CA RN to Honduras Missionary

Erin Pettengill is a missionary in La Ceiba, Honduras through Mission to the World (MTW), the mission sending arm of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Before serving as a missionary nurse Erin was a pediatric nurse manager in California.

Church In Armenia Bonito With Our Short Term Team





Sunday was the first full day in La Ceiba for our short team mission team from Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. They had a full day of pancake breakfast at the house of the McCann’s, trip to the grocery store, “gringo” church at the Pettengills, a neighborhood walk to the local fruit market, then off to Armenia Bonito for a worship service with one of the churches we work with. They are excited, full of energy, and ready to take the day on tomorrow. It will be the first day of construction in the morning, working on the house our last team started, and then Kids Club in the afternoon.

So, as of yesterday afternoon, our team of 18 from Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church in North Carolina, has decided to come. We weren't sure, as the political situation is a little unstable here in Honduras. However, things have been quite calm in La Ceiba, nary would you know that there has been political upheaval other than an established curfew. However, Zelaya (ex-president), and the current government have been behaving themselves quite nicely. So, our team, after much discussion, prayer, and advise of their session, have decided to come! However, because of the last minute decision, we are frantically running around to prepare for their arrival. Lindsey and I will be off for hours today purchasing food, supplies, etc. Mike will find an additional van to rent, and purchase all the construction materials to start building on Monday. So - pray for us as we prepare for this team...pray for the team coming that their hearts will be set on doing His work for His people...pray that lives will be touched through the actions and words of this team.

Just got back from Madison's hair-cut and wanted to post some pics!






We have returned from our time off at the islands. Now we are back to work getting ready for teams, planning for activities that will happen, grocery shop for teams, prepping our house to once again have the presence of lots of people :-) This is our "busy" season, and we are excited to see how God will use the teams that are coming down to serve His people here in Honduras. We currently have one house that is half built in the village we serve, and we are excited to finish up that project so we can start another.

Madison continues to enjoy her time off from school. She just got her bottom set of braces. She has had to wait while her upper teeth move to allow space for the bottom ones. She now has her full set of braces :-) She has also told me that she is "ready" for a hairstyle. So, we are off to get her hair cut, pay rent, buy groceries, and MAYBE go catch a movie.

Just an update on us. We are all well. We have been spending a few days on one of the islands off the mainland of Honduras. This trip has been planned for quite some time - an opportunity to spend some time together as a family, get a little de-stressed, and just enjoy some time at the beach.

Currently our home church, Soaring Oaks Presbyterian Church just finished up their fireworks booth, which is an annual fund raiser for missions with HUGE success! Praise God for all their hard work, and for the funds that will be able to go towards missions! They are also getting the gears running for their annual VBS. It's times like this that I feel somewhat homesick. For 3 years I was the children's ministry director for our church, led VBS, implemented the fireworks booth for support raising, and just had a BLAST during this time of the year. It's a little difficult knowing that all of these things are going on without me, but I LOVE seeing things going so well for our little church! Prayers out to SOPC that many little people will come to know the love of Christ during VBS!

We leave to go back to the mainland tomorrow. It has been a relaxing time, but once we get back, we will be hitting the floor running. We have another team coming in 5 days, and we have much to prepare for their arrival. Can't wait to see what God has planned for this team! He sure is pointing His finger down here in Honduras - now we can't wait to see how He is going to use everyone!

The 7.5 million citizens of Honduras are peacefully making their voices known, but very few media outlets are reporting the desire of the people to the extent it deserves. Mike and I have personally talked to over 150 random Hondurans and asked what they thought about the government situation and we have not found a single person that is not happy with the government change.

This past week there have been several "peace rallies" in favor of the current government and opposed to ex-President Zelaya. If this was a "military coup" would this many people support it?

25,000 people in Choluteca on July 1st


5,000 people in Tegucigalpa on July 1st


10,000 people in San Pedro Sula on July 2nd


3,000 people in La Ceiba on July 1st

During the National Anthem - proud Hondurans saluting their sovereign nation!

Signs in both English and Spanish


A picture of ousted President Zalaya, sitting on a toilet over the country of Honduras. What you may not be able to see is his toilet paper is the country's constitution.



I was personally invited up on stage to get some pictures. They were so excited to see a "gringa" that was clearly in support of what they were doing. I told the rally leader that I would be sending out pictures to CNN and Fox News that day.

Yesterday there was a peace rally with over 3000 people in the city of La Ceiba participating! If was a peaceful rally, people holding flags, and wanting the world to know the truth of what is happening here. It was incredible to be a part of what went on - this is such a historic moment for the people of Honduras as they desperately fight for their democratic rights! There are a number of VERY good articles that discuss what is going on, the democratic process that Honduras is fighting for, and all the illegal activities including drug trafficing from the ousted Honduras president. One is here (thanks Ted for this link!).

Another interesting development - Honduras just picked up two allies. Israel and Taiwan have stated they are in support of the current government and will not stand for other countries using military actions or sanctions against Honduras.