Today we had a work day at the soup kitchen. The Sumners put up a chain link fence with razor wire around it for security. He said that it was looking a little like a prison and wanted to spruce it up for the kids. We took all ten tables and the twenty benches and sanded them down smooth. We then painted the metal legs and the underneath black. The tops are a painted either: blue, red, green, orange, or yellow. It makes the place look amazing. Some of the kids were walking by as we worked and were already picking out which one they wanted to sit at. This is the other side of mission life. Many times people want to do the glorious preaching and revivals; but they fail to realize the practicality of physically working to maintain the ministry. People want to be a “preacher” or a “missionary” without the work. The Sumner’s work a whole lot more that people do not see, than they do the “glorious” things that people do see.
Today we started out the day by going to a police station in Danli. Bro Chris preached and several came forward to pray. We then spent several hours in Danli looking at the local shops. We had the second night of the youth revival, and Daniel preached first. Bro Brock followed with a challenge to pick up the mantle for the ministry. The Lord moved greatly and the old and young alike cried out to God. We prayed with them for quite a while. I am sure that the results will be evident in times to come. I have made good friends with one of the young boys in the church, I went to pray with him, and he raised his hands to God crying. It touched my heart to see God dealing with a nine year old boy about the ministry. The Lord called me too preach when I was ten. I know what The Lord can do with a young willing heart. If he surrenders his life to God now, there is no telling what can and will happen in this country. Tomorrow night we start the kids crusade.
Today our schedule was changed from the usual services. A high ranking colonel called Bro. Alan and asked him to pray over an official ceremony they were having. We went and were seated with several high military leaders and the mayor of Danli. It is amazing to see how open this country is to the gospel. The Sumners are spreading the Word of God to almost every military and police base in the country. Bro. Alan told me that all of the public school systems are also open to evangelism, but they are already stretched too thin as it is. The harvest is truly ready, but the laborers are few. There is no telling what could be accomplished in this country if people would come. Tonight we will be starting a two night youth revival in the Sumner’s church. I am excited and anticipate God to move and encourage the youth to continue to serve Him.
Today we went to four bases. We started the day out by visiting the Special Investigation Police Station for Tegucigalpa. This is a shorter service compared to the others. It is more of morning devotions for them. After that we proceeded to the 1st Battalion. The men of this group are the first ones called for any instance that occurs in the capitol city. Whether it is a domestic disturbance, drug trafficking, fire fighting, or even medical aid. These men are the first in and the last out. Actually during the service they were called to a fire and had to leave after the singing. Several years ago some politicians questioned whether or not the military should be kept in operation. The Military responded by expanding their operation from just defense to that of a sort of National Guard. This made them indispensable to the nation. They respond to any natural disasters that may occur. Our third stop was the National Police Academy. These men were very excited and responsive to us. The Lord has opened a great opportunity in this place. It is a four year program that trains men to become officers. The Sumners are able to preach to these men once every week for four years. Many of these soldiers have been converted to Christ over the years. The advantage that this brings is that after these men graduate they will go all over the nation to serve in individual bases. This creates great favor among the military leaders of tomorrow. The Colonels have testified that since the Sumner’s started coming that the overall morality and morale has increased. I had the opportunity to preach to this great audience. There were probably 200 men present. I preached on 1 John 1:5,10; and presented them with an illustration of light and darkness. If they were claiming to walk in the light they could not simultaneously walk in darkness. I told them that they could walk in the light and in sinless perfection just as God commands them to do. They really grasped the concept since their commanders would not give them an impossible task, just like God knows that we are able to live in holiness. Many of them raised their hands to God and prayed after the preaching. The last place of the day was the Military Academy. There was close to three hundred men here. Once again this presents future benefits. The men love to sing songs, and even in English. All day the presence of the Lord was present in the services. It is a different feeling not to understand what is being done and spoken, but to still see and feel the convicting and drawing of the Holy Ghost in the hearts of men and women. Bro Sumner took us to a place on the side of the highway that serves the most amazing “meat plates”. It is among the best Latin food that I have ever eaten. God is faithful, and continues to guide and bless the efforts of our group.
Today we traveled to the south of Honduras to one of the Naval Bases. It was a beautiful sight to behold as we descended into the lower altitudes towards the west coast of Honduras. The Navy base is on a volcanic island named Tiger Island. Bro. Pahlman preached the first service of the trip. The Holy Spirit was evident in the work of conviction. The men were very serious and receptive to the message. After the service we were shown the patrol boats they use to watch for drug trafficking, and then we were given a tour of the island. They have black beaches because of the volcanic residue. There is a cobblestone road that goes approximately for 10 miles all the way around the island. We were treated to fresh fish, which was delicious. Our next service was only about thirty minutes away; and once we arrived we were very warmly and enthusiastically welcomed. The ranking Colonel is a Christian and greatly enjoys the Sumner’s work. We sang and testified, and then I preached on “What are you thinking about?” Paul the apostle was trained in the law by Gamaliel; he thought and dwelt on it. Mary, when presented with the option of sitting at the feet of Jesus or working in the kitchen, chose Jesus. She wanted to dwell on the teachings of Jesus. I asked them what they were thinking about. If they dwell on the things of the world; they will be of the world. However, if they would dwell on the things of God, they could become partakers with Christ. I presented a simple gospel message, and after the service a soldier walked up to me and began to speak. I called for Rachel to interpret for us. She told me that the man said that he wanted to pray and give his heart to the Lord. Bro Alan Sumner and I prayed with him. He was very sincere, and even though I could not understand what he was saying I could feel the power of the Holy Ghost moving and drawing his heart to repentance. This has been a wonderful day; no problems and great services. Tonight we spend the night in the capitol to continue travelling to the bases early tomorrow.
P.S. I have a slight sunburn from the beautiful weather. My body has become accustomed to the overcast winter in Pennsylvania. Upon arriving safely in Tegucigalpa International Airport I felt the thrill of the events to
come. My first observations were of the tropical climate, and the surrounding mountains. It is a beautiful country, and just like America it is full of people that are searching for something more. I know that God has great things in store for this trip. Please continue to pray for us as we endeavor to minister in Honduras. |
AuthorAaron Gilles is a Senior at Free Gospel Bible Institute. ArchivesCategories |