davidl@cullmantimes.com

During a discussion of do’s and don’ts before an upcoming missionary trip to Honduras, an area church’s youth minister told those taking the trip “must-have” gadgets must be left behind.

Cullman Church of Christ youth director Tim Moore, who on Monday will accompany 10 church youths on a visit to the Central American country, said getting away from material privileges is part of the point of the 10-day trip.

When the group returns to the states on June 4, he hopes the youngsters will leave behind the importance placed on items like iPods and similar electronic gizmos so many take for granted.

“You’re over there for 10 days without all the modern conveniences you have here, and then you come back here and you almost feel overwhelmed with the wealth,” said Moore who spent time in Honduras twice on previous missionary trips. “They won’t feel like they need that new, latest cell phone.”

Moore is allowing the high school students to take their electronic entertainment devices on the plane, but with the exception of cameras, he said the items must remain in their hotel rooms once in Honduras.

However, Moore said going for 10 days without the electronics is not the major life-changing experience in store for the students.

“You get over there and you see the poverty they have but, you see their joy for life you see their happiness and excitement,” Moore said.

This, he said, will have an affect on the youths when they return to the states.

“It’s going to be such a life-changing thing for these kids,” said Anita Forrest, another chaperone bound for Honduras along with two of her children, Drew and Kacy, both underclassmen at Cullman High School.

Anita’s eyes glistened while recalling another missionary trip she took years ago.

“Just to get to go to a third world country — to see what they don’t have; the disadvantage they have ...” she said about the personal effect of doing missionary work.

Her son Drew, agreed.

“I think it could open some eyes of some people and make us realize how fortunate we are in the United States,” said the CHS sophomore.

“I expect a change out of all of us,” said 18-year-old Sumer Jackson.

To help facilitate this, Kacy said Moore is having the youths write down ways they plan to lead a less materialistic life upon their return.

“I hope they won’t be as needy when they come back,” Moore said.

Moore said this will be the first time the church’s youth group has taken part in a foreign missionary trip.

While in Honduras, the students will assist a children’s home known as Por Los Niños, a Spanish phrase meaning “for the children.” The home is sponsored by Family Life Mission, an international non-profit organization geared toward promoting Christianity and teaching Biblical principles.

“While we’re there, we will help pour a concrete driveway,” said Moore, adding the group will also run a vacation Bible school program.

However, Moore said the visit won’t be all work.

We’re going to play various games and build relationships. And play some soccer, or fútbol as they call it,” Moore said.

Jackson, who plans to play despite a cast on her left foot from a recent soccer-related injury, said she thinks Spanish learned at CHS will come in handy in Honduras. However, she said she thinks having a translator will be helpful.

Kacy said this is especially good news for her. “I know how to say ‘yes’ but that’s about it,” said the 15-year-old.

Her brother, Drew, who knows more about the language as a result of a Spanish class taken at CHS, said recently he has been preparing for the trip by studying about Honduras on line.

Drew, and the other nine youths going on the trip, have also had to prepare by raising money to pay their way. Each person was required to raise at least $1,500.

Moore said the pupils surpassed this goal, raising $22,000 during the past two-and-a-half months. Moore said the students took part in various fundraisers, including car washes, a yard sale and a charity event put on with help from Belks that garnered close to $2,000.

Also he said the students wrote letters to relatives and friends seeking donations.

One youth group member, Clayton Hale, said other church members have also played a big part in paying for the trip.

Other students going to Honduras Monday include Allyson Cagle, Michelle Burleson, Magan Fromhold, Ashley Collins, Blake Van Winkle and Skylar King. They will be accompanied by Mike Fromhold.

“I think this will bring us all closer to God,” Drew said.