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

Departure Day!

Today is the day that our team leaves for Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  We’ll meet a little after 11pm to load a Babler Bus on an overnight journey to O’Hare International to catch our 5:45am American Airlines flight to Miami.  At MIA, we’ll have a quick 55-minute layover before boarding our flight to Toncontin International Airport in Teguc! 

Our team is made up of several first time international fliers – but, includes a few of us who have been there in the past, including Marty, who lived there while in the Peace Corps.  He’ll be helpful!

I can’t wait to see how God uses us in the lives of those we meet…AND, how He touches US!  Watch here for regular blogs from the trip!  (BTW- the picture is a bracelet I got on my 2007 visit to Honduras – also with Mission of Mercy)

- Dave Gordon