HONDURAS MISSION TRIP

October 12 – October 17 • 2023

Karla

When Pastor Karla was 9 years-old (the same age as Leah) – God placed a burden on her heart to help the homeless. Especially children. Years later, she is seeing that calling come to life in a major way. Karla became connected with Coreluv and her father donated over 30 acres of land to become the future home of an orphan village in Honduras. This is the very land where Karla grew up and you can see the original house in this picture. Recently the cabins, kitchen, and pavilion have been added. Electricity has been run. And water from the mountains has been routed to the camp (which means cold showers). The donated land is in the shape of a heart.

Our first full day we were able to walk throughout the property and pray over the land in anticipation of what God will do in the future.

Here we paused under a fig tree to pray together, share scripture, and dream.

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

– Jeremiah 29:11

Steve invited to preach

When Pastor Karla found out that Steve was a Pastor, she asked him to share the message that evening. So with about 5 hours of preparation, Steve put together a message.

It was a humbling experience to participate in their church service. The genuine worship was inspiring. Their church family was hungry for God. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t showy. It was all heart.

We felt as if we left more blessed by what we experienced that what we were able to contribute.

Visiting the School

We were invited to a school with about 30 teens where we had the opportunity to share a Bible lesson.

Our group shared the story of Lazarus and talked about how Lazarus must have felt being in the tomb with his hands, feet, and head wrapped in bandages. We helped the kids consider what things might be holding them back. Jesus removed Lazarus’ bandages and gave him new life, and he can do the same for us.

Leah did an excellent job playing the part of Lazarus and even felt God speak to her to calm her fear and tell her she’s doing a good job ministering to these kids.

Pastor Gamboa’s Story

Pastor Gamboa shared how God called him to Honduras and the amazing things he and his family are doing in Cedros.

Following the outreach event for the teens we were able to see where Pastor Gambora provides a feeding center once a week for area kids as well as discipling.

We had a time of prayer and here you see Alexander praying over Pastor Gambora.

Pastor Gamboa’s Story

Pastor Gamboa shared how God called him to Honduras and the amazing things he and his family are doing in Cedros.

Following the outreach event for the teens we were able to see where Pastor Gambora provides a feeding center once a week for area kids as well as discipling.

We had a time of prayer and here you see Alexander praying over Pastor Gambora.

Sunday Morning is for Kids!

Pastor Chui made the bold decision to move his adult church services to Friday or Saturday evenings and go all in on reaching kids on Sunday mornings! (I love his heart for kids)

We were invited to share the Bible Story and Leah suggested Noah’s Ark. The team created an Ark out of cardboard and designed an engaging lesson for the kids.

Leah read the Noah’s ark story and Pastor Karla interpreted. Then the children created their own ark out of clay and put a clay figure of themselves into the ark, representing joining God’s family.

Food + Laughter

After the service, kids were invited behind the church to enjoy a delicious meal.

Our group totally enjoyed this time to serve and connect with the kids. The tables were full of laughter as we played games, passed out stickers, and loved on the kiddos.

The kids loved some interactive games as Ben broke out his miniature frisbee to play catch and Steve had the kids completely engaged in an impromptu game of playing catch with his magic finger.

Tegucigalpa

Our last evening we drove into Tegucigalpa and checked into our hotel. The accommodations were a welcome treat with spacious rooms, hot showers, and a beautiful pool.

That evening we headed to El Picachu, which stands atop a mountain where the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks the city. The statue was surrounded by a beautiful park. At one point we could see the old airport runway strip lit up that provided a dangerous landing approach.

We witnessed an exciting moment with team member Joshua proposed to his girlfriend Brandi at the feet of Jesus. Our entire team was in on it and helped distract Brandi until we had everything in place.