A review of 2007 and a look forward to 2008

The lives of the team were greatly enriched last October when they went on a first-time church mission trip to Balfate, Honduras. While this trip took them out of their comfort zones, it truly was a life-changing experience in many ways. For one, in the two weeks they were there, the six-member team was able to provide a variety on hands-on assistance for any number of projects such as basic plumbing and electrical work in the missionary hospital, assistance with the ground breaking ceremony for the new church in nearby Margarita, general maintenance and construction work at missionary homes, nursing duties in the hospital, art work with Honduran children, medical library organizational work, and the list goes on. For another, they were able to meet and work with a great group of missionaries, especially their hosts, John and Penny Alden, who have become good friends.

The experience in Honduras last year was so positive that they decided before they left last year to sign on again for the proposed 2008 Honduras Mission Trip.

When Associate Pastor and last year’s team leader left in March of this year, Mike and Kandee McClain found themselves becoming the 2008-team leaders, so their lives have become even busier.

The team is asking for prayer support for the trip scheduled for October 12-25. Any travel to a third world country comes with some trepidation, and, yes, prayer support is very helpful. The team is seeking assistance for several projects that they will be working on while there. The new church they helped get started last year is now constructed, but it needs an installed window screening as mosquitoes and other bugs are prolific in Honduras. Also, the church is without pews, benches and tables. They hope to start constructing them while there but will need to purchase materials. And, if funding allows, they hope to get a much-needed 700 square foot parsonage started. The church members are very able and enthused about putting “sweat labor” into these and other projects, but with an unemployment rate of at least 40% and average annual income of $600-800, funding even minor projects is virtually impossible.

As a final note, this year’s seven-member team will be taking their personal luggage as a carry-on but will each check two bags filled with a host of needed medical and dental supplies and equipment as well as baby clothing.

We thank you in advance for supporting us.



Blessings,


The 2008 Honduras Mission Team