Retreat, Take Me Away

Raise your hand if you’re old enough to remember those classic Calgon bubble bath commercials. You know the ones—an overwhelmed mom juggling dinner, noise, chaos, and one last nerve… until she finally cries out, “Calgon, take me away!” and suddenly she’s transported to a peaceful bubble bath, far from the madness.

In the world of missionaries, retreats can feel a little like that.

Retreat, take me away!

Over the past few weeks, most of the Sowers4Pastors staff has had the opportunity to do just that — step away from the constant motion of ministry and spend intentional time being refreshed.

“As Christians, especially as missionaries, it is important to stay close to God,” Brandy shared. “We try to take the chance to attend retreats whenever possible.”

There is an organization that hosts retreats for foreign missionaries twice a year, and S4P’s American staff members usually attend one of them. Mary Faith recently participated in one of these retreats, and another will be held in the coming months for Rachel and Brandy to attend.

At the same time, local churches organize retreats as well. This past weekend, Alejandro, Secia, Brandy, and Rachel traveled to Tegucigalpa for a church retreat, while other Honduran staff members attended one closer to home in Gracias.

Different locations. Same purpose. To pause. To rest. To be filled.

Brandy took a moment to reflect on why that matters so much. “We are always pouring into other people,” he said. “We help more than 2,000 kids. We pour into pastors. We just keep pouring and pouring throughout the year. It’s important for us to also take time to be filled spiritually.”

And this season? It’s been a full one.

Backpack distributions. Coffee harvest. Launching a new program. Starting the Sunday school teacher training. Good work. Meaningful work. But still — work that requires energy, focus, and heart.

Which is exactly why stepping away matters.

After his recent retreat, Brandy summed it up simply: “It was refreshing. I feel like I can keep going now. And I encourage others to remember to take time for God. Take the time to seek the Lord, and He will renew you. He will refresh everything.”

There’s something powerful about that reminder.

We don’t have to wait until we’re completely drained to pause. We don’t have to earn rest by running ourselves into the ground first.

Sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is step away long enough to be refilled.

As Psalm 51:10 reminds us:

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Because unlike a bubble bath commercial, real renewal doesn’t come from escaping life. It comes from returning to the One who sustains it. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the time? Go ahead — try it. It’s even better than Calgon.

- posted by Christi

Many Hats, One Calling: Mary Faith’s Second Year in Motion

 Guess what? Mary Faith has officially been in Honduras for over a year. Time flies when you’re juggling… well, just about everything.

And that’s exactly how she describes this season of life.

“Last year, when I was brand new, I mostly sat in front of the computer,” she shared. “I went out with teams for a day or two every now and then, but I was usually in the office.”

This year? Completely different story.

Mary Faith has traded in her “newbie at a desk” role for something much more hands-on. During the recent stretch of team visits, she spent nearly three weeks out in the field — driving teams to remote villages, helping with backpack distributions, and connecting with the children and families Sowers4Pastors serves.

And yes, she genuinely enjoyed being behind the wheel. Not everyone can say they relish navigating rugged roads to remote communities, but Mary Faith isn’t exactly aiming for “ordinary.”

One bonus of all that time on the road? Spanish practice.

Mary Faith has continued her online classes twice a week, but real-life conversations took things to another level. She teamed up with Jenny, a Honduran staff member who is working on her English, and the two formed a perfect language-learning partnership — helping each other grow one conversation at a time.

Of course, while she was fully embracing her “team driver/backpack distribution” hat, she knew another one was waiting for her back at the office.

And now… it’s back on.

With team season wrapped up, Mary Faith has returned to her desk to tackle one of the ministry’s biggest behind-the-scenes tasks: updating children’s profiles and uploading new photos. While all the time-sensitive profiles have already been completed, she’s determined to get as many finished as possible before her next big adventure.

Because coming up soon — she’s heading to North Carolina.

Mary Faith will be traveling in May to welcome her very first grandchild (and yes, she is appropriately excited about this promotion to “Grandma”). She plans to spend several weeks soaking in that sweet new role before shifting into a full schedule of stateside responsibilities.

And it’s not exactly a light itinerary.

While in the U.S., she’ll be renewing her passport and driver’s license, attending a reunion in Pennsylvania, celebrating a wedding in California, and traveling to raise ministry support. If you’re in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona, or possibly parts of the Midwest, there may be an opportunity to connect. She would love to speak at churches or even meet one-on-one with anyone interested in learning more about her work.

Meanwhile, back in Honduras — or at least partially — there are still a few moving pieces. A dental team is scheduled to arrive in May, and Mary Faith hopes to be there to help host them at the ministry house. However, as with all things involving babies, the timeline may have its own opinions.

Thankfully, there’s a plan.

With a helpful suggestion from Kirstin, Mary Faith is now scanning child profile information to her Google Drive, allowing her to continue working remotely while she’s in the States. The hats may change locations — but they’re definitely not being set down.

In the middle of all this activity, there was also a much-needed pause.

In March, between team visits, Mary Faith made a six-hour drive to attend a missionary retreat. She described the experience simply as “a lifesaver.” It gave her the chance to rest, reset, and return with renewed energy for everything ahead.

And that’s really the story of this season.

More hats. More movement. More responsibility.

But also more connection, more growth, and more moments of seeing exactly where she’s meant to be.

Because whether she’s behind a desk, behind the wheel, or somewhere in between, Mary Faith is right where she needs to be — faithfully serving, one hat at a time.

- 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

Mary Faith, Español, and a Whole Lot of Suitcases

 ¿Cómo se dice, “Mary Faith is at language school,” en español? Oh, never mind — we’ll keep it in English before someone has to diagram a sentence. But yes, it’s true: Mary Faith is once again immersed in language school, bravely tackling the very grammar concepts most of us avoided by pretending our high school textbooks were decorative. This morning’s adventure? Choosing the correct pronouns for direct and indirect objects. Ay, caramba.

If that seems familiar, it’s because Mary Faith has been to this language school before. She’s committed to speaking clearly to the people she’s moved to Honduras to serve — not just nodding politely and hoping context clues will save her.

“I’m enjoying the school,” she said. “It’s a key part of helping me communicate better in Spanish. Plus, it has been a challenge to attend church and not understand what is being said.”

Next week, the students will head to a local school to sing songs and play games with the kids — a lively blend of ministry, vocabulary practice, and trying to remember the Spanish word for “tag.” The school also schedules regular outings, including trips to the vegetable market where the produce is fresh, and the opportunities to practice Spanish are even fresher.

But language school hasn’t been her only adventure. Mary Faith spent August in Phoenix, visiting family and helping her two younger sons pack up their rental house and move into campus housing. In September, she and Kirstin embarked on their cross-country odyssey — a backpack-collecting pilgrimage with mileage that would make a long-haul trucker proud. Because the route looped through North Carolina twice, Mary Faith got to see her oldest son and his wife two times… and that’s when she received joyful news: she’s going to be a grandmother this spring.

Two weeks after returning to Honduras, she packed up again for language school, where she’ll remain until December 19th. You may be thinking, “Surely she’ll have time to settle back into life in Gracias after that.” Oh, sweet optimism. She flies home to Phoenix on December 22nd to spend Christmas with her family. If suitcases earned frequent flyer miles, hers would have elite status by now.

And then — the surprise of the season. Last week, Mary Faith received her Honduran residency card.

“It was a total surprise,” she said. “I’d been told it could take a year or a year and a half. I sent in my paperwork in June and got an email a couple of weeks ago saying I could go to Tegucigalpa and show my passport. They said it would take five more days to get the card, but I walked out with it that same day.”

The residency card means she no longer has to leave Honduras every ninety days. While she has treasured those frequent visits with family, she certainly won’t miss the extra travel expenses (or the packing… and unpacking… and repacking).

While she’s in the States over the holidays, Mary Faith would love to connect with churches, small groups, or individuals interested in partnering with her ministry. And if you won’t be nearby? Not a problem. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology — and a reliable Wi-Fi signal — she’s happy to set up a Zoom call to share more about her work, her needs, and what God is doing through her in Honduras.

If you’d like to learn how you can support Mary Faith as she continues serving full-time on the mission field, feel free to reach out. She’d love to hear from you.

- 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

"PR" time: Prayer Requests and Praise Reports

It’s time for a PR blog post! And no, this isn’t a public relations update — around here, PR stands for Prayer Requests and Praise Reports. There’s plenty of both to go around this week at Sowers4Pastors.

Trish & Allen

Trish and Allen will be heading to the States on Friday for a six-week visit, meeting with churches to introduce the brand-new S4P sponsorship program. Please pray for them to have a healthy, safe, and productive trip, full of meaningful conversations and open hearts.

Kirstin & Mary Faith

This one’s a two-for-one: a praise report and a prayer request.

After a month of collecting backpacks, logging miles in Penske trucks, and hauling countless boxes, Kirstin and Mary Faith are finally back in Honduras! They’re catching their breath this week before jumping back into action: Mary Faith with new Spanish classes and Kirstin back in the office.

Pray for rest, strength, and smooth transitions as they shift gears.

Kirstin's birthday was right after her return from the US trip.
There was a LOT of energy displayed at this birthday gathering! LOL

Containers (a.k.a. “Get Outta Here!")

Here’s a big praise: the food container that recently arrived has already been released from Customs! As Brandy said with a laugh, “This time the inspectors said, ‘Get outta here, container!’” We're so grateful that God answered prayers for an easy process.

Meanwhile, the container for shipping all of the boxes of backpacks has arrived at its loading site in Maryland. This week it will be loaded and shipped! Please pray for another smooth trip through Honduran Customs!

Once the container arrives in Gracias, the SP team will begin processing backpacks: checking, sorting, and prepping each one to make sure it’s ready for its “forever home.”

New Kids on the Block

Here's a sneak peek at some of the 
children in the new program!

On Tuesday, the staff went out to register children for the new sponsorship program, adding 110 new kids! Their profiles are being processed now, so Trish and Allen can introduce them to potential sponsors during their U.S. visit.

That’s both a praise report and a prayer request, and a beautiful reminder of why the work continues.

Coffee Harvest(s)

The harvest is coming! The harvest is coming!

 (Please read that with all the excitement of Paul Revere galloping across the countryside.)

Brandy reports that this should be a big harvest year. The first small harvest triggers the rest of the coffee berries to ripen, so while the first picking requires only a few workers, the next rounds will need many skilled hands. Please pray for enough qualified and willing pickers — and for strength and endurance as the harvest will overlap with the arrival of the Maryland backpack container.

Double the work, double the prayers!

A Little Teaser

Without spoiling next week’s surprise, we’re thrilled to announce that a new staff member is joining the S4P team!

Alexandra, a Honduran native, will soon be moving from Tegucigalpa to Gracias to begin her new role. She’ll get her own blog post soon (trust us, she deserves it!), but for now, please pray for her transition to be smooth and joyful.

As Brandy reminded us, S4P has been praying for God to send people with a heart to serve — and this is one very tangible answer to that prayer.

In Closing

From new faces and full hearts to coffee cherries and customs clearances, God’s fingerprints are everywhere in the details. Thank you for standing alongside Sowers4Pastors!  Your prayers and encouragement keep this ministry moving forward, one praise report at a time.

 - posted by Christi

From Nervous Beginnings to Bold Preaching: Gabriel’s Pastor Training Story

It’s been a little while since we’ve given an update on Pastor Training School, but that doesn’t mean things have been quiet. In fact, exciting things are happening — just ask 28-year-old Gabriel Perdomo, who is about to become one of the youngest graduates of the program.

Most of the students at the Pastor Training School are in their forties and fifties, but Gabriel’s path to the school began earlier. His father, a local pastor and former student of the program, encouraged him to enroll. Gabriel trusted his dad’s advice and has found his time there to be, in his words, “a great experience.” He even got married during his first year, and his wife is just as thankful for the opportunities the school has opened for him.

Growing up as a pastor’s son, Gabriel has listened to more sermons than he can count. But just a week and a half ago, he delivered his very first one. “I was so nervous,” he admitted, “but God helped me. And my dad was very happy. He always tells me he is very proud of me.”

The training Gabriel has received has equipped him to study the Bible deeply, structure a sermon clearly, and present it in a way that people can understand. He works with the youth at his father’s church, and some of them were in the congregation to hear his very first sermon. For Gabriel, it was a milestone moment — not just in his education, but in his ministry.

Unlike some students who travel many hours to attend class, Gabriel lives only five minutes away from the institute. That proximity has made it easier for him to invest deeply in his studies — and in October, as a graduate, he’ll carry that training with him into a lifetime of ministry.

Gabriel’s story is a reminder of why Pastor Training School exists: to equip men and women of all ages to serve their communities, their churches, and the Kingdom of God with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s a nervous first sermon or decades of experience, every graduate carries forward the same mission — to faithfully share God’s Word and shepherd His people.

Please keep Gabriel and all of the students and instructors in your prayers. 

 - posted by Christi

ps - Some of you may recognize Gabriel, as he is a member of the Sowers4Pastors staff!

The Mission Field Has No Borders - a message from our Honduran missionaries

Regardless of how far a missionary travels to serve, the calling comes with unique challenges. That’s why Alejandro, Secia, and Brandy — who are Honduran — are no less “on the mission field” than their international counterparts Rachel, Kirstin, Allen, Trish, and Mary Faith. Today, Alejandro shared some heartfelt thoughts on the spiritual needs that unite all missionaries, no matter where they’re from.

When Alejandro and Secia moved to Gracias a few years ago to serve as local missionaries, they were met with messages of congratulations and encouragement. The same was true when Brandy stepped into ministry. But as Alejandro later shared, that first year wasn’t easy. They didn’t know anyone beyond the Sowers4Pastors team, they weren’t familiar with the area, and they had to adjust to a different culture within their own country.

Since then, Alejandro and Secia have planted a church that now includes Brandy, Rachel, and Kirstin among its members. Recently, their church took part in a spiritual retreat at a camp owned by a church in Tegucigalpa, joining with other churches for two days of renewal and connection.

Alejandro reflected, “We spent two entire days without cell phones — without distractions. We prayed and worshiped together. Often, retreats are just for women or just for men, but all missionaries need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We’re constantly pouring out — into pastors, kids, and those around us. And sometimes we confuse a busy day with a blessed day. But those two things are not the same.”

He described the emotional and spiritual labor that comes with ministry: praying with pastors, comforting children and teachers, and sometimes crying alongside them. “We’re trying to be a light in the darkness. And to be effective in that, we must seek the Lord. This isn’t a complaint — we know God called us here. And when you know that, you have to trust that He’ll provide everything you need to do what He’s asked of you.”

Alejandro added with a chuckle, “But that doesn’t happen if you just stay on your couch. We have to move. We have to seek the Lord, read our Bibles, and pray every day. That’s one reason these retreats are so powerful. We’re reminded that yes, God brought us here — but we also have a responsibility to seek Him through prayer and His Word.”

And he has a simple, heartfelt request: “If you’re reading this, please share it. And if you can, give us a gift — the gift of prayer. Our spirits need the prayers of our brothers and sisters in the U.S. Please pray for us, for Sowers4Pastors, and for our church. We’re growing every day. With growth comes the need for even more of the Holy Spirit. We now serve 27 different communities and have recently added around 500 children to the program. We need your prayers to carry the Gospel into all of it.”

But his message isn’t only for missionaries. Alejandro closed by saying, “We want to encourage everyone to seek this kind of connection with the Lord. If we open our hearts, He can work through all of us. We can do all things — not on our own, but because it’s the Lord working through our lives.”

- posted by Christi

From Behind the Lens to the Heart of Honduras: Meet Intern Hannah

There’s a new intern in town! Hannah, a photographer from Glen Burnie, Maryland, has arrived in Gracias for a nearly three-month internship with Sowers4Pastors — and she’s already off to a wonderful start.

Hannah first visited Honduras last year with a team from Lighthouse Church. That trip, she admits, changed everything.

“It was life-changing,” she said. “I honestly didn’t expect anything major to come from it. But once I got here, it became a turning point in my life.”

As a child, Hannah felt drawn to missions, but over time, that calling faded into the background. The trip with Lighthouse reawakened something deeply meaningful—and unmistakable.

Back home in Maryland, Hannah works as a photographer, mostly capturing weddings and graduations. While the work is rewarding in its own way, it didn’t spark quite the same joy as photographing children during Vacation Bible School in Honduras.

“It just felt different,” she said. “I was proud of that work. When I heard that Sowers4Pastors would be losing their photographer because Esdras was leaving, it felt like an answered prayer — before I had even prayed.”

Hannah now feels strongly that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. Though the distance from home can be difficult, she isn’t ruling out the possibility of returning long-term. For now, her plan is to head back to Maryland in August, work for a while, and then return to Gracias when she can.

She’s currently staying in the house Mary Faith is renting and adjusting to life in Honduras — including a slower pace and not being able to go out on her own whenever she wants. But she’s not bored. In fact, she’s even enjoying the day-to-day tasks like cooking and doing laundry. She and Mary Faith plan to explore more of the area together soon.

One of the biggest highlights? Reconnecting with the friends she made during last year’s trip. Hannah says Alejandro, Secia, and their two children have also welcomed her like family.

“It already feels like home,” she shared. “I’m so blessed to have these people in my life.”

Of course, the stunning views around Gracias haven’t gone unnoticed, either.

So far, Hannah’s days have been filled with school visits — delivering letters and rice — and doing office work, and she’s enjoyed every bit of it. She’s also practicing her Spanish. Back home, she attends both Lighthouse Church and a Spanish-speaking church, so she’s able to understand more than she can speak. She and her friends are able to communicate with each other and use their phones to help with translation when needed.

Please keep Hannah in your prayers as she continues this journey. And stay tuned—we’ll be sharing some of her beautiful photography soon!

 - posted by Christi

Mary Faith, Missions, and a Ministry House Surprise

So, what’s new with Mary Faith? We're glad you asked! As it turns out, she carved out some early morning time during her current trip to Arizona to fill us in.

The view from Mary Faith's
new house! 

If you’ve been following her journey, you may remember that she was originally told she’d need to leave Honduras every three months until she receives residency. That’s mostly true — but Mary Faith recently discovered a helpful little loophole: once she officially applies for residency, she’ll be able to stay put by paying a small monthly fee. In the meantime, she's happy to make regular visits back to the States to see her family.

She’s also still hard at work on fundraising. Currently, she’s about 50% funded and living on faith — literally. Some generous one-time gifts helped her make the move to Honduras, but she knows those funds won’t stretch forever. One of her big goals is to return to immersive language school this fall—ideally for three months (October through December). She has one month covered so far, but as any adult language learner can tell you, consistency is key — so a longer stay would be a huge blessing.

Why the renewed focus on Spanish? Because Mary Faith longs to engage more deeply with her local church community. As someone who’s been involved in church life for years, it’s tough not to fully grasp the rapid-fire sermons and conversations. Gaining fluency would open the door to relationships, participation, and purpose in a setting that already feels like home.

Speaking of home — there’s a new development on that front too!

After weeks of searching, Alejandro helped Mary Faith find a house... and not just any house. It's grander than anything she imagined for herself—but it’s also a perfect fit for something Sowers4Pastors has long hoped for: a ministry house to host interns and small teams. The new place checks all the boxes, with four generous bedrooms—three of which can be outfitted with bunk beds galore. Mary Faith’s bedroom will become a private suite, giving her the space she needs while she takes on the role of housemother.

The communal spaces are being furnished with help from the ministry, and the house will already be in use when she returns—hosting a short-term intern. And the rent? A total steal, since homes that large typically aren’t in high demand in the area.

Best of all, it’s only a two-minute walk from Alejandro and Cesia’s home, in a safe, gated community. Oh, and yes — it has kitchen cabinets. (A big win on Mary Faith’s wishlist!)

Over the past three months, Mary Faith worked almost daily to update the profiles of children in the sponsorship program. The work was detailed and repetitive, but she found it deeply rewarding. Knowing that these updates help connect kids with sponsors makes every spreadsheet cell feel like part of a much bigger picture.

As she gets ready to return to Honduras next week, Mary Faith is filled with gratitude — for new doors opening, for family visits, and for the opportunity to serve.

Would you pray about partnering with Mary Faith financially as she continues this calling? She’s doing the work. She’s got the heart. Now she just needs the support to keep going strong.

 - posted by Christi

Here's the link where you can donate to Mary Faith's support (just choose her from the list of donation purposes): Donation Page

Welcome, Mary Faith!

 Please read the following in your best rap artist voice: Yo, yo, yo. Mary Faith is in the house! Okay, that was fun, right? Now that we’ve had our moment, let’s take this opportunity to officially welcome Mary Faith to Gracias and to Sowers4Pastors!

While it’s true that Mary Faith is currently in a house in Gracias, she’s not yet in her own house. She’s staying in Brandy and Rachel’s guest room while they work on finding her a home in a safe and suitable area. However, with S4P just wrapping up the second coffee harvest and just finished hosting a team from Edgewater Alliance Church (not to mention being in the thick of team season in general), house-hunting time has been limited.

Mary Faith with family

As you can imagine, moving to a new country comes with its fair share of challenges. Brandy put it this way: “She left her culture, her family, her language — everything — to serve the Lord. We are grateful for her and excited to work with her for as many years as she stays.”

Some of the challenges of moving internationally aren’t the ones you’d immediately think of — like figuring out where to buy nail clippers! Rachel explained, “That’s a simple thing, but if you don’t know the word, it’s hard to find them. In Gracias, I would probably go to the pharmacy rather than the grocery store. But in the U.S., it can be one and the same, with a pharmacy inside a grocery store.” It’s these little adjustments that make for a unique transition.

So far, Rachel and Brandy have only had one day to help Mary Faith house hunt, and even that was a learning experience. For example, she was surprised to find that in Honduras, it’s not uncommon for homes to lack kitchen cabinets. Rachel shared, “Half of the houses I’ve lived in didn’t have cabinets. A lot of homes just have a counter, and you put a curtain underneath it to store things.”

Rachel also pointed out that adjusting to a new culture is challenging enough for a young person who is used to relying on others. But for Mary Faith — an empty nester who is accustomed to having the answers — it’s a different kind of challenge.

Initially, S4P wanted to make sure Mary Faith had time to rest before jumping into work. But by day three of “resting,” she announced that she was bored and was quickly put to work! Since then, she’s been staying busy, going out with the EAC team, and helping with office tasks like updating children’s profiles in the system.

The days ahead will continue to be full of activity. In addition to finding a home, she’ll need to open a bank account and take care of all the logistical details that come with an international move. She is also continuing to raise funds, as she stepped out on faith and moved before reaching 100% of her financial support. (If you'd like to financially support Mary Faith as she works with Sowers4Pastors, click here, and chose "Mary Faith Yoder support" as the purpose of the donation.)

Please pray for Mary Faith as she adjusts to life in Honduras and her role in the ministry. Pray for the perfect house that will meet all of her needs. And stay tuned — Mary Faith will be sharing more about her experiences in the near future!

 - posted by Christi