Reflections by Walt Meadors

Wow, what an experience we had this week. God took11 very different individuals who didn't know each other very well, and who were very much out of their comfort zone, and molded them into a well-oiled machine to do His work. Yes, we saw a lot of patients; yes, we gave out a lot of medicine, but more importantly we did what He called us to do. We were able to introduce the Honduran people to the God who sent us, and loves them as mch as He loves us. Even though we were different peoples who spoke different languages and had different appearances, we were all able to communicate through the language of Christ. Though this ministry was medical in name, it was spiritual in intent. We were able, through the medium of medicine, to bring many people to the church and introduce them to the word of God, probably many more than ever came to services. Hopefully we made some impression, not only about the love of Christ, but about their perception about Americans, trying to dispell the myths that are projected by the media. We are leaving this place forever changed by our experience. We will have burned into our memories the profound poverty of rural Choluteca, the smiles of the children, the lines in the faces of the elderly, the armed guards, the security walls and fences at every store and home, but also the friendliness and graciuosness of the people despite their circumstances.

I have been thinking about a mission trip for some time, but I always had some excuse or other priority--something that you talk about but you never really intend to do. This time God would not let me "wimp out". God has moved in all of our lives to bring us to this point where we could be used by Him. We have all received so much more than we have given on this trip. The 11 individuals who left Charlotte on Feb. 25th are not the same individuals who return today. We have all grown closer, not only with each other, but in our walk with Christ. We have seen that He helps us overcome all of our fears and doubts; He deals with whatever problems occur along the way. We just have to trust Him. I am so thankful that He did not allow me to do my ushal disappearing act when it comes to committing. Words can't adequately express how I feel. It will take some time to sort out my reaction. But let me encourage whomever may read about our experience to be still, listen to God's call, and follow and receive the blessings that He has promised us as His children. He will work a major change in your life. I look forward to Him continuing to work to change me, and bring me more fully into His will. Praise God for all He has done.