God is good! These are the words to a favorite praise song we sing in Helene, and these same words sum up the reason for the peaceful fullness I feel as I return from our STM trip each year. This year is no different. It was the ninth year our family has led a STM trip to Helene, Honduras, and this year the team was one of our biggest……18 strong. There were several veterans and many “newbies.” We had several nurses, several high school students, a college student, teachers, a pastor, a youth leader, retirees, housewives, a politician, and a physician.

As always, we try to make the focus of our week about building relationships…..each person’s relationship with Jesus, our relationship as a team, and our relationships with the islanders. Morning devotions lead by Team Helene are always something we look forward to; this time centers our focus on Christ as we begin each day. Someone always says, “I really needed to hear that today.” What a blessing Larry, Sheila, and Ted are to us!

Our ministries during the week were many. We did visitation each day led by four women living in Helene. The time we spent with them and the time we spent visiting with the islanders was priceless. Those hours of praying, talking, and getting to know each other hold dear to our hearts. Our students helped each afternoon in the Christian English School assisting the teachers. Dr. Todd saw people in the medical clinic every day and made a few home visits as well. The islanders love Dr. Todd and the compassionate care he gives each person he sees. Several of our nurses assisted him with medical clinic.

Wednesday evening we hosted a movie night on the covered deck where kids were invited to come and enjoy a movie-Peter Rabbit was a hit this year! Thursday evening we held a game night, and this year we had a record crowd. Dominoes, checkers, and UNO are some of the favorites. Friday, we experienced two of my favorites……eating dinner in the community and worship on the open deck. It is a beautiful opportunity to be welcomed into an islander’s home to enjoy sharing a meal they prepared with them and getting to know each other….building relationships! Music and worship on the deck is amazing! Another highlight this year was a soccer match, the girls on our team had with the women’s team of Helene. It was an exciting match ending with a 2-2 tie.

The OB nurse on our team held a class for the midwives and pregnant ladies. She shared information on having a healthy pregnancy, infant care, and CPR. Our pastor led a men’s conference Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Larry and Ted signed up 25 men on Helene to participate. During the day, the men worked on and completed construction on the Vocational Training Center, working together with men from our team. In the evening Pastor Caleb led bible study and praise music. There was time for small group discussion, prayer, and fellowship. All who took part in this conference felt overwhelmed by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. MEI and the male leaders of the churches on Helene plan to continue discipling these men.

Wow! As I write and reflect again on our trip this year, I am amazed how our God works in big and little ways to further his kingdom here on earth. People often ask why we continue to go to Helene. There are many reasons, but for me it boils down to this…..Jesus commands us in John 13 to love one another as He loved us. Pretty simple. It’s all about love, and the desire to be like Christ. Helene feels like my second home. I love the island, and I love the people there. I really enjoy taking new people to Helene: seeing how they encounter God, become transformed, and how they will impact nations is amazing to be part of!