Continuing the voyage…..

One of the coolest things about being here in Honduras is getting to meet all of the people who are giving, loving and serving…..just as our Creator has instructed us to do.  One of those couples are Jason and Sarah Furrow who are the directors of Give Hope 2 Kids in the Urraco and Rio Viejo area of Honduras.  Their project is located about an hour up the mountain from where we are here in La Ceiba.  We had the opportunity last week to go up and see what they have going on.  In December, they were blessed with 100 acres to begin building children’s homes that will house the orphaned, abandoned and abused children that live in and around their area.  On this same property, they have many fruit trees and timber that will one day be harvested to provide a sustainable income for their work.  They began building the first home in March and now have four buildings nearly completed that are only lacking roofs.  They are definitely running the race and putting their faith into action. 

While there, we also visited a Christian high school, Instituto El Rey,  that allows young people the opportunity to obtain an education greater than the sixth grade.  This is a great opportunity in this mountainous area, as most children in Honduras only receive a sixth grade education, if any at all.  We also met Dr. Martin and Wendy Williams with Healing Hands Ministries.  We were able to tour the hospital and the nearly completed volunteer dorms that are being constructed on their property.  This ministry provides health care and health education for the people of this area, which includes about 30 different villages.  We weren’t able to spend much time here, but are hoping to get the chance to go back up and see how VOH might assist with this ministry.

You are looking at another interesting creation that lives in Honduras called a Weaver Bird.  Of course, I don’t know the “real” name for this guy, but if you notice to the right is how he gets his name.  This bird actually builds (weaves) its nest to hang from a branch.  If you’re like me, you’re looking for the hole in the center for the entrance.  You won’t find it, because this bird actually flies in from the top.  It seems the weaver bird is just one more of the many unique creatures here in Honduras.  Sorry the picture is a bit fuzzy…the fuzz is the rain that was falling while we were visiting.  It was a great reminder that Gods creation reflects His splendor and wonder.  It’s awesome to know that God delights in our uniqueness!

These two little fellas were just a couple of the 27 children that live in La Ermita near Talanga in the orphanage of Helping Hands Ministries we visited last week.  Bobby and Juanita Gibson are the directors of this ministry and have a great heart for helping children who need love and support in a place that has left them with none.  The Gibson’s and their family who live nearby work and serve the children of Helping Hands.  We had a great time sharing with Bobby and listening to all his wisdom from serving here for over 8 years.  It is certainly a joy to see those who are literally investing their lives here for the sake of others.  You can’t hang out with these kids for long and not just want to take them all home with you!  The great thing is that we left there knowing that these children are exposed to the love of Christ daily, and that their lives are enriched far beyond what their circumstances would have ever allowed because of people who said “YES Lord, I will go.”  Wherever you are, don’t be afraid to say these words to the Lord.  You will be blessed and you will surely be a blessing!

We returned to La Ceiba very late on Saturday evening to get some rest, wash some clothes and prepare for another week of business.  On Sunday evening we went to church at, the Evangelical Church of Intercession, which is the home church of our teacher, Oscar, where Grant led worship in Spanish as Oscar played the keyboard for him.  It is such a joy to see how the Lord is using Oscar and opening doors for him to be able to minister to others as he grows closer to the Lord and His calling.  We are so blessed and thankful that we have been allowed to be a part of Oscar’s journey.

Last night we were invited to dinner at our neighbors house, Mike and Erin Pettengill and their daughter, Madison.  Erin is a pediatric nurse and Mike is a church planter and youth worker.  They have come to serve the people of Honduras with Mission to the World by providing medical mercy ministry, church planting, disaster relief and children’s ministry.  They have hit the ground running as they have just moved into their home and have a team arriving next week to do some mission work in a nearby village called Armenia Bonito.  We had such a wonderful time visiting with this family as well as their guest, Anne Boyd, who has come to help them prepare for the upcoming team.  After dinner, Erin pulled out her keyboard and Grant led everyone in some worship songs and Mike shared some scripture from the Word.  Everyday we stand in amazement at how the Lord orchestrates our every step.  We are thankful that He is our leader and humbled that He allows us to serve Him in such a special way.

Last week while we were visiting other parts of Honduras, the second floor of our school caught on fire.  The second floor was a total loss and the first floor sustained electrical and water damage.  So, the school has now moved into a house in the Colonial El Sauce area which is about eight blocks from the original school. This is our last week of Spanish language classes as we wind down our time here in Honduras.  We are headed back to Trujillo this afternoon to visit some of the folks and places that we didn’t get to visit on the last trip.  We will return on Sunday evening and prepare for another full week of last chance visits, meetings and goodbyes.

As always, we covet your prayers for our travels, protection, direction and the hearts of the people here.  We couldn’t do any of this without all of your continued support of us and the work He has called us to.  Thanks so much for your continued words of love, support and encouragement.  You have no idea how much fuel it is for us when our tanks are empty.  We praise God for you!