Month three of the race is now coming to a close. This month has felt so long yet has gone by so quickly. My team and I spent our month doing what is called “unsung heroes”. We traveled throughout Honduras searching for people and ministries that are serving the Lord and communities here in Honduras, who have never worked with the world race before but would like to partner with the race in the future. At the beginning of the month, I think most of us would have admitted that it seemed a little intimidating to be let loose in Honduras, to be on our own to figure out travel arrangements and safe places to stay throughout the month. It was a lot of unknowns but it was amazing to see the Lord provide for our every need.
We began our month in Comayagua, then traveled to La Paz, Tegucigalpa, Valle de Angeles, back to Tegucigalpa, to Puerto Cortes, La Ceiba, Sambo Creek, and now finally back to La Ceiba. In the past five days we have stayed in a different place every single night. To say that it was a crazy, adventurous month would be an understatement and yes, dad, I do officially feel like a gypsy after this month and I must admit I will be happy to be settled in one place next month.
Despite the craziness this month brought, it has been incredible to meet so many amazing people who are passionate about seeing the Kingdom advance in Honduras, and to work with ministries dedicated to loving and serving their communities.
A couple days ago we met Papa Jones. He and his wife live in a small community just outside of La Ceiba. Papa and Mama Jones are currently raising 19 kids – their own 14 year old daughter plus 18 other children from 10 days old to 10 years old that they have taken in and loved as their own. These kids were placed in their care for various reasons by the Honduran government. Most of the kids came to them as babies desperately needing love and a caring family. We got to hear a few of their stories.
A set of twin boys were found in a trash bin covered in ants before they were brought to Papa and Mama Jones.
One little boy’s mom willingly gave him up because she was addicted to drugs and knew she couldn’t care for him.
One precious little girl’s mother attempted to abort her four months into the pregnancy. The abortion failed but because of that her eyes never fully developed. After she was born she was given to Papa and Mama Jones.
They take these kids in, show them the love of the Father, offer them hope and a future. It is absolutely incredible. What is also amazing is the faith that Papa Jones has. I repeatedly heard him say, “I live by faith”. He doesn’t fundraise or raise support like I would have expected. He relies fully on the Lord, comes before Him with His needs and trusts that His Father is faithful to provide. I imagine that caring for that many children isn’t exactly cheap. When the children were younger can you imagine how much they spent on diapers alone? Yet their faith is unwavering.
Hebrews 10:23 says, “let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Papa and Mama Jones have a deep dependence and intimacy with the Lord. They know Him to be a Father who is a promise-maker and a promise-keeper. They believe Him and trust Him for big things.
Papa Jones and Mama Jones and their kids are amazing and an incredible encouragement. Join me in praying for their family. It is evident the Lord’s hand is on them and that His plan for these kids is immeasurably more than all we can imagine. And if you want to know more about them check out their website: casaderoc.org
