Pictures from Day 5

Ken working with the children at the school.















Lisa and John serving us lunch.















Barry, Walter, Byron and Pam getting ready for lunch.












Barry enjoying the lunch break!















Harvey and the children.

Mary taking a break from the painting.

Walter finishing painting the shelves.

Day Five

Today began with our group devotional early in the morning. Today´s lesson was all about not knowing who we touch in our lives. That when we show love (or not) you never know who is watching and what that will do for them later in their lives. And thus, we should always show and be the light of Christ. We then sang a few songs before heading to breakfast.


The construction team went back to the construction site in Nueve de Julio and spent the morning working with the work crew. They worked to help secure and set up the molds that were needed to build the walls and continue the foundation. The education team returned to the school to teach and love on the children in Nueve de Julio. Today´s lesson was about ´The Last Supper´ and we were aided today by our friend Emilio. Personally, I feel like I´m finally understanding how to teach these children. Today we had a third group (Barry and Byron) who were working in and with the clinic in El Pino.


Lunch brought us together again and it was such a blessing to hear all about the great work that is happening out in the ´field´of Nueve de Julio and in El Pino. It also gave us a moment to share with the some of the local people in El Pino. And like yesterday, the Lunch Lady (John) and his helpers (Sandi and the other two women) prepared such a fantastic meal. It is also so interesting to watch the local children line up for what we have left after we are finished. They really are just hungry..both for food and for loving attention.


The afternoon (since there was no classes in Nueve de Julio because of a teacher strike) kept the education team in El Pino. We (Ken and myself-and Sandi for a bit) played games and hung out with the local children in El Pino who were not in school or who only went in the morning. It really is fun to play soccer and throw the frisbee out in the hot sun. Mary and Walter spent the afternoon helping Barry paint shelves and other things for the clinic. Those on the construction team returned to the worksite and began filling the molds for the concrete walls. The team has to mix the concrete, haul it in buckets to the molds/frame, and then fill the molds for the walls. Hard work for sure, and not for the faint of heart.

After some rest and down time, the team (and our three drivers) went to have dinner at a local restaurant. The food was excellent, but the company was even better. I am having the best time getting to know these men and women who are serving with me down here in Honduras. On a fun note, the music playing in the restaurant was fantastic. It was a mixed CD that played a variety of music ranging from Johnny Cash, to Grease, to Elton John, to Elvis, to Fame. There was even Amazing Grace on the CD. Needless to say, our team loved listening while we ate.

As I reflect on Day Five, I am reminded that our goal is really to show God´s love at all times. The work here is hard but so rewarding. It is hard for a number of reasons (both mental and physical) and is different for each member of our team. For me, seeing so many children in need of just a hug or a smile is so difficult. And on top of that, I found out today that the teachers in this school make less than $500 a month...amazing. I know for other members of our team, the physical work is hard on the muscles. However, they are constantly encouraged by the work ethic of the young men on the work crew. Each team member seems to come away each day with something new, but collectively we keep saying how much we are being blessed by these people.

It seems amazing to me that we are more than halfway through this journey and I feel that we have so much more to give and do. Tomorrow will bring new experiences and adventures which I cannot wait to explore. Till next time, love and do not fear.....
--Harvey Oaxaca

Day Four

Today began with no rain and the sun ready at full blast. (a.k.a. It was hot.) But we began the day ready to do great work. Our team gathered early in the morning four our devotional which was all about trusting each other and really working to do our best. While we did have a few people not feeling well, we pressed on and went to the work sites shortly after breakfast.

The construction team (Sandi, Terry, David, Pam, and Brad) began work early in the morning helping the team of men from Honduras by cutting and tying rebar. They also worked to clear and dig the footings that go around the foundation of the house in order to begin laying the molds for the concrete.

The education team (Mary, Ken, Walter, and myself) headed to the school at Nueve de Julio. After we figured out where we were supposed to be, we each taught 30-40 minutes to four different groups of students on a rotation basis. Today´s lesson was Palm Sunday and the students also did arts and crafts, recreation, and learned a bit of English. There were approximately 200 students in the four classes. One class had about 70 students in it..talk about a teaching challenge.

Lunch brought with it its own excitement. John, with the help of Lisa and two local ladies, prepared a fantastic feast for the teams of people who were working on and with our teams. Bryon had spent the morning working in the clinic and coordinating getting medical supplies to the portable clinic which is to happen on Tuesday. During lunch in El Pino, we saw the kids from last Saturday and feed them what was left of our lunches. What a sight to behold. Then it was time to get back to work.

The afternoon brought with it lots of heat and a canceled school. So, the education team decided to go back to the school and play games out in the field with which ever kids showed up. We play various games with the local kids (5-22) for several hours. The construction team (joined by John and Lisa) spent the afternoon mixing and pouring concrete. (They even let me take part in some of the mixing toward the end of the day.)

After the hard day, we returned to shower and get ready for dinner. This was the first time our team had really been together since Saturday morning and it was so much fun to hang out with everyone and really relax. To finish off the evening, we gathered as a team to debrief the day and were surprised by Pastor Carlos who arrived to simply check on us and our progress.

All in all it was a fantastic day. A day that made me personally rethink how I teach and better ways to educate children in such a short time. I feel like I did my best for today, but tomorrow I can do better. Likewise, it helped me remember why we are here and that sometimes showing God´s love is as simple as a smile or a hug. Till next time, love and do not fear......
--Harvey Oaxaca

Pictures from Day 4

The school we are working at this week.

Afternoon recreation, with the education team.

Students from Nueve de Julio.

Lisa mixing concrete.

Sandi mixing concrete.

Pam working with rebarb.

Brad and John getting ready to lay concrete.

The construction site at the end of the first day.

Sandi, Lisa, Ken, and David at the end of a long day of work. (The other two men are our drivers..Carlos and Ricardo.)

Pictures from Day 3

The Aposento Alto church where we went on Sunday morning.

Inside of the ´church in the round´.

It is Pastor Carlos, pastor of Aposento Alto (but was in El Pino in years past).

At the church in El Pino, Joseph, Harvey and

Elder wait for the service to begin.

The church service in El Pino.

Day Three

Sunday began somewhat slower but was filled with lots of excitement. The group who was still here in La Ceiba went to breakfast at a local cafeteria where they serve some of the best pancakes I´ve eaten. We did have to bring our own syrup but it was still great. Then it was time to head to church.

We attended ´church in the round´at a Methodist church called Aposento Alto with Pastor Carlos. The service was simple and yet (for me) deeply profound. They had an electric keyboard with Pastor Carlos´son playing away and two other young ladies singing the praise songs. Though the congregation was small, the Spirit was there and these people were filled with it. During Pastor Carlos´message, he asked a young lady (probably 14 or 15) to translate for us. She did an amazing job and when she got too nervous or wasn´t sure she began to look at Pam and myself for help. It was amazing thing to be a part of. Carlos´message was simple...God is love, love other people. This is a message we are hoping to live out here in Honduras.

The afternoon was spent resting and for some of us trying to discover new local shops to browse. Sandi, Lisa, Brad, Pam, and myself even treked several blocks to a souviner shop and then rewarded ourselves with a Wendy´s frosting for making it back. As the afternoon came to an end, we went to eat some local food in a small restaurant and welcome Byron, Walter, Barry, and John back from Roatan.

The night ended with a trip to the church in El Pino. Again this service was simple but filled with the Spirit. We were able to continue building relationships with many people but espcially Joseph, Elder, and Emilio. Our team spoke with and hung out with the children and adults of El Pino and truly enjoyed the service (even though we could understand all of it). Ken, Mary and I interviewed Emilio to see where he was in school and what else he needs from us.

Day three was less on the work and more on building relationships. However, it has prepared us for the work of the week. Our devotional scripture was Ephisians 5:1-2. Till next time, love and do not fear.....
--Harvey Oaxaca

Day Two

The day began with breakfast at the hotel with the group from Simpsonwood United Methodist. We said our good-byes to them along with Byron, John, Walter, and Barry who headed to Roatan via the ferry. The members from our team went to see what can be done to help the people there and how we can continue our mission in Honduras in future years. They should return to us Sunday evening. With Byron gone, our new ´La Heffe´ was Lisa (who did a great job).

We decide to spend the day in El Pino despite the rain. Ken and Mary were sure that if we just went to the church we could find children to hangout and play games with, while the other part of the team planned to paint some rooms in the clinic there in El Pino. When we got to El Pino, Ken, Mary and I went out and ´Pied Pipper style´went around the village and rounded up children to come to the church. The three of us, along with Sandi and Lisa, played games, did crafts, and just had a great time hanging out with about 40 of the local children. Sandi even taught the ´Hamster Dance´which I just loved!!! David and Pam spent the time holding babies and talking with the mothers. While Terry and Brad, took pictures and spoke with the local people as well. It was such a beautiful experience. As we finished, the keys to the clinic arrived and the painters (Sandi, Brad, David, and Terry) were able to get started on the painting. Ken, Lisa, Mary, Pam, and I went to the village of Nueve de Julio to speak with Elder. While we didn´t find Elder there, we did get to speak with his family and several other people whose homes were built by previous St. Mark teams. Upon our return to the clinic, Pam and Ken went to find and interview Emilio and his family, while Terry and a few others spoke with Joseph. (For those who don´t know, Elder, Emilio, and Joseph are three men who are on scholarships from our church to help fund their education. They also have special places in the hearts of our teams and church.)

We returned to La Ceiba mid afternoon to have lunch at Church´s Chicken and watch the rest of the USA v Ghana game with our drivers (Ricardo, Carlos, and Carlos). The rest of the afternoon was spent walking through the streets of La Ceiba experiencing life on the streets in the outdoor markets. Some of us even made it down to the beach..which is not quite like the beaches in Roatan. Before dinner we had some time and our friend Elder came to the hotel so that Ken and Mary (and I as the translator...yes, I was the translator) could interview him about his scholarship needs for school. We spoke for about an hour in Spanish. I learned a lot about this 26 year old man who dreams of being a nurse. St. Markers...whatever money you are giving to help support these scholarships it is well worth it! Those here who receive it are very deserving.

We then took off for dinner at the mall. Let me interject at this point that the driving here in Honduras is quiet an experience. It really is like the ´rules of the road´are VERY loosly defined and might as well just be...survive. The mall was a fun time and we finished our evening at Applebee´s. (I´m learning that the American restaurants are much safer in terms of health.)

As I look back on Day 2, I am just overwhelmed with emotions. It was truly a beautiful day! As a team we were able to go and begin doing God´s work here in El Pino. For me, it is great to see the relationships that have formed here with our teams and the people of El Pino and Nueve de Julio. Some of these people haven´t seen ¨us¨ in at least two years but you would have thought that they were best friends and that they were here last week. It is amazing!! From kids to adults, they remember by name people on our team. On a personal note, to be able to translate in Spanish for an hour after spending time with 40 children that morning...well, I´m speachless. It is only Day 2 and I have already been blessed beyond measure. Lastly, I would say that the difference between wealth and poverty here is in such contrast. Wealth also has a different meaning in this part of Honduras which is difficult at times to see.

Till next time, love and do not fear....
-Harvey Oaxaca

Pictures from Day 2

Pam trying to get the little girl to look at the camera.

Ken, Lisa, Mary, and Sandi playing games with the kids of El Pino.

The kids are decorating hacky-sacks.

This is the dentist office of the clinic in El Pino.

Terry finishing up the painting of the medical supply closet.

The streets of La Ceiba.

Life on the streets of La Ceiba.

This is the hotel where we are staying in La Ceiba.

Part of the group after dinner at the mall.

Day One

The day started well with the team arriving at the airport ready for the adventure that awaited us. The flight was smooth and really uneventful...in fact, one of the better flights I´ve been on. It was fun to watch ¨Valentine´s Day¨in Spanish. A few members of our group were even sitting in First Class. Not me though, I like to be with the common folk. :) Once we got to San Pedro Sula, the immigration line began. It took a while, and we ended up all getting into the ´fast´line which got us through faster than others who had been waiting longer. The airport was a buzz with the Honduran game which began as we got through customs. Most of the airport was watching the multiple screens showing the game. I was lucky enough to watch the game on the large screens in the middle of the airport while I waited to get lunch at Wendy´s. Yes, I said Wendy´s. Then it was time to exchange some money from the man walking around the airport. Again, yes, I said the random man walking through the airport. The team said that they knew him and trusted him so exchange we did. Then it was off to La Ceiba.

The trip through the beautiful countryside took about three hours. During this time, we were able to see the beautiful, green mountains and forestry that cover Honduras. Some of the sights...children walking barefoot along the highway, animals grazing along the side of the road, fences made of sticks that have taken root and sprouted trees, and of course beautiful homes along side some shacks. It was a beautiful and eye-opening sight. The fuel break at the gas station was nice and allowed the drivers, and us, to grabe a snack while finishing watching Honduras tie in their soccer game.

The Hotel Gran Paris here in La Ceiba is fantastic and the people are so nice. Many of the staff actually remember members of the team which is fun. Once we got here, we met up with Jimmy Thompson and his wife and the Simpsonwood UMC group for our walk to Zion Church for dinner. The ladies of the church prepared a wonderfully rich and delicious meal for our groups. A point of interest is that we ate in the room that was renovated by previous St. Mark Mission Teams. It was also nice to meet the group from Simpsonwood and ´take the torch´from them as they leave tomorrow.

As we gathered for our evening team meeting, I realized that I was among some great people with wonderful hearts. We are ready for the work to begin. The next few days will bring with it some interesting logistical issues but I know that it will be fine and that God will continue to lead us. Wrapping up the day, our devotional was centered around 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and how we are all a part of the body. It takes each of us doing our part to make this trip possible and really when one of us hurts (either here or back home) the whole body hurts.

Keep our other team member Roger and his daughter in your prayers....and till next time, love and do not fear.....
--Harvey Oaxaca

(PS-When I try and spell check, it says everything is misspelled because it isn´t in Spanish. So, I´ll do my best but if there are some misspellings, I ask for forgiveness ahead of time.)

Pictures from Day 1

Part of the group as they passed the other part of the group in the immigration line.


John and Brad getting a quick snack for the rest of the journey to La Ceiba.

Pam, Lisa, Byron, and Sandi...all smiles because we made it and we are on the way to La Ceiba.

Mary and Harvey enjoying the break, getting a snack.

The amazing dinner we had at Zion Church.

We Have Arrived

We made it to Honduras safe and sound. It has already been a very interesting trip with lots of stories. Here are a couple of highlights...the line at Immigration, the Honduras soccer game in the airport, our first meal at Wendy´s, and then the almost three hour drive in the rain to La Ceiba. But we are here and the team is excited. Tonight we meet up with another group from Simpsonwood UMC to have dinner. More thoughts, pictures, and details to come this evening. Just wanted everyone to know that our team is benefitting from your prayers so keep them up.
Till next time, love and do not fear....
--Harvey Oaxaca

The Night Before

Well, here it is the night before we head down to Honduras. The bags are packed, medicine is started, and I know I should be in bed but I can't sleep. There is so much running through my mind...and I have a feeling that I'm not the only one on the team who is having this same issue.

It's funny because today in all the crazy running around getting all the 'last minute' things I realized that when Jesus called the fishermen out of the sea he said come and they came. They didn't have to get anything in order. They came ready to do whatever God asked of them. At other times in the Bible we are instructed to "be still" and "prepare". It seems to be contrasting really...don't run around going and doing but do prepare yourself for the journey? Perhaps as we begin to slow down and see what is really important we (I) will realize that it isn't all the 'last minute' items but rather reflecting on Jesus' call.

I'm learning that preparing for the journey takes a lot more 'being still' than moving and doing. Maybe this is just one of the first big lessons that Honduras will teach us. I don't know what God has in store for us but I know that whatever is there God has equipped us. Till next time, love and do not fear.....

--Harvey Oaxaca

Packing Party pictures

Byron Pittman, our mission leader, counting the number of packed suitcases.

A suitcase being filled with the donated medication, bound for the clinic in El Pino.

Terry Davis tagging one of the bags.

Ken Knox packing the much needed medication for El Pino.

Lisa Duncan and Barry Sterns weighing one of the bags hoping it's under the 50lb limit.

Packing Party

So, tonight we had our last 'official' team meeting while here in the USA in the form of a Packing Party. At this event, we all brought an extra suitcase and filled it with the supplies, medication, and food that we will be taking. We have over 600 pounds of supplies and medication. In my extra piece of luggage, I have a portable E.K.G. machine. :) Also, our church and other friends have helped us raise over $3000 which is being spent on all that medication and resources for those in El Pino. It is truly amazing.

Getting together tonight was a great opportunity to fellowship with the men and women we will be spending time with over the next week. With less than 48 hours to go, there are many emotions running through each of us...from anxiousness, excitement, to readiness. I'm not sure where I am just yet but I'll be ready for sure by Friday morning. Lastly, we received our t-shirts which are awesome (this picture here is the logo). Till the next time, love and do not fear......

--Harvey Oaxaca

Whose on the Team?

Below is a list of our team members, the team they will be working with, and a little bit about them. We ask that you pray for us daily so that we can do God's work and minister to the people in Honduras.

Walter Allen (Education)


Brad Burden (Construction)
"I was born in Atlanta, grew up in Birmingham, and returned to Atlanta 10 years ago. I was raised in the Methodist church and graduated from Auburn University. I am employed by a large company based in the UK as a Human Resource Director covering the Southeast US. I currently reside in East Atlanta with my partner and our 2 dogs. I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. Since joining St. Mark a year ago, I have been hearing about the mission. I attended an informational meeting and all of a sudden everything naturally fell into place for me to go. So, I am answering God's call to reach out to the people of El Pino and offer my service. I am being guided by 2 Corinthians 9:13, "What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God's people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God."


Pam Buzbee (Construction)
"I consider myself an 'accidental missionary'. I never set out to go on a lot of mission trips, but from the first time I visited my daughter in Kazakhstan in 2001, I saw that there are people who struggle for their everyday existence. Since then, I gradually started going on several mission trips a year, most international (since people in the U.S. have resources) but some local such as helping Katrina victims. I have spent the past ten years working on re-learning Spanish from high school so that I can talk with the people I encounter. I've gotten to where, with their grace at my ineptness, I can at least make myself understood and understand what they are saying. The more I go, the more I feel called to continue to go, basing my calling on James 2:18, "But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith without works and I by my works will show you my faith." I'm looking forward to meeting the people of Honduras and coming home and sharing this experience with you."


Terry Davis (Construction)
"I am originally from Guyana, South America, and have been attending Saint Mark since 1995. I am a member of the Rainbow Class and have been active in the Breakfast Club for over 10 years. This is my 2nd trip to Honduras and my 4th to Central America. I believe that I have been called to establish God's kingdom here on earth. My scripture that has inspired me is John 21: 15-17, "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep." In this passage, Jesus, after his Crucifixion confronts Peter with a triple question based on his triple denial. 'Do you love me?' 'Feed my sheep.' I want to make a difference and at the end of my life I do not want to end up simply having visited this earth."


Lisa Duncan (Team Leader)
"I grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas and lived there until 1986 when a job relocation with AT&T took me to Corpus Christi, Texas--a move I had to make in order to keep my job. 22 years and (what felt like) 87 relocations later, I landed in new Jersey, a place that my partner, Cindy, calls home. In 2004, after 12 years in NJ, Cindy and I relocated to Atlanta. at my new job here in Atlanta, a fellow co-worker, Michael Hall, invited Cindy and I to St. Mark; we immediately fell in love with the church and the welcoming community, a place that has been our spiritual home for the past six years. I was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition and was very involved from an early age in the church--VBS, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Puppet Ministry, Girls Auxiliary (GA's), Church camp, and eventually, Youth Director. I wouldn't trade anything for my spiritual upbringing, but am very happy to call myself a Methodist today, especially as a member of St. Mark UMC. I became a born-again Christian at the age of 18 and truly know that God came into my life that night and changed me forever. I always thought about going on mission trips, but they were never something that I searched out and committed to over the years until coming to St. Mark. As God would have it, Cindy and I attended one of St. Mark's mini-tradeshows in Wade Hall after church one morning and learned a lot about the Honduras Mission Trip and were very interested in going. The following year (2006) we both went on the trip and have been hooked every since. This year marks my 4th trip and I just can't imagine not being a part of this mission every year. I believe the work that we do in Honduras is such an important mission, and while it's a very personal way for me to shine God's light in the world, it's also a way that I can use the gifts God gave me to share with those in precious need. The following passage is one that has inspired me over the years and one that I pray will inspire our friends in Honduras, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6: 25-34)"


John Hannula (Meals/Construction)
"Jeri and I joined Saint Mark in 1998, the day after Mike Cordle married us under the Wedding Trees in Piedmont park. Two years ago the dreadful economy retired me from 30 years as a home builder; but in 2009 a curious turn of events and people led me to start a non-profit. Today http://www.hopethrives.org/ is focused on providing training for ex-offenders, introducing computer literacy and how that knowledge can maximize their job search efforts and strategies. This is my 5th trip to Honduras and my construction buddy, Jimmy Moor, will be sorely missed. With constant prodding (grin!), Jimmy set the bar for hard work and a warm, welcoming friendship, all the in the blazing heat of El Pino and Nueve de Julio. My responsibilities for Honduras 2010 are threefold: lunch lady, concrete shoveler, and photographer. Colossians 3: 23-24, "Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ that you are serving" relate to almost all of the 'work' that we do today..but is especially meaningful to me in Honduras, being the best example of one of God's workers as I can be. As I serve Christ, I serve my Honduran brothers and sisters."


Sandi Keener (Construction)


Ken Knox (Education)
"I am a semi-retired management consultant who works primarily with nonprofit organizations that specialize in community development and affordable housing to revitalize declining neighborhoods. I am a father of four, grandfather of eight, and a widower. This is my 4th trip to Honduras. I began doing construction in my first year but have since been part of the Education team providing recreation for up to 200 Honduran kids. I love the smiling, happy people there and have adopted one family. Because of a fundraising background I'm very aware that the resources available in Honduras are almost non-existent when compared to the governmental programs that low-income Americans can access (e.g. food stamps, Medicaid, etc.) and when compared to the resources in America such as foundations, United Way, corporate philanthropy, food banks, etc. Honduras is almost void of these charitable resources outside of churches and visiting missionary teams. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is a driving force, but the scripture to "do unto these the least" is a motivator for me because I see the contrast between our two countries. I've been enriched and blessed way beyond my expectations. Partly as a result of my experiences in Honduras I led a drive to raise over $26,000 from my former classmates at the University of Indianapolis to set up a fund to supplement travel for college students who go to third world countries to engage in service projects. The first team of students recently returned from such a trip to Africa. I can hardly wait to see our Honduran friends and to get better acquainted with St. Mark team members."


David Mobley (Construction)


Mary Murray (Education)


Harvey Oaxaca (Education)
"Since I was a youth back in Texas, I have always enjoyed going on mission trips and giving back to our world in a different way. When I was a Youth Director, I had the opportunity to take my youth group to Juarez, Mexico, to Tennessee, and to San Antonio, Texas (to name a few). In looking back, these are some of the best times of my life. There is a picture of me and a small child in Mexico where he is eating spaghetti out of my hand...that I think is what it is all about. Using our hands to give to the world to help make a positive difference. I know that I have been called to do more, give more, and be more. God has given me the gift of teaching and a love for traveling. So when I realized that this mission trip to Honduras could bring both of my passions together, I was hooked. I am so very excited about traveling to Honduras and learning more about the people there and what they are going through on a daily basis. As I prepare to go I am lead by 1 peter 3: 13-16, "Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence."


Byron Pittman (Team Leader)
"When I'm not enjoying the North Georgia Mountains with my partner Steve and my dog Buddy, I am a pharmacist for Kroger. I am one of those lucky people who have discovered my chosen profession in high school and have enjoyed 'selling drugs' for almost 30 years. I live in Sherwood Forest in Midtown Atlanta and have been a member of Saint Mark since 1995. My first trip to Honduras was in 1998 when I fell in love with the Honduran people and their beautiful country, and I have returned on mission trips almost every year since then. I keep returning to Honduras because I left a little piece of my heart there on my first trip. God lead me to mission work and each and every mission trip that I make inspires me to give more of myself...to open up my heart and life. I serve as the Team Leader (El Heffe) and I coordinate all the logistical aspects for the team: transportation, lodging, meals, recruiting, and fundraising. I also serve as the liaison to the North Georgia North Coast Honduras Methodist Mission. I am being lead by 2 Corinthians 5:20, "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." For me, evangelism, hospitality, and mission are interconnected. When people see our Saint Mark Mission Team, they see a group of caring, loving, laughing, and fun people who wear the love of Christ on their faces and in their hearts. Being able to coordinate and lead these teams who collectively stand as a witness to God's love and power of redemption gives me joy beyond measure. Most of my dearest friends and strongest relationships have been developed from the shared experience of my Honduras Mission work. I invite you to join our next team and experience this living and dynamic ministry."


Barry Stearns (Construction)
"I have been going to Honduras for the last twelve to thirteen years. Here in Atlanta, I have my own construction business and I have used these skills in Honduras on the various construction projects over the years. I go each year because I want to help other people and have grown very close the people of Honduras. At the same time, I have grown close to my team members from Saint Mark, and most of my close friends have been or are members of the Honduras mission teams."


Roger Brown (Medical)
Unfortunately, Roger has had to pull out of the trip this year and will not be able to attend. His daughter is in Savannah and dealing with some serious medical issues. Please keep her and him in your thoughts and prayers.