Beautiful Feet, Dusty Roads, and Faithful Yeses

Sowers4Pastors has completed three beautiful—but undeniably exhausting—weeks of ministry. The kind of tired that settles into your bones, yes, but also the kind that comes from knowing you’ve been part of something far bigger than yourself. As the dust (and mud… and cold air) begins to settle, Brandy found himself reflecting on this passage from Romans:

        How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And         how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And         how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how            can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How                beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

                                                                Romans 10:14–15 (NIV)

Over the past few weeks, Sowers4Pastors has hosted three back-to-back teams for backpack distributions and other projects. It’s been tiring. Plans haven’t always gone perfectly. There have been detours and delays, most often courtesy of weather or vehicles that decided now was the perfect time to act up. Still, the work continued.

When a team from Lighthouse Church was on the ground, the defining feature of the week was dust. Long days were spent traveling to different communities, distributing backpacks, playing games with kids, and visiting the homes of sponsored children. During that week, Brandy’s pickup truck — loaded to the brim with backpacks — developed mechanical issues. The truck limped its way to the school, was repaired just enough, and made it home at the end of the day. Not ideal, but good enough to keep going.

The following week brought a team from Life Community Church — and with them, the rain. Lots of rain. Dust gave way to mud, and plenty of it. One of the S4P trucks spun out and now wears a few large dents as souvenirs. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the work didn’t slow down.

That team distributed backpacks and tackled a major electrical project at one of the schools. Two electricians on the team were stunned by what they found: much of the school had been without lights for years. When the lights were finally turned on throughout the building, kids gathered to watch. Neighbors looked on from their windows. People cheered. What felt ordinary to some was nothing short of extraordinary for that community.

Last week, Sowers4Pastors was hosting a team from Edgewater, FL, and just to keep things interesting, the weather turned cold — by Honduran standards, anyway. Brandy estimates temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes for a very chilly backpack distribution. The team also made home visits, where children and their families eagerly welcome sponsors into their homes. Even with nearly 2,000 children in the program, Brandy shared that he’s beginning to recognize familiar faces.

The roads may be dusty or muddy. Trucks may break down or spin out. Temperatures may drop unexpectedly. But the feet that carry the good news — those are always beautiful.

- 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.

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

Sowers4Pastors: December Prayer Requests (Because “Busy” Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It)

Brandy opened our chat with a line that deserves its own knowing nod: “As everyone knows, we manage to keep ourselves busy and December is not an exception.” Understatement of the year. With everything happening at once, it’s the perfect moment to share some focused prayer requests for Sowers4Pastors and the communities they serve.

Elections

On November 30th, Honduras began its general elections for president, congress, and local officials. As of this post (December 4th), the votes are still being counted — and it’s tight. More than one candidate has already claimed victory, and the third is gearing up to do the same. It’s an anxious moment for the country, and many people are understandably frightened about the outcome.

Unlike the U.S., Honduras does not have an electoral college; the popular vote alone determines the result. Please pray for peace, clarity, and a smooth transition as every vote is processed.

On a lighter note: the military does not vote in Honduras, which meant this was Brandy’s first time casting a ballot. Nathan, who loves following current events, tagged along to observe. He’s firmly convinced — and Brandy agrees — that if people want change, voting matters.

Backpacks

The S4P team is knee-deep in processing a full container of sponsored backpacks. Borrowing (loosely) from a certain jolly gift-giver’s motto: they’re making lists and checking them twice, making sure no backpack is missing an essential item. No naughty list here — just a whole lot of quality control.

There’s also a second dispensa (request for duty-free shipping into Honduras) in process to bring home the container of non-sponsor backpacks. Please pray the election delays don’t slow that approval.

Coffee Farm

The first big S4P coffee harvest of the season began yesterday — wonderful news, paired with a challenge. Finding enough pickers is difficult every year, but this season comes with a twist: farms across the region ripened all at once. Normally, the S4P farm ripens earlier due to its lower elevation, but nature had other plans.

Despite the labor shortage, spirits are high. As Brandy said, “We are happy that we have a lot of coffee. That’s good. The harvesters are happy to benefit from the extra work.”

Some families even bring their children along, and seven kids helped pick yesterday. Brandy overheard a delighted young boy celebrating his collection of two quarts of coffee berries. When she asked what he planned to buy with his earnings, he grinned and said he was going to buy a cake. Honestly? Respect.

Moving the Office

The S4P office is officially moving into the town of Gracias, and the process is already underway. While it may seem unconventional, the reasons are solid. Space was getting tight — “bursting at the seams” might be more accurate — and the growing ministry needed room to breathe.

The new space is in a house near the bus station in Gracias, which will make a world of difference for the many pastors who arrive by bus. Brandy visited yesterday and learned that people have already stopped by looking for Bibles. God wastes no time.

Please pray for a smooth transition and for staff to settle quickly and comfortably into the new space.

Teams

As soon as the coffee harvest winds down, backpack distribution ramps up — and S4P isn’t easing into it. They’ll welcome teams from the three largest sponsorship programs three weeks in a row.

• Week 1: Lighthouse Church team (serving 800–900 kids)
  
  

• Week 2: Life Community Church  team (around 400 kids)
  
  

• Week 3: Edgewater Alliance Church team (another 400 kids)
  
  

That’s a lot of backpacks and a lot of ministry packed into three weeks. Everyone is excited, and as Brandy put it, “We want to be ready for them.”

Staff

Please keep all S4P staff members in your prayers. Brandy’s request is simple and deeply heartfelt:

“Pray that we keep the fire in our hearts — to love the people and to serve the people. Prayers for endurance, which God never fails to give.”

 - posted by Christi

Prayer Requests and Praises: What's Happening Behind the Scenes

 At Sowers4Pastors, it’s always a good time for prayer — but consider this post your “all-in-one guide” to what’s happening behind the scenes and how you can specifically lift up the ministry right now.

Celebrations First! 

The Day of the Child celebrations were a huge success! Every one of the 2,600+ children across 27 locations was celebrated with food, fun, and reminders of God’s love. With the biggest wave of team season wrapped up, staff members are now turning their attention to the less flashy (but absolutely vital) tasks: catching up on paperwork, keeping records up to date, and a bit of ministry “housekeeping.”

The Warehouse Shuffle

Remember the prayer request from a couple of months ago about a shipping container full of food? Great news: it’s expected to arrive within the week! Staff are working to prep the warehouse — think of it as a super-sized pantry that needs to be perfectly organized. Items already inside are moved to the front so they’re used first, and the new supplies are stacked toward the back. Once backpacks and boxes start rolling in, everything must be sorted so that each child receives the correct items. To put it simply: it’s a big honkin’ deal!

The Office Shuffle

Maybe you also remember a mention in a previous post, that once Rachel and Brandy moved to their new house, the Sowers4Pastors office would be moving into that rented house in Gracias. Well, that move is almost completed, so the office staff and all the office equipment should be moving in the next couple of weeks! The new office location will make it much easier for pastors and others to visit the book store, collect food, and visit the staff for any reasons they might have!

Gifts for Pastors

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the annual pastor appreciation gifts. This year, there are 388 requests for gifts for pastors and their families. Please pray for smooth logistics as these gifts are gathered and distributed — and for each pastor to feel deeply encouraged by this expression of support.

Updates from the Home Front

Rachel and Brandy are still settling into their new home. A few stragglers from the old house remain to be moved, the kitchen cabinets are about 80% finished, and soon, Brandy hopes to build a fence around the yard. There are still boxes waiting to be unpacked — so please keep praying for endurance and order in the midst of a busy season.

Coffee on the Horizon 

The coffee harvest is coming soon! The farm crew has been hard at work fertilizing and applying fungicide, and Brandy reports this could be an especially good year. Please pray not only for the crop itself, but also for the right number of workers to come when harvest time arrives.

Backpacks on the Move 

Stateside, Kirstin and Mary Faith are in the thick of this year’s backpack collection trip. They’re logging long hours on the road in a big box truck, visiting churches, connecting with supporters, and gathering backpacks. It’s an exhausting journey, but such an important one. Pray for safety as they travel, strength for the long days, and smooth paperwork processing. (Two shipping containers of backpacks are planned, but one crucial government document is still pending. Please pray for its timely approval.)

Wrapping It All Up

So there you have it — praises for what God has already done, and prayer requests for what’s still unfolding. From pizza parties to paperwork, from farm fields to overflowing warehouses, the work of Sowers4Pastors touches countless lives every single day. Thank you for standing with the ministry in prayer. Your prayers are not just words lifted up — they are fuel for the work being done in Honduras and beyond.

 - posted by Christi

Finding Every Child: The Next Step in the Backpack Process

The last backpack team may have packed up and headed home, but if you think that means backpack season 2025 is officially in the books — think again! There’s still plenty of work to do.

This past Thursday, March 20th, the Honduran staff of Sowers4Pastors hit the road once again, circling back to each area to track down kids who missed their distribution day. And this year, that’s a longer list than usual. Why? Because the coffee harvest was later than normal, and when backpacks were being handed out, many children were busy working alongside their families, picking coffee. Now, the hope is that these kids are planning to return to school — and that staff can find each and every one of them.

This follow-up also provides a chance to register new students in the program. In the past, new kids were signed up during the main backpack distribution events. That may have been faster, but it had some challenges. Occasionally, children would show up to receive a backpack and shoes… but never actually attend school. Imagine the disappointment of a sponsor who chose a child’s profile, only to learn weeks later that the child wasn’t in class and thus was not available for sponsorship. Understandably, that was discouraging for everyone involved.

So, S4P has fine-tuned the process. Now, they wait for official government-issued enrollment papers from each school, detailing the number of students in every grade and their ages. These documents provide a much more accurate, up-to-date picture. And conveniently, they are available just as the second round of backpack distributions begins!

With Mary Faith now on board, the goal is to update and create student profiles almost in real time. Each day, as staff return from their trips, they hand off registration forms and child photos to Mary Faith. By the next day, she’ll have those profiles created or updated—just in time for the next batch to arrive. If all goes according to plan, this entire process will be wrapped up in two weeks, allowing sister churches in the States to hold their events for sponsoring new children without delay.

Please keep everyone in your prayers as staff members revisit communities and Mary Faith works on the profiles. Brandy specifically asked for “prayers for safety and that we will be the light of God in those communities.”

Let’s make it happen!

 - posted by Christi

Before the Backpacks

Sowers4Pastors officially started backpack distribution, but so much work goes into prepping for this important event, we should talk about it to give some recognition to the S4P staff for all the hard work they do prepping for teams.

Alejandro shared, “It’s a new year, and our hearts are full to be able to bring a seed of hope to all the children. This fills us with joy because we know God is helping us to share the Gospel with them. As we’ve mentioned before, the children are the future of our country. But not just our country—they are the future of the Gospel.”

The Weeks Leading Up

Behind the scenes at Sowers4Pastors, the staff had to work tirelessly to prepare for the arrival of the backpack distribution teams. Everyone has a role to play:

• Secia worked on the logistics—finalizing lists of children, preparing letters, communicating with teachers, and ensuring that there would be enough supplies such as registration sheets, clipboards, pens, gospel tracts, and everything else a large project like this might need.

• Nicki was focused on the backpacks themselves, ensuring they were ready to go and organizing shoes for distribution.

• Rene was helping Nicki while juggling errand running and trying to finish up the 2024 ledgers.

• Brandy, Kirstin, and Alejandro spent time coordinating with teachers and schools while tackling anything else that needs attention, such as writing schedules, talking to hotels, talking to teachers, talking to team leaders. They also had to prep for projects that some of the teams would be doing on the ground, such as playground construction or repair projects. Finally, they also had to order and pickup Bibles for distribution - every third year the kids in the sponsorship program get Bibles as a gift, and this is the year!!

“There are many things to do, and everything requires extra effort from the entire staff,” Alejandro explained. “We want to give our best to our brothers and sisters from the States and to each child and teacher. When we are handing out backpacks, it doesn’t matter how tired we are at the end of the day. Seeing the children happy and smiling because they’re starting school, and seeing the parents relieved because these backpacks make it possible for their kids to attend—it makes it all worth it.”

A Special Connection

Backpack season is more than just distributing school supplies. It’s an opportunity for the staff to connect with the pastors and Sunday school teachers involved in the program. These pastors don’t only preach in their churches; they also deliver the Gospel message to kids in the schools. It’s a chance to celebrate the partnerships that make this work possible and renew the shared mission of showing Christ’s love to every child.

How You Can Help

Please join us in praying for the staff, the teams, and the children, parents, teachers, and pastors. Prayers for safety are always appreciated, for everyone. Prayers for the vehicles are also appreciated, as this season of ministry tends to take one or two of them out of commission! Finally, and most importantly, please pray that the efforts of S4P staff, the teams, the teachers, and the church leaders will serve to advance God's kingdom. Or, as Alejandro put it, “Pray that we can show the love of Christ to each of the villages and schools.”

-posted by Christi

Happy Busy New Year from Sowers4Pastors!

As we ring in 2025, there’s a good chance you’re still shaking off a holiday cheese coma, but the Sowers4Pastors team has wasted no time diving headfirst into the new year. Let’s catch you up on all the excitement happening in Honduras!

Backpacks

The elves at S4P (otherwise known as the hardworking staff) are in full swing organizing more than 2,000 backpacks for distribution. Each bag is being meticulously checked to ensure it’s filled with school essentials—like notebooks, pencils, and erasers—and then topped off with toothpaste (added on-site thanks to customs regulations). It’s a massive operation, but the team’s pace could rival Santa’s workshop during peak season!

It's not the North Pole, but our elves are feeling the need to bundle up!

Trucks

Keeping things rolling—literally—is a top priority. Brandy’s trusted mechanic friend is arriving from Tegucigalpa to ensure every S4P truck is in tip-top shape for the heavy-duty work ahead. With parts already on order, the team is determined to keep these vehicles running smoothly for the busy season.

Coffee

The coffee harvest this year is nothing short of monumental. In the words of Rachel, “We are drowning in coffee!”

After a few years of bouncing back from the coffee blight (and the fire), the S4P farm is experiencing a harvest of epic proportions. What normally takes two weeks has stretched into weeks of continuous work, compounded by the holiday interruptions of Christmas and New Year.

Last week alone, about 80 pickers filled five large Ford trucks with coffee in a single day—on what would normally be a three-truck day! The drying patios are maxed out, and the team has even had to purchase additional tarps to handle the overflow.

It’s a blessing of abundance, but it’s also keeping everyone on their toes!

Teams

The first visiting team of the year, from Lighthouse Church, is set to arrive in about ten days. With the coffee harvest still in full swing, their timing is perfect to dive into the action.

Rachel & Brandy’s New Home

Progress on Rachel and Brandy’s new home has slowed down amidst the holiday hustle and the coffee chaos. Rachel laughed as she shared, “One more month. Maybe. Every month, we keep saying, ‘one more month!’” The finishing touches will have to wait until the whirlwind settles down.

Prayer Request

As the team juggles coffee, backpacks, vehicles, and visiting groups, your prayers mean the world. Brandy shared, “We are happy and not complaining, but we need endurance! The first team arrives in ten days, and it’s a lot. We’re so excited to have our teams coming, but we ask for prayers that God gives us endurance and health. God is sending us a lot of blessings to bless other people.”

So, as 2025 gets underway, please keep the S4P team in your prayers. It’s a year brimming with blessings, and they’re ready to tackle it all with faith, hard work, and maybe just a little extra coffee!

 - posted by Christi

Sowers4Pastors is All Smiles: A Big Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters!

The team at Sowers4Pastors is beaming with gratitude and flashing their brightest Colgate smiles as they extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who played a part in the successful arrival of their most recent shipping container. Whether you packed a backpack, donated items, prayed for safe transport, or helped load the container, your efforts made a tremendous impact.

This year’s container journey came with lessons learned from last year’s, um, toothpaste debacle. You might remember how, in 2023, a customs inspection turned into a chaotic scene when officials discovered 20 expired tubes of toothpaste. The entire container was pulled apart, leaving its contents scattered and disorganized. Let’s just say, that wasn’t the kind of fresh start anyone was hoping for!

This time around, the team worked smarter — and prayed harder — to ensure a smoother process.

Lessons Learned and Prayers Answered

Brandy shared how this year’s preparations involved extra steps, including meticulous paperwork and additional help from U.S.-based coordinators. “We prayed — a lot — and asked people for prayers,” he said. “And we didn’t have any problems with this container!”

The team also asked coordinators to take on a new challenge: removing toothpaste from backpacks and packing it into separate boxes, clearly labeled with expiration dates. It was time-consuming, but the effort paid off. Honduran customs officials inspected just 5 of the 24 toothpaste boxes, confirmed the expiration dates, and left the rest untouched — a far cry from last year’s floor-spread fiasco.

Smooth Sailing and Speedy Unloading

When the container arrived, the S4P team got to work bright and early. By 6:30 AM, they were unloading, and thanks to the meticulous organization, the entire container was emptied and sorted in just an hour and a half.

“Everything looked like no one had touched it!” Brandy marveled. “It was easy to take out the boxes and get them organized onto trucks. The people helping us did a great job.” By 10:00 AM, every item was neatly stored in the bodega, categorized by program.

The team’s speedy work even surprised themselves. They had planned to provide lunch for the workers but finished so quickly that coffee and cookies were the perfect celebratory treat instead.

Grateful Hearts and Organized Backpacks

This year’s success felt like nothing short of divine intervention. Reflecting on the process, Brandy said, “We can tell that God provided and helped us through the whole process. We’ve already thanked God and started thanking people, but, really, there are no words.”

Now, with everything unpacked and backpacks already being sorted by program, the team is ready to dive into the next steps.

And that’s definitely something to smile about.

- posted by Christi

A Slice of Sowers4Pastors: A Sampler of Ministry Updates

 This week’s blog is like a cheesecake sampler – a little bit of everything for everyone! Let’s dig into the sweet (and sometimes bittersweet) highlights from Sowers4Pastors.

Goats and Gratitude

Brandy recently received a thoughtful gift of two goats from a pastor supervisor as a token of thanks for the ministry’s support. One goat, a pregnant female, gave birth to twins, but complications sadly claimed her life and that of one baby. That left a tiny, orphaned baby goat in need of care. Brandy and Rachel, welcomed little Canela (Cinnamon in English) into their family. For a time, Rachel was managing four “kids” in diapers – three human and one goat! Thankfully, Canela is thriving, and bringing joy to everyone.

Tropical Storm Sara

Tropical Storm Sara hit Honduras hard, particularly on the northern coast, where some areas experienced up to 30 inches of rain. The devastation has included road and bridge washouts and damage to homes. Meanwhile, in Gracias, the storm brought several days of steady rain, a blessing for the ministry’s coffee farm and others in the area. Please pray for those dealing with severe damage and for the missionaries assisting these communities.

Citizenship Steps

Rachel, Brandy, and their kids (minus the goat!) spent a chunk of the past week in Tegucigalpa, taking steps toward U.S. citizenship for their children. Due to the time Rachel has lived in Honduras (and thus not in the US), the process is far from straightforward. They’ve started with the application for “automatic citizenship for a child born abroad,” knowing it will be denied as part of the process. The next phase will involve lots of paperwork. The final step is a trip to the US. Just as with Nathan’s citizenship journey, Trish will accompany them when the time comes.

Backpacks in Record Time

In Maryland, the backpack container was loaded at lightning speed by Fredericktowne Baptist Church volunteers. The experienced team finished in just two hours, thanks to great weather and even better teamwork.

Dispensa and Container Updates

To ship the backpacks duty-free, the ministry must file a dispensa, an itemized breakdown of container contents. Timing is critical, as filing too early risks expiration. All the necessary paperwork was approved just in time for the shipping of the container!

Meanwhile, a separate food container is on its way, with goods sent from Minnesota to New Orleans before heading to Honduras. Pray that both containers clear Customs and the Honduran FDA quickly and intact. Trish humorously noted, “Toothpaste gives them fits!” Also, pray that storage fees don’t pile up if there are delays at the port.

Seeing Clearly: Eyeglasses for Kids

Through the ministry, a new batch of over 20 kids have received eye exams and are now set to receive new glasses. A generous ophthalmologist is volunteering to ensure every pair fits perfectly. Clear vision will help these children thrive in their studies and daily lives.

Future Home Sweet Home

Rachel and Brandy’s new home is nearing completion! Allen, despite his back issues, has been overseeing the grading of the yard. After Thanksgiving, an electrician friend from the U.S. will be coming to finish off the electrical work, ensuring that everything meets U.S. standards. The hope is to move in before “team season” kicks off in January. It’s a race against the clock, but everyone is hopeful! Your prayers for on-time completion are appreciated! 

 - posted by Christi