FAQ'S - You're doing WHAT?!!?

Now that we are back in Texas and have had a chance to talk with a lot of people, we realize that there is a lot of confusion, even from close friends and family about what we will be doing, how long we are staying, and what our needs are. We realized we haven’t been super clear about the plans. We felt the need to write this FAQ post to clear up these areas and help everyone understand some of the more candid parts of this new opportunity God has laid before us.

1.     When are we leaving?

We plan to book flights for April 4^th. This date provides the cheapest airfare, which is why we picked it. We are waiting on some funds to come through so we can buy the tickets.

2.     When are we returning?

This is a PERMANENT move! The original plan was a 90 day trip, then come back for some more fundraising for the following trip down.  This was because Honduras would only allow us (or any foreigner) in the country for only up to 90 days. However, we recently began the process to secure permanent residency, which would allow us to stay longer if we pay a monthly fee past the 90 days until residency is complete. Due to the fact that it costs around $5000 to travel round trip between here and there, it would be better for us to stay there rather than come back and have to raise the money to go again. But this question has been the most misunderstood part of this process. We are now FULL TIME MISSIONARIES, and will continue to be as long as the Lord leads us.

3.     What will we be doing?

We will share the love of Christ first and foremost. This will be accomplished through serving the people of La Moskitia. We hope to encourage the other missionaries that are there through prayer, worship and teaching. We hope to work on establishing a yearly (or twice a year) VBS style “kids camp” that will teach, feed, and encourage spiritual growth for the children. We hope to  work with the organizations that are currently there to establish school sponsorship programs and provide extracurricular classes to the local children. We will seek God on providing discipleship programs for children and adults to grow leaders; such as youth programs teaching about respect of themselves and each other, or teaching young men and women how to better themselves and dream bigger and reach higher. We will do whatever we are lead to do, which we expect will change as we immerse ourselves in the culture. Pray for the work God has for us there, that we always seek Him in every effort.

4.     Where will we live?

Initially, we will stay at the House of Hope guest quarters. This is the local children’s home in the area that provides care to kids with medical needs, the malnourished, and those with severe need. We will pay $1000/ month to stay there, which covers food and lodging. This amount barely covers the cost of us living there and we are grateful they have agreed to let us stay. While there, we will look for a more permanent place to live, which will most likely be an apartment of some sort. There are few options, but we know God has just the right location.

5.     How will we fund this ministry?

This could be the most complicated question. The short answer is: God! The long answer is: We have a good start due to the fact that we sold everything we could, however, much of that was used to pay off debt. We are not yet fully sponsored by any specific person, church, or organization. We are FULLY convinced that God has called us to HN and that He will continue to provide as He has gotten us this far. Everything in our lives for the past two years up to this point has been a direct answer to the call we now have. (If you want to hear a miracle story, just ask! We have plenty!) We have already had some awesome people who have stepped up and said they will become monthly partners and we praise God for them. However, we are not yet fully funded for this first trip. But we have set up avenues for people to give one-time donations or become a monthly partner. If you feel led to give to this ministry, visit our website at any time to donate! And we THANK YOU!

6.     What are the main needs?

·      PRAYER PARTNERS! This is HUGE!

·      Travel expenses: Any donations will help!

·      Vehicle: we are looking at a used John Deere Gator, a Polaris Ranger, a Yamaha Rhino, or something equivalent. Must be a 4x4 as the “roads” are extremely muddy.

·      Monthly rent: $1000/mo

·      Residency paperwork: we are in the process of filing our one-year residency. This is something that will need to be filed annually, and requires a membership with the Honduran Fellowship of Missionaries and Ministries. Expected costs are around $700-$800 annually.

·      An administrative help on the US side: someone who will take the reigns for us in the US and help to make phone calls, schedule church speaking engagments, run errands, paperwork, etc..  You will be our feet and hands while we are abroad and limited on what we can get done. This will be a HUGE help!

We are super excited to be on this journey God has placed before us. He knows the end result of our efforts, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you! Thanks so much for being our encouragement, our support, and our friends! Be sure you are following our journey on facebook www.facebook.com/loveshinesmissions and our photos on Instagram www.instagram.com/loveshinesmissions .