Missions Story: Roatan, Honduras
For nearly two decades, Hillside has been blessed to serve alongside Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries in Roatan, Honduras. There are several ministries under the umbrella of Sandy Bay Lighthouse, including Beacon School (a local school that serves the community,); a community program to bless the people of the island; and Greenfield Children’s Home, caring for abused and neglected children that authorities have obtained on the island. Currently, 25 kids live at Greenfield home, with Orsy and Banesa Cruz serving as loving parents to all of them.
Hillside has sent several teams to Roatan over the years, assisting with significant construction, remodeling and upkeep (including the design and building of their missions building, dormitory remodeling, among other projects), serving in the local church, providing dental care (by dental professionals on our teams), purchasing and delivering food to impoverished areas of the island, serving and praying with those in the community, and investing time with the children of Greenfield through Bible lessons and time spent together in play, songs, sports, and laughter.
Many Hillsiders who have spent time at Sandy Bay shared that the most powerful time of their trip was spending time with the children of Greenfield. Shannah Peterson, who went on a trip in 2017, shared that the best part about the trip was the kids. “Being able to see one of them smile and laugh was priceless. I know it wasn’t me. It was God. And being used by Him was amazing!”
Sue Kurschner, who also went in 2017, along with her family, said “The best thing about the trip was time with the children. You definitely leave a piece of your heart there. I’m often amazed at the capacity God has created in the human heart for love. There always seems to be room for more love.”
Sue’s husband, Dave—who has been on several trips to Roatan—recounts how he has seen God use His church and His followers for His purposes. “I was really stretched to put my faith into action in new ways,” he says.
Lee and Leah Nelson, who served on mission trips to Roatan in 2017 and 2019, recall the joy of seeing the impact that Greenfield Home has had on the lives of the children there. Lee says “…the instant our team arrived there [Greenfield], we could sense the love of God shining brightly in the lives of these children. Their lives before living there were often filled with brokenness, worry, and poverty—both financially and spiritually, Now they live with peace, opportunities for education and are filled with God’s love.” Leah adds “Jesus is using Orsy, his wife Banesa & their staff to bring many lives to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.”
Dave agrees. “It’s obvious that the children of Greenfield Children’s home are raised with a Christ-focused worldview. Orsy and Banesa clearly love the Lord and take in all of the kids as their own, showing that love equally to all. The Lord also seems to continually provide for the needs of Sandy Bay even when they seem to be large in nature.”
The Hillside Missions Team is excited to announce that we are planning another trip to Roatan in the late summer of 2024. Kim and Kris Dorn will be leading the trip.
Celeste Chua, who went to Roatan in 2017, encourages people to go by saying “It is an opportunity to be a part of God’s plan to help, serve and show His compassion and love to those in need; to be able to make connections to encourage children/community to believe, trust, and have hope in Jesus; and to be able to exercise how to share the Gospel and pray. More than anything, you will be uniquely blessed in a way you would not expect.”
Shannah Peterson says of her trip “I thought that I was going to be a blessing. Wrong. I was blessed! If anyone is thinking about going, if it’s on their heart, they 100% should pursue it!”
Update: A team of 18 Hillsiders is preparing to travel to Roatan this August! If you’re interested in giving towards the cost of the trip, you can give here.