I know lots of people are still checking and reading our blog, many everyday. I appreciate the opportunity that I have to write my thoughts and feelings to you and I appreciate the e-mails and responses to the articles. Of course, Children of the King is but one of several blogs that are logged from many different groups and people involved in Torch, Mi Esperanza, and IRC. They offer good reading and insight and I highly encourage those of you that faithfully read this one check out the others as well.
In the mist of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Torch has become a key relief group in the area. Tim Hines is on the ground and is helping in coordinating relief work that is coming in from all over the United States right now. Gayle Davidson is heading up medical relief work and is doing a fantastic job. There are so many people involved in helping right now that it would be impossible to list them all. I would like to encourage all of you to go to www.waywalkers.blogspot.com to keep up with the relief efforts going on through Torch.
As Torch team members, we have all worked in harsh 3rd world conditions. Working without power, running water, clean water, etc., is nothing new to us, we do it day in and day out in Honduras. Because of that, and because of the kind of work we do in Honduras, we are quite qualified for the relief work that is going on in Mississippi and Louisiana right now. I want to encourage you to try to find time to go down to work in the relief efforts. Your skills and work experience is very valuable right now. And they need help! Take a few vacation days off and go. Take a long weekend and go. Get a team of volunteers together and go. This is important stuff and we are trained and experienced at this stuff.
Tim’s blog will offer lots of news and information about the relief effort. It lists supplies that are needed and contact information. Every person matters and every dollar counts. And we don’t have to worry about where the money is going and who is doing what. We don’t have to worry about finger pointing or playing the blame game. We are on the ground and we are doing what we do best, helping those who desperately need help. And sharing the good news about Jesus.
As a side note, please keep me in your prayers. I am scheduled to go to Moffitt Cancer Center Thursday, September 15th for surgery. I have to have more melanoma removed from my side. I am still in the battle and I do not know what lies in store for me. God is the great healer and prayer is powerful. It is in His hands and I will rest in that fact. I am hopeful that all will turn out well. Thank you for your prayers and e-mails, I love you all! Take care and I will talk to you again soon. Keep working in the Kingdom!
TR
Wednesday, September 14
Tuesday, September 6
the time is now
I have been glued to the TV for days now, watching in disbelief the events that have unfolded in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The loss of life, the loss of property, the loss of possessions. In the matter of hours a mighty city, along with several other gulf coast towns, were literally wiped off the face of the earth. Billions of dollars in damage and thousands of lives lost. It is heart wrenching to watch the scenes on the news and yet we cannot stop watching it. Thinking about it. Praying about it.
The forces of nature, as we have seen first hand, is more powerful than we can ever imagine. The power of the storms that develop in the oceans are bigger and more powerful than anything we can fathom. Even though our technology is the best we have ever had and monitoring and forecasting storms is more accurate than ever, it fails to show us the true nature of the power of nature. AND IT SHOWS HOW INCREDIBLY WEAK AND HELPLESS WE ARE. We build to hurricane codes with steel and wood and concrete. We take great pride in our technology and architecture. We boast of our engineering skills. And with wind and water it is all taken away.
Storms, like Katrina, hit all over the world. We hear about storms like Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America, back in 1999, killing thousands. Or Andrew, or Charley. We hear about Typhoons that strike Asia, killing thousands. We hear about monsoons, tornados, earthquakes, drought, volcano eruptions, tidal waves, killing thousands. And we witness the destruction over and over. We are asked to give. We are asked to help. We are asked to pray. We are asked to send and to go. Over and over and over. And we do. We do it out of concern. We do it out of love. We do it out of obligation. We do it because it is the right thing to do. We do it for a lot of reasons.
We do it because it is on the front page of the newspaper, the lead story on the 6:00 news. We do it because it is right there in front of us, to remind us, to keep us informed and in touch. And we respond. Many times we respond with such power and resources that it boggles our minds. It is amazing to see it in action. To watch as man responds to the call. Disasters and horrific events can bring out the best in man, and sometimes the worst.
But in almost every case bad things brings back the fact that we need God and we need Him in the worst way. Sometimes events forces people, and even an nation, to bow down and cry out to God for help in time of crisis and trouble. It is through events like this that we see how small and weak we really are and how much we need a God that is more powerful than nature itself. It is times like this that we must recognize that God is in control and that He is the provider for all that we have here on this earth. There are many stories in the Bible where nature falls into submission to Jesus and God. All of our strength, resources, wealth, and power comes from above. It is He that oversees it all. It is He that hears our cries for help and answers our prayers.
But soon it is second page news, and finally we don’t even hear about it anymore. We hear about hundreds dying in this place or that, and then in the next sentence we hear the final score of the baseball game or the player that is holding out for more money. What we do not hear or see is the weeks, months, or years of struggle that occur after a major disaster. The pain of rebuilding. The pain of trying to replace what has been taken away. We do not see the heartaches of people who lost everything only to realize that they will never get it back. The loss of family and friends, those things that can never be replaced.
And it happens year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. Throughout history we have witnessed disasters strike over and over. Soon Katrina will become a part of history. It will become a record of a horrible storm that struck the United states in 2005. And sometime, down the road, people will read or hear about the event and it will mean as much to them as the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius does to us today. Just a story with some facts and figures with no feelings or emotions. But right now, this means a lot to us. It means everything to us. We are driven right now by feelings and emotions. And right now we will be judged by what we do and how we do it. We will be remembered for our actions and deeds. We will be forever remembered and JUDGED for what we do and do not do.
The world is watching, waiting to see how the country that prides itself as
being a leader in humanitarian causes, responds to our own needs. The world is watching to see what we do and how we do it. The world is watching to see if we really do walk the walk and talk the talk. An ungodly world is watching to see what a nation, founded on Christian principles, does when it is staring face to face with calamity and misfortune. And we will be judged. Christian organizations have been called to action, Christians have been summoned to answer the call. The church is being summoned to step up to the plate and carry out the instructions that were given by our Master and Commander, Jesus Christ. We MUST answer the call. We MUST do our part. We MUST be willing to do whatever needs to be done. Do not take this lightly, we are being called to do what we are obligated to do. Matthew 25 applies now, as much as ever. We must feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty. We must provide clothes and housing to those who need it. We must provide medical attention. We cannot fail. We cannot compromise. We cannot commit half way. It is all or nothing now. Wherever you are, mobilize your troops for action. Wherever you are, dig down deep and sacrifice for the good of those in need, for they are “the least of these my brethren” that Jesus refers to in Matthew 25.
Every congregation of the Lord’s church needs to respond, needs to help. Every Christian needs to do his or her part. There is no time to take sides, evaluate programs. We cannot be divided on issues or theologies now. For goodness sakes politics pale in importance here. Right now we need to be about saving lives and rebuilding homes. We need to be reuniting families and restoring a broken society. We need to be sharing the love of Jesus now, more than ever, to those who desperately need to hear it. God can be glorified in all things. Even bad things. Good can come out of bad. Good can triumph over evil. The world is watching, what are we going to show them? What are they going to remember?
TR
The forces of nature, as we have seen first hand, is more powerful than we can ever imagine. The power of the storms that develop in the oceans are bigger and more powerful than anything we can fathom. Even though our technology is the best we have ever had and monitoring and forecasting storms is more accurate than ever, it fails to show us the true nature of the power of nature. AND IT SHOWS HOW INCREDIBLY WEAK AND HELPLESS WE ARE. We build to hurricane codes with steel and wood and concrete. We take great pride in our technology and architecture. We boast of our engineering skills. And with wind and water it is all taken away.
Storms, like Katrina, hit all over the world. We hear about storms like Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America, back in 1999, killing thousands. Or Andrew, or Charley. We hear about Typhoons that strike Asia, killing thousands. We hear about monsoons, tornados, earthquakes, drought, volcano eruptions, tidal waves, killing thousands. And we witness the destruction over and over. We are asked to give. We are asked to help. We are asked to pray. We are asked to send and to go. Over and over and over. And we do. We do it out of concern. We do it out of love. We do it out of obligation. We do it because it is the right thing to do. We do it for a lot of reasons.
We do it because it is on the front page of the newspaper, the lead story on the 6:00 news. We do it because it is right there in front of us, to remind us, to keep us informed and in touch. And we respond. Many times we respond with such power and resources that it boggles our minds. It is amazing to see it in action. To watch as man responds to the call. Disasters and horrific events can bring out the best in man, and sometimes the worst.
But in almost every case bad things brings back the fact that we need God and we need Him in the worst way. Sometimes events forces people, and even an nation, to bow down and cry out to God for help in time of crisis and trouble. It is through events like this that we see how small and weak we really are and how much we need a God that is more powerful than nature itself. It is times like this that we must recognize that God is in control and that He is the provider for all that we have here on this earth. There are many stories in the Bible where nature falls into submission to Jesus and God. All of our strength, resources, wealth, and power comes from above. It is He that oversees it all. It is He that hears our cries for help and answers our prayers.
But soon it is second page news, and finally we don’t even hear about it anymore. We hear about hundreds dying in this place or that, and then in the next sentence we hear the final score of the baseball game or the player that is holding out for more money. What we do not hear or see is the weeks, months, or years of struggle that occur after a major disaster. The pain of rebuilding. The pain of trying to replace what has been taken away. We do not see the heartaches of people who lost everything only to realize that they will never get it back. The loss of family and friends, those things that can never be replaced.
And it happens year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. Throughout history we have witnessed disasters strike over and over. Soon Katrina will become a part of history. It will become a record of a horrible storm that struck the United states in 2005. And sometime, down the road, people will read or hear about the event and it will mean as much to them as the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius does to us today. Just a story with some facts and figures with no feelings or emotions. But right now, this means a lot to us. It means everything to us. We are driven right now by feelings and emotions. And right now we will be judged by what we do and how we do it. We will be remembered for our actions and deeds. We will be forever remembered and JUDGED for what we do and do not do.
The world is watching, waiting to see how the country that prides itself as
being a leader in humanitarian causes, responds to our own needs. The world is watching to see what we do and how we do it. The world is watching to see if we really do walk the walk and talk the talk. An ungodly world is watching to see what a nation, founded on Christian principles, does when it is staring face to face with calamity and misfortune. And we will be judged. Christian organizations have been called to action, Christians have been summoned to answer the call. The church is being summoned to step up to the plate and carry out the instructions that were given by our Master and Commander, Jesus Christ. We MUST answer the call. We MUST do our part. We MUST be willing to do whatever needs to be done. Do not take this lightly, we are being called to do what we are obligated to do. Matthew 25 applies now, as much as ever. We must feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty. We must provide clothes and housing to those who need it. We must provide medical attention. We cannot fail. We cannot compromise. We cannot commit half way. It is all or nothing now. Wherever you are, mobilize your troops for action. Wherever you are, dig down deep and sacrifice for the good of those in need, for they are “the least of these my brethren” that Jesus refers to in Matthew 25.
Every congregation of the Lord’s church needs to respond, needs to help. Every Christian needs to do his or her part. There is no time to take sides, evaluate programs. We cannot be divided on issues or theologies now. For goodness sakes politics pale in importance here. Right now we need to be about saving lives and rebuilding homes. We need to be reuniting families and restoring a broken society. We need to be sharing the love of Jesus now, more than ever, to those who desperately need to hear it. God can be glorified in all things. Even bad things. Good can come out of bad. Good can triumph over evil. The world is watching, what are we going to show them? What are they going to remember?
TR
Monday, August 29
Remembering where we were
I think I have figured it out. I am a gypsy. Well, at least, sort of. I have lived in a lot of different places. Gypsies roam and move around a lot. I have lived in 4 different states and 11 different cities. And I have traveled a lot too. I have been to 42 states and 17 countries. Moving around and traveling around is fun and adventurous. Sometimes I seem to have a restless spirit within me wanting to go out and see what is out there. It doesn’t mean I am not happy where I am, I just enjoy going out and seeing it all.
Now, what I said doesn’t mean I am about to jump ship and take off and go somewhere new. Not at all. I truly love living in Sarasota, Florida. Awesome place. Very beautiful. Great town, great church family, I love it here. I am just making a point that I have done a lot of traveling. And I have some very interesting stories to go along with that, but not this time. Maybe I will share some of the craziest stories with you in future blogs. But for now, I am going to try to stay on a specific thought.
I have traveled by boat, train, plane, and automobile. And as a traveler, I feel that I can maneuver pretty well anywhere I go. After all, you can’t consider yourself a good traveler if you don’t reach your destination, right? But getting from point A to point B can be challenging, can’t it? That’s why there are maps, right? However, if you are like me, you might find that reading maps is a lot more difficult than it looks! Good grief, just unfolding and folding maps is hard!!! And it is no fun to be lost. I mean, really lost. One time, while in London, I got separated from my group with a friend of mine during a tour of the city and we had a great time. We got to see all kinds of stuff the others missed out on. But, we also did not get to see any of the stuff we were supposed to see either.
So, now I am getting to the point of all of this. Getting lost. Being lost. Not a good thing, especially if you are supposed to be at a specific place or at a specific time. So, what do you do when you are lost? Get a map? Stop and ask directions? GUESS the right way to go? I have tried all of these! I worked one summer at a convenience store while home from college. Pretty boring job but at least I was making some money for school. It was on a busy road and I had people come in all if the time asking for directions. I took great pride in giving directions, too, because I thought I was pretty good at it.
I thought I knew the way around Huntsville as well as anyone. After all, I had lived there most of my life. One day a person came in and asked directions to a particular place. I quickly gave him very specific directions on how to get there. I gave him landmarks to look for, the number of traffic lights, the whole nine yards. He thanked me and pulled out and started down the road just the way I told him. It was about 30 seconds later that I realized that I had given him the wrong directions! Oh well, guess I won’t be seeing him again! I felt bad but there wasn’t anything I could do about it. It was going to be up to that individual to realize he was going the wrong way and stop and get new directions. I hope he did.
Being lost is kind of scary too. Have you ever been lost in a strange town that you know nothing about. The only thing you know is that by looking at the bars on the building’s windows and doors, the dimly lit streets, and spray paint on anything that can’t move, that you are in the wrong part of town. Oh man have I ever been there before! That is the time to have good directions, right? Absolutely! That is when knowing where you are and how to get to where you need to be is very important. That is when you would rather have someone in the car with you who know where he is going and giving you the directions instead of using a map or directions from a guy that works at a gas station, right?
The same thing is true when it comes to our spiritual journey. We are all gypsies when it comes to the fact that we are strangers in a strange land. The Bible even tells us that we are just that. We are not of this world, our home is somewhere else. We are just traveling through. And on this spiritual journey we go through a lot of different places along the way. And we get lost too. And sometimes when we get lost we have a little fun along the way, but ultimately we miss out on things we were supposed to see and do. And sometimes we try to read the map (Bible) but it seems so confusing at times and sometimes we cannot make heads or tails out of it. And sometimes we stop and we ask spiritual directions from people that have no idea what they are even saying, giving out directions that are going to lead us away from the goal.
And what about guessing? Oh boy, now that is an option you really don’t want to take! I “think” it is this way. I am “guessing” it is that way. Maybe this road will get us here. I have never taken this road; let’s see if it will get us there. Of course, once in a blue moon you might accidentally stumble in to the place you are looking for, but not very often. And most likely, it will take a great deal longer to get there, if you ever find it at all. The best bet is to travel with someone who KNOWS where they are going. That knows the turns and the land marks. Knows how to read the map. Knows east from west, up from down, left from right.
There is nothing more exciting than to get to your destination after you have been lost. A relief. And you know, we have all been lost. To sin. Being lost in sin is not fun, and definitely scary. It is not too scary being lost and not knowing it (driving around thinking you are going the right way when in reality you’re not), because you are not aware of your situation. There are a lot of people that are spiritually lost and have no idea. But, once you realize you are lost, things change. And there is nothing more frustrating than trying to get directions from people that are incorrect. And there are a lot of people out there that are in that situation right now too.
But, as Christians, we are saved by the blood of Christ and the grace He gives us through His sacrifice. Through the waters of baptism and the surrender of ourselves to the Savior, we enter into the Kingdom of His church. The body of the saved. We once were lost, but now are found, were blind but now can see. We are no longer “lost.” Isn’t that awesome! And now that we are on the road to salvation, maybe it is time we give some directions for those who are out there trying to find their way. After all, who would be best at giving directions, right?
But it seems to me that a lot of Christians are not giving directions. Not at all. And when we do, they are vague at times, judgmental at others. It almost appears that we know the right directions but we don’t want to share the information. Or if we do, we are almost selective in who we share it with. And we don’t seem to see or feel any urgency either. Sometimes it would be good to sit down and take a second to remember where we came from. We need to remember that we were lost once too. When we do that we might be able to understand what it means to go out and share the gospel of Christ. Because until a person puts on Christ, is in Christ, he is lost. And that is a place nobody wants to be. Nobody. Think about it.
TR
Now, what I said doesn’t mean I am about to jump ship and take off and go somewhere new. Not at all. I truly love living in Sarasota, Florida. Awesome place. Very beautiful. Great town, great church family, I love it here. I am just making a point that I have done a lot of traveling. And I have some very interesting stories to go along with that, but not this time. Maybe I will share some of the craziest stories with you in future blogs. But for now, I am going to try to stay on a specific thought.
I have traveled by boat, train, plane, and automobile. And as a traveler, I feel that I can maneuver pretty well anywhere I go. After all, you can’t consider yourself a good traveler if you don’t reach your destination, right? But getting from point A to point B can be challenging, can’t it? That’s why there are maps, right? However, if you are like me, you might find that reading maps is a lot more difficult than it looks! Good grief, just unfolding and folding maps is hard!!! And it is no fun to be lost. I mean, really lost. One time, while in London, I got separated from my group with a friend of mine during a tour of the city and we had a great time. We got to see all kinds of stuff the others missed out on. But, we also did not get to see any of the stuff we were supposed to see either.
So, now I am getting to the point of all of this. Getting lost. Being lost. Not a good thing, especially if you are supposed to be at a specific place or at a specific time. So, what do you do when you are lost? Get a map? Stop and ask directions? GUESS the right way to go? I have tried all of these! I worked one summer at a convenience store while home from college. Pretty boring job but at least I was making some money for school. It was on a busy road and I had people come in all if the time asking for directions. I took great pride in giving directions, too, because I thought I was pretty good at it.
I thought I knew the way around Huntsville as well as anyone. After all, I had lived there most of my life. One day a person came in and asked directions to a particular place. I quickly gave him very specific directions on how to get there. I gave him landmarks to look for, the number of traffic lights, the whole nine yards. He thanked me and pulled out and started down the road just the way I told him. It was about 30 seconds later that I realized that I had given him the wrong directions! Oh well, guess I won’t be seeing him again! I felt bad but there wasn’t anything I could do about it. It was going to be up to that individual to realize he was going the wrong way and stop and get new directions. I hope he did.
Being lost is kind of scary too. Have you ever been lost in a strange town that you know nothing about. The only thing you know is that by looking at the bars on the building’s windows and doors, the dimly lit streets, and spray paint on anything that can’t move, that you are in the wrong part of town. Oh man have I ever been there before! That is the time to have good directions, right? Absolutely! That is when knowing where you are and how to get to where you need to be is very important. That is when you would rather have someone in the car with you who know where he is going and giving you the directions instead of using a map or directions from a guy that works at a gas station, right?
The same thing is true when it comes to our spiritual journey. We are all gypsies when it comes to the fact that we are strangers in a strange land. The Bible even tells us that we are just that. We are not of this world, our home is somewhere else. We are just traveling through. And on this spiritual journey we go through a lot of different places along the way. And we get lost too. And sometimes when we get lost we have a little fun along the way, but ultimately we miss out on things we were supposed to see and do. And sometimes we try to read the map (Bible) but it seems so confusing at times and sometimes we cannot make heads or tails out of it. And sometimes we stop and we ask spiritual directions from people that have no idea what they are even saying, giving out directions that are going to lead us away from the goal.
And what about guessing? Oh boy, now that is an option you really don’t want to take! I “think” it is this way. I am “guessing” it is that way. Maybe this road will get us here. I have never taken this road; let’s see if it will get us there. Of course, once in a blue moon you might accidentally stumble in to the place you are looking for, but not very often. And most likely, it will take a great deal longer to get there, if you ever find it at all. The best bet is to travel with someone who KNOWS where they are going. That knows the turns and the land marks. Knows how to read the map. Knows east from west, up from down, left from right.
There is nothing more exciting than to get to your destination after you have been lost. A relief. And you know, we have all been lost. To sin. Being lost in sin is not fun, and definitely scary. It is not too scary being lost and not knowing it (driving around thinking you are going the right way when in reality you’re not), because you are not aware of your situation. There are a lot of people that are spiritually lost and have no idea. But, once you realize you are lost, things change. And there is nothing more frustrating than trying to get directions from people that are incorrect. And there are a lot of people out there that are in that situation right now too.
But, as Christians, we are saved by the blood of Christ and the grace He gives us through His sacrifice. Through the waters of baptism and the surrender of ourselves to the Savior, we enter into the Kingdom of His church. The body of the saved. We once were lost, but now are found, were blind but now can see. We are no longer “lost.” Isn’t that awesome! And now that we are on the road to salvation, maybe it is time we give some directions for those who are out there trying to find their way. After all, who would be best at giving directions, right?
But it seems to me that a lot of Christians are not giving directions. Not at all. And when we do, they are vague at times, judgmental at others. It almost appears that we know the right directions but we don’t want to share the information. Or if we do, we are almost selective in who we share it with. And we don’t seem to see or feel any urgency either. Sometimes it would be good to sit down and take a second to remember where we came from. We need to remember that we were lost once too. When we do that we might be able to understand what it means to go out and share the gospel of Christ. Because until a person puts on Christ, is in Christ, he is lost. And that is a place nobody wants to be. Nobody. Think about it.
TR
Wednesday, August 24
modern day Abrahams
Torch Mission teams have been going to Honduras for nearly 20 years. In some ways that sounds like a long time, but in some ways it doesn’t. No matter how you look at it, a LOT of people have gone to Honduras through Torch Missions. I have no idea how many, but I can safely say thousands have gone. THOUSANDS. And the number of people we have come in contact with and ministered to during this time? HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS. When you take a moment to think about it, that is a lot of people, isn’t it? And how many people have been affected and changed because of these short term mission trips? Who really knows? (almost sounds like a Master Card commercial, doesn’t it?)
There are so many stories I could share. There are married couples that met their special someone on a Torch trip (even though we strongly encourage people not to hook up during trips!). There are people in full time ministry because of a mission trip to Honduras with Torch Missions. There are so many that literally plan their vacations from work around their yearly trip to Honduras. There are full time missionaries because of the time that was spent during short term mission work in Honduras. Many have changed their college majors because of Torch Missions. And there are those who have set their course to live and work in Honduras, both now, and in the future.
I would like to talk about three very special people that have done just that. They have decided to move to Honduras to work full time in the place they have grown to love over the years. For many of us, they are doing what we dream of doing. Packing up our stuff and moving to Tegucigalpa. To live, to work, to minister. These three have taken their dreams and have made it a reality. They have taken that step that most of us can’t, or won’t, do. They are modern day Abraham’s, stepping out on faith to go where they have been called. And what a calling!
I have known Jennifer Arnold for a long time. She was a student of mine when I was teaching at Ezell-Harding Christian School, in Nashville, Tennessee. She sang in the chorus I directed, she played on the softball team I helped coach. She attended the Rural Hill Church of Christ, which teamed up with my group from Wingate, on all kinds of activities and trips. Including Honduras. And it didn’t take much to talk Jen into going to Honduras! She was eager to serve the Lord and her heart was always in the right place. And she began her journey in high school. Every year since high school, and college, she went to Honduras with Torch Missions. She took on more and more work with the teams while finishing up here college softball career and college work. She became a vital member of the leadership team, specializing on the communications for the teams back to the states. She earned her master’s degree and got a good job teaching in the metro system in Nashville. And she saved her money. And then she took the step, or should I say, the leap. She decided this year to move to Honduras and to work at Los Pinares, a Christian school in Tegucigalpa. She will be the school librarian (she actually has a degree for this and she LIKES it!). She leaves a good paying job, a great church, and a wonderful family behind. To do what she loves doing.
I have known Katie Wells for a few years now. What an awesome young lady! To use the term “buff truck” around her is almost an insult. She will work most anyone under the table, men included. She is a servant in the truest definition of the word. From construction to visitation, Katie puts her heart and soul into her work in Honduras. Katie talked her Mom into going to Honduras last year. This year she talked her Dad into going. It was a real family affair. Her love for mission work is evident from the moment you meet her.
Katie graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in education. She has spent the past couple of years living in Washington state teaching and coaching (she is quite the athlete). This summer, while in Honduras, she heard about a job opening at Los Pinares Christian School. They needed a physical education teacher who would be willing to coach. Katie saw this as a calling and applied, literally within a couple of weeks of school starting. The job was offered and Katie spent little time considering it. She accepted the offer and packed up her stuff and headed off to Tegucigalpa, to live in the place she has fallen in love with since here mission trip experiences.
I have known Jennifer Wright for several years. I met her in Nashville while she was attending Lipscomb University. She lived in the dorm that my wife supervised, and Jen spent a lot of time in Margaret’s office (no, not that way, because she wanted too!). She attended church with us at Wingate and heard story after story, detail by detail, about the trips to Honduras. She listened and thought, then thought and listened some more. Now, Jen wasn’t the easiest person to convince to go to Honduras. She said no time after time. She finally made the plunge a year ago and went on her first ever Torch trip for 24 days. And it changed her life. Now, Jen, she has a degree in education, too. She has been teaching for the past couple of years up in Ohio, where she is from. As a teacher she has summers off, and she was able to go last year on her first trip. This year she led a team of 34 during spring break from her home congregation in Ohio. Then she came again for this summer’s trip with my group and stayed on with Marc Tindall’s group for 2 more weeks. To say she loves Honduras is an understatement.
With her heart completely broken, she began to search out what God wanted her to do with her life. She listened for the call. And she heard it, loud and clear. In October she will also be moving to Honduras. She will be working to help start and run an orphanage that will be built on the property in Santa Ana. She is packing up her stuff and heading off to the place that she loves. Doing what she loves doing. Working in the kingdom.
What amazing stories. Three young ladies, all from different backgrounds. All from different places, both in life and in location. Yet they all have things in common. A love for God. A love for kingdom work. A love for Honduras. A love for Torch Missions. And it is the things they have in common that has brought them together this year. To go, preach the gospel, to every creature. To step out of the boat, to fix their eyes on Jesus, and to make a difference.
When we take people on trips to Honduras through Torch Missions, we tell them that their lives will never be the same again. We tell them that they will never look at things the same way. We teach them how to do mission work, how to love the lost. And when they hear the call, when they go to do the work, we shouldn’t be surprised. We shouldn’t be surprised at all. After all, they are learning to do what Jesus has asked us all to do. We should be proud. We should be supportive. We should be with them every step of the way. And we are very proud of Jennifer, Katie, and Jen, for their decision to move to Honduras. We pray that you will be safe, that you will be healthy (don’t drink the water!!!). And we pray that your ministry will be a true reflection of Jesus and His glory while you are there. Best of luck, hold down the fort until we get there this summer!
TR
PS: Why not keep in touch with them? They would love to hear some encouraging words from you! You cam e-mail them at the following addresses:
Jennifer Arnold: missions35@aol.com
Katie Wells: k8wells@netzero.net
Jennifer Wright: jenw22@yahoo,com For those who might be interested, Jen is in the process of trying to raise additional funds for the orphanage project at Santa Ana. If you can help, please let her know! It is going to be a tremendous ministry and will reach out to many in Santa Ana both now and for years to come!
There are so many stories I could share. There are married couples that met their special someone on a Torch trip (even though we strongly encourage people not to hook up during trips!). There are people in full time ministry because of a mission trip to Honduras with Torch Missions. There are so many that literally plan their vacations from work around their yearly trip to Honduras. There are full time missionaries because of the time that was spent during short term mission work in Honduras. Many have changed their college majors because of Torch Missions. And there are those who have set their course to live and work in Honduras, both now, and in the future.
I would like to talk about three very special people that have done just that. They have decided to move to Honduras to work full time in the place they have grown to love over the years. For many of us, they are doing what we dream of doing. Packing up our stuff and moving to Tegucigalpa. To live, to work, to minister. These three have taken their dreams and have made it a reality. They have taken that step that most of us can’t, or won’t, do. They are modern day Abraham’s, stepping out on faith to go where they have been called. And what a calling!
I have known Jennifer Arnold for a long time. She was a student of mine when I was teaching at Ezell-Harding Christian School, in Nashville, Tennessee. She sang in the chorus I directed, she played on the softball team I helped coach. She attended the Rural Hill Church of Christ, which teamed up with my group from Wingate, on all kinds of activities and trips. Including Honduras. And it didn’t take much to talk Jen into going to Honduras! She was eager to serve the Lord and her heart was always in the right place. And she began her journey in high school. Every year since high school, and college, she went to Honduras with Torch Missions. She took on more and more work with the teams while finishing up here college softball career and college work. She became a vital member of the leadership team, specializing on the communications for the teams back to the states. She earned her master’s degree and got a good job teaching in the metro system in Nashville. And she saved her money. And then she took the step, or should I say, the leap. She decided this year to move to Honduras and to work at Los Pinares, a Christian school in Tegucigalpa. She will be the school librarian (she actually has a degree for this and she LIKES it!). She leaves a good paying job, a great church, and a wonderful family behind. To do what she loves doing.
I have known Katie Wells for a few years now. What an awesome young lady! To use the term “buff truck” around her is almost an insult. She will work most anyone under the table, men included. She is a servant in the truest definition of the word. From construction to visitation, Katie puts her heart and soul into her work in Honduras. Katie talked her Mom into going to Honduras last year. This year she talked her Dad into going. It was a real family affair. Her love for mission work is evident from the moment you meet her.
Katie graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in education. She has spent the past couple of years living in Washington state teaching and coaching (she is quite the athlete). This summer, while in Honduras, she heard about a job opening at Los Pinares Christian School. They needed a physical education teacher who would be willing to coach. Katie saw this as a calling and applied, literally within a couple of weeks of school starting. The job was offered and Katie spent little time considering it. She accepted the offer and packed up her stuff and headed off to Tegucigalpa, to live in the place she has fallen in love with since here mission trip experiences.
I have known Jennifer Wright for several years. I met her in Nashville while she was attending Lipscomb University. She lived in the dorm that my wife supervised, and Jen spent a lot of time in Margaret’s office (no, not that way, because she wanted too!). She attended church with us at Wingate and heard story after story, detail by detail, about the trips to Honduras. She listened and thought, then thought and listened some more. Now, Jen wasn’t the easiest person to convince to go to Honduras. She said no time after time. She finally made the plunge a year ago and went on her first ever Torch trip for 24 days. And it changed her life. Now, Jen, she has a degree in education, too. She has been teaching for the past couple of years up in Ohio, where she is from. As a teacher she has summers off, and she was able to go last year on her first trip. This year she led a team of 34 during spring break from her home congregation in Ohio. Then she came again for this summer’s trip with my group and stayed on with Marc Tindall’s group for 2 more weeks. To say she loves Honduras is an understatement.
With her heart completely broken, she began to search out what God wanted her to do with her life. She listened for the call. And she heard it, loud and clear. In October she will also be moving to Honduras. She will be working to help start and run an orphanage that will be built on the property in Santa Ana. She is packing up her stuff and heading off to the place that she loves. Doing what she loves doing. Working in the kingdom.
What amazing stories. Three young ladies, all from different backgrounds. All from different places, both in life and in location. Yet they all have things in common. A love for God. A love for kingdom work. A love for Honduras. A love for Torch Missions. And it is the things they have in common that has brought them together this year. To go, preach the gospel, to every creature. To step out of the boat, to fix their eyes on Jesus, and to make a difference.
When we take people on trips to Honduras through Torch Missions, we tell them that their lives will never be the same again. We tell them that they will never look at things the same way. We teach them how to do mission work, how to love the lost. And when they hear the call, when they go to do the work, we shouldn’t be surprised. We shouldn’t be surprised at all. After all, they are learning to do what Jesus has asked us all to do. We should be proud. We should be supportive. We should be with them every step of the way. And we are very proud of Jennifer, Katie, and Jen, for their decision to move to Honduras. We pray that you will be safe, that you will be healthy (don’t drink the water!!!). And we pray that your ministry will be a true reflection of Jesus and His glory while you are there. Best of luck, hold down the fort until we get there this summer!
TR
PS: Why not keep in touch with them? They would love to hear some encouraging words from you! You cam e-mail them at the following addresses:
Jennifer Arnold: missions35@aol.com
Katie Wells: k8wells@netzero.net
Jennifer Wright: jenw22@yahoo,com For those who might be interested, Jen is in the process of trying to raise additional funds for the orphanage project at Santa Ana. If you can help, please let her know! It is going to be a tremendous ministry and will reach out to many in Santa Ana both now and for years to come!
Saturday, August 20
Make a difference
What a week. Actually, it’s been a couple of weeks. Since I returned home from Honduras I have returned to my work as youth minister at Central and getting the fall calendar off and running. Along with that, however, I have had to face the newest battle I have been fighting with melanoma. Skin cancer is nothing to laugh at and is something everyone needs to take very seriously. I never dreamed I would have cancer, especially skin cancer. While I was in Honduras some new tumors grew and I knew as soon as I got home I would have to deal with it. However, upon my return, I found that things had changed from the original plans.
I came home expecting to have surgery right away. However, I qualified for a new treatment that Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, was conducting, which I accepted. I received a new method of treatment in which a special drug was injected directly into the tumor site (4 of them) and then a current of electricity was sent into the site to activate the drug and cause the cells to absorb it. The treatment went well and I am waiting for the results. I have some tests coming up and surgery on September 13th, as of now, and I petition your prayers.
I said all of that to lead into what I wanted to say. A wonderful family from Central, the Kluge’s, moved to Honduras to begin full time work down there on several different projects. It was a loss for us; the girls were very active in the youth group and Randy and Melissa went to Don Pablo’s with us on a regular basis after Tuesday night teen devotionals (ya got to eat, right?). Right before we came home from Honduras, Melissa and Randy found out that Melissa’s mom, Dee, had been diagnosed with cancer. It was very serious and the Kluge’s decided to come home with our group. It was devastating news since Dee had beaten cancer twice before. However, this time was different.
Dee was a wonderful Christian woman and one that everyone at church loved. The cancer was far advanced and she passed away after only 3 or 4 weeks. Her battle ended this past Monday, August 15th, and her funeral was today, the 20th. This was hard day for many, especially for me. I am close to the Kluge’s, and I certainly knew Dee pretty well. It was not a hard thing to know that she has gone on to receive her reward, to receive her new body. It is not hard to understand that she is in a place where she will never again experience pain or suffering. All of that I know and understand quite well. It was especially hard for me to see someone loose the battle to the very thing that I am fighting with right now. That was the hard part. I understand now, more than ever, how fragile life is and how temporary we are here.
For many, a new school year has started. My son, Nathan, reported in at Freed-Hardeman for his senior year. Where did the time go? I am pretty sure it was yesterday we were crying our eyes out as we took him up to begin his first year of college. Others have reported in at their respective schools as well. A new year, a new beginning. New classes, new books, new teachers. New friends, new acquaintances. New goals, new objectives. Starting something new is such a good thing sometimes.
For others, we are back to the same ole’ same ole’. Same jobs, same desk. Same boss, same office. Same people we work with, same tasks. Sure, some things change, but for most, it is the same thing we left before we went to Honduras. Nothing really new here. Nothing really exciting. Just like the students, we wake up, do our thing, and at some point go to bed. Amazing how our perspective is so difference, isn’t it? But a few weeks from now all of that “newness” will wear off and perspectives will change again. It is all on how we look at it.
Whether it is a new year or not, the same thing applies to us all. We are here right now, doing what we do, for a reason. So, what is that reason? To make a difference. That’s right, to make a difference. For you see, we are only here for a little while. James says our life is like a vapor, here for a little while, and then vanishes away. How long is a “Little while?” I don’t know, exactly. For Dee, it was 49 years. 49 years to make a difference. To make a difference with her family, her friends, and her relationship with God. For many, it is less time. For others, more. Don’t take time for granted, it is the one thing that we have no guarantees on. And it is the thing we take for granted most often. Use your time wisely, make the most of every opportunity.
Make a difference where you are right now. Do it now, while you have the time. Make a difference with your relationship with God. Make a difference with your friends, your co-workers. Make a difference at your schools and where you work. Make a difference on the team you play on, your club. Your church. You CAN make a difference and you can make it now. It is your CHOICE whether or not you choose to do it.
Dee, thank you for making a difference. We miss you here but look forward to the day that we will see you again. As the country singer Billy Dean says in one of his songs, “Cause we’re only here for a little while.”
TR
I came home expecting to have surgery right away. However, I qualified for a new treatment that Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, was conducting, which I accepted. I received a new method of treatment in which a special drug was injected directly into the tumor site (4 of them) and then a current of electricity was sent into the site to activate the drug and cause the cells to absorb it. The treatment went well and I am waiting for the results. I have some tests coming up and surgery on September 13th, as of now, and I petition your prayers.
I said all of that to lead into what I wanted to say. A wonderful family from Central, the Kluge’s, moved to Honduras to begin full time work down there on several different projects. It was a loss for us; the girls were very active in the youth group and Randy and Melissa went to Don Pablo’s with us on a regular basis after Tuesday night teen devotionals (ya got to eat, right?). Right before we came home from Honduras, Melissa and Randy found out that Melissa’s mom, Dee, had been diagnosed with cancer. It was very serious and the Kluge’s decided to come home with our group. It was devastating news since Dee had beaten cancer twice before. However, this time was different.
Dee was a wonderful Christian woman and one that everyone at church loved. The cancer was far advanced and she passed away after only 3 or 4 weeks. Her battle ended this past Monday, August 15th, and her funeral was today, the 20th. This was hard day for many, especially for me. I am close to the Kluge’s, and I certainly knew Dee pretty well. It was not a hard thing to know that she has gone on to receive her reward, to receive her new body. It is not hard to understand that she is in a place where she will never again experience pain or suffering. All of that I know and understand quite well. It was especially hard for me to see someone loose the battle to the very thing that I am fighting with right now. That was the hard part. I understand now, more than ever, how fragile life is and how temporary we are here.
For many, a new school year has started. My son, Nathan, reported in at Freed-Hardeman for his senior year. Where did the time go? I am pretty sure it was yesterday we were crying our eyes out as we took him up to begin his first year of college. Others have reported in at their respective schools as well. A new year, a new beginning. New classes, new books, new teachers. New friends, new acquaintances. New goals, new objectives. Starting something new is such a good thing sometimes.
For others, we are back to the same ole’ same ole’. Same jobs, same desk. Same boss, same office. Same people we work with, same tasks. Sure, some things change, but for most, it is the same thing we left before we went to Honduras. Nothing really new here. Nothing really exciting. Just like the students, we wake up, do our thing, and at some point go to bed. Amazing how our perspective is so difference, isn’t it? But a few weeks from now all of that “newness” will wear off and perspectives will change again. It is all on how we look at it.
Whether it is a new year or not, the same thing applies to us all. We are here right now, doing what we do, for a reason. So, what is that reason? To make a difference. That’s right, to make a difference. For you see, we are only here for a little while. James says our life is like a vapor, here for a little while, and then vanishes away. How long is a “Little while?” I don’t know, exactly. For Dee, it was 49 years. 49 years to make a difference. To make a difference with her family, her friends, and her relationship with God. For many, it is less time. For others, more. Don’t take time for granted, it is the one thing that we have no guarantees on. And it is the thing we take for granted most often. Use your time wisely, make the most of every opportunity.
Make a difference where you are right now. Do it now, while you have the time. Make a difference with your relationship with God. Make a difference with your friends, your co-workers. Make a difference at your schools and where you work. Make a difference on the team you play on, your club. Your church. You CAN make a difference and you can make it now. It is your CHOICE whether or not you choose to do it.
Dee, thank you for making a difference. We miss you here but look forward to the day that we will see you again. As the country singer Billy Dean says in one of his songs, “Cause we’re only here for a little while.”
TR
Sunday, August 14
Thank you for what you do
Now that the trips are over and all of the teams are home, work begins to get ready for the 2006 mission trips. As amazing as it may seem, I have already begun the ground work. Even before the suitcases have been put back into storage, phone calls, e-mails, and conversations have already started. Summer is not even officially over and work for next year is off and running.
I can remember just a few years ago, literally, that prep work for the next year’s trip would not even cross my mind until after Thanksgiving break. August, September, and October were months to relax and do other things, like work your full time job! But now, I work my full time job and plan for Honduras after a brief 2 week “off” period. And I am sure it is not just me, I am willing to guess that the other Torch leaders are in the same boat. Do you remember the movie, “Jaws?” Sure you do. Who can forget that movie, right? Remember the scene where the crew is in the boat and they see the shark for the first time? Remember Chief Brodie’s line, “We are going to need a bigger boat?” That is how I feel! The Torch leaders are in a boat and we need a bigger one! The one we are in, which appeared to be big enough, doesn’t seem big enough now!
It was a tremendous year. Reading all of the bloodspots from the other teams reminded me of how much was done this year. If it was not for the work of Tim and Gena Hines, along with Joe Merillat, much of what we all were able to do would not have happened. Tim is amazing. All of us that know Tim know that he is amazing. He works with all of the groups that come down throughout the year, juggles schedules, scouts out work sites. He orders wood for the houses, orders food to be delivered. He makes phone calls to all of the places we want to visit. He pulls strings and calls in favors. He makes himself available the whole time we are there. He is up early, brewing his master coffee blend, and stays up late at night. And all of that with a back that has more metal parts than a lot of sports cars these days.
Gena schedules teams and the dates they will be in Honduras, making sure we do not over-lap. She makes reservations for the Mission House and makes sure there is enough beds for our mega teams. She makes travel arrangements for our retreats. She changes and corrects all of the tickets that we mess up. And she does it will a smile and with an attitude that just makes you want to give her a big hug.
And of course, Joe; he is the work horse. He gets up early to pick up wood orders. And Tin. And hinges (because you can’t get them all at the same place in Honduras…. That would be too easy…). He drives everyone around town to the places they need to get to each day. He helps plan out daily activities, heads up work crews. He volunteers to work, even on his days off. He gives up free time to be with the teams that there working.
I cannot say enough good things about Tim, Gena, and Joe. They are real warriors, true spiritual heroes. They work so hard, many times without even a “thank you” for their time. They sacrifice their time, their talents, and many times their own money, to make sure each Torch team has what they need to do the jobs at hand. If ever anyone is taken for granted, it is these three. Its easy to take things (or people) for granted, too. We rarely do it on purpose. It is almost certainly just an oversight. But, it happens.
I would like to encourage everyone who reads this blog to take a couple of minutes out of their schedules and write a thank you note to them. It really is the least we can do. Because of them we can do the things we do. And they make us look good doing it. Think about it, how many of us have done reports to our home congregations talking about everything we accomplished this summer? And how many of us specifically mentioned Tim, Gena, and Joe in our reports? And right now, how many of us are starting to plan for next year’s trips? How many of us are including these three in our dreams, thoughts, and plans? Tim’s e-mail is waywalker@msn.com; Gena’s e-mail is genahines@gmail.com ; and Joe’s e-mail is josephmartin12@gmail.com .
Congratulations to all of the Torch teams this year! What an amazing year it has been so far. There is still more to come, too!!! Thanks especially to Tim, Gena, and Joe, for making it happen. We couldn’t do this without you. You guys are amazing and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for the kingdom work in Honduras. There are others that were not mentioned that played huge parts this summer. But that is for another time, another blog.
Until next time, Dios te bendiga!
TR
I can remember just a few years ago, literally, that prep work for the next year’s trip would not even cross my mind until after Thanksgiving break. August, September, and October were months to relax and do other things, like work your full time job! But now, I work my full time job and plan for Honduras after a brief 2 week “off” period. And I am sure it is not just me, I am willing to guess that the other Torch leaders are in the same boat. Do you remember the movie, “Jaws?” Sure you do. Who can forget that movie, right? Remember the scene where the crew is in the boat and they see the shark for the first time? Remember Chief Brodie’s line, “We are going to need a bigger boat?” That is how I feel! The Torch leaders are in a boat and we need a bigger one! The one we are in, which appeared to be big enough, doesn’t seem big enough now!
It was a tremendous year. Reading all of the bloodspots from the other teams reminded me of how much was done this year. If it was not for the work of Tim and Gena Hines, along with Joe Merillat, much of what we all were able to do would not have happened. Tim is amazing. All of us that know Tim know that he is amazing. He works with all of the groups that come down throughout the year, juggles schedules, scouts out work sites. He orders wood for the houses, orders food to be delivered. He makes phone calls to all of the places we want to visit. He pulls strings and calls in favors. He makes himself available the whole time we are there. He is up early, brewing his master coffee blend, and stays up late at night. And all of that with a back that has more metal parts than a lot of sports cars these days.
Gena schedules teams and the dates they will be in Honduras, making sure we do not over-lap. She makes reservations for the Mission House and makes sure there is enough beds for our mega teams. She makes travel arrangements for our retreats. She changes and corrects all of the tickets that we mess up. And she does it will a smile and with an attitude that just makes you want to give her a big hug.
And of course, Joe; he is the work horse. He gets up early to pick up wood orders. And Tin. And hinges (because you can’t get them all at the same place in Honduras…. That would be too easy…). He drives everyone around town to the places they need to get to each day. He helps plan out daily activities, heads up work crews. He volunteers to work, even on his days off. He gives up free time to be with the teams that there working.
I cannot say enough good things about Tim, Gena, and Joe. They are real warriors, true spiritual heroes. They work so hard, many times without even a “thank you” for their time. They sacrifice their time, their talents, and many times their own money, to make sure each Torch team has what they need to do the jobs at hand. If ever anyone is taken for granted, it is these three. Its easy to take things (or people) for granted, too. We rarely do it on purpose. It is almost certainly just an oversight. But, it happens.
I would like to encourage everyone who reads this blog to take a couple of minutes out of their schedules and write a thank you note to them. It really is the least we can do. Because of them we can do the things we do. And they make us look good doing it. Think about it, how many of us have done reports to our home congregations talking about everything we accomplished this summer? And how many of us specifically mentioned Tim, Gena, and Joe in our reports? And right now, how many of us are starting to plan for next year’s trips? How many of us are including these three in our dreams, thoughts, and plans? Tim’s e-mail is waywalker@msn.com; Gena’s e-mail is genahines@gmail.com ; and Joe’s e-mail is josephmartin12@gmail.com .
Congratulations to all of the Torch teams this year! What an amazing year it has been so far. There is still more to come, too!!! Thanks especially to Tim, Gena, and Joe, for making it happen. We couldn’t do this without you. You guys are amazing and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for the kingdom work in Honduras. There are others that were not mentioned that played huge parts this summer. But that is for another time, another blog.
Until next time, Dios te bendiga!
TR
Friday, August 5
July trips exceed expectations
The 2005 summer mission trips to Honduras are over and we are all back home; back to our daily lives. We have returned to work, back to our day to day routines. Students are scrambling to get in the last couple of days of summer vacation in before starting another year of school. College students are packing up and heading off to their respective schools. It doesn’t take long to get back into the swing of things, does it? But most of us are still talking about the trip we made to Honduras this summer and the wonderful things we experienced. New friends, tons of stories, and freshly printed photos are floating around everywhere. This was definitely a great summer.
For all those who are interested, I have tried to calculate the statistical totals of the trips. Many will be doing presentations to their home congregations soon and hopefully this information will be useful to you. Feel free to contact me if you need additional information or any clarifications on what you read.
July 1-10 team totals: (98 total team members)
* 3 day VBS at Limon Church of Christ in Choluteca (600 in attendance)
* Painted the Limon church building and clinic (35 gallons of paint!)
* 3 day VBS/gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (500 in attendance)
* 1 day medical clinic outside Valley of Angels (450 patients seen)
* Built 6 new houses
* Passed out 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Passed out 1,000 bottles of purified water
* Made 35 gallons of lemonade!
* Made 1,100 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!
* Visited the special needs orphanage
* Visited hospital Esquela twice (every patient and visitor received toys, clothes, and stuffed animals)
* Passed out 1,000 flyers in the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 650 Bibles
* Worked 2 days in Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, and block
* Gave away 62 boxes of shoes, clothes, and toys
* Had 22 devotionals
* Gave $1,651 for contribution
* Visited Jimmy Hughes children’s home
The Crew retreat: (24 team members)
* Spent 1 night at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa
* Cleared brush at Santa Ana along with concrete work
* Built 18’x 32’ bodega at Santa Ana
* Participated in poverty simulation at Santa Ana
* Took the children from Dadasko orphanage on a field trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken (and the HUGE play ground!); Showed the Spanish version of the movie “Finding Nemo” with Tim’s video projector (with popcorn and drinks); Played games and soccer; and had a pizza party!
July 13-24 trip (94 total team members)
* 3 days of work at Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, clearing brush, pouring sidewalks, and hauling blocks
* Visited Hospital Esquela 3 times
* Visited the blind school
* Built 4 new houses
* Packed 850 boxes of food
* Visited the Special Needs Orphanage
* Painted 2 school classrooms at Nueve Oriental
* 3 days of VBS/ gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (450 in attendance)
* Put on a carnival at Valley of Angels
* Distributed 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Visited the Good Shepard Children’s home and did a carnival for them
* Built a 3 tower playground at Dadasko Orphanage (3 bridges; 12 swings; 16’ cargo net climbing course; 20’ climbing rope; 4 slides; balancing beam rope pull; 7 decks) with unlimited playing combinations!
* Put on a carnival for the Dadasko Orphanage
* Passed out 1,200 bottles of purified water
* 2 day VBS at Aguas Agria ( 300 in attendance)
* Medical clinic at Aguas Agria (142 patients seen)
* Gave away 112 boxes of clothes, shoes, toys
* Passed out 1,200 flyers at the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 400 Bibles
* Painted 11 houses
* 24 devotionals
* $1,400 contribution
* Visited Hospital San Philippe
* Made 950 peanut butter and honey sandwiches
* Made 25 gallons of lemonade
* Our soccer team defeated the American Airlines team at the Olympic training facility 7-4 and the Cobras (Honduras' special task force) 6-5!!! 2-0 record!
For those of you that did not get to go this year, this is just part of the reason the one’s who came back can’t seem to stop talking about the trips. There are so many projects, so many memories. So many stories! But most importantly, there were so many lives that were touched and so many seeds that were planted. God granted us a wonderful trip that will be remembered a lifetime.
Thanks again to all who helped make this trip a reality. Thanks for the prayer warriors that prayed for us everyday while we were away. Thanks to all who gave money and supplies for this year’s trip. Thanks to the parents that allowed their children to go on the trip and gave us the opportunity to work with them. Thanks to all of the group leaders who participated this year. Thanks to all of the congregations that worked together to support this work. Thanks to all of the team leaders who headed up the different projects, without you it would be impossible to run teams as big as ours! And thank you Lord, for granting us good weather and health during the trip. God watched over us and guided us everyday while we were in Honduras and we give Him the glory for all that we did in His name. Until next time, Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)
For all those who are interested, I have tried to calculate the statistical totals of the trips. Many will be doing presentations to their home congregations soon and hopefully this information will be useful to you. Feel free to contact me if you need additional information or any clarifications on what you read.
July 1-10 team totals: (98 total team members)
* 3 day VBS at Limon Church of Christ in Choluteca (600 in attendance)
* Painted the Limon church building and clinic (35 gallons of paint!)
* 3 day VBS/gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (500 in attendance)
* 1 day medical clinic outside Valley of Angels (450 patients seen)
* Built 6 new houses
* Passed out 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Passed out 1,000 bottles of purified water
* Made 35 gallons of lemonade!
* Made 1,100 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!
* Visited the special needs orphanage
* Visited hospital Esquela twice (every patient and visitor received toys, clothes, and stuffed animals)
* Passed out 1,000 flyers in the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 650 Bibles
* Worked 2 days in Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, and block
* Gave away 62 boxes of shoes, clothes, and toys
* Had 22 devotionals
* Gave $1,651 for contribution
* Visited Jimmy Hughes children’s home
The Crew retreat: (24 team members)
* Spent 1 night at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa
* Cleared brush at Santa Ana along with concrete work
* Built 18’x 32’ bodega at Santa Ana
* Participated in poverty simulation at Santa Ana
* Took the children from Dadasko orphanage on a field trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken (and the HUGE play ground!); Showed the Spanish version of the movie “Finding Nemo” with Tim’s video projector (with popcorn and drinks); Played games and soccer; and had a pizza party!
July 13-24 trip (94 total team members)
* 3 days of work at Santa Ana hauling gravel, sand, concrete, clearing brush, pouring sidewalks, and hauling blocks
* Visited Hospital Esquela 3 times
* Visited the blind school
* Built 4 new houses
* Packed 850 boxes of food
* Visited the Special Needs Orphanage
* Painted 2 school classrooms at Nueve Oriental
* 3 days of VBS/ gospel meeting at Valley of Angels (450 in attendance)
* Put on a carnival at Valley of Angels
* Distributed 650 boxes of food (163,800 meals)
* Visited the Good Shepard Children’s home and did a carnival for them
* Built a 3 tower playground at Dadasko Orphanage (3 bridges; 12 swings; 16’ cargo net climbing course; 20’ climbing rope; 4 slides; balancing beam rope pull; 7 decks) with unlimited playing combinations!
* Put on a carnival for the Dadasko Orphanage
* Passed out 1,200 bottles of purified water
* 2 day VBS at Aguas Agria ( 300 in attendance)
* Medical clinic at Aguas Agria (142 patients seen)
* Gave away 112 boxes of clothes, shoes, toys
* Passed out 1,200 flyers at the Valley of Angels
* Gave away 400 Bibles
* Painted 11 houses
* 24 devotionals
* $1,400 contribution
* Visited Hospital San Philippe
* Made 950 peanut butter and honey sandwiches
* Made 25 gallons of lemonade
* Our soccer team defeated the American Airlines team at the Olympic training facility 7-4 and the Cobras (Honduras' special task force) 6-5!!! 2-0 record!
For those of you that did not get to go this year, this is just part of the reason the one’s who came back can’t seem to stop talking about the trips. There are so many projects, so many memories. So many stories! But most importantly, there were so many lives that were touched and so many seeds that were planted. God granted us a wonderful trip that will be remembered a lifetime.
Thanks again to all who helped make this trip a reality. Thanks for the prayer warriors that prayed for us everyday while we were away. Thanks to all who gave money and supplies for this year’s trip. Thanks to the parents that allowed their children to go on the trip and gave us the opportunity to work with them. Thanks to all of the group leaders who participated this year. Thanks to all of the congregations that worked together to support this work. Thanks to all of the team leaders who headed up the different projects, without you it would be impossible to run teams as big as ours! And thank you Lord, for granting us good weather and health during the trip. God watched over us and guided us everyday while we were in Honduras and we give Him the glory for all that we did in His name. Until next time, Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)
Tuesday, July 26
Thank you to everyone!
Back in the States
Thank you to everyone who made every moment of this trip possible. Whether or not you were present in Honduras, you made a significant impact.
To those who supported us...thank you for your encouraging and supportive words. Thank you for the material and financial donations. Thank you, especially, for the countless prayers you lifted up on our behalf.
To my computer people...thank you to everyone who took time to read the daily messages and wrote back to us homesick friends. Thank you to my fabulous point people: Allen, David, Karen, Laurie, Ryan, Mardee, Margaret, Mrs. Roberts, Rachel, and Trish. Thank you to the TORCH people that helped many late nights: Brandy Barnett (the world's best intern), Katie Wells, Wendy Allen, Esperanza Massana, Hannah Wood, Ross Vego, Joseph Noto, and Jack Lipsey.
To the TORCH members...thank you for pouring out your hearts to the people of Honduras. Thank you for every smile, embrace, and kind word (even if it was in broken Spanish). Thank you for every heavy rock you lifted, every nail you hit (every thumb you hit), and every rain drop you endured. Thank you for seeking the will of God and allowing Him to use you daily. Remember that we are all "children of the King" and can do His work in the States, also.
Galatians 6:10,
Jennifer
Thank you to everyone who made every moment of this trip possible. Whether or not you were present in Honduras, you made a significant impact.
To those who supported us...thank you for your encouraging and supportive words. Thank you for the material and financial donations. Thank you, especially, for the countless prayers you lifted up on our behalf.
To my computer people...thank you to everyone who took time to read the daily messages and wrote back to us homesick friends. Thank you to my fabulous point people: Allen, David, Karen, Laurie, Ryan, Mardee, Margaret, Mrs. Roberts, Rachel, and Trish. Thank you to the TORCH people that helped many late nights: Brandy Barnett (the world's best intern), Katie Wells, Wendy Allen, Esperanza Massana, Hannah Wood, Ross Vego, Joseph Noto, and Jack Lipsey.
To the TORCH members...thank you for pouring out your hearts to the people of Honduras. Thank you for every smile, embrace, and kind word (even if it was in broken Spanish). Thank you for every heavy rock you lifted, every nail you hit (every thumb you hit), and every rain drop you endured. Thank you for seeking the will of God and allowing Him to use you daily. Remember that we are all "children of the King" and can do His work in the States, also.
Galatians 6:10,
Jennifer
The Retreat Weekend
Retreat Weekend (Friday, July 22 - Sunday, July 24)
We all enjoyed the time spent at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There were massages, manicures, pedicures, pool visits, scrumptious meals, goosefeather pillows, huge beds, opportunities to flush toilet paper, and the list only gets better.
Saturday, our guys had a soccer match against the Cobras (special forces team of Honduras). Last year, we faced them and won. They couldn't believe a bunch of Gringos (and some Hispanic recruits) could do so well. They have been itching for a rematch. I'm not sure they got what they wanted, because our guys beat them 6-5. Goals were scored by Rodolfo Herrera (3), Matthew Taylor, Nathan Reeves, and Brett Mitchell. MVP for the game was given to Jedidiah Hostetler (Little Hoss) for his remarkable efforts.
Saturday night, the devotional thought was given by Nathan Reeves. He shared his testimony in how God has continued to bless his life. He was born January 31, 1984 to the most amazing parent. He has lived many places and traveled a great deal. In college he found a moment that happens to everyone at some time. He hit a wall and gave up to God's power and control. He asked for God to heal his father and prayed that God take over his life. From that point, he began to change his way of living to allow a focus on God's will. Psalm 139 was an encouragement, as it states that God knows everything about us. God has put certain people in all of our lives. God puts these people in our lives for a reason--you just need to look for it. "You can't mistake what God is doing in your life."
Sunday, we had church service before checking out and going to the airport. Terry Reeves gave a sermon that summed up the past few weeks. He encouraged us to remember all that had happened in Honduras. We should continue strong and follow God's plan for our lives back in the States.
Nos vemos (We'll see you),
JMA
We all enjoyed the time spent at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There were massages, manicures, pedicures, pool visits, scrumptious meals, goosefeather pillows, huge beds, opportunities to flush toilet paper, and the list only gets better.
Saturday, our guys had a soccer match against the Cobras (special forces team of Honduras). Last year, we faced them and won. They couldn't believe a bunch of Gringos (and some Hispanic recruits) could do so well. They have been itching for a rematch. I'm not sure they got what they wanted, because our guys beat them 6-5. Goals were scored by Rodolfo Herrera (3), Matthew Taylor, Nathan Reeves, and Brett Mitchell. MVP for the game was given to Jedidiah Hostetler (Little Hoss) for his remarkable efforts.
Saturday night, the devotional thought was given by Nathan Reeves. He shared his testimony in how God has continued to bless his life. He was born January 31, 1984 to the most amazing parent. He has lived many places and traveled a great deal. In college he found a moment that happens to everyone at some time. He hit a wall and gave up to God's power and control. He asked for God to heal his father and prayed that God take over his life. From that point, he began to change his way of living to allow a focus on God's will. Psalm 139 was an encouragement, as it states that God knows everything about us. God has put certain people in all of our lives. God puts these people in our lives for a reason--you just need to look for it. "You can't mistake what God is doing in your life."
Sunday, we had church service before checking out and going to the airport. Terry Reeves gave a sermon that summed up the past few weeks. He encouraged us to remember all that had happened in Honduras. We should continue strong and follow God's plan for our lives back in the States.
Nos vemos (We'll see you),
JMA
Monday, July 25
Our Last Work Day
[I apologize for the delay in this update. "Welcome to Honduras" occurred for me when the Internet went down Saturday night and did not return before we left on Sunday. Many of you have already come in contact with your loved ones and are blessed by their presence. Savor the moments and enjoy the updates on this site as they come at spaced intervals.]
Friday, July 22
The day began with an inspiring and uplifting devotional by Shane Yoder. He relayed a story to us concerning one of his opportunities he had to surf. When he looked out upon the ocean, he was taken back by the enormous waves. He stood on ground deciding if he should take the chance. Then, he realized that after coming that far, he had to at least try. He studied the waves once more before paddling out. Once he made it out, there was a surprising ease. This is how our faith has to be; turn everything to God and allow him to handle everything.
We then loaded up all our luggage to be transported to the retreat. We pulled out of the mission house and traveled 1.5 hours to the Didasko orphanage. Earlier this morning (around 5:30), a small team traveled to the orphanage to finish the playground. When the second group arrived around 11:15, we were amazed at the progress of the building. While the builders continued, the rest of us hosted a carnival for the kids. We had most of the games that were present at the last two carnivals. Surprisingly, the kids didn't spend much time playing these games. As a testament to their character, they chose to spend time with us. Some colored and blew bubbles while the older kids played soccer. Not many tickets were won, but prizes were gladly dispensed.
The kids needed to leave for a school trip at 1:30. Many were worried about the completion of the playground. Yet, God guided our workers the entire time. They finished at 12:45, allowing time for the kids to enjoy "Terry World" before leaving. Jorge (headmaster of the orphanage) gave a thank you speech and named the playground after our humbled and astonished leader. The kids loved it--maybe as much as Terry Reeves did.
Shortly after the grand opening, we left the orphanage for the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There we began our relaxation and reflection. The night devotional thought was given by Dr. Joe Roberts. He "refreshed our hearts" by speaking about how Christ delivered us from eternal condemnation. Revelation 12 gives us a glimse of what was going on in Heaven when Jesus died and was buried. The war has been won in Heaven, yet we face the battles here on earth.
"Where did you see Jesus?"
Friday, July 22
The day began with an inspiring and uplifting devotional by Shane Yoder. He relayed a story to us concerning one of his opportunities he had to surf. When he looked out upon the ocean, he was taken back by the enormous waves. He stood on ground deciding if he should take the chance. Then, he realized that after coming that far, he had to at least try. He studied the waves once more before paddling out. Once he made it out, there was a surprising ease. This is how our faith has to be; turn everything to God and allow him to handle everything.
We then loaded up all our luggage to be transported to the retreat. We pulled out of the mission house and traveled 1.5 hours to the Didasko orphanage. Earlier this morning (around 5:30), a small team traveled to the orphanage to finish the playground. When the second group arrived around 11:15, we were amazed at the progress of the building. While the builders continued, the rest of us hosted a carnival for the kids. We had most of the games that were present at the last two carnivals. Surprisingly, the kids didn't spend much time playing these games. As a testament to their character, they chose to spend time with us. Some colored and blew bubbles while the older kids played soccer. Not many tickets were won, but prizes were gladly dispensed.
The kids needed to leave for a school trip at 1:30. Many were worried about the completion of the playground. Yet, God guided our workers the entire time. They finished at 12:45, allowing time for the kids to enjoy "Terry World" before leaving. Jorge (headmaster of the orphanage) gave a thank you speech and named the playground after our humbled and astonished leader. The kids loved it--maybe as much as Terry Reeves did.
Shortly after the grand opening, we left the orphanage for the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. There we began our relaxation and reflection. The night devotional thought was given by Dr. Joe Roberts. He "refreshed our hearts" by speaking about how Christ delivered us from eternal condemnation. Revelation 12 gives us a glimse of what was going on in Heaven when Jesus died and was buried. The war has been won in Heaven, yet we face the battles here on earth.
"Where did you see Jesus?"
- In the group who worked long and hard on the playground. They did an amazing job, and it was awesome to see the kids play.
- In Edgar (an old friend from when the Crew took the kids to KFC) who called a TORCH member the only word he knew in Spanish: "brother". Again, in Edgar who told another TORCH member that he would be praying for him. A third time, in Edgar who prayed in Spanish for a TORCH member, who only recognized his own name. Then that member prayed for Edgar in English; Edgar most likely only knew his own name, also.
- In Niki who has grown so much toward God. It has been amazing to watch her use her Spanish throughout the trip.
- In Jorge as he is an example of how to be a servant as well as leader.
- In Shane and the awesome devo. When people complemented him, he simply replied, "God was speaking through me." Also, today he sat in the middle of the playground and was absorbed in the beautiful sight of all the kids playing around him.
Gracias a Dios por todos (Thanks to God for everything),
JMA
Saturday, July 23
Patience is a virtue
I just wanted to write and let you know we are safe and on our retreat at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucilgapa. Everyone is busy- including me. So, I promise to write tonight (even if it is 3 am) to tell you about our last work day which was incredible!
Gracias por su paciencia (Thank you for your patience),
JMA
Gracias por su paciencia (Thank you for your patience),
JMA
Friday, July 22
The last days are near
Thursday, July 21
WOW!! Is this trip really almost over? I cannot believe how fast time goes by when you are working for the LORD. It seems like yesterday the first group arrived. Now we are at the end of the last group´s trip. I have to say it has been a pleasure keeping all of you informed on the progress being made here, but we´re still not finished...
Today started off like all other days with a great breakfast (eggs, ham, and toast). About eleven people left at about 7:30 am for Didasko to finish the playground. For the rest of us, Devo was at 8am. Nolan led singing this morning. Singing has been amazing, I wish all of you could be here to participate in it. After a few songs Paul Forshey from Kentucky gave us the lesson for the day. He talked about why he wanted to come to Honduras. He mentioned how God brought us all here for a reason. God put in this group so many different talents. He challenged us to go out today and use all our talents. Paul did a wonderful job, just like all the others have done.
After devo, we split up into three groups: a paint crew, construction crew, and a crew to do random things. The Didasko team continued there work on the playground. The kids were still so grateful. Matt Mitchell said that all the kids were willing to help out in anyway possible. Terry Reeves was telling us tonight that the team ran out of wood. The worst thing about this situation is none of the members on the team spoke English. Luckly, Terry was able to contact the director of the orphanage to ask if they could use some wood by a storage room. The director said, ¨No, but follow me.¨ He took Terry to the storage room and opened the door. Terry said that there was wood in the storage room. The director then said, ¨Anything of ours is yours.¨ He let Terry use all of the wood in the room, isn´t that awesome? Although the he let them use all of the wood there was still not enough. The team was unable to finish the playground today, but they are leaving at 5:30 am to finish it. These guys are troopers. The painting and construction team went to Nuevo Oriental to paint and build a house. This group worked non-stop all day. They left at 9 am and returned at at about 6:45 pm. They painted 2 and 1/2 houses and built one new home. They did awesome today. For last group today was a relaxing day. This group went out to the Valley of Angels to shop and distribute food. There were about 50 of us. About 8 went to distribute food, while the others shopped for gifts. When we finished there we left for lunch. After lunch we were able to go to the biggest Cathedral in Teguce. There we sang, might I add that there is a 5 to 7 second echo. Yes it was AMAZING!! At about 4 pm we left to go to the blind school. The Blind School is probably one of the most emotionally draining places we go. When we got there, we played with the kids, handed out toys, candy, etc. They loved it. After sometime playing, we went into a room where we sang a few songs for them. When we finished, they sang to us. Their singing will bring tears to your eyes (male or female). It is truely Heaven. They sang about 5 or 6 songs and by the last song there was not a dry eye in the building. God is Awesome!! When all the songs were sang, we took the kids back outside to play a little while longer. That time went by too fast. We left at about 5:45 pm headed back to the mission house.
We got back at the mission house at about 6:15, followed by the construction at 6:45, and then by the Didasko team at 7:30. We had roast, rice, and a roll for supper, it was wonderful as always. After supper we had devo at 8. Singing was led by our awesome leader, Terry Reeves, amazing once again. After several songs Pat Gutherie, from PA, gave the devo. Pat gave his testimony tonight. He has been through more than anyone could ever guess just by talking to him. He thanked Gracie and Rich Gutherie for the help they gave him. He said that if it hadn´t been for Gracie he would probably still be a ¨Sunday Christian¨ Praise God, that Pat has people in his life like Rich and Gracie. We all need to be willing to help each other, and Gracie is a great example for us all.
Tonight is our last night at the Mission House. We will all be home very soon. We love you all, and thank you for your prayers. God Bless You all!!
Where did you See Jesus?
Jesus was seen in a little boy at the Blind school who was being held by Brandy Barnett. The little boy put his hand one her chest and said this is my sister.
Jesus was seen in Steve Baker at the constuction sight. A little girl grabbed him and he played and talked to her all day.
Jesus was seen at the Blind school when the children were singing.
Jesus was seen in the community at Nuevo Oriental. The truck that delivered the tin got stuck in the mud and people from the community came to help push it out. While they did this a lady brought plates of food for the ones working to get the truck out.
Jesus was seen in the paint crew at Nuevo Oriental. They finished a lot sooner than the construction team and instead of complaining they played with the kids and helped out in anyway they could.
Jesus was seen in Carlos, the preacher at the Valley of Angels. We went to distribute food there today, but instead of distributing the food in the Valley, Carlos took the group to a community that has not had any help yet. It is so awesome to see his concern for not only the Valley people, but also the ones in the surrounding communities.
Thanks so much for all your prayers. We will be home soon. We miss you all and can´t wait to tell you our own personal stories.
In Him
Brandy B
WOW!! Is this trip really almost over? I cannot believe how fast time goes by when you are working for the LORD. It seems like yesterday the first group arrived. Now we are at the end of the last group´s trip. I have to say it has been a pleasure keeping all of you informed on the progress being made here, but we´re still not finished...
Today started off like all other days with a great breakfast (eggs, ham, and toast). About eleven people left at about 7:30 am for Didasko to finish the playground. For the rest of us, Devo was at 8am. Nolan led singing this morning. Singing has been amazing, I wish all of you could be here to participate in it. After a few songs Paul Forshey from Kentucky gave us the lesson for the day. He talked about why he wanted to come to Honduras. He mentioned how God brought us all here for a reason. God put in this group so many different talents. He challenged us to go out today and use all our talents. Paul did a wonderful job, just like all the others have done.
After devo, we split up into three groups: a paint crew, construction crew, and a crew to do random things. The Didasko team continued there work on the playground. The kids were still so grateful. Matt Mitchell said that all the kids were willing to help out in anyway possible. Terry Reeves was telling us tonight that the team ran out of wood. The worst thing about this situation is none of the members on the team spoke English. Luckly, Terry was able to contact the director of the orphanage to ask if they could use some wood by a storage room. The director said, ¨No, but follow me.¨ He took Terry to the storage room and opened the door. Terry said that there was wood in the storage room. The director then said, ¨Anything of ours is yours.¨ He let Terry use all of the wood in the room, isn´t that awesome? Although the he let them use all of the wood there was still not enough. The team was unable to finish the playground today, but they are leaving at 5:30 am to finish it. These guys are troopers. The painting and construction team went to Nuevo Oriental to paint and build a house. This group worked non-stop all day. They left at 9 am and returned at at about 6:45 pm. They painted 2 and 1/2 houses and built one new home. They did awesome today. For last group today was a relaxing day. This group went out to the Valley of Angels to shop and distribute food. There were about 50 of us. About 8 went to distribute food, while the others shopped for gifts. When we finished there we left for lunch. After lunch we were able to go to the biggest Cathedral in Teguce. There we sang, might I add that there is a 5 to 7 second echo. Yes it was AMAZING!! At about 4 pm we left to go to the blind school. The Blind School is probably one of the most emotionally draining places we go. When we got there, we played with the kids, handed out toys, candy, etc. They loved it. After sometime playing, we went into a room where we sang a few songs for them. When we finished, they sang to us. Their singing will bring tears to your eyes (male or female). It is truely Heaven. They sang about 5 or 6 songs and by the last song there was not a dry eye in the building. God is Awesome!! When all the songs were sang, we took the kids back outside to play a little while longer. That time went by too fast. We left at about 5:45 pm headed back to the mission house.
We got back at the mission house at about 6:15, followed by the construction at 6:45, and then by the Didasko team at 7:30. We had roast, rice, and a roll for supper, it was wonderful as always. After supper we had devo at 8. Singing was led by our awesome leader, Terry Reeves, amazing once again. After several songs Pat Gutherie, from PA, gave the devo. Pat gave his testimony tonight. He has been through more than anyone could ever guess just by talking to him. He thanked Gracie and Rich Gutherie for the help they gave him. He said that if it hadn´t been for Gracie he would probably still be a ¨Sunday Christian¨ Praise God, that Pat has people in his life like Rich and Gracie. We all need to be willing to help each other, and Gracie is a great example for us all.
Tonight is our last night at the Mission House. We will all be home very soon. We love you all, and thank you for your prayers. God Bless You all!!
Where did you See Jesus?
Jesus was seen in a little boy at the Blind school who was being held by Brandy Barnett. The little boy put his hand one her chest and said this is my sister.
Jesus was seen in Steve Baker at the constuction sight. A little girl grabbed him and he played and talked to her all day.
Jesus was seen at the Blind school when the children were singing.
Jesus was seen in the community at Nuevo Oriental. The truck that delivered the tin got stuck in the mud and people from the community came to help push it out. While they did this a lady brought plates of food for the ones working to get the truck out.
Jesus was seen in the paint crew at Nuevo Oriental. They finished a lot sooner than the construction team and instead of complaining they played with the kids and helped out in anyway they could.
Jesus was seen in Carlos, the preacher at the Valley of Angels. We went to distribute food there today, but instead of distributing the food in the Valley, Carlos took the group to a community that has not had any help yet. It is so awesome to see his concern for not only the Valley people, but also the ones in the surrounding communities.
Thanks so much for all your prayers. We will be home soon. We miss you all and can´t wait to tell you our own personal stories.
In Him
Brandy B
Thursday, July 21
Welcome Home, Choluteca Group
July 18th - 20th Choluteca Update
Friday, July 18:
We pulled out of the mission house at 8:20 am. Leaving early was consoled by our fearless leader who brought Duncan Donuts for the bus ride. To save time, we had a singing devotional on the bus. We trucked it hard until around 11:20 when we stopped for lunch. When we loaded back up at 12:20, we made it about a mile down the road when the bus broke down. A truck full of supplies was traveling with us; we thought to use his battery to jump the bus. However, we learned that here in Honduras, they put padlocks on some of their batteries. Do they do this in the States? Did I miss the memo? Anyway, we didn’t have the key or any way to break through, so we asked a small truck to jump us. To our surprise, God provided, and it worked. We arrived at our hotel around 1pm. We unloaded the supplies from large truck into the bus (which left us with 10 benches for 28 people). When we pulled out of the hotel, we stopped by a local automotive shop and purchased a new battery. Finally, we left for the meeting place.
Choluteca, like many other places in Honduras, has suffered from the weather conditions. We knew beforehand that we would be unable to drive back to the villages (Porvenir, Agua Agria, Laurelada, La Cabezas, Llano Limpio, Ocotillo). Timateo Estrada (wonderful man and active participant in our construction work here in Honduras) is from Choluteca and arranged for the people in his home village to walk to the main road to receive food, clothing, medical care, and Biblical study time. The meeting place was perfect—an obvious sign from God. A sweet, old lady opened up her very nice and spacious home for us to use and allowed us to drive up into her front yard.
We arrived to meet approx. 150 people at 2:45. When we questioned the people, many stated that they had waited two to four hours. These patient people had to wait another hour while we set up the distribution stations (shoes, clothing for all ages, toys, food boxes, and water in bottles). We gave out clothes from the bus; then we had the other areas set outside the bus. At 3:45 we began to bring in three to four families at a time. We continued this cycle until 6:30.
During this time, the VBS team flew into full swing. The teens started working with the 42 kids while Paul Forshey and A.B. (our favorite male El Salvadorian) handled the adult Bible study (110 adults). Paul was quick to point out that before today, he had never had his sermon interrupted by a herd of cattle. He covered main points of creation to redemption.
Unfortunately, people were still waiting for items when we needed to pack up. So, we left the remaining clothes, shoes, and toys with the man who had been taking charge of the families. Juan Dario Flores (Dario) did a fantastic job of keeping up with who had been seen and letting in families. He did have some help, though. Milton, Timateo’s son, traveled from Teguc with us to see some of his family and to help. He did a tremendous job—we couldn’t have done so well without him.
After a fabulous Wendy’s dinner, we headed back to the hotel for showers—boy did we need them! The Hondurans state, “Choluteca is where the devil goes to get a hot cup of coffee.” They are not joking! Clean and refreshed (well, most of us), 27 of us gathered in a small hotel room to praise our Father in Heaven. Paul Forshey gave the lesson and recapped his experience today. He used II Corinthians 3:18 as a reference as he spoke about how we represent Christ to these communities. Many people cam from all over the U.S. because of the love God has given us—now we need to share that love.
Tuesday, July 19
For those who wanted to pay 100 limperas, there was an excellent breakfast buffet (beans, bacon, ham, eggs, pancakes, fruit, and fresh-squeezed orange and watermelon juices). We had devotional by the pool, and it was a beautiful site. Brett Mitchell (Canada, Nashville, Alabama—he is from everywhere) encouraged us to be in the Word and to be praying fervently. He used Matthew 4:4 and I Corinthians 13:1-3 to relay the message. We then split into different places in the area and had ten minutes to pray and read the Bible. When we returned, we found out the plans for the day.
We arrived at the meeting place at 9am and set up all the medical supplies in the living room of the little, old lady. Senora Coronada—she was so giving, kind, and gentle. We arranged all the medical jobs: Niki and Milton at the front gate taking names and translating their problems / Katie, Candy, and Margaret working in the pharmacy / Gary and Erin pharmacy runners for the medical people / Judy and Anna wound care medics / Sparky and Val medical advisors to see patients / A.B., Michelle, and Jennifer translators for the medical people. Everyone else (Jacylyn, Travis, Justin, Tyson, Andrea, Chalee, Little Hoss, Lindsey, Miranda, Tara, Devin, Paul, Erika, Brett) was considered VBS team and played with the children while the clinic took place. The clinic continued until 4:00; we saw 140 patients. A.B. had to leave his station to help Paul with the adult Bible study (70 adults) at 2:30 pm. The VBS team did a great job with the VBS (60 kids) and gave out peanut butter and honey sandwiches and bottled water.
Dario (the man leading the communities) had us all gather at the end of the day for a prayer and words of encouragement. He was gracious and considerate, asking forgiveness for any wrong that may have been done. He also thanked us for our hard work and told us to go home content and happy with what we had done in the two days. We, then loaded the bus to go back to the hotel to shower before dinner. Most of us ate at Wendy’s, again. Others braved the pizza restaurant next door. Afterwards, we ran to the grocery store to stock up. Then we headed back to the hotel for another poolside devotional.
Sparky (Steve Kemp) gave the thought tonight. He encouraged us to pray for each of the many facets we do here in Honduras. “If you have faith in the work you are doing, God will take care of you.” He reminded us that God has a plan for all of us. We need to pray for these opportunities.
“Where did you see Jesus?”
· In the lady who cleaned her house and allowed us to use it and was so gracious.
· In Chalee playing with the kids and singing with all of her heart even when she wasn’t completely sure of her Spanish.
· In Jed who was playing soccer with a bunch of boys. A little girl came up to him and wanted him to go with her. So, he left the game and colored for a couple hours.
· In Niki in how she did her best translating for the medical clinic and was so welcoming as well as how she did as a leader for the VBS team.
· In Michelle, A.B., Niki, Milton, and Jen speaking Spanish and then English and then back again. They didn’t get frustrated and even absorbed some of the pain from the patients.
· In all the stuff we have been able to distribute in the past two days. They all come from acts of love from people back home that we know and even people we don’t know.
· In Dario who wanted us to feel good about what we had done. God was speaking through him to tell us that we should be content in what we accomplished and to not worry about what we didn’t get done.
· In Sparky and Val doing what Jesus did in dealing with each individual person’s needs. They did not rush or get flustered. They simply did the best for each person.
Wednesday, July 20
The breakfast buffet was basically the same items (with some pound cake added). Not many showed for breakfast because they chose to sleep in. Devotional began at 8:30 by the pool. A.B. of El Salvador (and Harding) gave an analogy between our lives and hacked computer systems. We walk around with holes in our system, which need to be repaired by Jesus. Otherwise, the devil can hack his way into our lives. We need to put up our guard from Satan and allow Jesus to fix the problems.
After loading the luggage, we traveled the three-hour drive with only one stop. This put us back at 1pm. We took a few minutes to unpack and then started to work on food boxes. We spend one and half hours bagging (and then boxing) beans, flour, sugar, rice, salt, coffee, bouillon cubes, lard, tomato paste, and spaghetti noodles. We made 99 boxes to add to the stack of 120 boxes that will be passed out some day soon.
We then spent the rest of the day relaxing until the rest of the teams rolled in around 6pm.
Buenas noches,
JMA
Friday, July 18:
We pulled out of the mission house at 8:20 am. Leaving early was consoled by our fearless leader who brought Duncan Donuts for the bus ride. To save time, we had a singing devotional on the bus. We trucked it hard until around 11:20 when we stopped for lunch. When we loaded back up at 12:20, we made it about a mile down the road when the bus broke down. A truck full of supplies was traveling with us; we thought to use his battery to jump the bus. However, we learned that here in Honduras, they put padlocks on some of their batteries. Do they do this in the States? Did I miss the memo? Anyway, we didn’t have the key or any way to break through, so we asked a small truck to jump us. To our surprise, God provided, and it worked. We arrived at our hotel around 1pm. We unloaded the supplies from large truck into the bus (which left us with 10 benches for 28 people). When we pulled out of the hotel, we stopped by a local automotive shop and purchased a new battery. Finally, we left for the meeting place.
Choluteca, like many other places in Honduras, has suffered from the weather conditions. We knew beforehand that we would be unable to drive back to the villages (Porvenir, Agua Agria, Laurelada, La Cabezas, Llano Limpio, Ocotillo). Timateo Estrada (wonderful man and active participant in our construction work here in Honduras) is from Choluteca and arranged for the people in his home village to walk to the main road to receive food, clothing, medical care, and Biblical study time. The meeting place was perfect—an obvious sign from God. A sweet, old lady opened up her very nice and spacious home for us to use and allowed us to drive up into her front yard.
We arrived to meet approx. 150 people at 2:45. When we questioned the people, many stated that they had waited two to four hours. These patient people had to wait another hour while we set up the distribution stations (shoes, clothing for all ages, toys, food boxes, and water in bottles). We gave out clothes from the bus; then we had the other areas set outside the bus. At 3:45 we began to bring in three to four families at a time. We continued this cycle until 6:30.
During this time, the VBS team flew into full swing. The teens started working with the 42 kids while Paul Forshey and A.B. (our favorite male El Salvadorian) handled the adult Bible study (110 adults). Paul was quick to point out that before today, he had never had his sermon interrupted by a herd of cattle. He covered main points of creation to redemption.
Unfortunately, people were still waiting for items when we needed to pack up. So, we left the remaining clothes, shoes, and toys with the man who had been taking charge of the families. Juan Dario Flores (Dario) did a fantastic job of keeping up with who had been seen and letting in families. He did have some help, though. Milton, Timateo’s son, traveled from Teguc with us to see some of his family and to help. He did a tremendous job—we couldn’t have done so well without him.
After a fabulous Wendy’s dinner, we headed back to the hotel for showers—boy did we need them! The Hondurans state, “Choluteca is where the devil goes to get a hot cup of coffee.” They are not joking! Clean and refreshed (well, most of us), 27 of us gathered in a small hotel room to praise our Father in Heaven. Paul Forshey gave the lesson and recapped his experience today. He used II Corinthians 3:18 as a reference as he spoke about how we represent Christ to these communities. Many people cam from all over the U.S. because of the love God has given us—now we need to share that love.
Tuesday, July 19
For those who wanted to pay 100 limperas, there was an excellent breakfast buffet (beans, bacon, ham, eggs, pancakes, fruit, and fresh-squeezed orange and watermelon juices). We had devotional by the pool, and it was a beautiful site. Brett Mitchell (Canada, Nashville, Alabama—he is from everywhere) encouraged us to be in the Word and to be praying fervently. He used Matthew 4:4 and I Corinthians 13:1-3 to relay the message. We then split into different places in the area and had ten minutes to pray and read the Bible. When we returned, we found out the plans for the day.
We arrived at the meeting place at 9am and set up all the medical supplies in the living room of the little, old lady. Senora Coronada—she was so giving, kind, and gentle. We arranged all the medical jobs: Niki and Milton at the front gate taking names and translating their problems / Katie, Candy, and Margaret working in the pharmacy / Gary and Erin pharmacy runners for the medical people / Judy and Anna wound care medics / Sparky and Val medical advisors to see patients / A.B., Michelle, and Jennifer translators for the medical people. Everyone else (Jacylyn, Travis, Justin, Tyson, Andrea, Chalee, Little Hoss, Lindsey, Miranda, Tara, Devin, Paul, Erika, Brett) was considered VBS team and played with the children while the clinic took place. The clinic continued until 4:00; we saw 140 patients. A.B. had to leave his station to help Paul with the adult Bible study (70 adults) at 2:30 pm. The VBS team did a great job with the VBS (60 kids) and gave out peanut butter and honey sandwiches and bottled water.
Dario (the man leading the communities) had us all gather at the end of the day for a prayer and words of encouragement. He was gracious and considerate, asking forgiveness for any wrong that may have been done. He also thanked us for our hard work and told us to go home content and happy with what we had done in the two days. We, then loaded the bus to go back to the hotel to shower before dinner. Most of us ate at Wendy’s, again. Others braved the pizza restaurant next door. Afterwards, we ran to the grocery store to stock up. Then we headed back to the hotel for another poolside devotional.
Sparky (Steve Kemp) gave the thought tonight. He encouraged us to pray for each of the many facets we do here in Honduras. “If you have faith in the work you are doing, God will take care of you.” He reminded us that God has a plan for all of us. We need to pray for these opportunities.
“Where did you see Jesus?”
· In the lady who cleaned her house and allowed us to use it and was so gracious.
· In Chalee playing with the kids and singing with all of her heart even when she wasn’t completely sure of her Spanish.
· In Jed who was playing soccer with a bunch of boys. A little girl came up to him and wanted him to go with her. So, he left the game and colored for a couple hours.
· In Niki in how she did her best translating for the medical clinic and was so welcoming as well as how she did as a leader for the VBS team.
· In Michelle, A.B., Niki, Milton, and Jen speaking Spanish and then English and then back again. They didn’t get frustrated and even absorbed some of the pain from the patients.
· In all the stuff we have been able to distribute in the past two days. They all come from acts of love from people back home that we know and even people we don’t know.
· In Dario who wanted us to feel good about what we had done. God was speaking through him to tell us that we should be content in what we accomplished and to not worry about what we didn’t get done.
· In Sparky and Val doing what Jesus did in dealing with each individual person’s needs. They did not rush or get flustered. They simply did the best for each person.
Wednesday, July 20
The breakfast buffet was basically the same items (with some pound cake added). Not many showed for breakfast because they chose to sleep in. Devotional began at 8:30 by the pool. A.B. of El Salvador (and Harding) gave an analogy between our lives and hacked computer systems. We walk around with holes in our system, which need to be repaired by Jesus. Otherwise, the devil can hack his way into our lives. We need to put up our guard from Satan and allow Jesus to fix the problems.
After loading the luggage, we traveled the three-hour drive with only one stop. This put us back at 1pm. We took a few minutes to unpack and then started to work on food boxes. We spend one and half hours bagging (and then boxing) beans, flour, sugar, rice, salt, coffee, bouillon cubes, lard, tomato paste, and spaghetti noodles. We made 99 boxes to add to the stack of 120 boxes that will be passed out some day soon.
We then spent the rest of the day relaxing until the rest of the teams rolled in around 6pm.
Buenas noches,
JMA
Our Final VBS
Wednesday, July 20
Today we had pancakes, and fruit for breakfast. The singing at devo was led by Ty Steffy, beautiful as usual. The lesson was presented by Jack from Memphis. He read scripture from Rom. 8:31-39. This consist of the verse If God is for us who can be against us. Jack wanted us to realize that God is for us and wants us to follow Him. He sent His Son to die on the cross for us and He is pleading for us to follow Him so we can spend eternity with Him. Jack spoke on how God´s love will always be with us no matter what we do. He encouraged us to come to Jesus because God will be there for us when no one else is. Jack did a wonderful job this morning, and he is truely a man of God.
Before devo a group went back to Didasko to try to finish the play ground. After devo we split us into three more groups. A group of 10 went to Nuevo Oriental to build a house along with a group of 7 to paint. The remaining members were VBS members. Today The VBS crew went to Nuevo Oriental to distribute food before going to the Valley of Angels for VBS. We had the great honor of riding on Elroy. For those of you who didn´t know, we thought Elroy had died, but he went to the doctor and had major surgery. I am glad to announce that Elroy is alive and running as smooth as ever. Anyway, we were able to distributed about 100 boxes of food today. We had about 90 or so left over, so we gave it to one of the town officials. He will be handing the rest of them out to needy families. When we had finished distributing food, we loaded up the bus and made our way to the Valley of Angels. We arrived in the Valley right on time, 2:00 pm on the dot. We unloaded all the VBS supplies along with the carnival supplies and made our way to the town square where we had conducted VBS for the past two days. After unloading all the supplies we began singing. When we had sang three songs we did a skit called the Sin Box. Neil was the lucky one to get ¨stuck¨ in the sin box. He did a wonderful job along with the others in showing how sneaky sin is. Sin looks so good, but when you are in it only Jesus can save you. After that skit was finished we sang some more and had more skits. When all the skits were finished we handed out sandwiches for all the kids, and set up the carnival supplies. The kids loved the carnival. They were able to enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, games, and lot of prizes. After about an hour we had to load up the supplies and head up to the mission house.
We arrived back at the mission house at about 5:30 pm and were greeted by the Choluteca team. They made it back safe, praise God. It was almost time for supper when we got back, so we all washed up and made our way to the mess hall. Tonight we had noodles in some type of sauce (don’t ask me), Hawaiian ham with pineapples, carrots, and rolls. After dinner, we had time to catch up with the Choluteca team on all the progress they made; Jen Arnold will have that update. Then we headed to the chapel.
Devotional had a great deal of “popcorn” singing (in honor of Andy Polk). The lesson was given by Rich Guthrie of PA. He gave a powerful testimony and read Psalm 91. While in Iraq, he read this passage a great deal. He has found comfort knowing that God has kept him around through so many things. He knows God has a reason for him, just like He does for all of us.
“Where did you see Jesus?”
· In the people who walked as much as three hours to meet our group in Choluteca.
· In the kids at Didasko who were thanking the workers before they even started to build the playground.
· In the posts of one of the houses that was built. The wood had so many splinters and was so rough, it is hard to imagine what the cross must have been like for Jesus.
· In the kids at Didasko who remembered a crew member who returned to build a playground. They were so happy to see him.
· In Mark Herrera who took the time to sit and draw with a little girl amidst the chaos of the carnival around him.
· In Shane who gave his shirt to a little boy on the mountain when they were giving out food.
· In Devin taking care of everyone in Choluteca. He did so many thoughtful things behind the scenes to make everyone as comfortable as possible.
· In the way God has brought us all together to serve Him.
· In the people who stepped up and helped Brandy to do the blog while Jen was away.
· In our staff here at the mission house that takes so much time and care to prepare our meals.
· In the view at the overlook. Even with so much poverty, you can find a moment of peace to appreciate God’s creation.
· In the family units who were able to come down here together and do such awesome work for the Lord.
· In the children saying the prayers the past three days of VBS. They have been innocent and beautiful, asking God to watch over those with no homes and over the Americans who have come to teach the Bible.
· In Tyler Steffy who busted it all day with the construction crew and simply looked beat at dinner from giving so much of himself.
· In Jose, a little boy who helped hold a paint tray up for one of the TORCH members who was painting high on a house. He did his best to reach as far as he could.
Thank you for keeping up with the blog,
Dios te bendiga (God bless you),
JMA & Brandy B.
Today we had pancakes, and fruit for breakfast. The singing at devo was led by Ty Steffy, beautiful as usual. The lesson was presented by Jack from Memphis. He read scripture from Rom. 8:31-39. This consist of the verse If God is for us who can be against us. Jack wanted us to realize that God is for us and wants us to follow Him. He sent His Son to die on the cross for us and He is pleading for us to follow Him so we can spend eternity with Him. Jack spoke on how God´s love will always be with us no matter what we do. He encouraged us to come to Jesus because God will be there for us when no one else is. Jack did a wonderful job this morning, and he is truely a man of God.
Before devo a group went back to Didasko to try to finish the play ground. After devo we split us into three more groups. A group of 10 went to Nuevo Oriental to build a house along with a group of 7 to paint. The remaining members were VBS members. Today The VBS crew went to Nuevo Oriental to distribute food before going to the Valley of Angels for VBS. We had the great honor of riding on Elroy. For those of you who didn´t know, we thought Elroy had died, but he went to the doctor and had major surgery. I am glad to announce that Elroy is alive and running as smooth as ever. Anyway, we were able to distributed about 100 boxes of food today. We had about 90 or so left over, so we gave it to one of the town officials. He will be handing the rest of them out to needy families. When we had finished distributing food, we loaded up the bus and made our way to the Valley of Angels. We arrived in the Valley right on time, 2:00 pm on the dot. We unloaded all the VBS supplies along with the carnival supplies and made our way to the town square where we had conducted VBS for the past two days. After unloading all the supplies we began singing. When we had sang three songs we did a skit called the Sin Box. Neil was the lucky one to get ¨stuck¨ in the sin box. He did a wonderful job along with the others in showing how sneaky sin is. Sin looks so good, but when you are in it only Jesus can save you. After that skit was finished we sang some more and had more skits. When all the skits were finished we handed out sandwiches for all the kids, and set up the carnival supplies. The kids loved the carnival. They were able to enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, games, and lot of prizes. After about an hour we had to load up the supplies and head up to the mission house.
We arrived back at the mission house at about 5:30 pm and were greeted by the Choluteca team. They made it back safe, praise God. It was almost time for supper when we got back, so we all washed up and made our way to the mess hall. Tonight we had noodles in some type of sauce (don’t ask me), Hawaiian ham with pineapples, carrots, and rolls. After dinner, we had time to catch up with the Choluteca team on all the progress they made; Jen Arnold will have that update. Then we headed to the chapel.
Devotional had a great deal of “popcorn” singing (in honor of Andy Polk). The lesson was given by Rich Guthrie of PA. He gave a powerful testimony and read Psalm 91. While in Iraq, he read this passage a great deal. He has found comfort knowing that God has kept him around through so many things. He knows God has a reason for him, just like He does for all of us.
“Where did you see Jesus?”
· In the people who walked as much as three hours to meet our group in Choluteca.
· In the kids at Didasko who were thanking the workers before they even started to build the playground.
· In the posts of one of the houses that was built. The wood had so many splinters and was so rough, it is hard to imagine what the cross must have been like for Jesus.
· In the kids at Didasko who remembered a crew member who returned to build a playground. They were so happy to see him.
· In Mark Herrera who took the time to sit and draw with a little girl amidst the chaos of the carnival around him.
· In Shane who gave his shirt to a little boy on the mountain when they were giving out food.
· In Devin taking care of everyone in Choluteca. He did so many thoughtful things behind the scenes to make everyone as comfortable as possible.
· In the way God has brought us all together to serve Him.
· In the people who stepped up and helped Brandy to do the blog while Jen was away.
· In our staff here at the mission house that takes so much time and care to prepare our meals.
· In the view at the overlook. Even with so much poverty, you can find a moment of peace to appreciate God’s creation.
· In the family units who were able to come down here together and do such awesome work for the Lord.
· In the children saying the prayers the past three days of VBS. They have been innocent and beautiful, asking God to watch over those with no homes and over the Americans who have come to teach the Bible.
· In Tyler Steffy who busted it all day with the construction crew and simply looked beat at dinner from giving so much of himself.
· In Jose, a little boy who helped hold a paint tray up for one of the TORCH members who was painting high on a house. He did his best to reach as far as he could.
Thank you for keeping up with the blog,
Dios te bendiga (God bless you),
JMA & Brandy B.
Tuesday, July 19
God is Good all the Time
Tuesday, July 19
It has been an absolutely amazing day today. God has blessed us with two really beautiful days. He has held the rain for us and I hope He will continue to hold the rain off for the next couple days. Today we had breakfast between 7:00 and 8:00 am (toast, cereal, and fruit). Nolan led singing this morning, which was amazing. After a few songs Neil Hillis from Memphis, TN spoke to us. He spoke on how God sees all we do and the things we do not do. We are held accountable for all we do. Neil challenged us to give everyone a chance. On the day of Judgment we will hopefully not be looking back and saying “There’s another one, why didn’t I tell them about God?” He also challenged us to do our best and reach out to everyone we come in contact with. Neil did an amazing job.
After devo we broke up into two teams again. A team of 20 went back to Nuevo Oriental. There they painted four houses. Three of the houses were pink and half of another house was painted pink. The team ran out of pink paint so they finished the house in white. They will go back tomorrow to finish. This team also built a house while they were there. They started working at around 12pm and finished at about 5pm. Good job today team. Another construction team of nine went to Didasko orphanage to build a play ground, “Walt Disney World Honduras”. The structure will have three large towers with multi-levels, with slides, swings, suspension bridge, fireman poll, and a climbing rope. The neatest thing was they went out there Monday to meet with the director to tell them what there plans were, the director must have told the kids because as soon as they arrived this morning the kids already thanked them before they had begun. These children are very grateful for what they have, which is little. We should remember this and be grateful for the multitude of blessings that God blesses us with everyday. The remaining members went with the VBS team to the Valley of Angels today. The VBS team did an amazing job. Each person put on the show of there lives. We were all extremely tired before we got there, but as soon as we stepped of the bus our fatigue was lifted. God does amazing things to people while they are here and lifting fatigue is one of those things. It is hard to explain, it’s just one of those things you have to experience yourself. Neil Hillis helped Esperanza with the introduction today. He greeted them in Spanish, which was hysterical. Every time he wanted to say something he would ask Esperanza how to say and then repeat it like 10 times before actually saying it to the kids. The children loved his enthusiasm. When the skits began, which were wonderful, Mark and Nayanne took the adults to do an adult Bible study. After the Bible study was completed Nayanne took the ladies and studied more with them. When the skits and Bible study were finished, everyone had an opportunity to play with the children. We had TORCH members chasing kids, playing games, drawing, jump roping, etc. it was wonderful. The VBS team did an amazing job today, and I commend them for not letting the language be a barrier.
We left the Valley of Angels at about 4:45 pm, and got back to the mission house at about 5:45. We cleaned up and went to supper. We had an amazing meal tonight, salad, chicken, and pasta, yum yum!! After supper we loaded up the buses and went to Baskin’ Robins for dessert. We had an opportunity to sit down with our fellow brothers and sisters and talk about the day. It was defiantly an awesome day for everyone. Praise God!! My favorite saying is God is good all the time and all the time God is good, and today it was proven. God bless you all, good night.
Brandy B
It has been an absolutely amazing day today. God has blessed us with two really beautiful days. He has held the rain for us and I hope He will continue to hold the rain off for the next couple days. Today we had breakfast between 7:00 and 8:00 am (toast, cereal, and fruit). Nolan led singing this morning, which was amazing. After a few songs Neil Hillis from Memphis, TN spoke to us. He spoke on how God sees all we do and the things we do not do. We are held accountable for all we do. Neil challenged us to give everyone a chance. On the day of Judgment we will hopefully not be looking back and saying “There’s another one, why didn’t I tell them about God?” He also challenged us to do our best and reach out to everyone we come in contact with. Neil did an amazing job.
After devo we broke up into two teams again. A team of 20 went back to Nuevo Oriental. There they painted four houses. Three of the houses were pink and half of another house was painted pink. The team ran out of pink paint so they finished the house in white. They will go back tomorrow to finish. This team also built a house while they were there. They started working at around 12pm and finished at about 5pm. Good job today team. Another construction team of nine went to Didasko orphanage to build a play ground, “Walt Disney World Honduras”. The structure will have three large towers with multi-levels, with slides, swings, suspension bridge, fireman poll, and a climbing rope. The neatest thing was they went out there Monday to meet with the director to tell them what there plans were, the director must have told the kids because as soon as they arrived this morning the kids already thanked them before they had begun. These children are very grateful for what they have, which is little. We should remember this and be grateful for the multitude of blessings that God blesses us with everyday. The remaining members went with the VBS team to the Valley of Angels today. The VBS team did an amazing job. Each person put on the show of there lives. We were all extremely tired before we got there, but as soon as we stepped of the bus our fatigue was lifted. God does amazing things to people while they are here and lifting fatigue is one of those things. It is hard to explain, it’s just one of those things you have to experience yourself. Neil Hillis helped Esperanza with the introduction today. He greeted them in Spanish, which was hysterical. Every time he wanted to say something he would ask Esperanza how to say and then repeat it like 10 times before actually saying it to the kids. The children loved his enthusiasm. When the skits began, which were wonderful, Mark and Nayanne took the adults to do an adult Bible study. After the Bible study was completed Nayanne took the ladies and studied more with them. When the skits and Bible study were finished, everyone had an opportunity to play with the children. We had TORCH members chasing kids, playing games, drawing, jump roping, etc. it was wonderful. The VBS team did an amazing job today, and I commend them for not letting the language be a barrier.
We left the Valley of Angels at about 4:45 pm, and got back to the mission house at about 5:45. We cleaned up and went to supper. We had an amazing meal tonight, salad, chicken, and pasta, yum yum!! After supper we loaded up the buses and went to Baskin’ Robins for dessert. We had an opportunity to sit down with our fellow brothers and sisters and talk about the day. It was defiantly an awesome day for everyone. Praise God!! My favorite saying is God is good all the time and all the time God is good, and today it was proven. God bless you all, good night.
Brandy B
Monday, July 18
VBS Rocks
Monday, July 18
Today was a great day for VBS! God blessed us with a beautiful morning this morning. For breakfast we had french toast, omelets, fruit, and orange juice (YUMMY!!). After breakfast we said our goodbyes to the Choluteca team of 24. They will have the great honor of riding 3 hours west of Teguce. While in Choluteca they will conduct a VBS, set up a medical clinic, and distribute food and clothes. Good luck team, and God’s speed.
After they left, we went to the chapel for devotional. Today Tyler Steffy from Dayton, PA presented the devo. This is Ty’s fifth year on a TORCH trip. He began by telling us how Honduras has taught him to be more thankful for what he has. When you are here you become more thankful for the little things. Ty gave us examples like “We throw our clothes out because they are out of fashion, but the poor throw them away because their clothes are worn by washing them on rocks.” “They are poor and humble, we are rich and proud.” These are great points and Ty gave them to us because he wants us to be content with what we have. These people have little and want little, but we have a lot and want more. Ty did an amazing job with his lesson, I wish you all could have been here. Thank you Ty.
Today, the remaining members of our team split into two groups. A construction group of 20 went with Joe (a fulltime missionary) to Nuevo Oriental. The remainder, which was the VBS crew, went to the Special Needs orphanage. While the construction crew gathered the equipment, the VBS team made about 250 peanut butter and honey sandwiches and lemonade. After both teams were finished gathering the needed supplies, we went our separate ways.
The construction team went to Nuevo Oriental. There the team built a house, painted a house, and painted two classrooms in a school that had been built on a previous trip. The VBS team left for the Special Needs orphanage at around 9:30. Everyone was anxious to go to the orphanage. When we got there everyone was quick to grab toys, stuffed animals, and bubbles so they could interact with the children. We were there for about 15 minutes when Mark Herrera decided to sing some fun songs. We started out by singing the potato chip song. The kids loved it. Mark was hilarious, he over exaggerated every movement. We did four or five different songs, and every TORCH member participated, it was so awesome to see the joy in the eyes of the children. Who knew that acting crazy could bring so much joy to people. Afterward, different individuals took children outside around the playground. It is so beautiful there, and the children are amazing. We played with the children for about one and ½ hours, then we made our way to the Valley of Angels for VBS.
The ride to the Valley was so long. We got stuck in a traffic jam in down town Teguce, that was interesting, but “welcome to Honduras”. We finally arrived in the Valley about 15 minutes late. The children were waiting on us when we got there, so we had to put our game faces on immediately. While the VBS team got ready to do there skits, the others played with the kids. When they were ready, Esperanza, Wendy, and I did some VBS songs. That was interesting. Wendy and Esperanza know Spanish, but I do not have a clue. I did my best anyway. The kids didn’t know a lot of the songs, so Esperanza got Mark Herrera and Neil Hillis to do the fun songs we did at the Special Needs Orphanage. Neil is the funniest guy ever and when you put him and Mark together, well let’s just say we were brave today. The children, once again loved it. After our performance, the actors were ready to go. They did an amazing job. The kids really loved it, and participated in it. Great job guys!! When the skits were finished, we lined the children up so they could get there sandwiches and drinks. We finished just in time for it to start raining, again.
We arrived back at the Mission House at about 4:30. During this time some people wrote in their journals, played soccer, and napped. The construction team got back at about 6 and we went straight to supper. Tonight’s supper was delicious. We had chips, rice, beans, and beef tips, it was great. When supper was finished, we went to the chapel for devotional. Steve Baker from South Carolina did the devo tonight. Steve gave his testimony tonight. He is a wonderful guy and has been through a lot of struggles. He grew up in the Church and has a great family, but he was somewhat rebellious. After a few years of his rebellion he went on a mission trip to Australia that changed his life. Now he is faithful and lets God lead his life. He told us this so we would trust God and let Him control our lives. He ended by singing a song, which was called I Surrender. It was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes.
We ended the night like every night with Where did you see Jesus?
Jesus was seen in Pat, Ken, and Mr. Hoss today while they built a house. They made sure every nail was perfect. We have a new saying this year “No Junk for Jesus”, they made sure the house was not junk.
Jesus was seen in Aly today at the Special Needs Orphanage. Aly found one little boy and focused on him the whole time. She was amazing with this little boy.
Jesus was seen in Katie Haab. Katie is always enthusiastic about everything she does. She is such and inspiration to all of us here.
Jesus was seen in Taft today at the Special Needs Orphanage. Taft fed one of the kids because the child was physically unable to feed himself. Taft’s patience was greatly admired.
Thank you all for reading the blogs, we all really appreciate the prayers. God Bless you and until next time…
Brandy B
Today was a great day for VBS! God blessed us with a beautiful morning this morning. For breakfast we had french toast, omelets, fruit, and orange juice (YUMMY!!). After breakfast we said our goodbyes to the Choluteca team of 24. They will have the great honor of riding 3 hours west of Teguce. While in Choluteca they will conduct a VBS, set up a medical clinic, and distribute food and clothes. Good luck team, and God’s speed.
After they left, we went to the chapel for devotional. Today Tyler Steffy from Dayton, PA presented the devo. This is Ty’s fifth year on a TORCH trip. He began by telling us how Honduras has taught him to be more thankful for what he has. When you are here you become more thankful for the little things. Ty gave us examples like “We throw our clothes out because they are out of fashion, but the poor throw them away because their clothes are worn by washing them on rocks.” “They are poor and humble, we are rich and proud.” These are great points and Ty gave them to us because he wants us to be content with what we have. These people have little and want little, but we have a lot and want more. Ty did an amazing job with his lesson, I wish you all could have been here. Thank you Ty.
Today, the remaining members of our team split into two groups. A construction group of 20 went with Joe (a fulltime missionary) to Nuevo Oriental. The remainder, which was the VBS crew, went to the Special Needs orphanage. While the construction crew gathered the equipment, the VBS team made about 250 peanut butter and honey sandwiches and lemonade. After both teams were finished gathering the needed supplies, we went our separate ways.
The construction team went to Nuevo Oriental. There the team built a house, painted a house, and painted two classrooms in a school that had been built on a previous trip. The VBS team left for the Special Needs orphanage at around 9:30. Everyone was anxious to go to the orphanage. When we got there everyone was quick to grab toys, stuffed animals, and bubbles so they could interact with the children. We were there for about 15 minutes when Mark Herrera decided to sing some fun songs. We started out by singing the potato chip song. The kids loved it. Mark was hilarious, he over exaggerated every movement. We did four or five different songs, and every TORCH member participated, it was so awesome to see the joy in the eyes of the children. Who knew that acting crazy could bring so much joy to people. Afterward, different individuals took children outside around the playground. It is so beautiful there, and the children are amazing. We played with the children for about one and ½ hours, then we made our way to the Valley of Angels for VBS.
The ride to the Valley was so long. We got stuck in a traffic jam in down town Teguce, that was interesting, but “welcome to Honduras”. We finally arrived in the Valley about 15 minutes late. The children were waiting on us when we got there, so we had to put our game faces on immediately. While the VBS team got ready to do there skits, the others played with the kids. When they were ready, Esperanza, Wendy, and I did some VBS songs. That was interesting. Wendy and Esperanza know Spanish, but I do not have a clue. I did my best anyway. The kids didn’t know a lot of the songs, so Esperanza got Mark Herrera and Neil Hillis to do the fun songs we did at the Special Needs Orphanage. Neil is the funniest guy ever and when you put him and Mark together, well let’s just say we were brave today. The children, once again loved it. After our performance, the actors were ready to go. They did an amazing job. The kids really loved it, and participated in it. Great job guys!! When the skits were finished, we lined the children up so they could get there sandwiches and drinks. We finished just in time for it to start raining, again.
We arrived back at the Mission House at about 4:30. During this time some people wrote in their journals, played soccer, and napped. The construction team got back at about 6 and we went straight to supper. Tonight’s supper was delicious. We had chips, rice, beans, and beef tips, it was great. When supper was finished, we went to the chapel for devotional. Steve Baker from South Carolina did the devo tonight. Steve gave his testimony tonight. He is a wonderful guy and has been through a lot of struggles. He grew up in the Church and has a great family, but he was somewhat rebellious. After a few years of his rebellion he went on a mission trip to Australia that changed his life. Now he is faithful and lets God lead his life. He told us this so we would trust God and let Him control our lives. He ended by singing a song, which was called I Surrender. It was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes.
We ended the night like every night with Where did you see Jesus?
Jesus was seen in Pat, Ken, and Mr. Hoss today while they built a house. They made sure every nail was perfect. We have a new saying this year “No Junk for Jesus”, they made sure the house was not junk.
Jesus was seen in Aly today at the Special Needs Orphanage. Aly found one little boy and focused on him the whole time. She was amazing with this little boy.
Jesus was seen in Katie Haab. Katie is always enthusiastic about everything she does. She is such and inspiration to all of us here.
Jesus was seen in Taft today at the Special Needs Orphanage. Taft fed one of the kids because the child was physically unable to feed himself. Taft’s patience was greatly admired.
Thank you all for reading the blogs, we all really appreciate the prayers. God Bless you and until next time…
Brandy B
Sunday, July 17
A Relaxing Sunday
Sunday, July 17
Breakfast was served from 7-8, and church was not until 9:30 am. So, you guessed it, many people took advantage of this and missed breakfast to sleep. However, they missed some good stuff—papaya, pineapple, toast with fixings, and ham omelets. And some of us were lucky enough to sneak some leftover donuts. Shhh! It’s a secret.
I am so proud of all of these young men we have. Since Andy Polk left on Friday, AB and Mark have stepped up to the plate to lead us. They have done a great job. Also, many guys helped this morning with a semi-traditional service: Brett Mitchell, Jeremy Quillian, Brian Davenport, Nathan Reeves, and Rich Guthrie.
Ken Wells gave a moving testimony of what he has learned in life. He has learned integrity from his father while growing up on a farm. He has learned responsibility from his time as a pilot in the air force. He has learned spirituality from his experiences as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. He stated that we need to pass on our knowledge and experiences down through the generations. He also encouraged us to make Jesus our reference and standard, because there are others around you looking at you to guide them.
He used Romans 12:5 and John 8:31, and reminded us to allow God to mold our character from our experiences here in Honduras and through life.
When it came time for the offering, Nathan informed everyone of the vibrant past and desolate present of a community named San Miguel. His descriptions brought to life the necessity of the help for this area that has been devastated by rain and mudslides. We gave a total of $1,243 to help in the relief efforts of San Miguel.
Today was a relaxing day for most. After church, a group of 65 loaded a bus (yes, it was packed) to go to lunch and then to the Valley of Angels. They spent the first two hours passing out 1,200 flyers in large groups. Then they were able to shop the many markets.
A handful of people took a truck to the bodega to load supplies for Choluteca. The two VBS teams stayed at the mission house to practice for several hours. Little Ceasar’s Pizza was a fabulous treat for lunch. At 2:45pm, the bodega group returned and we all loaded a bus to meet up and shop with the people at Valley of Angels.
With all of us united again at the Valley of Angels, we pulled out at 5:15 to go to dinner at a nice restaurant in Hotel Santa Lucia. There was live music (even a song by two of our very own--Tyson from Florida and Whitney from Tennessee) and a lot of fun as we enjoyed an extravagant (well, at least compared to what we have been eating) dinner. We left with intentions to go to a Catholic cathedral for devotional. However, the road had been blocked, and we could not find an alternate route. So, we traveled back to the mission house to have our devo. We had a singing and prayer service. The singing was led by Nathan Reeves while Travis Shivers, Gary Davenport, Jeremy Quillian, Taft Ayers, and Matt Taylor lifted up prayers.
Gracias por todos (Thank you for everything),
JMA
Breakfast was served from 7-8, and church was not until 9:30 am. So, you guessed it, many people took advantage of this and missed breakfast to sleep. However, they missed some good stuff—papaya, pineapple, toast with fixings, and ham omelets. And some of us were lucky enough to sneak some leftover donuts. Shhh! It’s a secret.
I am so proud of all of these young men we have. Since Andy Polk left on Friday, AB and Mark have stepped up to the plate to lead us. They have done a great job. Also, many guys helped this morning with a semi-traditional service: Brett Mitchell, Jeremy Quillian, Brian Davenport, Nathan Reeves, and Rich Guthrie.
Ken Wells gave a moving testimony of what he has learned in life. He has learned integrity from his father while growing up on a farm. He has learned responsibility from his time as a pilot in the air force. He has learned spirituality from his experiences as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. He stated that we need to pass on our knowledge and experiences down through the generations. He also encouraged us to make Jesus our reference and standard, because there are others around you looking at you to guide them.
He used Romans 12:5 and John 8:31, and reminded us to allow God to mold our character from our experiences here in Honduras and through life.
When it came time for the offering, Nathan informed everyone of the vibrant past and desolate present of a community named San Miguel. His descriptions brought to life the necessity of the help for this area that has been devastated by rain and mudslides. We gave a total of $1,243 to help in the relief efforts of San Miguel.
Today was a relaxing day for most. After church, a group of 65 loaded a bus (yes, it was packed) to go to lunch and then to the Valley of Angels. They spent the first two hours passing out 1,200 flyers in large groups. Then they were able to shop the many markets.
A handful of people took a truck to the bodega to load supplies for Choluteca. The two VBS teams stayed at the mission house to practice for several hours. Little Ceasar’s Pizza was a fabulous treat for lunch. At 2:45pm, the bodega group returned and we all loaded a bus to meet up and shop with the people at Valley of Angels.
With all of us united again at the Valley of Angels, we pulled out at 5:15 to go to dinner at a nice restaurant in Hotel Santa Lucia. There was live music (even a song by two of our very own--Tyson from Florida and Whitney from Tennessee) and a lot of fun as we enjoyed an extravagant (well, at least compared to what we have been eating) dinner. We left with intentions to go to a Catholic cathedral for devotional. However, the road had been blocked, and we could not find an alternate route. So, we traveled back to the mission house to have our devo. We had a singing and prayer service. The singing was led by Nathan Reeves while Travis Shivers, Gary Davenport, Jeremy Quillian, Taft Ayers, and Matt Taylor lifted up prayers.
Gracias por todos (Thank you for everything),
JMA
Games All Day Long
Saturday, July 16
Breakfast was heaven today. One of the cooks (sweet, little old lady) took time to prepare by hand some donuts and pastelitos (pastries) with strawberry filling. We also had fruit and (don’t ask me why) grilled cheese sandwiches. ??? It must be a Honduras thing.
Matthew Taylor from Freed (and KY) gave an uplifting devotional talk. He used Psalms and Revelation in reference to the things we see here in this world that we will not see in Heaven. We will not experience the pain, heartache, and tears from many things, including the following: older people who are frail, poverty, and hungry children.
Today all 92 of us packed three buses for quite an adventure. It was nice for the entire team to be able to work together. Most days we are split and don’t have the same stories and experiences. It is a blessing to have so many to be able to reach so many. However, the unity was crystal clear today.
We arrived at Good Shepherd Orphanage (run by an American family) to host a carnival for the kids there. We had a game of soccer, a coloring area, hand stamping, and a place to construct a large dollhouse (surprisingly, Brian Henegar had several boys to help with this). We had many stations for the kids to be able to play games and win tickets: ring toss, beanbag throw, jump rope, hoola hoops, fishing for candy, number wheel, pin the tail on the donkey, bingo, knocking down the cans, and a water balloon throw. Once the kids acquired some tickets, they were allowed to come to the prize booth to “buy” something. We had a cotton candy machine and popcorn machine going for several hours. We even had a clown! A crew made peanut butter and honey sandwiches for all the kids. I am not sure who had more fun—us or the kids. And these kids were so well behaved! It was a blessing to spend the day with them.
We then traveled to a large athletic complex with several buildings and fields—including the field that Honduras’ Olympic team uses to practice. [And let me not forget to mention the incredible food stand we found that sold pupusas.] Our fabulous group of guys (who looked very sleek in their uniforms) played against a group of employees from American Airlines. Even though the ball stayed with our offensive side most of the first half, it took many shots to finally score. However, once started, we got on a good roll. The final score was 8-5 with goals by the following: Rodolfo (5), Shane (2), and Nathan (1).
Back at the mission house we had chicken in a gravy sauce with mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, and broccoli) in a mayo sauce and rolls. We had some time to relax and shower before going down to the chapel.
It was a great day followed by a powerful devotional. Mark Herrera from Miami gave his lesson on “No Limit Love”. He used II Corinthians 11:27 and II Timothy 2:11 as his references. He spoke of tribulations and trials that we may face for Christ. However, there is a place where the strongest Christian would turn his back on Christ—in his mind. We have total control over our minds. Yet, it is in our minds that we often drop our guard. Do we edify or destroy our minds? Is your mind a place where you could have people over at the last minute? Or would you have to do some major cleaning before opening the door?
“Where did you see Jesus?”
· In Brandy Barnett as she dressed up and made the kids smile.
· In Mallory who played with a little girl all day. When Mallory put down the child as we were leaving, the little girl began to cry and Mallory comforted her as best as she could.
· In Neal trying his best to speak Spanish and playing with the kids. Even when he would make a mistake speaking, the kids and he would have even more fun laughing at what was done.
· In Brenda Myers working with some older girls, teaching them songs.
· In Rich Guthrie who just returned from Iraq. He has been the silent support guy with a smile on his face doing all the small things that needed to be done.
· In our soccer team who prayed before and after the game with the opponents. The focus on Christ was obvious.
· In Johnny, a six-year-old boy with only one leg. He just hobbled around on his crutch and had a blast playing and even translating for us.
· In a little girl named Katie who gave her picture of her and Brandy to Brandy so that Brandy could remember her.
· In a little boy who saved up 20 tickets to get a large stuffed bear for his sister.
· In two children talking with a TORCH member. When asked if they were brother and sister, they replied that they were in Christ—such a young age with such a profound statement.
· In all the kids, because they were so behaved and patient.
· In a lady who worked at the orphanage who had been there seven years. She is twenty and decided to stay and help once she was old enough to leave. It was amazing to see the love she had for the kids, who she said were her family members.
Con amor,
JMA
[On a side note, many of you read my message stating that I would be leaving Honduras. It has become apparent that God wants me here, because trying to get an early flight home has been impossible. However, I will continue to share the duties of correspondence with Brandy Barnett. Monday, I will be traveling to Choluteca while she stays here and continues communication.]
Breakfast was heaven today. One of the cooks (sweet, little old lady) took time to prepare by hand some donuts and pastelitos (pastries) with strawberry filling. We also had fruit and (don’t ask me why) grilled cheese sandwiches. ??? It must be a Honduras thing.
Matthew Taylor from Freed (and KY) gave an uplifting devotional talk. He used Psalms and Revelation in reference to the things we see here in this world that we will not see in Heaven. We will not experience the pain, heartache, and tears from many things, including the following: older people who are frail, poverty, and hungry children.
Today all 92 of us packed three buses for quite an adventure. It was nice for the entire team to be able to work together. Most days we are split and don’t have the same stories and experiences. It is a blessing to have so many to be able to reach so many. However, the unity was crystal clear today.
We arrived at Good Shepherd Orphanage (run by an American family) to host a carnival for the kids there. We had a game of soccer, a coloring area, hand stamping, and a place to construct a large dollhouse (surprisingly, Brian Henegar had several boys to help with this). We had many stations for the kids to be able to play games and win tickets: ring toss, beanbag throw, jump rope, hoola hoops, fishing for candy, number wheel, pin the tail on the donkey, bingo, knocking down the cans, and a water balloon throw. Once the kids acquired some tickets, they were allowed to come to the prize booth to “buy” something. We had a cotton candy machine and popcorn machine going for several hours. We even had a clown! A crew made peanut butter and honey sandwiches for all the kids. I am not sure who had more fun—us or the kids. And these kids were so well behaved! It was a blessing to spend the day with them.
We then traveled to a large athletic complex with several buildings and fields—including the field that Honduras’ Olympic team uses to practice. [And let me not forget to mention the incredible food stand we found that sold pupusas.] Our fabulous group of guys (who looked very sleek in their uniforms) played against a group of employees from American Airlines. Even though the ball stayed with our offensive side most of the first half, it took many shots to finally score. However, once started, we got on a good roll. The final score was 8-5 with goals by the following: Rodolfo (5), Shane (2), and Nathan (1).
Back at the mission house we had chicken in a gravy sauce with mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, and broccoli) in a mayo sauce and rolls. We had some time to relax and shower before going down to the chapel.
It was a great day followed by a powerful devotional. Mark Herrera from Miami gave his lesson on “No Limit Love”. He used II Corinthians 11:27 and II Timothy 2:11 as his references. He spoke of tribulations and trials that we may face for Christ. However, there is a place where the strongest Christian would turn his back on Christ—in his mind. We have total control over our minds. Yet, it is in our minds that we often drop our guard. Do we edify or destroy our minds? Is your mind a place where you could have people over at the last minute? Or would you have to do some major cleaning before opening the door?
“Where did you see Jesus?”
· In Brandy Barnett as she dressed up and made the kids smile.
· In Mallory who played with a little girl all day. When Mallory put down the child as we were leaving, the little girl began to cry and Mallory comforted her as best as she could.
· In Neal trying his best to speak Spanish and playing with the kids. Even when he would make a mistake speaking, the kids and he would have even more fun laughing at what was done.
· In Brenda Myers working with some older girls, teaching them songs.
· In Rich Guthrie who just returned from Iraq. He has been the silent support guy with a smile on his face doing all the small things that needed to be done.
· In our soccer team who prayed before and after the game with the opponents. The focus on Christ was obvious.
· In Johnny, a six-year-old boy with only one leg. He just hobbled around on his crutch and had a blast playing and even translating for us.
· In a little girl named Katie who gave her picture of her and Brandy to Brandy so that Brandy could remember her.
· In a little boy who saved up 20 tickets to get a large stuffed bear for his sister.
· In two children talking with a TORCH member. When asked if they were brother and sister, they replied that they were in Christ—such a young age with such a profound statement.
· In all the kids, because they were so behaved and patient.
· In a lady who worked at the orphanage who had been there seven years. She is twenty and decided to stay and help once she was old enough to leave. It was amazing to see the love she had for the kids, who she said were her family members.
Con amor,
JMA
[On a side note, many of you read my message stating that I would be leaving Honduras. It has become apparent that God wants me here, because trying to get an early flight home has been impossible. However, I will continue to share the duties of correspondence with Brandy Barnett. Monday, I will be traveling to Choluteca while she stays here and continues communication.]
Saturday, July 16
I love this place
I have been in Honduras for the past 16 days working with some of the most wonderful people you could ever ask to meet. It has been such a busy time that I have not had the chance to get on a computer to write until tonight. We have been going at such a fast pace, working on project after project, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. As tired as we get there are so many thoughts that come to mind as I reflect each night before passing out to sleep. Even with the guided journal we are using on our trip it is hard to keep the thoughts and emotions that are running wild right now.
The first trip, in May, was a fantastic group. 30 strong, mainly college students, we got the ball rolling in such a positiive way. Then the second team, the July 1 team, came down. We had 98 on the team from all over the country. Even with the rain working ever against us, we were able to get so many things done that it was really amazing. Now the third, and final group of my teams, are here. They came down, all 92 of them, with such energy and excitiement that it has kept the momentum going at a near break-neck speed! It is amazing and unbelievable how God is using such a group as ours. Even with all of our weaknesses He finds ways to make us strong in His work down here.
There is such a unity among the groups and the team work is the best I have ever seen in the 15 years I have been coming to Honduras. So many have stepped up to carry loads to make big teams work well. It is amazing too, since I can easily remember not so long ago smaller teams that focused on one, maybe even two, projects a day. Now we are going multiple directions everyday participating in ministry opportunities that greatly vary. Our teams are being challenged to go and do the work of Jesus in ways that totally blow my mind. Just last week there were 2 Torch teams here at the same time. 170 strong, not counting Tim Hine´s or Mark Connell´s interns. On any given day 5 buses were transporting teams to work sites. We had 2 delivery trucks carrying lumber and supplies daily, not counting the rental trucks or SUV´s that Tim owns. We literally have a fleet of vehicles right now and I see every indication of more and more growth in the next few years.
Our young people are receiving valuable training and experience to carry them into the future of work within the church. Our adults are growing in number, using vast knowledge and experience that they had gained over the years. And the amazing thing is to watch the youth and the adults work side by side. Each teaching and learning from each other. What a concept. Think about that for a moment. And the coolest part about it is the fact that we are all better off.
I love it here in Honduras. I love my congregation back home in Sarasota, Florida, that supports this work so much. I love my elders who are so understanding and see the importance of allowing me to be here to lead these teams. I love the supporting congregations that participate in this work. We have such unity and purpose working together down here. I love all of those who dedicate a part of their summer to be here to work in the kingdom. And I love the visions, hopes, and goals of those who come down as they consider their roles down the road. Wow.
As we continue the trip we look forward to the challenges we will be facing. Our team is well prepared and equipt for the tasks at hand. We will not be the same people as when we first arrived, but seasoned fighters in the war against the evil one. He is at work here, but we have our eyes firmly set on Jesus and we will prevail!!! God bless you all back home, keep us in your prayers. Until next time, Dios te bendiga!
TR
The first trip, in May, was a fantastic group. 30 strong, mainly college students, we got the ball rolling in such a positiive way. Then the second team, the July 1 team, came down. We had 98 on the team from all over the country. Even with the rain working ever against us, we were able to get so many things done that it was really amazing. Now the third, and final group of my teams, are here. They came down, all 92 of them, with such energy and excitiement that it has kept the momentum going at a near break-neck speed! It is amazing and unbelievable how God is using such a group as ours. Even with all of our weaknesses He finds ways to make us strong in His work down here.
There is such a unity among the groups and the team work is the best I have ever seen in the 15 years I have been coming to Honduras. So many have stepped up to carry loads to make big teams work well. It is amazing too, since I can easily remember not so long ago smaller teams that focused on one, maybe even two, projects a day. Now we are going multiple directions everyday participating in ministry opportunities that greatly vary. Our teams are being challenged to go and do the work of Jesus in ways that totally blow my mind. Just last week there were 2 Torch teams here at the same time. 170 strong, not counting Tim Hine´s or Mark Connell´s interns. On any given day 5 buses were transporting teams to work sites. We had 2 delivery trucks carrying lumber and supplies daily, not counting the rental trucks or SUV´s that Tim owns. We literally have a fleet of vehicles right now and I see every indication of more and more growth in the next few years.
Our young people are receiving valuable training and experience to carry them into the future of work within the church. Our adults are growing in number, using vast knowledge and experience that they had gained over the years. And the amazing thing is to watch the youth and the adults work side by side. Each teaching and learning from each other. What a concept. Think about that for a moment. And the coolest part about it is the fact that we are all better off.
I love it here in Honduras. I love my congregation back home in Sarasota, Florida, that supports this work so much. I love my elders who are so understanding and see the importance of allowing me to be here to lead these teams. I love the supporting congregations that participate in this work. We have such unity and purpose working together down here. I love all of those who dedicate a part of their summer to be here to work in the kingdom. And I love the visions, hopes, and goals of those who come down as they consider their roles down the road. Wow.
As we continue the trip we look forward to the challenges we will be facing. Our team is well prepared and equipt for the tasks at hand. We will not be the same people as when we first arrived, but seasoned fighters in the war against the evil one. He is at work here, but we have our eyes firmly set on Jesus and we will prevail!!! God bless you all back home, keep us in your prayers. Until next time, Dios te bendiga!
TR
Friday, July 15
Finally No Rain
Friday, July 15
Good morning from beautiful Honduras! Today God blessed our group with very little rain. The group woke up between 6:30 and 8:00 am for breakfast (cereal, toast, and fruit). At 8:10 we made our way to chapel for morning devotional. Singing was led by Tim Hines, it was amazing. Ken Haab from Sarasota, FL gave the devo. He had two main points, “TORCH is not for sissies”, and “Spanish-big deal”. He told us we were all here by faith, and when it gets tough to pray and ask for strength. He encouraged us to pray with the families we ministered to in English or in Spanish. The people here do not care if you speak Spanish; it encourages them to see people that care enough for them. Ken ended his lesson by reading the lyrics of two songs: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns and Here am I by Mercy Me.
After devo Terry Reeves, our fearless leader, divided us up into three. One team of 30 went to Hospital Escuela then to Nuava Oriental for clothes distribution. The second team of 20 stayed at the Mission House to sort food and pack it to have it ready for distribution. When they finished the food breakdown they went to San Filpe Hospital for visitation. The third group of 36 went to Santa Ana, 12 were evangelism and 24 were construction.
The Santa Ana group left at 9:30 and arrived at 11:00. Each of the construction workers went straight to work. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day today, finally no rain. We were able to accomplish a lot today. In the group of 24 we split into three groups. The first group built a shelter area for the people making the concrete bricks. The second group mixed concrete and dug a footer for a wall to be built later. The third group mixed and laid concrete for a sidewalk, which was beautiful might I add until the dog walked on it. The other 12 on the evangelism team conducted a small VBS for the kids while the adults had a Bible study. All in all it was a great day at Santa Ana.
The group of 30 that went to Hospital Escuela left after the Santa Ana group. When they arrived they broke up into 4 groups. The first group, led by Nayanne, went to the cancer treatment center in the hospital. Today the treatment center was much fuller than usual, but that did not stop the TORCH members. They went in with smiles on there faces and played as much as they could with the children. The second group, led by AB, went to visit the patients in the orthopedics, and trauma units. They also prayed for the patients and played with them as much as they could. The third group, led by Mark Herrera, went to the floor with patients who had some type of infection. The last group led by Nathan Reeves and Nikki Haab went to the surgery ward. The team of 30 visited many patients today and prayed for many families, please continue praying for these people, you might not know them, but I know they appreciate every prayer.
The last group of 20 stayed on campus today. Their job was to sort medicine, and pack food. The food was late so they all pitched in to help with the medicine, but then they ran out of medicine bottles. While they waited on Sparky to get back with more bottles, and the food to arrive, the group was able to get to know each other. Sparky and the food arrived at about the same time, so the team divided up to finish the work. Most of this group consisted of rookies, but they did an awesome job today. They started bagging the food then realize they didn’t put the black plastic bags in the boxes, so they had to unpack about 40 boxes and do it over again. Then they realized they put to much coffee in the boxes, once again they had to unpack then repack. With all the complications they were still able to finish 250 boxes and 800 bottles of medicine. GO TEAM!! After the team finished boxing and sorting and re-boxing and sorting and so on, they finally got to go the San Filipe Hospital to visit with the patients there. There they visited four wards. The first consisted of mostly adults with cancer or other illnesses. Then they went to visit two pediatric wards where there were eight children total. They finished at the rehabilitation unit by seeing another hand full of kids.
At about 5:30 pm all of the TORCH members arrived back at the Mission House to clean up for supper. Tonight we had spaghetti, yummy!! After supper we went to the chapel to break up into small group discussion. This was the fist time we have had the time to do this and I am glad we did. Each group discussed what had happened the past three days and how it has affected them. This gave the group the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about each other. Let me just say there are some AMAZING people here. After we were finished with small group discussion the Mi Esperanza group came and showed us a 15 minute video on the work that they do. Mi Esperanza is a training program for women in Honduras. Women are taught different skills they can use to get a job and provide for there family. Mi Esperanza stands for My Hope in English. This program gives the women of Honduras hope. When were finished we were able to buy products made by the Honduran women. There were some beautiful things being sold.
When everyone was finished buying the beautiful merchandise, we made our way to the chapel for devo. The devotional was given by Brain Henegar from Sarasota. This is Brian’s second trip to Honduras. He began his lesson by asking, “Do you consider yourself to be faithful?” He than told the story of the women of great faith in the Bible. This woman knew if she could only touch the clothes of Jesus she would be healed. When she finally made it up to Jesus after pushing her way through a crowd all she did was touch is garment. Immediately she was healed, and Jesus knew someone had touched Him. She admitted to it and He said, “Your faith has made you well”. Brian did an excellent job on faith. The lady in the Bible was the perfect example. This was a great lesson to end a great day of work. God Bless you all!!
Brandy Barnett
Where Did You See Jesus?
One individual saw Jesus in a little girl in the medical ward at the Hospital. The girl always had a smile on her face, and would ask everyone to pray that she would not get sick again and that she could be released.
Jesus was seen in the ones working in Santa Ana. There was no complaining a enough poop mud to last a lifetime.
Jesus was seen in the nurses at the Hospital. They were concerned about the patients and asked us to pray for the patients.
Jesus was seen in the Memphis group, they worked hard today packing and re-packing and packing again, and nobody complained.
Jesus was seen in Esperanza, one of our many translators. She loves what she does, and helps in everyway she can.
Good morning from beautiful Honduras! Today God blessed our group with very little rain. The group woke up between 6:30 and 8:00 am for breakfast (cereal, toast, and fruit). At 8:10 we made our way to chapel for morning devotional. Singing was led by Tim Hines, it was amazing. Ken Haab from Sarasota, FL gave the devo. He had two main points, “TORCH is not for sissies”, and “Spanish-big deal”. He told us we were all here by faith, and when it gets tough to pray and ask for strength. He encouraged us to pray with the families we ministered to in English or in Spanish. The people here do not care if you speak Spanish; it encourages them to see people that care enough for them. Ken ended his lesson by reading the lyrics of two songs: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns and Here am I by Mercy Me.
After devo Terry Reeves, our fearless leader, divided us up into three. One team of 30 went to Hospital Escuela then to Nuava Oriental for clothes distribution. The second team of 20 stayed at the Mission House to sort food and pack it to have it ready for distribution. When they finished the food breakdown they went to San Filpe Hospital for visitation. The third group of 36 went to Santa Ana, 12 were evangelism and 24 were construction.
The Santa Ana group left at 9:30 and arrived at 11:00. Each of the construction workers went straight to work. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day today, finally no rain. We were able to accomplish a lot today. In the group of 24 we split into three groups. The first group built a shelter area for the people making the concrete bricks. The second group mixed concrete and dug a footer for a wall to be built later. The third group mixed and laid concrete for a sidewalk, which was beautiful might I add until the dog walked on it. The other 12 on the evangelism team conducted a small VBS for the kids while the adults had a Bible study. All in all it was a great day at Santa Ana.
The group of 30 that went to Hospital Escuela left after the Santa Ana group. When they arrived they broke up into 4 groups. The first group, led by Nayanne, went to the cancer treatment center in the hospital. Today the treatment center was much fuller than usual, but that did not stop the TORCH members. They went in with smiles on there faces and played as much as they could with the children. The second group, led by AB, went to visit the patients in the orthopedics, and trauma units. They also prayed for the patients and played with them as much as they could. The third group, led by Mark Herrera, went to the floor with patients who had some type of infection. The last group led by Nathan Reeves and Nikki Haab went to the surgery ward. The team of 30 visited many patients today and prayed for many families, please continue praying for these people, you might not know them, but I know they appreciate every prayer.
The last group of 20 stayed on campus today. Their job was to sort medicine, and pack food. The food was late so they all pitched in to help with the medicine, but then they ran out of medicine bottles. While they waited on Sparky to get back with more bottles, and the food to arrive, the group was able to get to know each other. Sparky and the food arrived at about the same time, so the team divided up to finish the work. Most of this group consisted of rookies, but they did an awesome job today. They started bagging the food then realize they didn’t put the black plastic bags in the boxes, so they had to unpack about 40 boxes and do it over again. Then they realized they put to much coffee in the boxes, once again they had to unpack then repack. With all the complications they were still able to finish 250 boxes and 800 bottles of medicine. GO TEAM!! After the team finished boxing and sorting and re-boxing and sorting and so on, they finally got to go the San Filipe Hospital to visit with the patients there. There they visited four wards. The first consisted of mostly adults with cancer or other illnesses. Then they went to visit two pediatric wards where there were eight children total. They finished at the rehabilitation unit by seeing another hand full of kids.
At about 5:30 pm all of the TORCH members arrived back at the Mission House to clean up for supper. Tonight we had spaghetti, yummy!! After supper we went to the chapel to break up into small group discussion. This was the fist time we have had the time to do this and I am glad we did. Each group discussed what had happened the past three days and how it has affected them. This gave the group the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about each other. Let me just say there are some AMAZING people here. After we were finished with small group discussion the Mi Esperanza group came and showed us a 15 minute video on the work that they do. Mi Esperanza is a training program for women in Honduras. Women are taught different skills they can use to get a job and provide for there family. Mi Esperanza stands for My Hope in English. This program gives the women of Honduras hope. When were finished we were able to buy products made by the Honduran women. There were some beautiful things being sold.
When everyone was finished buying the beautiful merchandise, we made our way to the chapel for devo. The devotional was given by Brain Henegar from Sarasota. This is Brian’s second trip to Honduras. He began his lesson by asking, “Do you consider yourself to be faithful?” He than told the story of the women of great faith in the Bible. This woman knew if she could only touch the clothes of Jesus she would be healed. When she finally made it up to Jesus after pushing her way through a crowd all she did was touch is garment. Immediately she was healed, and Jesus knew someone had touched Him. She admitted to it and He said, “Your faith has made you well”. Brian did an excellent job on faith. The lady in the Bible was the perfect example. This was a great lesson to end a great day of work. God Bless you all!!
Brandy Barnett
Where Did You See Jesus?
One individual saw Jesus in a little girl in the medical ward at the Hospital. The girl always had a smile on her face, and would ask everyone to pray that she would not get sick again and that she could be released.
Jesus was seen in the ones working in Santa Ana. There was no complaining a enough poop mud to last a lifetime.
Jesus was seen in the nurses at the Hospital. They were concerned about the patients and asked us to pray for the patients.
Jesus was seen in the Memphis group, they worked hard today packing and re-packing and packing again, and nobody complained.
Jesus was seen in Esperanza, one of our many translators. She loves what she does, and helps in everyway she can.
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