by Richard Trenton
In the little Honduran community of San Matias, I had the privilege of serving with Commissioned International this past week, working with forty-eight short-term missionaries from nearby churches. Since it was my first time visiting a third-world nation, I wasn’t entirely sure what to anticipate. A lot of individuals shared their stories with me, but you don’t really get reality until you’re in the thick of things.
This encounter changed my life. It takes stepping outside of our comfort zone to truly appreciate how fortunate we are to live in America. The bathroom was a hole in the backyard, windows were just holes in the scrap metal used to build houses. One thing, though, was clear: they were happy, satisfied with their lives, and appreciative of what they had. Whereas the Hondurans were thankful to wake up and live another day, we frequently find ourselves lusting after the newest iPhone or the newest fashion item.
We discovered a people group that was lost, perplexed, and in need of a Savior while traversing Honduras’ dirt roads. After more discussion, we discovered that although they enjoyed telling us they were Christians, Jesus was merely an idea and not necessarily a real-life savior who wished to have a personal relationship with each of them. However, the Lord uses powerful methods. Before us, he prepares people’s hearts to hear the gospel. I discovered happiness, faith, hope, and the power of the Spirit.
During our three days in the hamlet, we were able to host sixteen church services thanks to our collaboration with the local pastor. Over the course of three days, we provided medical care, filled 6,896 prescriptions, distributed 7,613 articles of clothes, 1,289 pairs of shoes, and 146 pounds of food and beans to 1,383 people.
Most significantly, 69 individuals were accepted into Jesus’ family and made the transformative choice to follow Him.
I also want to dispel a misperception I held before the trip. There was still a lot of work to be done, even though I wasn’t a pastor or a medical expert. Everyone was crucial to spreading the faith across the neighborhood, whether it was roping and vaccinating cows or replacing the church’s roof.
There was more to this journey for me than just the village work. It has to do with what I discovered. Thank you. gratitude for the things we frequently take for granted. I’ve learned not to whine because there are far worse things in life. Consider your life as a whole the next time you catch yourself griping. Consider your life from an alternative viewpoint.
I urge everyone to participate in short-term mission work at least once. I promise it will change your life forever.
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Commissionedintl.org/
A 5-minute video from Honduras
