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After a long travel day on which I left Honduras on Monday and arrived home very early Tuesday morning, it is good to be back to a more normal routine (which may not happen until after a catch-up day).

Reflecting on the past week, I believe this year’s graduation and board meeting were special in several ways…..

The number of graduates was up and the incoming class of 32 new students will approach a record high.
The number of US guests was back up after a “down year”, since last year’s political turmoil in Honduras discouraged some from attending.
The work that the board accomplished in a short time was phenomenal, as operational committees met and discussed items that have the potential to move the work forward rapidly.
The board also had time to discuss the work from a philosophical vantage point, touching mission, purpose, goals, and future challenges, along with direction and guidance for the future.
The board was strengthened with the addition of two new members.
The number of “new guests” was encouraging, first time Baxter visitors.
The administrative reports were encouraging, as the work both at Baxter and the clinic are slated for increases near 50% across a 24-month comparison.
We heard the story of one graduate who has been responsible for teaching and bringing to Christ 200 persons during his four years at Baxter.

The list could go on and on. What a joy to be involved in a work that is making a difference in almost every part of Latin America. I would love to share the story with your church. Contact me if you would like more information.

The last morning in Honduras on this trip–chillier than I remember any December graduation trips past, only 53 degrees. The area-wide worship service yesterday was inspiring and uplifting. I estimated attendance at 700 to 800. Given that there have been several other occasions when the local churches have been together during recent months, and that some churches therefore chose not to participate this year, I thought the attendance was excellent. Some congregations who maintained a normal schedule at their own building were nonetheless represented by leaders and members.
There are 22 congregations in the Tegucigalpa area and the church continues to grow and prosper as leaders are developed and appointed and new churches are planted. The work here, and in many other places in Latin America, is a wonderful success story. The experience in Honduras, and in Central America generally, parallels that of the U.S. “When there is a strong Christian school in an area, over a period of time the churches are strengthened and enabled to do more and more in kingdom service.”
This week 15 new graduates go forth from Baxter, added to a network of over 500 who serve and work with increased dedication, many in full-time ministry roles. The churches in Latin America are growing in number, spiritually, and in abilities as a result of the work at Baxter–not only in the residence program but in the hundreds of graduates from the CELO extension courses and the PEC weekend leadership training classes.
The story is not complete because it continues to unfold. You can learn more at the Baxter website: baxterinstitute.edu.

[The internet was down at the hotel yesterday morning, so I was not able to blog. By the time I had an internet connection on campus, it was time for the board meeting to start.]

Graduation yesterday was delightful–a great group of students, a new venue for graduation festivities at the San Martin Hotel District Convention Center, a special occasion. The banquet was equally delightful–especially the opportunity to honor several who have made a difference in the history of Baxter, including former board members Mike Jones, Steve White, and Joe Widick. Earlier, the Maplehill church (Lebanon, Tennessee) and Sue Mozley received “Amigos de Baxter” awards.

I close this morning’s reflections with some miscellaneous (disconnected) thoughts. The weather has been quite cool the last couple of days, but the flowering trees and the festive Christmas decorations fill the world with color and awaken the senses. It is only about 58 degrees F. this morning–quite chilly by local standards.) It is hard to believe that the past week has flown by so rapidly and that only a little over 24 hours remains before the return to the U.S. It is a privilege to be involved with the work at Baxter and the clinic in things that make a difference in this world and for eternity as souls are brought to Christ.

The rest of the graduation group arrived yesterday. The get-acquainted day spent on campus was special–among the best I remember in almost a decade of attending Baxter graduations. Especially encouraging were the administrative reports by Dra. Xiomara Erazo and Dr. Howard Norton. They told us of the work and plans at the clinic and Baxter, respectively. Always a highlight are the graduates’ reports as they share their hopes, plans, and dreams.
The board committees that met on Thursday afternoon reported profitable meetings, and the dinner for administrators, graduates, and guests last evening capped the day marvelously.

The days this week are extremely pleasant, warm sun and a cool, refreshing breeze. The nights are brisk, but just right for those of us who escaped the early days of freezing weather in the U.S. In fact, the year-round climate in Tegucigalpa compares favorably with cities better known for their climate, cities such as Bogota and Quito. For many, the slightly warmer temperatures of Teguc are more enjoyable than the sometimes quite cool evenings, nights, and mornings of the higher elevations in Bogota and Quito.

I will not preview today’s activities, but will include them in tomorrow’s update. Thank you for your continuing prayers for this work and for the graduates.

Most of the group of guests who are coming to Honduras for graduation arrived yesterday–a few more will arrive today. Last night’s reception and devotional were delightful–and it will only get better as the week progresses.
Today is “Get Acquainted with Baxter” day. Most of the guests have been here before and are familiar with Baxter and its work, but it is always good to hear about the plans of the graduates (15 this year) and the updates from the administration.
An added bonus during today’s activities will be the opportunity for guests to tour the new President’s house on campus as it nears completion.
This day and the next few days will pass in a blur–tonight is the Administrator’s Dinner for graduates and guests, tomorrow morning is graduation for the nutritional-vocational training program, and along the way there are always board-related meetings. Thank you for your prayers, interest, and care for Jan in my absence. May God bless you this day.

A refreshing morning–sitting in the cafeteria visiting with Gary and Bob.  The birds started about 4 AM, the dogs not much later, the buses soon thereafter.  We anticipate another good day of interacting with students, receiving the graduation group, starting a week of full activities.
We appreciate your prayers on behalf of this week’s activities and for our graduates.
More tomorrow!

When the title says “Travel Day”, it usually means that my day began very early.
This is graduation week at Baxter Institute in Honduras. On Saturday, 15 new graduates will be added to the impressive list of over 500 graduates who are working to plant and strengthen churches and share the gospel throughout the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States.
This is also a week of board meetings. Since Baxter operates under the oversight of a registered non-profit Honduran corporation, much of the work of the board must be ratified and actions taken during the week when the board members are present in the country.
I ask your prayers for these graduates, and for the safe travels of the dozens of U.S. supporters and many more members of the families of the graduates as they travel to Honduras for this special occasion.