The Rock Church

Hands and Feet: Our Final Day in Honduras

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. ⁷ So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. — 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Our mission trip concluded the way it was meant to—with open doors, warm welcomes, and the unmistakable presence of God at work.

As we gathered in Honduran homes for breakfast on our last morning, I reflected on Mark 6:7, where Jesus sent His disciples out to share the Gospel. They went from place to place, trusting God to provide and receiving the hospitality of those who welcomed them into their homes. In many ways, we experienced that same kind of welcome throughout our time in Honduras, but especially on our final day.

We spent our last hours providing medical care and sharing the Gospel with members of the community. Then we ended where we were meant to be—at the orphanage, standing alongside the faithful servants who dedicate their lives to caring for the children there.

The children welcomed us with unbounded joy, and in serving them, we were reminded of what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Christ. In those moments with the children and the devoted staff who love them, we saw a beautiful expression of faith in action.

As we prepare to leave Honduras, we carry with us the certainty that God’s Kingdom is at work here. We saw it in homes, medical clinics, Gospel conversations, faithful servants, and in the hope and joy of these children.

Our Honduras Mission Trip may be ending, but God’s work here is not. We leave grateful that He allowed us, even for a short time, to be a small part of what He is doing.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

Meeting God in the Midst of Suffering

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10

This trip has been both exhilarating and mentally exhausting—in the very best possible way! Each day has felt like a week. It’s as though we’re living in a strange and wonderful time warp.

When we landed in Comayagua, I discovered that my daughter, Beverly, had developed cellulitis from a bug bite she got in Utah. It was discouraging to face a medical issue before we even left the airport, but thankfully, antibiotics quickly took care of it, and we were able to move forward with the mission.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

The Real World

Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. — Matthew 6:10

Sometimes we think our busy lives, full of suffering and distraction, are the real world. But the reality is that Jesus is advancing His Kingdom, and He’s using the love of His Church to do it.

Every opportunity we have to love “the least of these” is made possible by many people working together to serve others and share the love of Jesus.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

A Story of Forgiveness at Jericho House

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3

One of the girls at Jericho House shared her story with our Honduras Mission Team, and it was one I won’t soon forget.

After losing her father to alcoholism, Carlita’s life became incredibly difficult. Her mother refused to work and sent Carlita and her siblings out to beg on the streets. That’s when Albia stepped in and brought them into Jericho House. Carlita was only six years old when she arrived. Seeing her now at sixteen and hearing her share what God has done in her life is incredible.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

God is Already at Work

Greetings from Honduras!

As we begin our fourth day in this beautiful country, surrounded by wonderful saints and covered by the Holy Spirit, our Honduras Mission Team is bursting with excitement about how God has been allowing us to be His hands and feet. In just a few short days, we’ve already seen Him at work in so many lives.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church

Making a Way: God’s Work Through Conversations in Milano

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19

Our second day of English clubs went very well! We had both fun and meaningful conversations around the topic of music.

Several students shared that they had never been asked about their favorite song or type of music before. Many expressed genuine gratitude simply for being asked a question and for being listened to with interest. One student in particular, Vlad, was especially thankful that we took time to hear his thoughts. That moment opened the door to deeper conversations about belonging and community.

Conversations and Connection

Elijah had the opportunity to share with Vlad and his older brother about our church—how it’s a family, why it’s called The Rock, and that Jesus is our foundation and everlasting rock.

The skit we performed for the students was a huge hit—so much so that they wanted to take a photo with “George Washington” (a.k.a. Ryan)!

Later that evening, we took five students out to dinner, where even more meaningful conversations unfolded. Abbi, Ava, and Kaylee spent time with Vittoria (who came last year and stayed in touch with Andrea and Abbi throughout the year) and a new student, Ilaria. They’ve been able to share their faith multiple times, and both girls have shown genuine curiosity and asked wonderful questions.

We are so thankful that God has gone before us and prepared the way for these conversations.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) brings more opportunities for connection—through a cooking class, games, and continued conversations.

Please pray that our words will be led by the Holy Spirit, that we would continue to speak with boldness, gentleness, and truth, and that God would be glorified in everything we do.

In Christ,
The Italy Mission Team

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

God’s Delight and Our First Day of English Club

“As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.” — Psalm 16:3

The night before our first English club meeting, Frank Apiza encouraged our team with these words. What a beautiful reminder that God’s delight in each one of us—even before our mission work begins.

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

Hope in Milano: The Start of Our Mission Journey

Hello Church Family!

We arrived safely in Milano! Although a little bleary-eyed from travel, everyone is in great spirits.

At the airport, we were greeted by Amanda and her two kids, Hannah and John. What a joy it was to see their familiar faces again! After some quick reunions and introductions for our new team members, we headed to their home.

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

Sharing Love in Hard Places: A Mission to the Landfill Community

Before our visit, I tried to imagine what life is like for the Roma families living in the landfill. A place surrounded by trash. A place where hunger and struggle are daily realities. My heart ached knowing we were about to witness conditions so different from our own.

To prepare, we made over 100 sandwiches and assembled essential kits for the children. Our mission was to share the love of Christ. We led a Vacation Bible School centered on Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Posted in Missions, News by The Rock Church

Filled with Joy and Gelato

Our final day with the missionary kids was yesterday (Saturday). The day was filled with fun, faith and farewells. It’s hard to believe the trip is coming to a close.

A majority of the time was spent all together – younger and older – singing, signing T-shirts & journals, and walking along the shore to find a new beach spot.

For at least three hours, kids hung out in the sunshine and swam. Many chatted and goofed off while tossing a football or receiving henna tattoos. We concluded our afternoon the same way we did last year – by getting gelato with all the kids.

Posted in Missions by The Rock Church