Hey everyone!!  I hope you are all doing fantastic.  Today was another wonderful day God blessed us with.  Team work was seen everyone where within our team and the locals. 

Today began like the rest, with breakfast between 8 and 7 (PANCAKES!! and fruit!!), then devo at 8:00.  Jonathan Smith led us in a few thoughts this morning to begin our day. After devo, we divided into three groups; construction1, construction 2, and visitation.

The Construction teams left out at about 9:30ish, give or take several minutes, and went to the grocery store to stock up on water, Gatorade, and something for lunch.  At about 10:15 we made our way to the sites.  Construction team number one was dropped off first.  They unloaded the tools and hiked to the site.  After they were off the bus, construction team number 2 was dropped off at there site and had to make a hike as well.  The construction teams were AMAZING today!!  I’ve heard several stories from team one about the build and the blessing of providing a family with a home.  I was on team two, and had the honor of assisting in building a home for a husband and wife who had been injured in an accident.  They have one little girl, who is just beautiful.  After we completed the home, we gathered the family and prayed with them.  Thanks to Western Hills Church of Christ in Nashville, TN, we were also able to provide them with a house warming box.  In the box, there are several  items from toys to pots and pans.  Western Hills also provided the family with a Bible.  When the father saw the Bible his expression was one that would move anyone’s heart.  Out everything in the box, he picked the Bible up first and thanked the team. There are no words that can describe that feeling!!  To God be the glory!!

The visitation team visited the Special Needs Orphanage and the Blind School.  It is always difficult, emotionally, to visit orphanages here, but the these two are at the top for most difficult.  The team had the honor of feeding the special needs individuals and spending quality time with them.  Our physical therapist also worked with the high needs individuals.  After a couple hours at the special needs orphanage, the team went to the Blind School to visit.  Here they met with the children, and spent time giving goodies to them.  After a while, they made there way into the dinning room to sing.  First the group sang, then the children at the blind school sang.  It is truly angelic to hear them sing.  I think I might have some video, and if I do I will try to post it. 

When both teams were finished with their task, they made their way back to the mission house for dinner.  Tonight was, by far, THE BEST MEAL EVER!!!!!  The kitchen staff made rice, beans, beef tips, homemade chips, the best pico de gico ever, and tortillas.  Imagine the best meal you ever had….got it?....This was better!!  I could probably write an entire blog just on the meal, HAHA!!  Moving right along….  At 7 we loaded the buses to go to the Jesus Statue for devo. (Sorry I didn’t let you guys know we were going to the Jesus Statue, we will be streaming live tonight.)  It is always a treat to visit the Jesus Statue and worship.  From the Statue, we could see the city of Teguc.  We spent a little time taking pictures, then we began worship with singing.  Steve Johnson shared encouraging words about the importance of knowing and utilizing God’s word.  After the lesson we took a few more pictures then made our way back to the mission house for the night.

Tomorrow is our last work day and I am not happy about it.  Not only do I love spending time in Honduras, but I love sharing this time with this team!!  Everyone has worked so hard this trip!!  Please continue to pray for the team and the work.  We look forward to seeing you all and share our individual stories.  God bless you all!!

Love you all

Brandy B

BAAAM!! 

Hola!!  I hope you all are doing wonderful!! We are on day six, I think…  Today was an amazingly wonderful day!! 

We started with breakfast between 7 and 8 this morning.  This morning we had eggs, beans, sausage, toast and juice.  After breakfast we went to devo in the chapel.  Kyle Johnson shared some encouraging words with us this morning.  He encouraged us to bring our zeal back to the states and not to have a “Honduras life” and a “home life.”  Kyle did an awesome job and is JUST LIKE HIS DAD!!!  Love them both!!

After devo we split into four groups.  The groups were a construction team, distribution team, hospital visiting team, and providing a meal to those in the landfill. 

I was able to experience providing food for those in the landfill.  This is an unexplainable experience. Brett Mitchell led our group and did his best to prepare the team for what we would see.  In all honesty, nothing can fully prepare anyone for what we experienced.  God is so good and we are so blessed.  Feeding the people in the landfill is something I will take with me for the rest of my life.  Please pray for the people here.  Rudy, one of our translators, did an amazing job today keeping everything calm.  I am so thankful for our translators, especially Rudy, he’s like a brother to me!! Also, if you ever have an opportunity to do mission work outside of the U.S. DO IT!!  Although today was a tough day, it was such a blessing to see God work through so many individuals. 

The construction team built in the La Tigra Rainforest.  This team gave a new meaning to Bufftrucks!!  Houses usually take about six hours to build, but this team completed the task in about three.  AMAZING!!!  I’ve heard several stories of people stepping out of their comfort zone to complete the task.  This was an awesome team that encouraged each other and would not let one another quit!!  Great job to the team!! 

The distribution team stayed at the mission house and broke down the food into about 200+ bags.  After they were finished they met up with the BEAST construction team and distributed the food in the La Tigra Rainforest.  They passed the food out as long as they could and made there way back to the mission house for supper.

The hospital spent about three to four hours visiting with the sick.  They made visits throughout the hospital praying for families and giving stuffed animals to the children.  The hospital is always a step out of anyone’s comfort zone.  This team did just that.  They showed love to people in God’s name!!!  When they were finished the team that had went to the landfill met them at the hospital and went to the Peace Monument.  It is always a neat thing to go to, to be able to see the some of the history from Honduras.  We spent some time taking pictures and being able to see God’s beauty.

Everyone met up at the mission house for supper!!  We had spaghetti, and salad…ummm can you say YUM-O!!! After a hard day of work, the meal worth while!!  At about 8 we met at the chapel for evening devo.  Steve shared with us a counter attack on the devil.  He explained how the devil is always after us, using things that are our weaknesses.  The key is to stay focused, and dig deep.  After devo, Terry shared with us the tentative plans for tomorrow.  Then several of the members stayed for about an hour praising God in song.  I was able to broadcast the singing for a while, but had to stop to do the blog.  For those who were watching, I’m sorry!!  Thanks so much for your prayers and for the kind words in the emails I’ve been receiving.  I wish you all could be here with us!!  We love you all so much and will be seeing you soon.  We have two full work days left, and I do not know about the others, but I’m not ready!!  Thanks again for your prayers!!

Love you all

Brandy B.

On a sad note, Terry and Gwen Chapmen, and Esperanza went back home today.  They were such a blessing to our team.  We love the so very much!!!  The title of the blog is for them!!  Love you guys!!!

Road trips and pot holes!!!

Today was a good, long day of travel.  We began this morning with devo at 9:30.  We split into small groups and discussed our journals along with the experiences from Choluteca.  At 10:15 we met up and discussed the plan for the day.  We gathered our belongings and loaded the bus around 10:50 to make our bumpy way back to Teguc.  Many of us enjoyed watching the beauty of God’s creation, and sharing stories with one another about the time in Choluteca.  Others enjoyed sleeping! 

We arrived at Villa Gracia around 4:00 pm.  Margaret Reeves provided us with our room assignments, followed by orientation by Terry Reeves.  After orientation everyone went to their rooms to settle in, then walked to see the beautiful view of the rainforest.  At 6:00 we had dinner.  Tonight was the best meal yet!!  We had rice, chicken and veggies with a roll.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!!  Between 7 and 8 several people shared in fellowship, playing games, and chatting!!  Devo was at 8 tonight.  We were able to broadcast, but the chat isn’t working here, sorry about that!!  Steve share a great lesson about team work and called several people out, lol!!  Everyone here is getting so close!!  It is awesome to see God work through our team.  God is good and it is awesome knowing I have family all over the world!!!

I hope you all are doing great back home!!  We miss you all!!  Tomorrow we start strong!!  The plan is to have a construction team, a team visiting the hospital, a team going to the landfill, and one breaking food down for distribution.  We are very PUMPED about working in Teguc.  I personally look forward to sharing the experiences with you all.  Please continue to pray for us and the work.  We love you all!!!

Love you all!!

Brandy B

"When The Sand Runs Out"

After a long day of work and several lessons, I still had a difficult time deciding what to share with you guys.  I'm sitting with Janet Johnson and Austin Clouse discussing the past couple days of work trying to come up with a title.  Several ideas were thrown my way which reminded me of a song by Rascal Flatts.  I want to share the chorus of the song with you.  

"I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on And learn how to face my fears Love with all of my heart, make my mark I wanna leave somethin' here Go out on a ledge, without any net That's what I'm gonna be about Yeah, I wanna be runnin' When the sand runs out"

I'll come back to this at the end, just keep it in mind!!

Yesterday started like the others, the group had breakfast between 7 and 8. We had beans, plantains, eggs, omelets, toast, cereal, juice, and MOST important COFFEE!!!  We had devo at about 8ish.  Brett Mitchell shared a lesson with us about motivation.  What motivates us?  He discussed with us how easy it is to be extremely tired here, but the little things keep us motivated.  A mother who hasn't been able to feed her children for a couple days, a smiling child after their feet has been washed, an elderly individual thanking you for showing God's love...TO GOD BE THE GLORY.  It is truly amazing where everyone get's there energy from.  There is only one explanation for it, GOD!!!!  

We loaded the buses at about 9ish to go back to Agua Agria (still unsure about the spelling).  When we arrived there was already waiting individuals to see the doctor and receive clothing.  We began as quickly as possible.  While the medical and distribution team were busy working, there was a team working on an incredible playground for the school there.  Let me just say, I wish I was a young person again.  For some age didn't matter, apparently Steve Johnson didn't care and went down the tube slide.  From what I hear, it took him a while to make his way down, haha.  The Medical team and building team worked all the way up to 5, with the building team continuing a little longer to finish the project.  At about 3 we began the Daughters of the King.  Young girls had there hair washed, combed, "styled", then had their feet washed and nails painted.  After they were treated to pampering, they received a dress provided by Northside Church of Christ in Mayfield, KY.  THANK YOU TO THEM!!!  They also received a pair of flip flops.  The VBS team also had a great day yesterday.  They shared with the kiddos the story of the Good Samaritan.  The kids were very involved, also the moms helped in singing songs.  They also made crafts, cross necklaces, coloring sheets, they could draw parts of the story as well.  The kids were provided with snacks at the end of the VBS.  While that was happening the lady's were having a lady's class.  Gwen says the class was awesome!!  She says by the end there were 75 in attendance.  There were several prayer request.  Then the team washed about 60 women's feet utilizing a foot scrub made by Diane and Gwen.  Esperanza said the lady's feet was sooooo soft after using the scrub.  I hate I couldn't be there.  At about 530 we started the Gospel Meeting.  At that time, God opened the Heavens and rain came down!!  It was very difficult to hear, but GOD is good.  They said last night that was the first heavy rain in 3 months.  God knows how and when to provide.  Terry's lesson was great.  He talked about how sin kept us from God, but how the sacrifice Jesus made provided us a way.  After services the community leaders thanked us for coming, but gave God the glory!!!  It was a very busy day, but AMAZING!!! 

We left the village at about 715ish to go eat at the "food court".  We had about an hour to eat, then we loaded the buses and came back to the hotel for evening devo.  Steve Johnson shared thoughts about how to work in a hearty manner.  He encouraged us to give it all we had and leave it on the field.  That is what reminded me of the song by Rascal Flatts.  Work hard in the name of God and leave it on the hearts of others.  Leave your mark in a positive way.  Sharing and showing God's grace.  We will never be able to show the true love of God, because He is just that good, but we can try!!  When we die, what will people say?  Will they say that person lived life showing God's love the best they could, or something else.  I hope and pray I can show God's love the way He wants me to so when I die I will not only be remembered for that but so I can spend eternity with the God that has shown me unconditional love.  

After devo we were given instructions on what would happen today.  We had the choice to sleep a little longer today.  We have a long trip back to Teguc and will be leaving in about 45minutes.  Tonight we will broadcast the devo if internet allows it.  I want everyone to know I am doing all I can in Teguc.  Last group was able to broadcast, but the chat wouldn't come up.  Please join us in worship, but do not be upset if the chat doesn't work.  If you have any messages you can email me.  I do not mind getting message's to people, even if it is just a hello.  Remember, however, I do read the messages and will deliver them so if you do not mind me knowing then go for it.  I appreciate you guys so much.  Please continue to pray for the work here and for safe travels.  God bless you all!!

Love you all!!

Brandy B

On a side note...if there are mistakes in grammar or spelling...I'm from Mississippi, lol!!  No really sometimes I get really excited and I do not proof read so I apologize.  Love you guys!!

How is life?

I am EXHAUSTED, but man God is good!!

Today was another wonderful, HOT, day!!  The team had breakfast between 7 and 8.  This morning was a similar pick, eggs, beans, plantains, and pancakes!!  At about 8 we had devo.  Brett Mitchell shared a few words with us about life.  He used LIFE as an acronym, L-love, I-intamacy, F-father, and E-eternity.  He said to we should love intimately, to see our Father for an eternity.  So how is life?

When devo was over we loaded the remainder of the supplies on the bus and headed to Agua Agria (I'm feeling lucky so I think that is how you spell it).  We arrived at at the school between 930 and 10:00.  We unloaded the supplies for the medical team and distribution team.  When we arrived we had, literally hundreds of people there.  Dr. Jorge and Sara began as quickly as possible.  The distribution team began quickly as well. The playground crew had there work set out for them today.  There task was taking down the old playground to move it to another location.  They also had to move these ginormous trees.  With some help from the local men they were able to move the tree and began working on the playground.  They started out pretty good, but when it was time to began nailing there were no nails. However, God is good and the locals somehow was able to provide some nails.  If you haven't noticed, the people in this community are pretty awesome!!  While this was going on another team went to the church to remove some section of the tin roof and add a clear section for lighting.  The church has no electricity and this will provide more light for them.  At two the VBS team began.  I was not able to be a part of this team, but I heard they did an incredible job.  At the three Gwen and Diane with translator Esperanza made there way to the church for a ladies class. At 4:45ish everyone went to the church for the Gospel Meeting.  Terry Chapman shared a lesson with us tonight.  It is so interesting to be in a service that has to be translated.  Minor Perez was the translator and, as always, did great.  Terry shared a lesson regarding the story of sowing the seed.  He did a great job sharing the importance of planting the right seed to produce the correct crop.  After worship we loaded the buses to go to the "food court" for some dinner.  As everyone can see, we have had an extremely busy day.

When we arrived back at the hotel we went straight to devo.  Last night we were able to broadcast the service and enjoyed sharing in worship with you guys.  Steve shared another good lesson with us about  how God is everywhere.  As always Big Steve brought us a great lesson.

Ok...so I feel obligated to share some stories of God's work here.  So many people stepped up when there was a need.  It is really hot here, yes I know it's hot at home as well, but here we are working in the heat.  We do not have the privilege to have air conditioning in the work environment.  First I want to begin with Dr. Jorge.  He is a doctor from Teguc that one of the interns met at the air port. He speaks English and struck up a conversation with Erika asking about TORCH.  He then offered to work with us in Choluteca on the medical team.  Coincidence, I think not!!  We only have like four translators, but with Dr. Jorge we had one more.  The medical team did awesome yesterday.  Because of the heat we had to rotate often, which left us without a translator in the pharmacy.  However, God always provides!!  Even though Carrie is not fluent in Spanish she was able to give instructions to the locals about the medication.  Well, let me back up...she claims not to know enough, but she did awesome!!  The locals were so generous!!  They helped us in some many ways, building, leading, assisting, you name it they helped with it!!

The medical team saw about 130 families, 179 patients.  The distribution team sent 130 families back to there homes with clothing.  We will head back in the morning to continue distribution and medical, also the playground.  We will also have daughters of the king, VBS, lady's class and the Gospel meeting.  It's been pretty awesome seeing God's work here, I'm anxious to see what else He has in store for us.

We love you all very much and miss you!!  Please continue to pray for the efforts here!!

Love you all

Brandy B

Your mission if you choose to accept it....


WOW!!  What a day!!  Today has been filled with many stories.  It was amazing seeing God work today!!  Ok so let's begin...


Everyone had breakfast this morning between 7 and 8.  This morning we had eggs, beans, ham, toast, and cereal.  Do not be deceived by the random combination, it was yummy!!  We left the hotel around 9 headed to the village (I'm not even going to attempt to spell) for worship.  It is an overwhelming, powerful, experience when worshiping with brothers and sisters in foreign countries.  Words cannot describe the feeling of sharing in worship!!  Terry Chapman brought us our lesson this morning.  I must say this about Terry, he is an amazing man of God!!  He is a very funny person, with a genuine heart for others.  He talk with us about how big God's love is for us.  He used the parables of the Lost Coin, Lost Sheep, and the Lost son as examples of God's overflowing love.  The service was fabulous.  What was even more incredible was worshiping in a building that a few of the members, me included, helped build a few years ago and sitting on benches built two years ago.  There is so much I would love to say about this village, but I have no idea where to begin, so...  The village has a population of about 600, guess how many people were in worship....about 300 people at worship today.  WOW!!  Standing room only!!  The church does not have electricity either, meaning no air conditioning.  Did anyone complain, NO!!  Everyone was there for a purpose and that purpose was to worship God and give Him the glory!!!


After worship we went to eat lunch and buy groceries for lunches while in Choluteca.  Everyone was able to choose KFC, Pizza Hut, or Wendy's for lunch.  Everyone seemed enjoy there meals.  Once everyone was finished with shopping we loaded the buses and came back to the hotel.  This is when the fun began!!!  We met to break into four groups, one sorted clothes, two sorted medicine, three was VBS, and four was a small group that prepared for the construction of a playground.  The teams worked non stop for a good three hours breaking down boxes, counting pills, labeling bottles, labeling boxes, working on skits, gathering materials for VBS crafts, and getting better acquainted.  We did take a dinner break at about 7.  Some stayed at the hotel and grabbed a quick sandwich while others went back to the "food court".  When everyone was back we completed the medical break down of pills at about 9:15ish.  At about 9:30 we met to have devo.  Jason Johnson let us in a few songs, then Steve Johnson shared a few thoughts with us. Everything Steve said tonight reminded me of Mission Impossible.  However, our mission is not impossible.  God has given us the tools to use, but we must use them.  We must arise and be ready to defeat Satan.  I love Big Steve very much and appreciate is words tonight.


After devo, Terry gave us a few announcements regarding tomorrow.  It looks like it will be another busy busy day.  The tentative plan is having a medical clinic and distribution in the morning, VBS and a Lady's class early afternoon and the Gospel meeting in the evening.  


As you can all see we have already been extremely busy.  We all look forward to seeing God's power and Will for us for the remainder of the trip.  Thank you all for your prayers, please continue!!  We love you all and miss you!!


Brandy B


Devo will be between 8 and 9 our time, so 9 and 10 central time, or 10 and 11 Eastern Time.  I hope you will all join in with us!!  Here is the link www.ustream.tv/channel/torch-devos.  Also if you have any messages you want me to give to anyone email me at brandyb06@gmail.com  Good Night everyone!!!

72 degrees but feels like 100!!

Hello to all of you back home!!  My name is Brandy Barnett and I will be, hopefully, be updating you all on the work God is allowing us to do for Him!!  Today we sent team one back to the states, so welcome home to team one!!  As soon as the team was through security, the second team begin to trickle in.  Everyone has arrived safely to Honduras!!

After the entire team had mad it through customs and claimed their bags, we ate lunch.  There were a few options that everyone could choose from so we split into different groups to eat.  After everyone had finished we loaded the buses to make the 3, 4, 5, maybe six hour drive to Choluteca, HAHA!!  No really it only took about 4 hours to arrive.  When we arrived we unloaded the luggage, got our room assignments, put our things in our room, then loaded the buses to go into town to eat dinner.  Tonight we could eat KFC, Pizza Hut, or Wendy's.  Once everyone finished we loaded the bus and came back to the hotel for a few announcements.  After, our announcement we all went to our assigned rooms.  Everyone is settling in for a good night sleep!!

Tomorrow we will worship with our brothers and sisters in Choluteca.  After worship there are a few task we will be doing to prepare for the Gospel meeting, VBS, lady's class, distribution, and medical clinic.  There will be more to come tomorrow night.  

We love you guys and miss you all!!  Please remember the team in your prayers as well!!  Thank you all for your support!!

Love you all!!

Brandy B

Also we will attempt to possibly do some broadcast while in Choluteca.  The link is, www.ustream.tv/channel/torch-devo  I am not sure of the time or anything, but I will try.  I will post the link again once we arrive back in Teguc as well.  Good night!!! Sleep Tight!!!

Hey everyone!!  It's Brandy and I am so so so so so so happy to be here!!  I just wanted to send a quick blog out to everyone!!  First I want to thank Kathryn for doing an awesome job with the blog for the first team!!  The first group will head out today with the second coming in right after!!  I have heard several stories from the group members, it sounds like the trip was a success, to God be glory!!  It was awesome being able to see some old friends, even if it was just one night.  I look forward to the start of trip two.  We will be off to Choluteca as soon as everyone from group two arrives.  I will do my best to post every night, but I cannot make promises.  The internet provider has changed in Honduras and the service isn't as good as it has been in the past.  I am not sure about the live broadcast as well, but we will see when we get there.  For those who will be watching, the chat has been down due to connection issues but please chat with each other and join in our worship.  We will come to the camera and say hi, but we cannot be for sure if the chat will work here.  If you want to send messages you can do so by emailing me at brandyb06@gmail.com with the person's name as the subject.  I do not have a printer, but I will get them any message.  I look forward to sharing the experiences we have while in Honduras.  God bless you all!  

Love you all,

Brandy B

The Hand-Off

Today was the last full day in Honduras for team #1. Is it too cliche of me to say the trip has flown by too fast? Because it has. And I like cliches.

This morning the group visited Mi Esperanza. It's an incredible organization of women helping women. The organization offers free skills classes and professional training to women here in Honduras with the goal that these women will become independent providers for themselves and their families. The success stories about women who have graduated from classes at Mi Esperanza is incredible. One of the cool things about Mi Esperanza is that they have a shop here in Teguc in which all the goods that fill the shop are made by women in the program. The stuff these women make are gorgeous: jewelry, clothes, bags, purses, wallets.... I would love to show you pictures, but some of you might have one of these items coming to you as a souvenir. I'd hate to ruin it for you. ;)

We spent the afternoon in at the Valley of Angels (there is a spanish name for it, but it is late and I'm not going to attempt it...) where there are more little shops for gifts and souvenirs. A few of us found a little cafe that sells papusas (tortillas filled with cheese and meat) so we hung out there for a while and enjoyed a Fresca (dear America, bring back the Fresca!)

Hopefully some of you caught our devo online tonight. It was later than normal so I apologize for any inconvenience there....but I hope you were able to see it because the singing was beautiful tonight.

I'm flying out tomorrow to head back home. I would love to stay and help out with the new group that will be coming in but some of us have pesky little things called jobs to get back to. But personally, this trip meant  a lot to me. It came at the right time in my life and taught me just the things I've been needing to learn. God's timing is perfect, huh? I have some favorite memories from this trip: watching a very sweet, very frail old woman settle in to her new home our team built for her; praying with a mother and father in the hospital a few hours after they welcomed their first baby into the world; the sweet hugs of the children at Didasko; worshipping with our christian family in Catacamas..... and I have saved the best for last.... one of our team members (Marissa) having a Honduran baby named after her in the hospital on Thursday. Not even kidding about that. From what I've been told, this was a TORCH first.

This team has been great; some of them are staying here in Teguc to work with the next trip but most of us are flying out tomorrow. I have no doubt that the next team will do amazing things here in Teguc and in Choluteca! Speaking of team #2, seven of the team members having already arrived and they are safely at the Mission House. By this time they are all already in bed. I am jealous. :)

I'll be handing the blog off to Brandy, an expert in TORCH blogging, so you guys are in good hands!

Kathryn :)