Mountain View Conference Sends Out Missionaries to Honduras

Story by Walter Cardenas, Assistant to the President

“Rule number one for a missionary is to be flexible; rule number two is to be flexible; and rule number three is to be flexible.” Preston Monterrey, pastor of the Beckley and Valley View churches in West Virginia, shared these words during the pretrip meeting to La Ceiba, Honduras, that served as a guiding principle during the mission trip.

Mountain View Conference’s motto, “Tell Somebody About Jesus,” drives everything the conference does. This mission was the foundation of their efforts in La Ceiba, where they shared the gospel and served the community. Over five days, they conducted free health clinics in various locations, partnering with local doctors to provide care and refer patients with chronic conditions for follow-up treatment. They also assisted in constructing a church and worked alongside 43 local churches to hold nightly evangelistic meetings at eight different sites.

The trip, however, was not without its challenges. Hurricane Sara hit Honduras weeks before their arrival, causing severe flooding and destroying a critical bridge in La Ceiba. The resulting traffic forced the cancelation of one preaching site. Persistent, unseasonal rain added to the difficulties, making transportation nearly impossible the first four days. On Sabbath afternoon, only one site could open, and midway through the sermon, the power went out. Undeterred, Tony Garcia, pastor of the Williamson and Logan churches, continued preaching as people illuminated the platform with flashlights.

Sunday night brought further trials. Tim Bailey, conference president, developed a fever before he preached, but by God’s grace, was no longer sick after delivering his message. That same evening, Bill Hunt, a member of the Boulevard church, experienced two tire blowouts on a dark, rain-soaked road while traveling to his meeting. At another site, Heroes Sical, pastor of the Lewisburg, Lewisburg Spanish, Marlinton and Rainelle churches, made an appeal that was drowned out by heavy rain pounding on the roof. Later, sickness temporarily sidelined Hunt and Eddie Reyes, pastor of the Franklin, Moorefield, Moorefield Spanish and Romney churches, but God provided other speakers to fill in, as needed. These challenges highlighted the spiritual battle they faced, prompting them to intensify their prayers, both individually and collectively.

Despite the obstacles, God’s power was evident. Maria, a woman suffering from persistent ear pain, prayed for relief early one morning. Later that day, a neighbor invited her to the clinic, where she received treatment. That evening, she attended a preaching site and remains connected to the church. Just like Maria, many others received help and saw Jesus in action. By the end of the trip, 94 individuals were baptized, and many more committed to follow Christ.

This experience underscored the need for flexibility, faith and perseverance, say volunteers. With prayer and trust in God, challenges transformed into opportunities for His glory.