On Saturday morning, October 23, a team of 12 men and women left the US for Honduras, to share the love of Christ with those in need by integrating evangelism and medical care.  Check back here periodically to read a journal that will be updated directly from Honduras.  Internet access has been very limited, but we will update as often as possible.

Saturday, October 23

Many had not been to bed, others had very little sleep, but never the less, our team gathered at 2:45 am to begin our 20 hour journey to Honduras.  In actuality, this trip started many months ago when Esther Castejon, the mother of East Ridge Church of God's assistant music director Marilu Castejon, came to visit her daughter and told of the 12 churches she had planted near her rural home in Honduras.  She spoke to us of medical needs, opportunities to provide training for the pastors, and the need to reach out to those in the villages nearby.  In those words, God spoke to our hearts and this mission was born.

Since this was our first venture into Honduras, we determined to take a small team to minister to the needs that Mrs. Castejon spoke of, and to scout out the area and lay the ground work for future full scale missions. 

Initially, we had planned for a team of 15 or more to take this journey, but by the time departure time had arrived, our number had been trimmed to 12.  One thing working in the mission field teaches you is that God is in charge, and everything happens for a reason.  Jesus changed the world with 12 men.  Perhaps our 12 can make a difference in this remote corner of Honduras.

Regardless of the size of the mission, there is still a certain amount of medication, supplies and equipment that must be transported.  This presented us with our first problem; with less team members traveling, we would need to check 3 to 4 bags each. The airlines allow for 2 checked bags each, so we were praying that we could get everything aboard.  By God's grace, we cleared check-in in Atlanta with every bag, although it did cost us a bunch extra. (Donations will be gladly accepted.) 

Our flight to Houston and then on to San Pedro Sula went smooth, however we met our second challenge when we got to customs.  For those of you who have traveled out of the country, imagine trying to clear customs with 4 bags and a carry on... Again though, God was with us and the inspectors recognized our mission shirts and allowed nearly everyone through with very little inspection.

Mrs. Castejon and friends greeted us on our departure from the building. Bags were loaded into a big truck and the team jumped aboard a small van and pickup truck and headed for the mountains.

Now, keep in mind that many of us began this journey at 2:30 am eastern time, on a cool evening in the mid 50s.  We landed at 11:45 am mountain time with the temperatures in the upper 80s. It was hotttttt and we were hungarrrry.

So, we thought we would try a little local cuisine.

So after some Honduran Pizza, and a little dancing (ask Dr. Julia about that) we were off on what we thought was a 3 hour trip into the mountains.  But the road wore on, and our weary team was plumb tuckered out.  It turned out to be about double our anticipated drive time, with the last 2 hours on rocky, rut covered, dirt mountain roads.  We were bounced and tossed around like popcorn in a jiffy pop tin.  Finally, after 20 hours of travel, we arrived safely to Casa Castejon, the coffee plantation owned by Marilu's family, and were treated to a delicious welcoming meal on the porch.

Now lest you think that our day was void of spiritual revelation, as we drove up this rocky, bumpy, dirt road, we heard beautiful singing coming from a home along the way.  They were having a home small group meeting and were singing to the Lord with all their hearts.  Then we stopped at one of the local churches that had been started by Mrs. Castejon.

She told us that for only $3000, a church like this could be built to seat 200 people. One of our team members is a builder and feels God leading him to form an offshoot to build for God in the mission field. Hallelujah!

One team member commented that we have a lot to repent for... They do so much with so little, and we who have so much, spend most of our time worrying about ourselves.

Tomorrow we rest and get ready for clinics and pastors' conference starting on Monday.

Sunday, October 24

Sunday morning brought new life into our weary team.  As we emerged from our slumber we got to see firsthand the natural beauty to which God had brought us.  The Castejon family coffee plantation is truly beautiful.  We were permitted to rest this Sunday morning with the promise of an evening worship service in the village at the end of the road.

Now understand... this village is literally at the end of their driveway, and is made up primarily of those families that work for the Castejon family.

Later in the morning, Mr. Castejon gave us part one of a tour of his family's land and the plantation's operation.  Off we went, over hill and dale, across the same rut ridden roads that had battered our bodies the night before, only now we were headed for the high country; the mountains where the best coffee is grown.  The scenery is breathtaking.  Beautiful lush valleys with banana trees, bamboo and rolling streams rest in stark contrast to the dynamic hillsides dotted with coffee plants and corn fields... yes corn fields... they actually grow corn on the sides of the mountain. We even saw a herd of water buffalo (imported) grazing in the field. And we were amazed to find that we could see Guatemala, not far away, from atop the hill.

When we got to the top, we stopped to learn about coffee beans, and tasted them right off the bush. (Very little taste)  Then Mr. Castejon introduced us to a new plant... Cardamomo...  Cardamomo is a minty tasting plant that grows at the bottom of fern like plants in the mountains.  They are harvested and taken to a rustic facility to dry and then they are shipped off and sold for spices.

The rest of the tour would have to wait.  We needed to head back for lunch and to prepare for the evening worship service.  Evangelism is a critical aspect of the ICMO mission plan. Many of the ICMO team members are blessed with multiple talents and consequently we often travel with a praise team to help lead worship.  We needed to set up the sound system, keyboard, microphones AND a new drum kit, that will be left behind as a gift to the church.

As evening approached the church filled to capacity with a crowd of mostly women and children with a number of men standing outside the main door where they could listen.  Men and teens peered in the windows in curious stares as Danny, Marilu and Mary led worship in Spanish and Sam brought the message beautifully translated by Marilu.  The environment was different than we had previously experienced in Ecuador.  During the service, children chatted and played in the aisles while stray dogs wandered in and roamed about as if this were nothing new. There was no air conditioning and the lights dimmed and brightened throughout the service as the community generator worked to accommodate the evening load.  But there was one thing that was the same... The Holy Spirit showed up and ministered to those present.  It was a wonderful evening of worship and a great way to kick off our week.

Tomorrow our clinics begin and Sam and Danny begin the Pastors' Conference.  Please pray for us as we begin the work of this mission.

Monday, October 25

Let the clinics begin!  As is the case with most ICMO clinics, the people came , young and old alike, from miles around . Some walked hours to get there, only to have to turn around and walk hours back home after their exam.  As most of you know, each patient is first seen by a nurse to establish an initial list of symptoms and to take down their contact information.  From there, they see the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.  On small missions, the patients are then given their medication and go next to be prayed for and to have the Gospel shared with them, if they are not Christians. On larger missions, they first go to the pharmacy and then to the prayer team.  Our physicians and medical staff do a phenomenal job moving from patient to patient, while still showing Christ to all they meet. As is always the case, Christ is at the center and his healing hand is made known.

Today one elderly woman regained her vision through a miracle of God.  She suffered from pain in her side and severely blurred vision. The team tested her vision before prayer and what she said was true.  After praying for her, not only was her vision clear, but her pain was gone as well.  Praise God!

Another woman, who suffered severe chronic pain in her legs and hands, and had traveled to doctors in Guatemala for help, came because she knew God could heal her.  She left pain free.  Hallelujah!

But probably the biggest miracle happened later in the afternoon when a woman brought in a baby that had been abandoned.  She had taken in the child after his mother gave birth 2 months prematurely.  In the states, this baby would have been immediately placed in a neonatal intensive care unit for weeks if not months.  When little Jose came to the clinic today he was 3 months old, malnourished and dehydrated.  Literally the child was near death.

Our team jumped into action, starting an IV with fluids to hydrate the child and feeding it reconstituted baby formula.  The doctors stayed with little Jose throughout the evening, and convinced the adoptive mother to leave him here through the night.  She finally agreed and began her 2 hour walk home.  She will return tomorrow.  Jose is showing signs of improvement, but he is not out of the woods yet.  Please continue to pray for him.  We are believing that God is saving him for a mighty purpose.

Sam and Danny began their teaching to the Pastors' Conference with excellent response.  Pastors and lay people from the area will join them in study, worship and prayer thru Wednesday.  Sam is sharing basic biblical concepts on churches, the role of the pastors, and the gifting and hierarchy within, while Danny is sharing the G-12 concept for church growth and discipleship building. Simply put, this is where 1 man or woman pours his/her life into 12 others, and eventually each of them do the same for 12 more.   Here again, God is beginning a mighty work.

Later that evening we met again for church.  We began with a time of praise in which the Holy Spirit took charge.  Danny lead the worship and felt lead to invite people forward who had struggles that "only God could heal".  Within seconds the front of the church was full with those asking for prayer.  The team went to work praying for each individual.  You might think that a language barrier might restrict the effectiveness of this moment; but not where God is concerned.  When praying for hurting people, language barriers do not exist.

Following the Spirit inspired prayer session, Danny brought the message on the cross and what Christ's sacrifice truly meant.  It was a truly wonderful evening with the Lord.

Tomorrow, more of the same... but watching God's hand in action, never gets old.  Please continue to pray for us, and especially little Jose.

Tuesday, October 26

Day 2 of the Pastor's Conference began with a period of praise and worship, followed by a session on Gifts in the Church from Sam Smith.  The 30+ pastors and lay leaders sopped up every word like sponges.  It is obvious they hunger for learning where the Lord is concerned and they have a true heart for their ministries.

Later in the afternoon, Danny presented the second session on the G-12 model for church growth. He spoke to them about catching the vision and focusing your group in unity to that end. Danny asked Mary Stallings to speak some about how G-12 has impacted her family and unified the vision they follow as a family.  What a blessing her testimony was to the group.

The session closed with a ceremonial passing of the anointing on to Marilu's mom, as head of the churches, she and Danny then went from pastor to pastor, laying on hands and praying for each as they passed the anointing on to them.

Now friends, if you have never seen the Holy Spirit take over a room, you should have been there.  It began without warning.  As hands were laid on the pastors, each had their own personal encounter with God.  It was a true impartation of the Spirit, that seemed to come in waves over the room.  First in the front and then in the back, then the middle and back to the front. It started, then seemed ready to end, only to revive with a new fire. With hands raised, they lifted their voices to heaven, singing heavenly songs and praising God. Some were slain in the Spirit, some jumped and danced, still others fell to their knees and wept; each responding as they were led.  Even now, words cannot capture or begin to express the power that was in that room and the true movement of God.  It was incredible.

Meanwhile, down the road at the clinic, God was on the move there too.  First of all, we are trusting Him for our little Jose'.  Through the night and the early part of the day our beautiful bambino took his body weight in IV fluids.  He was so dehydrated.  His skin and attentiveness improved dramatically, but his diarrhea persisted... The big concern was keeping his electrolytes up while so much moved through him so quickly...  We fed him some mashed bananas for potassium and hoped that the instant formula was providing some... but we feared it was not enough.  If only we had some Pedialite.

In the village, at the end of the driveway, there is a little store, with some basic "stuff".  That afternoon, one of our team members, Michael Harvard was nosing around the store and came across some bottles on a shelf in a back closet. It looked like olive oil to him, but when he asked about it, he was told, "No, it's not olive oil, it is something like PEDIALITE"!  When he came back to the house later and heard them talking about wishing we had some Pedialite, he jumped for joy.  For no reason, he was digging around in a tiny store and found something he shouldn't have had any interest in at a time when we needed it most.  PRAISE GOD!  We continue to believe in a miracle for the little one we now call Lazarus. His Aunt, who is his adoptive mother, has agreed to leave him with us for the week.  However they are skeptical and fearful that we will take him with us when we leave.  As much as we would like to, we are assuring them that THIS is his home.

Our medical director, Julia was called to the desolate block home of a women whose belly was so distended that she looked as though she were about to burst.  She was small in stature, but her belly was so huge that she looked 20 months pregnant.  Julia and Michael played "McGiver" and rigged up a makeshift system to drain her belly. They pulled over 3 bottles of fluid from her abdomen.  Unfortunately, our limitations here make it impossible to determine the cause of such massive swelling.  Whatever the cause, the prognosis does not appear good.  Our team will go pray with her before we leave.  Please do the same where you are.

We also saw the usual assortment of fungus, rashes, parasites and headaches... and each one was seen with love, and then prayed for by the prayer team.  Praise God is becoming almost common to hear them say, "no mas dolor", (no more pain)  when they leave the prayer tent.

In church that evening, Sam was led to bring his wife Stephanie to the pulpit to share her powerful testimony to the women in attendance.  Spoke of pain and rebellion, personal tragedy and the overcoming power of the Lord.  She also admonished them not to judge the past of those who turn to God.  It was beautiful.  Sam then called for women in pain to come forward to be prayed for.  He told them that if they had problems that only God could handle to come, and the front of the church was quickly filled.  And although, because of the language barrier we never really knew their need, just seeing our sisters in pain moved us to place them at the foot of the cross in prayer.  By the reaction, we know that many were set free from long time struggles.  Sam then invited the visiting pastors to come forward to be prayed for too and before you knew it, you could barely move in the front of the church.  It just goes to prove that you don't need fancy buildings, or nationally known evangelists for the Spirit to move among men... Just an open heart, and a willingness to cry out to him.  It was a huge blessing to all.

Tomorrow is the final day of the Pastor's Conference and another full day of clinic... Please keep us in prayer.

Wednesday, October 27

You never quite know what you will encounter in the field when you take medical aid into a remote area. And that was quite true today.  A man came to the clinic yesterday and asked Jonathan to remove a large growth over his left eye.  It was about the size of a dime at the base and raised up to a "horn like" cone about 3/4" tall.  Jonathan explained that it would be risky performing that surgery in the field and that he really wasn't sure what he was getting into or what he would find.  The man would not take no for an answer and so Jonathan told him to return first thing this morning... and he did.  Hygiene with many of these mountain dwellers is generally not a priority.  Such was the case with this man, so establishing a "sterile" environment for this impromptu field surgery was difficult as best.  When he removed his shoes to lay down on the table, the smell about knocked you over... But Jesus didn't call us to only reach the clean or the aromatically pleasant.   The surgery took about 30 minutes under Jonathan's experienced hands.  The "horn" turned out to be a fluid filled sack.  It was drained, the excess skin removed, and a neat little line of sutures at the base of the eyebrow.  He was very, very grateful... 15 minutes and a some antibiotics later, he began his 45 minute walk back home.

Our little "Lazarus" continues to improve.  We put another IV in him to keep the hydration process going.  His diarrhea is improving and he will probably go back with his adoptive mother tomorrow.  Praise God for his merciful goodness.

Sam wrapped up his sessions of the Pastor's Conference by speaking on unity and coming together in the Lord.  They ended with a consecration ceremony where they anointed their hands, gathered in a circle and prayed for the brother or sister on either side of them.  It was like electricity as the Holy spirit moved from person to person around the ring.

Danny's G-12 part of the conference ended with a call for the men of the church to be mentors for the younger men of the church.  As we mentioned earlier, women were the predominate attendee of worship while we were here and the men stood out side and peered in.  Danny asked the pastors, "Where are the men?" and he began to teach on establishing their 12 and mentoring them into fruitfulness.  All in all, the Pastors' Conference was a great success.

Later that evening, Danny spoke in our final church service about Gideon and how God asks us to remove the obstacles that stand against our relationship with him, in spite of what appears to be a hopeless situation.  He shared that if they will put God first,  he will raise up an army to go forth and win the lost for Christ.  At the conclusion, Ms. Castejon came forward and thanked the team for their efforts during the time of conferences, worship and clinics.  She thanked God for His gift of bringing us to them, and for you who have supported us with your gifts and your prayers.

Tomorrow will be the final day of clinic, and a scouting trip to two areas where new churches are to be built.  It just gets better and better.

Thursday, October 28

You may remember on our way in on Saturday, we stopped to see a little church.  We mentioned that one team member felt God's call to build.  Well, it looks as though it is going to happen.  Today, Jonathan, Sam, and Michael Harvard went with Mrs. Castejon, her sister and 2 pastors into the mountains to see the sites where the 2 churches are to be built.  Through the woods, into the jungle and up the mountain they went.  It was a very challenging hike for our team, and just as they were feeling accomplished to be barely making it up the mountain, Mrs. Castejon and her sister sailed past them as if on a Sunday walk.  I guess there is a lot to be said for the fitness level brought about by living in these mountains.  The scenery was breathtaking and every so often they came upon another shack where another family lived.  God did not stop bringing opportunities, even in the mountain.  They came upon a woman with severe chronic abdominal pain and prayed for her.  When they finished, she said the pain was gone.  Praise God.

At each new building site, the group consecrated it with prayer in anticipation of what God was about to do.  They then ate a meal with one of the pastors in his humble home.  The porch of this home also currently serves as his church for his 20-30 members.  The meal, which I'm sure to them was "company cookin;" consisted of a broth like soup with freshly killed chicken and a vegetable that looked much like a cactus.  Think about this the next time you are tempted to grumble about what's for dinner.

The group returned inspired and ready to start forming a construction team.... Any volunteers?

The clinic finished up their part of the mission shortly after lunch.  At the end, there were still people coming who were looking for assistance.  The need is so real.  We take so much for granted.

In the prayer center, a man and his family had traveled from Guatemala to see the doctors, the father needed an eye exam, but we were not equipped to do that.  He had blurry double vision at a distance and could not see well close-up.  The prayer team gathered around him, laid hands on his eyes and prayed for his eyes to be healed.  There was no change after the first pray, but we felt God saying to be persistent.. We prayed again and this time, his distance vision cleared and he was not seeing double.  However his close vision was still blurry.  Our hero Clark, went into the clinic and came back out with his own personal reading glasses.  He put them on the mans face and voila' he could see.  What a beautiful example of God working both in the supernatural and through the human heart to meet the needs of his children.  Don't worry Clark, we'll help you see to get home.

And then, with mixed emotions, we said our goodbyes to little Jose'.  He was doing much better and didn't even look like the seemingly lifeless child that came to us on Monday. His adoptive mother came with 3 of her other children to pick him up.  Everyone on the team had to take turns holding him and wish him well.  Mom was briefed on what she needed to do to keep his recovery going forward, and one of the ladies on the team paid for several months of formula for him.  We gathered around the family and prayed for them and gave Jose' a signed bible from the team.  Then, with a simple, "gracias", she was gone.  But Jose will not likely ever be forgotten by those who shared in his journey. Wouldn't it be great if God saved this little boy, to become a great man and lead his people to Christ.  Well, of course that's what we are praying for. 

What an intense week we have had.  The afternoon had been reserved to begin the decompression process for the team and to begin to relax prior to re-entry into our world.  So Marilu's brother, who runs rustic excursion trips for tourists, took most of the team on horseback into the mountains.  It was beautiful, complete with a stop for a dip in a rocky stream.  You can almost feel the stress melting away.

Tonight, a trip to the Hot Springs and then tomorrow it's off to Copan for sight seeing and shopping.