Disciples New Church Pastors Honduras Trip Journal

Powerpoint Presentation: New Church Pastors Honduras Trip 

The Honduras pilgrimage participants arrived in Miami for a day of getting acquainted, mission interpreters training, orientation and a communion/commissioning service.  During the early afternoon, the group traveled from the la Quinta Hotel to Central Christian Church, Coral Gables, where Pastor Jorge Cotto so graciously opened his congregation to provide the group with a meeting space for the day.  The group participants began by sharing about their ministry and their expectations for the trip.  Many expressed their eagerness to learn from this experience.  Time was then spent talking about what Global Ministries is and how the UCC and Disciples work together in this common witness.  The group members took the Global Ministries 101 “Quiz” and surprisingly many of the answers were “D”… “all of the above”! 

The group enjoyed a coffee break and then came back to talk about being a Global Mission Church.  The training time was concluded by an orientation to the Honduran culture and various good ideas to keep in mind during the trip.  Felix also shared some about the partnerships that we would be visiting.  The group then met in the sanctuary for a worship service.  Daniel challenged us to love God and one another so that the world would believe.  We shared communion and then were commissioned with a stole and a Global Ministries pin.  God was indeed launching us out by God’s grace to walk with our partners in Honduras.  We finished the evening at a Cuban restaurant where we shared a great meal and fellowship.  Back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before the big day!

Miércoles, 30 de enero de 2008 – José Matos

Miércoles de esperanza y de una nueva mañana.

“Todo es hermoso y constante, todo es música y razón, y todo, como el diamante, antes que luz es carbón.” – José Martí

Desayunamos y caminamos hacía el aeropuerto.  Algo que deberíamos mejorar fue el esperar.  Entiendo que debemos esperar a los últimos para realizar un grupo el registro de la aerolínea, pero no sé todas las condiciones para llegar a una conclusión final.  Hasta el momento, el grupo actúa como si nos hubiéramos conocido hace tiempo.  Es increíble la bendición y el Espíritu Santo que nos unifica.  Aunque no entendamos algunas palabras, la conversación, las sonrisas, y el compañerismo es edificante.  Si este es el comienzo, el final será más glorioso.  ¡Pero deja que lleguemos!

¡El camino del mañana pasa por el de ayer!

Que mucho hemos sido instruidos.  Llegamos a Tegucigalpa.  Como siempre el aeropuerto y sus quehaceres.  El aterrizaje fue extraordinario, por lo difícil de la pista.  Conocimos a Soila, Kevin y Rubén.  Celebramos nuestra llegada con pupusas.  ¡Deliciosas!  En especial los “pinchos”.  Nos dirigimos a Monte Carmelo, no sin antes observar como se conduce en la ciudad de Tegucigalpa.  Llegamos al Monte.  Esto me recuerda el pasaje de Miqueas 4:2:

“Venid, subamos al monte de Jehová,
            a la casa del Dios de Jacob;
            él nos enseñará en sus caminos
            y andaremos por sus veredas”,
            porque de Sión saldrá la Ley,
            y de Jerusalén la palabra de Jehová.

Nos presentaron a los hermanos y hermanas Noemí Espinoza, Marisela y el profesor Mario Argueta.  Unas presentaciones, informativos e impactantes.  Me he instruido con ambos presentaciones.  Nos da una base de cómo podemos ser mejores.  Entiendo que los espacios en el tiempo fueron muy productivos e importantes.

Thursday, January 31, 2008 – Paul Lampley

The day started for me at 12:30am with a wake-up call from the Lord to pray.  I got up at 5am.  I am really tired as all of you are.  Both visits to the churches were very uplifting to my spirit. 

Church 1 – Pastor Villatoros
            I loved his taking care of the children.

Church 2 – Pastor Miguel
            They are cleaning up the neighborhood both physically and spiritually.

But I was most impressed at the Monte Horeb Center.  They are doing for people something that will be with them for a long time.  Teach a man to fish, and he will forever.  The ride was rough on all of us, but fun.

May the Lord bless the pastors and church members for what they are doing for their people.

Friday, February 1, 2008 – Martin Hurley

Today after breakfast and devotion, we traveled to Valle de Angeles for a morning of leisure spent relaxing and shopping.  After lunch we went to CTEH (Comunidad Teológica de Honduras) where we exchanged in an exchange of ideas.  The theological seminary doesn’t only deal with theology however, they address the needs of the community.  They engaged in missions, youth at risk, evangelism and social work.  Resources are limited so volunteers are important to the program.  The seminary is on a basic high school level.  In addition, there is a clinic that serves the needs of the community for US $1.00, including medicine.

CEPAS (the distance learning program) has more than 100 students.  They offer eleven levels of degrees in religion.  They are adding a degree from the perspective of women.  We had a brief discussion on the youth program.  They serve youth from 12-18 with chronic problems of HIV/AIDS, homelessness and lack of opportunities.

After our time at the theological community, we concluded our evening with dinner at Noemí Espinoza’s home.  She was a most gracious host.

Sábado, 2 de febrero de 2008 – Vilma Rivera

Comenzamos la mañana con una canción “¡Gracias tata Dios!” dirigida por Félix Ortiz.  Luego hicimos la oración de dar gracias a Dios por los alimentos, donde compartimos un suculento desayuno (entre risas y bromas).  Mas tarde comenzamos el devocional con una oración de dar gracias a Dios.  Luego cantamos la canción “Caminando en la Luz” dirigida por Martín.

Y llegado el momento de la despedida entre besos, abrazos y recordatorios de todos los empleados, que muy amablemente y atentamente nos atendieron durante este tiempo que estuvieron con nosotros.  A Dios le damos gracias por ellos para sigan hacia adelante y les colme de ricas bendiciones, en muy especial a Carmen, la cual nos entregó unos obsequios muy bonitos, y esto me demuestra la huella que hemos dejado en los corazones sencillos y humildes de cada uno de ellos.  (Gracias doy a Dios por ellos.)

“Los cielos cuentan la gloria de Dios, y el firmamento anuncia la obra de sus manos.”  Así comenzamos el recorrido hacia San Pedro Sula.  El día estaba esplendoro, hermoso, y nosotros también, viendo la belleza y verdor de la naturaleza, lo maravilloso de ver las obras de nuestro Dios.

En el camino nos detuvimos para almorzar.  Allí escuchamos la música folklórica llamada “marimba” que nos puso a recordar nuestra música.  Tal fue la emoción de algunos que no resistieron la tentación de darse unos ja, ja, ja.

Bueno por fin llegamos a San Pedro Sula.  Allí nos hospedamos en el Gran Hotel Sula.  A las 7:00pm, nos encontramos en el área del comedor para tener la cena parrillada al aire libre.  Todos disfrutamos el momento de poder compartir.

Sunday, February 3, 2008 – Frederick Woods

First morning in San Pedro Sula.  The beginning of our next and final days.  Paul mentioned this last night during our evening briefing, but it’s not really final for this short trip.  This journey has been the beginning.  A newness for this small group of pastors.  New in how we look at ministry, who we minister to, and why we minister.  New to many of us how we view church, our call, our commission and our service.  New to continue enjoying our humanity as Ketty put it.  New laughter, new insight, new ideals, new perspectives and new risk that God will get the glory.

Sunday morning devotion began with Yours Truly.  I shared a meditation from our pilgrimage journal given by Global Ministries.  Day 7 “God is our refuge and strength.” Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ”  I asked myself, what am I doing here?  What am I to learn?  Challenged by the language differences.  However, no matter what I have or will encounter, I’m here to do God’s will.

            “Give me strength.”

This morning I had mixed feelings before worship.  I was excited for a new worship experience, yet anxious knowing I had to represent the group with a welcome, but

            (“God give me strength.”)

The road to the church was bumpy.  I could not think of focus on the ride for Mother Nature was working.  I felt horrible on top of my mixed emotions.  I shared with Kevin and Bob Mother Nature was at work.  Bob reminded me that God was our strength.  Okay, how I needed God to strengthen my bladder.  The van stopped and allowed me to relieve myself.  I then began concentrating on all the little humans gathering in the bed of the truck.  Off to worship.  Upon our arrival at the church, we were greeted with warm acceptance.  Ketty PREACHED how good.  Dreams.  This was confirmation for me since all the month of January, I had preached (vision, dreams).  One message was from the story of Joseph.  As a dreamer, people will be envious, jealous and even angry, but know God deposited that dream inside of you.  Vision=faith.  There must be action.  Outstanding word.  The appeal was what I’m used to in my church; praying with those who are broken, and hopeless. 

Christ gives freedom and liberation.  Another enjoyable part of the service since I’m a former youth pastor and passionate for children, was listening to the children share what they had learned and finish with songs unto the Lord.  (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.)  Many children need a sense of belonging.  The highlight was Paul’s interaction, participation with the children and his bird or dog call.  It was a great day.  We traveled to another restaurant.  Once again I sinned.  I vowed to the Lord I would be more mindful of my food intake at Power Chicken.  It was a Power meal.  Well, I have decided since we have only four more days, I won’t worry about recommitting any vow regarding my meal intake.

Evening worship.  Daniel was scheduled to preach.  I was confident he would do well.  I have observed he and his wife.  Wonderful spirited people of God.  At the service the worship and praise reminded me of home.  It was a refreshing experience.  The Lord was in this place.  Nice to see people unashamed to praise God.  Pastor Maria’s testimony was encouraging.  We ended the evening with a devotion from Yours Truly.  Reflections from Matthew 25:35-36.

Lunes, 4 de febrero de 2008 – Daniel Arroyo

Nos reunimos a las 8am, iniciando con un devocional cantando un canto de adoración.  De allí nos fuimos a McDonald’s a desayunar, y de allí nos fuimos al Castillo San Fernando – un ratito a pie y otro andando.  Me gustaron los testimonios de los pastores y también al hermano Félix.  Me dió una sorpresa cuando lo vi con un machete y pensé que era Pancho Villa.  Me gusto mucho la ilustración del machete, aunque estaba nervioso porque pensé que se iba a cortar.

Un testimonio que escuché de los pastores que me llamó la atención fue que los pastores muchas veces comparten su propio alimento para darlo a los necesitados.

Después de ese lugar, nos fuimos a la playa en Omoa.  Al principio ibamos contentos y yo muy feliz.  En el camino nos paramos en una gasolinera para comprarnos unas tomadas.  Después de comprarme una nieve, al pasar por detrás de la van comiendo mi nieve, Kevin cerró la puerta de atrás y dejó caer esa puerta que pesa 50 libras en mi cabeza!!   Y el viaje se me convirtió en dolor.

Después de partir de allí llegamos a la fortaleza donde aprendí la historia de la fortaleza de San Fernando o Castillo San Fernando.  ¡Y con esto cierro mi jornada!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 – Daniel Henley

Today is our daughter’s birthday.  Thank you Lord for 15 years with our little Princess.  Paul said mission trips will eventually end up in our daily lives.

We drove up the mountain to visit a mission of the Reformed Church.  Our first stop was at a clinic where 2 sisters from the community went and studied to become a doctor and a dentist.  Once educated, they came back to the community.  Included a pharmacy.

Subivana is the name of this group.  Subivana is a high valley in the mountains with Indigenous groups.  We met Valentino Eleas, a chief of the Subivana’s.  Population is about 1,500.  Most people speak Spanish and some speak Tol.  “Natune” means good-bye.  “Hamedesh”  means good night.  “Make-a-line” means “tengo hambre”.  Similar history to Native Americans in U.S.; 500 year resistance.

We visited a church (under construction, but already in use).  A little girl got a pair of shoes and many more ran around with no shoes.  We had church!  (A song of prayer… Hallelujah!!!)  A subivana is a place where you almost touch the clouds.  The people were very laid back.  There was no rush; no hurry.  Donkey and goats roamed free.  Domestic; unattended, like they knew where home was.

Fatalism has a built-in language.  We discussed “event” oriented activities versus “time” oriented activities.  Lunch was definitely an “event” oriented activity.

The church visit, the ride home and Power Chicken were awesome!

Miércoles, 6 de Febrero de 2008 – Asbedama Arroyo

Comenzamos con desayuno en el hotel y después leímos el salmo 125.  Después de la lectura, cantamos un canto.  Nos despedimos con una oración y llegamos a las ruinas de Copán a la hora de lonche.  Pues comimos en la cafeteria RosaLila.   Visitamos el Instituto de Antopología e Historia de Honduras de los Mayas.  Estuvo muy bonito el recorrido a las ruinas, pero lo triste fue que robaron algunas piezas.  El guía fue paciente al relatar la historia.  Contaba algunas bromas como la pieza llevada a Estados Unidos que había recibido tarjeta verde, pero no tenía permiso para ir a Honduras y muchos más.  Pues, pasamos buen tiempo durante el viaje.  Fue dormir y reir especialmente cuando veníamos de regreso.  Durante el tráfico yo nunca había visto, como hoy el tráfico, porque están rebasando por donde no era legal.  Por momentos tenía miedo porque manejan diferente a Estados Unidos, pero Dios nos cuidó y guardó y nos trajó a salvo, gracias a Dios.

Cenamos en el fogonato.  Por la noche leímos Habacuc 3:1-4. 

Thursday, February 7, 2008 – Ketty Domingo Santos

We had been waiting for this day with a lot of expectation.  Today we are going to visit the Garifunas and Japón Community.

The day started with breakfast and prayer by José Matos.  Once we started our journey and arriving to the Garifunas community, the Lord surprised us with a beautiful scene.  We were at the North coast of Honduras.  We were able to see the beach and the port.

The community is in Bajamar.  They were waiting for us.  During Mitch, this community was hit really hard.  They lost 40 houses.  Global Ministries and the Maine Conference helped in the reconstruction of 20 houses and a church.

The community was waiting for us.  Martin gave greetings on behalf of the group and at the same time, they welcomed us with appreciative words.

We noticed a lot of kids that were around us while we were giving them lollipops.  I felt happy to see them, but at the same time sad to see their living conditions.  Race discrimination and poverty is still alive.  Puerto Cortes is a very progressive community, but the reality is the same.  The poor totally separate from the rich.  I also notice joy in their faces and Jesus in their smiles.

Daniel Henley surprised all of us with his commitment to come back with his church.

We had lunch in the Japón Community.  The pastor of the church is Grisel Rosales.  She was a Disciple when residing in Atlanta, Georgia.  The church’s youth group did a presentation that made all of us cry.

Our journey ended with a word of prayer.