Thursday, August 12, 2010

An Outsider's Look at Honduras and North Central's 2010 Honduras Mission Effort

Warren Watson, Executive Director of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, traveled with North Central's 2010 Honduras Mission Team. Read his intriguing article here.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Honduras Mission Team Member Shares New Insights

I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for all you do in organizing the work in Honduras.  We truly felt that we were blessed to have the opportunity to join with North Central in this work.  The trip was well organized, and even though rain threatened to prohibit the scheduled work, the Lord provided a way.  Each person was given a job to do and from my perspective all were willing and eager to help.  Honduras is a beautiful country and the people of Honduras are wonderful people.  You asked, "Where did we see God this week?"  That was a hard question because my initial response was in the beauty of the country, or in the smiles we saw on the faces of the Honduran people.  But after careful consideration, I think God was most evident in the entire group of workers (both North Central's and all those who joined the group from other congregations).  It was a beautiful example of a harmonious relationship among all of us while we participated in devotions, worship, sharing, eating, doing dishes, and serving others.  Even when we were tested each day by the threat of being stranded because of rain, we worked together like a well oiled machine.  Everyone was looking out for each other.   Many contributed ideas to help solve the problems that arose.  Perhaps my hearing was impaired, but I didn't hear complaining.   I saw respect, love and concern for others whether they were Christian or not.  Even more so, I saw a great love and desire for serving our loving God.  Too often, Churches of Christ isolate themselves from other congregations and I often wonder how it will be in heaven, when we fail to fellowship with each other here on earth.  For me, this trip has and will continue to change the way I relate to all people (not just family and not just Christians).  When we worshipped with the homeless group, and sat side by side with them, I couldn't help but think about sharing that little piece of floor with them, and I was forced to consider that I may be sharing a space with them in heaven too.  Somehow, my narrow vision of heaven never included a homeless person or glue sniffer.  I just never thought about it!  Honestly, I had a narrow view of who will comprise the "saved" and I hope that has changed forever.  This trip provided many opportunities, but the most important of these was the opportunity to change.  I need to remember to thank my Lord for each and every day that he provides, because it is one more opportunity to change in my ongoing effort to be more like Christ.  I don't know what the future will bring or what sacrifices may be required of me.  Obviously, I am healthy, well fed, and clothed, so for now my sacrifices have been small and insignificant.  I was quite surprised when the Honduran people said they are praying for us.  (I thought we were there to help and pray for them!)  It just goes to show that even though you try to encourage and help others, the blessing is turned on you.  All I can say is "I have been blessed."

In Christ,
Krista Bohrer