conversations going during the drives, keeping our minds occupied and distracted from all of the stuff happening on the roads. None the less, it is awesome to ride around town and see everything and watch a city of 3 million do its thing. You see expensive cars and SUV’s, lots of pickups, and every other car is a taxi, which is a foreign car, built in the early 70’s, painted white. Taxi car drivers are the worst, they never obey traffic lights and signs and are likely to stop at any given moment, right in the middle of a road, if they even THINK they might get a fare. Same goes for public transit buses, which are 1970 - 1980’s school buses.
It was a great trip. Blue skies and warm temperatures greeted us every day. The smell of diesel was in the air. New construction was everywhere. Signs of economic growth was everywhere. And it seemed everywhere we went there were people out and about shopping and selling. Stores were packed with customers, sidewalks bustled with activity. Cars filled the streets. Landscaping along the boulevards and streets. Light poles and billboards. Road crews sweeping the streets and picking up trash. In some ways, it seemed like a different city. It appeared as if Honduras was “growing up,” so to speak.
But, behind fresh concrete and shinny steel, you could still see the crumbling adobe bricks and the peeling paint. You could see beggars along the streets and by stores. You could see the tattered clothes of the venders along the streets. Honduras is showing signs of growth, showing signs of improvement, but in reality it is still very much a third world country. Coming from America and going to Honduras is still very much a culture shock. We are very much out of our comfort zones when we get there.
Traveling outside the city, to the edges of town, is where we focused most of our attention. Poor villages, most without power, water, and sewage, sprawl with people trying to survive and make a living. This is where we will concentrate our efforts this summer. Helping the poorest of the poor, trying to make a difference for people who are completely helpless. San Miguel, Nueve Oriental, Santa Ana, Valle de Angeles, Comayagua, and Chuloteca, to name a few. The need is great and I hope our teams are ready for the challenge.
We found several new places to work for this summer. A new children’s home in Valle de Angeles, run by a wonderful young married couple, has 17 adorable children that they have taken in and has committed to rearing them until the age of 21. We located hospitals that we have never visited before, and orphanages. Physical rehabilitation centers. Birthing centers. Small churches that are pleading for help and resources to help their ministries. New retreat locations for our end of the trip wind down were found. New contacts were made and old ones were reestablished. It was quite a scouting trip. It amazed me how much we got done in such a short amount of time.
Now the task is at hand, taking the notes and ideas and putting them into a working plan for the trips. Trying to match up tasks and activities with the talents that each group brings to the table. Trying to make sure we cover all of the bases and get all of the work done that we can do. I can assure you that God’s hand was very evident in the trip. We saw Him everywhere we went. Doors were opened right before our very eyes. I could write and write and write about all of the stories of things that happened on the trip. But the point is God is in charge and we were watching and listening. Now it is time to respond and do it.
As we departed, we flew over the city. As the sun reflected off of the tin roofs, I thought about our friends that live in Honduras, working everyday there. Randy; Melissa; Katrina; Alora; Karen; Jennifer; Katie; Joe, and Jen. Thanks for all of the help this past week, without you all being there, so much of what we do could not take place. To Tim; Mark; Gayle; Paul; Marc; and Tom, God bless your efforts this summer. To my co-leaders, Steve; Tom; Brian; Ken; Ben; Tim; Taft; Diane; Joel; Judy; Brett; Jeff; Patty; Linda; Margaret; John; and Big Ben, its game time. Lock and load, summer is just around the corner. Its time.
We are so blessed and honored to be going to Honduras this summer to serve as missionaries and ambassadors for God. We are fortunate to have the energy, talents, and financial abilities to go help the poor. Never take what you have for granted, never assume that there will be a next time. Make every moment count as you get ready for the trip. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of people in Honduras anxiously awaiting your arrival.
TR
Tuesday, February 21
The great tug-of-war
Just got back from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Winterfest Youth Rally. Wow, what an experience. Actually, I should say experiences. It was an amazing weekend in so many ways. For those who went, or have been before, you know what I am talking about, at least, sort of. When you are a youth group from Florida, I can assure you that Winterfest takes on a whole different meaning than those coming from other states!
First, there is the bus ride. Now, we have a school bus that we have converted into a church bus. 1984 Blue Bird, 48 passenger. Detroit diesel, automatic transmission. Top speed, 63 miles per hour, down hill with the wind to our back. By car or van Gatlinburg is a 11 hour drive from Sarasota, but our bus can make it in 13 hours, give or take an hour. 13 hours, one way. That is an experience, all by itself. Of course, we have made modifications, like a killer stereo system, headphone jacks at each seat, TV, DVD and VCR player, reading lights above every seat, luggage rack for overhead storage, and card tables. Oh yes, and a couple of carpeted benches in the back (luggage storage underneath) to chill out on during the trip. We painted it, lettered it, and on the inside there are about a gazillion Christian bumper stickers that we have been collecting for the past 6 years.
Second, there is the thrill (Florida thrill) of going into the mountains. We don’t have mountains here, the only real flaw of Florida (yes, Alyson, I admit there is one flaw of Florida). For us, speed bumps classify as hills. Overpasses are big hills. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a mountain. So, as you can see, going to east Tennessee where there are REAL mountains is a big deal to us. Of course, the bus doesn’t like climbing the mountains, but that is OK, that is why we invented the word, pass.
Third, we get to wear our winter clothes. We wear shorts and t-shirts year round down here in Florida. If the temperature drops below 60, we might put on blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Rarely do we get to wear a big ski coats, gloves, sweaters, and ski hats. Winterfest gives us a chance to wear clothes the rest of the states “enjoy” during the winter. And we do enjoy it! Its fun dressing up in all of the warm stuff because we know that we will be there for 4 days and then we are back to the good ol’ sunshine!
Fourth, we look forward to seeing snow. Of course, we know that snow is never a guarantee, but there is always that chance. I tell my youth group every year that I guarantee that it might snow this year at Winterfest! And this year, it did! Oh, it was beautiful! There was snow on the ground when we got there, but this year it snowed Friday night and most of the day on Saturday. For Floridians, this is a dream come true! Snow, falling from the sky! It was so white, and fluffy, and perfect. Most of my youth group had never seen snow before. Ever. Unbelievable, right? But true, none the less. And did we play in the snow? Only during every free minute! We made snowmen, snow angels, and about a gazillion snowballs. Yeah, you could tell we were from Florida…….
Fifth, we were in Gatlinburg, one of the coolest towns around. Yeah, I know it is a cheesy tourist trap, but hey! We were tourists. And we love all of the cheesy stuff. Sure, we have Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Islands of Adventure, Typhoon lagoon, but we don’t have Country Bear Jamboree, Aunt So n’ So’s fudge shop, and China Bazaar, where you can buy knives and swords and blow guns. You have to go to Tennessee to get that stuff and call them souvenirs! And of course who can talk about Gatlinburg and not mention the 21, 478 pancake houses there!
But of course, the best part of the trip was the youth rally. Winterfest is a great youth rally. For a lot of reasons. My favorite reason is to see the crowd that comes. To see friends and family. To see former students. To see youth groups that I do stuff with like Torch Missions. To see buddies that are youth ministers (we never get to visit each other because we work weekends….. Get it?) To see 12,000 Christians gathering for the same purpose, with the same beliefs, the same ideals, the same goals. Man, it is enough to get excited about!
And of course there are a ton of booths set up. Christian bookstores to buy really cool t-shirts and jewelry. Oh, and books too (some people do read I hear…). Mission booths, like Torch Missions, AIM. Hill Top Missions (New Orleans hurricane relief work), and others. And Christian college booths, giving away all kinds of cool stuff from beanie caps, I-pods, scholarships, t-shirts, and hot chocolate. Singing group booths, with CD’s galore. Good stuff, promoting Christianity, were everywhere. You have to love it.
The singing was great, nothing like hearing 6,000+ (there are 2 sessions, the convention center can’t hold everyone at one time) singing “I belong to Jesus” and hearing the guys and girls shout, “Satan was defeated!” I don’t care who you are, that’s exciting! Jeff Walling, as always, was fantastic. Great illustrations, stories, and visuals got his points across time after time. The drama group was fantastic. The drama group worked along with Jeff to hammer home the main points of the weekend. Which, by the way, was that we have rock solid evidence to believe that Jesus is who He says He is. And because of that evidence we have to make a decision on what we are going to do with Him. It all boils down to faith and obedience. Man, it was great stuff. From the archeologist from Harding and the 6,000 year old knife he brought to the videos we watched, it made for a very meaningful weekend.
The final lesson, on Sunday, brought it to a conclusion. He had a guy named Ricky come up on stage to hold a big red dot. He then had another volunteer, his name eludes me, who unreeled a huge spindle of string. The red dot represented living for the moment, living for the temporary. Living for now. The string represented eternity. Jeff asked the question, “Are you living for the dot or are you living for the line?” Are you making decisions that effect the moment or are you making decisions that will last forever?
Whew, did you hear that? What are you living for? A new car? A new house? A new job? A new computer? A new X-box? A new boy friend or girl friend? Are you living for the now. Buy now and pay later. Instant credit. Eat, drink, and be marry, for tomorrow we die. Does that describe you? Are you living for the moment, making decisions that will only last for a little while? Are you doing things that bring temporary pleasure? Dabbling in drugs? Alcohol? Sex out of wedlock? Cheating? Stealing? Gossiping? Lying? Being rebellious? Should I go on?
Or, are you living for the line? Are you making decisions now that will help shape your journey to eternity? Are you PURPOSELY making decisions that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ. Are you doing things that will help you grow closer to God? Are you doing things that will help the expansion of His Kingdom? Are you doing the things necessary to get you on the straight and narrow path that will lead you to the final destination that you want to go? If not, why not? Why in the world would you wait? Why miss out on the good stuff now? The world is pulling one way and Jesus is pulling the other. It is a great tug-of-war of the spirit going on right now. Only YOU can decide who wins. I don’t know about you, but this one seems to be a no brainer to me. See you on the line.
TR
First, there is the bus ride. Now, we have a school bus that we have converted into a church bus. 1984 Blue Bird, 48 passenger. Detroit diesel, automatic transmission. Top speed, 63 miles per hour, down hill with the wind to our back. By car or van Gatlinburg is a 11 hour drive from Sarasota, but our bus can make it in 13 hours, give or take an hour. 13 hours, one way. That is an experience, all by itself. Of course, we have made modifications, like a killer stereo system, headphone jacks at each seat, TV, DVD and VCR player, reading lights above every seat, luggage rack for overhead storage, and card tables. Oh yes, and a couple of carpeted benches in the back (luggage storage underneath) to chill out on during the trip. We painted it, lettered it, and on the inside there are about a gazillion Christian bumper stickers that we have been collecting for the past 6 years.
Second, there is the thrill (Florida thrill) of going into the mountains. We don’t have mountains here, the only real flaw of Florida (yes, Alyson, I admit there is one flaw of Florida). For us, speed bumps classify as hills. Overpasses are big hills. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a mountain. So, as you can see, going to east Tennessee where there are REAL mountains is a big deal to us. Of course, the bus doesn’t like climbing the mountains, but that is OK, that is why we invented the word, pass.
Third, we get to wear our winter clothes. We wear shorts and t-shirts year round down here in Florida. If the temperature drops below 60, we might put on blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Rarely do we get to wear a big ski coats, gloves, sweaters, and ski hats. Winterfest gives us a chance to wear clothes the rest of the states “enjoy” during the winter. And we do enjoy it! Its fun dressing up in all of the warm stuff because we know that we will be there for 4 days and then we are back to the good ol’ sunshine!
Fourth, we look forward to seeing snow. Of course, we know that snow is never a guarantee, but there is always that chance. I tell my youth group every year that I guarantee that it might snow this year at Winterfest! And this year, it did! Oh, it was beautiful! There was snow on the ground when we got there, but this year it snowed Friday night and most of the day on Saturday. For Floridians, this is a dream come true! Snow, falling from the sky! It was so white, and fluffy, and perfect. Most of my youth group had never seen snow before. Ever. Unbelievable, right? But true, none the less. And did we play in the snow? Only during every free minute! We made snowmen, snow angels, and about a gazillion snowballs. Yeah, you could tell we were from Florida…….
Fifth, we were in Gatlinburg, one of the coolest towns around. Yeah, I know it is a cheesy tourist trap, but hey! We were tourists. And we love all of the cheesy stuff. Sure, we have Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Islands of Adventure, Typhoon lagoon, but we don’t have Country Bear Jamboree, Aunt So n’ So’s fudge shop, and China Bazaar, where you can buy knives and swords and blow guns. You have to go to Tennessee to get that stuff and call them souvenirs! And of course who can talk about Gatlinburg and not mention the 21, 478 pancake houses there!
But of course, the best part of the trip was the youth rally. Winterfest is a great youth rally. For a lot of reasons. My favorite reason is to see the crowd that comes. To see friends and family. To see former students. To see youth groups that I do stuff with like Torch Missions. To see buddies that are youth ministers (we never get to visit each other because we work weekends….. Get it?) To see 12,000 Christians gathering for the same purpose, with the same beliefs, the same ideals, the same goals. Man, it is enough to get excited about!
And of course there are a ton of booths set up. Christian bookstores to buy really cool t-shirts and jewelry. Oh, and books too (some people do read I hear…). Mission booths, like Torch Missions, AIM. Hill Top Missions (New Orleans hurricane relief work), and others. And Christian college booths, giving away all kinds of cool stuff from beanie caps, I-pods, scholarships, t-shirts, and hot chocolate. Singing group booths, with CD’s galore. Good stuff, promoting Christianity, were everywhere. You have to love it.
The singing was great, nothing like hearing 6,000+ (there are 2 sessions, the convention center can’t hold everyone at one time) singing “I belong to Jesus” and hearing the guys and girls shout, “Satan was defeated!” I don’t care who you are, that’s exciting! Jeff Walling, as always, was fantastic. Great illustrations, stories, and visuals got his points across time after time. The drama group was fantastic. The drama group worked along with Jeff to hammer home the main points of the weekend. Which, by the way, was that we have rock solid evidence to believe that Jesus is who He says He is. And because of that evidence we have to make a decision on what we are going to do with Him. It all boils down to faith and obedience. Man, it was great stuff. From the archeologist from Harding and the 6,000 year old knife he brought to the videos we watched, it made for a very meaningful weekend.
The final lesson, on Sunday, brought it to a conclusion. He had a guy named Ricky come up on stage to hold a big red dot. He then had another volunteer, his name eludes me, who unreeled a huge spindle of string. The red dot represented living for the moment, living for the temporary. Living for now. The string represented eternity. Jeff asked the question, “Are you living for the dot or are you living for the line?” Are you making decisions that effect the moment or are you making decisions that will last forever?
Whew, did you hear that? What are you living for? A new car? A new house? A new job? A new computer? A new X-box? A new boy friend or girl friend? Are you living for the now. Buy now and pay later. Instant credit. Eat, drink, and be marry, for tomorrow we die. Does that describe you? Are you living for the moment, making decisions that will only last for a little while? Are you doing things that bring temporary pleasure? Dabbling in drugs? Alcohol? Sex out of wedlock? Cheating? Stealing? Gossiping? Lying? Being rebellious? Should I go on?
Or, are you living for the line? Are you making decisions now that will help shape your journey to eternity? Are you PURPOSELY making decisions that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ. Are you doing things that will help you grow closer to God? Are you doing things that will help the expansion of His Kingdom? Are you doing the things necessary to get you on the straight and narrow path that will lead you to the final destination that you want to go? If not, why not? Why in the world would you wait? Why miss out on the good stuff now? The world is pulling one way and Jesus is pulling the other. It is a great tug-of-war of the spirit going on right now. Only YOU can decide who wins. I don’t know about you, but this one seems to be a no brainer to me. See you on the line.
TR
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