Thursday (by Tim)

Today we got to hear a little bit more about the structure of the organization down here in La Ceiba. The whole operation is run by the church “Iglesia Gran Comision”. The church has two locations in La Ceiba, one in the city center and one up by the clinic. There are many other “Gran Comision” churches in Honduras and throughout Latin America. As well as all the normal church activities, the church runs three different ministries: “Total Health”, "Total Housing” and the “Child Development Center”. 

Total Health runs the clinic and provides affordable medical and dental care for those that otherwise would not be able to afford it. 

Total Housing partners with local contractors and short-term missions teams from the US to build homes for families within the church. The families have to provide the land but the cost of materials (about $5000) comes from the construction teams. 

The Child Development Center provides nutrition, healthcare and after school tutoring for kids in the local community. Funding for this program is provided by sponsors from the US (about $45 per child per month). 

All three ministries employ local staff and operate under the guidance of the church. As a team we just come along side of the locals and offer support, encouragement and help out where we can. Sometimes it is hard to tell whether we are serving them or they are serving us. We are all broken and need the love of Christ to heal us as we work together to build His Kingdom. This is exactly how a short term missions trip should work! The Gospel is being lived out in very practical ways as the church reaches out to the community and meets not only the spiritual needs but also the physical needs of the people in La Ceiba. It is exciting for us to be able to play a very small part in this amazing ministry.