Returning to Gathering Hearts
Returning to Gathering Hearts for Honduras was a long-awaited answer to prayer. Since my first trip in 2011, I’ve grown to love Gary and Cheryl, their dedicated team, former students I’ve kept in touch with, and the young people in English classes.
This trip focused on sharing the Lord’s healing and saving power in nearby villages. I helped teach English and Bible stories during the day and participated in three major evening events. One memorable moment was praying for a woman holding her granddaughter at the soccer field event—her rib pain lessened, and it reminded me how powerful it is to share God’s love in Spanish. I was especially encouraged to see how God is uniting local pastors. Many shared at the events, and the sense of spiritual unity was strong.
A personal moment of reflection came when a teammate called me “sunny.” I remembered that my name, Ellen, means “light” and comes from helios, the Greek word for sun. Realizing that God calls me to share His light with others was deeply affirming. I even had the chance to do just that recently at the Tulsa State Fair.
This trip focused on sharing the Lord’s healing and saving power in nearby villages. I helped teach English and Bible stories during the day and participated in three major evening events. One memorable moment was praying for a woman holding her granddaughter at the soccer field event—her rib pain lessened, and it reminded me how powerful it is to share God’s love in Spanish. I was especially encouraged to see how God is uniting local pastors. Many shared at the events, and the sense of spiritual unity was strong.
A personal moment of reflection came when a teammate called me “sunny.” I remembered that my name, Ellen, means “light” and comes from helios, the Greek word for sun. Realizing that God calls me to share His light with others was deeply affirming. I even had the chance to do just that recently at the Tulsa State Fair.
It was a joy to reconnect with staff and former students like Eva, Heydi, and Perla. I'm thankful for my Spanish-speaking family background—it helps me connect easily with others in Honduras.
With only six days this trip, and one affected by Honduran Independence Day, class time felt too short. I’d love to return for a longer trip to share more deeply about the Lord and give students more time to grow. I am grateful for the time we did share, and all that the Lord did, and I am hopeful I will be able to return again on a future mission trip.
With only six days this trip, and one affected by Honduran Independence Day, class time felt too short. I’d love to return for a longer trip to share more deeply about the Lord and give students more time to grow. I am grateful for the time we did share, and all that the Lord did, and I am hopeful I will be able to return again on a future mission trip.
Posted in Stories of Outreach