Transformation.

“Spirit lead me when my trust is without borders.  Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you may call me.  Talk me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith will be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior” – from Oceans by Hillsong.  I always think of this song as “the Honduran song” – taking us across country and ocean borders while trusting God to take us deeper.  Deeper in service, deeper in trust, and deeper in faith.  We have certainly experienced all three this week!

Each of us was called to this place – to this beautiful country with amazing mountains, tropical plants, and loving, spirit-filled people.  Today was very000Jun7.1 meaningful because it was our last day with people that we have grown to love.  Many relationships were strengthened and built throughout the week and saying goodbye was difficult for all of us.  The highlight of the day for most of the team was the worship service in Ciudad Espana.  There was such a sense of unity and joy as we sang worship songs together in Spanish and English – clapping and raising our hands in praise.  What an incredible experience to sing worship songs that both Americans and Hondurans know and enjoy!  The room was filled with the Holy Spirit as we felt united with our Honduran brothers and sisters in our love for God and for one another.  I know that I wasn’t the only one with tears in my eyes as we sang together.  Pastor Daniel preached an inspiring sermon about seeking God’s will for all decisions – a guideline we set for ourselves well before we left home.000Jun7.2

We ate lunch at a table of honor with Pastor Daniel as we enjoyed a traditional Honduran meal of rice, 000Jun7chicken, and vegetables.  The entire church was invited to stay for lunch, followed by a Parenting Workshop presented by Lisa.  Lisa taught parents the benefits of playing with their children and the church received toy bags for parents and children to use.  They were interested and excited to apply the skills learned today.  All too quickly, the time came to say goodbye.  Many hugs (some repeated several times) were shared with our hermanos y hermonas in Cristo (brothers and sisters in Christ), with tears and requests to see one another pronto (soon).

As we reflected on the week during devotions tonight, a common theme that emerged was transformation.  How has this trip changed us?  Our hearts are being transformed as we notice the effects of economic poverty and lack of resources in Ciudad Espana– along with the economic abundance in much of the US by comparison.  As our hearts are transformed, we want to see this place transformed in practical ways – more medical supplies, new educational resources, more mental health workshops, and more scholarships for children.  Ideas were flowing about how to help our new friends – all we have to do is seek God’s will and ask how we can help.