Honduras holds a special place in the heart of the Eagles View Church family. The people there are incredibly kind, and as each of these stories has shown, their love for Jesus shines brightly. We often go on mission trips expecting to encourage and serve others, but time and again, we find that we are the ones who return encouraged and challenged in our own faith. As Pastor Randy often says, "We extend our reach out to the world like a rubber band, so when we return, we bring that love, encouragement, and the power of God back with us to our own communities."

That is exactly what these trips continue to do, not only impacting Honduras, but strengthening our communities here at home.

Who has God called you to serve in your part of the world, and what are some of the most pressing spiritual or practice needs you are encountering there?

“God has placed a desire on my heart to serve the children of Honduras through Vacation Bible School, as well as their families. I want to share God's love and remind people that they are seen, valued, and cared for. During our time there, we saw many physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. While talking with adults, I heard stories of depression, women who needed encouragement and hope, and families who had to travel to other parts of the country to receive medical care. We also visited several local schools. Many classrooms do not have air conditioning, and on one particularly hot day, we learned that several children had fainted from the heat while at school. We visited a vocational school that offered cosmetology, culinary arts, and computer classes. The computer program had 27 students enrolled, yet the school only had five computers, and three of them were broken. Seeing these challenges firsthand deepened my desire to serve and reinforced the importance of meeting both practical needs and sharing the hope found in Christ.”

- Jessica Rodriguez (June Trip)

“I was called to serve in Honduras. I was not sure where I would be serving (medical team or construction team). I was excited and open to go wherever I was needed. I have plenty of experience in construction, I grew up doing that for many years. I have 15 years experience as a paramedic, I was going to try to do a little of both. I started out on the construction team and on the second day, while digging, Matt Friendshuh and I both hit a water line. I have a little(lot) experience in this area for sure. We immediately made a plan and had to dig down outside of the planned digging area to find this water line again and cut it off for repair. Seems pretty clear why I was there. It was great seeing my son working so hard and learning how to mix concrete, too. I stayed on the construction team the whole time.

I saw plenty of spiritual needs while being there. Same as we see here in the states. Addiction, marriage problems, people who need Jesus.”

- Jonathan Elwell (July Trip)

“Nothing about this trip went the way we had planned, and looking back, that's one of the clearest places I saw God moving. Isaiah 43:19 says, "See, I am doing a new thing," and that verse really captured this season. Every time we thought we knew what the day would look like, God redirected our steps for something even greater.

One story that stands out happened in our medical clinic. Dr. Guzman, an ER physician serving with our team, examined an eight-month-old baby who appeared severely underweight and had abnormally low oxygen saturations. During the exam, he detected a heart murmur and immediately became concerned that it could be a congenital heart defect. We referred the baby to a cardiologist, knowing that specialty care in Honduras often requires traveling a great distance. Later that day, my husband, who is a firefighter, and Dr. Guzman were scheduled to meet with local leaders because we believed they would be discussing EMS and firefighter training for the community.

We thought we were simply meeting Carmen as part of those conversations. But God had a different plan. During that meeting, Carmen shared that she was actually the person responsible for coordinating transportation for patients needing specialty medical care—including this very baby. We had no idea that God was already connecting those two situations. What we thought was a meeting about firefighter training became the very way God revealed what He was doing behind the scenes.”

- Lauren Elwell (July Trip)

How has EVC GO and the generosity of the EVC Family helped strengthen your ministry or expand your impact globally? As you look ahead, what do you sense God calling you into next?

“God is doing incredible things in Honduras. The children are full of joy and love, and it was a blessing to watch them play games, laugh together, and include children of all ages. Despite the many challenges and struggles they face, their excitement, kindness, and ability to find happiness in the simple moments was a beautiful reminder of God's presence and faithfulness. The church we attended each evening was a beautiful example of God's love, demonstrating genuine care and community.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was hearing multiple children pray out loud to accept Jesus Christ. Some of the adults also made the decision to follow Him. Witnessing lives being transformed was a powerful reminder that God is actively working in Honduras.

I also saw God working through our team by equipping us to serve in the ways He had called us. He challenged me specifically to step outside my comfort zone, trust Him, and be willing to serve wherever He led. Through that obedience, He opened doors for meaningful conversations, new relationships, and opportunities to share His love.

I am truly grateful for the continued prayers, partnership, and relationships that have been built through EVC GO, as well as the support of our church family. I look forward to trusting God’s plan and seeing what He has in store for what comes next.”

- Jessica Rodriguez (June Trip)

“God opened the door for us to go to Honduras when I wasn't sure if I would be able to go with my new schedule at work. On the trip, nothing went as planned. Everyone was flexible, even when it came to our group splitting up and leading five different bible studies, and they all seemed happy to do it. After the testimony from George, one man called the next day and said he was ready to give up the addiction that he had and he wants a relationship with Jesus because he heard how God has worked in George's life. Some of our team went and met with him that day and he accepted Christ right there. That was awesome.

We also stopped by the local fire station to see the needs there. They have had donations of different equipment, including medical equipment, but they have had no instructions on how to use that equipment. Some equipment that they have, has not worked in years and it is things that they need to be able to do their job well. We are praying about going back someday to possible help and maybe do some training with that fire department.”

- Jonathan Elwell (July Trip)

“As we look ahead, I truly hope Honduras is something our family gets to be part of again. This year was incredibly special because my whole family went together, and I was able to see not only what God was doing in the hearts of the people of Honduras, but what He was doing in the hearts of my own family. I have had a love for the people of Honduras since I went last year, and bringing my family this year allowed them to experience that love and see God's work firsthand.

Of course, our kids are getting older, they have commitments and activities, and a lot can change in a year. This trip reminded us that things don't always look the way we expect them to, but God always has a plan. So I pray that if it is what God has for us, we will be able to return.

I am also incredibly grateful for EVC GO and the way our church has already partnered with us and supported us in being able to witness what God is doing in Honduras. The impact of that support goes far beyond what we may ever fully know. There are so many stories, so many moments, and so many ways EVC GO helped make ministry possible that we may never even hear about. But one story I know of is that little baby who needed transportation to receive specialized medical care. Because of the generosity of our church, that barrier was removed, and that family was able to take the next step in getting their child help.

Through serving alongside the medical team, I truly believe God allowed us to impact the community—not because of anything we did on our own, but because He was already at work and invited us to be part of it. My prayer is that the people of Honduras continue to seek Him, that their hunger for something more continues to be filled through a relationship with Jesus, and that they know His love, His presence, and His embrace.

- Lauren Elwell (July Trip)‍

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