A week has passed since returning from Honduras and I know already our lives have changed because of these last 6 weeks with CTI.  I have seen a great God to mighty things as each one of us stepped out of our comfort zone and gave God control.  I watched over and over as the Lord brought us up mountainsides, across rivers, inside churches, on soccer fields, among youth, and through trials and joys.  Every member of the team has learned different lessons and been changed and challenged in new ways, but one thing remains the same and will always remain.  God's love is for EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE.  This is the single message we can bring as we walk through our lives.  Sure it may seem like the opportunities and experiences of Honduras were unique and a once in a lifetime chance.  We may struggle to return to "normal life" as we adjust and wonder whether we can make as big a difference when we're home.  But it's not the truth.  The truth it is doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing... God's love is the same and His message MUST be brought and shared with everyone around us.  So whether we are in Honduras on a bus or sitting in a classroom or cubical we need to let the gospel penetrate our lives and overflow into everything we are and everything we do.  Just as we learned so clearly from Mauricio while in Honduras - every moment is a choice, each person an opportunity, what are we going to do with it?  I challenge myself, my team, and each of you who are reading this and have been praying for our team these past 6 weeks to see each moment, each person as a chance to share the love of God.  If we commit to this I know we won't be disappointed.  In fact we will stand amazed at the Lord's greatness as He chooses to use us to display His love on earth at home, at school, at work, or around the world. 

May we keep loving, learning, laughing, and living,
Carrie VanderHorst & Team Honduras

Here are a few glimpses of God's love on earth:

We got these pictures today from our ministry partner in Honduras. Enjoy!

Carrie had a brief opportunity to check in from the YFC camp in La Entrada.  Here's what she had to say:

hi chris things are going well and i just wanted to connect with you to let you know camp is great and we have been traveling around to the ruins and surrounding towns along with playing fútbol and spending time together. Only one week left and we are both excited to se how god works as well as bummed to think we have to leave soon.  Keep praying and let our supporters know pictures and stories will come soon.

DIOS LES BENDIGA (God bless you)

God has been blessing us and using us in so many ways.  I can´t tell you how many times we´ve heard those words over the last week as we`ve been playing at schools, churches, a rehab center, a naval base, and a place called the Musical Garage.  In all things and at all times God is faithful and worthy of our praise. 

We head out tomorrow to the camp in La Entrada where we´ll be playing at schools, churches, and for the kids in the area.  I´m excited to see how God will show up next whether it be in the smiles of the people, the random bus rides, devotional times, sharing a meal, singing in Spanish, or talking with people afterwards. 

Thanks for the prayers and here are a few short stories from each person to give you a glimpse of what we are experiencing here in Honduras!  We may not be able to update anymore once we leave San Pedro Sula but know that we will still need your prayers and we will have that many more stories to share when we return!! :) 

SHOUT-OUTS:

Hi everyone, I thank you for all your prayers and support. God has been doing so much in my 9 days in Honduras.  He has humbled me and shown me many things that are beyond my own understanding.  Also God has provided me much strength, peace, and passion for this trip.  I thank you for your prayers and continue to pray for me, my team, and God´s work in Honduras - CHRIS

Hello to all back in the states.  The trip is really going well.  I´m seeing a lot of ways that the Lord is working.  I´m enjoying my team and opportunities to grow in the Lord.  I believe this trip has been well worth the training and hard work we did.  Please continue to pray and may God bless you all. ABE

Hey everyone!  My birthday was a party, a guy came over and made balloon hats. God shows me his faithfulness every day.  I love you all and praise God we are healthy.  Keep me in your prayers and I will see you soon! - STEVE

Hello again family & friends!  Honduras is great.  The people. the food, and the culture is very interesting.  Thank you so much for helping me get to experience this.  God id definitely working in the hearts of the people down here and helping to strengthen ours as we share testimonies and the gospel with them.  Even though we are here for work its not all work and no play.  My favorite off time was the day we went to the beach and swam in the gulf.  It was so relaxing, refreshing, and beautiful.  I hope all is well at home.  I miss you all but we´ll see you soon.  Love, BRIANNE

It´s been about a week down here in Honduras and I´ve never missed AC like I do now.  I´ve been surprised with the leve of friendly people down here.  But even being about 1500 miles from home I still can´t get away from US political faces.  I´m very glad I made the choice to come here.  It´s been life-changing.   To my family, church,  & friends - I love and miss you all.  PS Bobby I went to a bathroom that made me think of the metros.  CHAD

Hi Familia!  God has been doing amazing things down here.  I have learned how powerful prayer is and how awesome our God is to answer!  It´s been raining alot right now but it´s nice because it cools down.  Please keep my team and I in your prayers as we continue to grow as a team and continue the work God has given us.  I love you and miss you alot!  XOXO IRENE

Sooo... I got stung by a jellyfish, the boys really wanted to help and I was sick the next day but I´m better and the fact that we´ve been able to share the gospel with over 3000 people makes it all worth it.  It´s been amazing getting to see so many people come to know Christ & humbling that God has allowed our team to be a part of it.  I´m excited to see what else God has planned for our trip.  I love you Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jen, Gramma, & all of my amazing friends!!  BROOKE

1. I am wondering how my family, friends in Boston, Shanghai (are you in Korea?), DC, NY and elsewhere are doing.  God be with you all! 2. I learned a new pokemon skill! 3. Thanks Jon for the Gochujang! 4. CTI is awesome for giving me & my team this opportunity Isaiah 61 5. How beautiful it is to see lives surrendered up to God an purely living for Him.  Living to give hope to the hopeless, purpose to the purposeless, consulation to the brokenhearted, healing to the hurt and sick, joy to the despaired, love to the rejected.  For what good is a society that just feeds the well-fed, celebrates those who are already happy?  Jesus touched the leprs, hungry, and blind.  What are we to separate ourselves from our brothers searching for the same meaning in life?  JIYAE

Hey all - It´s hard to believe that it´s the beginning of August already!  After 14 shows and spending a ton of time together, we are still loving the music & enjoying each other.  This week we played at several schools.  Little kids are so much fun!  One of my favorite moments was singing Spanish praise & worship songs at the church we were at last night.  Also, one of Mauricio´s friends makes insanely awesome balloon hats & he came over and made us each one the other night. :) Love you all!  See you 18 days.  P.S.  Steve, we ate Pizza Hut today and I thought of you.  ANDREA

I´m starting to think in Spanish now and calling out Spanish phrases even when no one around me understands it.  Spanish music is also slowly making my playlist.  No matter what audience or environment we´ve been faced with, the central focus of our concerts has remained the same and it´s really encouraging to be able to bless (and be blessed) through our intentional efforts to connect with them.  We´re about to head over to a summer camp, where hopefully I´ll see some more YFC volunteers and be able to spend time with kids!  Thanks for your prayers!  Thank you also, my friends from Singapore, for preparing me for the heat of Honduras!  RAY

Hi Everyone!  So through this trip so far I´ve showered in cold water, swam, and even made EGGS!  Aren´t you proud mommy?  We´ve also learned bits & pieces of Spanish and I had a whole conversation with someone in Spanish, just one time though.  These people here are showing me so muh more than I am teaching them.  Thanks for all your prayers.  GRACE

Two days ago I felt like a huge failure in teching and the following night the Lord used a man who played at the show with us both nights to bless me and tell me God used me to teach him many things that night.  We serve an awesome God who takes our failures and weakness to show Himself all powerful.  Kylie - the notes have been perfect each day,  Jim - can´t be more excited for you. 14:21 again!!  Gretch - i can´t stop smiling...:) God is faithful and has great things for you.  Pray that I will be able to continue finding strength in His JOY!  CARRIE


VIVA HONDURAS!!!