Home, At Last (And Staying Put… For Now)

Mary Faith is home.

That may not sound like headline material unless you know that in 2025 there was a six-month stretch when she was only in her home in Gracias for two and a half weeks. Two and a half. Weeks.

So yes — this announcement comes with a bit of fanfare… and a very long, very satisfied exhale.

She’s back from language school, back from the backpack trip, back from visiting family in the States. The packed suitcase has been unpacked. The comings and goings have (temporarily) ceased. And Mary Faith is genuinely happy about that.

That’s not to say she didn’t love all the experiences. She absolutely did. But sometimes it’s nice when “all the things” are spread out a little more evenly across the calendar instead of stacked like carry-on luggage in an overhead bin.

One of the sweetest parts of her time away was Christmas in Arizona. Her brother and his family traveled from Missouri. Her sister and her family came from Indiana, and another sister came from New Mexico. Her oldest son and his wife traveled from North Carolina. In other words, it wasn’t just a gathering — it was a full-fledged family reunion.

And yes, this is the son and daughter-in-law who are expecting a baby boy in May - Mary Faith's first grandbaby! Cue the confetti!

For now, Mary Faith is settling into a steadier rhythm. She’s continuing language classes online twice a week through the school she previously attended in person. When recent teams were in town, she was able to join them for a day or two each week and even host some of their evening gatherings at her home. For the next few months, she’s sharing her space with Hannah, who is serving as an intern. And when teams are in Gracias, a female interpreter/videographer from Tegucigalpa named Scarleth also stays with her.

It’s a full house — and a full life.

During recent team visits, Mary Faith had a bit more flexibility because updated child profile information wasn’t yet available. But now? The updated photos and information have arrived.

It’s officially "Go Time."

For the next couple of months, she’ll be diligently entering new information and photos into the system so sponsors can stay connected and up to date. The timing is actually perfect. She hopes to complete the bulk of that work before heading to North Carolina in May to welcome that sweet grandson into the world.

Later in the year, Mary Faith will spend a couple of months in the States again. Let’s go ahead and call it the “Mary Faith Taking Care of Business Tour.” The itinerary includes thrilling tasks like renewing her passport and driver’s license — because missionary life is not always glamorous. While she’s stateside, she’ll also be traveling and fundraising. If you’d like her to speak to your group or church, she would love the opportunity!

As you pray for Mary Faith and her family, there are a couple of specific needs on the horizon. Last year, language school was a major fundraising focus — and thanks to faithful support, she was able to complete that season. This year, her focus is building consistent monthly support and purchasing a reliable vehicle.

S4P has graciously allowed her to use a ministry vehicle when teams are not in town. It has been a generous and practical solution. But Mary Faith knows it isn’t a long-term one. A dependable vehicle would allow her to serve more freely and sustainably in the years ahead.

For now, though, she’s home. Home to her house. Home to her calling. Home to the steady, faithful work in front of her.

After a season of suitcases, that feels like a gift.

Please continue to pray for provision, for rest, and for all the good things still to come. The unpacked suitcase may be tucked away for the moment — but the work God is doing certainly isn’t.

-posted by Christi.

Sharing What Matters: A First Taste of Missions

If you’re a parent, you know the quiet joy of introducing your child to something you love for the very first time. Maybe it’s the best slice of pizza you’ve ever had, or a cinematic masterpiece like The Princess Bride. Today’s story is about a father who is sharing something even more lasting with his son — and no, it doesn’t come with pepperoni (though it might come with dust, laughter, and a ladder).

Joel from Life Community Church in Hilliard, Ohio, was on his fourth short-term mission trip with Sowers4Pastors two weeks ago. For his twelve-year-old son, Owen, it was his first. Think of it as the missions equivalent of discovering the pizza — the kind that rewires your brain and makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.

The LCC team arrived in Honduras on January 24 and left on the 31st. Because the church sponsors two different schools, the team had been right in the middle of the joyful chaos of two backpack distribution days when Joel and I spoke. Joel shared, “Personally, that’s why I come. To meet the kids and to see the kids I sponsor, along with their families. It’s a way to express that someone far away loves them — and that God loves them.”

In addition to backpack distributions, the team took on an electrical project at one of the schools. Joel explained that the building was in significant disrepair. “There were no lights at all in the classroom,” he said. “Even though there are windows with bars, about 80% of the walls are concrete block, so the rooms are very dark.”

Despite what you might assume, the team is not made up of seasoned electricians. They do have one electrical engineer, whom Joel reverently — and accurately — referred to as “the brains of the project.” The rest of the team brings a healthy mix of home repair experience, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn on the fly. Together, their goal was to install electrical boxes, conduit, and wiring so the classrooms would finally have proper lighting.

Owen helped however he could, especially when his dad would call down from the top of a ladder. When he wasn't assisting with tools, he was doing equally important work — building relationships. Like most twelve-year-old boys, Owen is highly skilled in the art of playing, and those skills are in high demand. “Even though I’m not fluent in Spanish,” he shared, “we can still play together.”

It turns out kids from Ohio and kids from Honduras like a lot of the same things. Games translate beautifully. Friendships follow quickly. With the occasional help of a translator app, full conversations even happen. Owen did notice one meaningful difference, though. “They’ll come up and give you a hug,” he said. “It feels different than in the U.S., where people just say ‘hi’ or give a high five.”

When asked if he’s formed any special connections, Owen talked about three boys from the neighborhood who often stayed after school. Sometimes they even pitched in, helping remove rotted tile from the school building. Friendship, it turns out, pairs nicely with teamwork.

For Joel, sharing this experience with his son has been deeply intentional. “We live in a small town in Ohio where everybody looks pretty much the same, and everybody pretty much has what they need,” he said. “I’m trying to plant seeds about the Kingdom work that can be done — whether that’s full-time ministry or short-term missions.”

Owen’s older sister has already been to Honduras twice, and Joel reflected on what that has meant for their family. “I’m thankful to the Sowers and their ministry. This has been a great thing for my family. It’s helped us teach that ministry happens both at home and abroad. We can — and should — do it at all levels.”

And in case you’re wondering what surprised Owen most about Honduras, it wasn’t the food or the language. It was the roofs. Clay tile roofs look very different when you’re used to composite shingles and metal. Transportation differences were also eye-opening. But if you ask Owen for his final verdict? He’d be perfectly content to just move into the hotel where the team is staying.

Not a bad review for a first taste of missions.

- posted by Christi.

When the Nitty Gritty Hits Close to Home

While it is always a treat to talk with Trish for a blog post call, today’s topic was anything but treat-worthy. So let’s skip the small talk and get right to the nitty gritty.

Some of you may know that Ben is currently living about three to four hours from Gracias. For those who like to picture things geographically, he’s in the city of Comayagua. Recently, Ben shared some difficult and alarming news with the Sowers family.

Ben shared that he was on his way home from work when he was mugged by someone wielding a machete. The young man many of us still think of as “Bucket Boy”— fondly remembered for his childhood talent of posing for photos while sitting in a five-gallon bucket — was left with serious injuries. The miraculous news is that God protected Ben from death, and his injuries are not life-threatening. He did sustain a deep slash to his neck, which a doctor confirmed missed a major artery by the tiniest margin.

At present, the most pressing medical concern is a fracture to Ben’s left elbow, which will require surgery — possibly as soon as today, Wednesday, January 21. At this point, the family doesn’t know exactly what the surgery will involve. Complicating matters further, they are unable to drop everything and make the long trip to Comayagua at this time.

While there are still many unknowns, here is what is known:

• Ben reports that his pain is manageable, thanks to medication, as long as he does not move his left arm.
  
  

• He is being treated in a public hospital, which theoretically means free medical care. Because the hospital is located in a larger city, it is likely reasonably well-equipped. That said, patients are often responsible for certain costs, including paying for a blood donation if no friend or family member is able to donate.
  
  

• While Trish is unsure what the surgery will ultimately require, she believes it will not involve pins or other hardware. In the past, when such supplies were needed for a child in the sponsorship program, Sowers4Pastors has often been asked to purchase and deliver them to the hospital — something that has not happened yet in this case.
  
  

• Ben is currently on antibiotics, which is very reassuring given the nature of his injuries.
  
  

• Honduran hospitals rely heavily on patients’ families and friends to provide everyday necessities we might normally take for granted—items like socks, pillows, or even sheets. Ben’s girlfriend has been faithfully caring for him, including bringing him a phone so he can communicate with Allen and Trish.
  
  

• The family has also been in contact with a pastor friend in Comayagua, with the hope that he will be able to act as a go-between for them, in meeting Ben's needs. As of yesterday, however, the pastor had not been granted access to visit Ben, because he's not family.

Meanwhile, life and ministry continue at a full sprint. Trish is scheduled to leave on Friday for an extended visit to the States. The ministry is currently hosting the first of three back-to-back teams. Secia — who would normally handle many of the organizational details for these visits — is still recovering from gall bladder surgery. Add in ongoing vehicle repairs, and it’s clear this is a particularly full and demanding season.

Please pray for all of these moving pieces — but most especially, pray for Ben. Pray for a successful surgery, complete healing, peace, and protection. And pray that God would be glorified through this entire ordeal, even in the midst of circumstances no one would have chosen. - posted by Christi

Goodbye Yesterday!

Today’s blog topic is courtesy of Alejandro, the praise song “Goodbye Yesterday” by Elevation Rhythm & Gracie Binion, and Philippians 3:13–14. If that sounds like a lot to unpack, don’t worry — we’ve got it organized. Yes, there are bullet points. (Emotionally speaking. No actual dots were harmed in the making of this post.) But first, let’s begin with Scripture:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV    

Just as the song mentions, something we, as Christians, need to learn is to say “goodbye to yesterday.” It’s all too easy to feel like prisoners – not because we don’t have dreams or goals, but because we can become trapped in the past. We might replay every bad decision we’ve ever made like they are our own versions of America’s Funniest Home Video, minus the funny parts. Or we can even get so trapped in thinking about the good seasons of the past that we fail to live in the present.

Now for the three main points Alejandro wishes to share with everyone:

Bullet Point #1 (Minus the actual bullet point)

Our past doesn’t mean that’s our future. Every single one of us has made some dubious decisions. We’ve all done things that don’t make us feel proud. But Alejandro would like to remind us that Paul, the author of Philippians, also had a past. And, really, chances are that Paul’s past as a killer who actively worked against the church feels a little seedier than anything you may be reliving in your head. 

Alejandro said, “The devil is going to try to use our pasts to keep us there. Your past doesn’t mean that you don’t have a purpose in the Lord. Paul found his purpose when he found the Lord.” 

Bullet Point #2 (Pretend there’s a bullet point.)

Saying goodbye to yesterday is a spiritual decision. Not everything was bad, but not everything is useful now. When we leave our pasts in the past, we can walk forward.

Alejandro urges you to pray for God to give you a new vision. He said, “We cannot get our purpose in the Lord when we live in the past. The kingdom is always moving forward. Verse 14 reminds us to press forward, toward the goal. The goal needs to be Christ. Not perfection. Not fame. Not likes on social media. The goal needs to be God.”

Bullet Point #3 (The final bullet point that’s not really here)

God has not brought you to this day to have you live as a prisoner of your past. Say “goodbye” to yesterday so you can say “yes” to God’s purpose for your present. 

- posted by Christi

Starting 2026 with Prayer, Purpose, and Plenty to Do

Depending on where you live, you may have welcomed 2026 with a plate of “lucky” foods—black-eyed peas, spinach, and cornbread. While that tradition certainly doesn’t hurt (especially the cornbread), we know the very best way to begin a new year is by bathing it in prayer. So, let’s kick off the first Sowers4Pastors blog post of 2026 by sharing a fresh round of prayer requests.

Brandy would like to remind everyone that the beginning of the year is an especially busy season for Sowers4Pastors. Shipping containers are being unpacked and sorted as preparations begin for backpack distribution. With the Honduran school year starting in February, there is a great deal to accomplish in a very short window of time.

The backpack distribution team from Lighthouse Church will arrive in just 11 days, followed closely by two additional teams arriving back-to-back. This means focused preparation, long days, and a lot of coordination. Please pray for the S4P staff to remain grounded in the ministry’s vision and for both staff and visiting teams to have the endurance and unity needed to complete all that lies ahead.

The third round of coffee harvesting is also beginning today. The second harvest exceeded expectations, and coffee is still drying, with enough remaining for both a third and even a fourth harvest. Coffee pickers are arriving this morning, and the harvest needs to be completed by next week. Please pray for an adequate number of workers and for a smooth, timely harvest.

Sowers4Pastors is also in need of new staff members. They are currently seeking both American and Honduran team members to fill open positions. Please pray that the right people will step forward — individuals who are not only qualified, but also called to serve in this ministry.

Another important prayer request involves Secia, who has been experiencing health challenges for nearly a year. Despite numerous visits, doctors were unable to identify the issue. While vacationing with family in Tegucigalpa over Christmas, Alejandro and Secia were finally able to receive an accurate diagnosis. Secia is scheduled to have surgery this morning. Although the procedure itself is considered routine, we know how personal and weighty these moments can be. Please pray for a successful surgery, a smooth recovery, and peace for her family. While S4P will miss her presence during the upcoming team visits, everyone is grateful that she is finally receiving the care she needs.

Like many organizations at the start of a new year, Sowers4Pastors has spent time reflecting on goals and opportunities for growth. Just two days ago, staff members met to establish a renewed set of expectations and ministry goals. They are excited about what lies ahead in 2026, and Brandy has hinted that a special ministry announcement will be coming later this year.

Thank you for continuing to cover Sowers4Pastors in prayer as the new year begins. Your faithfulness makes a difference — today, this month, and all year long.

 - posted by Christi

Room at the Manger

 It’s safe to assume your holiday season is busy—and probably carrying at least a little stress along for the ride. There’s food to buy and prepare, halls to deck, and presents to purchase and wrap. Today, Alejandro invites you to pause for just a moment and turn your attention to the manger, reflecting on a familiar passage of Scripture and the meaning it holds for all of us.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
— Luke 2:6–7 (NKJV)

Alejandro asks us to focus on the manger itself.

When we make our Christmas shopping lists, we think carefully about what the recipient needs or will enjoy. We wrap those gifts in beautiful paper, topped with bows and ribbons. Yet the greatest gift of all—Jesus—did not arrive in a shiny box. He wasn’t born in a palace or surrounded by luxury. God chose a simple place. In that way, the manger becomes a powerful symbol of humility.

Jesus was born in a place where anyone could enter—shepherds, the poor, the overlooked. From the very beginning, His life made it clear that He came to be accessible to everyone, not only the powerful or important.

Alejandro reminds us that this humble beginning was the first glimpse of the character of the King who came to serve. God used a small village, modest surroundings, and an ordinary family to bring about extraordinary purpose—creating greatness where it might have seemed there was nothing at all.

There are at least three powerful truths found in the symbol of the manger:
• Jesus loves the simple.
• He transforms the humble.
• He seeks open hearts, not perfect ones.

If Jesus chose a manger, He can reign in your life as well.

Alejandro wants everyone reading this to remember that humility opens doors. Humility isn’t about thinking less of your worth; it’s about thinking less about yourself and more about God. It means serving without waiting for applause. It means obedience, even when the cost is high. It means offering your life as an available manger — ready to be filled with the presence of the Lord.

From everyone at Sowers4Pastors, we wish you the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years. May the glory of the Lord fill you. May His courage strengthen you. And may you remember that Jesus takes what is humble and transforms it into something rich with purpose and meaning.

If He chose to be born in a manger, He can also be born — and reign — in your life.

  - posted by Christi

Mary Faith, Español, and a Whole Lot of Suitcases

 ¿Cómo se dice, “Mary Faith is at language school,” en español? Oh, never mind — we’ll keep it in English before someone has to diagram a sentence. But yes, it’s true: Mary Faith is once again immersed in language school, bravely tackling the very grammar concepts most of us avoided by pretending our high school textbooks were decorative. This morning’s adventure? Choosing the correct pronouns for direct and indirect objects. Ay, caramba.

If that seems familiar, it’s because Mary Faith has been to this language school before. She’s committed to speaking clearly to the people she’s moved to Honduras to serve — not just nodding politely and hoping context clues will save her.

“I’m enjoying the school,” she said. “It’s a key part of helping me communicate better in Spanish. Plus, it has been a challenge to attend church and not understand what is being said.”

Next week, the students will head to a local school to sing songs and play games with the kids — a lively blend of ministry, vocabulary practice, and trying to remember the Spanish word for “tag.” The school also schedules regular outings, including trips to the vegetable market where the produce is fresh, and the opportunities to practice Spanish are even fresher.

But language school hasn’t been her only adventure. Mary Faith spent August in Phoenix, visiting family and helping her two younger sons pack up their rental house and move into campus housing. In September, she and Kirstin embarked on their cross-country odyssey — a backpack-collecting pilgrimage with mileage that would make a long-haul trucker proud. Because the route looped through North Carolina twice, Mary Faith got to see her oldest son and his wife two times… and that’s when she received joyful news: she’s going to be a grandmother this spring.

Two weeks after returning to Honduras, she packed up again for language school, where she’ll remain until December 19th. You may be thinking, “Surely she’ll have time to settle back into life in Gracias after that.” Oh, sweet optimism. She flies home to Phoenix on December 22nd to spend Christmas with her family. If suitcases earned frequent flyer miles, hers would have elite status by now.

And then — the surprise of the season. Last week, Mary Faith received her Honduran residency card.

“It was a total surprise,” she said. “I’d been told it could take a year or a year and a half. I sent in my paperwork in June and got an email a couple of weeks ago saying I could go to Tegucigalpa and show my passport. They said it would take five more days to get the card, but I walked out with it that same day.”

The residency card means she no longer has to leave Honduras every ninety days. While she has treasured those frequent visits with family, she certainly won’t miss the extra travel expenses (or the packing… and unpacking… and repacking).

While she’s in the States over the holidays, Mary Faith would love to connect with churches, small groups, or individuals interested in partnering with her ministry. And if you won’t be nearby? Not a problem. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology — and a reliable Wi-Fi signal — she’s happy to set up a Zoom call to share more about her work, her needs, and what God is doing through her in Honduras.

If you’d like to learn how you can support Mary Faith as she continues serving full-time on the mission field, feel free to reach out. She’d love to hear from you.

- Posted by Christi