Honduras - Garrison

It's hard to know where to begin after an incredible week in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. We went to 4 villages (Brisas de San Juan, Bonete, Gobiato, and Chonco) during the week. For each village, we told a Bible story, shared testimonies, shared more on becoming a Christian, and played games with the kids. Although each village was different and we never knew exactly how each day would go, everything always worked out only by the power of God. I had personally been to the first 2 villages before but not the last 2. It is always amazing to me just how gracious and joyful the people are. They exemplify I Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Brisas de San Juan and Bonete were very similar in that we met at the school and the kids were less shy. The kids in Bonete even sang us a song in the Chorti language. Gobiato was a little different. Their teacher had passed away just a few days before so the school was not available. Please be in prayer for that village as they mourn the loss of their teacher and search for a new one. We met at their soccer field, had a time of talking and then got to play soccer with the men of the village. Even though we learned we are not very good soccer players, it was a blast to have a good time enjoying life with the men of the village. The last day we went to the village of Chonco and we met at their school. The teachers at this school are a little older and very good. The kids were pretty shy at first but began to open up when we made God's eyes with them. They really enjoyed this. On Saturday, we got to witness something absolutely incredible. Luke 15:7 says, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." I can only imagine the party in heaven when 12 of the people from the village of Miramundo accepted Christ as their Savior! That Saturday, we were blessed and privileged to witness these 12 be baptized in the river by Edgardo. Oh how joyful it was to be able to witness this incredible event. I can't stop smiling when I replay the images in my mind of each person being dipped into the water dying to their old self and then raised out of the water portraying them being washed free from their sins. I can't say enough about it. Later that afternoon, we took them back to their village Miramundo which means "see the world." This means it is at the top of a mountain and was quite a long and bumpy ride but well worth it. They were an incredible group of people. Every time I go to Honduras, the time goes by way to fast and I feel we are leaving as soon as we get there. God is working with the Chorti right now and it is incredible to see. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers this week. Our God is good!!