OUR STORY
As Told By Teresa
In the Summer of 2013, God prompted me (Teresa Gray) to make my first journey to Honduras through Carolina Cross Connection (CCC), a ministry in Gastonia, NC. After that first trip, my husband, Dennis, and I were called to go together to Honduras, again with CCC. After the second trip, we both knew that God was calling us to do “something” in Honduras. However, we weren’t sure what more we were to do, so we continued to pray and just say “Here I am Lord!” to whatever experiences He had in store for us. Over the next several years, we made trips back to Honduras with CCC and continued to learn about the country, as well as the very gracious and welcoming people who live there. In addition, we began to learn more and more about the educational system and the opportunities that exist for children and youth. Most importantly, we began to develop relationships that we know will continue for years to come.
Through lots of prayer and patience in waiting for God’s call, we are now, in the fall of 2021, stepping out in faith and beginning on a new journey. A journey to offer hope, love, and encouragement, and an opportunity to build authentic relationships within rural schools in the region of Copan and the communities in which they are located. We are going to be doing this through what we are calling “Project Education Honduras.”
OUR VALUES
RELATIONSHIPS
Establishing authentic and long-standing relationships within communities is essential.We do not believe that we can “fix” anything and our purpose in building relationships is not to “fix” anything.God commands us to be in relationship.That is the most important thing. It will not be a “let’s go fix a roof” or “paint a wall” ministry.We want to build relationships with the communities where we work, as well as with others in the region who may come alongside us and partner with us to carry out God’s work.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We are called to love God and love our neighbor.
Matthew 22:36-40 ESV
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
God has commanded us to go into all the nations to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe God commands us to share His Word and story with anyone whom we come into contact. He wants us to encourage others to follow Him and teach others about His goodness. Finally, He wants us to work together and serve within His world to meet the needs of the least, the last, and the lost.
Matthew 28:19 ESV Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Education is key for any country to have productive and thriving communities.
Proverbs 4:13 ESV Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.
All children should be challenged to hope, dream, and achieve whatever goals they have in life, no matter what those goals may be. Through education, children and youth are able to achieve their goals and dreams.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
A good education is dependent upon the teachers having the materials needed to teach, buildings and furniture that are safe for the children, and facilities that take into account the needs of the students attending the school. When help is needed to support teachers and schools, it is our responsibility to come into the community and form relationships, partnering with them and alongside them, to provide for these needs.
1 John 3:17 ESV But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
For many children, their ability to learn is also dependent upon their basic needs being met. For some children, basic nutrition is not being met, nor is adequate or safe housing. In addition, there is a lack of healthcare, as well as clean water
1 John 3:17-18 ESV But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
OUR GOALS
To go make disciples in the rural regions of Copan by assisting with the needs of schools and developing meaningful relationships within the communities where we work, taking time to really invest in the community and relying completely on God’s timing for when to begin new relationships.
To assist with repairs of buildings, building new facilities, and providing school supplies to children and youth within the community.
To build support and encouragement for the teachers, school, and community through prayer, long-lasting friendships, and meeting basic needs.
To develop relationships with other organizations and ministries in the region of Copan to meet the needs of the schools and communities.
To provide financial assistance for children who desire to attend high school and/or college.
