Fazil Osman Testimony
I then heard the voice of the Lord saying: 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I, send me. ' – Isaiah 6:8
My testimony is part of an incredible journey that started two years ago during a normal Sunday mass celebration. At that time, I was part of a Catholic family that included my wife, children, in-laws and friends but was not baptized nor a true believer in Christ’s divinity. My wife and I met 20-years prior and I regularly accompanied her to mass and other church/school events. As I listened to the Word of God, it all made sense from an earthly perspective but on this Sunday, God broke through and revealed a special message to me.
God’s message was so incredibly powerful and overwhelming that I decided right then to accept His invitation and change my life by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. A week later, I met with the RCIA leaders at STAOP and started the most enlightening experience of my life, culminating with acceptance into the Catholic Church during Easter 2015. Part of this wonderful RCIA journey involved getting our marriage convalidated before Easter. We started the process and made an interview appointment with Deacon Tom Vicknair to fulfill the requirements.
The appointment day soon arrived and to our surprise, Deacon Tom was not available but instead we had a lengthy three-hour meeting with Deacon Mike Mims. I did not know Deacon Mike personally but in short order, I explained how we found ourselves in that office with him and God’s incredible gift of grace. Mike was also a convert to Catholicism and listened intently to my story. Mike challenged me that night and said “God has touched you in an unique way. I don’t know what He has planned for you but I want you to go to Honduras with me
this year”. I responded affirmatively and said that I would consider this
mission trip.
Twelve hours later, our parish tragically lost Deacon Mike in an aviation accident. After learning the news and offering prayers for Deacon Mike, his family and our community, I reflected on the challenge that Mike had placed on me. I concluded that God in his love, mercy and infinite wisdom had chosen Deacon Mike and his last day with us, to deliver this message to me. The challenge was clear, God was asking 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?'
My response to this incredible request was 'Here I am Lord, send me'. Like many of my fellow missionaries, I had no idea what God had planned for me in Honduras. I simply walked with faith and prayed that God use me as an instrument for His greater glory. The mission was simply AMAZING and engaging fellow missionaries, clergy and the local population was a true blessing. Whilst in Honduras, I worked on multiple projects that resulted in building baptismal fountains, installing electrical infrastructure and maintaining the local church buildings. Beyond the work, our fellowship and prayer filled week knitted the entire team together and brought us all closer to Christ.
My challenge to you is simple, when God asks 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?', how will you respond?
Emily Domingo Testimony
When I heard the call to go on the Honduras mission trip last fall, I was going through a lot in my personal life, and it was hard for me to find God in the midst of it all.
It was a medical, dental, and catechetical mission, and I had zero skills in those fields so I didn't think there was anything I could offer to this mission but when God calls you - you go.
I thought I was going out there to help people, but really, those people touched my life and helped me more than I could EVER help them.
In ONE WEEK, I saw God in the midst of poverty, in the faces of beautiful, happy children who smiled just because I was there, or because I gave them a little snack - and I watched as they HAPPILY shared what little they were given.
I saw children get baptized, receive their First Holy Communion - what a blessing to witness these Sacraments. I saw God in the faces of grateful mothers as their children were treated by the doctors and dentists, and I saw Him in every single one of our mission team members.
Once home, I continued to see the blessings in my everyday life: I appreciate the little comforts and conveniences I have. I know I have much more than I'll ever need or want; wastefulness disgusts me; but mostly, it helped me get out of myself and focus on other people.
It gave me a whole new perspective about life, and I have a community of friends that I have a special bond with because of that one week.
In this place on the mountain, I found God and He is good.
Anel Pond Testimony
I never imagined that God would call me to serve as a missionary.
Everything changed in February 2015. I started to feel a tug on my heart, something I never felt before. I felt it even stronger when I’d hear announcements about the Honduras mission trip. I didn’t understand this until I started to pray about it.
As this calling grew within me, I asked my husband, sister and best friend to pray about it, too. Months went by and I questioned the value that I could provide to a mission trip focused on providing medical services. I have no medical background.
Yet, I continued to pray, “Lord what do you want from me? What would I do there? I am willing to do Your Will, I will go to Honduras but you know my struggles”. I struggle with anxiety and insecurities linked to the fact that I never earned a college degree. The thought of going to an information sessions absolutely terrified me and would send me into a state of panic.
But I did know one person, Dr. Teresa Romero, who went on the mission the prior year and involved with planning the next trip. We weren’t what you would call friends (she was my neighbor and pediatrician) but I knew her. So I pray, “Lord, I am willing…send me…but this is what I need from you…please put Dr. Romero in my path”.
Months went by, I was taking a walk and suddenly I came upon Dr. Romero as she rode her bicycle on my path! I nearly pushed her off of her bike from the excitement I was feeling. I started crying, I was filled with joy. God had answered my prayers. I couldn’t believe it! That day was the last day to register for the Honduras mission trip.
Looking back, I recall a moment before the encounter with Dr. Romero when I was urged to mail my passport application. I didn’t need it but felt like it was important to do. The Word says in Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you”. A few days passed and I heard God speak to my heart, “You will translate”. God is faithful. God remained with me, showing me that we were all the same – no one greater, no one less – college degree or not. Friendships flourished that I never thought were possible.
I teamed up with Dr. Chrissy Piefer to translate as each patient visited with her. I was with her day and night throughout the mission and we have a wonderful friendship today. God knew what He was doing all along.
The list of great memories and moments of spiritual growth is long and I’m truly grateful. Reaching out to those in need and getting to
know the hearts of those I journeyed with was an amazing experience. But the most moving and impactful part of my experience was not what I did for those beautiful and humble people in Honduras but what they taught me about myself.
They are why I say I have a missionary soul. God continues to call me to serve. Do you feel the call?
Teresa Romero Testimony
God calls each one of us. Let us open our hearts to his call. We need to be still each day for a moment so that we can hear Him.
Last year, I heard God calling me in Deacon Mike Mims homily. The call was for me to go out and use the gifts that God has given me. Go encounter the poor.
There are many stories to tell of the mission trip. One that I would like to share with you is about Don Felipe. This 62 year old man lived in Mirador near the top of the mountain with his wife. He had a stroke a few years ago and was bedridden. His wife meticulously cared for him. He had no bed sores and he was very clean. She would spoon feed him what ever food she could gather. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated since last year due to malnutrition. His body wasted and his mental status declined.
A group of us went to visit them. There he lay near a small window in their adobe hut. The light fell on his face gently. His wife was dutifully by his side. I felt tentative as I approached his bed. I reached for his hand and to my surprise he reached for mine. As we shared this precious moment, he smiled, looked at me and sweetly groaned. His eyes pierced my heart! In that holy moment, I experience Jesus’ love. He was so joyful even in his dying state. It reminded me of Jesus on the cross having mercy on us. He stroked my hand with his own just smiling.
Don Felipe received the Eucharist along with his wife for the first time in two decades that day. He now rests in Heaven with our Father. Rest in peace my friend.
Loving our neighbor, we show love to Jesus. That is what it is all about!