Honduras 2007

Retreat at Camp Bagope

There were roughly 40 students from grades 9 through 12 that attended the weekend long retreat. The weekend consisted of many games & activities designed to bring about team spirit and unification as well as point to the theme "more than conquerors". Four messages were preached over the weekend - from what we could tell, two young men came to Christ and possibly one young man feels called to preach. Many other testimonies were given concerning living a life that shows Jesus in everything. Certainly is exciting to be a part of what the Lord is doing in the hearts of people all around the world - I realize it is not in me to change hearts and transform lives, but the Lord does allow me to be a mouth piece. Over the last couple months I have had the privilege of preaching and teaching God's word all over the world and remain fascinated and stunned at how the Lord works using simple people, like me!

Spiritual Emphasis Week

After the retreat, the school follows up with a spiritual emphasis week which includes 3 chapels for different age groups. I decided to preach/teach from the book of 1 John. A book that discusses much about knowing God in truth and how to truly understand if we are living a lie or actually living the Christian life. As with most teenagers, it is hard to know if the words spoken actually penetrated the peer pressure and clouded thinking so stereotypical in youth. I do believe the Lord again used these words to challenge all of us to truly examine ourselves to see if we are walking in the light or walking in the darkness.

Teachers, friends, family, and students

This was my second trip to Honduras. Last year I made some lasting friendships and was excited to renew those friendships as well as develop new one's. Pinares has a lot of new teachers on a year to year basis - this year, I was able to again develop new friendships. Students are always fun to see again - especially after one year, many have grown and mature right in front of our eyes. Family, the Laparra's may be one of the greatest families I know. Their love and hospitality is true and sincere. I honestly don't know of another family that I would want to spend so much time with. This all leads me to again realize the unity in the body of Christ extends far beyond my previous understanding.

Heading out again

This year has been quite busy - from Zambia, to China, and now to Honduras. I will be in Honduras working with brother Laparra from March 7th until the 22nd. The intent is to minister to the youth through a retreat getaway as well as through a spiritual emphasis week. Obviously this presents a great opportunity for the Lord to work mightily and truly transform lives.

I will travel with two others from my Church (Andy and his wife Darline). Andy and his wife will be teaching the Scripture to the elementary children while I minister to the high school age kids. We would ask you to pray for the Lord's hand to be upon the time we have in Honduras. We are never quite sure what to expect going into these things, but we do expect great things from God! This year has been off to a quick start - we truly desire just want to be a part of what the Lord is doing all over this world!


"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."
-- Charles Spurgeon

China

Our brief visit to China was quite overwhelming. China has a vast culture and although the country is officially non-religious, many stripes of 'religion' are found throughout. We spent time at prayer meetings, Bible studies, and our main focus - the winter retreat in Goungzhou. The trip was different than expected - very little time was spent with actual Chinese people. Instead, this mission was more designed to encourage the current foreign believers in China to help shine the Light of the Gospel through the darkness of this age.

One common thread spoken of throughout China is "luck". If there be one god everyone in China lives for it is the god of luck. We had the opportunity to visit the Guang Xiao Chan Si temple. In this temple people were lined up in front of all sorts of idols waving incense and distributing gifts at the feet of these deaf and dumb idols - all in an attempt to increase their "luck" for the upcoming year.

Surely the Christian Church in China is growing - but the difficulties and barriers ahead of it are quite monumental. It will only be through the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that this nation will turn from its wicked ways and embrace the Truth of Jesus Christ. Please pray for God's power to be evidenced in the life of believers in China!