May 26-June 5, 2001

Part 1

Team #10 led by Al Erickson and Cathy Hendrickson from Pennsylvania UMC came to continue something they had started last year. In 2010 the Penn Ave. UMC team came down to tear off a roof and to build a platform for other teams to work off from. Team 10 came to continue to build but in lives as well. They came with an open heart to change all those they came in contact with and as well as to receive a change on their own lives as well. When teams arrive they are excited, overwhelmed, and anxious to see what is going to happen, as well as help the Fuerzas Armadas School.
This teams mission was to finish laying up the block walls, pour concrete beams for the perimeter, build an overhang and also work with our Saturday youth group.
This team went to work the very 1st day at the school. They split up into work parties of 4. The 1st work team started to frame a mini roof system to go above the windows on the back wall to protect the children from rain. The roof they had to build was over 74’ long. The second group started to prime the back wall so the roof can be installed and the block would be sealed. The 3rd team was painters to paint all the wood with a termite sealer and then a regular paint. They also were block movers, and material specialists. The 4th team helped lay block and poke the ends of the block with mortar. Even though they all had work to do they found time to reconnect or to connect with the children. Many of the children remember those who came last year and were so happy to see that they came back. With all the work the team had started with they still found time to sing, laugh, and learn more about Pastor Giron and Brother Juan who came to work on this project to help Pastor Giron and give the team an extra pair of experienced hands. The team members’ attitude was an example of living out the word and an example to the Hondurans who worked with them. Sacrifice, Love, and Dedication to Jesus Christ and His people.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Part 2

One of the most popular questions we receive while home or in the mission field is; what if I don’t have any experience what so ever in building. Our answer is, not a problem. Age is the second most popular question. Am I too young or to old to do this kind of work. Our answer not a problem, just come. The reason why we feel this way and we can answer yes to these questions for most cases is because the majority are taught in how to bend rebar, tie rebar, mix concrete, build forms, and so much more. Many are young and older but they still have the best opportunity to learn how Honduran construction works. Team #10 was no different. We had ages from 18 to 60 plus. Everyone walked away from this trip knowing a little bit more about how things work here in Honduras. With team #10 they had the hard and daunting task to tie everything together so the roof trusses could be installed. They had the task to build a beam that went the perimeter of the building including all interior walls. They also had the job of finishing the block work for the office and front walkway. Team #10 was the pivotal team in setting the stage for the teams 11 and 12 to finish the project. In the short time this team had and with long work days they accomplished the goal in building these concrete beams. The hardest part of the job was mixing the concrete and then moving it to the second floor by 5 gallon buckets. It took hundreds of buckets of concrete and mortar mix to move along this project. Not only did the team members gain a great appreciation for the hard work a Honduran must face but they witnessed to the youth and the Hondurans the determination and will to make a change in this public school. They witnessed in how much they love Jesus Christ to all those who passed by school as they went and returned from work. People would stop and stare at how this team moved forward one bucket of concrete at a time.

Part 3

Crazy for Children, Chalk, Candy, and Cool food! With every team we always try to included the team with our Saturday youth program. This team however learned that chalk doesn’t come out clothing easy. The team with our persuasion took a big box of sidewalk chalk. Glenda and I knew what was going to happen to the team. We opened up the box of chalk and the children went crazy. They chalked every team member from head to toe. Then came the afternoon rain and it made the chalk turn into a mud color as you can see in the last photo. Lydia ended up the worst as you can see. Then came the candy. I showed the team that the children may seem focused in the soccer game but when you take a hand full of candy and throw it up in the air and when it lands in the middle of the soccer court the children will stop and forget where the ball is and look for the candy. It is comical to see this. No matter when or how often we threw the candy the children would stop and fill their pockets full of candy. (see next to last photo) After we got the children chalked and with a sugar buzz we sent them to there Bible classes. While the classes were going on the team prepared a lunch for the 90 plus children that came out. They prepared hot dogs, watermelon and juice for each child. This is very important because so many children come hungry. It reminds me of a little girl in 2nd grade that came to us on a Saturday and thanked us for giving her a snack as she explained that it was the 1st time she ate sense the day before at lunch time. She asked if she could have a little more food to fill her tiny stomach until the next day. These things happen many times in many of the children with out the teams or neighbors, or even us knowing it until it is brought to our attention. Stomachs were filled, sweet tooth conquered, the word of God placed more firmly in their hearts and the love of sharing chalk. A mission of love was displayed that day. Jesus was present in all.

Part 4

Laughter, Preaching, Praise, and Tears was the theme for this team.
I believe that if 14 people can live together in the same small home and be able to deal with each others hick-ups in life that have to be able to laugh. Laughter was the fiber that kept the team together. As you can see in the top photo the team was in pure laughter. This team liked to crack jokes all day long. Some may say it is because of the sun, or because of the hard long days. I would like to think that they had the joy of Jesus in their hearts. Each of them knew that is was crucial to have fun and enjoy each other and Honduras.
Pastor Bill was invited to preach at Pastor Giron’s church with Glenda translating. He spoke on not shoving the dove but living out your love for Jesus in action. The congregation received his message with open hearts. The church service is an awesome way for the North American to observe in how church is conducted in Honduras as well as it is an opportunity for the two cultures to come together in unity and harmony for one God.
The love for Jesus led some team members to sing with Pastor Giron and for him to Praise our Lord as seen in the next to last photo. It has been a witness for Giron and for us as missionaries to praise the Lord while working. It witnessed to the workers, teachers, parents that stopped by and those who walk by the school the gratitude we have for the sacrifice God made with His Son.
Saying good bye is always tough. It is amazing how friendships are made in such a short time. Rosa a sister of faith and a true servant has made a huge impact on those lives that have come to Honduras. Rosa is a woman whose body is full of cancer but she doesn’t let the cancer stop her from living her life for Jesus. Her work ethnic and passion leave imprints on all those she comes into contact with. A witness of her willingness to serve is when before this team arrived Marvin and I had to move 250 concrete blocks to the second floor. As we were moving the block, Rosa walked by and she noticed we could use help so she dropped what she had and started to move the block. She truly is a survivor.

Download Mission Team #10 DOCs

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