Mission Encounters International - Honduras Short-Term Mission Trip

Short-Term Mission – Reflections

October 26, 2022 Admin Comments Off

Mission Encounters International - Honduras Short-Term Mission Trip

In July of 2022, a Short-Term Mission (STM) team hosted by South Juniata Baptist Church with team members from three other churches, came to Helene and experienced a transformative mission visit for both the Helene islanders and the STM team members.  

In addition to visiting in homes, sharing in prayer, sharing the Word, and construction projects, team members served in the medical clinic under the direction of Dr. Todd:  providing much needed medical care. Helene receives a monthly medical team visit provided by the Honduran government, but daily medical care is regularly supplied by the Mission Encounters Medical Clinic, trained local medical assistant, Pammie, and occasional visiting doctors/nurses.  Dr. Todd regularly visits Helene and is held dear by all the islanders. 

Two team members from the trip shared their reflections.

Mission Encounters International - Honduras Short-Term Mission Trip

Reanna:

I went to Helene in July of 2022 and I can truly say that my life was impacted.  Not necessarily in a huge or noticeable way, but in subtle ways that have changed my worldview.  I learned how much my plans fail, but that God’s will remains forever. His timing is perfect, and so much better than whatever plans I might have for myself.  I realized over and over how much I take for granted and that I need to be grateful for what God has richly blessed me with.  I loved meeting and talking with the people of Helene. I truly believe that the end result was not how much I had impacted them, but how they impacted me.  If you get the chance, I highly recommend going to Helene. It will shift your perspective on life and your circumstances. 

Mission Encounters International - Honduras Short-Term Mission TripMelissa:

Summer trip to Helene and I was super excited to return to see all my friends.  This trip would prove to be ExTrA special as I was excited to have my son, James, traveling with the team.  In previous years, my daughter and I had the opportunity to share in six mission trips together of which four were to Helene.  James had previously expressed a desire to participate in a mission trip and he did not have to think hard when the opportunity presented.  

When landing in Roatan, it was so much fun to introduce James to Larry and Sheila and then just watch him as he took in all the sights.  James was quick to help with the luggage loading as the excitement was building for the boat ride.  James had a front row seat with Doel in the boat as we journeyed toward the island. This was another first for James and he was embracing every moment. One of discussions prior to the trip was in regards to time and the differences in other cultures and being respectful of the differences.  Its not right, it’s not wrong….its just different! During the week, James enjoyed many different activities and projects.  The highlight for James was working with Doel on the farm.  He enjoyed learning how to use a machete and building the fence around the crops was a definite highlight.  Playing soccer with the children, holding babies, and exploring the island while visiting people were also highlights of the trip for James.  The week always brings good eating and James got to experience many new foods which he enjoyed. 

The week was impactful in Jamess life.  During debriefing, it brought tears to my eyes as a mother to hear about what he had learned during the week, the activities that he enjoyed, and how he expressed that his relationship with God had grown.  Leaving the island is always hard for me and it proved the same for James.  There were many pictures at the dock and lots of high fives and hugs with Doel prior to departure.  The trip impacted James in many ways and he continues to talk about his experience.  James had the opportunity to share in our home church and also in his classroom at school.  He also continues to practice his machete skills.  The opportunity to share in this experience with James was undeniably one of those top moments in life and I hope that we get to experience many more trips to Helene together! 

For more information about a MEI Short-Term Mission Trip:

1. Visit our website page for MEI Short-Term Missions, which includes information, videos and testimonials.

2. For more specifics and available openings, contact us today.


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