Tuesday: Encouragement through Character

Barnabas was a the son of encouragement. He was “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” One way he encouraged the believers of his time was simply by the way he lived. Such was what were challenged with during this mornig's devotion, to be of such godly character that it would encourage others. (This was still shared by me despite the demonic attack of a gnat flying in my mouth!)

Ditch digging by the school.

Half the team headed to medical and the other half to the bodega to gather ditch digging supplies. Trying to break through the hard clay. So we were grateful when the medical team arrived to relieve us at 11 am since they finished the morning exams early.

Obed, the young Honduran man (our “jefe” for this morning) asked if I planned on playing futbol at lunch once again. I said (in Spanish), “Of course, it's the main reason I come down to Honduras each year!” (which is only partially true).

After lunch (and, of course, soccer with los trabajadores), we worked with 34 children. One special moment occurred after helping one of the Providence children who has some special needs. For roughly four or five years, every time I tried talking with this particular boy in the past, he would either try to hit me or just yell, “No!” But today, after spending time working with him on his art and encouraging him, he expressed his thanks with a kiss on my cheek.

Tori took some of the kids to the chicken coop to paint on a cinder block wall. I love that a bland, sterile block wall has been brought to life by these young artists. The final touch was their hand prints.

We concluded another great day with the family staff night. Over 100 children, parents and teams ate, played, and sang together. Each of the team leaders were presented with a Spanish bible signed by the staff. I thanked them all and said that while many in the States may be rich in “things”, they were rich in Christ.