A Missionary’s Journey of Faith & Transformation

Introduction

A month before going on the Honduras Mission I was feeling nervous then God bestowed upon me a dream to ease my fears. A man appeared with a big smile as he juggled several different jobs in front of me. He was doing many tasks simultaneously and would glance over toward me with a twinkling in his eye like he was about to wink. He was showing me how a missionary works and I sensed then everything was going to be alright. When I woke up, my fear of going on mission was gone. God gave me the courage and confidence to go and serve His people.

I had come to Honduras as a missionary—an ordinary person with an extraordinary calling. My testimony, shaped by the faces, stories, and miracles I encountered, is a tapestry woven with struggle, hope, and the boundless love of a God who meets us in the most unlikely places.

The Call to Serve

My journey began one day after mass at St. Anthony of Padua. The Honduran Bishop Jenry was visiting our parish, and I had the opportunity to introduce myself. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked me if I had considered going on Mission to Honduras. I explained that I was praying and discerning. He then looked at me straight in the eyes and boldly said; “What are you waiting for?” I took his words to heart and with my husband’s blessing I was granted the opportunity to serve on the Catechetical team.  The words of Isaiah echoed in my soul: “Here am I. Send me.”

Preparation was both daunting and exhilarating. I had never dreamed of going out of my comfort zone. Traveling to a third world country was a bit scary to think about. It took lots of prayers in adoration with the Blessed Sacrament. Participating in several  meetings with the core team and seasoned missionaries helped me gain confidence.  By the time our day of departure came I felt ready for the challenge. Yet nothing could truly prepare me for the reality: the embrace of children in dusty quarters, the resilience of mothers raising families with so little, and the quiet faith that shimmered in the eyes of villagers gathering for prayer within a small cement walled church without air conditioning.

Arriving in Honduras

Landing in Tegucigalpa, with its winding roads and vibrant markets, I was immediately struck by the contrasts. The city pulses with energy, yet just beyond its borders, poverty and hardship are woven into the fabric of daily life. My assignment was in a rural village, nestled high in the mountains, where modern conveniences were scarce and every sunrise felt like a miracle.

My first day traveling to the top of the mountain was quite a ride. Narrow dirt roads with potholes every few feet made the journey very bumpy. The clouds of dust covered the brave missionaries who chose to travel on the back of the truck.  But smiles, laughter, and shared meals with the 250 Honduran children made each day full of joy. The people welcomed me without reservation, their generosity humbling and their warmth a balm to my anxious spirit.

Moments of Challenge

Missionary work, I soon discovered, is not the stuff of travel brochures. It is gritty, often exhausting, and sometimes heartbreaking. Meeting a mother of four who was blind and in need of clothing and medical and dental care for her children was very difficult to encounter. There was a 16-year-old girl who was holding her newborn daughter. When I asked her how she liked being a mom, she didn’t respond. She just had an incredibly overwhelmed look on her face.

I remember one evening when the rain caused an accident with one of our trucks on the way down the mountain. It’s amazing that the miracle was that this truck recovered from being stuck in a ditch and drove away without a scratch. It’s important to understand that when we all learned about the accident, we all prayed fervently, and soon after we learned that all was well.  Amidst the problems on the road, I glimpsed the true meaning of Christian fellowship—the body of Christ in action, each member carrying burdens, sharing laughter, and finding strength in unity.

There were also moments of personal doubts.  Was I really prepared to share the gospel with the children? Was my presence helpful or simply a drop in an ocean of need? In those quiet hours of uncertainty, I returned to prayer, seeking guidance and reassurance. Again and again, I witnessed God’s faithfulness—not always in grand miracles, but in the gentle persistence of hope and kindness.

A MOMENT OF CHALLENGE

An image of pure exhaustion; a young first-time mom concerned for the safety & well-being of her child.

LOGISITCAL CHALLENGE

Each day overcoming the difficulty; transporting children over rough terrain to La Colonia for VBS.

Glimpses of Grace

Despite the challenges, grace abounded in unexpected places. I met with an older Honduran woman outside the doors of the church, and I asked her; “How do you like living here?” She replied that she and her family were at peace and free. I realized that she found peace and freedom even in poverty. No cell phone, no car or worldly material things were needed for her to live in the peace of Christ. My daily inspiration of encountering people like her who didn’t worry about not having and embraced what they had was humbling.

Or there was a young boy in our vacation bible study who arrived late for class. Come to find out he was late because he had been bitten by a scorpion on his stomach. He lifted his shirt to show me the area where he had been bitten. It looked swollen and red. I offered to take him to a doctor, but he insisted he’d be alright because his mother had treated him with lemon juice. It goes to show that these people have learned homeopathic ways to treat injuries or illnesses because they don’t have access to pharmaceutical’s.

At the last mass we gathered under a patchwork roof to celebrate a baptism and first Holy communion for seven children.  The music was simple—guitars, clapping hands, and the soaring voices of those who had little gathered united by faith with us missionaries. I’ll never forget the manner that Bishop Jenry poured large bowls of water over a little 3-year-old boy fully clothed standing on top of a brown plastic chair. At the end Bishop Jenry took the remaining holy water and splashed us all with it. Then he proceeded to carry the boy upon his shoulder and danced up and down the aisle. I will never forget the joy that we all experienced watching the sacrament of baptism and first Holy communion be offered in such a lively way.

A JOYFUL CELEBRATION

Bishop Jenry honoring a fresh beginning & union with Christ; guiding the newly baptized not just on his shoulders, but on this child’s spiritual journey!

THE CALL TO SERVE

Leading over 200 children in the Catechetical teaching rotation; dancing, singing, & acknowledging God’s grace with nothing but smiles & laughter!

Transformation and Growth

My time in Honduras changed me in ways I could not have imagined. I arrived eager to give but found myself receiving far more than I offered. The humility, resourcefulness, and faith of the Honduran people challenged my assumptions and expanded my understanding of God’s kingdom.

I learned that mission is not about bringing answers, but about walking alongside others—listening, learning, and loving without condition. It is about seeing Christ in the faces of the hungry, the sick, the joyful, and the weary. Through laughter and tears, setbacks and breakthroughs, I discovered that the greatest gift I could offer was presence: to be there, fully and faithfully, at each moment.

One evening, as the sun set beyond the seashore the missionaries gathered to share on the reflection for the day. Their words, simple and sincere, brought us closer as a team and inspired us to begin thinking about returning next year. Personal testimonies of watching God’s hand at work within us and around us left me in awe of His omnipotence.

Conclusion: A Testament to God’s Faithfulness

Today, as I look back on my time in Honduras, I am filled with gratitude and joy—for the challenges that stretched my faith, the friendships that sustained me, and the glimpses of God’s kingdom that broke through in the most unexpected ways. That man who appeared in my dream I later saw in a photo. I was astonished to recognize him as Deacon Mike Mimms. Deacon Mike was the founding missionary that started our parish mission to Honduras. His appearance in my dream shows he is still interceding for the Honduran people.

My testimony is not one of grand achievements, but of small, daily acts of love and the extraordinary power of presence. Service in Honduras taught me that every act of kindness, every shared meal, every prayer whispered in hope, weaves a thread in the fabric of God’s greater story. It is a story that continues, wherever people step out in faith to love, serve, and be transformed.

May this testimony inspire others to listen for their own calling, to cross borders both literal and spiritual, and to discover the joy that comes from living fully in the purpose God has prepared for each of us.

Viva Cristo Rey,

Gisele Matthews

The story of a boy who never stopped dreaming!

There are stories that are born in silence, in forgotten corners of the map, where hope walks barefoot and dreams seem unattainable.

This is the story of a boy who, amidst dirt roads and cold dawns, learned that faith and heart are more powerful than any obstacle. It is the story of how a backpack full of dreams, loaded with more hope than resources, can take you to places many never imagined reaching.

Since I was a child, I grew up in a humble home, full of love, effort, and faith, with hardworking parents who taught me never to give up, even when life gets difficult. At the age of five, I suffered an accident that almost took my life, but I managed to recover. At the age of seven, I was diagnosed with essential tremor, a condition that has been with me ever since. However, none of that stopped me, because I always believed, and still believe, that God has a purpose and opportunities even in the worst adversities.

Meet Osman

A remarkable young man who was brave enough to share his story. This is why our mission is so important. Just a small helping hand has made a difference. We are so very proud of Osman!

From inception, our mission has focused on education & doing all we can to help the children. Back in November of 2021, we celebrated our first High School graduates that the mission supported & featured Osman.

My name is Osman Ariel Méndez Pascual. I'm from Mirador Santa Fe, Colón, Honduras, a rural community where every step forward requires effort and faith. Since I was little, I dreamed of studying and improving myself, and I asked God for an opportunity. For that reason, in everything I did, I always tried to give my best. I finished school at 11 years old and from then on, I began a path full of sacrifices. For a year, I traveled three hours on foot to get to Santa Fe, leaving at 3:30 a.m. and returning at 4 or 5 p.m. Then, for two more years, I studied at the elementary school in the Suyapa neighborhood, traveling an hour and a half from El Mirador, often without eating and worried, but with the firm hope that one day everything would make sense.

After leaving the colony, I made the decision to move to Santa Fe, four hours away from my family, all to continue my studies. There I had to do everything on my own: cook, do my laundry, and walk 25 minutes to school. I lived like that for a year, until the mission offered me the opportunity to study in San Pedro Sula at a boarding school. Without thinking twice, I accepted, knowing I'd be even further from home, but my desire to improve myself was stronger than my fear. I missed my family and my friends, but I continued until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

In the first few months, we had to return home, supposedly only for a few days, but those days turned into weeks, and then months. In my community, there was no internet and no way to find out anything about school. I felt like my dream was slipping away, slowly, because of something beyond my control. But even so, I never lost faith that God would change things. Until one day, I managed to get online and received the news that we could continue taking classes with a teacher in the community. We couldn't return to the boarding school yet. But that small glimmer of hope gave me back hope, and we kept waiting until finally, they told us we could return.

I didn't think twice and made the brave decision again. Despite the pain of losing friends and family in the pandemic, I trusted in God and returned. I remember that at the beginning there were 12 of us students, but when I returned, only five remained, and among them was me, with my backpack full of dreams, the same one that many abandoned out of fear or because they felt everything was against them. When I arrived, I learned that my classmates had continued with their classes, and to catch up, I had to take five classes with them and six more I had missed. It was days and nights of hard work. I cried many times and was about to give up, but my mother told me that all that pain would one day turn into joy, so I continued, often with tears, but also with determination.

I passed the year, and the next one was calmer. I had many beautiful experiences. I graduated from high school, and that day, looking back, I was amazed at everything I had experienced. I remembered every sacrifice and every step I took with faith. That was the first part of my dream fulfilled, the one I always held tight, even when life hit me hard. I returned home and saw the happiness in my parents' eyes. The mission had helped me make a dream that seemed almost impossible a reality, and it was all possible thanks to God. With all my will, I continued in college. Although at first it seemed unattainable, I continued semester after semester, fighting and trusting, and today I am almost ready to finish my degree. I am about to begin my professional internship and then my thesis, so I can graduate with God's help.

In this final stage, resources have become a huge challenge, but I continue to strive because every step brings me closer to the dream I had as a child, the dream of being an engineer, a dream that I embraced with enthusiasm and that today, although it hasn't fully realized yet, is closer than ever, because that child who once had no way out, who walked with his backpack full of dreams without knowing how to get there, is now on the verge of achieving it.

Today that child is happy, because the "me" of today, along with many people who believed in him, helped him fulfill his dream of studying at university and becoming an engineer, and that's why all I have to say is: thank you so much for all your support, for every word, every gesture, and every opportunity.

Fill your backpack with dreams, even if you can't see the path, because when you least expect it, God will send your guide

- Osman Méndez

It starts at home with our attitude!

We are all extremely busy right now in the planning stage for our mission this year by ordering supplies, packing trunks, assigning duties, creating schedules & lesson plans, monitoring budgets…. however, what are we doing to mentally prepare? How can we reach the state of mind required to achieve mission success? How do we even define “MISSION SUCCESS”?

Mission trips can be exciting, life-changing, & an enormous blessing to us & those we are serving. However, our attitude will determine much of what we both give & receive. The following are a few approaches to consider as we prepare for our June departure:

In a biblical context, "deliberate" emphasizes intentional & conscious actions or decisions, often highlighting the importance of thoughtful choices in matters of faith &  obedience to God.

On our mission trip, it’s important to be intentional as well as deliberate. To cultivate an attitude of humility, open-mindedness, & a willingness to learn while serving, prioritizing the needs of others & embracing cultural differences with both respect & curiosity. Ask the Lord beforehand what he wants to do with our time & talents on this trip; search for ways to serve & glorify Him.

While the word "flexibility" isn't explicitly used in the Bible, the concept of adaptability & being open to change is emphasized, with examples of individuals who demonstrated flexibility in their faith & actions. 

We may know what our general responsibilities are going to be but be open to the fact that more or different things may be asked of us. We need to learn from Paul’s missionary journeys; his willingness to adapt his approach to different cultures & people show his flexibility in sharing the Gospel. Going into this time of service with a spirit that is willing to jump in & help wherever there is need will be a great blessing to all.

In the Bible, “perseverance” is presented as a vital aspect of faith & character, often resulting from enduring trials & hardships, ultimately leading to hope & maturity.

Those of us that have gone on mission before tend to forget about the negative aspects of visiting a developing country: the heat, civil unrest, lack of supplies & services. The days spent doing ministry can be long & exhausting. They will be a big change from our daily routine at home & may require us to step out of our comfort zone. Endure with patience the moments of discomfort, remembering that the Lord is seeking to use us to bless people that He loves & desires to know Him.

A successful mission trip is determined by a combination of factors, including clear goals, effective partnerships, thorough preparation, a focus on long-term impact rather than just short-term tasks…..all while maintaining A SERVANT’S ATTITUDE.

Our choice to go on the Honduras Mission will bring joy to the Lord as we love & obey Him by displaying such attitudes. When it comes to mission trips, we should work ahead of time to improve our skills of listening & accompaniment, formulating intelligent questions & creating prayerful dialogue.

Let us invite the Spirit of God to transform our hearts, minds, & souls to be open to the faith, gifts, talents, joy, & yes, challenges of the Honduran culture. Perhaps we’ll become even more effective instruments of God’s love globally as we then work together in the body of Christ. Be excited as we join God’s work!

Returning The Proper Way After Mission Work

Mission trips can not only be fulfilling but also challenging. That is the very reason why so many of us are signing up and traveling to Honduras this Saturday. While voices have questioned the viability and benefit of embarking on these trips after COVID, we should focus on the manner in which we return. We can make mistakes—not only in the way we prep and serve but also in the way we come back. Here are five such ways:

1. The Expert

We live in today’s information age. People love facts and more importantly want to receive everything at lightening speed in real-time. We often parade missionaries on our website and spotlight their stories on social media, asking them to narrow down years of mission work into a short elevator pitch. But the inverse can also be true. Friends may expect a detailed narrative on the people, language, culture, religion, and politics of a country, even though our actual mission exposure involves a very limited area of Honduras high atop a mountain.

In such conversations, perhaps due to pride, the temptation is to play the expert, to pontificate about a place we know little of. We can easily speak in absolutes, defining an entire population without the appropriate nuance and appreciation. We must recognize that a brief foray into a region can reveal enough to foster prejudice and generalizations, but rarely enough for deep understanding.

2. The Called

Many of us have experienced a week of summer camp in our youth. The spiritual focus, kumbaya, emotions, and isolated location provide the ideal environment for a memorable event. Those moments can be times of significant decision. But decisions made at camp are also notorious for generating little lasting change. A compelling emotion by a campfire doesn’t guarantee long-term commitment and follow-through.

What is true for a week of summer in the woods could also true for today’s mission trips. Globe-trekking adults often return with a sense of calling to missions. But that calling may simply be based on a positive experience. Rarely do volunteers experience the mundane of year-round foreign mission work or the rigors of everyday life in Honduras. Great experiences alone are insufficient reasons to pursue your next mission trip.

3. The Critic

Those who come back often want to return overseas; they also may want to take everyone with them. Yes, our country may be doing shamefully little in comparison to our abundant individual resources. But don’t forget that the people you’re prone to lecture here at home are also likely the ones who paid and prayed your way. So, come back with some saltiness, but don’t forget needed grace in those conversations.

Similarly, it’s easy to come back to the States—particularly following a negative ministry experience—and be critical of those who reside in other countries. Their living conditions or education choices may not be yours. Yet just as you're not an expert on language, culture and geopolitical issues, you don’t live in their shoes every day. It’s usually best to give those you serve the benefit of the doubt.

4. The STORYTELLER

One of the greatest dangers upon returning from any mission, whether the trip goes well or not, is to exaggerate. To overstate the successes and the struggles. To unintentionally inflate the numbers. To make the poor people poorer, the squalor dirtier, the bus ride longer, or in contrast the whole experiences totally awesome.

We do this, again, because of our own pride. We have a desire to feel needed or successful. Perhaps it’s as simple as wanting to justify the trip—and it’s cost—to our supporters. But whenever we become the exaggerator, we reveal a deep insecurity in our identity with Christ. We show a lack of faith in him. And we reveal that we find our worth in what we have sacrificed and accomplished for the Savior, not the other way around.

5. The Enthusiastic

Everyone—at least everyone who avoids stomach issues—is expected to return from a mission trip with enthusiasm. Praising God for victories. Recounting stories of success. Exulting in all that was accomplished. You come back all excited about what God had done in and through you, but within six months or a year, you may notice that the majority of that momentum may start to wane.

Get to your core sooner rather than later. After your trip, ask yourself what you learned:

• About yourself (strengths, weaknesses, gifting)

• About God (his love for the lost, his work in people’s lives)

• About cross-cultural missions (the needs, the opportunities, where you fit).

Then take steps to apply those lessons back home!

Returning the PROPER Way

So, how should we come back from a short-term mission trip?

For starters, we should return with humility and gratitude for such a privileged opportunity. Speak of our experiences in a way that depicts God as the primary and ultimate actor (Acts 14:27), not in ways that draw attention to ourself.

Also, find an opportunity to personally thank supporters for their gifts and prayers. You should definitely report on specific events and encouragement, focusing on stories of God’s grace. But also don’t avoid the realistic accounts of trials, weaknesses, or hardships.

You may recognize aspects of yourself in each “way” outlined above. It’s important to do a bit of self-reflection to only bring about the positives of each. You should recount what you learned, doing so with necessary caveats and an awareness of your limited knowledge.

In order to be better prepared for others’ questions, it’s not a bad idea to take notes or journal through your travels so you’re prepared to provide specifics about your time. In particular, record names of people for prayer. If possible, try to get to know local believers, learning their struggles and needs, check in with them after you return then passing them along so others can pray or respond appropriately. This way, the reporting of your trip is others-focused and glorifying to God.

Ultimately, we want to return with a joyful awareness of God's work in the world and a greater appreciation for our shared salvation.

Sometimes it’s only your presence that’s important - Steve Rafferty's Journey.

I improved my reading skills when I was young by reading selections from the Readers Digest Condensed Books.  Two books that had a lasting effect were A Ship Called Hope by William B. Walsh and Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl.  The first told the story of a refitted military hospital ship that provided humanitarian medical aid to various countries around the world, particularly Latin America.  The second recapped an epic adventure of floating across the Pacific on a balsa wood raft from Ecuador to Polynesia to prove the viability of a migration route.   After reading both books, I wanted to do something similar but had no concrete plans how to do that.  Decades later, I found my solution in St Anthony of Padua’s Medical/Dental Mission to Honduras.

I walked into the informational meeting for the 2018 Mission Trip uncertain that I brought enough knowledge or skill to be useful.   After listening to a summary of how the Mission was organized, I told the presenter that I probably was only  60% to 70% qualified for any specific job.  I’d worked as an EMT in college, but hadn’t refreshed those skills since.  I knew enough Spanish to order food and beer, but couldn’t carry a conversation.  I can drive with a manual transmission, but I’ve never driven a four wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions.  I wanted to go on Mission but only if I was productively useful.  My test was whether my presence on mission was more beneficial than donating the equivalent money to the mission.  They told me confidently that they would provide training for any job I volunteered for.

So after two missions, where am I?  I’ve passed the Registered Dental Assistant test for certification in Texas, so I enhance the productivity of the dentists on Mission.  I’ve trained in ultrasound cleaning of teeth.  I’m not certified in Texas to clean teeth but Honduras doesn’t require it so I have improved the oral health of several dozen folks in Honduras.  My granddaughter, my training guinea pig, says I did a decent job on her teeth.   My Spanish is a bit more polished thanks to internet learning apps.  I feel competently useful on Mission in Honduras.  The Mission Team can definitely take a new missionary and train them to be useful.

The Honduras Mission provides the opportunity to fulfill my childhood goal of helping others in an adventuresome location.  Granted, traveling across Honduras isn’t crossing the open Pacific on a raft, but traveling six hours on two lane blacktops with numerous tumelos (“speed bumps”) isn’t a Sunday drive in the country.  There’s plenty of adventure on the trip!

The personal takeaways are significant as well.   When you are on mission, the demands of the work and the challenges of local conditions often obscure the positive impacts we make.  On reflection afterwards, I am impressed with the resourcefulness and dedication of the team to accomplish our goals.  I have memories of small victories in our dental clinic.  The restored glow of a young mother no longer afraid to smile and expose her teeth.  The humor of an older gentleman who exclaimed that women might look at him again after I had cleaned his heavily stained teeth.  The giggles and excitement of a class of kids as we applied fluoride treatment to their teeth.

But despite the emphasis on treatment, my favorite memory doesn’t involve that.  At the close of one day while waiting for the trucks to return to base, I sat on the stairs to the school and folded an origami flapping bird for two young girls about six years old.  They seemed enthralled with the process and were silently attentive.  When I finished the bird, I flapped its wings and offered it to the girls.  One girl reached for it, but went past the bird and touched the noticeable hair on my knuckles and asked, “Que es esto”?  When I told her “pelo”, they both laughed loudly and ran off. 

God works in mysterious ways sometimes.  I can’t always know what or why, but I can know we have an impact.  Sometimes it’s only your presence & not what you’re doing that’s important.

~ Bendiciones Steve

A LEGACY OF SMILES

Steve Rafferty joined our mission in 2018 & quickly became an intergal team member despite not knowing exactly where he could fit in! Steve has graciously stepped up to lead the dental charge as we get ready for our return in June. We are ever so blessed to be able to share in Steve’s enthusiasm & knowledge! Get ready for those “tumelos” Steve!

Now What? Thriving After Returning Home from Mission.

After your first mission trip, you may have asked yourself, “Is this really it?” Do I just go back to my regular life now?

It is certainly hard to transition from a time of deep community & faith, limited distractions like internet, emails or Netflix, daily devotion & worship, not to mention the challenges of serving our remote villages atop a mountain. Reverting to “real life” can often times feel daunting or meaningless.

A truth that we can hold on to is that our time serving is real life. Each experience we had, each way we saw God move is just as real as our careers, deadlines, & our family & friends back home. We can also be sure that the same God we felt so close to up on the mountain is the same God that we meet in our homes & our sanctuaries back here in Texas!

It is very clear that in the period during COVID when we could not travel to Honduras, the villages have not been able to maintain a large portion of what the Mission has done for them over the years in terms of building & utilities maintenance. Medical & dental care is non-existent & education is lacking. They are so ready & eager for us to return. The children lit up when they saw us. It was such a joyous experience to share with them our intent to return in June 2023!

“Lord, it is good that we are here.”

— Matthew 17:4

Short-term Mission Transformation

Approximately 20 percent of all US-based international mission work each year is done by short-term volunteers just like our Honduras mission, according to an analysis by sociologist of religion Robert Wuthnow. That translates to 1.6 million US church members annually going on international mission trips and doing work valued at $1.1 billion (not counting preparation time & travel days).

When you think of mission trips in this way, then you get a big picture view of the incredible loss that must be felt by those who are no longer being served as well as missionaries who are forced to remain at home.

As with so many other aspects of life, missions were deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic & the subsequent lockdowns & restrictions on social gatherings. Everything, including short-term missions, has forever changed. However, despite mission travel reshaping drastically, it has become a good thing.

It has given our Honduras mission core team time to breathe & reconsider how the process can be transformed & improved upon plus how our financial support can make the greatest impact.

Mission Safety is Paramount

The Mission Core team’s main concern is always the safety of our missionaries, & we analyze that in the greatest detail - the new inherent risks, & what can we do to continue to maintain your safety. We are constantly consulting with risk management, our medical team leaders, local Honduran experts & others for guidance.

We believe that God will bless our work in new ways post-pandemic, as we see new efforts that have been thoroughly undergirded in prayer, & as we engage with new partners like Deacon Rick Vogel to collaborate with us in the days ahead. We also expect there will be a gratitude for freedom to operate in a more normal fashion that will make post-pandemic mission work even more satisfying than pre-pandemic work when we faced few obstacles.

The Core Team certainly understands your frustrations as we set multiple travel dates, plan and then must postpone the last 2-years. Know this to be true…. we will return to Honduras soon!

Deacon Rick joins the Honduras Mission!

Hallelujah, the Honduras Mission Trip is back on (or at least we hope)!

We are all busy planning for what supplies are needed, who is doing what, how are things being done to serve our friends. These are all very important & worthwhile. Serving those in need is a fundamental responsibility for all Christians and, we at St. Anthony’s do it so well!

We should never neglect these responsibilities. As missionaries, we should put our whole heart into these activities. Coupling these activities with our own personal spirituality is what makes us standout from other service organizations. Bringing the love of Jesus with a helping hand is the call of all Christians.

During this busy preparation period for the mission trip let     us not neglect our own spiritual life. Are you praying for our friends each day? I do not mean a simple prayer of 10 seconds. But quality time spent in prayer for your friends. Be conscientious & steadfast in these prayers over the next few months.

As Advent approaches, the great time of Anticipation, let us lift up in prayer our friends & all the preparations which are needed.  Let us embrace God’s love & share it with his friends as we lift our own spiritual life in prayer.

Blessings,

Deacon Rick

Honduras Sacraments Team

Our Mission has definitely hit a period of adjustment after COVID, the departure of Deacon Mike, Father Tom & Father Kingsley; leaving some may refer to as a spiritual void in our leadership team. Deacon Rick Vogel has graciously accepted the challenge to unite our Mission for 2022. Please join us in welcoming him as we prep for traveling to Honduras in June!

It’s time to Celebrate our First High School Graduates!

Our Honduras Mission is so very excited to announce that the first two High School students that we support are graduating this month! We plan on continuing the focus on education as we look forward to the future!

BRAVO!!!! OSMAN ARIEL MENDEZ & JOEL VELASQUEZ from El Mirador as they take the next steps leading them to a promising future! This is such a joyous & proud moment of celebration for their families & friends as well as our mission team.

Osman & Joel – you have worked so hard to achieve your goals & now it is time for the both of you to chase your dreams! We wish you much success & happiness. Nothing is impossible, anything is possible when you believe in yourself!

Meet Osman…

Over break, Osman helped his mother create a home garden with beans & radish. He used techniques he learned through is agriculture studies at EVS.

Osman is very excited to graduate & complete his first internship. "Tengo ganas de hacer las cosas bien."

Meet JOEL…

Joel is the oldest of his family with 4 brothers & 2 sisters. He enjoys listening to music (when he is not studying of course!).

Joel is looking forward to graduating & being a mentor for his younger siblings!

Mission Focus: Education

Like a tree, poverty has many roots. But among the many causes of global poverty, one factor is distinctive above all others: EDUCATION. Not every person without an education is living in extreme poverty, however most of those living in extreme poverty do lack a basic education. Families that fall below the poverty line will also be more likely to keep their children out of school, which means that their children will also have a greater chance of living in poverty.

Education is often referred to as the great equalizer: It can open the door to the right jobs, resources, & skills that a family needs to not just survive but thrive. This was the focus of Deacon Mike Mims when our mission first began as well as the foundation that our entire education strategy was built upon to impact the communities that we serve. Access to high-quality primary education & supporting child well-being is a globally recognized solution to the cycle of poverty that we have witnessed first-hand in Honduras. This is, in part, because it also addresses many of the other issues that can keep communities vulnerable.

Discover Fall Honduran Holidays

In the US, we are quite familiar with our holidays as we prep for Halloween & Thanksgiving however how much do we truly know about the celebrations that take place in Honduras in the fall season? Public holidays in Honduras are centered on Christianity and the commemoration of events in their history.

Here is a list of upcoming festivities for September & October along with some details to help us stay in-sync with the people and the communities that we serve.

Sep 10th – Children’s Day (Día del Niño)

The Kiddos may still go to school on this very special day, but not necessarily for the classes. They celebrate alongside their teachers with music, dance, candy & games. It’s a day when parents honor & congratulate their children plus share gifts!

Sep 15th – Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

Just like our own 4t of July, this day commemorates the independence of the Central American provinces from Spanish rule in 1821. Every city & village celebrates with parades, princesses, marching drummers & folk dancers. This year marks the bicentennial!

Sep 17th – Teacher’s Day (Día del Maestro)

Students prepare special activities & greeting cards for their teachers to express their gratitude. This holiday was established in honor of one of the greatest educators in Honduras, Father José Trinidad Reyes y Sevilla.

Oct 3rd – Morazán’s Day (Natalicio del General Morazán)

A day to honor José Francisco Morazán Quesada, a Central American politician (President of the Federal Republic of Central America). He is from Honduras & is recognized as a visionary & advocate for social reform.

Oct 12th – Columbus Day (Día de la Raza)

The date of Columbus' arrival in the Americas is celebrated in Honduras as the Discovery of America Day. It’s a way to honor not Columbus the man, but rather all the people & cultural influences that came after him that exist today. Día de la Raza (or The Day of the Race) is a special moment for countries that were once conquered by Spanish explorers to recognize their indigenous people, traditions & cultural heritage.

Oct 21st – Army Day (Día de las Fuerzas Armadas)

Honduran Armed Forces Day is a national holiday widely celebrated across the country. Most of the festive activities are carried out in the capital city of Tegucigalpa. They include a military parade & solemn official ceremony.

It’s time to Celebrate!

Both the Taco Sale in May & the recent St Anthony’s festivities shed light on the importance of our missionaries coming together. The overall vibe & energy of our group is contagious…. but in a positive, impactful way! Our missionaries inspire & empower each other however we still need to be mindful of everyone’s safety. That is precisely why the core team decided to postpone our Reunion Celebration.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY is coming up in October on the 24th; the perfect setting for everyone to see each other once again. Hopefully we can do so under safe COVID protocols. The theme of this year’s World Mission Day, “We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard” (At 4:20), is an invitation to each of us to “take charge” and to make known what we carry in our hearts. We will share more details on this event later this month!