The DBU Patriot Athletic Department partnered with Bucker International to send representatives to serve in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for eight days during the month of May, in an effort to continue DBU's Global Sports Mission Initiative. This trip was DBU's sixth international mission trip for the Athletic Department and consisted of staff and student-athletes from members of the volleyball, soccer, tennis, basketball, and cheerleading teams.
“The Patriot Athletic Global Sports Mission Initiative was created to allow our student-athletes the opportunity to experience other cultures by living and serving as 'Champions for Christ' abroad, which is exactly what this group was able to do,” stated Ryan Erwin DBU Director of Athletics.
"The opportunity to lead the trip to Honduras was once in a life time. The student athletes who gave their time, talents, and money were truly the hands of Christ this week even though many times they could not speak the language. They showed Christ with hugs, smiles, small gifts, and lots of energy,” DBU Head Tennis Coach and trip organizer Jennifer Curran said. “They gave everything they could that week with no grumbling or complaining, just hearts filled with love and compassion for these children."
The group spent the first two days in Honduras serving at Casitas, a juvenile home for young girls, during the morning and at Las Brisas CTC, a community elementary school, during the afternoons. While at Casitas, the DBU student-athletes ministered to over 90 girls, ages 12-18, with very different backgrounds and stories, who were at the home for various reasons, some voluntarily, while others were placed there for disciplinary purposes.
All the young girls were so desperate for love and attention from anyone and the DBU team was able to share scriptures, testimonies, and life lessons with the young individuals, offering advice and love. Despite the less than ideal circumstances for these girls, many still were able to have their hope in Christ and were very receptive to the Bible stories and message that the student-athletes were able to share. One of the most humbling experiences for the group was being a part of the morning worship time and being able to see the the young girls passionately worship Jesus, alongside us, despite the language barrier.
The latter part of the first two days consisted of spending time at the community elementary school. Las Brisas CTC was built with the help of Buckner to provide a school to educate many of the children from the underdeveloped and poverty stricken areas of San Pedro Sula. While at the school, the DBU student-athletes entertained and interacted with over 150 children, ages 6-12, helping organize many recreational activities and crafts, as well as conducting Biblical skits, such as David and Goliath and Noah.
The next two days were spent at Nueva Esperanza, an orphanage that housed over 200 children, from the ages of newborn to 12. The mornings were spent holding and caring for 28 babies, all under the ages of two, while the school aged children were in classes. During the afternoon, we were able to interact with the children, playing soccer and on the playground, teaching VBS songs, constructing crafts and taking an opportunity to communicate the love of Christ to the children.
Senior volleyball player, Kaylyn Frink said, “Not only were we able to impact the children at Nueve Esperanza, but they also impacted us. It was humbling to see a different perspective on how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. God's love shined through these children.”
The group spent the final two days at a transitional home for teenage girls. This home was an extension of Buckner, where seven girls lived in a modest home and worked as a family unit. The home taught the girls family skills and responsibilities and helped prepare them for life as an adult. The team attended church with the girls and were able to spend quality one-on-one time with the girls. The DBU team interacted with the Honduran girls with many activities, including tye-dying t-shirts, teaching American music, manicures and pedicures, and playing a highly competitive game of soccer in the street. All of these activities allowed the student-athletes a chance to share their faith with each of girls and have intimate conversations about Jesus. Despite the language barrier, God's presence was felt and seen throughout the week.
Senior Kristen Secord said, "Our trip to Honduras not only impacted the lives we came into contact with but our lives as well. For me, it was very humbling to see the same God we worship is the same God these orphans worship despite their circumstances. Even though there was a language barrier, we were able to minister and love on all those we came into contact with. The trip helped me to change my view on putting hope in God because for these kids this was all they had.”
