Update from La Ceiba

We came across this inscription on a door while serving at the Comedor de Jesus Cristo. Cristo vive translates to Christ lives. In just a few short days our team has served the poorest and homeless community, blessed the local police, encouraged workers at the hospital and Children's Cancer Foundation, prayed for children in the hospital and put smiles on the faces of many kids in need at a local preschool and orphange. Truly Christ lives inside of each member of this amazing team.

-Travis Moffitt  

http://ift.tt/1TqVCqP

Happy Birthday to Connect Global

4 Years ago a Journey was started.

Four years ago today Connect Global was created to bring sustainable solutions to people in need throughout the world.  We set out to find friends with whom we could partner to deliver real solutions to real problems in a sustainable way.

Some of you have joined us.  Some of you have come along the journey to visit foreign soil with us.  Some of you have faithfully and financially sent us along the path.  Many have found long lost friends they never knew they had; All while bringing sustainable solutions to those in greatest need.

These solutions have changed from place to place.  Different problems require different solutions.  Even while adapting our methods to the needs of each friend we visit, our priorities have never wavered.  

There is one solution that we have found to fit every need.  In fact I would personaly say that this is the most sustainable solution of all: The Good News of Jesus.  Simply put, we are blessed to be a blessing.  We have received grace, now we can freely give grace.  We have received favor, now we can freely give favor.  We have received life, now we can freely give life.  

All that we have is because of the kindness of God through Jesus and we are freely asked to simply give it all away.  Each person receiving this can simply pass it on.  No other methodology is more simple, more duplicatable, more sustainable or more impactful.

Around the world as well as around the corner there are people just like you and me.  People in need of sustainable solutions to the problems they face.  People in need of life.  People in need of grace.  People in need of you and me.  Our birthday wish at Connect Global is that these blessings of life and grace would simply be passed along.

To all who have joined us; we offer blessings.  To all who have financially given to Connect Global along this journey, we are deeply moved and honored by your support and friendship.  

You have blessed us beyond measure and there are countless lives that are better for it.

Please join us today in wishing Connect Global a happy fourth birthday!

-Travis Moffitt

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Why Honduras - Price

This is from a blog series by Travis Moffitt entitled "Why Honduras". Travis Moffitt is Co Founder, President, and CEO of Connect Global. 

Price: $1800 + A changed Life

Over the last ten years I have had great opportunities to both lead and attend numerous short- term mission trips. Each with their own specific purpose, style, location and price. I've been a part of mission trips going to locations with the US borders and as far out as Western Europe. With projects ranging from VBS events, to construction projects, to medical relief. And with price tags from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Variety iIs certainly the name of the game when it comes to short-term mission trips.

Repeatedly I have found myself in the great nation of Honduras. For many reasons I have found this location to be an excellent destination for short-term trips. One such advantage is simply the trip price. At Connect Global we offer a 6 day missional adventure for the low price of $1800 + Your Life.

Let's break that down. $1800 covers your international airfare from your preferred US airport, all ground transportation, lodging, food and trip insurance. Comparatively, that's a pretty low cost threshold when it comes to a short-term mission trip.

The "Changed Life" cost calculates a little differently. At Connect Global we are very intentional about engaging each team member at a heart level. We do not hide the reality that a short-term mission trip is more than an international visit. I can promise you that through a trip of this nature your heart will be stretched and opened up to a whole new world. While we will bring you home alive and well, we will also return you to your family and friends as an entirely new person. The life perspective you once had will be all together exchanged for a new, missional world-view.

A recent study by the research organization, Barna Group, reports that 75% of short-term mission trip team members state that the trip "changed their life in some way." (http://goo.gl/ 7Zn7L8) Many of our experiences have some impact on us but very few could actually be described as "life-changing." Yet that is the most common description of a short-term mission trip.

We believe this equates to an enormous cost with an even greater return. The exchange of the old for the gift of the new. Life, that is. While most of us would say that our lives are great, imagine the fulfillment of an even great life. A change in a more positive direction. Greater clarity of purpose. More awareness of others. A enlarged perspective of the world around you. More sensitivity to the struggle of others and clearer perspective of your ability to actually lessen those struggles.

At Connect Global we say it this way: GO | SERVE | CHANGE.
As you go and serve someone else. Your life, as well as their's, is changed forever.

Our next international journey to Honduras is in April 2015. You can join us for the low cost $1800 + Your Life and receive the incredible life changing benefits. Find out more and sign up at www.goservechange.com/trips. 

The label "life-changing" is pasted on many things, but the description fits most short-term service trips. Only one-quarter of those who have participated on such a trip said it was "just an experience," while a majority said it changed their life in some way. The most common areas of personal growth that people recall - even years later - include becoming more aware of other people’s struggles (25%), learning more about poverty, justice, or the world (16%), increasing compassion (11%), deepening or enriching their faith (9%), broadening their spiritual understanding (9%), and boosting their financial generosity (5%). Others mentioned the experience helped them feel more fulfilled, become more grateful, develop new friends, and pray more. Source: Barna Group 

Why Honduras - Proximity

Proximity

This is from a blog series by Travis Moffitt entitled "Why Honduras". Travis Moffitt is Co Founder, President, and CEO of Connect Global. 

 

Honduras is Approx 882 miles away from our Home in Tampa Florida

I talk to people all the time about taking a mission trip to a foreign country.  So many will describe to me their desire for such an adventure followed by all the reasons that it's simply impossible for them.  I think over the years I've heard every reason to take a mission trip and every excuse not to. 

For many there is a concern of proximity.  Often times a mission trip can take 10 days or more to complete.  While international travel has become a regular part of modern life, many global destination are simply a long way off.  Jet lag, time away from family, from work, from personal responsibilities can become a very real and insurmountable obstacle to missions.  

While Jesus asks us to go the "uttermost parts of the earth" he also asks us to go to Samaria.  In the text Samaria represents foreign lands that are near by.  We need not neglect the parts of the world that or simply hard to get to because they are far away.  Just as we should not forget to reach out to foreign lands simply because they are "next door".

The city of La Ceiba, Honduras is only 882 short miles from Tampa, FL.  While that's certainly more than a "one tank trip" it's a lot closer than many other missional destinations.  Our upcoming trip to La Ceiba in April 2015 will take you away from home for only 6 days.  6 days!

“At Connect Global we are committed to impact the city of La Ceiba through sustainable efforts for years to come. We would be honored if you would join us. ”

Amazing that you can avoid the jet lag, skip the over-full inbox upon return, by pass the family/work/responsibility neglect and still change a life. (Insert sarcastic tone of voice.)  Seriously, while distance should not be a primary factor in selecting a missional destination; or taking a mission trip at all, proximity can certainly make a difference.

The reality is that within just a few hours and by giving up a few days you can take a mission trip that will radically change your life and the life of your Honduran neighbor.  At Connect Global we are committed to impact the city of La Ceiba through sustainable efforts for years to come.  We would be honored if you would join us.  

You can learn more about our ongoing efforts in La Ceiba and even sign up for a trip by Clicking the Learn More Button.

 Our next visit to La Ceiba will be April 6-11, 2015.  We are receiving applications right now.  We look forward to making our next trip with you. 

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Living Sacrifice

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

— Romans 12:1 NIV

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We drove until the wheel actually fell off. 

I recently spent a week in Honduras working with some very dear friends.  On our second day I had the opportunity to drive for several hours with Pastor Nahun Flores.  His truck was having some trouble and we needed to take it to the service station three hours away.  We had a great time traveling and talking about life, family and ministry.  During the ride I shared with him a worship song that has been very touching and encouraging to me.  It's a great song of worship to God.  I listen to it every day. 

Once we arrived at the service station we discovered a few extra items on his truck that needed repair.  Fortunately we were able to get all the expected and unexpected items taken care of for him.  When we left we had exceeded his expectations and he was blessed.  I know because he told me so. !

Pastor Nahun Flores offering his gift of worship and his love for one another to children in Trujillo Honduras.

So which part of the day was worship?

Like most people I know, I love worship music.  I love the feeling of an outstanding team hitting that right chord, that perfect key transition, powering out that awesome chorus.  Like most people I know, I literally get goose bumps when the music is just right.  The song I played for my friend brings me to tears almost every time I hear it.  I love to experience worship music. 

But the faith Jesus calls us to, is about more than an experience.  Life with the Christ is not as much about what I can experience from Him as it is about what I can become with Him. 

The excerpt from the book of Romans says that my life can be lived out as a sacrifice of worship to God.  It's amazing that my simple, seemingly small life can be worship to the God of the universe. 

Don't get me wrong, it feels a lot better to sing out a great worship ballad then it does to pay for car repairs.  So, at times, true worship feels more like work, or ... sacrifice. 

I believe that our Father in Heaven loves to hear us sing to Him.  And I believe even more that He loves for us to serve His greatest creation, our fellow man.  He has been so kind to us.  Let us each then make sure we worship Him purely by our kindness, our sacrifice, our life lived out for the care of others. 

Cusuna Trip Recap - Travis Moffitt

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

Ten years!  That's how long Javier Mendoza and I have been working in Cusuna, Honduras.   

Some times it seems like we took our first trip only yesterday.  I still remember the first time a seven year old Julio put his little hand in mine.  I remember sitting behind Jorge Amador on the 8+ school bus ride getting my Spanish lessons.  I remember the first time the children ran along side the bus as we drove into town.  

The memories are fresh and clear and now coupled with the new memories of a 17 year old Julio lifting me up on his shoulders.  Or watching Pastor Adonis (a 12 year child on our first trip) now pastor the Church of God in Cusuna.  To see the children of my once young friends now serving God and full of the same Garifuna joy is simply amazing. 

Pastor Adonis singing in the church in Cusuna 

Not only amazing but also fulfilling.  It is literally the fulfillment of 10 years of hard work.  On this last trip we witnessed 2 especially amazing events.  First, we watched as Pastor Adonis lead this outstanding congregation in worship.  This is so significant because Adonis is the first Garifuna pastor at this church.  Cusuna has been called the center of the Garifuna world.  

The Church of God is the only evangelical church in Cusuna.  So for this congregation to now have a Garifuna pastor is the fulfillment of a long-term dream.  And the results are evident.  You can see the new sense of life and joy in each church member and leader as they are being lead by one of their own people.  I'm certain the exponential impact into the Garifuna people will be felt for decades to come. 

Secondly, we installed solar panels and a battery system on the Aquaponic system.  After three years of building Aquaponic systems in the most remote places it was truly a profound moment to simply watch the sun move the water.  Solar power has become the new equalizer in the developing world and we are quickly taking advantage of this sustainable power source.  

Today, this food producing system is now even more efficient and productive thanks to the power of the sun.  It was a miracle to behold.

A final thought on these last ten years is how humbled we are to have not walked this out alone.  

While Javier and I have been the ones physically going, we have had such amazing friends and family partnering with us every step of the way.  From our amazing wives to our ever supportive parents to the friends who have spent countless hours praying for us and those who have put their hard earned financial resources to work on our behalf.  We have never been alone. 

I am proud to say that we have not given up and as promised, we are reaping a harvest.  And that harvest fuels us for the next ten years and more to come.