INSIGHTS AND INFORMATION by Marilyn:

This has been an interesting and eventful trip. The weather has not been what we expected. It is HOT and we expected that but the forecast projected rain everyday and we have not had rain. Thankfully, the van we ride in is air conditioned and our bedrooms have air – otherwise it could be miserable.

We are staying in Pastor Alfredo’s boyhood home. It was built about 70 years ago - the house is on the second floor and we are sharing one bathroom – like those of us who are older did when we were growing up but is a new concept to young people. It doesn’t pose any problems but the shower is another story. The water is heated as it comes through the spout and if you run the water too long it throws the breaker. Needless to say, that does present a challenge or two.

On our way to Church we pass fields of pineapples that belong to Dole. We have seen factories where American shirts are made.

There are mountains all around but we have only had a few glimpses of them because it is so hazy they are hidden. Hopefully before we leave we will get to see them in all their beauty.

We had planned to eat out once everyday. We have about exhausted the “good” restaurants. The kids are very adventurous and really want to eat typical food. There seems to be only one place that they really recommend and it is not air conditioned so we are going there tonight at seven. The young man is interpreting for the kids said his mom will cook for us and we are going to enlist her help so we can have real Honduran food.

We didn’t know what kind of ministry would actually be taking place but we have a full schedule for this week. Mostly schools and orphanages - the exception is an old folks home tomorrow morning. That is a first for LTI ministry! I would have loved for them to have ministry to Youth but it isn’t to be this time. The kids did a drama Saturday night and last night a drama to “The Healer” and Katie danced. It was very beautiful.

It has been delightful to be in the local Church here. The Pastor and his staff have a real passion that is visible. The people are more responsive than I have seen. They are passionate in worship (both men and women), during the delivery of the Word as well as when altar appeals are given. I have been refreshed in my spirit just being here. The marathon service that was held on Saturday night (from 6:00 until 2:00) everyone came and stayed except those of us from the States with the exception Pastor Alfredo and Cody. Besides having three sermons, it was interspersed with dramas and dance. The dance teams consisted of young (5 years old) to adults. They did everything with excellence.

The worship team uses taped music. This is a large Church, 2,000, but they had problems with band members and wouldn’t compromise anointing for a good sound. It doesn’t hinder anyone’s ability to be involved in worship and they have learned to have a good flow – it truly isn’t noticeable.

They have the Church divided into 6 groups. Every week, one day a week, one of the groups is fasting and praying. Each groups has ushers, drama teams, etc. So every group takes a week to serve. That means doing everything, cleaning and setting up the Church and all the ministry things. It is a well “oil machine.” Everyone, obviously knows their job and accomplishes it.

I had told the kids to expect different sights, sounds and smells. We always get all three. The noise around the house is constant. Dog barking from the house behind, roosters crowing, people walking on the sidewalks and traffic.

The kids have been great and adjusted to the inconveniences with NO complaining. That is a good thing!! AND, the old folks haven’t done bad either.

Thanks for all your prayers.