Comments for a Cause has become my very favorite feature on It’s Just Life. It has been one of the most positive things that I ever could have done and it has connected me and my readers with a lot of great causes since April 2011. In February we focused on The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County.
I am thrilled to report that we raised $187.50 to give to the Boys and Girls Club this month to help in their efforts with the children in our community. Thank you ! I can’t do this without my incredible readers.
One of my jobs in the past was working at Epworth United Methodist Church in Concord, NC. I LOVED my job there and worked with the best staff ever. One of those staff members. Teresa Gray and her husband Dennis, have a heart for mission and I am thrilled to announce that they will be my “cause” for March. For each and every comment made on ANY blog post during March Chris and I will donate 50 cents to their mission trip fund.
Teresa was happy to answer my little interview questions and provide some pictures to help highlight my post today. Please enjoy what she shared with me.
1. Summarize for me what you are fundraising for –where you are going, who is going and what you will be doing once you get there.
We will be going to Honduras with a small group of 6 people total, as well as two CCC staffers. All of us have been to Honduras many times and have a love for the country and its people. We also have a special heart for the children of Honduras. We will be helping in a small mountain community in the mountains of Copan the first week we are there and the second week we will be visiting orphanages in San Pedro and the surrounding area.
2. How many times have you made this trip and why is it so important for you to make the trip?
This will be my fifth trip and Dennis’ fourth trip to Honduras. This trip is important to us because we feel as though God is calling us to do more for the children of Honduras, but we aren’t quite sure what that is or what the more looks like. We are praying God’s guidance and basically taking one step at a time. We know that God has called us to return and we are excited about what He has in store for us and our team.
3. If you could summarize your experience in one short sentence what would it be?
God has taught Dennis and I how important it is to follow God’s instructions to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8 Through our experiences He continually reinforces this through the relationships we build when we go, as well as the many experiences.
4. What has been your favorite thing that has happened as a result of these trips and experiences?
Our favorite thing is being in relationship with the children.—just playing and having fun!
5. Your children have been an important part of your mission work–both your own and the church children.(Teresa serves as Director of Children and Family Ministries and Director of The Flock Preschool) What do you hope they learn from your example of putting your words into actual work?
Although we fall short each and every day, we hope that the children are learning the importance of loving each and every day the way that Jesus love us and that love is not just a word but an action. 1 John 3:18
6. If there was one thing you could tell my readers to inspire them about these children and this trip what would it be? You have so many great stories so this is where you can share that!
If you take one look at the faces of the children, it is hard not to be inspired. (These are two children that Teresa and Dennis are sponsoring as a result of their trips to Honduras.) They are precious children and they only seek to be loved. I remember the day I first met one child. She ran to the van when we pulled up to her home and as I got out of the van, she walked up and just took my hand. We spent the whole afternoon playing and beginning to build a relationship. I learned after returning home that she had only been at the orphanage a couple months and that her parents were not able to take care of her and her brothers. That is why they ended up in the orphanage. When I looked into her eyes, I could see the face of Jesus. Each time we leave, it gets harder and harder. We are fortunate, however, to be able to communicate with both of our sponsored children through Skype. Although it is not the same as being there, we at least get to stay in touch with them throughout the school year.
So what do you think? Can we raise our max of $500 this month to help Teresa and Dennis with their trip to Honduras? Remember that for each comment made on any blog post (that means from all almost 9 years of blog posts that I have written) Chris and I will donate 50 cents. It’s easy and I usually publish a new post every week day so even if you just comment on each new one during March that would be $11.50. Get 10 people to comment daily and that is $115. See how quickly it can add up?
Thanks so much for stopping by, for taking the time to comment and for just being the best readers in the world.
If you would like to make a contribution to Teresa and Dennis’s trip on your own please mail your check to Epworth United Methodist Church, 1030 Burrage Rd. NE Concord, NC 28025 and put Dennis and Teresa Gray–Mission Trip in the memo line.
96 Comments
Leave a commentTerrific interview.
Thanks for your comment! Please pray for our team, the people of Honduras, and of course, the children! And. . have a great day!
Thank you , Ozzie, for always stopping by and supporting my Comments for a Cause. You are the best!
Adorable kids!
They look so sweet, don’t they? I would just want to love on all of them.
Will def go back and look at past posts!
It all counts!!! All 9 years!
And will def keep up with March’s posts!
Yay!
My brother has been on a few trips to Nicaragua (right next door) for the same reason – loves the children and finds it very rewarding.
That is a great thing—I had no idea he did that but I am thrilled that he does. What a ministry!
And there you have 5 posts (including this one)!
Thank you so much your comments and it is so wonderful to hear that your brother has been to Nicaragua. God is doing amazing things all across our world!
Love it! Thanks!
That’s a mission trip near and dear to my heart! I have such a connection to Honduras even though I’ve never been there myself. First, when my oldest daughter lived in Alabama, she went on a mission trip there and met her husband, who was with his church there at the same time. Since their marriage 4 years ago, they have returned to Honduras every year on a mission – he has been there 9-10 times (I’ve lost count) and she has gone 5 times. They even honeymooned there. They have such a heart for the Honduran people, especially the children. Second, my church here sponsors a Honduran orphanage and several folks from here have gone there on missions for the last several years. I hope you get tons of comments this month to raise funds for your friends’ trip.
Thank you so much for your comments! I love it when we hear about others who have the same heart for Honduras, as well as other countries. I truly believe that God calls us according to His purpose and I believe that He has special plans for the people and children of Honduras. Dennis and I are so excited to continue watching Him work in their villages and communities, and also among their children and youth. Just wondering, what orphanage does your church sponsor? Maybe there is a connection somewhere. Wouldn’t that be cool?
I know you will be such a blessing to those you serve! The orphanage our church sponsors is El Hogar de Ninos Emanuel in San Pedro Sula. We have sent four teams of folks there in the last couple of years.
I am so glad that you are so supportive of Teresa and Dennis. Their efforts are making a huge difference and I am so blessed to be a small part of the process. Thanks for stopping by!
Very small world and how cool that you should reply to this blog. Dennis and I have been to that orphanage each time we have gone to Honduras. last year, we got to go twice. We also have been to another orphanage in San Pedro. . . Compelled by Christ. God is doing amazing things there too.
So very cool and so very much like our great God to cause our paths to cross! ❤️ Our pastor and his wife along with a couple others from our church just recently got back from a trip to the orphanage. Our church completely funded a small building where the older girls make tortillas to sell. And our church children raised funds for the Honduran children to take a trip to the beach for fun.
That is such a wonderful thing! I am thrilled that so many of my readers are involved in some ministry like Teresa and Dennis support. It is one of the things that I love most about this blog—I always say I have the best readers and it is true!
That is awesome! I love your story and I am so glad you have a connection to this one as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment. You rock!
I like your math. I love this cause. My girls went on many mission trips, which affected them deeply. They both have hearts for serving others.
I have seen how mission trips have affected my own children as well. I have a 21 year old and twins that are 14. My 14 year old daughter is in the pictures and she has the same love of Honduras that her dad and I do. In fact, she will be going back this summer. However, she is going with our church group for one week. My two boys also have a heart for serving and do so in their own community. I truly believe that their heart for serving developed over years of learning about Jesus in our home, as well as being a part of an amazing church that has a heart for service and encourages children and youth to love and serve.
Thanks, Audrey! I think it is a perfect one and one that so many folks can support and get behind. Teresa and Dennis are top notch people and I am blessed to call them friends and to be a very small part of the journey with them.
Fantastic cause. Is it possible to donate directly to them in support of their trip as well? Thanks for the outstanding work you always do in highlighting some great causes.
Why yes you can donate directly to them! How could I have neglected to include that in the post? I will correct that tonight when I get back to my laptop. Donations can be made to Epworth UMC, 1030 Burrage Rd NE, Concord, NC 28025. Put “Mission Trip– Grays ” in the memo line. Thanks so much for stopping by!!!!
Another great cause, Beth Ann! Sadly, as you know, many people read blog posts and never comment.
I know you get it, Dianna. Thanks so much for your positivity and for your own spot in the blogosphere. You know I love to read what you have to share! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
You always pick such good causes. I try to comment as much as possible because I love to connect with you and because I love to support your causes.
Thanks, Darlene. This was an easy one. Anything about kids gets my heart and I know that Teresa and Dennis are making a huge difference in the lives of those kids. Thanks as always for being such a faithful reader!
Congratulations to the Epworth United Methodist Church for being chosen as your recipient for the month of March and to the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club for the month of February. As always, your “Comments For A Cause” chooses fine and worthy organizations for your generosity.
Thanks, Jake! I haven’t stopped by lately but you know I am your number one fan!
Thanks for supporting so many causes! Can’t wait to write our church secretary book together.
I know! We will ROCK that book! Secrets of Church Secretaries or How to Survive Working in a Crazy House. 🙂 Just kidding!
Another great cause!
Thanks Patti! I am super excited about his one!
We love Honduras in our family! We support Dennis and Teresa in their mission to go again. We pray for the Honduran children regularly and and are grateful that they are in our lives. <3
Becky, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment. I am thrilled to be a small part of this endeavor and hope a lot of my Epworth friends stop by all month long to leave comments so we can raise some $!!!
Thanks for commenting, Becky, and thanks so much for the prayers!
Becky, Thank you so much for stopping by and making sure you left a comment in support of Teresa and Dennis. I am thrilled to “meet” all of their friends who support them and who share a love of those children!
Such a great cause! Praying for y’all! ❤️
Such a great cause! Love y’all!
Thanks Ashley!
Thanks for stopping by, Ashley, and taking the time to read and comment for Teresa and Dennis. They are amazing people and I love getting to know some more of their friends this way. Come back often!
It is a wonderful thing you are doing! Loved the article! Safe travels!
Thank you Tara!
Tara, Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read and comment in support of Dennis and Teresa! I am thrilled to “meet” all of these great folks that I don’t know that love them as much as I do! Please come back often!
Praying continually! May God use you all on this trip as He does everyday.
Thanks for your prayers and for your support!
Thank you for stopping by Kimberly! I know that Teresa and Dennis are amazing people and that they are such an important part of Epworth UMC!
Love this “Comments for a Cause”. Teresa and Dennis and their family are such a big part of Epworth UMC and its mission outreach. Praying for their trip, safe travels and for the children in Honduras.
Thanks, Dianne. It is the perfect cause, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, reading and commenting! Love you!
Dianne, thanks so much for commenting and most importantly for committing to praying!
Kelli and Madison have been to Honduras with Carolina Cross Connection. They, too, have a heart for the children of Honduras and enjoyed their trip. Kelli says, “It was well- organized and I felt safe. They provided lots of translators, and God was really present there.” Madison says, “Honduras is a really beautiful country and they have beautiful children. I would go back. The language barrier didn’t matter because the kids just wanted someone to play with them.” We are looking forward to hearing what God is doing through the love shared on this year’s trip.
I love that Kelli and Madison have had such a great experience with CCC. I know that they learned a lot as well as giving a lot to those children. They must both have hearts for mission as well. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
Thanks for sharing Lynn. We can’t wait to see what God does this summer!
What an amazing cause (and amazing people) to support this month!
Becky, Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. You know that we are all so happy that they are going and making this trip again. They are a blessing here and beyond, aren’t they ?
Thanks for your support, Becky! We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this summer!
God is leading this family into a fantastic adventure. I can’t wait to see how God will continue to work through this family!
Thanks, Mary. I am so excited for them and know that you have the same heart for ministry that they have. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment.
Mary. . you really are the BESTEST!!! And, yes, that is my word! Thanks for all your support! I’m so excited that we have been able to be in ministry together in Honduras! I will miss that this summer, but I’m excited Alyssa has you as her second mom! I know that the Epworth one week team is going to be blessed during their time in Honduras too! I can’t wait to hear your stories of how God is working through you!
So glad you are highlighting their trip! I remember the first trip Teresa and I made to Mexico together!
Thanks, Maggie! I love all of you that know what an impact Teresa and Dennis can make there and I love that you guys made that first trip together! I remember that too!
I remember our first trip to Mexico too! It was such a blessing and a memory I will have forever. God taught me a lot on that first trip and thereafter. Most importantly, He taught me never to say I’m not going to do something (just because it makes me uncomfortable). God loves to make you uncomfortable and I think He gets a good laugh when we tell him we will do anything but (fly, go to a foreign country with a different language, zipline, go under a waterfall, etc.). . . . He likes to use those uncomfortable things to make us realize that it is all about letting Him be in control. He also likes to take ordinary people like me (who really is very ordinary) and show what can happen when we put our entire trust in Him. Of course, I fall short of this every day and have to keep reminding myself of his AWESOME power! But I’m on the journey and trying hard to keep him behind the wheel and in the driver’s seat. Hope you are able to go with us to Honduras some day, Maggie! You would love the people of Honduras and the children!
[…] support my friends Teresa and Dennis Gray as they go on a mission trip this summer to Honduras. You can click here to get more details about that […]
Always enjoy hearing the new cause of the month! Thanks for all that you do!
[…] How do you handle anger? Do you fly off the handle at the slightest provocation or are you more like me and my son? Remember all comments this month mean a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause —Mission Trip to Honduras. […]
My daughter and myself are two of the others traveling with Dennis and Teresa. God has moved in such ways words can not describe. Teresa and Dennis are two of the most amazing people I have ever met. I have been so blessed for meeting them in Hounduras and continuing our passion and love ever since.
Allison— thank you so much for stopping by! I know you will all be so blessed by this trip and I am so excited for you!!!
Allison, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! We are counting down the days when we leave for Honduras and can’t wait to see what all God shows us this summer!
So awesome the work ya’ll are doing! May you have a safe and blessed trip!
Thank you Michelle! We absolutely love Honduras – the country, the people, and the children have a special place on our hearts. We are so excited about spending two weeks there this summer!
Is it .50 per comment per person or if I read and commented on other posts it would go that way?
Comment on ANY post! Each one means a 50 cent donation. Doesn’t have to be just on this post!!!! Let’s raise some money!! You can comment as many times as you want and each comment counts. I write a new post 5 times a week normally and have blogged for 9 years so there are a lot of things you can read and comment on!!!thanks for stopping by!!!
What an awesome way to raise money for a good cause! Love this!💗
Thanks so much for stopping by! It is great to have so much support for Teresa and Dennis!!!!
Sidne
Thanks for stopping by. As we get closer to the day we leave, we get more and more excited!
I love this cause! Way to go! 💜
Thanks for stopping by, Danielle! Great to have you here!
[…] So that’s what I have been doing. What about you? Fill me in in the comment section and remember every comment this month means a 50 cent donation to my friends who are going to Honduras on a mission trip. Read more about that here. […]
Praying for you all, knowing God will use you mightly for His purpose
Thanks, Kimberly! We are excited about what God has done and is going to do! It has been amazing watching as He has orchestrated this trip and put together an amazing team and also made it possible for us to go for two weeks! God is BIG. . if we just let Him be!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment in support. Please feel free to comment on any post!!! It all counts!
I love your blogs and your heart!
Love it! Thanks for sharing and I hope it’s more than you expect
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie! I hope we reach $500 this month!
Teresa and her family are amazing!! She is so inspiring. You guys are in my prayers ❤🙏
Thanks Gabrielle for stopping by! It was such a privilege to be able to support them in a small way.
Beautiful story and family! The best of luck with your mission endeavors. It can be truly life changing, I’ve been to Thailand and that trip change my life in so many way. What an amazing God we serve!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Olivia. We are all so thrilled for Teresa and Dennis and know that God is going to richly bless them and those they minister to.
Love what your doing!
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie!
Someday I want to go on a mission trip or two!!!
That’s a great goal!