Trip Recap

The Good News continues to spread.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is alive and well.  That is probably the most fitting recap of the week.

• Saturday - Travel day.  Safe and on time. A welcome 'concert' by the kids.
• Sunday - Two worship services. One baptism. The Word of God being preached!
• Monday - VBS.  Playground time with the foundation kids!  (and ice cream!)  :)
• Tuesday - VBS.  A visit to the new Lutheran Church property and the Christ statue at Cane.
• Wednesday - VBS at two locations.  A live interview on Tegucigalpa news at noon.
• Thursday - VBS.  Meeting with the Governor of La Paz. Another program and concert by the kids.
• Friday - A visit to the Hot Springs.  A wedding! (and dancing)  :)
• Saturday - Travel day.  Safe and home!

All week long:

• Great meals from the foundation and Pastor & Rosa Martinez
• Many times of prayer.
• A lot of hugs from the kids.
• Sweeping.  Watering.  Cleaning.  Cooking.  Cold showers.
• Fresh picked bananas and oranges from the coffee farm.
• Conversations.  Relationships.  Sharing the love of Christ.

The people of Honduras work, live, love and struggle just like those of us in the U.S.  Yes, there are many differences in culture, education, finances, language, ..... but Christ is still the same.  He gives hope to each of us.  The Lord provides all that we need in this life.  It is so fantastic to live the daily adventure that He gives us.  

Photos from the week

Haven't been to Honduras?  Email, call, or chat with any of us in Kentucky, Georgia or Florida about the next opportunity to go.

Day 4 VBS, the Governor, and celebrations

Thursday was another event filled day here in La Paz.  Another good group of kids at Mision Luterana for VBS.  At the end of the VBS, each child received a backpack with some school supplies and some candy.  It's fun to see now many kids in town wearing a Thrivent Live Generously as we walk around.

In the afternoon, we began decorating for the Friday wedding of Consuelo and Gabriel (past residents at the Children of Love Foundation).  The place is looking good!  The Governor of La Paz stopped by for a visit in the afternoon.  He was presented with a wheelchair, some medical supplies and is working on getting a scholarship for Josue in college.  

We then had some time with Woody and Linda (from Faith Lutheran in Viera FL) for supper along with Pastor Martinez and his family.  There are so many needs in Honduras and it is good to see how many different groups are helping.  Spreading the Good News and helping with the schools can have such an impact in the lives of these people.  Woody has been working in Honduras to help for more than 20 years.

 In the evening, the children present a short program telling the story of the lost sheep.  They always do a fantastic job with their singing and actions it is fun to watch.  They also helped to celebrate Rich's birthday and the they were given new backpacks with school supplies and more.

They in turn provided us with some homemade hearts, notes, and coffee as a thank you.  It's always an amazing time of fun at the foundation!

Check out more pictures in the album!

Day 3 VBS @ Mision Luterana (and Tegucigalpa) and more

Our group went different directions today.  John and Jose headed to Tegucigalpa to hold a quick VBS with the kids at Tulio's church in Comoyaguela. 

The main group held VBS at Pastor Martinez's new home in La Paz.  Pastor was able to cover the back yard space so that we had shade and projection for the slides.  It worked out great.  It was a fantastic group of kids and our time at the park was filled with soccer, swings and jump roping!  Pastor and Rosa prepared a delicious lunch for everyone at the end of VBS.


A very special item on the agenda today was a live interview on the Tegucigalpa news!  Jose was interviewed about the Lutheran church and their work in Honduras!  We pray that the message of the gospel continues to grow through this broadcast.  (I will put a link here once we find it online.)

Have a great day in Christ!

Tuesday VBS

Day 2 of the Children of Love VBS meant more kids!!!  They were more energetic today which was great for music.  They got to use glue today in the craft and learned about how important the true Water of Life is.  God gave the people of Israel water from a rock when they wandered in the wilderness and then provided Christ as the Water that gives eternal life to all of us.

The children all received a Thrivent t-shirt today along with a notebook, some school supplies and a snack.  We pray that they all left with the message of Jesus Christ in their hearts.

This afternoon, we were able to go visit the site of the new Lutheran Church in La Paz.  The shell of the house is complete while we wait for funds to complete it. 

We then took a quick side trip to the town of Kane, La Paz to see the Christ statue and enjoy a little ice cream.  :)

Thanks to many donations, the children all received socks, new shorts and pants and school supplies today as well.  Tomorrow we are going to accomplish many things:  VBS at Mision Luterana with Pastor Martinez, a one day VBS with Tulio in Tegucigalpa and a live interview on Tegucigalpa news at noon!  Pray that we can accomplish all of this.

Please pray also for the safe arrival of Paula tomorrow and two members who will need to return home tomorrow.  The Lord is providing for us and we thank you for following along with us.

Monday VBS

Monday morning brought another beautiful day in La Paz.  The kids and staff were up early getting things ready for us and for visitors.  Breakfast was french toast, honey, juice and coffee.  The kids were sweeping and watering plants before many of us were awake.

 

About 10 am, kids started arriving.  We began VBS with some songs and then split up into groups for story time, crafts, games and singing.  With the late arrivals, there ended up being more than 110 kids here. 

 The afternoon brought a quick nap before a walk to the park.  We had a great game of soccer with kids from La Paz and followed that up with some ice cream.  The Lord gives us all so many opportunities to share His love with others!  Make the most of sharing the message of Christ every day.  More pictures on the album!

Sunday in La Paz

It was an absolutely beautiful day in La Paz.  In the morning, Rev. John led worship at the Children of Love Foundation with a message about being fishers of men.  The chapel was full and the singing was great.  Jose led songs on guitar and there was plenty as we waited about 40 minutes for everyone to arrive.  :)

The baptism of Jose Gabriel was a great moment.  To see another child enter into the kingdom is a special time and knowing that both mom Consuelo and dad Gabriel learned about Jesus through their time living at the Foundation made it even more special.

In the afternoon, we had a little time to walk through the market before heading to Mision Luterana.  Pastor Martinez and Rosa greeted us and the worshippers with joy. It is very snug worshipping in their new home but a service filled with the message of Christ.  They grilled pork for dinner along with rice and some delicious tomato salad.  

There are many more pictures of our activities in the album so please look there for more.  We love playing with the children, learning more Espanol and teaching them a little English along the way.  Keep praying for all of the people in this place so that we can share the love of Jesus and they are receptive to hearing. Check in tomorrow!

Arrived safely in La Paz

We all arrived safely in La Paz about 4 pm today.  The children met us and sang God Bless America for us!    We have been able to settle in our rooms and a delicious dinner of tacos, slaw, and tomatoes with melon juice and coffee.

View pictures of the trip   (Album is updated daily so please check back!

VBS Mission Trip

Thirteen people from 3 states (Georgia, Kentucky, Florida) are flying to Tegucigalpa Honduras today.  We will be worshipping with children at the Children of Love Foundation and the Mision Luterana tomorrow before holding a two day VBS at each location.

Please pray for safe travel and a time of sharing the love of Christ with the people of Honduras.

Pray for Doris, Ann, Beth, Bethany, Darlene, Jasmine, John, Jose, Kristin, Lindsey, Renee, Rich, Steve, Sue and Paula!