Malnourished. Lethargic. Pale. Not the typical words we use to describe a newborn baby. But there we were, on the dirt steps of a tiny shack, meeting a month-old baby boy that might not survive the next few days. He was in desperate need of God’s divine intervention and provision. When I look back on the numerous Honduras trips I’ve been able to be a part of, one thing stands out: God’s provision.
We have learned that without the Lord’s hand on our trip and his guidance, none of our work would be possible. Not only does the Lord provide everything we need leading up to the trip, but also while we are there. Philippians 4:19 says “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.“ We’ve seen this time and time again.
In July 2022, we partnered with VER International and visited the Avila family. They lived in a small shack, with 3 older kids and an unnamed newborn baby boy. Kristen and I were honored to name the precious babe Tomas Rolando, after my dad Tom Phillips and her grandfather Roland Collins. Two great men of God who were called home too early. Baby Tomas was malnourished, lethargic and pale when we first saw him. Immediately, we knew it was a dire situation and made plans to get him care at the local hospital. There, they found out he was severely malnourished as well as anemic. We did not know if this sick baby would live or die. We prayed and cried out to God on his behalf and begged for healing, and anxiously waited to hear updates. After many tests were run, baby Tomas was treated and then released with strict instructions of care, extra formula, vitamins, and supplements. I’m not sure the mom knew just how crucial the situation was.
Within 6 hours of finding out about Tomas’ health, I reached out on social media, and we had close to $1800 in donations. We saw a need, asked for help, and ultimately the Lord provided. The perfect timing of our visit was not a coincidence, but a divine appointment. The Lord provided the means to get baby Tomas to the hospital, pay his bills and supplies to help him thrive back at home.
Just days after our visit, there was another blow to the family. The roof on their house fell into the bedroom and only by the grace of God, no one was harmed. We were also able to use funds donated to help patch their roof. Fast forward a year to 2023. We got to visit the Avila family again. The tiny baby who was on deaths door just a year before, was healthy and toddling around on chunky little legs with a headful of hair! With tears streaming down my face, I knew he was a miracle child. The work Kristen and Natán are doing in Honduras is changing and literally saving lives. The Avila family is just one example of the ways we have seen God provide.
Ephesians 3:20 says "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,"
I’ll end with lyrics from one of my favorite songs from Maverick City Music called More Than Able. When did I start to forget All of the great things You did? When did I throw away faith for the impossible? How did I start to believe You weren't sufficient for me? Why do I talk myself out of seeing miracles? You are more than able. Who am I to deny what the Lord can do?
Jamie is blessed to have been ministering in Honduras for almost 25 years, along with many of her family members. She has led several trips and partnered with VER and looks forward to seeing what God has planned for her future.