What a trip! Today we hop on a plane and reunite with our families. I think we are ready, mostly. A couple of our teens wish for another week, I think. But not this time. We came with 18 and we leave with 18. One unnamed Elder gave me this warning: 'if something happens to my daughter, you might as well not come back.' Not too hard to figure out who that is!
Unfortunately we have had some sickness. Some sort of virus that hits with a vengeance, leaves one aching and sleeping for hours. Roughly 33% of us had fun with this pestilence!
There is a really neat story that needs to be told. We had about 2400$ left in our work fund and decided to use it in a unique way. We asked the 7 teens among us to think and pray about what they thought would be the best use of it. Interestingly enough, all 7 came up with something different; they chose to support a need that had touched them while here. Here is a list of what they chose to support.
Matthew sponsored an 8 year old girl at Casa named Cindy.
Logan sponsored an 8 year old boy at Casa named Jose.
Emily Evans gave her money to buy school supplies for kids in a very poor neighborhood.
Emily Chaffin chose to help a worker at Casa and her baby who recently lost her husband in a hit and run accident.
Andrew chose to support the feeding work at the dump.
Cassie gave her money to the Mi Esperanza program for women.
Janae bought diapers for the babies in the Neonatal unit in the poor hospital in Teguc.
Isn't that so cool? It shows how God works in different and unique ways among all of us. All of these young people deserve our respect and appreciation for the way they have given themselves to the work while here.
Well...there are many more stories to tell and plenty of time to tell them. Thanks for your prayers and support. We'll see some of you tonight and the rest of you in a few days.
Grace and Peace,
Billy
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Seeing Jesus
We (Marc and I) and you (Columbus Church of Christ), in the last 13 years have done a lot of life together. A lot of life. Giving and receiving on both ends. The good. The bad. The ugly. The beautiful. The unthinkable. We have shared births, baptisms, weddings, graduations. We have shared illnesses, surgeries and deaths. We have traveled together to Honduras and California. To Sonquest and Winterfest. And other places as well. We have shared hot Krispy Kremes and Chik-Fil-A. Mi Toro, Pepper's and Proffit's Porch. We have eaten in your homes and you in ours.
We have dried each others tears and held hands in prayer. We have worked together and laughed together. Built and sold bird houses together. You have counseled us and our children. The list would be endless if I chose to recall all the things we have shared.
You began the journey with us to Honduras in 1981. You prayed for us and asked the hard questions as we decided to make this our full time work. You love us and pray for us and encourage us. You make being on a foreign field much easier. We could not ask for better partners.
Every night in devo we are asked where we saw Jesus today. I see Jesus in every single one of you every single time I am privileged to be with you.
Thank you to the eighteen people that just spent another great week in Honduras. Thanks to you that raised the money to send them and thanks to you who prayed for the success of this week. Your prayers were answered.
I pray that you continue to let others see Jesus in you.
I love y'all.
Terri Tindall
We have dried each others tears and held hands in prayer. We have worked together and laughed together. Built and sold bird houses together. You have counseled us and our children. The list would be endless if I chose to recall all the things we have shared.
You began the journey with us to Honduras in 1981. You prayed for us and asked the hard questions as we decided to make this our full time work. You love us and pray for us and encourage us. You make being on a foreign field much easier. We could not ask for better partners.
Every night in devo we are asked where we saw Jesus today. I see Jesus in every single one of you every single time I am privileged to be with you.
Thank you to the eighteen people that just spent another great week in Honduras. Thanks to you that raised the money to send them and thanks to you who prayed for the success of this week. Your prayers were answered.
I pray that you continue to let others see Jesus in you.
I love y'all.
Terri Tindall
Saturday, June 26, 2010
End of the Week.
I'm so sad to say that this week is coming to a close. It's been so amazing and such a life-changer for me. The first couple of days were kind of rocky for me, because I didn't know what to expect really even though I'd been here before, but the days to follow that were some of the best memories I'll ever have...from the fun van rides to building to spending time with kids in the hospital. Wednesday was probably my favorite though, we went to Casa de Esperanza and I bonded with an awesome 8 year old kid named Jose and we had a blast, I taught him to say rock on in english and we jumped on the trampoline. He's me as an eight year old. And tomorrow I get to tell him face to face that we're going to be brothers, because I'm sponsoring him. So I'm very excited for that. Even though I'm not ready to leave some of the awesome people I've met, I am very ready to see my mom, Ally, and Cale. Thanks for all the prayers, they've all helped tremendously and I'm so ready to see everyone.
Thanks,
Logan.
Thanks,
Logan.
Saturday
Wow...can't believe it's Saturday already. It started raining last night and never let up. Not sure if the two houses we were going to build are going to get built today. Yesterday was a neat day, however. We went to the market (picture the farmers market in Columbus and multiply that by about 250). We divided up into several groups and bought carrots, cabbages, onions, potashtes (not potatoes), oranges, cucumbers, mangoes, chayotes (yes, that's spelled right) and added rice and beans. We took all of that, divided it up into individual bags and took them to a community near the dump and distributed them. Each bag was given with the words, 'en el nombre de Jesus',
which means 'in the name of Jesus'.
Imagine wondering where the days food was going to come from and praying that God would provide and seeing a bunch of gringos walking up the mountain with bags of food. And then they come to your house. There were many smiles! We also gave away lots of clothes out of the back of pickup trucks. The entire community showed up to benefit from the organizational genius that is Edna Cole.
Last night Earl Arndt shared an awesome devotional. We were moved to tears and most had their feet washed by various members of the group as we talked about Jesus showing "the extent of his love" (see John 13). Very moving.
A special thanks to the people who gave us financial blessings to allow us to enjoy this experience. Thanks to our anonymous donor of 6,000$. I believe much good has been done.
To our families, we miss and love you.
Grace and Peace,
Billy
which means 'in the name of Jesus'.
Imagine wondering where the days food was going to come from and praying that God would provide and seeing a bunch of gringos walking up the mountain with bags of food. And then they come to your house. There were many smiles! We also gave away lots of clothes out of the back of pickup trucks. The entire community showed up to benefit from the organizational genius that is Edna Cole.
Last night Earl Arndt shared an awesome devotional. We were moved to tears and most had their feet washed by various members of the group as we talked about Jesus showing "the extent of his love" (see John 13). Very moving.
A special thanks to the people who gave us financial blessings to allow us to enjoy this experience. Thanks to our anonymous donor of 6,000$. I believe much good has been done.
To our families, we miss and love you.
Grace and Peace,
Billy
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rainbows and mountaintops
Nuevo Oriental (New Orient) Is a mountain we've visited several times over the years that have come to this country. There have been many improvements on the mountain. Some of the homes that were previously constructed of would are now built of cement. It's a good feeling to see life improving. I love building homes for people. To finish the day knowing that a family will be sleeping under a roof who hadn't had one the day before brings a real sense of accomplishment. There are so many people who have desperate needs that every gift and blessing feels like a tiny drop into a dry ocean. But when you build a home there is a fountain of blessing. As the family entered their new home tears spilled across their cheeks. They wouldn't spend another night as a family of three full sized people cramped inside an abandoned compact car. God is good.
Probably the most difficult part of the trip for me has been a clothing drive. We piled clothing in heaps on tables and waited. multitudes of people gathered around the building we were nestled in. Brown faces with bright eyes peered through a window betraying their excitement about what was to come. All I felt was anxiety. I knew we wouldn't have enough. I knew they'd get one article of clothing that wouldn't fit. I knew I wouldn't wear half of the things they'd be given. I knew, as one of the few spanish speakers, I'd be one of the ones having to tell them we didn't have any clothes for their babies. It was hard and it hurt, but families went home with clothes and God is good.
With raw emotion and dissatisfaction barely beneath the surface we road to a mountain top whose centerpiece was a cross consructed of junk car parts. As I stood before the cross staring at a vast canvas of greens and blues, the knots began to loosen in my stomach. Several of us started to lift our voices to the creator. "The poor you will always have with you." A cylinder of rain obscured a section of the country. The very place, in fact, that our mission house rested. Sunlight continued to blanket us. Low laying clouds wrapped themselves around us and, very slowly, an inch at a time. A rainbow began to materialize before us. The bluest cloud I've ever seen floated on the horizon. We watched the multicolored band stretch into the heavens. It was just what I needed. God is good.
Probably the most difficult part of the trip for me has been a clothing drive. We piled clothing in heaps on tables and waited. multitudes of people gathered around the building we were nestled in. Brown faces with bright eyes peered through a window betraying their excitement about what was to come. All I felt was anxiety. I knew we wouldn't have enough. I knew they'd get one article of clothing that wouldn't fit. I knew I wouldn't wear half of the things they'd be given. I knew, as one of the few spanish speakers, I'd be one of the ones having to tell them we didn't have any clothes for their babies. It was hard and it hurt, but families went home with clothes and God is good.
With raw emotion and dissatisfaction barely beneath the surface we road to a mountain top whose centerpiece was a cross consructed of junk car parts. As I stood before the cross staring at a vast canvas of greens and blues, the knots began to loosen in my stomach. Several of us started to lift our voices to the creator. "The poor you will always have with you." A cylinder of rain obscured a section of the country. The very place, in fact, that our mission house rested. Sunlight continued to blanket us. Low laying clouds wrapped themselves around us and, very slowly, an inch at a time. A rainbow began to materialize before us. The bluest cloud I've ever seen floated on the horizon. We watched the multicolored band stretch into the heavens. It was just what I needed. God is good.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
amazing week in honduras!
This week has been absolutely amazing, I am so excited to be here. We only have a few days left but im prepared to put my all into it.
The dump was the most unbelievable and unforgettable place i have visited in all my life. The smell was horrible, and i felt so hopeless and confused. I didnt know what i could do to even help, it made me miserable. I cant imagine in my worst dreams having to dig through 4 or 5 feet of garbage that had the worst stench for just a couple of dollars. It wasnt a very pleasant place to be. It was very uncomfortable.
The hospital escuela was very emotional but it made me feel good to see the smiles of the little kids we sat with, and played with. Their faces seemed to brighten up just as we would walk in the room. It was a great experience, I got alot out of it. I asked every child i talked to, como estas? (how are you) and EVERY kid said bien!. which means good. Im glad we could make their day by just talking to them and spending time with them and maybe giving them a toy or two.
Casa de esperanza is a childrens home located on one of the mountains we've been working on. This place in fact has been my favorite so far. The first day we went I didnt really do much, I talked to a few kids and thats it. Yesterday we went for a second time, and it was amazing. I met this little girl named Cindy and she is 8 years old. She pretty much dragged me around everywhere. I made a very good connection with her, She reminds me of my little sister Ally, who i miss VERY much. I get sad when i think about Cindy because we're leaving in a few days and i probably wont see her for another year or two. On a brighter note she wanted to take several pictures of me and her, so i'll be able to keep one at home! And when we print them off im going to send them to her via mail. These kids have stolen my heart, and i can honestly say, they will be the hardest part about leaving. Im so excited because we get to go back one more time before we leave! yay!
Once again, This week has been a real life changer for me and several other amigos on this trip. I plan to come back whenever we can. And i STRONGLY encourage everyone to attend the next trip taken to honduras, it will give you a new look on life. I miss my mom and ally so much, but if you can leave your family for 8 days then you should, without a doubt come along on the next trip. Well its getting pretty late and I gotta be up by 7;15, ugh! so i hope everyone back home is having a good week, and not missing me too much;) haha just kidding. see yall soon!
Matthew Ferguson
The dump was the most unbelievable and unforgettable place i have visited in all my life. The smell was horrible, and i felt so hopeless and confused. I didnt know what i could do to even help, it made me miserable. I cant imagine in my worst dreams having to dig through 4 or 5 feet of garbage that had the worst stench for just a couple of dollars. It wasnt a very pleasant place to be. It was very uncomfortable.
The hospital escuela was very emotional but it made me feel good to see the smiles of the little kids we sat with, and played with. Their faces seemed to brighten up just as we would walk in the room. It was a great experience, I got alot out of it. I asked every child i talked to, como estas? (how are you) and EVERY kid said bien!. which means good. Im glad we could make their day by just talking to them and spending time with them and maybe giving them a toy or two.
Casa de esperanza is a childrens home located on one of the mountains we've been working on. This place in fact has been my favorite so far. The first day we went I didnt really do much, I talked to a few kids and thats it. Yesterday we went for a second time, and it was amazing. I met this little girl named Cindy and she is 8 years old. She pretty much dragged me around everywhere. I made a very good connection with her, She reminds me of my little sister Ally, who i miss VERY much. I get sad when i think about Cindy because we're leaving in a few days and i probably wont see her for another year or two. On a brighter note she wanted to take several pictures of me and her, so i'll be able to keep one at home! And when we print them off im going to send them to her via mail. These kids have stolen my heart, and i can honestly say, they will be the hardest part about leaving. Im so excited because we get to go back one more time before we leave! yay!
Once again, This week has been a real life changer for me and several other amigos on this trip. I plan to come back whenever we can. And i STRONGLY encourage everyone to attend the next trip taken to honduras, it will give you a new look on life. I miss my mom and ally so much, but if you can leave your family for 8 days then you should, without a doubt come along on the next trip. Well its getting pretty late and I gotta be up by 7;15, ugh! so i hope everyone back home is having a good week, and not missing me too much;) haha just kidding. see yall soon!
Matthew Ferguson
Surrounded By the Beauty of God's Creation
This is Matt saying "Hola from Honduras!" God's beauty has truly surrounded us here in Honduras, both in the mountains that surround this place and the people that we have encountered that live here. The last two days for me have truly been the best. When we got into Tegucigalpa I think I had overprepared myself for what I would see to the point that my heart was a little hardened. But as the last few days have passed, God has really broken me down and really allowed me to see with a humble heart all the suffering and poverty that seems to be everywhere here. Yesterday was my second visit to "The Dump" and I was completely overwhelmed. There were 5 times as many people there compared to Monday. Never in my life have I encountered such physically filthy people. On Monday I honestly was afraid to touch them, but yesterday I felt compelled to make physical contact with them by shaking their hands touching them as we prayed over them. I felt like I needed to know how dirty they were and to empathize with them in someway. I felt helpless as I watched hundreds of people stand in line for what, for many, could be their only real meal for the next few days. We ran out of water before everyone got some, I couldn't communicate with them other than a few Spanish phrases and I knew that in an hour or so I would be leaving them. Regardless I saw Jesus in those people, because I thought back to what Jesus said about serving him by serving the least of his people, and those people were about as least of these as you can get. The truck that we were in actually splashed through the mud in "The Dump" which meant we carried it with us when we left and smelled it while in traffic for 2+ hours, and I was glad because it was a constant reminder of the people who suffer every day to make a few bucks, and that is an experience I never want to forget.
Today we built a house for a family that had been living in a car and to see the tears in the mother's eyes after we finished really reminded us of the good work that we came here to do. That we didn't come here for ourselves but to serve those that are in need, and have no one else to help them. I also made a new friend named Guardo, a ten year old boy who lived in the community in which we built a house and fed and clothed people. I gave Guardo a gift and he was so grateful and he clung to me the rest of our time there, helping me learn some Spanish, asking me about my family, and showing me where his house was. We were also able to play soccer with about 5 kids who were all really good. We played on what was basically a gravel field on the edge of a cliff surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains you'll ever see. The gravel doesn't feel too well, as I experienced, when I bit the dust and rolled about 3 times while playing soccer.
This evening we were able to go up a mountain to see a cross made out of scrap metal and see one of the most amazing views I have ever seen. In one scene we saw sunshine, rain, and a gigantic cloud that was about to engulf us. And as we were leaving we saw two awesome rainbows forming in the middle of all of it. Those are things you just don't see back in Mississippi.
My Spanish has gotten slightly better while here, from no Spanish at all to terrible Spanish, which is better than nothing at all. I can at least ask a few questions and understand about a tenth of what they say back to me, but I've learned that people understand when you are loving them by serving them and that's better than anything you can say to them in their own language. I've also gotten to serve alongside some Honduran people who I can say are now my friends. This has been an amazing week and while I would stay a few more weeks if I could, I can't wait to get back home and share this experience with my friends and family.
Love all of you and I'll see ya when I get back.
Matt
Today we built a house for a family that had been living in a car and to see the tears in the mother's eyes after we finished really reminded us of the good work that we came here to do. That we didn't come here for ourselves but to serve those that are in need, and have no one else to help them. I also made a new friend named Guardo, a ten year old boy who lived in the community in which we built a house and fed and clothed people. I gave Guardo a gift and he was so grateful and he clung to me the rest of our time there, helping me learn some Spanish, asking me about my family, and showing me where his house was. We were also able to play soccer with about 5 kids who were all really good. We played on what was basically a gravel field on the edge of a cliff surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains you'll ever see. The gravel doesn't feel too well, as I experienced, when I bit the dust and rolled about 3 times while playing soccer.
This evening we were able to go up a mountain to see a cross made out of scrap metal and see one of the most amazing views I have ever seen. In one scene we saw sunshine, rain, and a gigantic cloud that was about to engulf us. And as we were leaving we saw two awesome rainbows forming in the middle of all of it. Those are things you just don't see back in Mississippi.
My Spanish has gotten slightly better while here, from no Spanish at all to terrible Spanish, which is better than nothing at all. I can at least ask a few questions and understand about a tenth of what they say back to me, but I've learned that people understand when you are loving them by serving them and that's better than anything you can say to them in their own language. I've also gotten to serve alongside some Honduran people who I can say are now my friends. This has been an amazing week and while I would stay a few more weeks if I could, I can't wait to get back home and share this experience with my friends and family.
Love all of you and I'll see ya when I get back.
Matt
Es o es que yo dije
Hello all. We have had an awesome week. No way on God's earth I can explain in a simple blog paragraph all the things we have experienced here. There are no words to describe the joy felt when you see a single mother with her children stepping into their new home. We have built 3 already. We dedicated one to Ray Wood & another to Loyd & Sara Yates. I'm sorry I wasn't at the other so I'm not sure who it was built in honor of.
I will say only two things about "the dump". First of all, all capacity to complain about ANYTHING goes to zero when you see the place. Secondly I felt as close to God leading worship there than I have felt anyplace I can remember.
Miss all my girls. Can't wait to see everyone & make a feeble attempt to convey to everyone the experience. Love and Grace.- Bruce
I will say only two things about "the dump". First of all, all capacity to complain about ANYTHING goes to zero when you see the place. Secondly I felt as close to God leading worship there than I have felt anyplace I can remember.
Miss all my girls. Can't wait to see everyone & make a feeble attempt to convey to everyone the experience. Love and Grace.- Bruce
Finally Here!
After three years of cancelled trips, I could not have been more excited to finally get back to my home away from home. God is doing so many wonderful things through us. The children are just as wonderful as I remember. I have made so many new and wonderful friends. Overall, it has been just an amazing experience. Casa de Esperanza has been my favorite part so far, but I know that God has so much more work left to do through us individually and as a group. This year's trip has been a happier one than past ones. I have had the privilege to see how the hospital has improved. On yesterday's trip to Hospital Escuela, I had the opportunity to view the new neonatal unit. It was very hard to see the pain, but it was so great to see how the facility has improved since my last visit. There is nowhere else I would rather be right now! I hope that everyone at home is doing well; I miss you terribly.
All my love,
Emily Chaffin
All my love,
Emily Chaffin
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
my experience
:)
For my first time coming to Honduras, there was only a number of things I could prepare myself for. After watching the video about the dump previously, I had been warned about the terrible smell and the people competing against the buzzards for food. But arriving at the Dump was an experience and a feeling I'll never forget. I have never felt so helpless in my life; I don't speak Spanish, and even if I did, what could I possibly say to these people that would make a difference? I was very hesistant to communicate, smile, or even make eye contact with them. It was hard seeing kids my age and younger looking through piles and piles of garbage for any sort of food and clothing. Back at home, if I want something, I just drive up to the store and get what I want, but here, people search and gather items all day that are possibly worth something. I felt so many emotions at one time; sad, for the people there, guilty, simply because we're the ones with a home and a bed to sleep in, and grateful, for the things I've been given that I take for granted. The Dump is a place I'll never forget.
But on a brighter note.....:)
Today we went to the childrens' hospital, so we were all excited to be with little kids. It was amazing seeing how happy the kids got when we walked into the room holding bags of toys, coloring books, and crayons. I can honestly say that I've never seen a kid with a broken leg hop so fast just to get a stuffed animal :) . Although seeing children with cancer and going through chemo was really tough for me, it was great knowing that we made their day better just by sitting down and coloring with them. :)
So even though I'm far away from home and I miss everybody, I'm having an amazing time, and I'm 100% positive everyone else is too :) .
Adios,
Emily Evans :)
For my first time coming to Honduras, there was only a number of things I could prepare myself for. After watching the video about the dump previously, I had been warned about the terrible smell and the people competing against the buzzards for food. But arriving at the Dump was an experience and a feeling I'll never forget. I have never felt so helpless in my life; I don't speak Spanish, and even if I did, what could I possibly say to these people that would make a difference? I was very hesistant to communicate, smile, or even make eye contact with them. It was hard seeing kids my age and younger looking through piles and piles of garbage for any sort of food and clothing. Back at home, if I want something, I just drive up to the store and get what I want, but here, people search and gather items all day that are possibly worth something. I felt so many emotions at one time; sad, for the people there, guilty, simply because we're the ones with a home and a bed to sleep in, and grateful, for the things I've been given that I take for granted. The Dump is a place I'll never forget.
But on a brighter note.....:)
Today we went to the childrens' hospital, so we were all excited to be with little kids. It was amazing seeing how happy the kids got when we walked into the room holding bags of toys, coloring books, and crayons. I can honestly say that I've never seen a kid with a broken leg hop so fast just to get a stuffed animal :) . Although seeing children with cancer and going through chemo was really tough for me, it was great knowing that we made their day better just by sitting down and coloring with them. :)
So even though I'm far away from home and I miss everybody, I'm having an amazing time, and I'm 100% positive everyone else is too :) .
Adios,
Emily Evans :)
The Aroma of Christ
In the last three days of my life I have been so amazed at God's work. Not particulary the physical work (although He built two homes for families that had no place to live before and He handed out food for around 600 people in two different trips to the city dump and He touched the lives of many children in the hospital today.) But His work in the life of a boy that was given a trip to honduras two saturdays ago has been tremendous. His work in my life has been so hardcore that I can do nothing but submit. The passion He has put in my life for the work that is done here and the work that is done at home in Alabama has been renewed with a Passion that I have never felt before. Last year I had the opportunity to come to Honduras and work and it was awesome. But this year is different. In these three days here I have been in this beautiful country my eyes have been opened as wide as they have ever been. This is what I want to do. I want to serve in this way I want to serve in Missons whether it's in Northport, AL or Honduras or wherever God sends me and I believe with all my heart that God is calling me to it. So I guess all there is left to do is submit. Fully!! It's time to stop fighting God and submit to his will in my life and I can honestly say that I have never felt more sure and have not been happier about anything else in my life!
cole medders
cole medders
Wednesday
Well...another day in Honduras! We awoke this morning after a great night of sleep to Julio's place (where we sleep and eat) to clouds at our elevation...have you ever experienced that? We were literally wrapped in a cloud! Except some of us didn't realize it...they thought it was raining. However, it wasn't raining. We were encompassed by a cloud at ground elevation (probably 3500 feet above sea level). It reminded me of being wrapped in God's love. Sometimes you don't realize it and sometimes you mistake it for something else, but it's always there!
We split up this morning. Paul, Janae, Matthew, Logan, Edna, Cassie, Emily, Emily, Andrew, Amy, Luis and Sady (our driver) went to the local hospital for the very poor. I will let some of them blog about their experiences.
Billy, Bruce, Matt, Leslie, Don, Cole, Mark, and Earl went to feed people at the dump again today. Today was different in that their were probably 500 people there sorting thru the acres of garbage.
We met one couple who labored every day scavenging for plastic. They collect it in a big garbage bag and sell it at the end of the day for 200 limpiras. This is a little less than 10$ american. And every day they repeat the process. Do the math. That's 50$ a week. 200$ a month. 2400$ a year. For a family of 3. Bruce shared a devotional with us last night that really made us think. The gist of it was how God uses the weak and the things that are not to confound and confuse the things of the world that are strong and wise in their own estimation (see 1 Corinthians). The statement was 'how sad it was that God has to bring us to the most wretched place we have ever seen to show us how content we should be...' thanks to Bruce for those good words. Matthew, Logan and Andrew have all shared great thoughts in devotionals so far.
Moms, Dads, sorry about this, but their are several teens who don't want to leave...
We miss you all. Keep the prayers going up.
grace and peace,
Billy
We split up this morning. Paul, Janae, Matthew, Logan, Edna, Cassie, Emily, Emily, Andrew, Amy, Luis and Sady (our driver) went to the local hospital for the very poor. I will let some of them blog about their experiences.
Billy, Bruce, Matt, Leslie, Don, Cole, Mark, and Earl went to feed people at the dump again today. Today was different in that their were probably 500 people there sorting thru the acres of garbage.
We met one couple who labored every day scavenging for plastic. They collect it in a big garbage bag and sell it at the end of the day for 200 limpiras. This is a little less than 10$ american. And every day they repeat the process. Do the math. That's 50$ a week. 200$ a month. 2400$ a year. For a family of 3. Bruce shared a devotional with us last night that really made us think. The gist of it was how God uses the weak and the things that are not to confound and confuse the things of the world that are strong and wise in their own estimation (see 1 Corinthians). The statement was 'how sad it was that God has to bring us to the most wretched place we have ever seen to show us how content we should be...' thanks to Bruce for those good words. Matthew, Logan and Andrew have all shared great thoughts in devotionals so far.
Moms, Dads, sorry about this, but their are several teens who don't want to leave...
We miss you all. Keep the prayers going up.
grace and peace,
Billy
From Edna
I saw Jesus in Billy on Tuesday afternoon. He continued working to complete the house even when he was exausted. A sacrifice of energy and a dedication of love.
Tuesday
One of the more fulfilling experiences in Honduras is being able to build a home for a family that didn't have one before. We loaded into our vehicles and rode into Santa Ana. The roads swiftly transitioned from smooth to disrepair tossing around us like unpopped kernels in popcorn popper. The drivers expertly navigate holes and trenches bringing the vehicles across terain that I would have thought only an off road vehicle could cross. The population in Santa Ana is sparse. The crowds of people do not gather around us as we work like they do in other areas. We pulled up to one of the two building sites and halved our group. Others went to a second site. With the exception of our chainsaw all of our tools are powered by the people using them. Long steel bars are used to break rock. Our girls relentlessly drive posthole diggers into the dirt. Dark sky threatened rain that never came. Everyone is excited to be a part of blessing the families.
Of the two houses we built, one was in memory of Ray Wood. The house was given to a woman who'd lost her husband and had two children. The second house was for a woman who worked as a nurse in a clinic attached to Marc's children's home. By the time we were finished several of us were unable to release our hammers. Our fingers curled on their own balling up into unintentioned fists. A short heavyset woman stood outside watching us build with bright eyes. None of us were aware that the house we were building was for her. As we gathered to pray and invited her into our circle she began to speak to us telling us how blessed she felt and and that heaven had opened for her. She hugged us all tightly. We cherished the moment.
The ride home was a gallery of bright smiles and sore bodies. Many of us experienced firsts. First house. First time with a chainsaw. First hug from a Honduran woman. First time feeling so badly felt so good.
We rested at our compound and had a wonderful bowl of soup and spaghetti and then loaded into vehicles to have devotional at the Jesus statue. The drivers were Marc, Billy, and myself. We knew it was going to be a wild ride.
Of the two houses we built, one was in memory of Ray Wood. The house was given to a woman who'd lost her husband and had two children. The second house was for a woman who worked as a nurse in a clinic attached to Marc's children's home. By the time we were finished several of us were unable to release our hammers. Our fingers curled on their own balling up into unintentioned fists. A short heavyset woman stood outside watching us build with bright eyes. None of us were aware that the house we were building was for her. As we gathered to pray and invited her into our circle she began to speak to us telling us how blessed she felt and and that heaven had opened for her. She hugged us all tightly. We cherished the moment.
The ride home was a gallery of bright smiles and sore bodies. Many of us experienced firsts. First house. First time with a chainsaw. First hug from a Honduran woman. First time feeling so badly felt so good.
We rested at our compound and had a wonderful bowl of soup and spaghetti and then loaded into vehicles to have devotional at the Jesus statue. The drivers were Marc, Billy, and myself. We knew it was going to be a wild ride.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
From your friends
In a whirlwind of activity, taking the time to reflect and write out one's experiences can be difficult. Some of our group have taken the time to do so and here are their experiences.
Don Cole:
THE DUMP
The most profound poverty I've ever seen. I would estimate about 300 or
The closer we came to the dump the deeper the silence grew in our vehicles. We had seen a video detailing the conditions and none of us were sure we'd be able to handle what awaited us over the next hill. Many over our group wrapped bandanas around their faces to filter out a smell so pungent it could be felt as it entered our lungs. There was no covering available, however, to place over our hearts. As we exited our vehicles we were given bags of water to hand out to the droves of people tirelessly digging through the wast to find enough plastic bottles, 100 pounds, to earn five dollars worth of Honduran money. The rule was that water must be placed into the hands of the people. Not thrown, but physically given, so we had to trudge through mire that bubbled and squished as it held fast to our shoes. I thought of how Jesus had washed the feet of his followers and knew that if that was the way he had called me to serve, I would have failed miserably. Lines of men, women, and children formed behind a pickup truck staring at silver cylinders filled with rice and beans. They patiently waited for their meal while many of us were eager to leave. The dump affected us all differently. None could deny that, too live in conditions like these, competing with buzzards and cows, one would have to be desparate.
After the dump we drove into the city for lunch. Hoards of people gathered around any tv they could find so they could watch Honduras play against Spain in world cup competition. Crowds poured out into the streets stopping traffic. It was then we discovered that many of the garbage trucks were off for the day to see the game and that what we had seen was a more sanatized version of life at the dump.
Some of our group noticed a woman with four children perched on a wall watching us and decided to give the children money. Afterwards they followed us into a courtyard with restaurants. We were able to buy them some food. I was overwhelmed when the woman behind the counter filled two to go plates with rice and noodles so completely that they could barely be closed. The contrast between affluence and destitution was vividly displayed in the courtyard. I have often felt angry that people could ignore others in such great need until I begin to wonder how many in my culture I have done the same too. THe difference. This time I was here to help. The planks never leave our eyes easily.
Don Cole:
THE DUMP
The most profound poverty I've ever seen. I would estimate about 300 or
The closer we came to the dump the deeper the silence grew in our vehicles. We had seen a video detailing the conditions and none of us were sure we'd be able to handle what awaited us over the next hill. Many over our group wrapped bandanas around their faces to filter out a smell so pungent it could be felt as it entered our lungs. There was no covering available, however, to place over our hearts. As we exited our vehicles we were given bags of water to hand out to the droves of people tirelessly digging through the wast to find enough plastic bottles, 100 pounds, to earn five dollars worth of Honduran money. The rule was that water must be placed into the hands of the people. Not thrown, but physically given, so we had to trudge through mire that bubbled and squished as it held fast to our shoes. I thought of how Jesus had washed the feet of his followers and knew that if that was the way he had called me to serve, I would have failed miserably. Lines of men, women, and children formed behind a pickup truck staring at silver cylinders filled with rice and beans. They patiently waited for their meal while many of us were eager to leave. The dump affected us all differently. None could deny that, too live in conditions like these, competing with buzzards and cows, one would have to be desparate.
After the dump we drove into the city for lunch. Hoards of people gathered around any tv they could find so they could watch Honduras play against Spain in world cup competition. Crowds poured out into the streets stopping traffic. It was then we discovered that many of the garbage trucks were off for the day to see the game and that what we had seen was a more sanatized version of life at the dump.
Some of our group noticed a woman with four children perched on a wall watching us and decided to give the children money. Afterwards they followed us into a courtyard with restaurants. We were able to buy them some food. I was overwhelmed when the woman behind the counter filled two to go plates with rice and noodles so completely that they could barely be closed. The contrast between affluence and destitution was vividly displayed in the courtyard. I have often felt angry that people could ignore others in such great need until I begin to wonder how many in my culture I have done the same too. THe difference. This time I was here to help. The planks never leave our eyes easily.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day Two - Monday
John 10:10 says, 'The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and that they might have it more abundantly.' There is no doubt that Jesus 'saw' the works of Satan and that many in his day not only did not see it, but refused to believe that they were more closely aligned with Satan's work than they were with God's work. Being able to see that clearly, Jesus never left any room for doubt as to his actions, speech and attitude either while rescuing the hurting or dealing with those who were confused as to what the work of God really was. A good example of this is when Jesus healed the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath. He never hesitated and even got angry because of the 'stubbornness of their hearts' (Mark 3:5). He was 'on the offensive' in his work to 'destroy the work of the devil'. John records that it was the reason he came (1 John 3:8).
The dump today was without a doubt the most disgusting place I have ever been. Scary, nasty, sickening. I cannot fathom that people have no option but to live and work and exist in a place like that. We arrived in a couple of vans and a truck, ready for whatever... and whatever happened. Hungry people were fed, clean water was delivered, and 18 believers were humbled.
Humbled and saddened that children are forced to live like none of us will ever have to live.
I wish you could have seen the young ones on this trip: Cassie, Janae, Emily C., Emily E., Andrew, Matthew, Logan...they all stepped up to the plate and joined Jesus in his work of bringing the gift of life in a simple meal of water, beans and tortillas. In a sense, they were participating in 'destroying the work of the devil' with none other than Jesus himself.
Thanks to all who made it possible for this group to come and remember that you also are 'participating' in this work through your donations, support and on-going prayers. All are safe. All are well. All are thankful for God's blessings. Pray for those today for whom Satan is continuing to trample... men, women and children who exist in unimaginable poverty and injustice and yet were created in the image of God. Church, be proud of your young Christians!
Grace and Peace,
Billy
The dump today was without a doubt the most disgusting place I have ever been. Scary, nasty, sickening. I cannot fathom that people have no option but to live and work and exist in a place like that. We arrived in a couple of vans and a truck, ready for whatever... and whatever happened. Hungry people were fed, clean water was delivered, and 18 believers were humbled.
Humbled and saddened that children are forced to live like none of us will ever have to live.
I wish you could have seen the young ones on this trip: Cassie, Janae, Emily C., Emily E., Andrew, Matthew, Logan...they all stepped up to the plate and joined Jesus in his work of bringing the gift of life in a simple meal of water, beans and tortillas. In a sense, they were participating in 'destroying the work of the devil' with none other than Jesus himself.
Thanks to all who made it possible for this group to come and remember that you also are 'participating' in this work through your donations, support and on-going prayers. All are safe. All are well. All are thankful for God's blessings. Pray for those today for whom Satan is continuing to trample... men, women and children who exist in unimaginable poverty and injustice and yet were created in the image of God. Church, be proud of your young Christians!
Grace and Peace,
Billy
Day One - Sunday
What a Day! There is not much value in sleep deprivation. 40 plus hours without sleep is nasty any way you look at it. However, God gave us safe travel and there is much value in that. We arrived in Tegucigalpa around 11:30, spent 1 1/2 hours gettting through customs, finding luggage, and set off to eat at a local KFC-like chicken joint called Camperos. It was fine! After 2 hours, we loaded up and drove the 30 kilometers outside of Tegucigalpa to our Marriott. Ha Ha! JK. Actually, this is one neat place. Though not a Marriott, the mattresses are great, the food tasty and the temperature incredible. As I drink the rich Honduran coffee this morning, it is probably 60 degress... nice!
So, back to yesterday and how we finished off the day. Rather than crash at Julio's (our Marriott), we loaded back up and headed down to Tegucigalpa and out the other side to a cool little town called Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia boasts the oldest church in Central or South America to my knowledge. Built in 1532, it hosts the local Catholic church in the town and is an amazing work of architecture. Still in use, it has the original beams, structure, etc... Many of the frescoes and some of the artwork have been there for hundreds of years. Those in charge there allowed us to come in and sing and wow, the acoustics were pretty amazing. The thought of people singing praises to God for over 500 years in the same building is an humbling one.
I didn't mention that half our group got stopped and hassled by the local POLICIA because they didn't have their passports on them. The reason they didn't have their passports on them is because the POLICIA recommends that mission groups NOT carry their passports on them due to the risk of having thems stolen. Go figure. Apparently, he didn't get the memo. Nobody was detained except for the Ferguson twins because of the their rebellious attitude. JK.
A great day, a tiring day, a safe day, a day where God was present and recognizable in the natural beauty of Honduras. Many thanks to HIM. He was also present in our communion service, which was very unique. How many people have taken the Lord's Supper on a sidewalk outside a church building? The smell of diesel, the sounds of children playing nearby, and the honk of taxi horns were all a part of the experience. I wasn't really excited about the location, but I did reflect on the value of it. Here is what hit me on that sidewalk amidst all of the distraction: the kingdom is EVERYWHERE.
We tend to think that the kingdom resides in our comfortable church buildings where the temperature has to be 71 degrees and if it's not, we spend time and effort complaining in order to get the situation remedied. We tend to think the kingdom resides in a designated time slot... We don't tend to think much about the kingdom coming to a sidewalk where all around, life is happening. The kingdom is everywhere.
And where it's not, we are supposed to take it. In just a little while, 18 brave, yet cautious, excited, yet a little nervous people will go to one of the darkest places in the city, if not in all of Honduras and feed beans, rice and tortillas to men, women, and children who literally live, work, and eat in a dump. Pray for us. Pray for them. Most of all pray that in some small way, the kingdom comes to some you don't have a whole lot of opportunity to experience it. More to come...
So, back to yesterday and how we finished off the day. Rather than crash at Julio's (our Marriott), we loaded back up and headed down to Tegucigalpa and out the other side to a cool little town called Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia boasts the oldest church in Central or South America to my knowledge. Built in 1532, it hosts the local Catholic church in the town and is an amazing work of architecture. Still in use, it has the original beams, structure, etc... Many of the frescoes and some of the artwork have been there for hundreds of years. Those in charge there allowed us to come in and sing and wow, the acoustics were pretty amazing. The thought of people singing praises to God for over 500 years in the same building is an humbling one.
I didn't mention that half our group got stopped and hassled by the local POLICIA because they didn't have their passports on them. The reason they didn't have their passports on them is because the POLICIA recommends that mission groups NOT carry their passports on them due to the risk of having thems stolen. Go figure. Apparently, he didn't get the memo. Nobody was detained except for the Ferguson twins because of the their rebellious attitude. JK.
A great day, a tiring day, a safe day, a day where God was present and recognizable in the natural beauty of Honduras. Many thanks to HIM. He was also present in our communion service, which was very unique. How many people have taken the Lord's Supper on a sidewalk outside a church building? The smell of diesel, the sounds of children playing nearby, and the honk of taxi horns were all a part of the experience. I wasn't really excited about the location, but I did reflect on the value of it. Here is what hit me on that sidewalk amidst all of the distraction: the kingdom is EVERYWHERE.
We tend to think that the kingdom resides in our comfortable church buildings where the temperature has to be 71 degrees and if it's not, we spend time and effort complaining in order to get the situation remedied. We tend to think the kingdom resides in a designated time slot... We don't tend to think much about the kingdom coming to a sidewalk where all around, life is happening. The kingdom is everywhere.
And where it's not, we are supposed to take it. In just a little while, 18 brave, yet cautious, excited, yet a little nervous people will go to one of the darkest places in the city, if not in all of Honduras and feed beans, rice and tortillas to men, women, and children who literally live, work, and eat in a dump. Pray for us. Pray for them. Most of all pray that in some small way, the kingdom comes to some you don't have a whole lot of opportunity to experience it. More to come...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Countdown
Countdown...two more days till 18 brothers and sisters from the Columbus Church of Christ take off on an awesome mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Please pray for us and follow our progress... Here are their names: Earl Arndt, Paul Bennett, Emily Chaffin, Don and Edna Cole, Amy Crownover, Emily Evans, Logan Ferguson, Matthew Ferguson, Billy Ferguson, Andrew Hardin, Bruce Johnson, Cassie Mock, Janae Mock, Ramona Pound, Leslie and Matt Warren, and Cole Medders. Please pray for each by name, every day! God Bless.
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