Sun. 6/8:  We left about 3:00 a.m. to drive to San Pedro Sula, arriving three hours before our flight departure time.  Since the airport was so busy, we were busy the entire time before loading the plane.  The flight took off on time. 

In Houston, we were delayed because the plane we were supposed to fly on to Pensacola had been held up in another city because of weather.  At one point, the airline said that our 7:30 flight would actually be leaving at 11:00.  We were greatly relieved when another plane was able to take us at 9:00.  We arrived safely in Pensacola at 10:15, with the Go Forth directors, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, and several parents awaiting to take us back to the PCC campus.  Thank you again for your prayers for a safe and prosperous trip.

Some ways in which your prayers were answered:

• 40 known salvation decisions
• Distribution of hundreds of tracts
• Many spiritual decisions among Christians
• Gospel given at Bible clubs, orphanage, English institute, graduation, visitation, and many other places
• Gospel presentation at five public schools
• At least 400 John and Romans distributed in public schools
• Manual labor accomplished at church and Christian school
• Many new friendships forms with church people
• A new church group strengthened in their beliefs
• Missions call confirmed for some team members with all challenged anew for the needs of global ministry
• Wonderful team unity of our group

Please pray for:

• The Hodges’s to have a restful time in Singapore
• For them to get the needed teachers for next year for their bilingual school
• 2 Kindergarten teachers
• 1 Third Grade teacher
• For the many needs of the ministry previously mentioned

Sat. 6/7:  We decided to leave early Sunday morning for San Pedro Sula to give Pastor Hodges time to meet with the interim national pastor who is filling in for the month the Hodgeses will be gone to Singapore.  The Hodges family leaves the day after our group does and will be driving to San Pedro Sula with us.

In the morning, we took a hike to the rock, an event that had previously been postponed.  God gave us beautiful weather with a clear view of much of the surrounding beautiful country.  That afternoon, we went on church visitation with the church family.  The interim pastor and Ben led two teens to the Lord, Joel led a group of three to the Lord, and Mrs. Hodges led a child to the Lord.  Another praise was that Mrs. Hodges talked to two children who told her that they had been saved the week before when we went to their school!  How God has blessed!

That evening we had a time of testimonies and gift-giving to the Hodges family.  It was a very special conclusion to a trip in which God blessed every day. Our group cannot say enough good things about the Hodges family and their ministry.  Their family has had such a positive influence on the lives of these young people.  We also thank all of you for your ministry in prayer.  We know that it was the prayers of God’s people that led to so many successes.

Fri., 6/6:  After spending the night at a Honduran hotel, we were back in the bus to return to the church.  On our way, Dr. Bucy challenged us that after yesterday’s victories that Satan would not be pleased and that we all needed to pray for God’s blessing today.  As he was talking about obstacles, the bus was suddenly stopped by policemen.  Our bus driver Jose told them that we were a church group.  The policemen then asked for a bribe.  Though we normally would not give in to bribes, this one we didn’t mind.  They said that if we would give them Bibles they would let us go.  We quickly gave them three John and Romans books provided by Bearing Precious Seed.  What an unusual way to spread God’s Word!

Friday morning, the seminar continued for the adults while the group again held Bible club for the children.  Even more children attended on Friday than on Thursday.  We had over 100 children.  Claudia, Josh H., Jared, and Anna taught Bible stories, and the group came up with more new games to play.  When the invitation was given, though none came forward, it was great to see that they had understood what they had done the day before and realized that they did not need to come forward again.  There was great team spirit with the children eagerly following the instructions of the group members for all the activities.  The elderly lady again participated with enthusiasm in all the games.

For the last session, Pastor Hodges divided up the men and women.  Mrs. Bucy taught the ladies from 1 Peter 3 with Mrs. Hodges interpreting.  The needs of these Honduran ladies are great with several having common-law husbands or being single moms.  Dr. Bucy gave the men the final session on refutation of Charismatic doctrine and encouragement for standing for the faith.  This session was followed by an outdoor church service with the men, women, and children all attending.  Josh W. preached a challenge on spiritual growth from 2 Peter with Joel translating.  Several provided special music including a vocal and violin solo by Rachel.  Mrs. Hodges was especially encouraged to hear a special by three of the members of that congregation.  After the service, the church people provided a lunch of chicken and rice for the group, and Mrs. Hodges honored some of the ladies’ request to teach them more songs that they could sing in church.  Please pray for these people who need a trained pastor close by to help them.

Thurs., 6/5:  We loaded the big bus early for the drive to Choluteca in southern Honduras (ten minutes from the Nicaraguan border) accompanied by two of the Honduran church ladies who work in the school, Giselle and Claudia.  Our purpose was to help a layman who had started a church with a group of people convinced of the error of the Charismatic church they had previously attended.  Pastor Hodges had asked Dr. Bucy to bring them several seminars concerning biblical and historical refutation of Charismatic doctrines.  After we arrived, the group sang several songs for the adults attending the seminar; then they left to join Mrs. Hodges, Giselle, and Claudia who were conducting a Bible club for the children.

When the group arrived at the Bible club, Mrs. Hodges was giving an invitation.  Though these children had been hearing the gospel in their new church, the adults coming out of the Charismatic church were sometimes unsure how to lead children to the Lord.  When Mrs. Hodges gave the invitation, these children were ready.  Many stood up and came forward to receive Christ.  The little ones who were simply following the crowd were sent back to their seats, but the rest were divided into three groups.  Each one who came forward was counseled by Mrs. Hodges, Giselle, or Claudia, and the name and age of each was recorded.  After Ben’s Bible story on Jonah, another invitation was given, with more responding.  In all, 26 accepted Christ, including a 31-year-old woman and several teens!  Throughout the five-hour Bible club, the group taught songs and verses, did the puppet show, and played games.  Mrs. Hodges, Giselle, Ben, and Joel taught Bible stories.  One unusual occurrence was that an elderly lady wanted to participate in all the games with the children.  She ran in the relays; played Duck, Duck, Goose; dribbled a basketball; and thoroughly enjoyed all the events.  Mrs. Hodges told the group that in the Honduran culture it is very unusual for adults to lead activities for children so that it is very special for them to come to something like a Bible club.  She said that this woman was enjoying a lost childhood.

In the seminars, Dr. Bucy gave the proper approach to Bible interpretation with Pastor Hodges interpreting.  Dr. Bucy then explained about baptism of the Holy Spirit, tongues, the purpose of sign miracles in the Bible, healings, and the history of the tongues movement, allowing question-and-answer times after several sessions.  God helped him give very clear teaching and for Pastor Hodges to do an excellent job interpreting so that the seminars were very well received over the two days.

Wed. 6/4: While souvenir shopping in Valley of the Angels, a shop owner asked Kendra what church she was from, then offered to give her a gift if she would provide tracts with the church address that he could pass out in his shop.  The group was glad to accommodate the request.  She soon gathered several tracts from the group and he gave her something with John 3:16 on it.  It will be exciting to see if anyone comes to the church in Sabana Grande as a result of a tract from this shop!

After souvenir shopping, the group passed out tracts in Tegucigalpa while Mrs. Hodges and her children tried to sell two puppies.  Dr. Bucy got to talk awhile with a man from San Pedro Sula who spoke English.  He had recently received Christ and had been kicked out by his family.  Dr. Bucy was able to pray with him and encourage him.  After the group had given out all their tracts, they sang several songs and soon drew a crowd listening to their message in song.  As we were leaving, we learned that the Hodges family was able to sell one of their puppies.  Then the group enjoyed a delicious supper at El Patio’s.

Tues. 6/3: Two praises from yesterday's prayer requests:  When we arrived back to the Christian school, two plumbers that Pastor Hodges had called three days ago were waiting to accompany us back to the house.  For $16 they worked several hours and solved our problems--sediment in the check valve.  We now have flowing water!  The teachers made their flights.  How we appreciate your prayers!

We ministered in two public schools.  The group did their presentation, Sarah and Ashley sang a special in Spanish, we did our puppet show, and Ben Holler gave a gospel presentation.  At the second school, we did the same thing, except that we also showed a film that clearly gave the gospel.  Every student at both schools received a John and Romans book.  This is the first time at the second school and we were received well.

At the Tuesday evening service, Ashley and Sarah sang their duet again; Ben, Melissa, and Rachel sang a special, and Josh Hunter preached with Joel interpreting.  It was an excellent message from 2 Peter 1, and many responded to the invitation.   Ben preached on Jonah in children´s church with Megan, Lexie, and Rachel assisting with teaching music and verse.  At the end of the service, we showed slides of our trip and gave everyone a candy bar provided by Lexie's church.  The church family loved it.  Many tearful good-byes and much picture taking.

Wed.6/4 Another praise!  The Go Forth Office was able to change our tickets to fly out of San Pedro Sula since the Tegucigalpa Airport is closed.  We'll be driving to San Pedro Sula on Sat., June 7, and fly out on Sunday on Continental flight 1941 at 12:20 p.m.  All the connections are the same.  How good God is to work that out for 17 seats on the same flight. 

We're souvenir shopping at Valley of the Angels and will distribute tracts in Tegucigalpa this afternoon.  Please pray for safety in travel and God's blessing as we minister at a church in southern Honduras the next two days.

ATTENTION: Change of Travel Itinerary due to Tegucigalpa Airport closing.

1. Flight departure from San Pedro Sula instead of Tegucigalpa
2. Flight #2958
3. Estimated time of arrival is 9:05 p.m.

Wed. eve., 5/28:  Tonight was the last night of the English Institute until September.  Mrs. Hodges gave the gospel in each class and asked the students questions to make sure that they understood.  The four team members who helped her and Kristin Dow (a PCC team member from two years ago who teaches here now!) were very enthusiastic about the evening as they gave their testimonies and interacted with the students.

Thurs., 5/29:  We left early for Tegucigalpa to the airport to do several errands in the capital city.  Pastor Hodges had quick success at all the government buildings where he needed to go.  Then we traveled three hours to the Emmanuel Orphanage.  The group did their presentation for the younger boys group, followed by a puppet show with two members holding up a tablecloth for a screen, a special on guitar by Candice and Sarah, and a gospel presentation by Josh W. with Joel translating.  Then the little boys gave enthusiastic hugs, did cartwheels and back flips for us, and loved having their taken pictures taken and using our cameras to take pictures of us.  We were all touched by these loving young people with no mother and father.  The group sang hymns and choruses most of the way back to Tegucigalpa where we ate in a Chinese restaurant for supper before returning to Sabana Grande!

Fri., 5/30:  In the morning, we went to Sabana Grande public high school, the school that wouldn’t allow our group to enter the previous year though we had been given verbal permission.  This year the Hodges got permission in writing.  As we drove to the school, we were concerned as we passed children leaving the school.  Upon arriving, we learned that school had been dismissed early because of the heavy rains.  That actually worked to our advantage.  Since school was out, we had longer than we might otherwise have had, and just the students who wanted to stay to watch a movie were put into one classroom.  The group sang, and then Pastor Hodges showed the film that includes a very clear gospel presentation.  The group was able to give tracts to many.  The teachers involved were very cooperative, and we were pleased that so many of the students were very receptive.  This was the first time Pastor Hodges had been able to get into that school, and much seed was planted.
            Next, the group returned to the Hodges Christian School to help decorate and clean for the graduation.  The graduation service went very well that evening with many unsaved parents and relatives attending.  The children did an excellent job with their parts.  The parents were very impressed to hear their children showing so much progress in learning and in reciting in English.  Pastor Hodges gave a gospel presentation after the guys of the group sang “Amazing Grace” with Ashley accompanying on flute, Rachel on violin, and Joel on guitar.  Rachel sang a solo in Spanish, and Josh Hunter played for the program and was in charge of all the music.  He enjoyed the experience and did a great job.  We had great opportunity to visit with the parents after the graduation.  One church member said to me after the graduation that all the groups from PCC have been so sharp that she knows that it must be an excellent college.  We praise God that our group is bringing glory to God as Dr. Bucy taught in morning devotions.
            After the graduation, our group ate supper at a new restaurant/cafe in Sabana Grande that was started by the parents of two of their school children.  It was the first of its quality in Sabana Grande, and the president of the country had eaten there.  While there, we saw on a television the Taca airline crash at the Tegucigalpa airport.  We heard that it was the first Taca airline crash in its 15-year history.  Please pray for the families of the four who were killed and for the many who were injured.  The airport is closed right now, and three of the teachers are scheduled to fly out Monday.  Please pray that the arrangements will work smoothly for them to get home.

Sat. 5/31:  This morning we went on visitation with the church members.  We had many excellent opportunities to share the gospel, gave out many tracts, and had one 15-year-old boy saved!  Please pray that Edwin will come to church and grow in Christ.  We picked up several teens to bring them back for the youth rally that we were having at 11:00 with another church coming to participate.  The Hodges' were especially pleased that one teen boy came who had not been to their church for three years.
            The youth rally was a huge success.  Jared and Ben led in games such as a scavenger hunt, Electricidad, and a “sumo” inner tube game.  Then Ben gave a great message on the seriousness of rebellion against God and earthly authority, as the other pastor translated for him.  Many were convicted, and Ben was able to clearly present the gospel.  When Pastor Hodges called for the invitation, several young people went forward to repent of their rebellion.  Please pray that God will continue to use the message today to convict and change these dear young people’s hearts. 
            After the message, Jared, Josh W., and Joel directed several outdoor races until lunchtime.  After a delicious lunch of tostadas catered by one of the church ladies, all the young people gathered for an intense “big ball battle” over the school bus—the highlight game of the rally.  The team also sang “New Life” for the teens, followed by a humorous skit by Anna, Rachel, and Josh W.  We had a great time fellowshipping with the other young people and trying to speak Spanish!  The rally was a huge success with the teens thoroughly enjoying it.
            Though there has been some minor sickness, nothing lasting more than a few hours.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Sun., 6/1:  Sunday school was a special time with the five guys of the group giving their salvation testimony for the adult class.  Pastor Hodges was extremely pleased with the excellent testimonies and the testimonies seemed to really touch hearts. 
Anna, Lexie, Sarah, and Megan gave their testimony in the teen and young ladies’ class and Sarah and Ashley sang a special in Spanish, followed by a challenge from Mrs. Bucy with Mrs. Hodges translating.  Though no one knew what the other would say, the Holy Spirit wove a common theme in the speaking and music about not doubting your salvation or God’s love for you and trusting Him with your whole life and each circumstance that comes. 
In the morning church service, several ladies sang “Be Thou My Vision” in English and Spanish to start the service; Josh, Rachel, and Ashley played the offertory on violin, flute, and piano; and Melissa sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus than Silver or Gold” in Spanish by special request of Dr. Bucy to go along with his message.  He preached from Psalm 73 a sermon entitled “From Slipping Feet to a Firm Foundation” or “When Good Things Happen to Bad People” with Pastor Hodges translating.  The service really touched hearts with many, especially men of the church, responding. 
Another highlight of the service was when Pastor Hodges called for all the children who had been saved in May to come forward.  He read thirteen names!  After their many years of faithfully laying a proper foundation for the church, they are really starting to see much fruit.
In children’s church, Stephanie taught a song in Spanish, Ashley taught a verse in Spanish, and Josh W. taught the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with Joseph Hodges translating.  Giselle, one of the young ladies of the church, followed, giving the invitation.  Four children responded for salvation!
After the service, Mrs. Hodges counseled one of the young ladies for awhile.  This was a lady who had been discipled by Mrs. Hodges for several years and trained to be a Sunday school teacher.  Several months back, she requested to stop teaching because of doubts and problems in her own life.  Mrs. Hodges had been praying for every day.  The girl told her after the service that the Lord had been working in her heart and today’s girls’ Sunday school class had convinced her that she needed to start teaching again.  Mrs. Hodges was thrilled!  As a group, we are so thrilled to see God using us in this ministry.
Both lunch and supper were at church members’ home, giving the group more opportunity to interact with church people on a smaller scale and enjoy Honduran food and culture.
Sunday evening we tried to show a film as an evangelistic outreach, but that door was closed.  First, we were not able to get into the school courtyard where the Hodges’s had previously arranged to show the film and then a downpour started.  Pastor Hodges asked one of the farmers of the church how long the rain would last.  He looked at the sky and said two hours.  Pastor Hodges said the farmers always seem to know.  That led us to Plan B: coming back to the church, having special music by the Americans and then by the Hondurans, a skit by the church people, and the film.
Another praise of the day was that Erika said that her husband in the U.S. called on his way back from church.  He had stayed away from alcohol the whole week and had gotten his old job back.  God is showing Erika that He answers prayer after her years of praying.  She is asking everyone to keep praying for her husband to grow in Christ and stay away from alcohol.

Mon., 6/2:  Today is a work day at the church.  We’re cleaning buses, painting, laminating school materials, stamping tracts, and various other jobs.  Two prayer requests include praying for the teachers flying home.  Because of the Taca crash, the teachers have to make other arrangements.  Mrs. Hodges is in Tegucigalpa with teacher Wanda, who was scheduled to fly out on Taca today.  She is now scheduled to fly out on a small plane Thursday.  The two teachers who were scheduled to fly out today will be taking a bus to San Pedro Sula and flying from there tomorrow.  Pray that all these plans will actually work as the airlines are trying to accommodate the many flights that were canceled.  The second prayer request is that with the start of rainy season, sometimes dirt and rocks get into the lines that prevent the flow of water.  We have plenty of water but it’s not always coming out.  Please pray that the problems will be resolved.  We appreciate your prayers so much.  God is blessing.

With love from the HONDURAS TEAM

HONDURAS TEAM UPDATE: 
We thank you for your prayers.  God is blessing.  We have already seen His hand in so many ways.  This is the first time we have had internet access......

Sun. 5/25:  No problems with flights, and all luggage arrived!  In customs, the officials called for a translator for our group.  After Joel talked to them, they ushered our entire group through without even opening our bags!  Then we gathered in the airport lobby, waiting to be picked up.  After awhile, a Honduran lady came up to us, speaking perfect English.  She announced that she was a missionary and asked if we would like to use her cell phone to call anyone in the country.  What a blessing to be able to let the Hodges family know that we had arrived!

The Hodges family has had many trials leading up to our arrival, making all of us realize the battles for God’s kingdom.  When they arrived to pick us up, they brought several of their church members into Tegucigalpa for a funeral.  A relative’s pastor had been killed walking on the side of the road when a vehicle hit another vehicle that hit him.  Their church members have experienced the tragic deaths of several loved ones recently.  Please pray as hearts are very needy right now.

Mon. 5/26:  Work day at the church.  Kendra, Megan, and Stephanie went early to the school with Mrs. Hodges.  Megan taught the Bible flashcard story for school chapel and Kendra and Stephanie taught in the elementary classes.  They all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to minister in the school.

The guys worked with pick-axes digging up dirt to haul by wheelbarrow and truck to lay a foundation for the new auditorium.  It is a huge job, but one corner was completed.  The ladies painted the two new kindergarten classrooms and about eight benches.  They also laminated school books with contact paper that we had brought.  The group enjoyed chicken and rice for lunch and pastelitos for supper at the home of one of the church members.  They are loving the Honduran food and opportunity to get to know the church families better.

Monday evening, Mrs. Bucy, Ashley, Candice, and Melissa went with Mrs. Hodges for her English institute.  About 20 people from the community come to to learn English from 6:00-8:00 on Monday and Wednesday evenings.  We introduced ourselves and gave our testimony, and then the teachers—Mrs. Hodges and Chelsi Kline—asked the students questions to see if they understood our testimonies.  Then we asked them questions and they asked us questions.  Several of the students don’t attend any church, and many are unsaved.  Please pray with us that Alejandro and Karina will start coming to church.

Tues. 5/27:  Candice, Anna, and Josh Hunter went to school early with Mrs. Hodges.  Anna told the Bible story in chapel, and Candice and Anna taught in the Christian school.  Josh worked with music teacher (and last year’s team member!) Chelsi Kline to prepare to play for the kindergarten graduation program on Friday.  Chelsi will be gone that day and Josh is filling the gap. 

Then the group went to Arenal public school, where one of their church members is the teacher.  The group did their presentation.  Melissa taught the children a verse and song in Spanish.  Then Joel taught a song and told the story of David and Goliath, followed by Pastor Hodges.  When we saw all the children, we realized that we had not brought enough candy for them all.  Mrs. Hodges went to a local snack shop and bought a little more.  We gave every child a piece of candy and a tract and were amazed to discover we had candy left in our original bag.  Then we played games with the children, dividing them into teams.  Each team ended up winning a game, and we gave each child on a winning team another piece of candy.  We shouted when we realized that we had one piece of candy left after all the games.  That bag of candy seemed to multiply to meet the need!

That evening we enjoyed authentic Honduran tacos at a church member’s home and then went to the midweek service.  The group did their presentation, Josh H. played an offertory, Megan and Kendra sang “In Christ Alone,” Jared preached an excellent message on contentment with Joel translating.  The message really met needs, with many responding to the invitation. 

Kendra, Melissa, Ben, and Rachel did puppets for children’s church and gave their testimonies to the children with the Hodgeses’ nine-year-old son, Joseph, translating.  After the service, in talking with one of the church ladies, we learned that her alcoholic husband who was working in the U.S. had hit rock bottom and gone to a men’s conference Sunday.  He called her Monday to tell her he had gotten saved.  With tears, she told how he asked her to pray that he’d be able to stay away from drink and resist temptation.  The church has been praying for him for years.  Please pray with us for Erica’s husband.

Wed., 5/28:  Melissa went to school early with Mrs. Hodges to teach the Bible story.  After that the group rode on the bus a ways, then took a steep, long hike up to Sabana Encima.  First we attended the wake for a church member’s mother who had died.  She had been saved just a month before her death.  Our group sang in the home with many crowding outside to listen.  Pastor Hodges gave a gospel presentation.  Then we went down the hill a ways and held a Bible club with Joel teaching songs, Rachel teaching a verse, and Pastor Hodges teaching the story of the crucifixion.  We praise the Lord that Eric, who had been to the Hodges’ church before, kept raising his hand.  When Mrs. Hodges asked him why, he said, “Because I want to be saved!”  Mrs. Hodges prayed with him.  Then the group played several games with the children.  The group was surprised that some wouldn’t come to the Bible club until they had had gone home to dress up first.

This evening, Ben, Kendra, Lexie, and Anna will be helping in the English institute.  While I am typing this, several of the group are down the hill picking mangoes from church member Arturo’s orchard for our breakfast tomorrow.

The group has a great servant’s spirit and no one has been sick.  The Hodges were so pleased with all the items we brought for them and their ministry.  We thank all the churches represented by our group that have had such a part in supporting these young people and donating items.  God has greatly blessed.  Please continue praying for our health, safety, and God’s blessing on our ministry here.