Saint Helene

Got up this morning, we both popped a couple of Dramamine and headed off to Pandy Town. Made it there a little after 9 am. Pastor Jennie was already down at the dock waiting for the boat to arrive. There was a total of 6 of us going plus the boat driver. Our boat got there about 9:45 am and we set out to Saint Helene which is on the far East end of Roatan. Pastor Jennie had been telling us that it was a 25 minute boat ride. It turned out to be about a 45 minute boat ride, but hey it is only the Americans that noticed. The ocean was not to rough, but we did get splashed on occasionally. On our way we passed a boat headed the other way that was about 15 feet by 4 feet and had at least 20 people in it. We were told that there is only one boat a day that takes people back and forth, so if they cannot get aboard they have to wait until the next day. Saint Helene is only accessible by boat and this area has no electricity or water. When we got there we entered a house where several of the ladies that live there were cooking the food that had been sent there a few days previously. On this trip we were only going to feed those who had an addiction to drugs and alcohol. So tickets were given out to those who were invited to the free lunch. We were introduced to all of the ladies that were cooking and then we took a walk with Pastor Jennie down the dirt road. We went past a clinic where the doctor is only there on Friday’s. We then walked past a school that was only open Monday through Thursday and it only went to 9th grade. If you wanted to go beyond 9th you had to get on Roatan to finish through 12th grade. The teacher lives somewhere else so she leaves on Friday. We walked a little farther and there was what appeared to be a small restaurant. As we began our walk back, Bev stopped and talked to 4 young people. Two had finished 9th grade and not gone on. One had gone to Coxen Hole on Roatan to finish 12th grade. And one never finished 9th grade. Once they finish school there is nothing else for them to do. There are no jobs in this area, so the only way to survive and try to make a living is by fishing. There is a soccer field the youth can use to play soccer, but it is on the other side of the island. Bev said it was a very enlightening conversation. When we got back to where the ladies were preparing the meal, there were a number of men that were gathered. John and two of the ladies that came with us got to speak to a group of men about God’s word and just tried to encourage them. Pastor Jennie led Bev under the house (remember a lot of the houses are on stilts) to talk with a couple of the men. As Bev started talking about Jesus, one of the men left, but she had a great talk with the one guy that stayed. We prayed for these men and their addictions then we served them lunch under some trees. After all the men had eaten then the workers got to eat. We had spaghetti, rice and chicken (with bones) and potato salad. It was a carb overload. We had a great time talking and praying then around 2 pm we got back in our boat for our 45 minute ride back to Pandy Town. Then we jumped in the car for our one hour car ride through winding roads with pot holes to dodge. We are not complaining, it was an awesome day, we are just telling it like it is. When we finally reached Casa Isabella, we were worn out from the boat ride, car ride, and the intense sun but it was a great experience for both of us.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Hello! We are John & Bev Atkins, founders of Mission Revive.  We are excited to share our journey with you! Please feel free to browse all of the blog to see what God has been doing on the island of Roatan over the past 5 years!! :) 

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