Responding to God’s Calling: Joining the Mission Team

The short-term mission trip to Honduras was organized by Living Hope Global Ministries, with participation open to churches across the United States. The purpose was to proclaim God’s Great Commission to the ends of the earth. Our church, the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington, with its 67-year history, has been part of this mission for four years. Praise the Lord!

During the promotion, prayer, and preparation for this mission, God chose Pastor Zhao and his son Joshua, as well as myself and my son Nick (Xu Jiahe), to represent our church. Together with brothers and sisters from University City Chinese Christian Church in Philadelphia, Columbia Chinese Baptist Church, and others, we formed a team of 23. United as one, from August 20–27, we stepped out of the U.S. to battle for the Lord, win souls for Him, and spread His gospel.

Experiencing God’s Presence: Fruitful Mission Work

As an eight-year believer, this was my very first mission trip—and my first destination was a country classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel. At first, I felt some inner struggle. The stark differences between the U.S. and Honduras in terms of environment, safety, and living conditions made me question: Could I adapt to the hardships? Could I fulfill the tasks entrusted by the church? Could I honor God’s calling and bear witness to Him so that others might come to faith?

Adding to my concerns, my son had been reading online that Honduras is one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world, with repeated warnings to avoid it if possible. For a time, these worries dominated our dinner table conversations and became a recurring topic of discussion.

To prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually, we held several family meetings, talking and praying together, and eventually entrusted all our fears to God. Through daily prayer, His will became clear: lay down your worries and move forward with courage. Indeed, throughout the trip, God was with us—protecting our health and safety, ensuring the smooth progress of the work, and allowing every team member to personally experience and testify to His presence.

Our 7-day trip included serving three local churches and visiting two prisons to share the gospel with inmates. The ministry work had three main parts:

  1. Using the team’s medical resources to provide health checkups for women and children at each church.
  2. Having the youth team members share the gospel with local children.
  3. Having the brothers help paint and repair church buildings, improving their simple conditions.

For many locals, these were first-time experiences, especially medical checkups. Because of poverty and malnutrition, many did not even know their own height, weight, or health indicators. Our doctor sisters faithfully served over 100 women and children each day, providing basic medicine and supplements, and bringing God’s healing love into their lives.

The children’s ministry was another highlight. Our youth prepared diligently, performing skits, singing songs, and playing games to help local kids hear the gospel. Though language was a barrier, God’s love quickly turned strangers into friends and family.

The brothers’ painting work also became a beautiful testimony. With Pastor Zhao’s experience and leadership, we joyfully labored together to improve God’s house. My son and I also gained valuable experience, laying a foundation for future service.

 

Witnessing God’s Glory: Abundant Harvest

A major part of this trip was visiting two prisons to share the gospel.

The first was a medium-security prison. After security checks, we entered the compound where over a hundred inmates were waiting. At first, my heart tightened at the sight of prison life I had only seen on TV. Most of the inmates were already seated in the chairs set up in front of the two-story cell building, waiting for us to arrive. As soon as we entered, all the prisoners fixed their eyes on us, and we could clearly feel their curiosity and eager anticipation. Yet I was amazed to find that this prison had a pastor regularly teaching the Bible. Some inmates were already baptized and receiving discipleship training; they even sang hymns for us. Their understanding of the Bible far exceeded our expectations as well.

The short-term mission team arranged for four brothers and sisters to share their testimonies for the Lord. Each one spoke about their personal journey of coming to faith and how the Lord had transformed their lives, bearing witness to the power and grace of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the gospel to the inmates.

Even more movingly, after the team members shared their testimonies, the local pastor gave an altar call for the inmates to commit their lives to Christ. Many of the prisoners, some with tears streaming down their faces, some bowed in silent reflection, and some crying out in prayer, stepped forward. The short-term team members also helped and encouraged those who were moved to come forward. In the end, nearly 90 inmates committed their lives to Christ! Hallelujah, praise the Lord! It was all the Lord’s guidance, all His power, and above all, all His grace!

At another maximum-security prison, I, together with three sisters, stood face-to-face with the inmates and shared our testimonies for the Lord. The prisoners interacted with us, responding loudly with ‘Amen! Amen!’ and enthusiastically singing hymns. Under the local pastor’s call and encouraged by the gazes of our short-term mission team members (since physical contact was not allowed in this high-security prison, we could not cross the barrier to invite them forward), nearly 30 inmates came forward to commit their lives to Christ! Hallelujah, praise the Lord! All glory and grace come from the Lord, and all glory belongs to Him!

The week passed by quickly, with each day tightly and carefully scheduled. Despite the fatigue, sleepless nights, and limited food and accommodations, every member of the mission team remained energetic, enthusiastic, and actively engaged in ministry, sharing, and bearing beautiful witnesses for the Lord. The blessings we received far exceeded what we gave; our worldly lives were refined, and our spiritual lives were strengthened. I still vividly remember seeing my son, Nick, moved to tears, and I could see him growing into a true disciple of the Lord. Praise God for His amazing grace!

This short-term mission trip to Honduras was a journey of being united with God, walking with God, and serving alongside our brothers and sisters—a journey that testified to God’s amazing grace. We are deeply grateful to every member of the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington for your united prayers, active support, and generous contributions!

As children of God, we are called to live for Him!

As children of God, we are called to proclaim the gospel for Him!

As children of God, we are called to kneel in prayer, stand to preach, and run to serve in missions for Him! Amen!