This was an extremely effective Christian mission to Honduras. We accomplished all our objectives (see below).  While we will limit the numbers of participants in the future to twenty-five; we may expand our work to two weeks. This will allow more people to join our efforts.

The success of the trip could only be accomplished with Jesus Christ as our example, much pre planning, constant communication with Jorge, and the help of the Christian Commission for Development (CCD), our partnering agency. We learned much from this trip and can improve our efficiency on future trips. Each participant on this trip has their own unique and moving story. Here is mine:

In the container (left) that was unloaded on Monday July 16, 2007, there were tables, chairs, a dental chair and many things requested by a very poor school in the village of Pespire. I was asked to bring a delegation to the school for the administrator of the school to thank FPC for the material aid, dental clinic, eye clinic and crafts supplied to the school. I choose a group of mission participants to accompany me.

When we arrived, we were met with great enthusiasm by over 650 students. They proceeded to prayer, acknowledgement, presentation of gifts, and unbridled thanks. At the end of the assembly, they sang the Honduras national anthem while waving little American flags and Honduran flags. It was a very emotional and moving experience.

This is just one story of many that were encountered on this Christian mission supported by First Presbyterian Church. It truly is a blessing to be able to lead such a selfless group of people, all following the example that Jesus Christ portrays with his eternal presence, and the written word of the New Testament.

Objectives: Operate five distinct missions, deliver one forty foot container of humanitarian aid to our three partners in Honduras, and begin to organize a long term sustainable effort in the Southern Region of Honduras.

Five Missions:

Group A - Operated four dental clinics where extractions and fluoride treatment were administered to over 500 patients. Christian crafts were organized for the patients and their families. Participants: Dr. Dan O’Donnell D.D.S, Dr. Alex(Honduran dentist), Patrick Tell, Jim Schultz, Barrie McKernan, Melissa McKernan, PJ Tell, Shannon O’Donnell, Lindsay O’ Donnell, William Shand, Alex Schultz, Soila Matute(Honduran Interpreter), Fasso(Security), Walter(driver).

Group B -  First Presbyterian Church (FPC) funded brigade operating three general medical clinics, paint project at Hospital Escuela, unloading container of medical equipment and humanitarian aid, crafts with kids in the hospital. We saw over 450 patients (left). Participants: Larry Keating, Roger Sandt, Steve Mentzer, Elizabeth Keating, Bridget Keating, Katie Watkins, Sarah Canosa, Marcus Shand, Frank Altdoerffer, Cathryn Altdoerffer, Patrick McCafferty, Brendan McCauley,Lucia(Interpreter), David(Security) , Ruebin(Driver).

Group C -  Central American Relief Efforts (CARE) funded eye exam training for doctors and nurses in rural clinics served by FPC and CARE. Patients with cataracts transported to Tegucigalpa and given cataract surgery by International Aid. Participants: Dr. John Sharp, Christine Sharp, Victor(Honduran),Honduran Interpreter. Dr. Sharp donated refractor and ultrasound for long-term mision.

Group D -  Dr. Michael Flood worked with Honduran surgeons at Hospital Escuela. His family painted a children’s wing of the hospital and conducted crafts with the patients. Participants: Dr. Michael Flood, Tina Hilsee, Isaac Flood, Julia Flood, Conor Flood, Lidia Mondragon(Honduran Nurse).

Group E -  Steve Mentzer, Roger Sandt and Honduran Jorge Arguijo worked on long term mission project for the future.

	Begin organization of accountable delivery system of medicine and medical care to four municipalities in southern Honduras. This will be administered by CARE funded Honduran employees.
	Deliver large quantity of medicine for distribution.
	Delivery of dental chair and refractor for Eye and Dental clinic being established in Pespire School.