March 17-24, 2007 Honduras Trip Report

by Mark Loth

How easy it is to take for granted all that God has so abundantly given us. A mission trip to remote Honduran villages quickly reminds me of the blessings He continually provides. Visiting the villages of Gavilanes, Rio Blanco, and San Luis was a humbling and growing experience for me personally and spiritually. I saw families content with their meager belongings yet freely give of their food, shelter, time, and love when they barely had anything themselves. I saw children walk for hours through mountains just to come see a film about Jesus, sing bible songs, or attend a church service. I saw their faces light up when handed a stuffed animal, coloring book, or soccer ball.

I also saw God's provision from the beginning to the end of the trip:

• He provided ample funds for our team to go on mission
• He kept the team safe in all travels
• He worked through each team member to reach the lives of many
• He gave the team the right words and actions to show His love
• He created a brotherhood within our team that generated a passion to return on mission together

I grew spiritually even before the trip started. It's funny how God "throws" you into situations to see how you will react and to help you grow. Co-workers would ask "Why are you going to Honduras?" This was a natural open door to mention that I am a Christian and that I am going to spread the Word. After the trip, I was asked "How was the trip?" or "Where were you last week?" Again, this was the perfect God-provided opportunity to witness.

During the mission the team also had the opportunity to grow by praying in front of many people to ask for healing, to bless a home, and to pray for salvation. I was even asked to stand up in front of a large group and start singing my favorite church song! My wife, Kari, showed me a great verse that explains how God provided "words" for me. Ephesians 6:19 - Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. I also grew closer to Kari spiritually before, during, and after the trip. I was so blessed to have her meet with the other team members' wives to pray for us while we were gone.

I now see God continue to work through the team by motivating additional men to return with us in the near future. Already commitments have been made for a return trip with plans for building a church.

I feel very blessed to have traveled to Honduras and I'm looking forward to seeing all of the "planted seeds" grow.

February 3-10, 2007 Honduras Trip Report

by Ken King

Wow! Indescribable, but I'll give it a shot. Did we really just spend eight days flying, driving, boating and hiking to share Christ's love with our brothers and sisters in Honduras? Yes! Did I really go? Yes! I trusted God enough to get out of my comfort zone in McKinney, Texas, ignore the devil, who kept whispering doubts into my ear, and go! What a blessing. We were told that our group was a blessing and an encouragement to the people we met along the way, but surely we were the ones blessed! As a first-timer this trip was more fulfilling than I could have imagined. What an amazing and beautiful country and people the Lord shared with us on this trip.

As physically demanding as it was at times, the Lord was with us every step of the way, keeping us moving forward. After hiking (yes, it was uphill both ways in case you were wondering - sometimes straight up) through alternating bright, hot sunshine and the relative cool of the jungle shade, dusty dirt in the sun, and thick muck in the low, shady places and always humid, the physical demands were nothing compared to the overwhelming joy, love and celebration we shared with the brothers and sisters we met along and at the end of each day's trail.

To be able to share my testimony, to bring a smile to a child's face, to encourage my brothers and sisters, to know that the Lord used me in this way, leaves me in awe.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be your instrument. Thank you for teaching me to trust you more, to lean on you more. Thank you for letting me see the joy of your love in the faces of our brothers and sisters in Honduras. Amen. Praise be to God!!

January 20-27, 2007 Honduras Trip Report

by Robert Lindsay

Jerry Linhares spoke four times at Dario's church in Olanchito on the subject of husband and wife relationships - three times on Sunday, January 21 and again on the following Thursday. On Sunday morning we prayed with all of the single young ladies that desired to be married in the future, for their husbands to be. On Sunday night we prayed for all the married couples. We saw one man come to the Lord for salvation; his name was Fredrick.

On Monday the team, except for Monica Ingram, who stayed with the children at the childcare center, went into the prison there in Olanchito. There Scott gave the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ using the Kiros material that he used here in the prison. We saw God move in a marvelous way. We saw about twenty-five men come forward for prayer. Afterward we gave out flip-flops, toothpaste, tooth brushes and Bibles to 186 men. Later we carried a Bible to a preacher there in the prison; he had been preaching without one. We also carried medication to a prisoner who had an infection on his ankle. We ended up on the local TV station.

At the pastor's training, which they call pastor's seminary, we had sixty-five pastors and church leaders in attendance. Jerry spoke again on husband and wife relationships. Part of the time Monica took the ladies into the ladies' dorm and had a session in Spanish especially for them. While doing this Monica manicured and painted the ladies' fingernails. She anointed them with oil and prayed for them. This became an especially good time for them to dialogue. They came out of the dorm with lots of joy and Monica made lots of friends. This teaching was very much needed in Honduras and it elevated the role of the wife and mother to a higher level of care and understanding. Jerry and Monica did a great job. Dario said that this pastor training was the best yet and wanted Jerry to come back and go to another city in Honduras.

Curt Eberts was used by God to touch the people in Honduras; he became our driver, photographer, musician and prayer warrior. He was always ready to share his testimony and speak a word from the Lord.

December 9-16, 2006 Mexico Trip Report

by Bea Taylor

Members of Family Fellowship Church of Greenville, Texas set off for the city of La Trinidad in the state of San Luis Potosi on a chilly Saturday morning. Terry Parks, Cleto Perez, Steve Johnson, Steve Eaton, Tommy Poe, Donnie Barker, and Rick Evans were the gentlemen on the trip. Rick's daughter, Wendy Evans, and I were the ladies on the trip. We were all trusting God to use us on this trip, as we had been praying together for a few months for God's power to work in our hearts and the hearts and lives of the people in Mexico that we would have the pleasure of sharing God's love with. So we piled in the van and headed for Laredo. I soon discovered that it was a real blessing in itself, just to be traveling with amazing people with real servants' hearts.

Much later in the evening we arrived at the border. After our overnight stay at the Stepping Stone in Laredo, Texas we arose early to have breakfast and drive all day to reach La Trinidad in the evening. Here we met Sister Cipriana, the pastor of the church, and had coffee as we became acquainted with one another. We soon unpacked and turned in for the night. We slept in bunks and used outdoor privies. This was the most uncomfortable part of the trip but at least they were enclosed so that we were allowed some privacy. The following day after a wonderful breakfast we were able to meet the special family of Brother Martin, his wife and two children, who are also members of the church. We spent a good deal of time together with them as we did this first day preparing bags of rice, flour, salt, and other provisions to hand out later in the evening. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ as we worked together and the jokes and laughing never stopped!

After sunset we set up chairs outside of Sister Cipriana's church and showed the children's version of the Jesus Film. There was a good turnout of people. During the movie a parade of people came marching down the street singing and dancing in traditional indigenous wear. This week just happened to fall at the time of the celebration of "La Virgin de Guadalupe". This is a time when the virgin is celebrated rather than the life of her precious son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. There was a very obvious spiritual battle being fought this night. The presence of God could be felt in our gates, as was the presence of Satan in the parade taking place not even ten feet away, just outside Sister Cipriana's front gate. Some people from the procession did, however, stop to watch the Jesus film. God was at work!

Each day Jesus held a special plan for each of us. Some of us just talked to and ministered to the church members or to each other. Some of the men were able to leave La Trinidad to do auto repairs in other villages. Each evening we made trips to other villages together, each village was different and unique yet the same feeling resounded from each. We were praying for each village and brining Christ's love to the people. Yet it was easy to see the strong hold of Satan here in Mexico. But God is working! This can really be seen through the children. At one village that Sister Cipriana has visited often the children knew several Christian songs that they sang to the Lord! What a blessing.

In short, this trip has really energized my walk with Christ. I can speak for all of us when I say, "What a blessing to have been able to serve and be used by God on this mission trip."

October 21-29, 2006 Peru Trip Report

by Shawn Caraway

After a couple of days of travel, we finally arrived in a little jungle town called Puerto Bermudez where we were to meet our pecky-pecky (wood canoe) driver, Achilles, and a new believer, Ernesto, who had invited us to his village. We were excited and ready to begin our long journey by boat up the Pichis River to the village, but neither of the two men showed up. After a couple of hours we were pleased but soon disappointed when Ernesto came to greet us. He informed us that he was sorry but there was a problem and that we would not be able to go to his village.

We came to learn that on a very short notice the chief of the village had to leave for a few days and it would be dangerous for us to show up without the chief's permission. So with no boat driver and no permission to go to the village we began to pray. I remember talking to the Lord and saying, "Lord I know you called me to come on this trip to share, Lord. I've been making preparations and looking forward to sharing in this man's village. Lord, I know you did not do all of this for nothing! Lord, please show us what to do."

Well, I am happy to say that it wasn't long before we found out there was a chief from another village forty-two miles in the opposite direction who just so "happened" to be in Puerto Bermudez. Within a couple of hours not only did our boat driver show up but we also had permission to enter another village. Though we had not planned on visiting this village we recognized that it was God who was closing one door and opening another door of opportunity.

The next morning we headed north by river for the eight hour, forty-two mile trip to the village. When we arrived we began to notice several obstacles that were in our way. I'm happy to tell you that god allowed us to use those same obstacles as a platform to share His love. We were able to share the Gospel as well as teach about prayer, the story of the woman at the well and about following the Lord in believer's baptism. to the glory of God we witnessed about nine people come to call on Jesus as Savior and Lord. We were even able to have a baptism service in the Annacayali River as we baptized four of our new brothers in Christ.

I have to share with you that as we walked down the quarter to half mile long trail from the village to the river I began to hear the men behind me singing. I could not understand the language but I knew that it was a song of worship to the Lord. As I walked the narrow footpath through the jungle and listened to their singing my heart began to enlarge and my eyes began to tear up. It was on that trail that the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "This is why I made a way for you. This is why I brought you here."

Is the Lord in the jungle? Absolutely! Not only did He show Himself to the four men that we baptized and the others who came to believe, but He showed Himself to me. There in the jungle, on a narrow footpath and there in the jungle, waist deep in water, baptizing our new brothers in Christ...all I know to share is that the Lord was definitely there.

October 27 - November 5, 2006 Central Asia Trip Report

by Brandon

Thanks for your prayers during my recent trip to Central Asia. The trip was absolutely incredible and God answered many prayers! Our luggage was lost on the way there and it did not arrive until it was time to return home. However, God provided for us amazingly through this circumstance and we were never in need during the trip. Though I didn't have a sleeping bag the Lord opened the hearts of the villagers to open their homes to us each night and provided us a place to sleep. Though we didn't have water purification the villagers provided a seemingly endless supply of tea to drink. Though we didn't have extra clothes the Lord taught us that it is possible to live in the same set of clothes for a couple days. God also taught us it is possible to do without many other things we had each packed but really didn't need and opened our eyes to trust Him as a great Provider.

One of my prayers for this trip was that God would remove my American bias towards Muslims and help me to see them as He does. God answered this prayer in a couple of ways. One, by arranging the above mentioned circumstances in order to provide for our needs through the generosity of the local people. Two, by the overwhelming hospitality of the villagers in feeding us three generous meals a day. And third, by providing times of fellowship and conversation with the local villagers to get to better understand their world view. Through these situations God allowed me to see that these traditional Muslims are not so different than lost Americans without Christ in their hearts.

Another prayer was that God would provide us opportunities to share Bible stories with the villagers. God answered this prayer also as we were able to share the stories through our translator in two villages. Also, one of the local team members was able to share the stories with a man from another village who we met while hiking on the trail. For an example of what I mean by "stories" you can listen to samples here.

My favorite time of story telling was when we arrived at the first village. We drove all morning to the end of the mountain road. This was as far as the 4x4 jeeps could go and we would hike from here. We went up to the nearby village which the local team had visited a few months before just to say "hi" and let them know we were back to visit some different villages farther down the trail this time. We hiked up to this village but the man of peace was not there. He was at the next village over helping work on a roof (think flat mud roof on a stone hut). So we hiked up the mountain a few more minutes to find this village as it was one they had not previously visited. As we approached we could see a few men working on a roof as well as a group of people butchering a goat. The villagers warmly greeted us and brought out their blankets for us to sit on in the mid-day sun. They were very interested in knowing about us and even asked us to share a story with them! We shared the stories of Creation and The Fall as they listened intently. They asked discerning questions and had good understanding of what these stories teach us about God and man. After sharing and discussing these two stories, one of the men who had been listening asked us if Jesus was also created! We were quite surprised that he had heard about Jesus and was that curious to know more. Our translator explained to us that this man had a New Testament written in the local trade language (not his people group's heart language) and that he had read some and had many questions. Our translator and one of the local missionaries continued to discuss with him and answer his questions. After about an hour of story telling and talking the villagers served us a hot meal of freshly prepared goat meat. It was an incredible time of blessing from the Lord.

Click here to view some pictures from the trip. One is of a mountain village house. Another is of two of the villagers sitting with one of the local team members as we talked and told stories. And the third is of some local village kids who just got some new winter boots that we brought to them. Please continue to pray for the local ministry team who are working to develop a set of oral Bible stories in these villagers' heart language.

Honduras Trip Report - August 19-26, 2006

by James Pickett

It is hard to even know where to start except to say that God is faithful and there is no better place to be than on mission with Him. A big thank you to XMA and their staff for their dedication to reaching the people of Honduras and the "ends of the earth".

We had an awesome team which included Wally Austin, Mark Kever, Brian Masters, Trey Pace, Dr. Dave Philofsky, Dr. Mike Abernathy, Jacob Abernathy, and myself. Everything went smoothly through customs and all of the dental and medical supplies made it through without any problems. Our guide, Wally Austin, met us in San Pedro Sula. Once we arrived at the mission house the adventure began.

Our trip was originally scheduled to go "deep" into an area that XMA had not been to previously. Once in Honduras, our Honduran brothers advised us that there were several villages closer in that were in need of dental work and spiritual encouragement from the team. Although we didn't go as "deep" as we had originally anticipated, we spent a great deal of time hiking up, over, and across some of the most beautiful country any of us had experienced before. The terrain was challenging and from a physical standpoint most of us quickly agreed that maybe going as "deep' as planned was not our team's purpose. God had another plan.

We hiked to four different villages and each village was different. The first village that we visited was La Balsa, where we were welcomed warmly by Pastor Charlie and the rest of the village. The morning began with a church service at a small tabernacle that XMA had built. The kids sang for us and Dario preached. After the service we set up the dental clinic. We spent the rest of the day socializing with the kids and other villagers by making balloons, playing baseball, and throwing a Frisbee. That evening we showed a movie called "The Last Flight Out" and had a few people accept Christ.

The next morning we set out for the village of Zapote. The hike was challenging but beautiful. As we approached the village a rainstorm developed which forced all of us to take refuge under the porches of the villagers. While doing so Brian and Dave had a chance to speak with a young couple for quite a while. Many of us saw that same young woman praying to receive Christ the next morning on her porch with the Honduran team of pastors. We showed the Jesus film that evening in the drizzling rain and a few accepted Christ. Prior to the film a few of us gave our testimony while Yuly interpreted for us. I had been praying for God to show us His Glory and later that morning He did just that. As Trey and I were taking pictures for various families I stopped and slowly turned around 360 degrees. In that moment I saw the dentists along with Mark and Jacob relieving people of pain in the dental clinic; I heard children laughing and celebrating upon receiving a stuffed animal or balloon; I saw the joy and appreciation of a mother who was given a family portrait for the first time with a Polaroid camera; I heard and saw the Gospel being proclaimed on a hillside and people accepting Christ; and finally I heard praise music being sung and experienced God's Glory right there. All at once seeds were being planted, healing was taking place, joy was being experienced, and a harvest was under way. God's presence in those moments was undeniable.

Late that afternoon we packed up and hiked to Pueblo Viejo. This village was larger than the previous two. While inviting people to the dental clinic we provided families with portraits as well. In one particular home after receiving a photo the mother ran to each child and hugged them one by one as she showed them their picture. It was so touching to see the overwhelming amount of excitement over something like a family picture. We definitely take this for granted back home.

The dental clinic was very busy. Dr. Abernathy and Dr. Philofsky continued to be "Jesus with skin on" to many in need of dental work. We also handed out several toys to the children. During the clinic I opened a box of flip flops only to be overwhelmed by the response from the villagers. Later I noticed a little girl walking around with only one flip flop on. I rushed back to the box and found the flip flop that matched. I gave it to the girl and was overcome with emotion because she was planning on wearing one flip flop if that was all we had to offer.

Later that evening we showed the video and shared our testimonies. We all sensed a different spirit in this village. I felt God impressing me to share more of a sermon than a testimony. There were many interruptions during the film, including a drunk man and villagers throwing rocks on the roof of the hut. At the end of the video when an invitation was given the drunk man came forward and asked to accept Christ. While many of us were skeptical, the next morning the Honduran pastors spoke with him and he indicated that he remembered all of it and wanted to be prayed with again and turn his life over to Jesus. He wanted to change many things about his life. Glory to God!

The next day was hiked out of the remote villages and reached El Plan where some of our Honduran brothers lived. There we met their families and I hope we served as encouragement. They no doubt encouraged us. I was impressed by the leadership I saw demonstrated by several of these men. I am thankful that XMA is providing pastoral training and support to so many of these men and their families.

On the final morning we traveled to a nearby village and conducted our last dental clinic next to the village schoolhouse in an open air tabernacle overlooking the valley below. We also treated many children's hair for lice. Some of the children had scabs on their heads from scratching so much. We were blessed by a message from Dario and the graciousness of the children there. Once we finished our work we traveled to Dario's church in Olanchito and visited the orphanage. We were impressed by the work and efforts underway there and blessed by the children singing us hymns in English.

That evening in the nearby village of San Francisco we celebrated the eighth anniversary of a local church with its congregation. The service lasted four hours and was unlike anything we had ever experienced. The people were very welcoming and several wanted us to pray for them. We enjoyed the ride there and back. Some of us sang praise songs in the cab of the truck while others rode in the back and looked at the stars across the black Honduran night. Again, God's presence surrounded us.

In all the trip was a success by any measure. We had several accept Christ and estimated that over 300 teeth were pulled. There are simply too many stories to tell so I encourage anyone interested in going to contact one of us and let us share with you how the trip impacted us. Each one of us had the trip of a lifetime and the Lord was faithful in showing us His Glory daily.

Many thanks to Wally Austin for leading us. We all learned from Wally and appreciate his dedication to doing the Lord's work. We quickly formed bonds with all of the Honduran team that traveled with us. Yuly, Jimmy, Juan, "Mahogany", Edgardo, and Dario each impressed us with their leadership and hard work. Again, thanks to XMA and all who make up this organization. XMA is having a sustainable impact in Honduras.

Honduras Trip Report - July 1-8, 2006

by Aaron Hunt

For the second time I was blessed to go the mountains in Honduras. We conducted an XMA trip led by the wonderful Wally Austin, a.k.a. cuatro patos (four feet). Our group consisted of seven members: myself, Dr. Bill Kincaid, his son, Jacob Kincaid, daughter, Rebecca Shapley, and son-in-law, Tyson Shapley. The Shapley's are now serving with the IMB in East Asia. Also Rebecca's best friend, Jana Gates, assisted with the mission. We were all blessed tremendously.

As with most XMA journeys we set out for the mountains early Sunday morning. We hiked for eight hours up to our first stop. The village, La Gloria, was pastored by a humble and intelligent man who was also the local teacher. We were blessed in La Gloria with an extra day's rest and saw over a dozen decisions for Jesus in our two days in this village. Our second hike on Tuesday was much more pleasant. We hiked for three hours into El Portillo, where were were again blessed with the opportunity to praise and worship with the Hondurans for an hour after the Jesus film. There was much prayer, tears and praise for our Lord. It was truly a blessing to see how they love the Lord in this remote area of the world. The next morning we hiked into our third and final village where we ministered to the people as before, giving them clothes, hats, toys and minor medical treatment. We had a tremendous journey and as on any missionary journey the servant is always blessed.

PS-Do not eat the cheese, I was fine for the entire trip until I decided to brave the cheese at our hotel in Tela. I was sick for a week and I still wonder why I always have to find things out the hard way. God bless to all and I look forward to my next journey.

Mexico Trip Report - June 17-24, 2006

by Lynda Capps

On June 17, 2006, at 5:00 a.m. eight members of First Baptist Church, Swartz, Louisiana, left for an XMA trip with Terry Parks guiding the way. We stopped in Ruston for Cleto, a native of Mexico who is the pastor of the Hispanic Church in Ruston and would serve as our interpreter. On this journey were Terry and Denise Parks, Floyd and Betty Glenn, Sandra Norsworthy, Raymond Parks, Steve Caissie, Lynda Capps and Cleto. Lots of prayers were going with us too.

We traveled to Laredo, Texas, and tried to get visas for seven days but the charge of $21.00 per person was not necessary so we chose to go back the next morning. Just outside Laredo is a volunteer lodge, Stepping Stone Mission, and we ate supper, slept and had a hot shower there. The next morning after breakfast we left to get visas at no charge.

We traveled to La Trinidad (The Trinity) and arrived during the evening worship service. The pastor, Sister Cipriana Pruneda, led the service in Spanish and ended the service in praying for their sick. The people of the church provided supper and Terry set up the projector to show the film "The Climb".

On Monday morning we bagged rice and beans, soap and toiletries, candy and clothing and traveled to the village of La Fatima that night and showed the film "The Ride". There were mostly teenagers and children viewing the film. We spoke with five teenage boys who lingered after the show with the help of our interpreter, Cleto. The boys seemed really interested in learning more about Jesus and we encouraged them to make the right choice about their salvation and how it could make a difference in their lives, their family, their community and their country. Films can not be shown until around 9:00 p.m. when it gets dark--and in the mountains the air gets cooler at night so we found out really quickly why we were advised to bring jackets.

On Tuesday we traveled to market at Matehuela and a silver mine, Real de Catorce, which is the tallest mountain in the region at about 6,000 feet. There is an abandoned village nearby called Corro Can Pana where the movie "Las Bandidas" was filmed. Upon our return to La Trinidad we stopped along the way in a village called Zaragoza de Solis where there were children playing and having a birthday party. We gave out crocheted bracelets and candy and hoped to get to return there on Thursday night to show a film. Sister Cipriana promised to call back on Wednesday night to see if we had permission. There was only one telephone in the village and no sign of postal deliveries.

Wednesday morning we went to Ignacio Aldama and gave out balloons, candy, bracelets and ponytail holders and made plans to return in the evening to show a film. The kids had a lot of fun playing with the balloons, parachute and jump ropes. Sandra took their pictures and the children enjoyed looking at themselves and got the giggles. We traveled back to La Trinidad and waited for school to close. School ends at about 1:00 p.m. and the children attend school until August. The children received bracelets, balloons and candy and said "We want to learn English.". After returning to the church at La Trinidad Vacation Bible School was held and 19 children attended. Cleto told the story of Jonah and the Whale and Denise had a craft project for the children to make about the story. The children were given toys and also had pictures to paint or color and some of them had pictures painted on their hands or faces. The parents arrived about 5:30 and received bags of food and clothing for which they were very grateful as the rainfall has been so small this year and their crops are very poor. We traveled back to Ignacio Aldama to show the film "Escape from Hell" and distributed food and Bibles afterwards. The roads are one lane and shoulders have to be improvised if meeting an oncoming car or truck. They are also made of dirt or rock with just enough bumpy valleys to keep you alert and holding on to your seat. Denise and I thought we were in training for the rodeo and I believe that I could ride a horse now and maybe win a prize! When we returned and got our shower we went to sleep at about 1:40 a.m. after a late night encounter with two huge Luna moths.

On Thursday morning there were more rice and beans to bag and most of our clothes were packed for the trip home before noon. Following lunch we visited with a family in San Antonio de la Ordela who are friends with Sister Cipriana. It is customary for her to visit with them each Thursday even though they are not members of her church. They had 14 children and only one child, Rafa, lives at home with them now. Rafa was injured in a rodeo accident and has an amazing testimony which he shared with us. When he left the hospital in Houston the staff though he was going home to die and would never walk again after having two brain surgeries and being in the hospital for three months. When he returned to the hospital a year later the staff could not believe that Rafa was alive, much less walking by himself. The family gives God all the glory for Rafa's healing. The mother reads the Bible to the father who interprets the meaning for the family. Sister read from Psalms on this visit and we sang a couple of songs in Spanish (as best we could). Rafa and Bonito (who lives in La Trinidad and helps a lot with the church activities and loading the chairs and equipment in the van) went into the yard and picked mesquite tree beans for us to sample. They looked like purple hull peas. One could chew them for the liquid inside (much like sugar cane) and then spit out the pulp. It was different!

After leaving their gracious home we stopped for a mountain climb and Steve walked to the very top. Then the road led us to lots of palm trees loaded with the flowering dates and barrel cactus which had red spikes and what we thought were yellow flowers. When peeled the yellow flowers turned out to taste somewhat like a lemon with tiny black seeds in it. Some people make jelly from these fruits.

Next we traveled to the village of Zaragoza de Solis and arrived about 6:30 p.m. Steve Caissie got to play soccer with a large group of children for about 2 hours. Floyd and Betty Glenn and Raymond Parks distributed about 35 pairs of glasses and Bibles to the people, who were so very grateful. The children received balloons made into animals of all different shapes, candy, bracelets, ponytail holders and toys and they colored pages until about 9 p.m. The adults were given New Testament Bibles in the Spanish language. There were about 74 children and a total of 125-150 people in attendance. All this was the result of an impromptu stop made Tuesday afternoon when we stopped at the birthday party in session. The guys set up the chairs, film projector and screen to show the children's version of the Jesus Film. At the last moment the projector was not working. Terry asked for prayer from the team and as we prayed the projector began to work. Our God will supply all our needs. Some of the children talked during the film but one could tell that they were discussing the film. Some of the children left during the film but they returned to their chairs with their jackets. Food, clothing and toiletries were distributed to the adults after the film and again the people were so appreciative of the gifts.

We returned to the church about 12:45 p.m. and unloaded the chairs from the van to the church and went to bed at about 1:30 p.m. Departure on Friday was set for 7:00 a.m. Well, we did leave at 7:30 a.m. The time is a little different in Mexico - ask Terry about that one. We returned our visas and went to eat supper at a restaurant in Laredo and traveled to the Stepping Stone Mission. We retired for bed at about 11:30 p.m. to awaken at 4 a.m. for departure. Returning to Swartz FBC at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday was truly a welcome sight with family waiting for us. A special thanks to our church family and friends who were praying for us on this journey.

We witnessed God's creation in the people, the mountains, the valleys and the first morning there was "Be still and know that I am God". The countryside with its mountains, adobe houses, rock and cactus fences and the burros seemed so much like the Holy Land that one could envision Jordan, Samaria or Jerusalem. God's power and wisdom is so overwhelming and our acceptance of God being in control is so small. Our team was dependent on God to prepare the way for the people to receive us as we shared His Word through the films. Our team devotions and prayers as we traveled definitely strengthened our spiritual lives and prepared us for the blessings that we received on this adventure. Regardless of the time the ladies had our own Bible study and prayer each night before lights out.

These people were so loving and when both children and adults come to you with hugs before leaving it melts your heart. There are so many people yet to be reached in this area. We pray the leaders in each community will relent and let the films be shown in all the villages. One of my favorite verses on this trip is found in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, "But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children." This verse sums up how were able to witness to these people and share with them the gospel. When I asked the children at the last village if they had a good time, they all answered with a loud, "Si, si!" (there were 74 children). I told them that good feeling compares to the joy of salvation that God gives us when we accept Him as Savior and follow Him. We pray that the seeds have been planted and their desire to learn of God will continue to grow. This mission trip was truly a victory for Christ and a spiritual blessing for the team. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Honduras Trip Report - May 21-28, 2006

by Tommy Kountz

I met team leader Robert Lindsay at his house in West Monroe, Louisiana for a 4:00 a.m. departure to Shreveport for our flight to Houston. In Houston we met the other two members of our group. Andy Magee from Alexandria, Louisiana is a Major in the Louisiana National guard and Daniel Owen from Birmingham, Alabama is employed at Starbucks and is attending seminary. Robert is the only veteran of foreign missions and we three were on our first trip overseas. Each of the other guys has been on mission trips to different locations in North America. This was my first of any kind.

The purpose of this trip was to teach the “Kingdom of God in the Marketplace” to Honduran pastors. Robert recruited this bunch to help him in the teaching sessions that took place in Olancho at the mission house. The three other guys did the majority of the teaching and I gave my testimony concerning Godly principles that have worked in my personal life and in the brief four years that I have run my own small construction business.

Upon meeting the other two guys at Houston we got on the plane for a 2 ½ hour ride to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. We were met at the airport, fed and then put in a van for a 4 ½ hour ride to the mission house. We arrived at the mission house around 7:00 p.m. and met with Pastor Dario and Jimy, our interpreter. It was a pleasure to get to chat with these two mean and plans were discussed for the rest of the week.

Sunday morning we got up and Jimy led us to and around Olanchito. After grocery shopping and eating we returned to the mission house to clean up and get ready for church at the Child Care Center. We arrived at the school around 2:00 and Pastor Dario carried us into the radio station for introductions on air and to promote the seminar. We were told that this station reaches some six to twelve thousand people.

At 3:00 p.m. we attended the children singing in the open tabernacle at the orphanage and at 4:00 p.m. we broke up into groups for Sunday school. Young Daniel Owen led the teaching on God’s goodness and mercy. After the teaching there was an altar call with almost everyone up front praying for everyone. Most of us there had our burdens and problems and we all prayed for each other. When prayer was over and the chairs were being picked up to put into storage a young man asked to be led in the prayer of salvation.

Monday was an off day, as the “seminary” was not scheduled to begin until 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday. We were going to travel into the mountains and hand out clothes and essentials but chose to stay and help Jimy mow and get the mission grounds ready for Tuesday. Not much to write about other than we managed to lock the keys in the truck, break the belt on the riding mower and other minor things that Pastor Dario had to fix when he came later in the day. He even smiled as he corrected our mistakes. He is a great guy.

Tuesday, the first day of the “seminary”. We were up at daylight to pray and worship before the pastors and their families arrived. We were to start at or around 8:00 a.m. One young man arrived around 8:15 and we were wondering where all the others were. The trucks full of pastors and families started arriving just after 9:00. We were told that Honduras was observing daylight savings time for the first time in their history. We did not know and thus we were an hour early. Approximately 48 attended the first day and were taught by Robert, Andy and Daniel on Godly principles in business. The people were very attentive. They were like sponges soaking up any thing that would help them to learn how to get out of poverty. I was then called on to give my testimony. The services, classes and worship went on all day until 9:00 p.m. My how these people loved to worship and they were very passionate as they did so!

Wednesday, the second day of “seminary. We were not in a hurry to get out to the tabernacle. We had set our clocks back to regular time and we prepared inside the mission house for the teachings of the day. Pastor Dario came and made us aware that we were late for the teaching session. It appeared that the locals did not like daylight savings time and went back to regular time. We were not sure that we liked it either. This was another day of great teaching of God’s word. Robert taught on “Goodness and Mercy”. He had Pastor Dario write the two words in Spanish on an oversized Cheerios box. “Goodness and Mercy” was passed from one person to another as an illustration. The worship was awesome as it was the day before. A trio of musicians from the mountains played and led the worship. They were very talented. I believe that 58 pastors and family members were in attendance that day. I was told that there were Baptist, Mennonite Baptist, and Pentecostals worshipping and learning together. The seminar lasted until 8:45 p.m.

Thursday was only a half day and it started with praise and worship. I told Robert that we could raise the roof off of First Baptist, West Monroe if we had the same passion as these Honduran people. People would come running on Sunday mornings to see what the commotion was about if we worshipped in the same manner. Andy taught the last lesson and gave an altar call, which he had wanted to do the day before. There was some confusion about the call because of the translation. Everyone came to the altar. It was repeated that only those that wanted salvation, please step to the front of the crowd. Two young ladies came forward, one to accept Christ as her Savior and one to accept him as her Lord. Many of the pastors wanted their children to be prayed over and the blessing of God to be spoken over them. It was a great time of prayer. One of the pastors wanted the Cheerio box as a souvenir. He said that it would be a helpful illustration for his church.

Friday morning we were off to Tela to spend our leas day in Honduras. This was my first experience and I thought it was good for all. The teaching was great! The worship was great! And the fellowship was even better. I told the pastors that it was hard this first time to leave my home and business back in the States. It won’t be hard at all to come back in the future.

To God be the Glory!

Peru Trip Report - May 20-28, 2006

by Terry Barnhill

I'm 57 and had never been on a mission trip. Although my friends and children have gone on trips I always felt my role was to provide financial support instead. When my friend Richard phoned and told me that XMA needed to fill one more spot for a trip to Peru I was convicted that my time had come. What a trip! Led by Randy White we traveled 36 miles down two rivers to share God's love with a previously unreached Asheninka tribe. The jungle and village were pretty but the people here were even more beautiful. Our goal was to plant a church by sharing powerful stories of the Bible. We personally shared stories through our interpreter and by playing tapes that were pre-recorded in the Asheninka language. Randy had previously told us that our goal was primarily one of "planting" God's word and others would come behind us for the harvest. So we were surprised when Pastor Brigido closed his sermon and 19 Asheninka men and women (including the village chief) accepted the Lord. We anticipate others here will receive the gospel as well as the Bible stories are repeated throughout the region. I was privileged to see so many lives changed, especially the life of "the reluctant missionary".

Honduras Trip Report - March 12-19, 2006 by Ken Jeane

Our trip began at 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning as we gathered at Sweetwater Baptist Church in Quitman, Louisiana. This year's crew consisted of a group of veterans: Steve Kelley, Monty Huckaby, Barry Donner, Allen Husband, Mike Brooks, Forrest Petersen, Larry McCartney, Kelly Leach, Jason Shows, Ken Jeane, and two "rookies", Mark Hammons and Glen Davis. Brother Jack Colclasure was our leader.

Even though we had hoped for a new crew of men to be a part of "God's Honduran High", we veterans were glad to fill in since we have become hooked on the experience. Later one of the rookies remarked that it was amazing to see such a diverse group of men fall out of the trucks and start building with no plans, discussions, et cetera. This group is really a gifted bunch.

After a routine trip to the mission house we took a 2 1/2 hour truck ride to Quebrada Grande the next morning. We were really blessed with cool weather (for Honduras), pleasant breezes, and very little rain. We almost erected one tabernacle the first day.

The next day we experienced a flat tire and the tail gate on the lead truck came open and scattered tools along the road. Even though we had a slow start we were soon able to finish putting on the roof, build pews and a pulpit and have a dedication service. Dario preached about Solomon building the temple when the time was right. Our timing was right and God's Spirit moved and an elderly woman and several others were saved. the church had actually been praying for this woman to be saved. We had a great time worshiping the Lord. At the end of the service we distributed some clothes and toys to the people.

On Wednesday we traveled 2 1/2 hours to Las Janitos to a village of about 200 people. A young man there had donated land and a house to the church. He said the Lord had given it to him and he was going to give it back to the Lord. The people had been temporarily holding services in the house. We constructed a new building over the house. By noon on Thursday we had completed the building, built pews and a pulpit, held a dedication service and distributed toys, school supplies and clothes. It was good to see other pastors there to help and encourage the new church.

Friday's work assignment took half of our crew to Labranza to make pews that a previous construction crew didn't have time to build. The rest of our men went to Sweetwater #1 in Santa Cruz to check on the church and pastor. The pastor was away cutting firewood but we did get to visit with his wife and children. We were very impressed with his children, who sang songs to us for 30 minutes. The church members at Santa Cruz have poured a large concrete slab to be used for a future basketball and soccer court. They hope to attract a large number of young people who live within the city. There was more rainfall than usual during the month of March, which has made everything in Santa Cruz green. The church has gotten the credit.

This was probably our best construction trip yet because we accomplished everything we planned to do and then some. Praise be to God!

Honduras Trip Report - February 18-25, 2006 by Rosa Slover-Roa

One more time God has blessed me with the opportunity to participate in a mission trip. The main purpose of the Honduras trip was to provide medical and dental assistance to people that have a hard time reaching civilization and to pass the message of the Gospel by showing them love and the film of Jesus Christ. We had a wonderful team from Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church and the nationals that guided us and shared their knowledge of the culture provided a wonderful service to us.

In order to be able to reach these people who needed our help we hiked for many long hours to the villages. The hike was uphill and we had no idea how long it would last until we got there. We were able to visit three villages, La Balsa, Pueblo Viejo and Coamapa. For me this experience was a great help to grow my faith and to believe in God without hesitation. He took care of all of us and brought us back home safe and serene.

For most of us the time we spent at the villages brought us closer to God than we had ever been. He showed us his creation in an amazing way through the wonderful people that received us with unconditional love and a smile on their faces. We got to experience other parts of the culture as well when a few of them that were not very close to God or may not have ever even heard of God got drunk and shot their guns up in the air in celebration. Many of us were afraid at first but I spoke with some of the nationals and they told me that this is one of the ways they react to a celebration in their villages, trying to get more attention but not with the intention of hurting anyone. The next day one of them that needed assistance from Heath, the dentist, was very ashamed for what he did and apologized to Wally, the leader of our group.

Another event that God put in our path was a kid that had an abscess the size of a tennis ball on his head that was caused by a worm that was dead underneath his skin. In spite of the extremely tiring hike and all of the medical care that he had already provided, Blake, the doctor on the trip, was able to perform surgery on top of our supply boxes set up under a tree. God truly had to give him the strength he lacked and the knowledge to perform the surgery under such primitive conditions.

A great number of people received assistance from Heath, the dentist. He pulled out so many teeth that we lost count after 40. Everybody in the group had something to offer on this trip to make it happen. The unity and support from everybody was unbelievable. Unfortunately I am limited to one page to write about it. I cannot help but mention Yuly, one of the nationals that walked with us on this trip and helped me with translations. She was always cheering us up at any moment with her songs and making everything more alive, always creating new activities and games for the kids in the villages. She was an amazing and wonderful person. She really helped us a lot.

I can't leave out Wally, our team leader. It is easy to see how God works in Wally. The wisdom and experience that God gifted him with along with his charisma and humbleness as he guided us was key in making this trip happen in a perfect and divine manner. He has truly inspired us all in missionary work, in our walk with God and just being an outstanding human being. I pray that some day I will have the courage, faith and ability to do the same.

A special thanks to Freddy, and eleven year old kid who walked with us all the way and guided us with unconditional love.

In closing I just want to say thanks to God for blessing me with the ability to be bilingual in English and Spanish which enabled me to have a purpose on this trip and many to come. Without that ability I would not have been able to partake of this wonderful opportunity to serve God by translating on the mission trip. I truly believe I received more than what I was able to give. The unconditional love that we received from everybody is hard to express in a few words. I encourage everyone to try it. It is an amazing experience that I can't wait to do over and over again.

Honduras Trip Report - February 8-13, 2006 by Dr. Tommy Snyder

I was privileged to go to Honduras, February 8-13, and minister to Honduran pastors through the ministry of Macedonia Missions. Our trip was led by Randy White and those accompanying us were my wife, Joyce, Joe and Donna Aulds from Ruston, Louisiana and Dottie Mobley from Winnsboro, Louisiana. I am a Baptist pastor from Memphis, Tennessee and have previously been to India, the Philippines, Nicaragua and Guatemala. This trip was different from the other mission trips in that my sole responsibility was to train Honduran pastors. I, along with Joe Aulds, sought to teach these men the precious truths of Bible study, prayer, leadership and soulwinning. the church I serve, Forest Hill Baptist, provided each attendee an Evangecube to use in training these servants in leading someone to Christ. Joyce, Donna and Dottie spent time with the women in sharing the truths of God's word and how to be a Godly woman.

One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity of assisting a Honduran pastor in baptizing two souls in a river. This was a first for me! Joyce and I fell in love with the people of Honduras and are so appreciative for the opportunity to go with Macedonia Missions. Randy White did an excellent job in leading our team and we look forward to returning to Honduras through this ministry.

Nicaragua Trip Report - January 28-February 4, 2006 by Brad Brazell

Words can not describe the trip we took to Nicaragua. To prayerfully seek Christ in all we did for one week was life changing. I am a follower of Christ and I do pray many times every day, but this was different. I prayed like never before, for things and people I never have before. I pray I never get over the experience I had with Christ on this trip. When Jesus came to this earth his message was simply, "Follow Me." When Christ left this earth his message to his disciples was simply "Go." To see God working through simple things like bubbles, balloons and a baseball was truly remarkable.

To think that God could use a sinner like me to further his kingdom is beyond me. I give God the glory for all he does through me. I have only been a follower for four years, but I am learning the more I say yes to God the more I grow in my relationship with him. To forfeit my own comforts, in all aspects of life, for one week seems like a small price to pay for the grace and mercy that God has shown me over my life. works don't get a man to Heaven but you can't follow Christ without it costing you something by the standards of this world. Know there is a world out there that has no God and desperately needs a relationship with him. Thank you Terry Parks for committing your life full time to the mission field. You have had a role in changing my life forever. God bless XMA.