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. Allen and Trish were also carrying $9,900 each in cash (just under the limit), and half of that was gone as well.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment