2007 is not only here it is flying by at an incredible pace. It is almost impossible to believe that we are already into the last part of January. And believe me, the plans for this year’s mission trips are well on their way. I have contacted several group leaders from past trips to get information to them and I have also contacted many individually. But there might still be a few out there that have not received information about the trips planned this summer so I am going to give the newest updates on the trips.
The next trip on the calendar is scheduled for the second week of March. I am planning on taking a team down to New Orleans to work for about 5 or 6 days with Tim Hines. The details are still a bit sketchy, only because I have had not had time to discuss them with Tim. The plans are to arrive in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon, March 11 and leave on Saturday, March 17. I will post specific information in the next week or so for this trip.
The first international trip for the year will be May 20 – 30 to Honduras. Nathan Reeves will be leading this trip. He has told me that he has already had several that have contacted him to sign up for this trip. There are still spots open but you need to contact him right away to secure one. Nathan plans on working in Tegucigalpa and will focus on building, visitation, distribution, and evangelism. The cost of his trip is $425 PLUS your airline ticket (each person going to Honduras this summer is responsible for booking and paying for their own ticket this year). You can contact Nathan at ncreeves@gmail.com , or reevesnc@lipscomb.edu , or you can get the full details at www.ncreeves.blogspot.com .
Those planning on going on the June 4 - 14 trip to Brazil must also start making specific arrangements for this trip right away. This trip is limited to 20 spaces. The cost for this trip is $540 plus your airline ticket. Those going on this trip must get their applications in ASAP so that we can begin the process of applying for our visas to enter Brazil. I will have more information about this trip in the next week also, especially flight information. If you are planning on going on this trip and have not received the application and paperwork from me, you need to contact me as soon as possible.
The July 1 – 11 trip and the July 13 – 22 trip are filling up fast. I still have spots available, especially for medical personnel. Applications and deposits for these trips are due next month. The cost for this trip is $540 plus your airline ticket. I will post flight information about these trips next week as well. The July 1-11 trip will work in Tegucigalpa, Choluteca, and San Salvador. The July 13-22 trip will work in Tegucigalpa and possibly Comayagua.
We are planning on shipping a container of supplies down to Honduras again this year. Ken Haab, from Sarasota, Florida, is in charge of the container. The container will be scheduled to go down to Honduras the end of April so that Nathan’s team will be able to be there to unload it. Ken will be posting packing, invoicing, and shipping instructions soon. It is not too early to begin collecting supplies, especially medical supplies (Advil, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, cough syrup, vitamins, etc.) and baby/infant clothes. PLEASE SORT ALL SUPPLIES BEFORE BOXING THEM UP TO SHIP. We want to carry down items that are in VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT CONDITION.
Please contact me right away if you need applications and paperwork mailed or Emailed to you. It won’t be long before applications and deposits will be due. Be watching; more updates are coming soon along with flight information. As soon as you get your flight information, start booking your tickets. All trips are subject to seat availability!!!
Blessings,
Terry Reeves
Monday, January 22
Thursday, January 4
Bringing in the new year... Honduras style!
Monday, January 1. All I can say here is that celebrating the New Year in Honduras is an event like no other! Sure, we have fire works in the states, but down here? They have FIRE WORKS! Or, shall we say, mini-bombs. From mid-night till 3:00 am I am pretty sure thousands of new pot holes were created from the explosions that went off around the Mission House! So, while the rest of Honduras slept in Monday the crew got up at 7:00 am to get ready to go to the Kluge’s for breakfast (I guess it was wrong of me to have wished for some M-80’s to fire off to wake up our slumbering amigos, huh?).
After breakfast we went back to the Mission House to break down our load of bulk foods for the food give away. We spent about 2 ½ hours measuring out beans, rice, flour, sugar, coffee, etc, and placing it in gallon sized zip-lock bags. Then we bagged up the food (about 250 bags) and loaded up the pickups to take up to Mololoa for delivery. Jerren and Jonathan rode on top of the food to watch it (and because we did not have room inside the trucks for them!) and to make sure it did not fall out (although we did loose 1 bag that some lucky pedestrian picked up).
We arrived in Mololoa about 12:00 where we locked our hubs and put the trucks into 4 wheel drive and began our climb up to the top of the mountain. We hiked to the farthest houses first and worked our way down. We delivered house to house delivering a much needed bag of food, a smile, and a warm, “feliz ano Nuevo!” Greg Armstrong mispronounced “Cristo te ma” and told everyone that their name was Christ! We all had a good laugh (along with the Hondurans) and shrugged it off like any good gringo would do!!!
Susan and Spencer went to the church building around 1:15 and handed out stuffed animals and toys to the 1:00 and 1:30 group that came to eat. We ran out of toys on Friday and this group did not receive anything. We were determined that everyone in the feeding program was going to get a Christmas toy from us before we left. At 3:30 we had handed out all of the food and an entire mountain was given almost 2 weeks of food.
We headed back up to the Mission House for a couple of hours of free time. Some of the guys played soccer while the rest of us took a power nap! We left at 6:00 to go down into town for dinner at the new mall near Baxter. It is amazing and is MUCH larger than the other mall that we usually go to. After dinner we went back to the Mission House for devo. We had a great wrap up discussion. Everyone was very talkative and had a lot of thoughts on the week. It was truly amazing how much was done in just 5 working days with such a small group. After devo we started the clean-up of the dorm and packed up some of our stuff.
Tuesday was a “day of Tim” day. We got to sleep in till 8:30 (Randy woke us up or it might have been even longer) and we started loading our stuff onto the trucks. Greg and Jonathan got up early and took a leisurely 6 MILE run before we left! I guess we did not work hard enough for some people…. We made it to the airport around 10:30 and had a very quick check-in. Brandy and Jennifer said their goodbyes and we passed though security to the gate area.
We had a great flight into Houston. There we passed through customs without a hitch (we did not have the Canadians with us) and even got our entire luggage (again, we did not have the Canadians with us). We did pull a prank on Jonathan and his bag, which we carried out for 10 minutes till Greg Armstrong couldn’t contain his laughter. We connected and arrived in Nashville on time to some very happy parents.
Thanks to all who made the trip possible. From the donations of toys and money to the prayers and phone calls, this was a great trip. Honduras is a beautiful place, especially during December, and I hope that we will be able to take a team down there again next year. God bless you all and happy New Year!!! Next up, the May trip! Until next time, may God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.
TR
After breakfast we went back to the Mission House to break down our load of bulk foods for the food give away. We spent about 2 ½ hours measuring out beans, rice, flour, sugar, coffee, etc, and placing it in gallon sized zip-lock bags. Then we bagged up the food (about 250 bags) and loaded up the pickups to take up to Mololoa for delivery. Jerren and Jonathan rode on top of the food to watch it (and because we did not have room inside the trucks for them!) and to make sure it did not fall out (although we did loose 1 bag that some lucky pedestrian picked up).
We arrived in Mololoa about 12:00 where we locked our hubs and put the trucks into 4 wheel drive and began our climb up to the top of the mountain. We hiked to the farthest houses first and worked our way down. We delivered house to house delivering a much needed bag of food, a smile, and a warm, “feliz ano Nuevo!” Greg Armstrong mispronounced “Cristo te ma” and told everyone that their name was Christ! We all had a good laugh (along with the Hondurans) and shrugged it off like any good gringo would do!!!
Susan and Spencer went to the church building around 1:15 and handed out stuffed animals and toys to the 1:00 and 1:30 group that came to eat. We ran out of toys on Friday and this group did not receive anything. We were determined that everyone in the feeding program was going to get a Christmas toy from us before we left. At 3:30 we had handed out all of the food and an entire mountain was given almost 2 weeks of food.
We headed back up to the Mission House for a couple of hours of free time. Some of the guys played soccer while the rest of us took a power nap! We left at 6:00 to go down into town for dinner at the new mall near Baxter. It is amazing and is MUCH larger than the other mall that we usually go to. After dinner we went back to the Mission House for devo. We had a great wrap up discussion. Everyone was very talkative and had a lot of thoughts on the week. It was truly amazing how much was done in just 5 working days with such a small group. After devo we started the clean-up of the dorm and packed up some of our stuff.
Tuesday was a “day of Tim” day. We got to sleep in till 8:30 (Randy woke us up or it might have been even longer) and we started loading our stuff onto the trucks. Greg and Jonathan got up early and took a leisurely 6 MILE run before we left! I guess we did not work hard enough for some people…. We made it to the airport around 10:30 and had a very quick check-in. Brandy and Jennifer said their goodbyes and we passed though security to the gate area.
We had a great flight into Houston. There we passed through customs without a hitch (we did not have the Canadians with us) and even got our entire luggage (again, we did not have the Canadians with us). We did pull a prank on Jonathan and his bag, which we carried out for 10 minutes till Greg Armstrong couldn’t contain his laughter. We connected and arrived in Nashville on time to some very happy parents.
Thanks to all who made the trip possible. From the donations of toys and money to the prayers and phone calls, this was a great trip. Honduras is a beautiful place, especially during December, and I hope that we will be able to take a team down there again next year. God bless you all and happy New Year!!! Next up, the May trip! Until next time, may God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.
TR
Sunday, December 31
Honduras in December!!
Well, where to began? Terry's group came in on Wednesday, that sounds like a good place. When they got here they went through customs, got their bags, met Randy, and went to El Patio to eat!! It was there that Katrina Kluge, and myself met everyone!! Ten people in all came with Terry's group. After everyone ate we loaded up and went out to Santa Ana to Casa de Esperanza to play with the ten children living there. There are five new children that have been there for almost a month. These children have come from some pretty tough living conditions before coming to Casa de Esperanza, but now they will be loved and cared for like children should be. We spent about two hours playing with the kids before coming back to the Kluge's for supper. It was yummy too. We had mashed potatoes, beef tips, roles, peas, and yummy desserts!! Afterward the group went up to the Mission house for some much needed sleep.
On Thursday they went out to Jovenes en Camino, an all boys home, to meet the kids there. There are 76 boys there from 18 months - 14 years old. There they did some landscaping projects. They planted 16 new trees and spent hours on a flower garden they were starting. A church from Jackson, TN donated flowers for them to plant. They also played different games with the children there too. After they were finished there they came back to Teguc. to meet up with the Santa Ana kids for a party at KFC, but..."Welcome to Honduras", we weren't able to have the party at KFC because there was one already going on. So we went to Pizza Hut, oh wait, there was a party there too!! But good ol' Burger King came through for us!! YAY BURGER KING!! The kids loved it!! I think the gringos loved it too!! Afterward they went back to mission house for devo.
On Friday the group came out to Molola to build a house. Everyone had some part in the building, but a few came down to the kitchen and handed out toys to the children too. I am pretty sure that it was the fastest house that has been built since I have been coming here. The group was mainly rookies too!! They did an awesome job. After they were finished they came back up to the mission house to clean up a bit before going to Victor Sport to play some soccer!! Just a side note...Victor Sport has new turf that is really nice according to Terry Reeves. There were some typical soccer injuries (Ty and Brett you should know what we are talking about!!), but nothing to cry about (ha ha!). After soccer they went to Camperos for dinner, then back to the mission house for devo!
On Saturday the group built another house for an older lady. They had to take down a house before building and Terry said the lady looked really sad and had to leave for a while. When she came back they had the house completely finished except for the windows and door so it just looked like a big box. She looked really nervous and it didn't help when some of the locals walked by and laughed at it. But then all of the sudden you heard a chainsaw, and there was a door, poof!! That is when her eyes popped open and she had a huge smile on her face, those are the times I love Hounduras even more. After they finished the house Terry got a call from Gena asking him to bring the group to help unload a truck (40 foot container) of supplies at the bodega. They went there and did some back breaking work until about 6:30 and then came back to the mission house to clean up and go eat at the mall. After they ate they came back to the mission house for devo.
This morning the group went to worship out at Los Pinos, but before getting there they had a slight problem with one of the trucks. They had to tow it to the shop before making out to Los Pinos. There Greg Armstrong did the lesson. THey didn't know the gringos were coming and they had a big crowd. Terry said it was good to be out there to see all of his friends there. Los Pinos is doing pretty well even without a full time preacher. They still have dogs and chickens running around during church services too! After worship the group went out to the Valley of Angels to do some shopping for a few hours. When they finished there shopping they came to the Kluge's house for some good ol' Taco salads!! And here we are now watching football and waiting for the New Year!!
It has been a great few days and the group still has a full day tomorrow. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday and wish you all the best in the New Year!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Brandy B
On Thursday they went out to Jovenes en Camino, an all boys home, to meet the kids there. There are 76 boys there from 18 months - 14 years old. There they did some landscaping projects. They planted 16 new trees and spent hours on a flower garden they were starting. A church from Jackson, TN donated flowers for them to plant. They also played different games with the children there too. After they were finished there they came back to Teguc. to meet up with the Santa Ana kids for a party at KFC, but..."Welcome to Honduras", we weren't able to have the party at KFC because there was one already going on. So we went to Pizza Hut, oh wait, there was a party there too!! But good ol' Burger King came through for us!! YAY BURGER KING!! The kids loved it!! I think the gringos loved it too!! Afterward they went back to mission house for devo.
On Friday the group came out to Molola to build a house. Everyone had some part in the building, but a few came down to the kitchen and handed out toys to the children too. I am pretty sure that it was the fastest house that has been built since I have been coming here. The group was mainly rookies too!! They did an awesome job. After they were finished they came back up to the mission house to clean up a bit before going to Victor Sport to play some soccer!! Just a side note...Victor Sport has new turf that is really nice according to Terry Reeves. There were some typical soccer injuries (Ty and Brett you should know what we are talking about!!), but nothing to cry about (ha ha!). After soccer they went to Camperos for dinner, then back to the mission house for devo!
On Saturday the group built another house for an older lady. They had to take down a house before building and Terry said the lady looked really sad and had to leave for a while. When she came back they had the house completely finished except for the windows and door so it just looked like a big box. She looked really nervous and it didn't help when some of the locals walked by and laughed at it. But then all of the sudden you heard a chainsaw, and there was a door, poof!! That is when her eyes popped open and she had a huge smile on her face, those are the times I love Hounduras even more. After they finished the house Terry got a call from Gena asking him to bring the group to help unload a truck (40 foot container) of supplies at the bodega. They went there and did some back breaking work until about 6:30 and then came back to the mission house to clean up and go eat at the mall. After they ate they came back to the mission house for devo.
This morning the group went to worship out at Los Pinos, but before getting there they had a slight problem with one of the trucks. They had to tow it to the shop before making out to Los Pinos. There Greg Armstrong did the lesson. THey didn't know the gringos were coming and they had a big crowd. Terry said it was good to be out there to see all of his friends there. Los Pinos is doing pretty well even without a full time preacher. They still have dogs and chickens running around during church services too! After worship the group went out to the Valley of Angels to do some shopping for a few hours. When they finished there shopping they came to the Kluge's house for some good ol' Taco salads!! And here we are now watching football and waiting for the New Year!!
It has been a great few days and the group still has a full day tomorrow. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday and wish you all the best in the New Year!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Brandy B
Sunday, December 17
A movie you gotta see
Margaret and I just got back from the movie theatre here in Bellevue. Even in the mist of the busiest time of the year we found a couple of hours to go do something fun and non-stressful. If you are like me you are in the thick of it right now, trying to get projects done before the end of the year at work, shopping for Christmas presents, and just trying to breathe. And trying to get ready to go to Honduras! Yeah, that last part is really what is keeping me going right now…
Anyway, Margaret and I went to the movies ($8.75 per ticket by the way…). We went to see “The Nativity.” Margaret’s brother, Scott McDowell, mentioned it in his sermon a week or two ago and we have been trying to go see it ever since. After seeing it all I can say is, “WOW!” It was an amazing movie by all standards. The film work was incredible, the acting was superb, and the special effects were outstanding. And the story line, well, it was about as accurate as anything I have seen Hollywood put out in a long while.
I absolutely recommend this movie to you. You need to go and see it during the holiday season. It will make all of the hustle and bustle fade away. From the evil heart of King Herod, the love story of Joseph and Mary, and all of the things they had to endure for this event to take place, this movie really captures you. There are even bits of humor here and there too, especially the three wise men from the east.
Hope you can find time to go and see it. Of course, you may have to take out a loan or refinance your house to do it these days to buy your ticket, but it will be worth it. And if you want popcorn and a Coke, well, you do the math……………
Peace,
TR
Anyway, Margaret and I went to the movies ($8.75 per ticket by the way…). We went to see “The Nativity.” Margaret’s brother, Scott McDowell, mentioned it in his sermon a week or two ago and we have been trying to go see it ever since. After seeing it all I can say is, “WOW!” It was an amazing movie by all standards. The film work was incredible, the acting was superb, and the special effects were outstanding. And the story line, well, it was about as accurate as anything I have seen Hollywood put out in a long while.
I absolutely recommend this movie to you. You need to go and see it during the holiday season. It will make all of the hustle and bustle fade away. From the evil heart of King Herod, the love story of Joseph and Mary, and all of the things they had to endure for this event to take place, this movie really captures you. There are even bits of humor here and there too, especially the three wise men from the east.
Hope you can find time to go and see it. Of course, you may have to take out a loan or refinance your house to do it these days to buy your ticket, but it will be worth it. And if you want popcorn and a Coke, well, you do the math……………
Peace,
TR
Sunday, December 10
Christmas thoughts
I have had several Emails from several different groups and individuals about the upcoming trips this summer. Enough to write to say that if you are interested in going on one of the trips this summer it would be good to contact me ASAP to get your name on the list so that I can send you the 2007 application and Spanish release form along with the specifics about the sign-up procedures this year. Since I moved to Nashville there have been some changes in the way things are going to be done. As of December 10th, there are approximately 20 that have signed up for the Brazil trip in June, about 65 that have sign-ed up for the July 1 trip, and about 55 for the July 13 trip. I do not have numbers yet for the May trip but I am expecting to have a strong team then as well. There are still plenty of spots left but don’t delay, I am expecting to fill up all of the trips quickly.
Margaret and I are very excited to be worshipping with the Western Hills Church of Christ. It is located in Bellevue, which is a suburb located in west Nashville. Margaret’s sister Jenny and her family worship there and her brother Scott is the pulpit preacher. It’s a family affair every week as we get together for worship. We met with the elders and they have graciously decided to be my overseeing eldership for the mission trips I take during the summer. They are a great group of men who have a burning passion for the lost and I look forward to working with them. The congregation is very excited as well about the opportunities that are coming to go on some of the trip and to participate in collecting supplies.
As I scramble to finish up the last few days of class and give my semester exams, it reminds me how fast time flies. It really does seem like yesterday that we were scrambling to get moved up here to start a new job and to find a place to live. Now we are finishing up a semester of classes and trying to shop for Christmas presents. And even more exciting, getting ready to go to Honduras on the 27th for a 1 week trip. I can’t wait to get down there and see everyone and to build some houses and pass out toys and stuffed animals to the children. Please keep the team in your prayers and check out the blogspot, I will be updating the trip while we are there!
In closing, remember to keep everything in perspective during the holiday season. Enjoy the cards, gifts, and food during the season. Enjoy the family get togethers and office parties. But most of all, remember that we celebrate the physical birth of a little baby boy that was God in the flesh. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth. He came to His own, but His own received Him not. But He came anyway, because it was the will of the Father to whom He was fully obedient. He gave His life as a ransom for us all. Because He LOVED us. And that is the greatest gift of them all. Merry Christmas to all.
Terry
Margaret and I are very excited to be worshipping with the Western Hills Church of Christ. It is located in Bellevue, which is a suburb located in west Nashville. Margaret’s sister Jenny and her family worship there and her brother Scott is the pulpit preacher. It’s a family affair every week as we get together for worship. We met with the elders and they have graciously decided to be my overseeing eldership for the mission trips I take during the summer. They are a great group of men who have a burning passion for the lost and I look forward to working with them. The congregation is very excited as well about the opportunities that are coming to go on some of the trip and to participate in collecting supplies.
As I scramble to finish up the last few days of class and give my semester exams, it reminds me how fast time flies. It really does seem like yesterday that we were scrambling to get moved up here to start a new job and to find a place to live. Now we are finishing up a semester of classes and trying to shop for Christmas presents. And even more exciting, getting ready to go to Honduras on the 27th for a 1 week trip. I can’t wait to get down there and see everyone and to build some houses and pass out toys and stuffed animals to the children. Please keep the team in your prayers and check out the blogspot, I will be updating the trip while we are there!
In closing, remember to keep everything in perspective during the holiday season. Enjoy the cards, gifts, and food during the season. Enjoy the family get togethers and office parties. But most of all, remember that we celebrate the physical birth of a little baby boy that was God in the flesh. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth. He came to His own, but His own received Him not. But He came anyway, because it was the will of the Father to whom He was fully obedient. He gave His life as a ransom for us all. Because He LOVED us. And that is the greatest gift of them all. Merry Christmas to all.
Terry
Monday, November 20
e-mail address
Greeting one and all and welcome to turkey week! It is time for the holidays and all that goes with it. Lots of food, shopping, wrapping, and card writing will take up a lot of our time as we watch 2007 approach. It is so hard to believe that 2006 is almost gone, isn’t it? And it has been quite a year, I might add. But as we anxiously await Thursday, let us truly and honestly be thankful for all that God has done for us this year. Being thankful is so often in the form of lip service while the heart is disconnected. We, of all people, should be the most thankful people around. So, happy Thanksgiving, one and all, and best wishes for the holiday season.
My very good friend Ken called me today and we had a delightful chat. I miss so many of my friends in Florida and it is always good to hear from them, no matter what it might be. Ken called to inform me that my e-mail address I put on my last blog was incorrect. So, to avoid future embarrassment from him (and others I might suspect), here is my actual e-mail address:
Reeves.tl@gmail.com
If anyone tried the other one you probably found that it did not work or contacted someone who is wondering what in the world is Torch Missions! I look forward to hearing from you all soon. As always, take care and God bless!
TR
My very good friend Ken called me today and we had a delightful chat. I miss so many of my friends in Florida and it is always good to hear from them, no matter what it might be. Ken called to inform me that my e-mail address I put on my last blog was incorrect. So, to avoid future embarrassment from him (and others I might suspect), here is my actual e-mail address:
Reeves.tl@gmail.com
If anyone tried the other one you probably found that it did not work or contacted someone who is wondering what in the world is Torch Missions! I look forward to hearing from you all soon. As always, take care and God bless!
TR
Sunday, November 12
Trip dates are here!
It’s November and you know what time it is, Thanksgiving and the posting of the summer mission trip dates! It is so hard to believe that it is mid-November. Even though I have been crying the blues about how cold it has been up here in Tennessee, it reality it has been quite pleasant. But the changing of the leaves and the dropping of the temperature has led us into the last part of 2006. So we wrap up the year with holidays and thanks for all the good things we have enjoyed this year.
I love Thanksgiving. It has always been my favorite holiday. Even though my birthday is attached to it; that has nothing to do with it. I love Thanksgiving for a lot of different reasons. The food, of course, and football games on TV. Seeing and visiting family or talking to them on the phone. And of course, reflecting on the good things that God has blessed us with for the year. And I think that is so important, to sit down and think about all of the wonderful ways God has blessed each and every one of us. Because He has, and so much more than we realize. Being grateful for all of the things, both large and small, should be the focus of this time of the year. And reaching out, helping out, and giving, so that others can enjoy a glimpse of happiness.
So, from all of us to all of you, happy holidays, and in particular, Happy Thanksgiving!!!
On a different note, it is time to announce the dates of the mission trips for 2007. I have had so many phone calls and e-mails asking that I felt the need to post them now so that everyone can start planning their calendars, start their fund raising, and arranging for time off. Although the details are still in the work, the dates are ready, so here we go:
Tuesday, December 26 – Tuesday, January 2: Christmas break trip to Honduras. Cost for this trip is $273.00 PLUS your airline ticket. If you are interested in this trip please contact me ASAP because flights are filling up fast!
Saturday, March 10th –Saturday, March 17th: Spring break trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. We will be working with Tim Hines in a special work camp assisting in multiple projects in and around the New Orleans area. More details will be coming concerning this trip.
Sunday, May 20th – Wednesday, May 30th: Honduras trip #1. This trip will focus on work in Tegucigalpa and surrounding villages. Primarily a college age trip but is open to anyone that wants to go. More details about this trip coming soon.
Monday, June 4th – Thursday, June 14th: inaugural Torch Missions trip to Brazil. This trip will be to Recife, located on the northeast coast of Brazil. This trip plans on having a medical team, construction team, evangelism team and more. This trip has very limited space. More details coming soon.
Sunday, July 1st –Wednesday, July 11th. Trip #2 to Honduras. This trip will work in Tegucigalpa, Choluteca, and San Salvador. This trip plans on having a medical team, construction team, evangelism team and more. Flight plans include flying into Tegucigalpa and out of San Salvador, El Salvador. More details coming soon.
Friday, July 13th – Sunday, July 22nd: Honduras trip #3. This trip will work in Tegucigalpa, Comayagua, and San Pedro Sula. Flight plans include flying into Tegucigalpa and out through San Pedro Sula. This trip plans on having a medical team, construction team, evangelism team and more. More details coming soon.
Details are subject to change, all information at this point is tentative. Costs for the trip will be announced as soon as I can get some solid quotes concerning airline tickets. All trips have limited spaces available. The sooner you can contact me with your date requests and estimated numbers the better. Once numbers are set work plans can be ironed out and scheduled.
One of the new procedures this year will be the way we book our airline tickets. Each group leader will be given flight information (carrier, flight dates, flight numbers, etc.) and each group will be responsible for booking their own tickets. There are several benefits to this and it gives group leaders the responsibility of handling any ticket changes (it takes me out as the middle man) and payments. It will also give the group leaders the ability to pay for tickets by cash, check, and credit card. It also reduces the amount of money that I have to handle on this end. The money that will be sent to me will pay for lodging, exit fees, t-shirts, journals, bus rentals, bus drivers, container shipping costs, etc. I think this will make the trip run much smoother and efficiently.
I am looking forward to another wonderful year of mission work together. So much has been done in the past few years and yet there is so much more to do. Doing kingdom work is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things we can do while we are here, wouldn’t you agree? I am looking forward to hearing from you, may God bless you as you prepare to get ready for the 2007 mission campaigns.
Adios mi amigos, Dios te bendiga! Hasta luego!
Terry Reeves ( reeves.tr@gmail.com / 941-928-1085
I love Thanksgiving. It has always been my favorite holiday. Even though my birthday is attached to it; that has nothing to do with it. I love Thanksgiving for a lot of different reasons. The food, of course, and football games on TV. Seeing and visiting family or talking to them on the phone. And of course, reflecting on the good things that God has blessed us with for the year. And I think that is so important, to sit down and think about all of the wonderful ways God has blessed each and every one of us. Because He has, and so much more than we realize. Being grateful for all of the things, both large and small, should be the focus of this time of the year. And reaching out, helping out, and giving, so that others can enjoy a glimpse of happiness.
So, from all of us to all of you, happy holidays, and in particular, Happy Thanksgiving!!!
On a different note, it is time to announce the dates of the mission trips for 2007. I have had so many phone calls and e-mails asking that I felt the need to post them now so that everyone can start planning their calendars, start their fund raising, and arranging for time off. Although the details are still in the work, the dates are ready, so here we go:
Tuesday, December 26 – Tuesday, January 2: Christmas break trip to Honduras. Cost for this trip is $273.00 PLUS your airline ticket. If you are interested in this trip please contact me ASAP because flights are filling up fast!
Saturday, March 10th –Saturday, March 17th: Spring break trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. We will be working with Tim Hines in a special work camp assisting in multiple projects in and around the New Orleans area. More details will be coming concerning this trip.
Sunday, May 20th – Wednesday, May 30th: Honduras trip #1. This trip will focus on work in Tegucigalpa and surrounding villages. Primarily a college age trip but is open to anyone that wants to go. More details about this trip coming soon.
Monday, June 4th – Thursday, June 14th: inaugural Torch Missions trip to Brazil. This trip will be to Recife, located on the northeast coast of Brazil. This trip plans on having a medical team, construction team, evangelism team and more. This trip has very limited space. More details coming soon.
Sunday, July 1st –Wednesday, July 11th. Trip #2 to Honduras. This trip will work in Tegucigalpa, Choluteca, and San Salvador. This trip plans on having a medical team, construction team, evangelism team and more. Flight plans include flying into Tegucigalpa and out of San Salvador, El Salvador. More details coming soon.
Friday, July 13th – Sunday, July 22nd: Honduras trip #3. This trip will work in Tegucigalpa, Comayagua, and San Pedro Sula. Flight plans include flying into Tegucigalpa and out through San Pedro Sula. This trip plans on having a medical team, construction team, evangelism team and more. More details coming soon.
Details are subject to change, all information at this point is tentative. Costs for the trip will be announced as soon as I can get some solid quotes concerning airline tickets. All trips have limited spaces available. The sooner you can contact me with your date requests and estimated numbers the better. Once numbers are set work plans can be ironed out and scheduled.
One of the new procedures this year will be the way we book our airline tickets. Each group leader will be given flight information (carrier, flight dates, flight numbers, etc.) and each group will be responsible for booking their own tickets. There are several benefits to this and it gives group leaders the responsibility of handling any ticket changes (it takes me out as the middle man) and payments. It will also give the group leaders the ability to pay for tickets by cash, check, and credit card. It also reduces the amount of money that I have to handle on this end. The money that will be sent to me will pay for lodging, exit fees, t-shirts, journals, bus rentals, bus drivers, container shipping costs, etc. I think this will make the trip run much smoother and efficiently.
I am looking forward to another wonderful year of mission work together. So much has been done in the past few years and yet there is so much more to do. Doing kingdom work is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things we can do while we are here, wouldn’t you agree? I am looking forward to hearing from you, may God bless you as you prepare to get ready for the 2007 mission campaigns.
Adios mi amigos, Dios te bendiga! Hasta luego!
Terry Reeves ( reeves.tr@gmail.com / 941-928-1085
Thursday, November 2
reading between the lines
This week in chapel we had an excellent lesson that I would like to share with all of you. The guest speaker works with humanitarian relief efforts here in middle Tennessee and has collected and sent supplies all over the world to help meet the needs of people that have suffered from a natural disaster or event. From floods, tidal waves, to tornadoes, people all over the world are hurting, both physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
During the lesson several of our students stood before the student body holding up poster board. On each board was written on giant red letter. At the speaker’s queue the students held out their letter in the sequence they were placed. The letters were the following:
GODISNOWHERE
We were asked to call out what we read from the letters. Without hesitation nearly everyone called out, “GOD IS NO WHERE.” The speaker went on to say that when people are in desperate situations many times they cry out in despair wanting to know why this has happened to them and why God has abandoned them at the time of greatest need. It is during this time that so many needs a ray of hope to enter their lives to let them know that it is going to be OK and that someone cares for them. Isn’t that what Christianity all about?
So, next time you are asked to donate some can goods to the church pantry or a toy or two for the toy drive, maybe you will think twice. “Give till it hurts” is just a cliché until this concept penetrates your heart. Once you have looked into the eyes of the hopeless and despaired you will never be the same again. And once we respond, people see things differently. It is then that they might see, “GOD IS NOW HERE.”
Sometimes, it is just on how the way you look at something, isn’t it? Have a blessed week!
Terry
During the lesson several of our students stood before the student body holding up poster board. On each board was written on giant red letter. At the speaker’s queue the students held out their letter in the sequence they were placed. The letters were the following:
GODISNOWHERE
We were asked to call out what we read from the letters. Without hesitation nearly everyone called out, “GOD IS NO WHERE.” The speaker went on to say that when people are in desperate situations many times they cry out in despair wanting to know why this has happened to them and why God has abandoned them at the time of greatest need. It is during this time that so many needs a ray of hope to enter their lives to let them know that it is going to be OK and that someone cares for them. Isn’t that what Christianity all about?
So, next time you are asked to donate some can goods to the church pantry or a toy or two for the toy drive, maybe you will think twice. “Give till it hurts” is just a cliché until this concept penetrates your heart. Once you have looked into the eyes of the hopeless and despaired you will never be the same again. And once we respond, people see things differently. It is then that they might see, “GOD IS NOW HERE.”
Sometimes, it is just on how the way you look at something, isn’t it? Have a blessed week!
Terry
Monday, October 23
Congratulations, well done!
In my last blog I talked about the changing of the colors of the leaves here in middle Tennessee. I have to admit a couple of weeks later that those in the know were right, the colors now are absolutely amazing. However, just as assuredly as the colors have changed the leaves are also falling to the ground. And the falling of the leaves also means the falling of the temperature! I have officially declared it COLD here in Tennessee! Oh, they say that this is nothing, just wait… but I have decided that the next ice age is upon us!!!! Wow, and to think that this is fall! Boy, I just can’t wait for winter to get here……..
I have a lot of news to post; I hope that this information gets to all that are interested. First, I would like to congratulate two very special friends that just completed their course work at Belmont University. Anna Jane Palmer and Judy Mitchell both finished their degree programs in physical therapy a few weeks ago, receiving that long awaited diploma that declares them doctors!!! They both passed their board exams and now are officially Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Palmer. Congratulations and well done!
My work at Friendship Christian School is going very well. My classes are wonderful and the students are great. Soccer is going well too. We came in second in our district and will be playing in the region tournament this week. We are currently 12-6. More importantly, the campus ministry work is going well. Part of my job is planning mission trips for students, faculty, staff, and friends. There is a trip to Honduras planned for Christmas break. The dates are December 26 through January 1. This 1 week trip will be to Tegucigalpa and will be a typical Torch trip. We will be building a couple of houses, do a food distribution, and a lot of visitation. It is going to be a great trip and anyone out there that would like to go is invited. The cost of the trip is $298.00 PLUS your airline ticket. Participants are responsible for booking their own ticket. I will be glad to send you the flight information and any additional information about the trip. Just contact me at reeves.tl@gmail.com
Finally, I will be posting the 2007 trip schedule in the next week or two. There is a lot of great stuff going on and I am really excited to tell you about it. So, keep checking the site and get ready for an incredible year for Torch Missions! I hope everyone is doing well out there. Drop me a line to let me know what is going on in your part of the woods. God bless you all, may the work of the kingdom be ever fruitful as we labor together for our God and Father.
Blessings,
TR
I have a lot of news to post; I hope that this information gets to all that are interested. First, I would like to congratulate two very special friends that just completed their course work at Belmont University. Anna Jane Palmer and Judy Mitchell both finished their degree programs in physical therapy a few weeks ago, receiving that long awaited diploma that declares them doctors!!! They both passed their board exams and now are officially Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Palmer. Congratulations and well done!
My work at Friendship Christian School is going very well. My classes are wonderful and the students are great. Soccer is going well too. We came in second in our district and will be playing in the region tournament this week. We are currently 12-6. More importantly, the campus ministry work is going well. Part of my job is planning mission trips for students, faculty, staff, and friends. There is a trip to Honduras planned for Christmas break. The dates are December 26 through January 1. This 1 week trip will be to Tegucigalpa and will be a typical Torch trip. We will be building a couple of houses, do a food distribution, and a lot of visitation. It is going to be a great trip and anyone out there that would like to go is invited. The cost of the trip is $298.00 PLUS your airline ticket. Participants are responsible for booking their own ticket. I will be glad to send you the flight information and any additional information about the trip. Just contact me at reeves.tl@gmail.com
Finally, I will be posting the 2007 trip schedule in the next week or two. There is a lot of great stuff going on and I am really excited to tell you about it. So, keep checking the site and get ready for an incredible year for Torch Missions! I hope everyone is doing well out there. Drop me a line to let me know what is going on in your part of the woods. God bless you all, may the work of the kingdom be ever fruitful as we labor together for our God and Father.
Blessings,
TR
Tuesday, October 10
falling for fall
Its early October in Tennessee and the leaves are beginning to turn to those beautiful shades of yellow, gold, and reds. It has been 7 years since I have seen “fall,” the season of the year that doesn’t really exist in south Florida. The temperatures are dropping and the sky seems to be a brighter shade of blue these days. It is amazingly beautiful and awe inspiring. Those around here are not even impressed yet; they tell me that the best is yet to come. I tell them that they are numb to the beauty and are taking it all for granted. I think we are both right.
Isn’t it amazing to see something new, or through refreshed eyes? You notice everything, all of the details. You just seem to soak it all in. I noticed the first changing of the color in the leaves about a week or two ago, when those who have lived here for a while paid little or no attention. It has been a long time since we have lived here and we have been looking forward to this time of the year. The explosion of colors on the hillsides and valleys, the cool, crisp air, and the smell of wood burning in the fire places.
Of course I know what is coming too. I know we are just a few weeks away from ALL of the leaves turning brown and then turning loose. Soon the trees will be barren and the fall weather will give way to winter, another season I have not really experiences in that last 7 years. Already the temperatures have dropped lower than the coldest days in Sarasota and I am pretty much convinced I am going to freeze to death this winter!!!! While people here are still wearing shorts and t-shirts, Margaret, Nathan, and I are pulling out the jackets, sweaters, and pants! I can’t imagine what it is going to be like for the next 4 months…..and I also know that Floridians are about to enter the 4 months of “paradise.” Such is the price we pay to live where we live and do what we do.
How is life with you? How do you find yourself in the changing of the seasons? Are you full of excitement and wonder? Are you soaking it all in? Or are you just taking it all for granted. Just going through it and dreading the next season about to come? If you are like me, sometimes you have to get away from your normal surroundings to be able to see through new or refreshed eyes. See things from a new place and a new perspective. Or maybe return to a place to experience it all over again. This is not only true about experiencing the changing of the seasons, but in all areas of life, including our spiritual life. Getting away from the routines and common everyday surroundings is a great way to get you out of your daily “ruts” and get the senses, emotions, and feelings going again. And I, for one, need that very much.
Take time to stop and soak in the beauty of God’s nature as it goes through its life cycle. Experience the power and wisdom of God through His creation. As it says in Romans 1:20: “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” The finger of God can be clearly seen in the creation of the earth and all that is within it. How can anyone look at the changing of the seasons and not know that there is a God? Only in denial.
Peace,
TR
Isn’t it amazing to see something new, or through refreshed eyes? You notice everything, all of the details. You just seem to soak it all in. I noticed the first changing of the color in the leaves about a week or two ago, when those who have lived here for a while paid little or no attention. It has been a long time since we have lived here and we have been looking forward to this time of the year. The explosion of colors on the hillsides and valleys, the cool, crisp air, and the smell of wood burning in the fire places.
Of course I know what is coming too. I know we are just a few weeks away from ALL of the leaves turning brown and then turning loose. Soon the trees will be barren and the fall weather will give way to winter, another season I have not really experiences in that last 7 years. Already the temperatures have dropped lower than the coldest days in Sarasota and I am pretty much convinced I am going to freeze to death this winter!!!! While people here are still wearing shorts and t-shirts, Margaret, Nathan, and I are pulling out the jackets, sweaters, and pants! I can’t imagine what it is going to be like for the next 4 months…..and I also know that Floridians are about to enter the 4 months of “paradise.” Such is the price we pay to live where we live and do what we do.
How is life with you? How do you find yourself in the changing of the seasons? Are you full of excitement and wonder? Are you soaking it all in? Or are you just taking it all for granted. Just going through it and dreading the next season about to come? If you are like me, sometimes you have to get away from your normal surroundings to be able to see through new or refreshed eyes. See things from a new place and a new perspective. Or maybe return to a place to experience it all over again. This is not only true about experiencing the changing of the seasons, but in all areas of life, including our spiritual life. Getting away from the routines and common everyday surroundings is a great way to get you out of your daily “ruts” and get the senses, emotions, and feelings going again. And I, for one, need that very much.
Take time to stop and soak in the beauty of God’s nature as it goes through its life cycle. Experience the power and wisdom of God through His creation. As it says in Romans 1:20: “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” The finger of God can be clearly seen in the creation of the earth and all that is within it. How can anyone look at the changing of the seasons and not know that there is a God? Only in denial.
Peace,
TR
Wednesday, August 23
wrapping up the 2006 trips
I know, I know, it has been a while since I have blogged. But I have been incredibly busy in so many ways. I guess the biggest, and most apparent, was our recent move from Sarasota, Florida, to Nashville, Tennessee. While in Honduras I was contacted by Friendship Christian School. They were looking for a Bible teacher/campus minister who could coach soccer. To make a long story short, they made an offer I could not refuse and here we are!!! Life is a grand journey and we have made yet another move as we travel down the pathway of adventure. So far, so good, I love teaching again and I am looking forward to even more time to do mission work from here.
Many have been waiting to get the final results of the trips this summer. As always, the trips this summer was fantastic, God was good to us while we were in Honduras. The teams worked hard and we were able to accomplish a great deal this summer with the 4 teams that went with me to Honduras. We had one team that went in May and 3 teams that went in July, nearly 250 mission volunteers in all. The following list gives the totals of what we did while in Honduras this year.
•We built 20 new houses this summer, in San Miguel (Mololoa), Nueva Oriental,
and Comayagua.
•We packed and delivered 1,150 boxes of food (1 box provides food for 3 meals a day for 6 people for 2 weeks), or 248,500 meals.
•We conducted 14 days of VBS’s in San Miguel, Valley of Angels, Comayagua, and Choluteca, with 675 kids in attendance.
•We had 14 adult bible studies in the same locations with 350 attendees.
•We had 5 baptisms.
•We went to the hospitals 12 times for visitation (Hospital Esquela, Hospital San Philippi, and hospital Santa Teresa)
•We had 9 visits to orphanages and children’s homes.
•We visited 3 schools.
•We painted 12 houses, 2 church buildings, 1 school, 1 classroom at a church, and the children’s wing at a hospital.
•We spread 5 tons of gravel at the Comayagua church of Christ.
•We mixed (by hand!!!) 6 tons of concrete at the Mololoa church of Christ.
•We made 2 visits to a retirement center.
•We conducted 7 medical clinics and saw approximately 700 patients.
•We donated 320 sets of bed sheets to 2 different hospitals.
•We gave away 20 chalk boards.
•We donated 250 chairs to 3 different churches (Mololoa, Valley of Angels, and Santa Ana) and 50 chairs to a school.
We built a two tower playground at the Good Shepard Children’s Home with 9 swings, 4 slides, a fireman’s sliding pole, monkey bars, and cargo climbing nets.
•Had a pizza party (80 pizzas!!!) for a children’s home.
•Had a banquet for Jesus (600 McDonald hamburgers) for a children’s home.
•Built a 1,150 square foot wooden church building in Choluteca.
•Gave away hundreds of boxes of clothes, shoes, toys, stuffed animals, and school supplies.
•We had 95 devotionals and attended 5 Sunday morning worship assemblies.
I am sure I have left some things out, but I think it is clear that we did a lot of work and accomplished a lot of good in the name of Jesus this year. My thanks goes out to all of the team leaders that organized their groups this year. You guys are awesome and I could not have done it without you. Thanks to the Crew, as usual, you did a great job assisting me. And a HUGE thanks to all of our translators, you did a magnificent job this year!!!!
Plans are already in the work for 2007, it is not too early to start thinking and planning. Hope to see you all again next year. Until next time, may God hold you in His hand.
Your fellow servant,
TR
Many have been waiting to get the final results of the trips this summer. As always, the trips this summer was fantastic, God was good to us while we were in Honduras. The teams worked hard and we were able to accomplish a great deal this summer with the 4 teams that went with me to Honduras. We had one team that went in May and 3 teams that went in July, nearly 250 mission volunteers in all. The following list gives the totals of what we did while in Honduras this year.
•We built 20 new houses this summer, in San Miguel (Mololoa), Nueva Oriental,
and Comayagua.
•We packed and delivered 1,150 boxes of food (1 box provides food for 3 meals a day for 6 people for 2 weeks), or 248,500 meals.
•We conducted 14 days of VBS’s in San Miguel, Valley of Angels, Comayagua, and Choluteca, with 675 kids in attendance.
•We had 14 adult bible studies in the same locations with 350 attendees.
•We had 5 baptisms.
•We went to the hospitals 12 times for visitation (Hospital Esquela, Hospital San Philippi, and hospital Santa Teresa)
•We had 9 visits to orphanages and children’s homes.
•We visited 3 schools.
•We painted 12 houses, 2 church buildings, 1 school, 1 classroom at a church, and the children’s wing at a hospital.
•We spread 5 tons of gravel at the Comayagua church of Christ.
•We mixed (by hand!!!) 6 tons of concrete at the Mololoa church of Christ.
•We made 2 visits to a retirement center.
•We conducted 7 medical clinics and saw approximately 700 patients.
•We donated 320 sets of bed sheets to 2 different hospitals.
•We gave away 20 chalk boards.
•We donated 250 chairs to 3 different churches (Mololoa, Valley of Angels, and Santa Ana) and 50 chairs to a school.
We built a two tower playground at the Good Shepard Children’s Home with 9 swings, 4 slides, a fireman’s sliding pole, monkey bars, and cargo climbing nets.
•Had a pizza party (80 pizzas!!!) for a children’s home.
•Had a banquet for Jesus (600 McDonald hamburgers) for a children’s home.
•Built a 1,150 square foot wooden church building in Choluteca.
•Gave away hundreds of boxes of clothes, shoes, toys, stuffed animals, and school supplies.
•We had 95 devotionals and attended 5 Sunday morning worship assemblies.
I am sure I have left some things out, but I think it is clear that we did a lot of work and accomplished a lot of good in the name of Jesus this year. My thanks goes out to all of the team leaders that organized their groups this year. You guys are awesome and I could not have done it without you. Thanks to the Crew, as usual, you did a great job assisting me. And a HUGE thanks to all of our translators, you did a magnificent job this year!!!!
Plans are already in the work for 2007, it is not too early to start thinking and planning. Hope to see you all again next year. Until next time, may God hold you in His hand.
Your fellow servant,
TR
Sunday, July 23
Choluteca
Well we have had a pretty exciting four days. Sorry I haven’t been able to update the blog, but, as expected, the internet at the hotel in Choluteca was uncooperative. So, we are going to start with Wednesday, and I will work my way to Saturday.
Wednesday
Wednesday started like every typical day. We all got up and had breakfast at 7 to 8. Then at 8 we had devo and received our instructions for the day. We were suppose to leave the mission house at like 9:30am, but didn’t leave until 2pm. When we left we went out to Santa Ana to visit with the five boys that are living there. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay long because we left so late.
When we finished at the children’s home we loaded the buses for the long, hot ride to Choluteca. We arrived at the hotel about two hours after leaving the children’s home. When we got there we unloaded our things and got our room assignments. Later Steve came around and took our orders for supper. We ate supper at about 7:30 and then had devo. At about 11:00 we had room check and went to bed.
Thursday
We woke up and had breakfast at 7:00 to 8:00 am. At 8 we had devo then we received our work assignments for the day. Today we had four groups, a construction crew, distribution crew, medical crew, and VBS crew.
We all were going to the same place so we loaded both buses at about 9 and headed out to the village. The first few roads we took to get to the village were pretty dry, but when we got to this one turn, it was pure mud!!!!!! Well our bus drivers, being the adventures men they are, decided that we could make it through the mud. WRONG!!! We almost got through when we started to get stuck, so the bus driver put the bus in reverse. All that did was, well, nothing. To make an interesting story short, we got stuck!! We all had to get off the bus and walk the rest of the way, which was only like half a mile at the most. Don’t worry we did get the bus out of the mud!!
Ok, so the groups!! The construction crew walked to the site they were building at after they helped the medical and distribution team unload the truck full of supplies. They were able to start the church by 11:30. They made great progress!! They were able to get all four walls up by 4:30. It was great fun, hot, but fun!!!! We actually hit a pipe and water went everywhere, then a Honduran man came and fixed it with a smaller pipe. It was quite interesting. When we finished all the walls, we walked back to the medical clinic/ distribution place.
The medical team did an amazing job!! On Thursday they saw about 100 to 150 patients. They gave out medicines and other medical things. They had a really exhausting day. The distribution team handed out about 100 to 150 boxes of food on Thursday. They also gave out clothes and shoes for those who needed it. The VBS team did different skits for the children while all of the medical and distribution was going on. Thursday was very hot, but a lot of great work was accomplished. At about 4:30ish we loaded the buses, and headed back to the hotel.
We left the hotel at about 6:30 to go to the beach for devo. When we got there it started storming so we had a devo and left to go eat. We went to eat at about 8:00. The food was pretty good. We had a great time with each other. We were able to fellowship and talk about the day. It was great fun. After we all ate we went back to the hotel and went straight to bed.
Friday
On Friday we had breakfast between 7 and 8 the devo at 8. After devo the ones who wanted to go shop before going to the village got on one bus and the rest got on the other. The ones that went shopping had quit and adventure. We went to this one place that we were told about that ended up being some type of Sanctuary. We didn’t do any shopping, but we did see some wild animals!! Well, we decided to try to find somewhere else and we did, but it wasn’t what we were looking for. By 11 we were making our way out to the village to do more work.
The construction team was able to finish 95% of the roof. The rest of it should be finished on Saturday by the locals. The distribution team handed out the rest of the food and clothes, and the VBS team played with the children. The medical team saw between 150 to 200 patients on Friday. They were working double time. They did such an amazing job. We were able to do all of this in about 5 hours. Our team did an amazing job!! Great job guys!!
When we were finished we loaded the buses and went back to the hotel to clean up for supper. Tonight we went to Wendy’s and Pizza Hut. It was delicious!! After everyone ate we came back to the hotel for devo. When that was finished we received our instruction for the next day. On Saturday we were leaving for El Salvador. When we got our instructions we went to bed.
Saturday
On Saturday we started the day pretty early. We had to be up and ready to go by 7. The plan was to leave as close to 7:30 as possible. We left by like 8:30, which is pretty good for Honduras. Most of the day was spent traveling to El Salvador. Nothing happened except we went through check points, that was the most exciting part about the trip.
When we arrived at the hotel we got taxis and went to the mall to eat. After spending about one to two hours there we came back to the hotel to get our room assignments. When we got our room assignments a lot of us went swimming and just relaxed for the rest of the evening.
At about 7 some people went to the restaurant in the hotel for supper. It was AMAZING!!!! After that we had devo, and took a group picture out by the pool. When devo was over we hung out for a while and said goodbye to those who are leaving on Sunday. Four of our team members are going back to there homes. I wish them the best. After saying good bye we went to bed.
Sunday
On Sunday we had worship. Nothing much happened today either. Just church, fellowship, and a lot of sleep. Tomorrow we leave to come home, so I’m sure you will hear even more about the trip. This will probably be the last time I blog, Terry Reeves will be posting a summery of the whole trip when we get back. Thank you guys for reading the blog. I am so sorry that the internet was messed up for half the trip. I will be posting all the messages from the past couple days tonight. Thanks for your patients and your prayers. Please continue to pray for our new friends we made in Honduras. I know that I have grown to love them all and I can’t wait to see them again. We will see you all soon. God Bless.
Brandy B
Wednesday
Wednesday started like every typical day. We all got up and had breakfast at 7 to 8. Then at 8 we had devo and received our instructions for the day. We were suppose to leave the mission house at like 9:30am, but didn’t leave until 2pm. When we left we went out to Santa Ana to visit with the five boys that are living there. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay long because we left so late.
When we finished at the children’s home we loaded the buses for the long, hot ride to Choluteca. We arrived at the hotel about two hours after leaving the children’s home. When we got there we unloaded our things and got our room assignments. Later Steve came around and took our orders for supper. We ate supper at about 7:30 and then had devo. At about 11:00 we had room check and went to bed.
Thursday
We woke up and had breakfast at 7:00 to 8:00 am. At 8 we had devo then we received our work assignments for the day. Today we had four groups, a construction crew, distribution crew, medical crew, and VBS crew.
We all were going to the same place so we loaded both buses at about 9 and headed out to the village. The first few roads we took to get to the village were pretty dry, but when we got to this one turn, it was pure mud!!!!!! Well our bus drivers, being the adventures men they are, decided that we could make it through the mud. WRONG!!! We almost got through when we started to get stuck, so the bus driver put the bus in reverse. All that did was, well, nothing. To make an interesting story short, we got stuck!! We all had to get off the bus and walk the rest of the way, which was only like half a mile at the most. Don’t worry we did get the bus out of the mud!!
Ok, so the groups!! The construction crew walked to the site they were building at after they helped the medical and distribution team unload the truck full of supplies. They were able to start the church by 11:30. They made great progress!! They were able to get all four walls up by 4:30. It was great fun, hot, but fun!!!! We actually hit a pipe and water went everywhere, then a Honduran man came and fixed it with a smaller pipe. It was quite interesting. When we finished all the walls, we walked back to the medical clinic/ distribution place.
The medical team did an amazing job!! On Thursday they saw about 100 to 150 patients. They gave out medicines and other medical things. They had a really exhausting day. The distribution team handed out about 100 to 150 boxes of food on Thursday. They also gave out clothes and shoes for those who needed it. The VBS team did different skits for the children while all of the medical and distribution was going on. Thursday was very hot, but a lot of great work was accomplished. At about 4:30ish we loaded the buses, and headed back to the hotel.
We left the hotel at about 6:30 to go to the beach for devo. When we got there it started storming so we had a devo and left to go eat. We went to eat at about 8:00. The food was pretty good. We had a great time with each other. We were able to fellowship and talk about the day. It was great fun. After we all ate we went back to the hotel and went straight to bed.
Friday
On Friday we had breakfast between 7 and 8 the devo at 8. After devo the ones who wanted to go shop before going to the village got on one bus and the rest got on the other. The ones that went shopping had quit and adventure. We went to this one place that we were told about that ended up being some type of Sanctuary. We didn’t do any shopping, but we did see some wild animals!! Well, we decided to try to find somewhere else and we did, but it wasn’t what we were looking for. By 11 we were making our way out to the village to do more work.
The construction team was able to finish 95% of the roof. The rest of it should be finished on Saturday by the locals. The distribution team handed out the rest of the food and clothes, and the VBS team played with the children. The medical team saw between 150 to 200 patients on Friday. They were working double time. They did such an amazing job. We were able to do all of this in about 5 hours. Our team did an amazing job!! Great job guys!!
When we were finished we loaded the buses and went back to the hotel to clean up for supper. Tonight we went to Wendy’s and Pizza Hut. It was delicious!! After everyone ate we came back to the hotel for devo. When that was finished we received our instruction for the next day. On Saturday we were leaving for El Salvador. When we got our instructions we went to bed.
Saturday
On Saturday we started the day pretty early. We had to be up and ready to go by 7. The plan was to leave as close to 7:30 as possible. We left by like 8:30, which is pretty good for Honduras. Most of the day was spent traveling to El Salvador. Nothing happened except we went through check points, that was the most exciting part about the trip.
When we arrived at the hotel we got taxis and went to the mall to eat. After spending about one to two hours there we came back to the hotel to get our room assignments. When we got our room assignments a lot of us went swimming and just relaxed for the rest of the evening.
At about 7 some people went to the restaurant in the hotel for supper. It was AMAZING!!!! After that we had devo, and took a group picture out by the pool. When devo was over we hung out for a while and said goodbye to those who are leaving on Sunday. Four of our team members are going back to there homes. I wish them the best. After saying good bye we went to bed.
Sunday
On Sunday we had worship. Nothing much happened today either. Just church, fellowship, and a lot of sleep. Tomorrow we leave to come home, so I’m sure you will hear even more about the trip. This will probably be the last time I blog, Terry Reeves will be posting a summery of the whole trip when we get back. Thank you guys for reading the blog. I am so sorry that the internet was messed up for half the trip. I will be posting all the messages from the past couple days tonight. Thanks for your patients and your prayers. Please continue to pray for our new friends we made in Honduras. I know that I have grown to love them all and I can’t wait to see them again. We will see you all soon. God Bless.
Brandy B
Tuesday, July 18
Our last days!!
Well, today was our last work day in Teguc. I am very sad that we are leaving. Tomorrow we leave for Choluteca, but first today!! We had breakfast at 7 then we had devo at 8. After devo we went in four different groups to different places. It was a very adventurous day!!
The first crew was the VBS crew. They went to the special needs orphanage, before going to San Miguel for VBS. At the Special Needs orphanage the group was able to have a tour of the orphanage. It was really cool to see all of the orphanage and to learn a little about it. After the tour they each picked a kid and played with them. A few people sang to the kids. It was pretty incredible. At about 12 they left to make their way to San Miguel. When they arrived in San Miguel they split into a few groups of five or more with a translator in each group and went out in the community to tell everyone about the VBS and adult Bible study. VBS started at about 3. The VBS and adult Bible study was AMAZING. At about 5 we had to say good bye to our new friends in San Miguel, most of them we will not see again until we meet in heaven. Please pray for them!!
The second group went out to a community to paint a school and to teach English. They said that it was a pretty cool day. They were able to play with the kids there and teach the English all in one. After school, they painted some of the rooms. Then at about 4:30 they met up with the rest of us at San Miguel to go back to the mission house.
The third crew was a construction team that built a house in San Miguel. They had a pretty amazing day today also. They got to move boulders, and more rocks, and mice, and a lot of other interesting things. The good thing about all of this is that a family has a roof over their heads tonight!!!!
The fourth crew went out to Good Shepard to build a playground. For all of those that remember, last year we built Disney in Honduras at Didasko. This year we built Six Flags in Honduras at Good Shepard. From what everyone said the construction went really well. They said that it rained a lot and that the children watched all day waiting for them to finish. After they were finished they ran out an immediately began playing on it in the pouring down rain. WOW!!!
When everyone was finished we came back to the mission house for supper. After supper Lori Connell set up Mi Esperanza stuff for people to buy then gave a presentation about it. After that we had devo. Tonight, like every night, we sang. Singing was unbelievable. After devo we received our instruction for tomorrow, said our good nights, and went to bed.
Guys thanks so much for your patients with the internet and the blog. I am so sorry that is it so complicated, but there is nothing I can do about it!! Please continue praying for us and our friends here in Honduras. Thank you again. God Bless.
Brandy B
P.S. Tomorrow we go to Choluteca and I am not sure what kind of internet I will get, if I get any. Therefore, do not worry if I am not able to post, I should be able to post when we go to El Salvador. Thanks for your patients.
The first crew was the VBS crew. They went to the special needs orphanage, before going to San Miguel for VBS. At the Special Needs orphanage the group was able to have a tour of the orphanage. It was really cool to see all of the orphanage and to learn a little about it. After the tour they each picked a kid and played with them. A few people sang to the kids. It was pretty incredible. At about 12 they left to make their way to San Miguel. When they arrived in San Miguel they split into a few groups of five or more with a translator in each group and went out in the community to tell everyone about the VBS and adult Bible study. VBS started at about 3. The VBS and adult Bible study was AMAZING. At about 5 we had to say good bye to our new friends in San Miguel, most of them we will not see again until we meet in heaven. Please pray for them!!
The second group went out to a community to paint a school and to teach English. They said that it was a pretty cool day. They were able to play with the kids there and teach the English all in one. After school, they painted some of the rooms. Then at about 4:30 they met up with the rest of us at San Miguel to go back to the mission house.
The third crew was a construction team that built a house in San Miguel. They had a pretty amazing day today also. They got to move boulders, and more rocks, and mice, and a lot of other interesting things. The good thing about all of this is that a family has a roof over their heads tonight!!!!
The fourth crew went out to Good Shepard to build a playground. For all of those that remember, last year we built Disney in Honduras at Didasko. This year we built Six Flags in Honduras at Good Shepard. From what everyone said the construction went really well. They said that it rained a lot and that the children watched all day waiting for them to finish. After they were finished they ran out an immediately began playing on it in the pouring down rain. WOW!!!
When everyone was finished we came back to the mission house for supper. After supper Lori Connell set up Mi Esperanza stuff for people to buy then gave a presentation about it. After that we had devo. Tonight, like every night, we sang. Singing was unbelievable. After devo we received our instruction for tomorrow, said our good nights, and went to bed.
Guys thanks so much for your patients with the internet and the blog. I am so sorry that is it so complicated, but there is nothing I can do about it!! Please continue praying for us and our friends here in Honduras. Thank you again. God Bless.
Brandy B
P.S. Tomorrow we go to Choluteca and I am not sure what kind of internet I will get, if I get any. Therefore, do not worry if I am not able to post, I should be able to post when we go to El Salvador. Thanks for your patients.
Update from the Teguc side of the weekend
Update from the Tegucigalpa side while the South Carolina group was in Comayagua
Saturday
The day started special with a devotional, led by Kevin Kline, at the Jesus statue. I do not know of a time in recent years when the team has been able to see the area in the daytime. There is a beautiful garden and peaceful places to relax that none of us knew about. It was a refreshing change to start off a very cool day.
Terry is very specific to clarify the different meanings in “orphanage” and “children’s home.” They may be used interchangeably; however, there is a significance difference in how the children are treated in the two different places. We went to a children’s home with 206 kids—WOW. At Good Shepherd, the children are shown lots of love and attention from all.
We brought 300 hamburgers and 300 cheeseburgers to have a fiesta. It was quite a site to see those eyes light up when the McDonald’s bags came out. As you can imagine, buying fast food for 206 kids is not an easy feat and rarely done. So, this was a cool surprise for them. We had a lot of fun playing for hours afterwards. Saying good-bye was sad (except for those who were secretly planning how to get these children to fit in carry-on luggage). Yet, we look forward to the next time we can be blessed by these little ones.
That night, the devotional thought was given by Matthew Vaughn. He read Acts 16 and related the history to the question of all time—What must I do to be saved? He encouraged us to live in a way so that people want to ask us that question.
Sunday
Once again, the docket was full of great fun. Today, we went to an “orphanage.” The people that run the facility are nice and kind, but they don’t relate the kids together like one large family as well as Good Shepherd does. Don’t get me wrong—they are great with the kids. There is just a slightly different environment.
In the morning, a bus traveled a good distance to pick up 34 kids from Dadasko Orphanage. The kids were transported to the church at Valley of Angels for service. This is an awesome act because of the normal routine of the children. The director of Dadasko has only one van to take kids to church. Because of space, only 12 kids can go to church each Sunday. So, they have a rotating schedule of three different groups who attend church together. The director was overjoyed that his kids would be able to praise God in church 100% together. Matt Vaughn gave a sermon (in both Spanish and English) about Psalm 1.
Afterwards, the kids with their Gringo buddies traveled back into Teguc for lunch at the fast food court in the mall and then a movie. For those who spoke Spanish, Cars was a fairly good movie. For others, it was a good nap. As you can guess, the kids loved it; they are never able to go have a fast food lunch and a movie. Then, to top it off, they all received a toy from McDonald’s to remember the day and have fun with later.
One bus then took the kids back and the group grabbed a quick dinner before heading back up the mountain. The other bus went to Baxter Institute to play soccer—there is nothing like a little competition to end a good day. The night ended with a “Where did you see Jesus?” devotional with many wonderful stories shared about the past two days.
Dios te bendiga,
JMA
Saturday
The day started special with a devotional, led by Kevin Kline, at the Jesus statue. I do not know of a time in recent years when the team has been able to see the area in the daytime. There is a beautiful garden and peaceful places to relax that none of us knew about. It was a refreshing change to start off a very cool day.
Terry is very specific to clarify the different meanings in “orphanage” and “children’s home.” They may be used interchangeably; however, there is a significance difference in how the children are treated in the two different places. We went to a children’s home with 206 kids—WOW. At Good Shepherd, the children are shown lots of love and attention from all.
We brought 300 hamburgers and 300 cheeseburgers to have a fiesta. It was quite a site to see those eyes light up when the McDonald’s bags came out. As you can imagine, buying fast food for 206 kids is not an easy feat and rarely done. So, this was a cool surprise for them. We had a lot of fun playing for hours afterwards. Saying good-bye was sad (except for those who were secretly planning how to get these children to fit in carry-on luggage). Yet, we look forward to the next time we can be blessed by these little ones.
That night, the devotional thought was given by Matthew Vaughn. He read Acts 16 and related the history to the question of all time—What must I do to be saved? He encouraged us to live in a way so that people want to ask us that question.
Sunday
Once again, the docket was full of great fun. Today, we went to an “orphanage.” The people that run the facility are nice and kind, but they don’t relate the kids together like one large family as well as Good Shepherd does. Don’t get me wrong—they are great with the kids. There is just a slightly different environment.
In the morning, a bus traveled a good distance to pick up 34 kids from Dadasko Orphanage. The kids were transported to the church at Valley of Angels for service. This is an awesome act because of the normal routine of the children. The director of Dadasko has only one van to take kids to church. Because of space, only 12 kids can go to church each Sunday. So, they have a rotating schedule of three different groups who attend church together. The director was overjoyed that his kids would be able to praise God in church 100% together. Matt Vaughn gave a sermon (in both Spanish and English) about Psalm 1.
Afterwards, the kids with their Gringo buddies traveled back into Teguc for lunch at the fast food court in the mall and then a movie. For those who spoke Spanish, Cars was a fairly good movie. For others, it was a good nap. As you can guess, the kids loved it; they are never able to go have a fast food lunch and a movie. Then, to top it off, they all received a toy from McDonald’s to remember the day and have fun with later.
One bus then took the kids back and the group grabbed a quick dinner before heading back up the mountain. The other bus went to Baxter Institute to play soccer—there is nothing like a little competition to end a good day. The night ended with a “Where did you see Jesus?” devotional with many wonderful stories shared about the past two days.
Dios te bendiga,
JMA
A busy weekend!!
Wow!!!!!!!! I can’t believe I only have one more week left in Honduras! This past weekend I was able to go with the South Carolina group on their retreat. When we arrived we unloaded our things and got settled in our rooms. Then Lee Tucker came and told us about doing a medical clinic, so we decided to go, but first the group had to do a few things. Mari and I went on with Lee to help start the medical clinic. It was really cool! There was only one doctor and two nurses, but they did and incredible job!! They saw about 150 patients.
While we started the medical clinic, the rest of the crew went to eat and then went to visit the hospital and to hand out bed sheets they brought with them. After they were finished at the hospital, they came out to the medical clinic to help play with kids. It was so much fun. When we were finished with the medical clinic we went back to the hotel for devo and supper. We ordered pizza for supper, which turned out to be pretty interesting since a few people had to go in a cab to pay for it!! GOOD TIMES!! After we ate we had devo out by the pool.
Sunday we had breakfast at about 7:30. After breakfast, we had a small Sunday morning devo. After devo we hung out for a while, then loaded the buses at 1:30 to worship with the local Christians. I just love the congregation we worshiped at, the children were so cute!! The lesson was in Spanish and then in was translated by one of our translators into English. It was pretty much the best sermon. The preacher, and the members are so on fire for God, it is AMAZING!!
After worship we stayed for a little while to play with the children, then we loaded up and went back to the hotel. When we got to the hotel we had the choice of going down town to do a walking tour, or staying at the hotel to just relax. About 25 of us went on the tour. It was really neat. After about an hour or two we came back to the hotel for the most amazing supper I’ve had since I’ve been here. We had this chicken that was a little spicy, but good, with veggies, rice and a roll!! I mean, WOW!! After supper we had devo. Then we played cards for a little while before going to bed.
Monday we woke up really early to get ready to go back to Teguc. The South Carolina group left on Monday so they had to be back at the airport pretty early. We left the hotel at 7 am. It is about a two hour bus ride back. When we got to the airport we dropped the SC group off with Mark Connell so they could get checked in and back home.
When we dropped them off, Maria, Niki, and I came back up to the mission house to meet up with the rest of the group. We were pretty much volunteered to go with the VBS/food bagging team to the hospital. There was also a construction team, bodega team, and Santa Ana team.
The VBS/food bagging team went to the hospital first. We got there at about 10 so we stayed for two hours. We split into three groups with two translators in each group. Then we went throughout the hospital visiting the patients. They are so uplifting. These people are in so much pain most of the time, but still they smile and do not complain. It is just unbelievable. After two hours in the hospital we loaded the buses and came back to the mission house to practice VBS and bag food. When we got here the food wasn’t here so we rested. Then Terry showed up with boxes, but still know food. So we put the boxes together. Finally, two years later, (welcome to Honduras) the food finally came. We unloaded the food then bagged it. When it was all bagged we put the bags in a box. We bagged about 176 bags of food, which will be handed out when we go to Choluteca. While we were bagging food, the VBS practice their skits.
The Santa Ana crew went to build and to paint yesterday. The construction team had a great day. They finished, with no injuries!! The paint team painted!! They also played with the children. The kids in Santa Ana are soooooooo cute!!
The Bodega crew had their work cute out for them today. They had to clean the bodega to make room for another shipment of stuff that was coming in. The nurses also did their pharmacy thing. From what Terry said, the team worked extremely hard. Great job guys.
After everyone was finished we came back up to the mission house for supper. After supper we had a few hours to play card games. So the guys went to one table and the girls went to another and we played spoons. This was pretty much the funniest thing I have ever watched. When a person got 4 of a kind bodies went flying everywhere after spoons. I hope to have pictures of the fun tonight. After two hours of that we went to devo. Singing was amazing !!!!! Hoss spoke. After devo we all said good night and went to bed!!
Thanks so much for reading the blog and praying for us. Please continue to pray!!
In Him
Brandy B
P.S. Sorry there has been delays in the blog. As you well know the internet works when it wants to. Thanks for being patient with me!!
While we started the medical clinic, the rest of the crew went to eat and then went to visit the hospital and to hand out bed sheets they brought with them. After they were finished at the hospital, they came out to the medical clinic to help play with kids. It was so much fun. When we were finished with the medical clinic we went back to the hotel for devo and supper. We ordered pizza for supper, which turned out to be pretty interesting since a few people had to go in a cab to pay for it!! GOOD TIMES!! After we ate we had devo out by the pool.
Sunday we had breakfast at about 7:30. After breakfast, we had a small Sunday morning devo. After devo we hung out for a while, then loaded the buses at 1:30 to worship with the local Christians. I just love the congregation we worshiped at, the children were so cute!! The lesson was in Spanish and then in was translated by one of our translators into English. It was pretty much the best sermon. The preacher, and the members are so on fire for God, it is AMAZING!!
After worship we stayed for a little while to play with the children, then we loaded up and went back to the hotel. When we got to the hotel we had the choice of going down town to do a walking tour, or staying at the hotel to just relax. About 25 of us went on the tour. It was really neat. After about an hour or two we came back to the hotel for the most amazing supper I’ve had since I’ve been here. We had this chicken that was a little spicy, but good, with veggies, rice and a roll!! I mean, WOW!! After supper we had devo. Then we played cards for a little while before going to bed.
Monday we woke up really early to get ready to go back to Teguc. The South Carolina group left on Monday so they had to be back at the airport pretty early. We left the hotel at 7 am. It is about a two hour bus ride back. When we got to the airport we dropped the SC group off with Mark Connell so they could get checked in and back home.
When we dropped them off, Maria, Niki, and I came back up to the mission house to meet up with the rest of the group. We were pretty much volunteered to go with the VBS/food bagging team to the hospital. There was also a construction team, bodega team, and Santa Ana team.
The VBS/food bagging team went to the hospital first. We got there at about 10 so we stayed for two hours. We split into three groups with two translators in each group. Then we went throughout the hospital visiting the patients. They are so uplifting. These people are in so much pain most of the time, but still they smile and do not complain. It is just unbelievable. After two hours in the hospital we loaded the buses and came back to the mission house to practice VBS and bag food. When we got here the food wasn’t here so we rested. Then Terry showed up with boxes, but still know food. So we put the boxes together. Finally, two years later, (welcome to Honduras) the food finally came. We unloaded the food then bagged it. When it was all bagged we put the bags in a box. We bagged about 176 bags of food, which will be handed out when we go to Choluteca. While we were bagging food, the VBS practice their skits.
The Santa Ana crew went to build and to paint yesterday. The construction team had a great day. They finished, with no injuries!! The paint team painted!! They also played with the children. The kids in Santa Ana are soooooooo cute!!
The Bodega crew had their work cute out for them today. They had to clean the bodega to make room for another shipment of stuff that was coming in. The nurses also did their pharmacy thing. From what Terry said, the team worked extremely hard. Great job guys.
After everyone was finished we came back up to the mission house for supper. After supper we had a few hours to play card games. So the guys went to one table and the girls went to another and we played spoons. This was pretty much the funniest thing I have ever watched. When a person got 4 of a kind bodies went flying everywhere after spoons. I hope to have pictures of the fun tonight. After two hours of that we went to devo. Singing was amazing !!!!! Hoss spoke. After devo we all said good night and went to bed!!
Thanks so much for reading the blog and praying for us. Please continue to pray!!
In Him
Brandy B
P.S. Sorry there has been delays in the blog. As you well know the internet works when it wants to. Thanks for being patient with me!!
Friday, July 14
Unbelievable
I can’t believe I’ve been here for 15 days already!!! It has been AMAZING!! Today the third group came in. (THEY MADE IT SAFELY!!). Tomorrow the South Carolina group leaves to go on their retreat. Man oh Man!!
Today was a pretty incredible day, I must say. We split into two crews. The SC group went to distribute food, went to visit the blind school, and a few went to help Randy at San Miguel. There was also a small crew that went with Mark Connell to start Rosa’s house. Ok, so that is like four crews, my bad!!
The team that went with Mark Connell consisted of about 12 of us. We left at 8:30 so we could get an early start. We knew we would not finish today. Rosa is one of the lady’s that works at the mission house, so we decided we would build her a house. I’m not sure how big the house is, but it is bigger than a normal “TORCH” house. Rosa has done so much for our groups and she deserves the best house TORCH can build. Anyway, it was a pretty long day there. Nothing exciting happened, just your normal construction. We finished everything but the roof and one wall. The next group will finish the rest of the house. They are also planning on putting a wall up inside to make it a two room house. The view is AMAZING!!!!!!!! We left at about 5:30 to come back to the mission house for supper.
The team that went with Randy today helped him clean up some land that, I think, we might be building on soon. Any day with Randy is going to be a tuff day!! He will work you like you have never been worked before. According to Randy the group did an excellent job and it put his schedule ahead a few weeks.
The group that went to distribute food also went to the blind school. They had an awesome day!! The blind school is just awesome. They go in and they get to play with the kids, then they go and sing for them. In return the children sing to us and I mean WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! It is heaven!! After they were finished there they came back up to the mission house for supper!!
Like I said before, the third came in today and went to the hospital right away!! From all the stories I heard they had an incredible day!! After that they came back up the mountain and had supper with us!! It was good to finally have them here.
After supper we had devo, and it was awesome. Singing was unbelievable. There’s like 120 something people here so you can only imagine how beautiful it was. After that we all went to bed!! Thanks guys for all the prayers, please keep praying for us and our new friends. God Bless.
Brandy B
Today was a pretty incredible day, I must say. We split into two crews. The SC group went to distribute food, went to visit the blind school, and a few went to help Randy at San Miguel. There was also a small crew that went with Mark Connell to start Rosa’s house. Ok, so that is like four crews, my bad!!
The team that went with Mark Connell consisted of about 12 of us. We left at 8:30 so we could get an early start. We knew we would not finish today. Rosa is one of the lady’s that works at the mission house, so we decided we would build her a house. I’m not sure how big the house is, but it is bigger than a normal “TORCH” house. Rosa has done so much for our groups and she deserves the best house TORCH can build. Anyway, it was a pretty long day there. Nothing exciting happened, just your normal construction. We finished everything but the roof and one wall. The next group will finish the rest of the house. They are also planning on putting a wall up inside to make it a two room house. The view is AMAZING!!!!!!!! We left at about 5:30 to come back to the mission house for supper.
The team that went with Randy today helped him clean up some land that, I think, we might be building on soon. Any day with Randy is going to be a tuff day!! He will work you like you have never been worked before. According to Randy the group did an excellent job and it put his schedule ahead a few weeks.
The group that went to distribute food also went to the blind school. They had an awesome day!! The blind school is just awesome. They go in and they get to play with the kids, then they go and sing for them. In return the children sing to us and I mean WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! It is heaven!! After they were finished there they came back up to the mission house for supper!!
Like I said before, the third came in today and went to the hospital right away!! From all the stories I heard they had an incredible day!! After that they came back up the mountain and had supper with us!! It was good to finally have them here.
After supper we had devo, and it was awesome. Singing was unbelievable. There’s like 120 something people here so you can only imagine how beautiful it was. After that we all went to bed!! Thanks guys for all the prayers, please keep praying for us and our new friends. God Bless.
Brandy B
Thursday, July 13
Good Times!!
What a day!! I love Honduras so much, when I am here I am alive. I'm not sure what it is about this place, but I just feel so close to God here. Toady was just amazing!! The South Carolina crew split up into paint crews, a construction crew, and a concrete crew. The "crew" did our own special thing today. Each group did awesome things today.
The paint crew, obviously, painted today. They painted houses in one of the villages that I can't pronounce much less spell!! The construction crew built a house in this same village.
The concrete team did a fantastic job today. They finished everything that Randy needed them to do. They have been working on the building ever since they arrived. Great job guys.
The "crew" went out to Santa Ana today to do a few projects for Jen Wright. A few people painted, some planted flowers, some helped build beds, and the rest played with kids. Ok, so we all played with the kids. The "crew" did help Jen out a lot today though. Let me just say that the kids at the orphange (Case de Esperanza) are just soooooo cute.
After everyone was finished we went back up to the mission house for some soccer and some food!!! What can I say, you can't come to Honduras without playing soccer, even if you are as bad as I am!! It was a lot of fun though. After dinner we had devo. When devo was over Lori Connell did a presentation about Mi Esperanza. Then everyone was able to go buy some of the products the women have made. When everyone was finished with that we said our good nights and went to bed. It has been just incredible here. Thanks so much for your prayers. God Bless you all!
Brandy B
The paint crew, obviously, painted today. They painted houses in one of the villages that I can't pronounce much less spell!! The construction crew built a house in this same village.
The concrete team did a fantastic job today. They finished everything that Randy needed them to do. They have been working on the building ever since they arrived. Great job guys.
The "crew" went out to Santa Ana today to do a few projects for Jen Wright. A few people painted, some planted flowers, some helped build beds, and the rest played with kids. Ok, so we all played with the kids. The "crew" did help Jen out a lot today though. Let me just say that the kids at the orphange (Case de Esperanza) are just soooooo cute.
After everyone was finished we went back up to the mission house for some soccer and some food!!! What can I say, you can't come to Honduras without playing soccer, even if you are as bad as I am!! It was a lot of fun though. After dinner we had devo. When devo was over Lori Connell did a presentation about Mi Esperanza. Then everyone was able to go buy some of the products the women have made. When everyone was finished with that we said our good nights and went to bed. It has been just incredible here. Thanks so much for your prayers. God Bless you all!
Brandy B
Wednesday, July 12
It's a great day to be alive!!
Hey guys I hope everything is going well in the States. Honduras is unbelievable. Today we split up into four teams. We had breakfast at 7 and devo at 8. Bryan Beach spoke to us this morning. After devo we got into our four groups and went our separate ways.
The first crew went with Mark Connell to a site we plan to build at in a few days. The house is going to be for one of the workers that works at the Mission House. Their task today was to level the grounds we are working at. They spent all day doing this. The site is ready to build on. Not only did they level the grounds but they also dug the post holes. Great job team!!
The second crew went with Randy Kluge to San Miguel to do more concrete work. I can tell you now that this team worked extremely hard today. They started at about 10 or so and didn’t end until about 6pm. This involved mixing and laying the concrete, extremely hard work. Another amazing job.
The third crew, which was the VBS crew loaded up the bus and went to the hospital before going to the Valley of Angels for VBS. We split into two groups there and went throughout the hospital visiting the patients. The patients in the hospital suffer from a variety of different problems, so we have to be prepared for the worst. However, no matter how much the patient is suffering they almost always have a smile on their faces. The cancer ward is probably my favorite place to go. Most of the patients are children, but it is just so uplifting to see their smiling faces. Isn’t God just Awesome!! After we visited the patients for about 2 hours we loaded the buses and went out to the Valley of Angels to prepare for the children. When we got there the team practiced their skits and then sang some songs with the children. We had about 60 in attendance.
The medical team had their work cute out for them today. They saw 217 patients today, and they didn’t leave until all of them were seen. Our nurses and doctors did an awesome job today, along with our outstanding translators. They were able to give each patient medicine that they needed. Great job guys!!
After everyone was finished at their sites, they came back to the mission house for supper. At about 7:30 we loaded the buses and went out to the Jesus Statue. When we got there we walked to the statue and had a devotional. Tonight Michael Felty led us in a few thoughts. Once devo was over we walked back to the buses and came back to the mission house for some sleep.
Honduras has been awesome!! Thanks so much for reading the blog, and for praying for the work here. Please continue to pray for us and our friends. God Bless!!
Brandy B
The first crew went with Mark Connell to a site we plan to build at in a few days. The house is going to be for one of the workers that works at the Mission House. Their task today was to level the grounds we are working at. They spent all day doing this. The site is ready to build on. Not only did they level the grounds but they also dug the post holes. Great job team!!
The second crew went with Randy Kluge to San Miguel to do more concrete work. I can tell you now that this team worked extremely hard today. They started at about 10 or so and didn’t end until about 6pm. This involved mixing and laying the concrete, extremely hard work. Another amazing job.
The third crew, which was the VBS crew loaded up the bus and went to the hospital before going to the Valley of Angels for VBS. We split into two groups there and went throughout the hospital visiting the patients. The patients in the hospital suffer from a variety of different problems, so we have to be prepared for the worst. However, no matter how much the patient is suffering they almost always have a smile on their faces. The cancer ward is probably my favorite place to go. Most of the patients are children, but it is just so uplifting to see their smiling faces. Isn’t God just Awesome!! After we visited the patients for about 2 hours we loaded the buses and went out to the Valley of Angels to prepare for the children. When we got there the team practiced their skits and then sang some songs with the children. We had about 60 in attendance.
The medical team had their work cute out for them today. They saw 217 patients today, and they didn’t leave until all of them were seen. Our nurses and doctors did an awesome job today, along with our outstanding translators. They were able to give each patient medicine that they needed. Great job guys!!
After everyone was finished at their sites, they came back to the mission house for supper. At about 7:30 we loaded the buses and went out to the Jesus Statue. When we got there we walked to the statue and had a devotional. Tonight Michael Felty led us in a few thoughts. Once devo was over we walked back to the buses and came back to the mission house for some sleep.
Honduras has been awesome!! Thanks so much for reading the blog, and for praying for the work here. Please continue to pray for us and our friends. God Bless!!
Brandy B
Tuesday, July 11
Man oh Man!!
Well guys, I am sorry once again for having to put two days worth of information in the blog. It has been two extraordinary days here in Honduras!! Yesterday VBS started for the South Carolina group. The day started with breakfast at 7 and devo at 8. Adrian Willis led us in a few words this morning. When devo was finished we divided into four groups, a construction crew, a concrete crew, a bodega crew, and a VBS crew. (Let me just say that the excitement of the South Carolina crew has just been amazing. Brenda, the lady that has been over the VBS crew, has done a wonderful job in preparing material for the VBS.) Once everyone was on a team we went our separate ways. The concrete team went to San Miguel with Randy Kluge first.
The concrete team had their work cut out for them Monday. They get the pleasure of mixing concrete by hand then pouring. If you have never done this, let me just tell you it is very, VERY!!!!!!! hard work. They did an amazing job though. Also, before they could start the concrete a few of them had to go put tin on one of the houses they had built the Saturday before. As you can tell they worked extremely hard.
The Bodega crew left with the construction crew to go and sort medicines and such before heading out to the Valley of Angels for VBS. After everything was sorted their they headed out to the Valley. The construction team went to build a house today, well I’m sure you could have guessed that with “construction team”. Anyway, they had a pretty tough site. One of the post holes was pure rock, so I’m sure they had loads of fun with that. They did finish the house, and tonight one more family has a roof over their head.
The VBS crew headed out next. We went up to the Valley about three hours before VBS started to do some door knocking. For someone who does not speak Spanish, like myself, this can be very interesting. We had translators though, so that made it a little better. We door knocked for about an hour throughout the Valley of Angels, then we went back to the new church building to prepare. We had about 60-70 people there today. First the VBS crew did a few skits for the children. The children listened so well. It is hysterical to listen to people who do not know any Spanish do these skits, and you worry that they might not get it, but when Maria and Niki asked them questions they responded correctly. It is amazing how God can work through us. After the skit were finished the children went outside to color while the Adult Bible study was conducted. After the Bible study there was one person who wanted to be baptized and another that wanted to learn more. All in all VBS was incredible.
When everyone had finished with what they were doing, we all me up at the Mission house for supper. After supper we had devo, Tyler Gist spoke to us for a while, then we had more singing. I don’t what it is about the singing in Honduras, but it is unbelievable. When devo was over we all went to bed.
Today started out like all of the other days. Breakfast was at 7 and devo was at 8. Today devo was led by Troy Wahr. When we were finished with devo the construction team left immediately. The VBS and medical crew stayed back to bag food that will be distributed later on.
The construction team had a pretty easy house today. Building went smoothly. Our construction teams have done an amazing job on houses. The Medical team also did a very good job today on all of the patients today in the Valley. The VBS crew did the same thing they did yesterday, except they did different skits. The South Carolina group is very dramatic. They do an amazing job getting the stories across to the kids, and their energy never stops. After they were finished with the skits a few of them went outside to color while the others went across the street to play soccer. The Adult Bible study went really well again today. When that was finished they distributed sandwiches and drinks to everyone. When every thing was finished we came back up to the mission house for supper.
After supper we had devo. Ed Nicholson led us in a few thoughts tonight, then we sang some more!!!! Singing is awesome!! After devo, Tom went over what the plans were for tomorrow then we went to bed. I’m glad you are all reading the blog and I hope you will continue. I am sorry that the internet messes up sometimes, but it is something I have no control over. We love all of you and we hope you are praying for us and the work here. May God bless you all!!
Brandy B
The concrete team had their work cut out for them Monday. They get the pleasure of mixing concrete by hand then pouring. If you have never done this, let me just tell you it is very, VERY!!!!!!! hard work. They did an amazing job though. Also, before they could start the concrete a few of them had to go put tin on one of the houses they had built the Saturday before. As you can tell they worked extremely hard.
The Bodega crew left with the construction crew to go and sort medicines and such before heading out to the Valley of Angels for VBS. After everything was sorted their they headed out to the Valley. The construction team went to build a house today, well I’m sure you could have guessed that with “construction team”. Anyway, they had a pretty tough site. One of the post holes was pure rock, so I’m sure they had loads of fun with that. They did finish the house, and tonight one more family has a roof over their head.
The VBS crew headed out next. We went up to the Valley about three hours before VBS started to do some door knocking. For someone who does not speak Spanish, like myself, this can be very interesting. We had translators though, so that made it a little better. We door knocked for about an hour throughout the Valley of Angels, then we went back to the new church building to prepare. We had about 60-70 people there today. First the VBS crew did a few skits for the children. The children listened so well. It is hysterical to listen to people who do not know any Spanish do these skits, and you worry that they might not get it, but when Maria and Niki asked them questions they responded correctly. It is amazing how God can work through us. After the skit were finished the children went outside to color while the Adult Bible study was conducted. After the Bible study there was one person who wanted to be baptized and another that wanted to learn more. All in all VBS was incredible.
When everyone had finished with what they were doing, we all me up at the Mission house for supper. After supper we had devo, Tyler Gist spoke to us for a while, then we had more singing. I don’t what it is about the singing in Honduras, but it is unbelievable. When devo was over we all went to bed.
Today started out like all of the other days. Breakfast was at 7 and devo was at 8. Today devo was led by Troy Wahr. When we were finished with devo the construction team left immediately. The VBS and medical crew stayed back to bag food that will be distributed later on.
The construction team had a pretty easy house today. Building went smoothly. Our construction teams have done an amazing job on houses. The Medical team also did a very good job today on all of the patients today in the Valley. The VBS crew did the same thing they did yesterday, except they did different skits. The South Carolina group is very dramatic. They do an amazing job getting the stories across to the kids, and their energy never stops. After they were finished with the skits a few of them went outside to color while the others went across the street to play soccer. The Adult Bible study went really well again today. When that was finished they distributed sandwiches and drinks to everyone. When every thing was finished we came back up to the mission house for supper.
After supper we had devo. Ed Nicholson led us in a few thoughts tonight, then we sang some more!!!! Singing is awesome!! After devo, Tom went over what the plans were for tomorrow then we went to bed. I’m glad you are all reading the blog and I hope you will continue. I am sorry that the internet messes up sometimes, but it is something I have no control over. We love all of you and we hope you are praying for us and the work here. May God bless you all!!
Brandy B
Monday, July 10
Sayin Goodbye.
Well today retreat starts for the July 1st team. It started out like any other day, breakfast at 7, but then we had church at 8. The South Carolina group left at 8 for the church in the Valley of Angels, while the rest of us had services here. After worship everyone that was going on retreat got all of their things and loaded the buses. When everything was loaded on the buses we made our way down the mountain a little way to the hotel. When we got there everyone got their rooming assignments and headed to their rooms to drop their things and meet back in the Lobby.
When everyone was in the Lobby, we split into two groups. One group went to Mi Esperanza to get their hair and nails done by the ladies in training. THey also had the opportunity to buy a few things from the ladies too. The other group loaded the buses and went to the Valley of Angels for a day of shopping. WHen the other group got to the Valley we split up into groups of 4 or more to walk around. WHile there we ran into the South Carolina group. They spent a few hours there and then went to Snata Ana to visit. A few of us also watched the WOrld Cup while we were there. GO ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The rest of the group came out to the Valley latter after their nails, and hair were finished. We actually passed them on their way. THe first group left the Valley at about the 3 to go back to the hotel to get ready for a night out at the Mall!! THe other group got to spend two hours out at the Valley to shop around a little. We all met up at the hotel at about 5:30 and left for the mall at about 5:45. At the mall we split up into groups of 4 or more and ate supper. Some were able to call home (sorry mom I didn't make it to the internet cafe before it closed). Others just walked around to spend some time together before they leave tomorrow.
We left the mall at about 8:30 to go back to the hotel for devo. We sang a lot last night. It was a great way to end a great trip. Terry Reeves ended the devo with a few thoughts and a prayer. Then the ones staying on through the rest of the trip said their goodbyes and headed back up the mountain for some sleep. I want to wish the July 1st team safe travel, God's speed you guys. We will miss you all a whole lot!! Thanks for all of the prayers, but do not stop praying for the rest of us and our Honduran friends!!
Love you all
Brandy B
When everyone was in the Lobby, we split into two groups. One group went to Mi Esperanza to get their hair and nails done by the ladies in training. THey also had the opportunity to buy a few things from the ladies too. The other group loaded the buses and went to the Valley of Angels for a day of shopping. WHen the other group got to the Valley we split up into groups of 4 or more to walk around. WHile there we ran into the South Carolina group. They spent a few hours there and then went to Snata Ana to visit. A few of us also watched the WOrld Cup while we were there. GO ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The rest of the group came out to the Valley latter after their nails, and hair were finished. We actually passed them on their way. THe first group left the Valley at about the 3 to go back to the hotel to get ready for a night out at the Mall!! THe other group got to spend two hours out at the Valley to shop around a little. We all met up at the hotel at about 5:30 and left for the mall at about 5:45. At the mall we split up into groups of 4 or more and ate supper. Some were able to call home (sorry mom I didn't make it to the internet cafe before it closed). Others just walked around to spend some time together before they leave tomorrow.
We left the mall at about 8:30 to go back to the hotel for devo. We sang a lot last night. It was a great way to end a great trip. Terry Reeves ended the devo with a few thoughts and a prayer. Then the ones staying on through the rest of the trip said their goodbyes and headed back up the mountain for some sleep. I want to wish the July 1st team safe travel, God's speed you guys. We will miss you all a whole lot!! Thanks for all of the prayers, but do not stop praying for the rest of us and our Honduran friends!!
Love you all
Brandy B
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