I just returned from Honduras. While there this week I led two groups looking for a congregation with whom that they could start a Sister Church relationship. The Sister Church program pairs North American congregations with those from our Brazos Arbieta fellowship of churches in Central America. The purpose is to develop an ongoing relationship of mutual support, both physically and spiritually. It is a great way to really learn about others as you get to know specific people over time.
The first team was there from Monday till Thursday. This team was from the Sloan’s Lake Community church in Denver, CO. The team was led by Pastor Ed Nelson and included Allen, Floyd and Linda. This team was especilly touched by the church at Armenta. They are praying about how they can best become involved in the ministry there. The team was an excellent example of togetherness. Linda has an artificial leg. While this caused her to stumble and fall several times on the uneavenground, she was a determined trooper. We all worked to keep up with her. As you can see in the picture, she did not shy away from climbing, going or doing anything anyone else did. While we had some cold, wet days and some windy rides in the truck, they had a good time. Pastor Ed was always trying to learn more spanish. He has quite the gift of language. I was surprised that Floyd grew up near Gordon, NE which is near where I grew up, small world. Allen is the music minister at the church. While he does not fish, he has an excellent fishing wardrobe that caused some envy among us fishermen. I had a great time with the team and look forward to their participation in Heart to Honduras.
The second team was from the Church in the Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The team was led by Bob Triana and included Ben, David, David, Renee and her daughter Kayla. This team loved seeing all the kids in the various churches. David and Bob are fluent in Spanish and this was a great help on the trip. They traveled alotof miles and saw a large part of the ministry. They seemed to connect with the Los Conches church and are praying about developing that relationship.
It was a tiring week with lots of travel. But I had a great time with the two teams and look forward to seeing them in the future.
God has moved in our hearts at Church in the Gardens and provided clear direction for us to move forward on “sistering” with Pastor Jorge’s church at Las Conchas. We’re humbled by the blessing from God for the opportunity to be involved with Heart to Honduras in general, and the Las Conchas Church in particular. Many things convinced us that this is were God will use our energies and build a long, sustainable relationship between our two churches. The pastor’s testimony, character and work ethic; the churches close proximity to water (as we are); the fact that we had to rely completely on God to lead us in this decision (since Pastor Jorge was not there); Marlain’s servant heart as she served us coke after carrying it up the hill (this was the only church we did not bring anything to and the only church we were served).
Thank you for how you led us through the visioning trip, and thank you in advance for leading us through this stage in the process.
In the few days we’ve been back, we’ve already experienced much interest on what we did and what we’re planning from many people. I’m excited by how God is using this ministry to build His kingdom.
By: bobt4god on April 24, 2008
at 11:48 am