Trinity's Honduran Mission Trips 2001
Complete January 2001 picture library.
From January 6 to 13 and again from February 3 to 10, members of Trinity participated in mission trips to Honduras. This page tells their story.
Saturday January 6th at 4:00 p.m.
We made the trip safely. All our luggage came with us!! Praise God for Mueller truck and all our prayer warriors, family members and good travel! The Edwardsville Missionaries...
Sunday January 7th at 8:15 p.m.
We worshiped with New Life Dear Ministry at their church. We enjoyed the service very much. Our team is growing together and ready for our first day in the barrio's tomorrow. We've included photos of Honduran family with team members. We gave them our left over food from our Sunday dinner out. The WGO missionaries have "adopted" this family and help care for them. Team is preparing medicines, glasses, toothbrushes, and paste for tomorrow!! Keep praying!! The Edwardsville Missionaries...
Tuesday January 9th at 9:30 a.m..
Our first mission site is "New Hope" Church. The team was is going there to see what the new hope of Jesus can do for others. Connie and Paul went to the church in 1998 and we felt a sense of great desperation. Yesterday everyone in our team felt a different sense. One of hope and Christian life. The Holy Spirit is alive and working miracles in this land. Our team is now just that. A Team. There were at least 15 people accepting Christ yesterday. 15 new souls for Heaven. This is what we are to be about. Keep Praying!! The Edwardsville Missionaries...
Wednesday January 10th.
Everything is going great! We all have sunburns ! Today we are going to the orphanage and the ranch for the adolescent kids. The Edwardsville Missionaries...
Friday January 12th, from SJ.
Ariel is an adorable two-year-old girl with big brown eyes and a beautiful little smile that would make even the hardest hearts melt. But her skin isn’t quite as dark as the rest of her family’s, and her tiny body is so skinny that you can feel most of her bones when you hold her. For the past three months she has been eating very irregularly - a direct result of recurring fevers that frequently plague her body, wiping out what little appetite she had. She was taken to two Honduran doctors for examination and both found nothing wrong with her. On Tuesday she was diagnosed with Malaria by members of our brigade. Liver damage and stunted growth was inevitable, but her hope for survival had the diagnosis not been made and the proper treatment not given would have been very slim.
Last week at this time, 30 people from the Edwardsville-Collinsville area, including a handful of physicians, students, pastors, and other folks with a heart for mission work, arrived in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. What they found shocked them and changed their lives forever.
Tegucigalpa, a city of nearly one million people is a showcase for poverty far beyond North American comprehension. Flea-bitten mongrels scrounge for a small bite in a pile of trash bags lying in the downtown area, and filthy little kittens with gaunt faces stumble in and out of doorless rusty one-room flats. Children with dirt-covered faces and torn clothing run through muddy yards littered with broken glass, old tires, and human feces, just to wave at our tired bus as it passes through the streets carrying us to the various churches.
We were part of a much larger team, World Gospel Outreach, which has a number of ministries in Honduras. With the help of the W.G.O. missionaries and staff, our team delved into the worst of Tegucigalpa’s ghettos for four days to set up shop and offer free health care to the people of the neighborhood. But the opportunity for a physical exam, a lice-removing hair wash, a chance to receive a free pair of glasses, or have a tooth pulled was merely an incentive to get the people to the site. Our main concern was their spiritual well-being.
Martha is 46 years-old. She has a very severe case of Arthritis, and is often responsible for caring for her nieces. On Monday she came to the brigade site not only to see that her nieces would receive medical care, but to ask us to pray for her mother who was very ill. Martha was a Christian but wanted to know more about God, so team members told her. With a look of excitement in her eye and a toothless grin on her face she asked to be a part of God’s family. So with the help of a nearby Pastor and some bottled water, Martha was baptized on the spot.
There are believed to be nearly 7,000 children living on the streets in Tegucigalpa. Rumors run rampant that children are being sold for body parts. These sickening statistics have prompted organizations like W.G.O. to take action.
Fifteen-year-old Javier was found a few years ago at the local airport. He had been living on the street since he broke away from a gang when one of his best friends was shot as they were breaking into a house to steal food. Javier was taken to a place called Centro de Vida, a school/orphanage run by W.G.O. Today Javier has been adopted by a foster family at W.G.O.’s 80 acre ranch, Rancho Ebenezer with some of his siblings, who were also rescued from the streets. Thanks to W.G.O’s dedication to education, he is now bilingual and hopes to someday be a pilot.
Located in the midst of downtown Tegucigalpa, Centro de Vida, or Center of Life, provides a home for up to 40 children as well as a very high standard of education. The CDV makes it’s home in an old sewing school that was donated to W.G.O. six years ago. It’s surrounded by high concrete walls and barbed wire. The neighborhood in which it sits is full of merchants and is a not uncommon site for murders and muggings. But within the walls of CDV, children are given a new lease on life.
At the age of 10, Miguel was drinking heavily. He came from a wealthy family but was never taught the ways of the Lord. His mother ran a brothel out of their home, and Miguel was constantly exposed to despicable sights. His life spiraled downward and it wasn’t long before he was addicted to heroine. Finally, he hit rock bottom. Although he had never been religious he begged for God’s forgiveness and re-dedicated his life. In no time, he began making a difference in others’ lives. Today he is 42 years-old. He is an evangelist and translator for W.G.O. Since the time of his reconciliation with God, Miguel has ministered and no doubt won thousands of souls for the Lord.
Christina is 10 years-old. She has spent her entire life wondering where her next meal will come from. In the past few years she has watched for of her younger brothers die from malnourishment. She has terrible cataracts on her eyes which cloud her vision. Survival for this pretty little girl was a daily struggle. But six months ago, her life was changed. Miguel found her living on the streets and took her into his home. Now she eats everyday, wears nice clothing, and lives in a loving family. She worships God regularly and thanks him for her many blessings. But she fears for the life of her final brother who still struggles for survival on the streets of Tegulcigalpa.
SJ Morrison is 20 years-old. He is in Honduras to help people, and further his relationship with the Lord. His life will never be the same. This article by S.J. was written for the Edwardsville Intelligencer newspaper.
As the group was at the airport Saturday afternoon preparing to board, a 7.6 earthquake centered in nearby El Salvador struck. They were able to take off safely though and later landed in St. Louis just before 8 p.m.
Message from Robin:
The trip to Honduras was a great blessing to me. Lacey and I shared the experience and I can't think of anyone else I would have rather had with me. She just glowed with happiness the entire trip. I went on this trip wanting to feel a closer connection to God and I definitely felt God's presence on the trip. Getting to know the members of the team and getting to know Pastor Groth better was great. Serving others felt so good and right. I worked with the two dentists from Honduras and hearing their stories and sharing our faith was so uplifting I find it hard to explain. The one dentist, Lissett, and I shared so much common history and connected on the first day. At the end of the week she had shared her faith with me and I know it was a God thing that we worked together. I had felt lost in the past but I know now God is in my life and I just need to listen closely to feel His presence. This was definitely a life changing experience for me and I thank God I took the trip.
Message from Pastor Groth:
Again, let me take this opportunity to praise God for his love for all people, a love our mission team of thirty saw overflowing for the people of Honduras during this week. As we worked in cooperation with World Gospel Outreach in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, we saw the Lord share His love through us with almost 1,700 people in need. Some He gave new smiles through dental care. Some he gave sight with eyeglasses. Still others he gave renewed health and relief from pain through professional medical care. To all he gave His heart with the message of forgiveness through His beloved Son Jesus Christ. We praise God that 141 people came to know Jesus as their Savior and 7 were baptized !
And again, let me express thanks on the behalf of the team for the congregation's prayer and financial support. Many, many hearts were touched - both Hondurans' and ours. I wonder if God is nudging some more hearts for next year ? Let's remember our team that will be there during the week of February 3 - 10. May the heart of God overflow big time through them !
Complete February 2001 picture library.
The next group left on February 3, 2001.
Tuesday February 6th at 9:24 a.m.
God is good! A late start to the day as our bus wouldn't start, but the Lord provided a replacement from the local school. Brigade site is in a rural and more agricultural setting than most. Eye doctors worked in the parsonage (2 rooms and dirt floor), children's hair ministry was in yard (rain showers and mud), all other ministries in the church building (rain showers and holes in the tin roof). The Holy Spirit was at work in all as many confirmed their faith in Christ and many came to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray for continued blessings on this site and the Hondurans there. Heb 12:1-3
Wednesday February 7th at 10:12 a.m.
The second day at our first Brigade site was much more comfortable weather-wise. What an incredible blessing to have worked in a church with a strong group of believers and in a community that is eager to hear about our Savior. It is obvious to our entire team that since the Hondurans we are ministering to have so little, their faith becomes their most valued "possession". Psalm 119:72.19:10
Our team is a very Spiritual group with diverse personalities and talents. We praise the Lord for our ability to be used for His work. Romans 12:3-8
Wednesday February 7th at 8:40 p.m.
We visited the orphanage Centro de Vida and the children's ranch Rancho Ebenezer. We were encouraged by spending time with the children and seeing the progress at the ranch. We reflected on the first brigade and started preparing for the second brigade starting tomorrow. We experienced a God thing as our delivering donated school supplies coincided with unknown needs at the ranch with school starting Monday. Pray for growth in Lord's territory through our brigade tomorrow. 1 Chron 4:10
Friday February 9th at 8:18 a.m.
God never Ceases to Bless us! Members of team 2000 were reunited with some old friends as this site is he same as our first site last year. The team continues to joyfully work for the Lord and is blessed by the people of this church. Pray for the last day of our brigades and that the Lord bring to completion the work that He's sent us to do. Many Hondurans will be blessed through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Our Mission Trips are organized through the efforts of World Gospel Outreach of Humble, Texas, Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL and Trinity Lutheran Church, Edwardsville. Peace and Trinity have been blessed with the privilege of 3 weeks of mission work in Tegucigalpa out of the 21 weeks WGO provides brigades. Each of these Evangelistic Missions provides Medical Brigades in and around Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
WGO
also is building Rancho Ebenezer in the mountains surrounding Tegucigalpa, to
raise up young people in Christian homes, after they have graduated from Centro
de Vida. Centro
de Vida is a orphanage for homeless and unfortunate children from Tegucigalpa.
We
all know God does not keep count. We do, however, know that he knows even the
number of hairs on our heads.
He was smiling broadly during the 3 weeks Trinity, Peace and the other 7
different congregations in our teams were evangelizing in Tegucigalpa, when over
500 people accepted Christ into their lives.
He was also joyful when during those 3 weeks over 3000 people received
Medical attention and medications; around 1200 individuals were given wonderful
dental care by Dr’s. Lizeth, Scarleth and Nancy.
More than 1500 souls can now see better due to the efforts of the men and
women working with our Optometrists and technicians.
Many of the people receiving glasses are now able to see clearly, some
for the first time in decades, others for the first time in their lives.
The tears of joy on the faces of those lovely people will be in the
hearts of us for the rest of our lives.
My
name is Paul Darr.
I am a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
I have been honored and extremely blessed by God for the privilege of
assisting WGO with their Evangelism Mission / Medical Brigades for the last 3
years. During
these years, I have been to Tegucigalpa 4 times.
Twice, I had the opportunity to provide medical assistance to the people
there and this year, I have assisted in leading 2 teams to Honduras.
Each time I make this journey, I am again enlightened by the kind, gentle
and open spirits of the people I meet.
From the interpreters were work with, some of the sweetest young people
and strongest Christians I have met in my entire life, to the wonderful
dentists, Dr. Lizeth, Scarleth and my friend Nancy, to the Honduran, Jimner
managing the brigades with ease and skill, I am humbled and blessed at the same
time. Most
importantly, I am in awe of the strength exhibited by the matriarchs of the
families I see.
These women, by and large have raised children on less per year than most
of us spend for Christmas.
Most have no husband, or if they do, live in abuse.
And yet, they will stand in line for hours to get to medical, optical or
dental care for their children and then listen intently while rich, fat
Americans tell them how much they need Jesus in their lives.
They will then say they accept Jesus, and then pray for us and ask God to
bless us. Through
Christ, these people are our brothers and sisters and I personally thank God for
getting to know them.
Centro
de Vida, Rancho Ebenezer, and New Life Deaf Ministry and Church are 3 strong
shining beacons of Christian Hope in the bleak existence of many in Honduras.
The entire WGO organization is funded through donations.
If you are moved to assist this real and true Christian effort, I urge
you to contact WGO at 218-548-7222, or contact me through Trinity Lutheran
Church, 600 Water Street, Edwardsville, IL
62025. I
will send you a WGO brochure and a pledge form to assist you in beginning a
relationship between yourself, Christ and the people of Honduras.
Who knows, maybe next year, you will be walking down the steps from the
plane, looking forward to your appointment with Jesus in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
with a group of missionaries.
I hope so, as you will be surprised by how much God has to teach you, if
you watch, listen and pray.
If you would like more information on future trips please contact the church office at (618) 656-2918 or email tlchurch.tle@gmail.com