Report on Honduras Trip, November 2019
Tony Jacobelli and I just returned from our annual trip to Honduras. It was my (Pastor Pete’s) fourth visit and Tony’s second. We teamed up with the organizers, who hail from Hosanna Fellowship in Johnson City, TN. Bill Hauck, associate pastor at Hosanna, does the hard work of planning and overseeing the entire thing. He has done this for years, often making several trips per
Bill
year to keep the momentum going. This has been a long-term effort dating back over a decade. The result has been that bonds of friendship and trust have been established between our group and many Honduran pastors and churches. We have witnessed a growing unity in that country that is beautiful to behold. On this trip we ministered in six different zones in meeting often attended by multiple churches.
Honduras is a beautiful nation populated by a warm and generous people. It is hard not to fall in love with the family of God there. As Tony put it, we are getting a head start on introductions in heaven. There will people for us to meet from all over the world throughout history for us to get to know in heaven. We have grown to love many saints in that nation, making our return trips something of a homecoming.
The team usually makes two trips, one in late May-early June, which is usually more youth oriented. The other is the one I have gone on the last three times, which is composed of adults, usually seasoned ministers.
The trip to and from Honduras is always fairly rigorous simply because of the timing of the flights to and fro and the distance between Danli and Tegucigalpa and the poor roads. We always have to leave home very early on both legs, making a long day, but it is very worth it. Going down on Monday we landed in the capital, Tegucigalpa, just after noon central time. After going through immigration and customs, we gathered our bags and drove to a nearby mall with a food court, where we enjoyed a nice meal. Then we drove the two-plus hours to Danli, the city where we spent most of our time.
Youth Camp Site: L-R – Camp worker, Al, Pete, and Tony
On the way, near Danli, we stopped to look over the site for a planned youth conference over the weekend, where Bill Hauck would minister along with other Honduran leaders. Youth from various churches would be attending.
It was very dry there when we first arrived, making for a lot of dust. We arrived in Danli in late afternoon, where we checked into Hotel Pasado los Arcos, which was named after an old Spanish aqueduct. This is a nice place located in the heart of the town. Tony and I roomed with Octavio, a brother from Zamora, Mexico. Although our situation was pretty cramped, we made do.
Monday night we met at Napoles Italian restaurant for some New York style pizza, which is always a treat. Some of the local pastors met us there. It was a great time of reconnecting, planning, and fellowship.
The next morning Tony and I had the privilege to share the gospel with police officers at the main station in Danli.
Pastor Pete addressing police officers.
The officers gather in the main courtyard of the station. Pastor Arturo set this up for us and was on hand to lead things off. Tony shared a few words, after which I shared from the Scriptures some thoughts on their responsibilities before God to properly administrate justice.
That evening after supper, Tony and I retreated to the upstairs restaurant/bar area which provided an excellent view of the area. Below is one of my favorite sunset photos I took from that location.
Later that evening Tony and I went to Pastor Lilly’s church just outside of town. Our translator was Alan Cartagena.
There we experienced a powerful outpouring of the Spirit. Every night except Saturday, it seemed that God altered our message at the last minute. On this night I shared on the three calls of God to belong to God’s family, to declare allegiance to Christ, and to God’s mission. Afterward I asked people to come forward to be saved, to surrender to Christ’s Lordship, and to receive the Holy Spirit baptism. About five or six responded to each of the second two calls. Apparently everyone there knew Christ already. The Lord gave me prophecies over several people. One young man in particular stood out. I called him forward and told him that God saw his bold and courageous heart and that he was called to ministry. His pastor was there, who seemed to be in agreement with it all. He came forward to dedicate his life more fully to Christ and to receive the baptism in the Spirit. Pastor Lilly told me that he spoke in tongues. After the meeting he stayed behind to share his moving testimony. It turns out that he had been a part of Pastor Lilly’s church as a young man, had drifted away into sin and drugs, and recently returned to the Lord. He was weeping as he told his story to us. Although God moved powerfully on other nights, I believe this was my favorite night of ministry.
Hector and Angie
Each night our team split up to minister in different zones of the city. The local pastors association divided Danli into six zones. Pastors in each zone participated by attending the meeting in their zone, bringing some of their people. This made our time there even more effective and shows the increasing unity among God’s people.
Wednesday morning Tony and I once again ministered at the Danli police station. This time I shared the gospel and encouraged them to believe on Christ and serve him. Hector and Angie, two local high school students, accompanied us to translate. They had some time off while we were there and it was a pleasure to get to know them. After returning from the police station, we had breakfast at the hotel prepared by a very warm and gracious woman who served us well. A typical Honduran breakfast consists of eggs, plantain, goat cheese, refried beans, and avocado. Our lunches and suppers were usually prepared by a local caterer affectionately named Chino. His meals were delicious and much more
Chino
affordable than eating out.
At 10 am we took a ride to Herencia Divina (Divine Inheritance) Church. This is the church to which we contributed several thousand dollars last year to help them complete the interior. We have grown to love Pastor Eduardo and his family, at whose home we ate supper later in the week. Herencia Divina is helping to transform the neighborhood. When I first saw it three years ago, it was in the first stages of construction. The streets were very rough. Now the streets have been paved and the entire neighborhood looks better. Each Wednesday morning the church hosts an arthritis clinic. We met the doctor and I was able to preach the gospel to those who were waiting.
Clinic
We were given the grand tour of the building, too.
Classroom
Office
That evening Al Hauck, Bill’s father from New York and a prophet, and I ministered at Pastor Francisco’s (Paco’s) church, which was packed out with people standing outside. I shared first on “My best friend, the Holy Spirit,” which set Al up to hit it out of the park. At the conclusion, many came forward to receive the fullness of the Spirit.
Paco’s Church. See I was there!
One young man gave his heart to Jesus, too. (Photo on the right) 
The next morning at nine, Tony and I visited the local fire station. Tony thanked them for serving selflessly. I spoke to them about how God rescues us from the fires of hell, just as they rescue people from natural fires. Carol Woody, who was part of our team, also spoke, as did Pastor Eduardo, who was the one who set up these visits.
Afterward we went back to the motel where we got to meet Gloria, who had arrived late the previous night. Her town is about four hours away from Danli. She was supposed to catch the bus all the way, but because of protestors blocking the road, she missed her connection in Tegucigalpa. Michael Rice, her boyfriend, and Octavio left Danli at 6:30 pm to pick her up. They got in at 10:30 after we had gone to bed.
Now, here was the great plan. Michael intended to propose to her on Friday night at a special planned party at Pastor Arturo’s and Ruth’s home. She had no idea. Would the surprise be kept secret? Would she say yes? Would this be a wonderfully joyful occasion or a huge let down? We shall see.
Rehab Center
Thursday afternoon we visited a nearby Christian drug rehab center where each of us shared briefly. Al and Octavio ministered in greater depth. The sign in the background says that giving up is prohibited. On the way back to Danli, we stopped at some undeveloped property Michael purchased.
Michael’s Land
He hopes to build a home there with room to house visitors. So far electricity has been installed. Next is water. Would Gloria approve?
Around a quarter after five Tony and I went to the third floor to relax and watch the sunset. This was Tony’s favorite place. We took in another glorious sunset.
Thursday evening Al, Bill, and I ministered at a large church in the middle of town. Once again Al and I did tandem ministry. I spoke on “Fishing for People the Jesus Way,” and Al followed. He is pictured below with his translator.
Afterward, we ministered to many of the people. Pictured below are Al and Bill Hauck ministering to the 
pastor’s wife. Tony accompanied Carol Woody on this and the previous evening.
Of course, I was only one part of the team. On any given night, Al, Bill, Carol, and Octavio were ministering in different locations. In addition, during our off time, I usually hung around the hotel preparing for my message.
Tony used that time to visit the family of the child he sponsors at Llamado Eterno school, whose name is Jeferson.
Jeferson and Family
He also took in a local soccer game with Michael. Other times the group did some shopping. 
On Saturday evening, Tony and I ministered at Herencia Divina Church. Saturday is when the churches there have their main weekly meeting.
Sunday was an off day for most of us. Unfortunately, I did not feel well in the morning and had to rest up, but Tony finally made it to the cross. All week he had asked someone to accompany him on the hike up the mountain to the cross that overlooks the city. It’s not a good idea to make the trip alone. He complained that not one single pastor would help him get to the cross, which is a sad commentary.
Michael and he took the hike very early in the morning, from where Tony took the following beautiful photo.
That evening we all went to Arturo’s and Ruth’s home for the much anticipated engagement party. We arrived around 5:30 to help set up things. Chino, our cook during the week, brought the food. Then we all hid in another area of the house. Michael and Gloria arrived. He took her on
Michael and Gloria
the roof to propose. We all waited in great anticipation. Next we heard a knock. Michael announced, “Tengo un mal noticia. Ella dice Si!” (I have bad news. She said YES!) Gloria said it was the happiest day of her life. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying Chino’s meal and making toasts and roasts of Michael and Gloria. It was a great way to end the trip.
The next morning we got up at 5:20 am to drive to Tegucigalpa to fly home. I finally arrived home at 12:50 am on Tuesday morning, a little worse for the wear, but very glad to have been a part of such a great trip.
Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Pete
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