Honduras 2008 : A Message to FPC Brandon

Another year, another amazing, life changing, experience in Honduras.

Writing about the mission trip, from Italy, almost four months later, and trying to think of something profound to say, is difficult. I kept putting it off thinking something would come to me while driving, running, something, but nothing did!

What I can say about Honduras, is that once again, the members of this congregation dug deep, with unfailing generosity, to support this mission.

The only part I can speak for, is the Construction side of things. Others were involved with the Medical and Educational portions of the mission venture, but the real work had to be done by us select few who were up to it… Joke.

The tangible items, cinderblocks, sand, and cement mix, all created the final result, the building of a new pair of multipurpose rooms extending from the back of the Church in Puente Jalan. In order to accomplish this part of the mission, you the congregation supported the fundraiser (something else I wasn’t able to attend), where these items were auctioned off. What a cool idea that was! The mission team members who were on the construction team, including myself, hauled, mixed, lifted, and ultimately, with the help of the local expert, and the addition of lots of sweat, used the supplies to get the job done!

What we witnessed as the job was getting done, was the sincere appreciation of the local community for what it was we were doing. The pastor himself was out there every single day sweating right along side us as the building slowly went up. The ladies of the church prepared (hot) coffee for us each afternoon, which believe it or not, was quite refreshing despite the temperature.

The children of Puente Jalan were ever present, offering encouragement from the sidelines as they watched us work. Always smiling, and talking to us, despite the obvious language barrier, sometimes getting in the way, and providing entertainment during break time.

Something I notice every time I go to Honduras is how happy the children are, despite the conditions, which by cushy American standards seem so inhospitable. But the kids make due with what they have, finding joy in the simple things, like a ball! Imagine that.

On the last day, we were able to look back on the progress we had made. What began, as a pile of cinderblocks, had turned into 8ft walls, complete with door and window openings. The pastor and the mason were sure they could have the entire project finished in the next week. The next week?! I know that no matter how much help First Pres Brandon gets whenever a new building goes up… there’s no way an entire project will be done in two weeks! Even if our preacher is out there every day helping, like El Pastor in Puente Jalan.

The final night of worship and dedication, the entire town showed up, more kids than adults it seemed. The service lasted for way more than an hour, despite being a Presbyterian church. People were crying, either because they were going to miss us, or because of what we had done for them. It seemed like such a small sacrifice for us, to take a week out of our busy lives, fork over a thousand dollars for an airline ticket, and play construction worker for a week. But to the people of Puente Jalan, it was HUGE!

I had the opportunity to talk to a few people while I was down there, and ask about other mission teams that had come to work this summer, not just in the town we ere in, but nationwide. There were actually not that many, far fewer than previous years, and the reason given had to do with the economic crisis.
Economic Crisis? Where? In the United States? A Third World Country, Honduras, isn’t being visited by as many mission teams, because of the Economic Crisis, in the United States.

I just don’t get it.

But I am thrilled beyond belief that this congregation, despite our “hardships” still manages to be so strong in mission. Honduras, Heffier Project, Habitat, Pearlington, Food Pantry, I am Hope Café… All these missions, plus the other amazing work this church does, speaks volumes for the great things that can be accomplished when Jesus gets involved.

No matter what, know the people in Honduras are forever grateful for all the help we provide them. Weather or not we show up every year, they will always remember this year, and they’ll remember who helped them expand their building for their growing congregation.

So keep up the good work Brandon, and from Italy, Arrivederci!
God Bless,
Andrew Maul