Honduras, Here I Come | 洪都拉斯我来了

This year, my son was spiritually ambitious and eagerly signed up for a one-week mission trip to Honduras (Click to read Jerry's testimony). I had some concerns about the safety there, but I was also filled with anticipation—surely, this would be a very special journey. Flying to Honduras was full of complications, but we finally made it.

During this mission trip, we visited three churches, three local families, and two prisons—it was a packed schedule. At the churches, we shared the gospel with nearby residents, mostly children. There were puppet shows, craft activities, and at the end, free medical consultations and distribution of medicine.  We served 100–120 residents each day. Many of them had never seen a doctor before, because they couldn’t afford it and had no transportation. Our medical consultation was a great help to them. Though the three days of ministry were physically exhausting, I was filled with joy to be able to offer a small contribution to these children in such material need. Even though we couldn’t communicate verbally, the sincere smiles from the parents and children expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

The prison ministry was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon entering the prison, we were immediately surrounded by many inmates. At first, honestly, I was afraid we might be taken hostage. The low-security prison was loosely managed, and the prisoners gathered outdoors to listen to the pastor’s sermon. There was an inmate-led Christian fellowship and worship team. Most of them were very young, just in their early twenties. They were polite and full of enthusiasm as they clapped and praised Jesus, cheering for each person who gave a testimony. I thank God for giving me the courage to share my own testimony of coming to faith. In the end, the pastor gave an altar call, and over 90 inmates made decisions to follow Christ. It’s true—people are more likely to trust God in their lowest moments. Outside those prison walls, it’s hard to lead people to Christ; inside, one call and the response is overwhelming. After the sermon, we distributed bread, drinks, toothpaste, and toilet paper to the inmates. They lined up in an orderly fashion—no pushing, no one taking more than their share. Many expressed gratitude as they received the items, their smiles bright and sincere. I was deeply moved. God created us in His image—everyone has a good side.

The high-security prison was under much tighter control. We were searched multiple times and waited nearly two hours to enter. While we were waiting, three newly transferred inmates walked by—covered in tattoos from head to toe, with cold, intimidating stares. I was chilled. But as they passed us, they all said, “God bless you!” I was touched. Suddenly, they didn’t seem so scary after all.

Eventually, we entered the prison cell area, which reeked of sweat and urine, just like the cells in American prison dramas. I think even spending one day there would emotionally break me. Among the prisoners was a fellowship leader who preached with incredible power and passion. The other inmates responded to him with enthusiasm. He was born to preach—if he is released one day, he could become an amazing pastor. He expressed thanks on behalf of the inmates for the love we brought and prayed that God would bless us double in return. His words brought tears to my eyes. We came to share love, and in the end, love returned to us in double. It is more blessed to give than to receive—I truly experienced that.

This trip to Honduras was deeply impactful for me. I am thankful for everything I have, and I’ve learned to complain less and extend more grace.

Thank You, Lord!

今年儿子很有追求，积极报名了去洪都拉斯一周的短宣 （点击阅读Jerry 的见证）。我对那里的安全问题颇有顾虑，但又有所期待：这会是一次特别的旅行吧。去程几番周折，最后我们终于登机成功。

这次短宣我们去了三个教会，探访了三个当地家庭，以及两个监狱，可谓是行程满满。在教会的活动是传福音给附近居民（主要是孩子），有puppet show，手工活动，最后是为居民们诊疗并发放药品。我们每天要接待100-120个居民，这些居民几乎从未看过病，因为他们没钱又没交通工具，我们短宣队的诊疗大大地帮助了他们。三天的活动虽累，但能为这些物资匮乏的孩子们尽我一点绵薄之力，我心里充满了喜乐。虽然无法语言交流，但家长和孩子们真诚的笑容让我感受到了她们满满的感谢之情。

监狱事工真的是人生难得的体验。一进监狱，我们被好多囚犯团团围住，刚开始我真的有被劫持当人质的担心。轻刑犯监狱管理要松很多，囚犯们聚在室外听牧师讲道。监狱内有囚犯自己的基督教团契和敬拜团队。他们大都很年轻，二十出头，很有礼貌，非常热情地鼓掌赞颂耶稣，给予每个上台作见证的人热烈的掌声。感谢主给我勇气，我也作了我的信主见证。牧师最后呼召，竟然有超过90位囚犯决志。人真的是在绝境中更信靠神。墙外的人信主何其之难，墙内的人一呼百应。讲道后，我们为囚犯分发带来的面包，饮料，牙膏和卫生纸。他们很有秩序，排队领取，也没有人多领。领取时很多人都表示感谢，笑得很阳光。我很感动，神按祂的形象造人，人人都有良善的一面。

重刑犯监狱戒备非常森严，我们被搜身数次，等待进入监狱的时间将近两小时。在等待的
过程中，有三个刚被送进监狱的重刑囚犯，满头满脸都是刺青，眼神冰冷，让我不寒而栗。
但在经过我们身边时，他们竟都说“God bless you!” 这让我非常触动，也觉得他们没有那么可怕了。最后终于进入牢房，里面有一股刺鼻的汗臭加尿骚味，看着和美剧“越狱”的囚室很像。这里让我住一天，我估计就会情绪奔溃。囚犯里有个团契领袖，讲道非常有力量，有激情，囚犯们都积极地响应他。这就是天生的布道家吧，他出狱后可以做个非常好的牧师。他代表囚犯们感谢我们传递的爱，求主双倍地赐福我们。这真的让我泪目了。我们传递爱，爱最后又双倍地返还给我们。施比受更为有福，我真地体会到了。

这次洪都拉斯之行，给我很大的震撼。感恩我现在拥有的一切，少一些抱怨，多一些包容。感谢主！