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.”

Looking ahead, Kairos is also helping fund the construction of CEMES Hospital, with the hope that one day surgical teams will be able to serve in Gracias.

“One step at a time,” Monica said.

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

The Room You Didn’t Know You Had (But God Did)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had that dream — the one where you discover a hidden room or an entire wing of your house that you somehow never knew existed. It’s surprisingly common, and supposedly it represents untapped potential.

Well… that’s probably one dream the Sowers4Pastors staff doesn’t have.

Why? Because they are firmly in the “use what you’ve got” camp — and then use it again, and then maybe repaint it and turn it into something else entirely.

Case in point: the old office space.

This particular space has had more career changes than someone in their twenties. At various points, it has been a storage room, a temporary living space for Kirstin (back when “no shower” was apparently just a minor detail), an office, and — once again — storage.

But now? It’s stepping into its newest role with confidence, purpose, and a fresh coat of paint.

The space is being transformed into an apartment for longer-term visitors.

And not just any apartment. This upgraded version now includes a working shower and a repaired bathroom sink — luxuries that earlier versions of the space could only dream about. It’s functional, practical, and, most importantly, right where it needs to be: on the ministry property.

You might be wondering, “What about Mary Faith’s house? Isn’t that already used for hosting?”

It is — and it’s been a huge blessing. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For starters, it’s a rental, which means its long-term availability isn’t guaranteed. And for nexters (which absolutely should catch on as a word), it doesn’t provide housing for male interns or certain long-term guests.

The newly revamped space solves all of that. It’s owned by the ministry, located right alongside the coffee farm and vehicles, and perfectly positioned to support the day-to-day rhythm of ministry life.

It’s also incredibly practical. When the mechanic comes to service the ministry vehicles, he may stay for weeks — or even months. A freshly updated on-site apartment is far more cost-effective than extended hotel stays, and infinitely more convenient.

In fact, the timing couldn’t be better. A new intern is arriving this evening and will be the very first to stay in the newly repurposed space. Nothing like a soft opening with a real, live human.

Of course, a project like this doesn’t come together on its own. A well-earned shoutout goes to Nathan and Michael, who jumped in to help Brandy get everything ready. From painting to general elbow grease, they brought both skill and willingness — two things that tend to make any project go faster (and look better).  And all of this? It’s happening in the middle of everything else. Because, naturally, there is always an “everything else.”

 Work continues on the coffee farm, where the long-awaited rains have finally arrived — just in time for fertilizing. At the same time, the team is moving from backpack and dental team season straight into medical teams and VBS teams. It’s less of a slow transition and more of a full-speed relay race.

In fact, members of the upcoming medical team are already beginning to arrive, with plans to serve in four different communities next week. And immediately following that, the VBS teams will jump into action.

It’s a full schedule. A meaningful one — but definitely a full one.

Brandy summed it up simply: “Please pray for safety, endurance, and that we would serve in the way God wants us to serve. Pray that we will be a light and show the love of God.”

Because at the end of the day, whether it’s a repurposed room, a backpack distribution, or a medical clinic, it all comes down to the same thing — faithfully using what God has already provided.

No hidden rooms required.

 - posted by Christi

Miles, Milestones, and a Mission That Keeps Moving

Every good blog post needs a theme. While it may not win any literary awards to announce it outright, today’s theme is unmistakable: Trish’s Travelogue.

And what a travelogue it has been. If you’ve been following along on social media, you already know Trish has been stateside since the end of January — and, as it turns out, four months can hold a whole lot of life.

Her journey began with a writing conference in January, an experience that delivered exactly what you’d hope for — fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and the kind of encouragement that makes you want to actually sit down and write the book you keep talking about. But the timing created a bit of a logistical puzzle. With church visits not scheduled to begin until March, Trish had a choice: fly back to Honduras and return again a month later, or settle in somewhere stateside and make the most of the in-between time.

Enter: Myrtle Beach in the surprisingly cheap off-season.

Opting for a quiet condo and a month of focused writing, Trish became, in her own way, a professional “hunker-downer.” With fewer distractions and plenty of solitude, she put those conference lessons into action and came away with far more than just good intentions — she left with actual pages completed. Not a bad trade for a beach town in its sleepy season.

When Allen arrived in March, the pace shifted from quiet writing retreat to full-on road trip. Together, they packed up the notecards and manuscripts and began visiting churches across the country. Since then, their travels have taken them through Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania — with the possibility of adding a few more stops before heading back to Honduras on June 10.

And the impact of those visits? It’s already showing.

With grateful hearts, Allen and Trish shared that the new Sowing Hope program is nearing 50% sponsorship for currently registered children. That’s not just a number—it’s a milestone. As Trish put it, “That 50% mark is a big goal for us.” It represents momentum, provision, and a growing network of people choosing to be part of what God is doing.

Each church visit has looked a little different. Sometimes it’s been a brief moment to share during a service. Other times, it has meant being surrounded by a congregation in prayer. There have been conversations with children’s ministries and even a full Sunday sermon led by Allen. But no matter the format, one message has remained consistent — and, for some, a bit surprising.

“Our ministry is, at its heart, not a child sponsorship ministry,” Trish explained. “That’s just one part of what we do. Our main goal is empowering pastors to spread the Gospel.” The sponsorship programs play a vital role, but they ultimately serve a larger purpose — equipping local pastors to lead, teach, and care for their communities in lasting ways.

Of course, not every mile of this journey has been work.

Recently, the Sowers family gathered in New Hampshire to celebrate a major milestone: Allen’s mom, Blanche, turning 90. The weekend brought together Russell and Iris and their three kids, Boo and Sam with their two little ones, and Gus and Audrey with their child. Kirstin even flew in from Honduras to join the celebration. Rachel and Brandy were unable to attend and were dearly missed.

The family gathered in a sprawling Airbnb — a historic home from the 1700s divided into multiple spaces, all of which were filled by the Sowers crew. Kids, cousins, laughter, and a whole lot of memories filled the weekend. And the guest of honor? She made quite the entrance — arriving at her party on a three-wheeled motorcycle. (Because apparently, adventure is genetic.)

Through all the miles, moments, and milestones, one thing has been especially clear: this season has been both meaningful and joyful for Allen and Trish. It’s a rhythm they hope to continue in the future — splitting time between Honduras and the U.S., staying connected to both the mission field and the people who support it.

As their trip begins to wind down, your prayers matter more than ever. Pray for safe travels, for continued health, and especially for relief for Allen’s back. And while it may not have been officially listed as a prayer request, there’s a quiet hope that Honduras will greet Trish with something slightly more forgiving than its current scorching heat.

After all, even seasoned travelers appreciate a gentle landing.

- posted by Christi

Beyond the Clinic: Where Every Visit Becomes Ministry

 After hearing about the recent dental team from Brandy’s perspective, Alejandro offered another view — one that stretches beyond procedures and into something much deeper.

What stood out to him wasn’t just the care provided, but the people involved. The dental students who made up part of the team originally came from all over the world — Vietnam, India, China, and the United States. For Alejandro, that diversity wasn’t just interesting; it was meaningful. “We had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them, too,” he said. “As a ministry, we aren’t just touching the people receiving dental care. We’re also impacting the lives of the students — and through them, their families.”

That ripple effect is something Sowers4Pastors never loses sight of. Every team that arrives is both serving and being served, both giving and receiving. The mission field doesn’t run in one direction.

Dental team

Now, the Sowers4Pastors staff is preparing for what comes next: a medical team arriving in just a couple of weeks. The logistics are already in place — locations scheduled, itineraries set — but Alejandro’s excitement isn’t rooted in organization. It’s rooted in opportunity.

“We get to talk about Jesus and who He is,” he said. “That’s how we bring hope to people’s hearts.”

That word — hope — is at the center of everything. Medical care, dental work, backpacks, meals… they all matter. But they are not the final goal. They are the open door. What walks through that door is the Gospel — the invitation for lives to be changed, not just improved.

Alejandro put it simply: “It’s not just about giving medical attention or a meal. It’s about giving hope.”

And that mission doesn’t pause when one team leaves. Right on the heels of the medical visit, the first VBS team of the season will arrive. These teams, often from churches in the United

States, bring a different kind of energy — games, songs, laughter — but the same purpose.

“The kids aren’t just excited to play,” Alejandro shared. “They’re excited to learn about the Kingdom of God.”

And they do more than just learn — they carry it home.

Time and again, families have shared how something as simple as a VBS song has encouraged them in difficult seasons. Alejandro laughed as he recalled one example: a repetitive, lighthearted song about being thankful. “It’s just a few words over and over,” he said, “but a woman in one village told me it helped her not give up. It reminded her to be grateful for what she has — even when life is hard.”

It’s a powerful reminder that God doesn’t always use what we would consider profound or complex. Sometimes, He uses the simplest things — a conversation, a song, a moment — to reach someone right where they are.

For the S4P staff, that’s part of the joy. Every team, every visit, every interaction carries the potential for something eternal. “The Holy Spirit will use whatever He wants to bless families,” Alejandro said. “People are learning how important they are to the Lord.”

And maybe that’s the invitation for all of us.

“Keep your heart open,” Alejandro encouraged. “When you do, the Lord will blow your mind. Every little thing is a miracle. Even just opening your eyes in the morning — that is God’s favor in your life.”

When we start to see life that way, we realize something: ministry isn’t confined to a clinic, a classroom, or a mission trip.

It’s happening everywhere — one open heart at a time.

 - posted by Christi

A Return Worth Celebrating: Dr. Annette’s Unstoppable Mission

It is always a reason to celebrate when Dr. Annette arrives in Gracias with a dental team. But this year’s visit? It felt a little extra special.

Last year, Dr. Annette experienced a serious accident that left her with a severely broken leg — one that required surgery and a long road of physical therapy. In fact, at the time, it wasn’t even certain that she would regain her ability to walk.

And yet, while still in the hospital, she reached out to Sowers4Pastors with a message that was both simple and remarkable: she was still planning to come.

At that moment, she may have been the only one completely convinced.

But determination has a way of telling its own story. Through months of recovery, hard work, and what Brandy described as her “big heart and a fire to serve others,” Dr. Annette did exactly what she said she would do.

She came back.

Though she once thought she might serve as a full-time missionary, that path never quite unfolded the way she expected. Instead, she discovered a calling that has proven just as impactful — serving through short-term missions. For more than 27 years, she has faithfully used her skills to care for others, one trip at a time.

“She has been a big blessing for our ministry and for my country,” Brandy said.

This year, Dr. Annette returned with another doctor and a team of dental students — and something else became clear. Her impact doesn’t stop with the patients she treats. It’s shaping the next generation of providers as well.

Many of the students on this year’s team had served before, and their growth was evident.

“It’s great to see the students growing as people and as believers,” Brandy shared. “While they were teaching kids how to use a toothbrush, they were also sharing about Jesus. They were taking every opportunity to spread the Gospel while they worked.”

Their development was visible in practical ways, too. In previous years, students might have primarily assisted behind the scenes, cleaning instruments and observing procedures. Now, they are stepping forward with confidence — engaging directly with patients, contributing to care, and even offering input to the doctors.

The learning is happening on every level.

And it’s happening under some intense conditions.

The team worked long hours in a heat index that reached a staggering 113 degrees. Even Brandy, who is well accustomed to the climate, admitted, “The heat was horrible — and I live here!” But the team pressed on with positive attitudes, serving faithfully without complaint.

“It was a great team,” he added.

Throughout the week, they worked out of local churches, providing cleanings, fillings, and extractions when needed. They also took time to teach proper dental hygiene to the children — equipping them with knowledge that will serve them long after the team has gone home.

Each day, they saw an average of 50 to 60 patients, in addition to children in the program who received cleanings and fluoride treatments. It was a full schedule, a demanding environment, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when skill and compassion come together.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of the week wasn’t just the dental care — it was the connection.

“Thank you to everyone who prays for the ministry,” Brandy said. “We were able to spend a week with a team not just cleaning teeth, but sharing the Gospel along with meals and snacks. It was very touching to see.”

From a hospital bed to a bustling clinic in Honduras, Dr. Annette’s journey this past year is a testament to perseverance, calling, and faith.

And if this visit is any indication, she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

- posted by Christi