In our last day in Honduras, we had an family outing at the beach for two days. This consisted of not knowing where were going to stay/ camp and how we were to going to get from the bus to the actual beach. Even though it took over a thirty minute walk to find a place, we finally found a spot that was apart of a little community. We set up tents and immediately headed out to the beach.
We played with Tony's boys… We had water fights and built human towers in the water…
We sat in the sand looking into the distance at the mountains that we knew were apart of the next country (El Salvador) we were headed too. Not knowing what to expect and what God had in store..
As we walked along the beach, I began to think back to everything that happened in Honduras. From the moment we landed until the time left. God had shown me so much. If you read my last blog, you know about who/ where we were staying with however I want to let you know with what everyday life and ministry looked like.
The first few days of being in Honduras the entire O squad spent time telling testimonies, which allowed chains to be broken and freedom to occur. This was a time where the squad really bonded so it was completely different when the first day of ministry happened and we all were not together.
First week of ministry… My seventh sparrow team along with one other team (GPS) went to work on building a dam for a tilapia farm. It was really challenging because we would leave the house by 6am to go meet our contacts at Denny's restaurant and then we would head out to go lift boulders all day until 4pm. Through standing in mud/ horse & cow poop, we laid foundation for a dam that would end up feeding entire communities and help provide families with an income.
Second week of ministry… My team had another task of removing rocks from another ministry site. This time was a bit different because we already knew and loved the people we were helping. Our home in Honduras (Zion's Gate) was expanding to allow street girls to have a place to stay on the property. We were excited to take the challenge because we saw the end insight and I knew it would not be long before the project was finished.
The beginning of a house that allow five 'street girls' to move in…
On the weekends, the squad would do ministry together. One Saturday we headed out to a community that was controlled by the 18th street gang. We were allowed access because one of Tony's (our contact) missionary friend's works with them full time. We headed there in the morning to have a little carnival fun with the kids. Activities included futball (soccer), fingernail painting, jump roping, acting like animals, and sharing about Jesus. The squad had to leave before night fall due to gang activity.
Another weekend ministry adventure, we took part in was going to the city dump, where 2,000 families live and work. While we were at the dump we prayed with many people and listened to their stories. It was amazing to see how many people already new the love of Christ and lived it out. They were filled with so much joy and they literally lived out of houses made of products that people did not want and worked in a dirty and unsafe environment. I left the dump not feeling sad like others but joyous to know that so many families knew the what mattered the most (The Love of Jesus)!
A man who works and lives in the dump stabbed himself with the needle as soon as we arrived. Our contact says this is an everyday occurence and only when he is there are they able to get medicine to make sure no infection happens.
God is showing up everywhere. I will remember Honduras for many reasons but the biggest one will be because of how many people I met that literally struggle to find shelter, food, and clothes everday however they have so much peace. They realize that the only thing that matters is The Great Almighty (Jesus)!
Dance If You Love JESUS!
