As Josef Kissinger reached the check-in counter at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on December 28, 2003, he muscled his luggage onto the scales. Unfortunately, the luggage—two boxes of children's supplies—was overweight. But Josef was on a mission, and he quickly began handing out clothing from one of the boxes to the rest of the team members who stuffed the children's socks, shoes, underwear, and shirts into their carry-on bags.

During Christmas break 2003, 22 Andrews University and Andrews Academy students and faculty headed to the Hogar de Ninos (children's home) in Honduras. The orphanage is operated by REACH International, an Adventist children's ministry caring for over 20,000 children in dozens of countries around the world. The volunteers from Berrien Springs, Michigan, conducted a FLAG camp for the children of the orphanage, day-care center, and the local REACH mission school. Students at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School and others from the Andrews community had donated clothing for the team to take to more than 110 children in Honduras.

The week began with over 60 children, but God richly blessed till over 155 had joined in the exciting activities by the final day. Students Michael Bell and Jodi Poole went with me into the community to invite children to attend.

"It was such a joy to see the excitement on the children's faces when they heard the invitation," recalls Jodi. "One of the little girls said her mom let her come because the REACH school was a place where she could learn about God."

The FLAG camp featured worships and other activities such as crafts, Bible lessons, music, nature study, and games. Naomi Jackson, Andrews University freshman education major, used all her teaching skills to help the children learn to play recorders in music class. Gradually the cacophony of squeaks and shrill wrong notes morphed into recognizable tunes, till the children were able to play special music on Sabbath.

"God worked a musical miracle," was Naomi's smiling assessment. "It took a lot of patience, but these children really wanted to learn." Scott Schalk, businessman and FLAG camp director, spoke for all the team, "It is such an inspiration to come here and work together with the dedicated staff here at the orphanage. They are doing a wonderful job; we're glad to help do something special for these children."

The trip is over, but the memories of hugs, lots of laughter, sun-tanned smiles, passionate prayers, refreshing relaxation at the river, and dozens of new friends will last forever. Andy Helm, Andrews Academy student, summed up the whole team's feelings: "It was awesome; I'd love to go back again!"

If you would like to make a difference in a child's life and learn more about REACH International—an Adventist organization providing food, shelter, education, and Christ's love to over 23,000 children around the world—call (269) 471-7460 or go to their Web site: www.reach.org.

Glenn Russell, director of this mission trip, is a professor in the religion department at Andrews University.