If you’ve been keeping up with Sowers4Pastors’ social media, you already know that a medical team led by the ever-dedicated Dr. Monica recently returned from their annual trip to Honduras. This marked her fourth year leading a medical brigade — and once again, it was a week full of service, surprises, and sacred moments.
This year’s team included thirteen members, a dynamic mix of college students, medical students, nurses, doctors, and non-medical volunteers who kept the operation humming. Over the course of four days, the team served more than 700 people across four different sister church communities. That’s a lot of checkups, a lot of travel, and a whole lot of heart.
While many patients came for basic services like vision checks and ear irrigations, others received more complex care. One team member focused solely on vision screenings and was able to fit over 200 people with reading glasses — many of whom had been unable to read their Bibles due to declining eyesight. Imagine the joy of receiving not just medical help, but the restored ability to read the Word of God.
On one particularly muddy morning, the team’s supply truck got stuck, delaying setup by over an hour. But rather than letting the downtime discourage them, the team turned the delay into a divine detour. They happened to be at the sister church connected to Trish, a team member who was familiar with the kids’ recent VBS songs. For 45 joyful minutes, team members led choreographed songs, painted fingernails, and laughed with children. Dr. Monica called it one of the unexpected highlights of the trip.
Throughout the week, the team had at least four doctors on-site each day, including Dr. Stephanie, a local physician who runs a medical practice with her husband in Gracias. Dr. Stephanie joined for three of the four days, helping with complex cases and even offering follow-up care and lab tests at discounted rates through her clinic — a gift that extends the impact of the visit well beyond one week.
And it wasn’t just the care that flowed smoothly — customs clearance was its own minor miracle. Dr. Monica and her son Caleb arrived early with bags full of medical supplies, which had to be declared and registered with Honduran officials. Thanks to Brandy and his lawyer's meticulous preparation, what normally takes hours was completed in twenty minutes. Rather than opening every bag and checking every bottle, officials opened just two bags, checked one item in each, and sent them on their way.
The team also had the privilege of attending a Sunday service at the church Alejandro and Secia are planting, a spiritually rich experience that allowed them to worship alongside the very people they were serving.
Reflecting on the week, Dr. Monica said, “It was miracle after miracle each day.” And though the team worked at a near-frenetic pace, she describes the experience with characteristic humility and gratitude:
“Going home is always bittersweet. We went down and did what God had for us to do. And we walked away feeling entirely blessed. I always go with the intention of blessing others — but I return feeling even more blessed myself.”
Serving with Medicine, Covered in Prayer
Whether it was navigating muddy roads, restoring vision, or simply holding a child’s hand during a clinic visit, this medical team showed what it means to serve wholeheartedly and humbly. They were covered in prayer, equipped with purpose, and guided every step of the way.
Please continue praying for the communities they served, the patients they treated, and the team members who gave so generously of their time, skills, and hearts.
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