H.O.P.E. Mission Ministry

★★★★★

Last year when I went to Honduras was my first time going on a mission trip. I arrived nervous to step out of my comfort zone but excited to see what God would do the week I was there; He did not disappoint! (Does he ever?) the heart that I saw for serving God and serving others while I was there was unmatched. God opened my eyes to his love while loving others. And that is the whole point right? To love God and love people. God also opened my eyes to my want to continue to be involved in mission work. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity and the experience I had last year in Honduras, and I am excited to continue to be Jesus’ hands and feet for many years to come!  

Chad Butler

Volunteer

★★★★★

I was hesitant to switch to a new software platform, but I’m so glad I did. This software has I went into the mission trip not fully knowing what to expect but knowing that I felt called to go and serve the people of Honduras. As a nurse, I help people every day, but this experience was different. From the moment we arrived the staff, the volunteers, and the children made us feel like a part of their family. To say that this trip changed my life is the biggest understatement I can make. Witnessing the poor living condition of most of the residents was an eye-opening experience. However, despite their living conditions the people of Honduras seem genuinely happy. I was able to also witness fist-hand how the people of Honduras fully rely on God for everything and seeing this only made me want to strengthen my relationship with God even more. When I returned home, I realized how many luxuries here in the United States that I take for granted and it gave me a new level of appreciation for all that I have. I look forward to returning to Honduras and continuing our mission.

Andrea Coulter

Volunteer

★★★★★

This mission trip is definitely one I will never forget. As soon as I saw my parents, I looked at both of them and said, “you should’ve seen it.” THEN, the waterworks came and everyone in the airport looked at me like I was crazy. There are lots of unforgettable images, some good but then there are some that are rough. If you asked me where I saw God…my answer would be, everywhere. As much as I want to explain what all I saw, I can’t. This is just one of those things that you have to see in person in order to fully understand. Im not going to lie, I didn’t want to come home. The people are the sweetest and all they do is talk about God. I have gained some family members that I will never forget. There wasn’t one conversation that didn’t involve God. The last day, no joke – Brianne and I were crying because of how peaceful it was and just how we didn’t want to leave. Aside from everything, it’s just a different world and it opens your eyes up, it’s for sure opened mine up. My reasoning for going on this trip was to share His word, my love, and my heart. I know for a fact I accomplished every one of those. It has changed me in a way, to where I now question why God chose me. On the way home, I just remember feeling angry and confused – like, why do I have all that I have and then there’s people in Honduras who literally have nothing. I told my parents as soon as I got in the car, I don’t want anything I have. I wish I could just give it all away. 

But then I thought a little more; there are people like us who were made to serve and provide just as He did. To be the “likeness” of Him. So, I get it. God is easily using His grace to let others see Him through me, like I already mentioned: my love and my heart. (Titus 2:11). 

With that being said, God is not done, and I feel it. 

Kate Stillinger:

Volunteer