Report Joan Tyson July 18th, 2010

San Marcos de Colon, Choluteca
Honduras

July 18, 2010

My heart is still rejoicing over one of the most incredible events that I have experienced here in Honduras.

All this week, our high school has celebrated its 20th anniversary climaxing last night with the reunion of all ex-alumni, and what a reunion it was. The banquet was “supposed” to start at 3:00 pm but if you have ever visited us here, you know nothing ever starts on time. There was so much excitement in the air as the former students began coming in, seeing their former classmates that they had not seen for many years, all matter of time was forgotten. I think it was more like 4:30 when it finally started.

All former teachers, counselors, and principals were invited. All could not come but there was a good representation of those, many now with a lot of gray hair and not so young anymore, but what a reunion as they came through the door and spotted a dorm counselor who had taken care of them 20 years ago, a teacher who had taught them, or a classmate they had not seen for many years.

There was a tremendous and challenging message brought by Pastor Pedro Estrado of the Bread of Life Baptist Church in Choluteca, and every ear was attentive. How the people listened and how they responded with “Amens”, all over the high school auditorium which was now filled with beautifully decorated tables and chairs.

Following the message, a former graduate representing his graduating class of 17 years back began to talk. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of tears as these beautiful young men and women began to share their memories. They came from Spain, the United States, Nicaragua, and from all over Honduras. So many were not saved when they came to Samaritan High School but they received the Lord and their lives changed. I sat there and just thought how wonderful it would have been if every sponsor could have been present. You would have been so proud to have a part in OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME. These young people did not look poor any more. They came from every walk of life – all classes of professional young men and women – school teachers, engineers, lawyers, office workers, military – almost every profession you can name, and here they were, thanking God for the blessing of graduating from a Christian high school like Samaritan High School.

One by one they shared their experiences. A former teacher of many years ago told how we offered him a job and when he told me that he was Catholic, all I said was, “God can change a person” and I walked away. I don’t even remember this, but he told of how God did change him and he has been serving the Lord since that time. He now works in another city but is faithful and active in his church. He was single all those years ago but now has a wife and two precious children. More than one couple were classmates together and after school they were married and now have children (there was a lot of laughter when they were reminded that dating was prohibited). It just goes to show that we don’t always know what is going on even in a Christian school but it all turned out for the best.

As the night went on and more and more were giving their testimonies of what had happened in their lives, I sat there like a proud grandmother or great grandmother, my heart was completely filled with joy. Just to think that our “fruit has remained”, and is bringing forth more fruit. What a ministry this is and how challenging it is to work with teenagers, coming from all walks of life, and now seeing what God has done. They were now back, some even brought their children, and they were laughing and hugging and crying.

Earlier there were basketball games of former students playing our current students, and the former students won. The team and coach that our son Steve played with many years ago were all together and what a time they had. They also won the ball game.

The Samaritan Revival singers sang, all of them being students and graduates of Good Samaritan High School. Harold gave a touching testimony of their lives when they came to Honduras to study. Later, old pictures were shown which brought about a lot of laughter. It was 20 years ago that God laid it on Bob’s heart to start a Christian high school. We had no earthly idea of what lay out ahead. No money, no facilities, no school building, but he said he felt that is what God wanted, and we stepped out by faith. If God had called me home last night, I would have died with more joy in my heart than I have had in a long time.

Then it was picture taking time. I had my picture taken so many times my smile almost froze on my face but they wanted a picture of each graduation and they wanted Sister Joan in every picture.

I just wanted to share this with you and to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping a child. “…go forth and bring forth fruit and that your fruit may remain” is what John 15:16 says and last night the Lord let me see just a little of the fruit. Next year, we plan another reunion and start announcing early so many more former students will know about this. Then probably we will plan to have this every so many years, but I want another one next year because I never know when God is going to call me home and I want to experience this joy one more time in my life.

Joan Tyson
www.goodsamaritan.ms

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