Skip to main content

Seeing God Even Through The Tears

March 26, 2026

Students and Nurses working with patients in the clinic.

Lipscomb College of Health Sciences (Honduras)

 

Throughout this week, we'll be hearing from several members of our mission team as they share their experiences serving in Honduras. Today, we're reflecting on Sunday—a day of worship, fellowship, and connection with the local community in Las Delicias.

On Sunday, we visited a local church in the heart of a community in Honduras called Las Delicias for worship, Sunday school, and fellowship.

The worship was so beautiful. There were no instruments, just a sea of voices joined in such deep conviction. With all the windows wide open, their praise rang through the streets, and it was so moving to think of the many lives being touched by that sound as it carried through the neighborhood.

During class, some of us had a special chance to sit down for a conversation with the youth minister and the older students. At the pastor's invitation, we shared our own testimonies of facing adversity. The pastor wanted us to help 'de-glamorize' the idea that you have to move away to find a perfect life. Instead, we focused on the strength it takes to face challenges right where you are. We got to cheer them on to keep chasing their dreams in their own community, reminding them that hard work is a beautiful way to glorify God.

While one group was with the youth, others led the young kids in songs, a lesson on Daniel's obedience to keep his body strong and healthy through vegetables and water, and coloring activities.

It was such a blessing to realize that despite our different backgrounds, we aren't that different in our need for resilience. We're all part of the same story of faith, navigating life's trials with the very same hope in Christ. The day of rest also included some time enjoying the beauty of Honduras at a nearby river. Reflection from student Madeline Benson.

_________________________________________________________________________

Another Day of Service
Our mission team continues their work in Honduras! Today we're sharing another health fair and clinic day, where our team brought health education to students and adults at a local community school, followed by medical care for families in need.

On Monday, we had the privilege of visiting a nearby community school to host a Health Fair for both students and adults. Children from Kindergarten through 9th grade participated in lessons on personal hygiene and nutrition, while adults attended sessions on women's health, appropriate medication use, and understanding diabetes and hypertension.

The response to each lesson was incredibly encouraging! The children loved engaging with the activities—from creating their own MyPlate to being assigned food groups and finding classmates to build a balanced plate together. In the personal hygiene class, they saw firsthand how easily germs spread by stamping each other's hands and high-fiving around the room. Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed a fun demonstration of antibiotic resistance, where members of our team acted out the role of "bacteria." Laughter filled the classrooms, smiles were contagious, and there was so much joy in every space.

The clinic day followed the health fair, where we had the honor to serve around 30 community members seeking medical care. Similar, to our previous clinic day, we set up triage, consultations, and pharmacy stations. We had the joy of sitting and listening to each patients story and the opportunity to meet them where they are and extend the loving care of Jesus to them.

Yet the impact was not one-sided. The people we met continue to shape and encourage our team. They have shown us what true community looks like—hard work, dedication to caring for family, genuine hospitality, and a deep, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

The day ended back at CEDECO, where we shared a meal with our team and the staff who have quickly become dear friends, followed by a lively and competitive game of spoons. It was the perfect end to a full and meaningful day. Shared by Regan Wilson

_________________________________________________________________________

Love is a language that transcends all cultures and boundaries— it is not solely expressed by the words we say. In some ways, the unspoken rhythms of love are the most beautiful to witness.

On our final morning in the mountains, our team helped plant a community garden. By expanding access to nutrient-dense foods, these gardens help to reduce the prevalence and progression of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

When we arrived, we were immediately overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the community. The children greeted us with giant hugs, radiant smiles, and personalized drawings they had created for us before our arrival. Our team helped the kids plant new vegetables in the garden bed that had been carefully prepared by the fathers of the community. The mothers cooked a delicious meal for lunch that they shared with all the children, fathers, and us! We were also able to learn more about the medicine cabinet projects that expand healthcare access to some of the most remote villages in Honduras. Local leaders nominated by their communities open their homes at all hours of the day and night to care for their neighbors in need.

I was personally overwhelmed by the hospitality that was shown to our group today. However, the community’s love for one another—the way they consistently prioritized caring for the needs of each other over themselves— was such an important reminder that love’s most powerful expressions are anchored in a willing commitment to show up, be present, and help each other when we are in need. I think our world would look a little more like Heaven if we let their example inspire us all. Shared by Elizabeth Bernard, Physician Assistant Alumna and trip leader.

_________________________________________________________________________

Today was the beginning of the end for our time here in Honduras as we traveled to Predisan’s Center for Rehabilitation of Patients with Addictions (CEREPA). Although this was one of the last stops of our mission trip, it left a profound impact on us and a hope for the future.

As we entered the property, we saw the patients were busy raking the leaves in the fields and helping one another with their occupational therapy of the day. Beyond them were fields of fruit trees they are able to harvest from at their leisure. You couldn’t help but appreciate the beautiful landscaping filled with vibrant colors and the overwhelming sense of serenity that filled CEREPA’s property.

We then were able to take a tour of the rehab center and learned what a day in the life of a patient was like. The tour showed where the patients lived, where they ate meals with one another, and the beautiful chapel. We also enjoyed petting their resident dog and receiving our own pet therapy!

We learned that the patients stay at CEREPA for 2 months and are unable to have any visitors until they complete the inpatient process. These patients have a rigid schedule from 5 am-9:30 pm every day that includes a devotional time, a variety of therapies, planned exercise, and recreation time outside. These patients are also following the MATRIX model but what makes CEREPA so unique and successful in treating their patients is that they include a spiritual component as well. Each patient receives a bible when they arrive at the property, spends time in the chapel every day during devotional time, and Predisan provides a chaplain to spend time with each patient. Patients are even given the opportunity to be baptized during their stay at CEREPA. Because of this, CEREPA has a 78% rate of sobriety for its patients.

After learning all of this, I couldn’t help but think about God’s goodness and power in helping these patients build a better future for themselves and their families. Not only are they accepting help for their addictions, but they are also experiencing a deeper transformation within their hearts.

Shared by Hailey Loftin

 


Not a Trip
Category: Student Life