Church team help the young and poor during life-changing Honduras trip

Melton Vineyard Church team members Emma Smith and Jennifer Whiteley teaching English at the boys' home through games EMN-160919-161925001

This year’s visit was particularly special in that it marked the 10th anniversary of Melton Vineyard’s partnership with Ninos De La Luz boys’ home/school as well as the ‘feeding station’ at a church in La Ceiba that works with some of the poorest people in the city.

The first visit was made in 2006 and every two years since then a team has gone out to work with and support the local population.

At the boys’ home team members taught English through drama and games as well as participating in medical clinics, making use of the experience and expertise of the two qualified nurses on the team this year.

Melton Vineyard Church team member Ernie Braithwaite serving food at the feeding station EMN-160919-162526001

At the church and feeding station the team was involved with daily preparation and serving of food, supporting medical/dental clinics and assisting with construction work. There was even the chance to play a couple of football matches which proved to be a great way to get to know each other better.

The men on the team also visited the local prison and served over 400 plates of food to women, men and children inside.

Prior to the visit team members engaged in various activities to raise awareness of the trip and generate funds for the project work. Each team member funded their own travel and accommodation costs. Due to the generosity of businesses and people from Melton, the team was able to donate laptops, games equipment, medicinal supplies, food and Gideon Bibles in Spanish.

On their return, each team member agreed it had been a life-changing experience. At times it was emotionally and physically challenging but everyone returned with a strong wish to go back to Honduras again.

A team spokesman said: “Every time we come back to La Ceiba it’s like visiting family. The people are so welcoming and loving, as well as being genuinely grateful that a team from Melton Mowbray would travel such a long way, at their own expense to serve them. The relationships we have fostered over the past 10 years will last for many years to come.”

Team Honduras 2016 and Melton Vineyard Church would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for all those who supported and contributed to making the trip such a resounding success.