Day by day we are getting settled into our new life here in Honduras.  Before coming, I thought it would be a piece of cake.  I must admit we have had our challenges, but God is so good in showing us the way through!

We have been blessed with a wonderful vehicle, 2004 Nissan X-trail Diesel 4x4. This is not only economical in fuel but versatile in getting us to those hard to reach areas in the mountains.  Our salesman was a Christian and he gave us a wonderful deal on it.

One week ago today we made our way across the country of Honduras to Copan Ruinas.  It’s a tourist town of about 7,000 residents.  Don’t think for one minute that it’s a sleepy little town.  It wakes up about 6:00 am and doesn’t quiet down until the last moto-taxi drops off it’s rider for the night, around 10:00 pm.  All day it’s a constant hustle and bustle!

Since being here we have grown such a love for our church, La Cosecha.  The pastors and their family are so precious.  Honestly, it feels as if we have known them for years.  

They have welcomed us with such open arms of love and generosity, definitely looking forward to working with them in the Kingdom of God.

Many have wondered about where we will be living.  I must admit, we were pretty shocked to see the rental prices and what you get.  Like all people, we had to make some serious considerations.  By searching and looking at all the homes and apartments that were currently available, we choose a 2 bedroom apartment in the downtown area.  Not only is it safe, but relatively close to everything.  This cuts down on diesel and moto-taxis, we are able to walk to every area of town as needed.

For any questions, please feel free to email me at:
shawn@morningstarmissions.org

Thank you all for your prayers and support, it means so much to us that you have chosen to partner with us!

Shawn Paul
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What can a person say after seeing something take place that has been in their heart for over 5 years!!  It is very surreal for me.  No longer will I be waiting, but doing!

We left everything behind that we know of and are finally here in Honduras.  October 30th, Nancy, Alexis, and I made our way to Tegucigalpa by plane with 6 suitcases and 3 carry-ons.  Currently we are living with a very dear Honduran family, the Ponces.  They have shown nothing but hospitality and love towards us.  Dr. Jorge and Yvonne, we love you and your family, thank you for all you have done.

As we have been here, God has continuously shown us favor and grace, things that many said couldn’t be done has been done through the connections of Dr. Ponce.  As we share with him our need to get something done, he says, “I have a friend that can help you!”  It has actually turned into a joke with us.

Soon, we will be on our way to Copan Ruinas, our final destination.  I am in great anticipation in getting there.  My heart yearns to join La Cosecha “The Harvest,” a local church.  When I meant Pastor Guerra and his family over a year ago my spirit leaped within me.  It seemed as if it was an appointed destiny in heaven!

I recently spoke to his daughter Grecia a few days ago and it was like we have a whole family waiting for our arrival.  We will not be strangers but long lost family members in Christ finally joining together to work the Kingdom of God together.

Nancy, Alexis, and I will never forget those that have labored with us in getting us here.  Your prayers and financial support hasn’t gone un-noticed.  If we have forgotten to say thank you to anyone, please forgive us.  We continually keep you all in our prayers.

To our Pastors, Jimmy and Marty Squires, to us, you are the greatest.  We could have never done it without you two, your wise council, prayers, love, and support.  In 1990, God brought us to you as two small babies in Christ.

Here we are today, as our parents in the faith, you sent us out to further the works of Jesus Christ.  May we forever make you two proud in what God is doing through our lives and be honorable representative of Abundant Life Church.

We want to extend a special thank you to 4 ministries for your wonderful financial support.  Your belief in us is very humbling and makes us wants to shine for you.

• Abundant Life Church, Radcliff, KY
  
• Christ to the Nations Church, Mesa, AZ
  
• First Presbyterian Church, Marshalltown, IA
  
• Empty Tomb, Champaign, IL
  

Mom and Dad, I am overjoyed that we are going to be able to share this experience together.  You all don’t know this, my mother and father just got connected to the worldwide web.  They are faithfully monitoring every move their son and his family makes.  I love you two so much, words could never describe what you mean to me.  I will never forget when mom caught me sneaking into the church next door and turning on the PA system as a little boy.  I was shouting and screaming.  She said I was either going to be a preacher or a politician!  Well mom, you were right!

To my sissy, Coty, and Seth, thank you for coming and seeing us before we left.  It was such a wonderful time and I will never forget it.  You are all special to us.  I truly believe it was a divine appointment that God line up.  God used this time to create a stronger bond.

Please keep us in your prayers.  We will soon be establishing a brand new household and ministry here in Honduras.  As you all know, it’s going to take wisdom, guidance, and financial support to accomplish this.  


You Servant in Christ,


Shawn Paul
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As we were landing 11 days ago amongst the twists, turns, and low flying to avoid the wings from hitting the mountain and not to miss runway we have completed several things.

1.) Established a bank account (with the favor of God)
2.) Gained a RTN# that allows us to purchase a vehicle
3.) Located a vehicle that we will be purchasing on Monday
4.) Turned in paperwork to file for residency

Shawn and I have had to work together in completing the above items.  I didn't realize how much I missed working with my husband on a day to day basis like we use to do in our businesses.  Now we have a twist in the mix, our lovely daughter Alexis.  I pray that the Lord continually uses us to guide and lead her into the things of God.  I believe this is going to be an exciting adventure.  We will have the opportunity to see the hand of God personally shape and mold His child into the woman she was created and called to be.

However, the largest accomplishment to me is being able to wake up and communicate in Spanish to assist with breakfast.  I thought to myself, I should have sacrificed my Sunday afternoons and went to Spanish service.  I have learned so much by living "in the moment" to understand what I'm saying. 

Our first opportunity we had to go with Dr. Jorge Ponce into the mountains was Thursday, October 31st, to see ill patients and have church service.  One patient in particular was a very small baby no more than 7 months old that was crying a lot and difficulty.  Dr. Jorge said to me this baby should be in the hospital right now as he isn't well and could possibly not make it through the night. My heart dropped when the doctor told me that, the mother didn't trust the hospital and was going to keep the child home.  

As Shawn prayed we all agreed that this baby would live and not die.  That the healing power of Jesus Christ would touch the baby and a full recovery would take place. The next day Dr. Jorge said the baby was doing well and was downstairs in his office for the follow up treatment.  That day he was given several breathing treatments and is doing well!  Praise God that we can quote His Word and stand upon and witness the healing power at work.