CORNING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – Leader: Rick Cornfield

 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Part 1

The Lord works in many ways and through many persons. We believe that the Lord ordained and brought us this team down through Corning Christian Academy. We never have met the leader (Rick Cornfield) the principal of this school nor any of the team members. We knew we were going to expand our boundaries when we heard of this team of youth were coming down to serve through our ministry. With this team we returned to the Venezuela school where we made our start back in 2005. This school was going to close do to the lack of up keep and help. When we embarked on this school we had in mind to completely change this school for the best, to make a mark in Honduras by showing that public school can offer a good education, and for last to use the school buildings and grounds for our base for our 3 youth groups that we have. The school now, as many of you know is changed and rebuilt. However there are some last projects we wanted to take on. This school lacked a roof over the soccer court. The roof will be useful for many reasons. The main reasons are; for hosting graduation ceremonies, to allow district meetings to take place, and for our youth groups to use it during the rainy season (May-Nov.) and for our night soccer nights in where our older youth take advantage to witness to the those who are influenced by alcohol and drugs. This team had the hard job in building the concrete posts that would support this roof.

PART 2

The CCA team came to work. The very first day they told me to work them hard and don’t worry. With almost 20 yrs. of experience in building I smiled and thought to myself ok I’ll work you but I didn’t say anything to them. After the team had to move 2 dump truck loads of sand and stone by bucket up to the court they thought well that was easy. The real work I said is coming. This team worked like machines. They never complained. They never asked for time off. They even took turns handing me the buckets so I can hand them up to Juan de Dios or Pastor Giron. I’m so very proud of this team because they laughed, loved, prayed, and fellowshipped without one complaint. They showed the adults and me the discipline of a Christian. I used their efforts as a learning lesson to one of my boys who was complaining about working for me. I said to him this group came to serve and they demonstrated the act of servant hood without payment and you are getting paid. The young man apologized and changed his attitude. This team poured 6-16’ high posts. During their time at the school they had all morning to play with the children and in the afternoons they were able to play more and in between mixing and pouring concrete. I think the scripture far right is right for this team. They set an example for all believers and short term missionaries. It was about Jesus and not them.

PART 3

Rick Cornfield told me that the team wanted to put on some skits (mimes) and puppet shows that would witness to our Saturday youth. Plus Rick wanted to take this to Pastor Giron’s church during the churches anniversary service. I thought why not and was very curious in what the team would do. The team went through a series of mimes that impacted young and old. I have to admit that to this day we are all repeating words from the mime called Yo, Yo. It is a mime that the actors keep repeating the word-I, I, and I. They acted through different scenarios but kept repeating the word I, I. They taught everyone who listened whether at our youth group or at Girons church that we as a society are focused on ourselves, our feelings, and our walk in this life and not on the real reason in why we are here. Towards the end of the mime Eli came forward and he acted out Jesus on the cross and his last word before he bowed his head was TU! (Which means you) I felt the Holy Spirit moving in me and in the youth and the church. Incredible we kept saying to the youth. They did an excellent job in witnessing Jesus in 30 minutes of mimes and puppets. God knows in what seed they planted in each person. We’re so glad that CCA brought this form of witnessing to Honduras. It proves you don’t need to know the language but just live for Jesus not for self-glorification. Jesus said it best TU! You are the reason.

PART 4

I have always said the only words I ever want to hear is, “Well done good and faithful servant.” I think these are appropriate words for this group of youth that worked very hard to come to Honduras to serve Jesus Christ. I think another reason in why these words are appropriate is because many of the youth that was on team have changed. They have changed because some want to become missionaries and others want to serve Jesus in way they can and live for His Mission. Some of the youth left with a fire to form teams from their own churches and bring others down to witness the love and presence of Christ. Yes this team built and yes they gave candy away, and yes they witnessed Jesus but they were witnessed to and changed for life. It is always our hope and passion to serve all those who come to Honduras and be able to a part of those questions that we love to ask each team member to make a change in why they follow our Savior Jesus. I know that the school is very thankful in what this team did by the dances and dinner they gave. What moves me even more is hearing the voice of God in saying, “well done good and faithful youth.” May the Lord bring fruit from all the teams that come down and in the fullness of His pleasure and Glory.