As I sit here at my desk, looking over the top of my computer screen, hanging on the wall of my office is a scripture in the mix of my collage; "And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their Fathers." Malachi 4:6
I am here because I wanted to write my thoughts about how stirred I was after a lunch appointment I had with a dear friend. I explained to her the love that has grown within me toward MISSIONS. I particularly have a strong pull for the city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Though I very much feel I would go 'anywhere' since flying to the other side of the World in 2013, first to India where I led a team of women and to Nepal where I would 'finally stand with my sister while she introduced me to 10,000 people! I was the first to speak at the 10 year celebration of "You Said Go Ministries" missionary work in Nepal. (This ministry was built by God and by David and Rhonda Knox, my sister, who connected with a couple in Nepalgung Nepal. It's an amazing story)
PAST: Until my mother insisted that I go to the country where her and my daddy initially began their journey in the early 1980's, I am not sure I would have truly ever gone. My mom has a way of making everything sound so exciting. I love that about her. She is a great encourager. So, together we went, 2 different times just to see the people she fell in love with many years ago.
Three years ago, I did not even know how to spell Tegucigalpa, much less have a desire to visit. However, while I was in Grove, Oklahoma attending the "Gathering of Eagles" conference at Grove Christian Center, I met Pastor Roberto Ventura. It was there that Bro. Roberto heard my voice while he was coming down the hall of the church. I was 'preaching' in the morning session. Later that day, through his English speaking daughter Emma, he wanted to tell me that I had the influence of my daddy in the delivery of my message, yet the sound of my mother in my tone. (I find both a compliment.) While we stood there, he continued to tell me that he did not remember meeting me years ago. He did, however, say that he might have remembered that I wore some type of cowboy hat! But he had never heard me 'preach'. (I was married and gone from GCC since 1985 after my first marriage, I never returned to live in Grove.) But it was in that moment where Bro. Roberto invited me to come to their church called Gerizim in Tegucigalpa. I agreed, not because I felt I was qualified or honestly, that I really wanted to go, but it was just as the scripture says; "He shall turn the heart of the children to the Fathers." This daughter's heart finally turned after many years of doing my 'own' thing. I silently spoke to the air after walking away and said, "Ok, daddy, I will go."
It was the young Honduran man, sitting on his knees during worship that caught my attention at this conference in Grove, even with all the people who attended from all over the world. It was an amazing time…..there hasn't been another event like this. I will never forget. And I will never forget that visual of this young man in total worship before our living God.
It was David Martinez but at that time I didn't even know his name. Strangely, he was positioned on the floor directly where my daddy used to stand while he was alive and pastoring GCC. Later, we briefly met, but not many words were shared. WE just enjoyed the 'ministry' during the conference, just like everyone else. It was a moment in time. A divine one that is.
I cherish the heart of this young man and after 3 years of contemplation, I find myself on a journey neither of us ever expected.
PRESENT: March 2014
I get off the plane for my third visit now to Tegucigalpa. My team of 4 and myself make it through customs and waiting on the other side I hear, "MOM!"
This time, I specifically come to see my 'son', David. From the minute we get off the grounds of the airport, he begins telling me about all the things he would have for us to do. While my legs are still trying to gain my footing from flying, he leads us to the school bus!? "You didn't tell me you got a school bus, David, that will take so much gas", I said. "Oh, don't worry, mom" he says.
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First day….only here a few hours…..and He says, "Oh, and tonight, mom you will preach." And I do, in the dark! The entire city lights blackout, not minutes before I step up to preach…fortunately, I preached about "The City set on a Hill for all to See!" From Isaiah 60. (It talks all about the darkness! you should read it.) I preach by candlelight and flashlights, never able to see my Bible, God graces me with a message despite the adversity. Oh, and we are located in the highest crime related spot in the city of Tegucigalpa.
L to R--Tanner Linn, David Martinez, Holly Miller, Pastor of THIS newly planted church Oscar Ordonez Caceres, Tanner Ligon. Bottom left to right….Candice Anderson and Tiffany Massey. |
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| It is dark. This photo is shot by a flash camera. Only holding my Bible, not reading from it. Finally I put it down. David Martinez interpreting for me. He is a great interpreter! |
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| David has a heart for the poorest of the poor, a huge desire to start a school, and an even stronger desire to build an orphanage. This young guy, at the age of 24, desires to do what looks impossible, but I believe I will live to see all that he desire to do. His desire is just like Jesus asked. Feed, clothe and love. This photo is on the road to the Garbage Dump! |
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This particular day, the Crespo family provided 50 meals for us to hand out. (Unfortunately, there is not enough for all to be fed.) It is an incredible sight to see. The stanch smell hits us in the face as we approach, but it is soon forgotten when they come running with excitement because we have food. Many 'work' and live here. The 'work' is to find plastic and metal and anything else of 'value'…….sad.
Yes, that is a 'sea' of trash behind the people…..it goes on for acres and acres! |
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| I so very much LOVE this team! Tanner Linn from Grove, Tiffany Massey from Houston, Tanner Ligon (back to the camera) Grove, Candice Anderson from Wichita and me, the 'momma'. I love it! |
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| They still give smiles even under their circumstances. The little one in the pink hat I want to bring home! |
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| Passing out the food lasts moments. |
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This is a child of the 22 member family David found one day while just driving around the area past the garbage dump to witness for Jesus. Among his search, he found Margaretta's beloved family.
David Martinez and Alician |
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Just going with the flow of another 'usual day' for David, we have to first stop at his favorite Chinese restaurant to pick up a huge order of fried rice. Once we get to the the destination, I can see now why.
Catuluna….a place located in Tegucigalpa mountains. Priceless treasures we see. |
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| We were able to bring lots of goodies to them, as David shared with me certain needs prior to our coming. It is fun to watch them try on their 'new' clothes…….little Jose Louis has a new pair of jeans that are slightly big, so he finds a belt which only allowed me to see that Jose' needs a better belt! |
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| At least 12 live in this little house. The smaller room to the left is the kitchen. No running water and no stove. But Margaretta, locks it up nonetheless before we all take off for church. |
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| I love her!! Oh my goodness, look at her boots! She is so cute and she does not want to share her rice! |
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| Margaretta, momma is handing out the clothes. There is excitement in the air and I am full of tears. |
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Five members of the family not photographed.
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This is the packing in, just before David drives off without the Photographer!!
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But we found a place for her, right in the front with me!! NOW, we can go to church!
