Honduras Mission – Danger in Paradise
A Mission of Compassion
Our recent mission trip to Honduras was a transformative experience that deeply touched our hearts and challenged our perspectives. Joined by Gavin Walker, a longtime JPM Strategic Partner and founder of Walker Fight Ministries, our journey was one of faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to bringing hope to children facing unimaginable hardships.
Meet Gavin Walker
Gavin, a two-time world champion kickboxer and head trainer at a boxing gym in Nashville, exemplifies the spirit of service that defines JPM. His years of mission work have forged a unique blend of athletic discipline and compassionate outreach. Each mission he embarks on is a testament to his devotion to God’s calling and the power of love in action. It also didn’t hurt to have a Viking warrior walking around with us everywhere we went!
Gavin, Joey, and Josiah
The Journey Begins
From the moment we touched down in Honduras, we felt the weight of responsibility. This mission was not just about our presence but about ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children at risk of trafficking. Gavin’s words resonated with us as he spoke of the emotional toll this work takes. Each interaction with these children carried profound significance, reminding us of the urgent need for hope and intervention in their lives.
Emotional Strain and Spiritual Growth
The emotional strain was palpable. We quickly realized that vigilance—for the children, their families, and ourselves—was an ongoing commitment requiring unwavering focus. Opening our hearts to these children was both a privilege and a heart-wrenching challenge. Each day left us physically and emotionally exhausted, yet strengthened in faith.
Our visits to local neighborhoods opened our eyes to a stark reality few can imagine. Walking on 2x4 planks above raw sewage to deliver groceries underscored the harshness of poverty. The joy on families' faces when they received weeks of food was indescribable. Knowing they had respite from the constant worry of their next meal was a moment we will never forget.
The Power of Hope and Resilience
Despite their hardships, the resilience of the children we met was inspiring. Their laughter was a reminder of the strength found in faith. Each act of kindness was met with immense gratitude, and their open-hearted embrace of our presence reaffirmed the power of love to transcend despair.
Beyond providing food, we fostered moments of joy and connection, breaking down barriers of fear and pain, if only for a little while. These experiences reinforced the belief that true change happens not just in meeting immediate needs but in offering hope for a better future.
A Journey of Understanding
Gavin expressed how our experiences forced us to confront our own perspectives and priorities. While our personal struggles may feel overwhelming, they often pale in comparison to the daily battles faced by those in desperate circumstances. There is nothing we have endured that compares to what these children have faced.
Thankfulness & Spiritual Connection
One of the most poignant moments occurred when a young girl, filled with gratitude, called Joey “Papa.” This is the impact our donors and partners make when they give so generously. These children look for "Papa" because to them, he represents food and safety for another season. This tangible representation of our Heavenly Father’s provision and protection reminds us that JPM continues to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Roatan, Honduras.
Making a Difference
Our time in Honduras was not just a mission trip—it was a calling to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. We invite anyone who feels led to serve to consider joining us on future missions, whether through volunteering, donating, or praying for the children and families we support.
With your partnership, we can bring hope to those who need it most. Together, let’s be the change, offering love, compassion, and a future filled with possibility.
As we reflect on our time in Honduras, we are reminded of the call to be light in the darkness. The hardships we witnessed are overwhelming, but our faith assures us that no struggle is beyond God’s reach. The laughter of the children, the gratitude of families, and the resilience of a community fighting to survive remind us of God’s unwavering presence. May we continue to be His hands and feet, bringing hope where it is needed most.
Blessings,
Dr. Josiah Potter
Roatan Mission Project Leader
