Honduras, Boots on the Ground.

Howdy Tate Springs! It’s Saturday afternoon of our first day on the job. Yesterday, we survived the world’s shortest commercial runway and managed to arrive at the orphanage safely. Thanks Jesus! Today we split up into various groups and set to work improving the facility. Some of us played with the children, some of us worked on improvement projects with the older ones, and all of us had a great time!

This place was founded a little over a decade ago, with the original workers possessing nothing except a call from the Lord. He’s provided ever since through volunteers, sponsors (yes, you can sponsor a child here for $35 a month), and generous church donations.

I think I speak for all of us when I say we’ve already fallen in love with this place. Between the incredible people, incredible scenery, and the obvious presence of Jesus Christ in the workers at the orphanage, this place inspires us in a mighty way to leave everything at the altar and to follow Christ. The workers here did, and He’s provided in incredible ways. This is a no-fat ministry, placed in the heart of a town and nation that needs the love of Jesus in a real and practical way. Volunteers have built several of the buildings and wired the electrical equipment and plumbing (we try not to get shocked when we take a shower!). They’ve drilled a 300ft deep well to provide clean water to everyone in the area, and their church ‘building’ (more like a covered patio) is being used to distribute food, clothes, and Jesus to the surrounding villagers. The orphans are well-fed, cared for, and protected.

The orphans are some of the most joyful, friendly, and affectionate children I’ve ever met. The orphans themselves astound me, especially when I continue to hear more about their backgrounds. They’ve been through the mouth of hell, some of them. Yet, the Lord is doing a mighty work even in those children. You would never guess some of their pasts from how they run up and hug you.

It’s amazing what He has raised up here in just over a decade! This small group of people knows how to love sacrificially and share Jesus with everyone they meet.

As far as what we’re doing over the next week, well, we’re still not sure. We want to serve and love as best we can. I know we’ll be participated in several church services, as well as handing out food to local villages. We’ll be filling up the rest of the time with projects around the orphanage and loving on the children.

Please continue to pray for us as we seek opportunities to show Jesus, through words and actions, to the surrounding community. Our strength won’t cut it, but His always does.

***Several Hours Later***
We walked to Jalaca’s church in the middle of the city and unfortunately had to wait a short while in the local jail. It likes to rain on a whim in Honduras, and generally the clouds have two settings: ‘off’ and ‘Noah’s Flood’. We experienced the latter and took shelter amidst helpful and friendly state police. Once the rain cleared up, we headed on to church. The church here is about the size of the Fellowship Hall cut in half, and is little more than a concrete structure with several naked lightbulbs hanging overhead. Nevertheless, by the time we got there the room was packed. The seating was full up, many were standing, and we managed to get a view of the service through the window. For around $10,000 that church was built in the heart of the city, and now serves as a focal point for the community, from church services to funerals to weddings to Bible studies. The folks we’re working with at the orphanage want you all to know that if you’re feeling called to plant a church or to help raise $10,000, they can plant a church in the heart of another town in the area.

The service itself was amazing. We had no idea what the pastor was preaching, aside from the occasional ‘hallelujah!’ from both him and the congregation. During worship, everyone got into the music, from small children to white-haired adults. Enthusiastic clapping, hand raising, and boisterous singing to the King filled that room, and because the windows have no glass, the entire town as well. That church is, in the literal sense, a city on a hill, shining the light of Christ to the town around it. Same Jesus, different country.

Jose (an adorable 4-year-old) is looking over my shoulder as I type and and he wants to tell you all ‘hi!’.

Here are a few words from several of us on the trip:

From Toby: Church, thank you for all your donations over the last several weeks for Honduras. The items donated are used to bless the children of the orphanage, but also to families in the community of Jalaca. The orphanage we are working at is a Christ based ministry. The goal of the orphanage ministry is to train up young men and women of God to impact the country for Christ.

Penny, Thank you so much for all you did in preparation for our trip this year. I know your heart is here and that you are praying constantly for us. We have heard more than once how much you are loved and respected here because of your continued support and service of the ministry. These are warm and beautiful people!

From LeAnn: Honduras is beautiful! It seems like it rains every 10 minutes! The land is so green and the people are very open and friendly. The kids swarmed us with hugs and loved to touch our light skin and hair. It’s amazing how peaceful and stress-free the environment is compared to the States. Thank you everyone for the prayers and support! It’s only day one and God is already working in miraculous ways.

From Aaron: I can’t get over the chickens everywhere! I just had to chase a few!

From Kim: Another day of runaway chickens, mad cows, muddy roads and beautiful children. Danno is busy taking pictures with the lens cap still on- eventually we’ll tell him. Other breaking news, Danno is also sporting the fanny pack. Another reason we love him. It has been truly amazing to see more of God’s beautiful creation. I can’t help but stand in awe of the One Who has made all things, is in all things, and through all things. I am always in awe of how Great and Powerful our God is- no matter where I go! Praise Him. Continue to lift up our team as we work around the area and begin our Feeding Programs tomorrow!!!!