This post by Janell

Our morning discussion theme was unity, how the Spirit brings unity among believers from different backgrounds and nations, and how this draws people to Jesus. Pastor Shane reminded us of the value of praying aloud with others, not being afraid to ask, “Can I pray with you?” (rather than for you) This was a good challenge for me, because I usually reach out to people in prayer, but I had only been praying silently in Honduras. I had also woken up feeling sad. I didn’t really know why, but my sadness made me feel like I wanted to hide.

Before heading out to the church, I pulled my husband, Pete, aside, shared my sad feelings, and asked for prayer. He held me tight and prayed over me, as tears ran down my face. He also held my hand in the bus and told me that he was glad I was with him.

When we arrived at the church, the older women from the church greeted us with warm hugs, as they had done the last four days. I decided to take on Shane’s challenge and pulled aside Blanca, an older woman whose education is only first grade, but who always has a warm smile and welcome. Using Google translate I was able to ask her if we could pray together. She eagerly agreed, and then we both started praying, each in our own language. Rather than it feeling awkward, it felt real and open. Though we both couldn’t understand each other, we both were crying, holding hands, and earnestly praying for God to move in each other’s lives and the community around us. We both finished around the same time, saying Amen together, and then hugging. It felt mysterious, encouraging, unifying, and like a work of the Spirit.

Later that day, part of our team was going out in groups to neighbor’s houses, and I was eager to be in Blanca’s group. She seemed pleased that I wanted to be with her.  Each small team visited neighbors, shared John 3:16 (the gospel message), and invited them to Friday’s church program. A couple times I was asked to pray aloud, and my prayer was translated.

Many of the women that we prayed over shed a tear. I wondered if they had felt like I had felt in the morning, hidden or wanting to hide. Their one room homes, hidden beneath palm trees, accessible only through hiking trails littered with trash; it’s easy to imagine how they might feel ashamed to have us there. But, just as Pete had prayed for me, and I had cried, when our team prayed for them, they cried. It’s strange how we can be surrounded by people, even family and friends and yet our souls can feel lacking and long for the Spirit. As I greatly appreciated Pete’s hug, prayer, and encouragement that he was glad I was with him, these mothers also seemed to appreciate our hugs, prayers, and our including them and wanting them to join us Friday.