Construction Honduran-Style

One of the goals of this year's Honduras mission team from our region is construction.  Specifically, we were asked to build a much-needed kitchen on the back of the children's care center, paint the bare walls throughout its interior and paint the two offices for the project director and the teachers.

On Monday, our amazing team layed brick up to shoulder height in the kitchen and built the concrete columns to support the roof (see picture).  Inside, the walls were sanded, cleaned, primed and partially painted.  Our project was interesting as heavy rains caused the electricity to be off for most of the day.  So, our team painted the offices BY CANDLE LIGHT!  (Don't tell O.S.H.A.!)  Also, enjoy the picture of our infamous 'Rock Passing Line.'

Also, the evening was completed following devotions and a team meeting as we celebrated Mike and Jayann's 25 Wedding Anniversary with Cake and an Anniversary Balloon - two of our six Yuppers!  Team chemistry is unbelievable this go around.  Wish you were here!!!

Another early morning on Wednesday as we 'Paint for Jesus,' 'Brick and Trowel for Jesus' and 'Love on Kids for Jesus!'  We all miss you!!!

Ending Their Cycle of Poverty

Children are so important...not only to OUR future...but, also to the Kingdom of God.

 

Jesus called the children to Himself, even when 'well-meaning' followers around Him tried to usher them away.  Then, He used one of those 'only-Jesus could say that' statements to give us a better understanding of The Father.  "Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

 

Today and tomorrow morning on WPFF and WNLI, you can help HIS children have hope for a better life in Him; providing Christian education, along with nutritional meals, needed medical care and dental care, hygiene instruction and opportunities to learn important social and relational skills - all, while being brought to point of making a decision to follow Christ.  The WPFF/WNLI mission team is seeing this FIRST HAND in action.  The difference in the children who are in the program is like the difference between night and day...it's the difference between hopelessness and HOPE...hope of a happy, healthy life.  YOU may be the one to put an end to their family's cycle of poverty that has been in existance for generations. 

 

Sponsoring a child puts all of this in action!  Our team has seen this and we are amazed.  Learn about CHILD SPONSORSHIP at: http://www.missionofmercy.org/

Breakthrough Moment

You never know when it will occur.  Sometimes it's on the worksite.  Another may be during VBS.  On my last mission trip, it came on a bus ride.  For Honduras 2011, our 'breakthrough moment' came today.

 

Church services at our project takes place Sundays at 2pm.  So, following a memorable morning visit to a park that overlooks the capital city of Tegucigalpa and an authentic Honduran lunch, we went to church. 

 

Following a very passionate worship time, Paula introduced our team, leading everyone in prayer, before introducing Trevor, our team pastor-in-training.  He delivered a powerful message about the heavenly warriors guarding Israel - and how, similarly, God protects His people in Honduras.  Heavy rains had caused there to be no electricity, thus, no microphone.  And, the heavy rains on the metal roof made hearing it a challenge.  But, it didn't matter - as an anointed prayer time like no other, the Hondurans praying for the Americans, broke out. 

 

Our breakthrough moment was realizing that those who came to serve and minister...were served and ministered to today.  (Above, Trevor preaches in English while Magda translates to Spanish.)

VBS & Meeting Sponsored Kids

What a Saturday!  The morning started early with delicious breakfast (great selection of fresh juices!) at 6:30 before we boarded the buses for a one-hour drive to Mission of Mercy's 'New Jerusalem' project.  Located in the mountains, near a military region, the project is host to 94 sponsored children ('Children of the New Jerusalem') and a number of soon-to-be (hopefully!) sponsored kids.

 

Two, two-hour sessions of VBS gave us an opportunity to share games and reinforce the gospel with kids from 4-12 years old.  We also watched the children perform a traditional Honduran dance in full costume, after welcoming us with a series of Christian songs, including Open The Eyes of My Heart, in Spanish. 

 

The highlight of the day was watching several members from our team meeting the children they sponsor.  One little girl was too shy to say much to her sponsor, but whispered to her Mom to sell the sponsor, "Tell her, 'I Love You.'"  When we see the hope that sponsorship in the program brings a child...how can we not become a sponsor?!!!  Nine kids have already been sponsored from the WPFF/WNLI team, alone! 

 

While we're all very tired, we're all healthy.  Can't wait for more time with the kids, including church services in the project Sunday afternoon.  Kitchen construction starts Monday!

Kids being kids!

I know I am not the most elegant writer but I wanted to share somethings that touched me today.

 

Today, we went to the project and did a VBS with a group of kids 4-8 and then one for kids 9-12. It was great playing with the kids. I, being a people watcher like my dad, noticed how much these kids were just like the kids I see at church and my boys. At my church in Gillett there was a VBS last month and one of the activities was telling the kids that Jesus loves them......Like by saying Jesus loves Ashley. Ruth, the director of the VBS, told about how touched the kids were to hear those words. Just the personalizing of those words really touched the kids.....we here did a similar thing....saying Jesus cares for Rachel. The kids here reacted the same way with smiles, those words really meant alot to hear those simile powerful words....Jesus loves the little children. <3

 

I also saw the boys rolling toy cars down this ramp....my boys would have been right there. There is a language barrier and different country but kids are kids...love to play and laugh.

 

I also met my little girl, Madelyn, today. sweet shy little girl....I knew her as soon as I saw her. I walked up to her and a translator told her who I was and she wrapped her arms around me. My heart melted. It was beautiful. When it was time for her to leave, it felt the same as when I have to drop my own children off. How could I feel so connected after just one day.....It was a blessing. I hope to see her again this week but  look forward to writing.

 

Thank you

Patricia

At Chicago O'Hare

We're going through security on Chicago. Mark Yordy from Escanaba, who is going on his 3rd Mission of Mercy trip, tells me he is is really looking forward to meeting his sponsored child. He Just sponsored her!

Mark also said he's looking forward to harassing the team leader...ME. ;0) (there's one in every crowd!!!)

It starts tonight!!!

I just got finished with my UWGB classes. Now off to get something to eat before I go to pick up Chrissy. We go to meet the bus at 11:15 tonight. I remember back in Feburary when I told Sary, you know I might go on that mission trip this year and now tonight I am leaving. I feel so humble at the chance I have been given to go. I cant wait to be able to love the kids we will meet there and show them Christ. One of the kids is my sponsered child. I am excited to meet my little girl. Thank you Lord for these blessings. <3

 

Patricia