Final Dispatch from Bruce
Note: Bruce is home safe and getting re acclimated as he processes his time in Honduras.This is his final post on his missionary adventure in Tegucigalpa.
Our last evening in Tegucigalpa happened to
be the first storm of the rainy season. “Storm” is actually a mild word
compared to the incredible hour long lightning and thunder display followed by
another hour of immense amounts of wind driven rain. The power went out early
on, which added to the dramatic effect of the lightning. Each time a ball or
bolt of lightning lashed out of the darkness, it would silhouette some of the
many foothills that surround this city. Mateo, who has seen many a tropical
storm, said that he hadn't seen one that strong in a long time.
Pastor Victor, of the church we
worked on, rode his motorcycle to the airport to see us off and express the
gratitude his congregation has for the building work accomplished by Dewey,
Bill, Chris and myself. He’s a wiry fun loving man who lives in the barrio
just a stone’s throw down the hill from the church. Twelve years ago, at 18
years of age, his life changed as he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Victor told me that his motivation to pastor this church comes from the
forgiveness he was given at that time. Because he knows the joy of being set
free from the control of sin, he wants to see others experience that same joy.
I will admit that during my first
few days in Tegucigalpa I wrestled with my decision to stay for 3-weeks. I
could have signed up for a shorter stay. The heat, the constant security
awareness, the sadness of injustice, the wasted human potential all were
working on me to think twice about what I had signed up for. What made the
difference was making personal connections with people like Victor, Juan,
Jeffrey, Harrison and so many more. I am so impressed with their “press on”
attitudes in the face of their circumstances. They have taught me a few things
about my own reality. In fact, Bill said it well when he said, “My perspective
has expanded about 10- times.”
It is more clear to me now than it
has ever been that what we have as Americans are blessings from God. Our
safety, freedoms, economy and educations should never be taken for granted. I
have now seen people that need these blessings as much as we do, but are doing
without. Yet, those I have met are not letting this knock them down. Instead,
because of their connection to Christ, which no gang or faulty government can
deny them, they are being strengthened to move forward. They deserve our
prayers and support.
To keep posted on ongoing
developments, visit Mateo and Alexandra Mattson’s mission website, Seeds of Righteousness at: www.sormissions.org
Blessings
to you,
Bruce
Pressing on--I'm glad Bruce pressed on to learn the lessons he was supposed to receive from this mission trip. Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteLove it. I can't wait for more stories.
ReplyDeleteLove it. I can't wait for more stories.
ReplyDelete