Roatan Alive Mission

  Monday July 27 - Today was kids camp day 1! It was a little stressful to coordinate last minute details - like fixing the schedule (thank you Simone for pointing out the errors), printing out all the registration sheets, and praying fervently that God would provide counselors.  God answered all the prayers! A powerful testimony of God's provision as we started with 4 counselors around 11:30 am and ended up with around 12 counselors by the time camp started at 1:30 pm. And ended up with approximately 20 counselors as the camp ended.  Darcie was spot on with her prediction of us having 200 campers join us for camp day 1. The teams of campers cycled through stations of snacks, games, Bible memory verses, crafts and a Bible lesson.  As the siren (Erick's voice) rang, it was time to switch to the next station and the whole team left the class. But then the sweetest moment - one little boy came back from the team and ran back in and gave Brianna a hug :) We also praise G...

  Sunday July 26 - In the morning, we went to Esbir to set up for the youth conference but as we began preparing, we found out that the night before, someone had broken in and cut the sound system extension cord. A few people gathered and began praying. Despite the opposition, we found a solution and were able to lead the planned time of worship with the youth. At the start of the youth conference, when we gathered for worship, I noticed a lot of youth that were more shy. As I was standing at the front speaking, I was able to see the way they got more comfortable, singing, jumping, dancing on stage, and praising God together. I loved being able to witness that, the love they had and the fire and excitement behind their praise.  During the message, I noticed how the points really stuck with the youth and how they were excited to participate or share what they had learned. One of the youth had even shared how he had decided to give his life to Christ.  I was privileged to s...

  Saturday July 25 - The Women's Conference at Roatan Alive Mission always draws a large number of women from the community. On this small island, where society is still largely shaped by a patriarchal culture, many women are often overlooked and treated unfairly. Through the stories of women in the Bible, Sister Tara encouraged every woman to recognize her true worth and to see herself as a beloved daughter of God. Her prayer was that they would discover the value God has given them, be willing to grow and change, and have the courage to step forward and make a difference in their families and communities. The conference also offered a variety of workshops that addressed the different challenges women face throughout life. Topics ranged from self-worth and building healthy friendships to parenting and even caring for our health during menopause. These practical sessions equipped the women with encouragement and wisdom for every stage of life. During worship, as I looked around and...

Friday July 24 - This morning, the team worked together to set up for the women's conference. The work included ironing tablecloths, setting up workshop rooms, and getting the registration tables ready for women to sign in.  A marquee event for Roatán Alive Mission, the women's conference draws many women together for a time of refreshing and worshipping the Lord. God was really moving, even during the set up period.  A few minutes before the event began, a woman came up to my room - saying that Darla had sent her, but she wasn't sure if she could stay.  We introduced ourselves, and she paused for a moment to take a phone call. She said her mom was sick and she needed to go. I asked if I could pray for her and her mom, and she graciously accepted.  After a sweet time of prayer, I handed her a verse card from Joshua 1:9 about being strong and courageous, she smiled and said - she knew this passage well, she had it tattooed! She made her way out with hopes to return to...

 Thursday July 23 -  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7   Thursday, I was feeling discouraged and burdened by challenges my church at home was experiencing. I thought that I was ill-equipped to be serving in the congregation. I prayed to God asking for strength, encouragement and guidance. I felt that God listened to my prayers and showed me how He is working. First was a diver who was sitting by the dock where Brandon, my roommate, was swimming . He was originally from France but has been living in the New York for the last one and a half years working. He was the one that struck up a conversation asking why I was here and it gave me an opportunity to talk about our mission trip. He mentioned how he always felt like he needed to do mo...

 Wednesday July 22 - At the “Before You Say I Do” event, our emcees Pastor Tommy and his wife Karla kicked off the night with a few games.  This is the first time we've hosted an event specifically for couples who are not yet married.  They joked around with the first couple, asking how long they'd been together for. And upon hearing their answer of "4 years", Karla joked: "wow 4 years and no ring?".  After a time of eating together and worship, Pastor Darrell and Minister Tara shared a message on the importance and benefits of marriage. Sister Gianina led a fabulous translation.  Couples were convicted to not simply practice or "play" marriage, by living together before being married. And to know that God has a correct order of things, marriage being a covenant he has ordained.  At the end of the night, that very first couple - got engaged! The man sweetly got onto one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. She was shocked, in tears, and happily acc...