A Month of Identity

 People in the U.S. are no strangers to patriotic celebrations for the Fourth of July. We fire up the grills, slice into watermelons, and then spend the rest of the month wondering when our neighbors will finally run out of fireworks. (Seriously, where are they storing all of those?)

But in Honduras, July isn’t just a single day of celebration. It’s an entire season.

Known as Mes de la Identidad Nacional — the Month of National Identity — July is filled with events, traditions, and moments designed to celebrate what it means to be Honduran. And today, we get to be armchair travelers as Brandy gives us a glimpse into what that looks like in Gracias.

The festivities kicked off with an event called Gracias is Calling, a weeklong celebration featuring both national and international artists and authors. Paintings, poetry, books — it was all there. And because this is Honduras, coffee also took center stage, with competitions to see who could brew the very best cup.

(If you’re going to compete in something, coffee feels like a solid choice.)

The biggest day of the month came on July 20th — Lempira Day.

And no, Lempira isn’t just the name of the currency or a region on the map. He was a real person — a warrior and chieftain who united indigenous groups to resist Spanish invasion in the 1500s. Though he ultimately died in battle, his legacy lives on, especially in the lessons taught to Honduran schoolchildren.

Lempira Day begins with one of the most memorable traditions: a parade of kindergarteners dressed in historical costumes. And that’s just the beginning—parades and celebrations continue throughout the month.

For Brandy and Rachel, these moments are about more than just fun outings.
They’re intentional opportunities.

“Since we have a cross-cultural marriage, our kids are cross-cultural kids,” Brandy explained. “It’s important to us that we teach them about both cultures. Rachel takes the lead on U.S. traditions, and I help them experience the ones here.”

Even when attention spans are short, as they tend to be with young kids, the effort matters.

“As a child, it can be hard to stand still watching people in costumes parade down the street,” Brandy said. “But we go, even if it’s just for a few minutes. We want them to see the costumes, the horses, the floats. This year, there were even floats with old grass-roof houses to remind us how our ancestors lived.”

Of course, if you ask the kids, the real highlight comes after the parade.

Anything involving animals is an instant win, and the Association of Farmers in Gracias delivers with livestock shows and competitions. There are milking contests (because apparently, some cows are overachievers), dog costume contests, and even dressage horses.

Last year, Nathan jumped into the greased pig-catching competition—an ambitious move for one of the younger participants. He was ready to try again this year, but sadly, no slippery pig made an appearance. Still, he managed to walk away with a prize from another event, so the day was far from a loss.

And then there was the rodeo.

Brandy took Nathan (8), Michael (4), and Levi (3), and while the younger ones may not have followed every detail, there was no confusion when it came to the main event.

“The little ones don’t always understand everything,” Brandy said, “but when they see a guy riding a bull, they understand.”

There was cheering. There was shouting. There were urgent requests for Brandy to record videos to show Rachel later. In other words, it was a success.

Moments like these may seem simple, but they matter more than we might realize. They shape identity. They connect generations. They remind families where they come from and what they value.

And in a place like Gracias, where ministry and daily life are so closely intertwined, those cultural moments also become opportunities for connection, understanding, and relationship-building.

Because before you can truly reach a community, you have to know it.

You have to celebrate what they celebrate.
You have to understand what they honor.
You have to step into their story.

And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as showing up for a parade… or cheering for a cow that gives a little more milk than the rest.

Not a bad place to begin.

 - posted by Christi

Consider This Your Invitation to Pray!

 Sowers4Pastors is currently recruiting prayer warriors.

So… congratulations. If you’re reading this, you’ve officially been drafted.

But before you start wondering what exactly you’ve signed up for, here’s the heart behind it.

“As Christians, we rely on God for everything,” Brandy shared. “The Bible says that we need to trust Him. He’s our Father, and we need to trust Him for everything. We have a lot going on, and I know that in our own strength, we would not survive. We can’t rely on our own intelligence, strength, or wisdom — but we can rely on God’s.”

That’s where you come in. There’s a lot happening right now, and each piece carries its own set of challenges and opportunities. So here’s a look at some of the most pressing ways you can be praying.

First up: shipping containers.

Last year, S4P was only able to bring one container of backpacks into Honduras. All the proper paperwork had been submitted for a second container—but the approval never came. Everything was done correctly. Every donation was listed. Every form was filled out.

And still… nothing.

(Proof that sometimes “doing everything right” and “everything working out” are not the same thing.)

Because of that, Allen made the call to prioritize the backpacks designated for sponsored children. Staff sorted through what they had stored in the bodega to make sure other children were still provided for — and it worked. It really did.

But now, that supply is running low.

This year, paperwork has already been submitted for two backpack containers and one food container. The hope is to receive approval soon — but until then, there’s some uncertainty.

“As is natural, we’re a little bit worried,” Brandy said. “But we want to trust in God. We are focusing on God, rather than the situation.”

Next: a different kind of paperwork.

For nearly two years, S4P has been working to become its own nonprofit organization rather than operating under another umbrella. The process, which should have taken far less time, has stretched on due to government turnover and ever-changing requirements.

Some of the requested documents don’t even exist in the United States—which makes things… interesting.

Still, there’s a small silver lining. As their attorney pointed out, continued requests mean the application is still active.

Please pray for favor, clarity, and—maybe most of all—an end to the delays.

And then there’s the heart of the ministry: the people.

Please be praying for all of the staff, both American and Honduran. Mary Faith is still in the U.S., spending time with family and raising support so she can continue serving. Kirstin will soon head to the States to begin the 2026 backpack collection trip. Each role is different, but each one depends on God’s provision.

“We are here because God wants us here,” Brandy said. “And we want to be here, empowering local pastors and leaders to spread the Gospel.”

That mission is already bearing fruit — especially through the Sunday school training program. With multiple VBS teams on the ground recently, there have been many opportunities to connect with pastors about the training. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Brandy shared that some of the students are genuinely surprised by how much they’re learning. They’re gaining confidence, developing new skills, and discovering how to teach in ways they never have before.

And that’s exactly the goal. Because when leaders are equipped, entire communities are impacted.

Looking ahead, there are also some very tangible needs.

A second round of motorcycles will be distributed in November, helping pastors reach remote villages more easily. Please pray for provision so more pastors can receive this vital resource.

At the same time, Pastor Appreciation gifts are being prepared. These thoughtful packages — filled with donated household items, clothing, and school supplies — are a way to bless pastors and their families in a very practical way.

It’s a lot. A lot of moving pieces. A lot of unknowns. A lot of opportunities to either worry… or trust.

So this is your official invitation.

Pray for provision. Pray for protection. Pray for wisdom. Pray for endurance.And through it all, pray that God would continue to do what only He can do.

Because He already is.

- posted by Christi

Saying "Yes": Micah's Summer of Obedience

Sowers4Pastors always loves it when an intern comes their way. But it’s even more special when that intern is someone who already knows the dirt roads, the mountain views, and the heartbeat of the ministry.

Micah is one of those people.

As she wraps up her six-week summer internship, it almost feels like a continuation of a story that started years ago. She first came to Gracias on a short-term mission trip with her home church, Crosspoint—and then came back. And then came back again. Three trips later, Honduras wasn’t just a place she visited. It was a place that stayed with her.

After her very first trip, she went home and told her mom that once she graduated, she’d be back. That may not have been what her mom expected to hear at the time — but Micah never really let go of that plan.

“I have always had a heart for missions,” she said. “When Crosspoint started taking mission teams, Honduras spoke to me.”

She’s also served on a mission trip to Thailand, but even with that experience, Honduras kept calling her back.

This summer, Micah arrived on June 3rd and will head home this weekend. In between those dates, though, something deeper than just a busy schedule has taken place.

It’s been a summer of growth. A summer of stretching. A summer of learning what it really means to listen.

Even in the middle of it all, there were hard moments. While she was in Honduras, Micah’s mom was hospitalized for four days — an experience that would shake anyone, especially from a distance. But even with that weight, Micah stayed, leaned in, and continued to grow.

“I learned a lot about the ministry and a lot in my personal life,” she said. “Coming here was the first time I really listened to God in a very long time. I’ve been learning the act of obedience.”

That theme of obedience seemed to follow her all summer long. She heard it in sermons. She felt it in quiet moments. And then, without even knowing her story, someone spoke directly into it.

When a team from New Life Christian Ministries visited, Matt struck up a conversation with Micah about her purpose. He had no idea she had already been wrestling with what it means to follow God’s leading  — but the timing couldn’t have been clearer. He asked about her plans for the future.

Right now, those plans include heading to college in the fall to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing, with the goal of eventually specializing in cardiovascular sonography. It’s a path that mirrors much of her family’s background in the medical field.

But somewhere along the way this summer, something shifted.

Micah has already texted her mom to say she’s not so sure that path is where she’s meant to stay — and that she feels drawn toward ministry instead. The only problem? She’s not entirely sure what that looks like yet.

Her mom’s response was simple and wise: start with prayer

For those wondering what an internship like this actually looks like, Micah got to experience a side of ministry that most short-term teams never see.

“It was beautiful to see all the different parts that go into planning a weeklong visit,” she said. “The paperwork, the preparation — that kind of thing.”

She spent time in the office helping pack letters from sponsored children to send to their sponsors. She helped with behind-the-scenes tasks that keep everything moving. She even had the chance to drive in the mountains a bit — something not typically handed over to short-term visitors.

And, of course, she got to go out into the communities as well, including delivering nutrient-enriched rice to families in the mountains.

It’s the kind of experience that doesn’t just show you what ministry looks like—it shows you what it takes.

Now, as Micah prepares to head home, there’s a sense that this isn’t really an ending. It’s a next step. A continuation of learning what it means to say “yes,” even when the details aren’t fully clear yet.

Please pray for Micah as she travels home and as she continues to walk in obedience to wherever God leads her next.

Because if this summer has shown anything, it’s that saying yes is often where the real story begins.

- posted by Christi

More Than a Visit: The First Steps of Sowing Hope

Last week, Sowers4Pastors hosted a VBS team from New Life Church — and that alone would have made for a full schedule. But, in the timeless words of late-night infomercials everywhere… wait, there’s more.

Alongside the VBS festivities, S4P also welcomed three men from the States for a short mission trip. Their visit carried special significance, as one of their main goals was to meet the children they sponsor through Sowing Hope, a new and growing program.

Brandy summed it up simply: “We had a wonderful time doing two homes in two different areas.”

The first visit stood out in all the best ways. Brandy, who has experienced many home visits that are difficult and heartbreaking, described this one differently.

“Even though they live in a difficult economic situation, this family looks really healthy,” he said. “The dad is there. The mom is there. Grandma and the children are there. And they interacted with each other in a very heartwarming way.”

The family welcomed their visitors with remarkable generosity. Grandma prepared a special drink — something Brandy had never tried before — a hot beverage made from roasted and ground white corn. He insists it was delicious. Since no official name was provided, we’ll go ahead and call it a Cornpacino. (You’re welcome.)

They also offered their best meal, a meaningful gesture that spoke volumes. Between conversations, laughter, and shared time together, the men even joined the children for a game of soccer. It was a glimpse into a family not defined by hardship, but by connection, faith, and joy. As Brandy noted, they are active in their church — and they live close enough to be deeply involved in that community.

The second visit, in a different area, was equally encouraging. The team met the mother at a local school before heading to the home, unsure of the route on their own. While there, they had a brief but meaningful conversation with the local pastor who helps oversee the sponsorship program. Though he couldn’t join them for the home visit due to a church service, his presence was still felt.

In fact, the church itself — perched on a nearby mountaintop — became part of the experience. From the family’s home, the men could hear the congregation worshiping, their voices carrying across the distance. It was a powerful reminder of the faith that anchors these communities. And yes, there was also a nother round of soccer with the kids — because some things are simply essential.

“These visits represent a lot,” Brandy shared. “They were the first home visits through Sowing Hope, since it’s a new program.”

And that’s what makes this moment so meaningful. These weren’t just visits — they were the beginning of something. A foundation being laid. Connections being formed. Hope being lived out in real, tangible ways.

There are still children waiting to be sponsored, which means there’s still room to be part of the story. Brandy is hopeful that, in the future, S4P will host VBS teams specifically for children in the Sowing Hope schools. He also encourages sponsors to take the time to write letters — small gestures that can make a lasting impact.

As he put it, “With the sponsorship program, you can make a big change.”

And sometimes, that change starts with something as simple as showing up, sharing a meal… and maybe even enjoying a warm cup of Cornpacino together.

Visiting Medical Team: A Week of God Moments and Miracles

Every visiting team Sowers4Pastors hosts hits the ground running—but none quite like a medical team. Long days, bumpy roads, and hundreds of patients are all part of the rhythm. And yet, according to Monica Lederman, this most recent team experienced something even more: a week full of “God moments and miracles.”

This year’s team of 13 officially served from June 6–13, though a few members arrived early, hauling in valuable medical supplies. The group came from Colorado, Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and they were joined by Micah, S4P’s newest intern, for the week.

In previous years, Monica organized these trips on her own. This time, however, the team came through Kairos Medical Missions, an organization she co-founded with Charlotte Andrews. As Charlotte shared, “It’s wonderful to partner with Sowers4Pastors to serve the people of Honduras.” And serve they did.

Over the course of the week, the team traveled to Tejeras, Ciruelito, Monqueta, and Iguala, seeing nearly 800 patients. That’s no small feat, especially when you factor in rainy season travel, caravans of team members, translators from a bilingual school, and Honduran medical professionals navigating rural roads together. Through it all, Monica reflected, “There were a million miracles of safety. We could see God’s hand in every moment.”

One of those moments came during a particularly intense downpour. As the first group set out with Alejandro driving, the rain became so heavy they were forced to pull over and wait it out. After about 15 minutes, with no sign of it letting up, they cautiously continued down the road — only to discover a metal building lying directly in their path, having slid off a truck just minutes earlier. Thanks to that unexpected delay, they were able to safely navigate around it. Had they arrived sooner, the outcome could have been very different.

Of course, with nearly 800 patients, the stories are too many to count. But a few moments stand out.

One involved a mother who arrived deeply discouraged after being told her doctor could not find her baby’s heartbeat. Jen, a labor and delivery nurse, and Monica used their equipment and were able to detect a healthy heartbeat appropriate for her stage of pregnancy. The shift from grief to joy was immediate. The team sent her home with a baby blanket and instructions to follow up with her OBGYN — this time, with renewed hope.

Another moment that left a lasting impression involved a young boy who had fallen from a mango tree and injured his arm. He arrived with his clearly deformed arm wrapped in toilet paper and supported by a makeshift cardboard splint. Monica, still emotional when recounting the story, was able to use donated splints and slings to stabilize his arm before urging his family to seek immediate hospital care for X-rays and proper treatment.

Monica’s sister, Jessica

Monica’s sister, Jessica, was also part of the team and focused on vision care. She found great joy in helping patients — especially older adults — receive reading glasses so they could read their Bibles again. Jessica even brought her own Spanish Bible, allowing patients to test their new glasses on the spot. For many, it was a simple gift with eternal impact.

The team worked closely with local healthcare providers, including Drs. Stephanie and Alamar from CEMES Hospital, as well as Drs. Francesca and Eduardo from Gracias. Together, they provided antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, and antifungal treatments made possible through generous donations. Patients needing continued care will be followed by these local professionals, ensuring that the impact of the week extends far beyond it.

Kairos Medical Missions also partnered with Days for Girls International, a nonprofit that donated 185 menstrual care kits for girls. The team was then able to donate the kits to girls in each of the four communities they visited.

Continuity is central to the mission of Kairos Medical Missions. As Charlotte explained, “Our goal is not only to provide care during mission trips, but to help build a sustainable, long-term healthcare footprint that empowers local communities and creates lasting impact long after our team returns home.”

In the midst of the busyness, there were also moments to pause and simply be present. One evening, the team gathered at the S4P farm, sitting around a fire pit, sharing a devotional, and singing together under the open sky. The night ended with tamales and traditional Honduran food — and a memorable moment when Rachel welcomed a grass-covered group into her spotless home for coffee. Monica described the time spent there, connecting with Rachel, Brandy, and their four children, as especially sweet.

It was a week marked by long days, unexpected challenges, and countless moving parts. But through it all, one thing was clear:

God was present in every detail.

And sometimes, that looks like safety in a storm, hope restored in a heartbeat, or the simple joy of seeing Scripture clearly once again.

 - posted by Christi

Allen and Trish Got Robbed!

Allen and Trish’s return to Honduras wasn’t exactly the homecoming celebration they might have envisioned — but it’s certainly one they won’t forget anytime soon.

Last week, Allen, and Trish made their way back from the States. Kirstin picked them up at the airport. Thanks to a flight delay, they didn’t arrive at their hotel in San Pedro Sula until after midnight. (And yes, after some debate, it was agreed that this detail matters — because exhaustion has a way of clouding even the best decision-making.)

The next morning, Trish suggested they take advantage of being in the city and knock out some much-needed shopping before making the four-hour drive to Gracias. On paper, it was a brilliant, time-saving move. In reality… things didn't turn out as expected.

Picture the scene: one pickup truck, three adults, and three large suitcases. If you’ve ever sat inside a pickup cab, you already know this equation doesn’t balance. So, one suitcase was temporarily promoted to riding in the truck bed while they drove.

When they arrived at a large, nicer-than-average store (think “upscale Target”), they moved that suitcase into the cab, locked the doors, and headed inside. They were aware of the risks — shopping with visible luggage isn’t ideal — but the store has security, with plenty of cameras and a busy parking lot.

                                            

Unfortunately, busy didn’t mean safe.

After finishing their shopping and making the long trek back to their parking space, they discovered the truck had been broken into. (Cue the dramatic music.)

They quickly went back inside to report the incident, only to learn that before anyone could review security footage, they needed to go file a denuncia — a formal police report.

Four hours later, they walked out of the police station with the paperwork completed and a couple of less-than-encouraging assurances, including, “Your items will not be found,” and “We’ll be in touch.”

Spoiler alert: they have not been in touch.

And the items? Still not found.

So what exactly was taken? Quite a lot. Allen and Trish’s U.S. cell phones disappeared, along with all their contacts. Their laptops were stolen, as well as a brand-new Apple computer intended for the ministry’s photographer, Scarleth. Parts needed to repair two solar power systems were taken, as well as most of the cash they were carrying.

Add to that all of Trish’s clothing, several months’ worth of prescription medications, over-the-counter cold medicine that’s not available locally, and her journaling Bible filled with five years of notes.

And, to add insult to injury… Trish’s curling iron. Is nothing sacred?

What makes the situation even more frustrating is how targeted the theft appeared to be. Allen and Trish are convinced this was the work of professionals. Items that could be tracked or easily tied back to the crime were left behind. Credit cards? Untouched. Passport? Moved, but not taken. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing.

Since then, countless hours have been spent trying to recover access to accounts and services — no small task when login information is stored on stolen devices and protected by two-factor authentication that requires… you guessed it… both a phone and a computer. Allen and Trish estimate they will lose “man weeks” of time just trying to untangle the mess.

And yet, their perspective remains grounded.

As Trish put it, “It’s just money, stuff, and time. As missionaries, we are putting ourselves at risk all the time. We don’t always think about it, but it’s true. It’s for a bigger purpose, though. Sometimes we put ourselves in vulnerable situations to advance the kingdom.”

That bigger picture has been evident, even in the midst of hardship. Allen spoke candidly about the spiritual opposition they’ve been experiencing. In the past year alone, their solar power systems have been struck by lightning twice. Delivering containers has been unusually difficult. Illness has affected staff and their families. And three ministry trucks were damaged after receiving the wrong oil from what was supposed to be a reputable service provider — ruining two engines and leaving the third questionable.

Now, this major loss can be added to the list.

Trish is currently recovering from a post-travel cold and would very much appreciate the return of her stolen DayQuil — if anyone happens to come across that.

The lightning damage to the solar systems means power on the property is barely hanging on. But this isn’t a “poor me” moment. As Trish pointed out, they’ve walked through far worse than the loss of money, belongings, and time. Most importantly, everyone is safe.

And through it all, they remain confident in one unchanging truth: God is faithful.

They’re already looking ahead with anticipation. A team arriving this weekend will bring practical help—replacement parts for one of the solar systems and, thankfully, some new clothes for Trish (who had packed for a five-month stay).

Because even after everything, life moves forward. And God is still good, all the time. The ministry is flourishing, and Allen and Trish are recognizing these setbacks as attempts by the enemy to slow the amazing advancement of the Gospel that the ministry is seeing. Thanks so much for your prayers - they're especially appreciated this week!

- posted by Christi

Miles, Milestones, and a Whole Lot of Snuggles

  This feels like the kind of blog post that should come with a map and a handful of pushpins — just so you can keep track of Mary Faith’s travels as you read.

Her journey kicked off on May 2nd with a flight to North Carolina for a very important reason: the arrival of her first grandchild. On May 10th, a healthy — and very adorable — baby boy made his debut. Not a bad way to celebrate Mother’s Day. In fact, it was an especially meaningful one, as her grandson shares a birthday with Mary Faith’s late father.

After three weeks of serious (and highly important) snuggle time, Mary Faith said goodbye to her newest little favorite and headed west. She landed in Phoenix on June 2nd, where she’s been hard at work lining up opportunities to share about Sowers4Pastors — what the ministry is doing and how others can come alongside that work.

She’s already scheduled to speak to a small group from her home church and is hopeful that more opportunities will come together while she’s in the area.

But if you’re reading this and thinking, “Well, I’m not in Phoenix…” don’t worry. Mary Faith is not exactly staying put.

Next stop: Pennsylvania for a reunion over the Fourth of July. And since she’ll be renting a car in Phoenix and driving all the way there, she’ll be covering a lot of ground between Point A and Point B. Ohio is on the route, and she’s hoping to line up speaking opportunities along the way. So if you happen to be somewhere between desert and fireworks… this might be your moment.

And if that still doesn’t work?

From Pennsylvania, she’ll head to California for her nephew’s wedding. At this point, it’s safe to say that July has been officially claimed as “Support-Raising Road Trip: Coast-to-Coast Edition.”

As Mary Faith put it, “I’m more than willing to travel to speak to a group. I’m open to whatever and wherever people will allow me to speak. This is a top priority.”

While she didn’t originally plan to be in the States for five months, it’s looking increasingly likely that she may stay until it’s time for the backpack trip. Logistically, it makes sense — especially since she has family to stay with. Flying back to Honduras in August only to return to the U.S. again in September might be a bit much, even for someone clearly racking up frequent flyer miles like it’s a competitive sport.

And, let’s be honest, the extra time doesn’t hurt when there’s a grandson involved. More time in the States means more chances for a few bonus snuggles.

Even with all the travel, Mary Faith is staying disciplined. 

She continues her Spanish lessons online and is grateful for opportunities to practice while in Phoenix. So yes — somewhere between highways, airports, and family gatherings, she’s still fitting in verb conjugations. Impressive.

As you can imagine, this kind of travel schedule comes with one very obvious prayer request: safety. Or, as Mary Faith summed it up, “That’s a lot of miles!”

If you’d like to have Mary Faith speak to your church or group, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you don’t happen to live near one of the imaginary pins on this imaginary map, no problem — Zoom is still a perfectly acceptable form of modern-day travel.

No suitcase required.

 - posted by Christi