God’s grace can be displayed best when one least expects it. When we originally
discovered that we were to have a six hour layover in Miami, many of us were
disappointed, considering this as a “waste” of our time. Additionally, this would put us later into San Pedro Sula which
means it will be too late to travel to Siquatepeque and therefore spend the
night in a hotel.
Tom Deering, on the other hand, looked at this layover as an opportunity. He
took the initiative to offer several options outside the Miami Int’l Airport. He rented a car (which was the least expensive travel method) that
allowed us to go church right after our arrival in south Florida. In two trips
(the car only held five at a time), we attended Coral Villa Baptist Church. The
first group was warmly received with hugs and kisses by the very small
congregation. The second arrived just in time to here Reverend Guillermo
Escalona give a wonderful sermon for the call of all believers to listen to
Jesus and to be one in Christ (John 17). He did this going back and forth
effortlessly in English and Spanish. This was all in preparation to receive
communion.
He shared how we can extend God’s mercy in many ways, one of which he mentioned was, in fact, painting, the very thing we are planning to do at La Providencia. After the service,
Rev. Guillermo (William), who was from Cuba, spent several moments listening to
the unique stepping stone of our trip to his congregation on our way to
Honduras. All left encouraged and assured of the Lord’s timing of this encounter.
Next, we met at the 94th Airborne Restaurant, a World War I French farmhouse,
that served a spectacular brunch. Since meals on airlines are non existent,
this amazing buffet from crab legs to homemade omelettes and everything in
between was welcomed feast. So during these six hours, the Lord gave us a taste
of His abundant grace both spiritually and physically when we least expected
it.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17
