About Our Ministry Partner: Tela Christian Church
What is life like in Tela?
Tela is located on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, where a popular local saying goes, "In the sea, life is tastier." This couldn’t be more true for the people of Tela. The community thrives on fish and seafood from the sea, and they take great pride in it.
The tourism industry plays a vital role in the local economy, thanks to the beautiful beaches and abundant fresh seafood. On weekends, the area fills up with tourists eager to enjoy the beaches, savor coconut bread, indulge in the best seafood from charming local restaurants, and experience authentic entertainment. This is a place where you won’t find chain restaurants – it’s all about local flavor and culture!
Tela is located on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, where a popular local saying goes, "In the sea, life is tastier." This couldn’t be more true for the people of Tela. The community thrives on fish and seafood from the sea, and they take great pride in it.
The tourism industry plays a vital role in the local economy, thanks to the beautiful beaches and abundant fresh seafood. On weekends, the area fills up with tourists eager to enjoy the beaches, savor coconut bread, indulge in the best seafood from charming local restaurants, and experience authentic entertainment. This is a place where you won’t find chain restaurants – it’s all about local flavor and culture!
What are the challenges Tela faces?
While Tela has much to offer, it has also faced significant struggles. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the community hard, and recovery is still in progress. With the economy heavily reliant on tourism, the pandemic brought a halt to tourism activity, and it has yet to fully bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.
Despite its natural beauty, many neighborhoods in Tela are underdeveloped, lacking essential services like healthcare and safe public drinking water. The impact of poverty is also felt by many residents, adding to the community’s challenges as they work to recover and grow.
While Tela has much to offer, it has also faced significant struggles. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the community hard, and recovery is still in progress. With the economy heavily reliant on tourism, the pandemic brought a halt to tourism activity, and it has yet to fully bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.
Despite its natural beauty, many neighborhoods in Tela are underdeveloped, lacking essential services like healthcare and safe public drinking water. The impact of poverty is also felt by many residents, adding to the community’s challenges as they work to recover and grow.
Pastor Aldofo & Lesby
Tela Christian Church is located in Nuevo Amanecer and has been serving the community for 12 years. The land for the church was generously donated by a local family, and the community contributed funds to cover most of the construction costs.
Over the years, Tela Christian Church has made a positive impact on the local community, though it has faced its share of challenges. The previous two pastors had to step down due to moral failures, which brought hardship to the congregation. However, the church has recently experienced a renewed sense of excitement and energy with the arrival of a new pastor, bringing fresh hope and vision for the future.
Over the years, Tela Christian Church has made a positive impact on the local community, though it has faced its share of challenges. The previous two pastors had to step down due to moral failures, which brought hardship to the congregation. However, the church has recently experienced a renewed sense of excitement and energy with the arrival of a new pastor, bringing fresh hope and vision for the future.
Pastor Adolfo is a former student of Ocotillo Christian School, and his wife, Lesby, once lived at Lifeline Children’s Home in Omoa, Honduras. Together, they have two children. Tela Christian Church is the only church in the area and has a strong relationship with the local public school, Francisco R. Benedith, allowing them to host events within the church facilities.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations
Matthew 28:19
Meet Your Oasis 2025 Team
Nicholas Ford
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
I am very thankful to be the newest member of the Oasis Christian Church staff, leading our youth and community outreach programs. The warm welcome from both the leadership and congregation has been incredibly humbling, and I am deeply thankful for the blessings God has graciously poured out on my wife, Holly, and me.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Experiencing 'Community' Done Right – I’m beyond excited to reconnect with the Lifeline Team: Carlos, Darwin, Guillermo, Pastor Alfopho, and his family. These incredible people have profoundly shaped my understanding of what true COMMUNITY looks like.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
It’s not just about offering kind words, but about actively building each other up—helping each other grow, to stay strong, and keep going. It’s a call to create a community where everyone feels valued, uplifted, and motivated.
I am very thankful to be the newest member of the Oasis Christian Church staff, leading our youth and community outreach programs. The warm welcome from both the leadership and congregation has been incredibly humbling, and I am deeply thankful for the blessings God has graciously poured out on my wife, Holly, and me.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Experiencing 'Community' Done Right – I’m beyond excited to reconnect with the Lifeline Team: Carlos, Darwin, Guillermo, Pastor Alfopho, and his family. These incredible people have profoundly shaped my understanding of what true COMMUNITY looks like.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
It’s not just about offering kind words, but about actively building each other up—helping each other grow, to stay strong, and keep going. It’s a call to create a community where everyone feels valued, uplifted, and motivated.
Holly Ford
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
My family, my wonderful church family, and community
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Service to Others, Spreading the Gospel, and Building Relationships.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
John 3:16-17, this motivates me in how God loved the WORLD, and that he sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him
My family, my wonderful church family, and community
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Service to Others, Spreading the Gospel, and Building Relationships.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
John 3:16-17, this motivates me in how God loved the WORLD, and that he sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him
Rob Moran
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
Being a Christian!
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Learning about their culture and seeing their love for Jesus.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Jeremiah 17:7 ESV
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Being a Christian!
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Learning about their culture and seeing their love for Jesus.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Jeremiah 17:7 ESV
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Lisa Moran
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
Most grateful for my family. We have a large close family and I realize how rare that can be.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I'm looking forward to experiencing a different culture. How they live and how they worship. I feel we as Americans are very spoiled ( including myself). I realize not everyone has access to everything we do. Church, schools, food and housing just as examples.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 7:12.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Most grateful for my family. We have a large close family and I realize how rare that can be.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I'm looking forward to experiencing a different culture. How they live and how they worship. I feel we as Americans are very spoiled ( including myself). I realize not everyone has access to everything we do. Church, schools, food and housing just as examples.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 7:12.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Justin Martin
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
I have a lot to be grateful for. This includes my health, my house, my friends, my family, my church and all the opportunities that I have to help lead the future with some incredible people.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Experience a different culture while helping people grow their church because I will be doing my part in the Great Commission.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Matthew 17:20
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
The foundation on who I am is always wanting to serve others. Underneath the urge to serve others, I feel insignificant. I feel inadequate to ever find myself in the position to actually be helpful to anyone. This verse helps me to know as I travel to a place unknown that no matter how small I feel with a faith in God I can be excited how He can still use me to serve others.
I have a lot to be grateful for. This includes my health, my house, my friends, my family, my church and all the opportunities that I have to help lead the future with some incredible people.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Experience a different culture while helping people grow their church because I will be doing my part in the Great Commission.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Matthew 17:20
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
The foundation on who I am is always wanting to serve others. Underneath the urge to serve others, I feel insignificant. I feel inadequate to ever find myself in the position to actually be helpful to anyone. This verse helps me to know as I travel to a place unknown that no matter how small I feel with a faith in God I can be excited how He can still use me to serve others.
Henry Buchanan
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to go on this mission trip. It’s not every day you get to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and serve others in a way that can make a real difference. I’m excited to grow in my faith and be a part of something bigger than myself.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I'm really looking forward to learning more about the culture in Honduras and connecting with the people there. I’m excited to experience life from a different perspective and see how they live and worship. I also can’t wait to grow in my faith through serving and seeing how God is at work in another part of the world.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.' This verse motivates me for the mission trip because it reminds me that God has a purpose for everything, even when we don’t fully understand it. I know that He has a plan for me in Honduras, and I’m excited to see how He’ll use me to make a positive impact on the community there.
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to go on this mission trip. It’s not every day you get to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and serve others in a way that can make a real difference. I’m excited to grow in my faith and be a part of something bigger than myself.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I'm really looking forward to learning more about the culture in Honduras and connecting with the people there. I’m excited to experience life from a different perspective and see how they live and worship. I also can’t wait to grow in my faith through serving and seeing how God is at work in another part of the world.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.' This verse motivates me for the mission trip because it reminds me that God has a purpose for everything, even when we don’t fully understand it. I know that He has a plan for me in Honduras, and I’m excited to see how He’ll use me to make a positive impact on the community there.
Kaylee Mapes
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
I am grateful that I have a job and I am still living with my parents.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I’m excited to learn about the cultural differences and the impact this trip will make on my life.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I think this motivates me to trust God through the process.
I am grateful that I have a job and I am still living with my parents.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I’m excited to learn about the cultural differences and the impact this trip will make on my life.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I think this motivates me to trust God through the process.
Elise McClure
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
Honestly, my job. I had a good job in Colorado and God called me to move to Kentucky for my grandparents…. And I did. I was worried about getting a job and insurance but my company in Colorado created a position for me so I could work remote with them in Kentucky. Truly Gods hand in all of it.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
To truly see the goodness of God. I’ve seen it in my life, I know what God has done and I know what He can do, and I’m excited to help Him with it. To serve others.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the gentile.”
This verse motivates me to be fearless in my faith as I share the gospel in my speech and in my service to the Honduran people.
Honestly, my job. I had a good job in Colorado and God called me to move to Kentucky for my grandparents…. And I did. I was worried about getting a job and insurance but my company in Colorado created a position for me so I could work remote with them in Kentucky. Truly Gods hand in all of it.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
To truly see the goodness of God. I’ve seen it in my life, I know what God has done and I know what He can do, and I’m excited to help Him with it. To serve others.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the gentile.”
This verse motivates me to be fearless in my faith as I share the gospel in my speech and in my service to the Honduran people.
Barbara Friend
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
I'm most grateful for God & His church. The love, support & prayers have been amazing.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Everything- the people, culture & God working.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Isaiah 43:1 Because He knows me and has called me to be His, I want to spread His word & love.
I'm most grateful for God & His church. The love, support & prayers have been amazing.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
Everything- the people, culture & God working.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
Isaiah 43:1 Because He knows me and has called me to be His, I want to spread His word & love.
Gabrielle Smith
1. What is one thing that you're most grateful for right now?
I am most grateful for feeling God call me to a greater purpose. I am excited to see where He takes me, and I’m grateful for a Good God to put my trust in. I am also so grateful for the support friends and family in my life.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I am looking forward to serving others in a way I never have before while im Honduras. I know it’s going to change my outlook on life and humble me in ways I’ve never experienced as well.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
James 1:27 NIV)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse motivates me because it highlights to importance of serving and putting others above myself.
I am most grateful for feeling God call me to a greater purpose. I am excited to see where He takes me, and I’m grateful for a Good God to put my trust in. I am also so grateful for the support friends and family in my life.
2. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or experiencing in Honduras?
I am looking forward to serving others in a way I never have before while im Honduras. I know it’s going to change my outlook on life and humble me in ways I’ve never experienced as well.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse, and how does it motivate you for this mission to Tela?
James 1:27 NIV)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse motivates me because it highlights to importance of serving and putting others above myself.