We are off for another day full of blessings from the Lord. We had an earlier start this morning since we had to be at Pastor Arquis church by 8. Pastor Arqui is a man of many talents, from driving the bus everywhere we go, to working on building the kitchen & painting, and prepping a sermon for a Sunday morning. We arrived at the church and got to see the hustle and bustle of the Hondurans. The women were already in the kitchen prepping for lunch, people were setting up chairs, and getting the sound system ready. The team had time to walk around chat and wait for church to start (9:30 to be exact, service was supposed to start at 9, but as Arqui says Honduran Time).

I wish I could truly explain what a Honduran service is like, but you have to experience it in person. But the best way I can put it into words is this; a huge party celebrating the only God worth celebrating. I truly believe it's a small glimpse of what Heaven will look like. Their worship is all upbeat & high praise, dragging our team members to the front to dance, jump, clap & sing. We heard testimonies from Josh & Amy Grill, Josh this past December suffered from Cardiac Arrest. Truly a miracle from the Lord, he is with us today. What a huge blessing to watch Josh share and see the Hondurans (who spent HOURS praying for his health) rejoice in what the Lord has done. 

After Pastor Arqui offered a prayer opportunity, if you wanted to experience more of the Lord in your life. Dozens of people came forward. We got the opportunity to put anointing oil on our hands and pray over our brothers & sisters. Such sweet moments from the Lord when I placed my hands on people and the Lord giving me pictures and words for them. Even though we don't speak the same language, I spoke them over them. I truly believe the Lord used it because I could feel the emotional break. The Spirit tearing down walls & strongholds and letting in His love & peace rest. 

Then my favorite part the hug line (yes, it is what is sounds like). The team lines the front of the church, and EVERY SINGLE person hugs you. It's like an instant download of the Fathers love. You can feel it in every embrace. I had the pleasure earlier this week of visiting a home, where a young adult lives, she serves on the worship team at the church. She came up to give me a hug, told me thank you, and embraced me. For a handful of minutes, I stood there hugging her tighter and tighter. The longer we stood there the more I felt shame, guilt, regret fall off her. When we let go, she had a huge smile on her face. That is a moment I won't forget. 

After we headed out to have lunch at the new restaurant, we painted this week. We were treated to the classic Coca Cola & homemade authentic taquitos. They were muy bein, definitely going to eat taquitos in the States and be disappointed. There we spent time blowing bubbles with the kids, playing volleyball, trading bracelets (they LOVE doing this), and chatting with the people. I talked with a couple named Johnny & Velma, they have known Josh & Amy and Arqui & Minda for a long time. We talked about how our churches were the same and different. Even found out we know some of the same people from Indiana. Our conversation ended with Johnny saying this; "we may be from different places, but we all serve the same God. If we remember that, where can we go wrong." 

After that we headed back to the hotel for much-needed needed rest. A good portion of our team is battling sickness. So, prayers would be appreciated for healing as we have a full day tomorrow, and a very long travel day Tuesday. We wrapped our night up with a few of us heading to the local mall to get some ice cream. Now we turn in to get much needed rest, that our bodies are craving. 

ALSO: If you read the update from a couple days ago you might remember us mentioning a man named Jorge. He was a father from one of our home visits. He isn't a Christian, but the team invited him to church today. Praise the Lord, Jorge was at church today, AND he accepted Jesus into his life.  The Lord is so so so good!! It was a HUGE win for the Kingdom today! 

2 Corinthians 5:17

"“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” ‭‭