For the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving with the Hood Honduras Team, a mission team based out of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that serves under the umbrella of Commissioned International.

Commissioned International is a multi-denominational Christian organization that exists under the Lordship of Jesus Christ “to evangelize the lost, disciple the saved, and minister to the needs of the poor.” Through mission teams, they share the Gospel and provide compassionate care in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Asia. Three members of the organization’s Board of Trustees also serve with our mission team: Dr. Johnny Mayfield (Chairman), Mrs. Carolyn Hood (our team leader), and Dr. Butch Russum.

The Hood Honduras Team has two primary areas of ministry: a Surgical Team and a Village Team. I serve on the Village Team, where our mission is to build lasting relationships within the communities we serve. Our team spends one week each year in a village for three consecutive years, allowing us to strengthen connections and witness God’s work over time.

My first mission village was Reitoca, Honduras. For the past two years, we have served in El Olingo, Honduras.

Our Village Team consists of approximately 49 American volunteers, along with local translators. Team members include evangelists, pastors, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pre-medical and medical students—many from William Carey University—as well as high school and college students, retired teachers, and volunteers from many different backgrounds. Together, we use the gifts God has given each of us to share His love in practical and meaningful ways.

My role is to develop and help facilitate the children’s ministry program for the village and neighboring communities. It has been an incredible blessing to watch this ministry grow from approximately 65 children to nearly 240 children each day. Throughout the week, the children learn Christian songs, Bible verses, and the message of God’s love. This year they learned Jesus Loves Me and memorized Scripture, which they joyfully shared during the final evening worship service.

Each day begins and ends with devotions for our mission team, and every evening we worship alongside the local congregation in their Spanish-language services. These moments of worship remind us that, despite differences in language and culture, we are united as one family in Christ.

One of the most meaningful experiences last year was partnering with the LWML ladies of The Village Church to make Salvation Dolls. These special dolls were shared with every child in El Olingo, as well as the children living at the Good Shepherd Children’s Home near our mission house. The dolls provided not only a treasured gift but also a simple and memorable way to share the story of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this mission through your prayers, encouragement, and generosity. Your partnership allows us to share the love of Christ with children and families in Honduras, and we give God all the glory for the lives He continues to touch through this ministry.

-Janet Causey