So, this week we were at Senderos for longer than usual. We went to San Pedro Sula on Saturday so that we could attend an English-speaking church with our friends. While we were at Senderos, we heard that friends from an organization that we will name *later, would be bringing their team on Monday to do several projects. We decided to extend our stay so that we could see them and maybe help in some way. (*name withheld for the time being for security reasons)
One of the core values that we adopted for our ministry is "Collaborative Relationships & Unity." We have seen this play out each and every time that we have been helping at Senderos. Meeting these team members was an unexpected blessing. This team was different than other teams that I have seen. About half of the team was from Maryland and the other half from a local church in San Pedro Sula. Sadly, it never occurred to me until this week, that nationals from churches right here in Honduras, could be going out with teams and ministering alongside the North Americans.
So many great projects were completed by this team in a short period of time! They painted the swing sets and hung swings of all sizes, including a huge tire swing; painted the soccer goals and attached netting; landscaped in front of the houses; tore down a delapidated roof and relocated it to another location for a tool bodega; played soccer, baseball, and made bracelets; poured concrete sidewalks and ramps; provided catered meals to all of the boys for lunch two days in a row; and worshipped with the special needs boys with praise music.
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:1-5