DISCLAIMER: Hitchhiking is more culturally acceptable in Hondruas and only done when led by the Lord 
The following blog was taken from a Squad Mate- Jackie
A blank day on our ministry schedule opened up a chance for the seven of us to start last Thursday with an ATL (Ask the Lord), a big and bold prayer to ask God to reveal any images or impressions to guide our day's activities. That's when, after the prayer, things got messy. So I call this story a blind date with the Holy Spirit.
As a team this is what we got during our ATL: A cliff, the ocean, La Ceiba (the nearest big town 3 hours from Tocoa), King's Palace (The name of a Chinese restaurant in town), healing as a team. After a few more prayers to ask for further confirmation we decided as a team we will take a chance and trust in the leading of the Spirit in going to La Ceiba for the day, as it's about 2-4 hours with Hondurian traffic and unpredictable road conditions, each of us also prayed for specific directions from the Spirit on what to bring and what not to bring.
Bryan: nothing, not even water, just the clothes off his back.
Andrew: water & 400 limperas ($20)
Kaitlyn: no shoes
Meg: no cash
Jen: popcorn, daypack and overnight stuff, no cash
KK: everything (as she, being our squad leader is visiting us this week and on her way to the next ministry site)
Me: Bible, journal, harmonica, no cash, an ATM card*
*P.S. In truth I needed less that everything I listed for the day, I only needed to bring my mouth. 🙂
So wide eyed and curious and with some level of unbelief, we all set out for our journey. After just a few minutes of standing on the side of the road with our gringo lost yonder looks, we hopped on a truck (yeah God) but quick realized it took us to the market instead of La Ceiba via King's Palace. At the market, we all realized that's where the bus line to La Ceiba is located and when we asked bystanders for rides, they all pointed to the busline. But we were instructed not to spend any $ for the day, as God told us He'd provide. It was scorching hot, I was drenched, not to mention a barefoot Kaitlyn had her feet on the hot concrete walking around. We stood there not knowing what to do, I saw a man with a stomp for a leg with cruches passing by, does God want us to pray a healing prayer over him? As he disappeared to the next block quickly, my teammates were all caught up with different people at the market. KK, reminded us that we needed to operate as one team, so standing and holding hands in the midst of a bustling market, we prayed for unity and clarity, and His leading alone. Jen then had a God impression that she needed to get 2 bananas from the market, I encouraged to go for it. With no money on her, she traded a bag of popcorn and got back 8 bananas (one of each of us), talk about trading up. "Dios Vendiga" I said to the vendors as we started to leave. "Hola," they called after us and handed Kaitlyn a pair of brandnew sandals, wow, thank God.
The next truck that stopped for us took us straight to the doors of King's Palace. We walked in and without knowing exactly what we were doing there. I asked for someone that's Chinese in the restaurant and wala, I was led to a man that introduced himself as Xiao Yeh, the owner of the restaurant. I pretty much told him that God led us here, and that I was as surprised to meet him as he was to meet me. Mr. Yeh, introduced me to his wife and 11 months old daughter, they're from Canton, China and have been living here for less than a year. Looking around the place I immediately noticed and asked about the small alter and statue in the front of the restaurant. "It's a Chinese diety that brings prosperity to our business." Mr. Yeh answered. I talked to him about our purpose in Tocoa and being on the World Race. While he listened and commented, he was adament to tell me he was an agnostic. "Can we pray for your business?" "No, I'd rather you don't." But after he said no, he gave all of us free drinks.
We said goodbye and left, and while outside, we prayed for the restaurant and for the knocking down of the deity of prosperity, and as we prayed Mr. Yeh came out and invited us back in for a full meal. My first Chinese meal made by the first Chinese I met on the race. Needless to say I was floored and left with a full tummy, he didn't charge us one Limpera for the meal. God truly provided.
For the next few days, I stopped back at King's Palace to visit them, in the rain, in the heat, and they treated us to wonton soup, drinks and warm hospitality. We talked and prayed with Mrs. Yeh about her faith and "debated" with Mr. Yeh about his doubts, and we became friend.The blind date with the Holy Spirit yielded more dates that week and hopefully a fruit in the near future.
Please pray that we will plant a seed of the gospel in the Yeh's and that they will accept Christ!
The owners of Kings Palace, their daughter Elizabeth and I.
Kaitlyn getting a pair of new sandals from the street vendor. God provides!
Firestarter team and our squad leader, KK (blue glasses) hitchhiking during our ATL.
