Who We Are and What We Do
 

Our Team

Throughout our organization there are ample opportunities to serve fulfilled by a myriad of individuals, each an integral part of the ministry. Flavio Varela is the head of the association as well as the pastor of the central church in Cantarranas. Antoño Carcamo is the pastor of the church in Las Lajitas. Danny Varela is the pastor of the church in the village of Yamaguare. In addition to these, there are approximately 20 faithful pastors/teachers/leaders serving throughout the association. Although a small portion of these men receive monthly support either from their respective church bodies or from donations through GBM, the majority of these men work full-time jobs and/or grow crops to provide for their own financial needs. As often as we are able, financial support or help is offered on an as-needed basis and as funds are made available. 

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Partnering with the leadership team in Honduras is a board of North American church leaders from various parts of the US. Each one committed to uphold the ministry in prayer and offer input on how we can be the best stewards of God's work. It is our desire to be a ministry that is committed to not providing a constant supply of fish to needy peoples, but rather one that equips individuals to catch their own fish so that the ministry can grow and multiply for generations to come.  

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The Background of the ministry

The work of Grace Baptist Ministries in Honduras began in 1973 with the preaching of Evangelist Paul Moore from Tennessee. The work was later carried on and expanded by Pastor Flavio Varela who also became Paul Moore’s son in law through marriage to his daughter, Angelia. Flavio and Angie were joined by their son and daughter in law, Danny and Grace Varela, in 2017 when they came to serve as full-time missionaries as well.

 

Over the years local leaders were discipled, churches were planted and an association of 6 churches was established. That association has now grown to 12 churches throughout the greater Cantarranas area. Pastor Flavio serves as the head of the association as well as pastor of the central church in Cantarranas. Pastor Antonio Carcamo serves as bi-vocational pastor of the church in Las Lajitas, Danny serves as pastor of the church plant in a village named Yamaguare. The remaining churches are led by a team of many leaders all working together under the authority and tutelage of Pastor Flavio. The economy in Honduras makes it very difficult to find part-time work, meaning that most of our leadership work full-time jobs or farm on a personal level during the day and serve in ministry in the evenings and on weekends. 

 

Our ministry approach is multifaceted; endeavoring to minister according to the biblical model and example given by Paul at the beginning of church history. The teaching and preaching of solid biblical truth take primary precedence, supported by the importance of congregational fellowship, corporate and personal worship, leadership development, and community outreach. Church anniversaries are a wonderful opportunity that we utilize to hold joint church services in the respective town/village as well as to invite the whole town to evangelistic services. Other outreach events are centered around holidays, weddings, funerals, short term mission teams and annual youth camps. 

 

Meeting spiritual needs is always our primary focus but physical needs are an essential part of ministry as well. In a third world country physical needs are abundant. We seek to meet as many as possible as funds allow and opportunities arise.

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Church Planting

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (Romans 10:14) The primary priority of any mission organization should be to preach the word in season and out of season. Church planting has little to do with constructing a building. Rather in order to fulfill this mission we need to provide gathering places strategically located in central areas where communities can come and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and grow deeper in their faith by solid biblical teaching on a regular basis.

 

The country of Honduras is similar in size to the state of Maryland and West Virginia in topography. The infrastructure of roads and public transportation are still in the developing stages, leaving most roads unpaved. Wet season also takes a large toll on all of the roads especially the dirt ones. Therefore, local travel can be difficult especially during the wet season. We tend to locate churches by community. One example of this is the church plant in Plan Fresco. Plan Fresco is a small village close to Pajarillos, where a church was established through the ministry of Paul Moore. For many years if someone from Plan Fresco wanted to attend church they had to walk to Pajarillos. On a map, the two villages are very close together but in reality it is a 20 minute difficult walk down steep and often slippery paths. Plan Fresco is its own community with its own school and we felt led that a church needed to be planted there as well. It wasn’t long before God provided land and the resources to build a pavilion style building for members to gather in, protected from the rain and weather. Similar works have begun in other villages and we remain prayerfully open to new opportunities as God leads.

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What are our Goals?

• To evangelize and disciple the lost.

• To train, equip, and encourage church leaders.

• To assist national people with financial needs guiding them to a point of self sufficiency in order to dedicate their time and resources to the ministry.

• To continue to develop and maintain a good working relationship within the community and local leaders.

• To develop entrepreneurial business enterprises owned and operated by Christian nationals.

• To connect with local churches in the United States and develop symbiotic relationships that encourage and challenge each respective ministry through prayer and participation.

 

 

Bible Institute

Since the inception of Grace Baptist Ministries, training and leadership development have been high priorities. Bible training and enrichment are very important to the preservation and growth of the ministry. In order to meet the growing demands and needs of the association, the Bible Institute was formally launched on October 26, 2012. The purpose of the institute is to assist the churches by training and educating the specific members of their respective congregations. The Bible Institute is open to any church member in good standing within our association or in sister churches. This training is offered at no cost to the attendees, but that doesn't mean there aren't expenses involved. The main expenses include study materials, textbooks and electronic equipment.  The operation of the Bible Institute is currently funded by intermittent donations from individuals or churches . Classes are taught primarily by Pastor Flavio, with support from the local leadership team and the occasional  adjunct instructors who may travel from the United States when opportunity arises. Some instructors are bilingual, but when we utilize a non - Spanish speaking individual traslators are provided. Angie or Danny Varela often step in to fill this important role. 

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Since the upheaval of the pandemic, the Bible Institute has not been able to meet regularly. We are prayerfully considering relaunching in 2024. Lord willing we will again be able to regularly provide this important training and equipping for upcoming leadership. 

 

 

Short Term Mission Trips

Are you ready to put a stamp in your passport? Galatians 6:10 tell us, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” As believers, we are called to serve one another and “be devoted to good works” (Titus 3:14) no matter where we are. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and book a plane ticket, let us partner with you. 

 

Traveling can be such an amazing experience, but what if that trip was about something much bigger than just yourself or your family? Teams can be comprised of a blend of adults, college students, and teens or even family groups. Team members are exposed to the Central American culture, climate, and cuisine under the guidance of seasoned missionaries. It is a life changing experience that can have a real impact for the Kingdom. The focus of a short term mission trip can be tailored according to the gifting and calling of the respective team. Whether that means traveling and speaking in local schools, assisting a construction project, VBS style children’s ministry, leadership development, marriage seminars, or teen outreach events. The goal of any trip is to maximize the efforts of the team by partnering them with local leadership for the effective spread of the Gospel and edification of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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What We Believe

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What About You?

We would request that you prayerfully consider how God would lead regarding your

involvement with the ministry of GBM International. We would love to co-labor with you in Honduras and in los Estados Unidos (The United States)! 

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Have More Questions?