Recently transplanted to Utila in the Bay Islands of Honduras from the suburbs of Washington D.C., my Honduran born wife Doris and I were praying that the Lord would show us how we could serve Him in this lovely but very poor country. Then early last month we met Larry Pitts who told us about all the things he was involved with in Honduras and in particular AHMEN. Larry felt that we could be of assistance to AHMEN and he arranged for us to meet the incoming Exploratory Team in La Ceiba. After meeting the team Dr. Camp invited us to join them to serve as translators for their mission to Limon and the Garifuna villages beyond. Our prayers had been answered.

The next morning we left by caravan for Limon, stopping along the way to pick up the Cuban and Cuban trained Honduran doctors and nurses who were to serve with us in the clinics. Doris and I were kept busy translating as the group started to get to know each other. We arrived in Limon late in the day and I was pleasantly surprised by the facility, both the clinic and the very comfortable living quarters upstairs. Because of space limitations the Cuban/Honduran medical personnel were housed at a nearby hotel but we took all our meals together which gave the group more opportunities to bond.

Brent Brady, Servant Leadership: feeding Garifina orphans, Limon, Honduras

The following two days were spent conducting medical clinics in Limon and we also served at the soup kitchen at the Cruzadas church next door as well as visited the sewing and woodworking schools in nearby Plan de Flores. Devotions were held every morning and the Cuban/Honduran medical personnel were invited to join us. After the first day, several of them did and thus were exposed to the Gospel, probably for the first time. From the questions Doris and I got we know they were listening and that seeds were planted. Attempting to explain the Protestant Reformation to the Cuban dentist was a challenge but seeing God’s hand at work in our group was awesome. Dr. Camp also had the AHMEN team pair off with the Cubans and Hondurans to learn as much as we could about each other. After supper that evening we took turns telling everyone what we had learned which made for a very enlightening and amusing evening.

Doris and Brent Brady, from Utila, Honduras, working as interpreters for AHMEN team in Punta Pietra, Honduras

The next two days were spent conducting clinics in the Garifuna village of Punta Piedra. While there we also had an opportunity to meet with the pastor of the Cruzadas church and other community leaders as well as to visit the sewing school and inspect the site where the new church will be built. On our last evening, Friday, we had a tearful farewell with the Cuban/Honduran medical personnel.

I don’t have the words or the space here to adequately describe the amazing week we had with the AHMEN team. The images of the little children will stay with me forever. So many sick, hungry and poorly clothed children. Those waiting patiently at the soup kitchen in Limon for what for most would be the only meal that day. The little boy at the orphanage we visited in La Ceiba who asked me if he could be mine. And so many children with medical conditions that, if left untreated, would affect them the rest of their lives.

The dedication and professionalism of the Cuban/Honduran medical personnel was also amazing. Poorly equipped and paid they labor on in Honduras after the AHMEN team has returned home. The fact that a group of mostly middle aged conservative Christian Americans could work with, bond with, laugh, cry and even pray with the young Cuban and Cuban trained medical staff was surely God’s work.

Doris Brady, interpreter, Carolina Clinic, Limon, Honduras

Last, but never least, is the AHMEN Exploratory Team itself. The indefatigable Dr. Camp who, future teams beware, drives like a Honduran (see Sheila for details), Bennie’s home spun witticisms , the Guffey’s infectious good humor, Jean’s unflappable efficiency, Anna, quiet and calm except when big bugs were present, Sheila ,seldom calm and quiet but always great fun, and Larry, big brother and surrogate father to what seemed like half the kids we met between La Ceiba and Punta Piedra. It was truly a blessing for Doris and me to have had the opportunity to work with the team. Their hard work and humble dedication to bring healing and help to the least fortunate of Honduras was inspirational. I cannot recall a more fulfilling time. We are called to model Christ in how we lead our lives and the men and women of the team surely did so. I felt the Lord’s presence very often and very strongly as we worked and laughed and cried together. Even though we were only together for a week Doris and I feel like we have known the team forever and we know we’ve made friendships that will last forever. God does indeed answer prayers.

Signed: Our newest AHMEN friends, Brent and Doris Brady

Utila, Honduras

Oct 2007