2026 Spring Break Mission Trip to Honduras
The Presbytery of Arkansas is preparing for our Spring Break 2026 Mission Trip to Honduras, continuing a long-standing covenant partnership grounded in faith, friendship, and shared ministry.
This year marks Leigh Woodruff’s tenth trip in twelve years. She serves as Co-Moderator of the Honduras Ministry Subcommittee alongside Rev. Jesse Gonzalez of the Hispanic Ministry at FPC Springdale. Retired Rev. Phil Butin remains actively involved in the ministry’s work.
Joining the team are Rev. Catherine Allsbury (Second Presbyterian, Little Rock) and Dr. David Bass (Trinity Presbyterian, Little Rock).
FPC Springdale is sending Stephen Shearman, James Buck, and his son Sean Buck, a 10th grader returning for his second visit. From First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Christian Educator Kristi Button and her husband, Rob Button, will serve together with Rob providing musical leadership. Also from FUPC Fayetteville are Yesenia Navarez and her younger brother, Luis Perez, a high school junior.
University of Arkansas student Kyzer Wilmer (FPC Prairie Grove) will make his third trip, joined by fellow U of A student Jacelynn Macias (FPC Jacksonville). Two Walton Scholars from the University of the Ozarks — Yohanna Guadalupe Velasquez of Guatemala and Norman Josue Baquedano of Honduras — round out the team, reflecting the global nature of this partnership.
We are grateful to the many congregations and individuals who have supported this trip through scholarships, construction gifts, and operational funding. We are especially thankful to the Synod of the Sun for awarding $5,000 for construction and $2,500 for participant scholarships. Fundraising efforts and generous donors have raised over $25,000 again this year.
The team will continue site improvement efforts at Villa de Gracia, the camp and conference center owned and operated by the Presbyterian Women of Honduras. This ministry hub provides space for retreats, leadership development, youth events, and regional gatherings. Improvements made this spring will expand hospitality capacity and strengthen long-term sustainability. A day trip to the mountain village of El Horno, where there are several Solar Under The Sun installations, and cultural excursions are also in the itinerary.
In addition, students in Springdale have collected books for the Chispa Project, a rotational library system we support in Honduras. These donations will expand access to books and nurture a love of reading in communities with limited resources. www.chispaproject.org
This trip is more than a week of service — it is an expression of a covenant relationship. We travel as partners, serving alongside our Honduran siblings in Christ.
You can support this ministry by praying for the team and our partners, engaging in discussion and sharing updates with your home congregation, and contributing financially to scholarships, construction, or operational needs to First United Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville by mailing a check or clicking here to donate electronically. Please select “Honduras” from the drop-down fund menu.
Thank you for walking with us in this shared mission. We look forward to sharing stories and photos upon our return.
Submitted by Leigh Woodruff