The Connection A Magazine by Connect Global – Mar 2022 - Issue 2

ISSUE

2

MAR

2022

THE

A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL

A focus on the maternal and infant healthcare shortages in developing countries and what we can do about it.

Connect Global continues to invest in aquaponics because we know it works and we believe that sustainable solutions are the future.

A special segment from our Partner, Pastor Nahun Flores

THE

A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL

03

CONTENTS MOFFITT FAMILY A Thank You to the Moffi tt Fami l y for thei r 10 years of servi ce to Connect Gl obal .

05

MATERNAL HEALTHCARE A speci al segment by Lexi Conl ey, Connect Gl obal Vol unteer

11

LIFE OF FISH Bel ow the mountai n, a stunni ng ol d town, l ots of cul ture, fantasti c cui si ne

17

LAST WORD The Road Less Travel ed, by Dani el l e Mendoza

"Connect i on i s t he energy t hat exi st s bet ween peopl e when t hey feel seen, heard, and val ued; when t hey can gi ve and recei ve wi t hout j udgment , and when t hey deri ve sust enance and st rengt h from t he rel at i onshi p. " - Brene Brown

ONWARD UPWARD

by Javier Mendoza

As we make plans and navigate our way through life, detours, mishaps, and course changes will inevitably mark our journey. It is not whether a change will happen in life but when. We do not always have providence over the things that change our course but we can choose how we respond and what step we take next.

Change is not inherently a bad thing. People throughout their lives have many positive changes like a new promotion at work, a new house, or welcoming a new baby into the family.

None of us have the ability to avoid change or disruption but all of us have the ability to lead through the change with gratitude.

We are all experiencing change right now in our world and many of us have experienced loss and disruptions we were not planning for. No matter our position or place in this life there are people watching and waiting to see how will we respond.

How will we go on, and how will we lead others through change in this life.

Life is meant to be lived with others, mutually learning from one another and leading each other through curves, valleys, and mountains along the way. It is hard to deny the amount of power gratitude has over your circumstances when it is deployed intentionally in the midst of change.

Starting with gratitude is a way in which we can center ourselves in the reality of what is going on while still maintaining a positive outlook.

In 2021 we invested over $100,000 into education and keeping kids in school. Despite economics around the world being at less than optimal points and against the hardships of governments closing classrooms which makes it harder than ever for educators to teach their students we were able to still impact almost 200 students.

The Connection Magazine | 2022

We were not sure how the changes to class structure and size were going to affect our teachers ability to teach and impact our students but together we chose to dive in and make the circumstances work for the benefit of our students.

Likewise, we have experienced terrible loss time and again at the Maternity Home. We have not been able to save every life in the NICU and we have not seen every mom be able to go home with a healthy baby. Despite the 24/7 care Connect Global provides, and the doctors doing everything they can, the Maternity Home still experiences tragic loss and disruption from time to time.

These things are tough to handle but we are making our way through the changes while leading one another as best we can. We revel in the joy with gratitude of how many lives have been saved through the Maternity Home, as well as how many lives are being changed through education or our other outreach projects such as clean water, concrete floors, or aquaponics.

I pray this year is filled with even more things that you and I can be truly grateful for and maybe in the process we will discover the things to be grateful for that we may have missed along the way.

Jorge, Javier, Saige and Travis in La Ceiba at Heavens Door School

Moffitt Family and Mendoza Family together in London, UK for International Conferences in UK and Spain.

Travis, Noah, & Gina Moffitt in La Ceiba Honduras at a children's outreach

ThankYou, Moffitt Family.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

BY JAVIER MENDOZA

We started down a path that would bring us all back to Honduras several times a year, every year until it made more sense to focus on this full-time and leave our previous employment.

Each of us knew that God had something more for us to steward and began making

In 2011 Connect Global was founded by myself, and Danielle Mendoza, along with Travis, and Gina Moffitt.

Our Kids were just

very intentional decisions to follow this prompting and so together in the summer of 2011 we founded Connect Global.

about a year old and we had the vision to change the world and make a difference.

Through this formation, we were able to serve in Honduras, Cuba, Mexico,

We are family first and always will be.

Together, we began serving on mission trips in 2004.

Colombia, Haiti, and many other places around the world.

The Moffitt family has been a part of the success and expansion of Connect Global over the last 10 years.

As Connect Global steps into our 11th year the Moffitt Family is moving into a new season and towards a new direction in their life and ministry.

They have served Connect Global and have made an indelible impact on our family, this

Javier Mendoza and Travis Moffitt in Wesley Chapel FL:

work, and in countless lives in Honduras and around the world.

I know that wherever the Moffitt Family decides to invest their talents, gifts, and efforts in the future; success will follow. We are proud of their decision to follow God and His calling to step out in faith and into the next unknown chapter of ministry.

Please join us in prayer and with good wishes as they take a step of obedience.

While their time at Connect Global is officially

Javier Mendoza, Travis Moffitt & Scott Hinkle with ministry hosts in Cuba

coming to an end, I am grateful that as family and lifelong friends we will continue to see, support, and serve their family.

Thank You, Travis, Gina, and Noah for your years of service and dedication. From all of us here at Connect Global, we are believing for clarity, success, and impact to mark your journey in this next season.

Javier Mendoza, Travis Moffitt & Team in San Lorenzo, Honduras after pouring concrete floors.

Moffitt and Mendoza Families.

The Connection Magazine | 2022

REFECTIONS ON MATERNAL HEALTHCARE

by Lexi Conley While maternal healthcare has significantly

According to medical journals, 99% of the

improved it is still far from perfect and

total maternal mortality rate comes from

needs immediate attention, not only for

developing countries like where Connect

the well-being of mothers but for children

Global works in Honduras.

as well.

This can be attributed to social, economic, The maternal mortality rate is defined by

and political instability in these various

the death rate of mothers who have given

counties. With these factors in mind, the

birth within 40 days, from pregnancy/birth-

issue of providing adequate healthcare to

related complications.

citizens is exacerbated further.

MATERNITY HOME

Additionally, babies who are born to

Prior to the opening of the Maternity

malnourished, sick, or diseased mothers

Home, women who have just given birth

are at significantly higher risk of

were asked to recover outside of the

experiencing sickness or death as well.

hospital to make room for other patients.

Therefore, to protect both the mother and the baby, it is essential that maternal

Connect Global made it its mission to

healthcare is made a top priority

alleviate some of the pressure mothers face

everywhere.

after giving birth.

"Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should know no bounds of any social status; no matter the race, gender, nationality, or socioeconomic status of a person."

-LEXI CONLEY

In La Ceiba, Honduras the Maternity Home

As previously mentioned, this not only

was opened by Connect Global in 2019 and

benefits the mother to keep her safe, but it

has since served over 600 mothers a year

also has impacts on the baby when they

who have recently given birth. Now,

come out of the hospital, they both get to

mothers have a safe place to recover and

go home healthy and safe.

wait while their babies are receiving care from the hospital.

The Connection Magazine | 2022

DANIELLE AND SAIGE MENDOZA WITH CONNECT GLOBAL MATERNITY HOME TEAM

MOTHERS CARING FOR MOTHERS We have seen many miracles at the

DANIELLE MENDOZA WITH BLANCA & ANYEL

BY DANIELLE MENDOZA

Maternity Home.

Blanca and her son stayed in the Maternity Home with us for 17 days and as Anyel was fighting for his life the prognosis was

We have had the honor and privilege of meeting,

that he would not make it. The hospital prescribed transporting

knowing, and now employing many wonderful women in

him and his mother to a larger hospital 3 hours away as the last

our over 17 years of travel and service to the nation of

effort at saving his life. This trip is typically a very last resort as it

Honduras.

is especially arduous and many babies don't survive the trip.

They are mothers, wives, sisters, teachers, directors, and

Our team was praying and invited other mothers who were

so much more. We have been blessed to be able to form

staying with us to pray as well.

a team of strong, hardworking women who care for the mothers at the Maternity Home in LA Ceiba and we

Blanca called back relieved to share that despite the

could not be more proud of the amazing, selfless work

complications, Anyel did, in fact, survive the trip and after a

they do every single day.

long-fought battle and more specialized treatments he was going to be released from the hospital. This news brought

We are inspired by their dedication to the way they care

immense joy to Blanca, our team, and the other mothers at the

for the individual mothers who come to stay with us at

Maternity Home who were praying for this miracle.

the Maternity Home. The mothers in our care are there because their children are fighting to survive in the NICU

Last year we were able to host a celebration at the Maternity

and our team is able to provide care in the way of hot

Home marking the milestone of having cared for 1000 mothers.

meals, clean showers, and additional medical attention,

At that time Blanca and Her son who was then almost 1 year old

testing, and financial support.

were in attendance and we were able to hold him and celebrate together along with several more beautiful mothers

Our team at times is able to provide care in the way of being shoulders to cry on and someone to pray with.

and their children who have been served through this ministry.

ConnectGlobal.org |

GIFT With US

MATERNITY HOME

A WISH LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS Connect Global Maternity Home Team

Connect Global has been able to bless over 600 mothers each year through our daily operation in the maternity home. We have collected, prepared, and distributed many items to these mothers and their newborns as well as helped pay for vital medicines and exams.

This ministry has allowed Connect Global to bless thousands of families in the city and nearby communities. We have been blessed by many friends and partners who Give with Us to make this home a reality. and we want to continue providing these blessings to as many families as possible.

Donating financial gifts as well as physical items helps Connect Global meet the needs of so many.

List of Items Needed for the Maternity Home in Honduras Newborn Clothes Maternity and Post Maternity Clothing Diapers, Newborn and Up Baby Wipes Money for Exams Wal Mart Gift Cards Dry Detergent Clorox Wipes Hand Sanitizer You can make a donation at ConnectGlobal.org or you can send us the items listed and we will ensure they go to a mother in need.

While a financial donation is preferred so we can buy items locally, feel free to email us if you would like the shipping address to ship your physical items.

Thank You

EDUCATION INITIATIVES

UPDATE Here at Connect Global, we are doing our part to help students stay enrolled, return to the classroom, and receive the life-changing education they deserve.

Students worldwide are at risk of falling behind on their education and those who are most vulnerable are at risk to lose the most.

Connect Global wants to change this by growing our Global Education Fund to get kids back on track.

TO KEEP KIDS IN SCHOOL

Teacher Support Community Development New Learning Environments Economic Stimulation Educational Tools Scholarships We have been able to partner with amazing schools full of committed educators to benefit students from K through 12th grade and beyond. It is our desire to strategically give in a way that promotes community and solidarity amongst all of our program participants.

Every $1 you give towards this Global Education Fund allows us to help hundreds of kids get the education they deserve.

Together we have already invested over $150K into education Initiatives!

ConnectGlobal.org |

The Connection Magazine | 2022

THE NOT SO SECRET

by Javier Mendoza

How Aquaponic food systems are working hard to provide for people in need.

Since the founding of Connect

In a small system like the ones we

Global, we have focused on and

build, fish are used as fertilizer for the

invested in sustainable solutions to

vegetation which in turn pull nutrients

problems like food scarcity. One of

out of the water and filter the water

the continuing projects we are

so that it can then be recycled back

looking forward to expanding as a

into the fish tank to help oxygenate

part of our overall strategy to serve

the water.

those affected by hunger is by building Aquaponic Food Systems

Our fish tank totals 450 gallons of

and Small Urban and Micro Farms.

water. This system utilizes 90 percent less water than traditional in-ground

Aquaponics is a hybrid of hydroponic

gardening and the nutrient-rich water

methods of growing healthy

is more sustainable than overly

vegetables alongside growing

farmed topsoil.

aquaculture such as tilapia. In this system we couple fast-growing fish with leafy vegetation in one closed system connected by a series of basic plumbing.

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

WE CONTINUE TO MEET NEEDS LIKE FOOD SCARCITY AND HUNGER

Community Training "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime" While we are always going to find ways in which to help people overcome food scarcity and hunger through various means, we intend to always find the most sustainable and long-term solution possible.

Supporting Growth These systems are not a short-term solution. They have the potential to help generations of people.

Connect Global has continued to prioritize the immediate needs as well as future alleviation of needs in a systematic way so that we can scale the solutions to meet an ever-present need.

Connect Global continues to invest in aquaponics because we know it works and we believe that sustainable solutions are the future.

The Connect Global Team has been building Aquaponic-style systems since our inception. In 2012 we built our first 5 aquaponic systems. Soon after we were commissioned to build a large system in Thailand. We continue to build systems across Central America because we know they work.

Simple and Sustainable Fish are an integral part of the aquaponic system. They provide the nutrients needed to grow healthy and lush greens and vegetables. While the fish ultimately provide a great source of food and nutrients, they also provide the “engine” needed to optimize this growing system.

Strategic Planning We continue to strategize and research ways of growing food, and making a sustainable impact.

As we find the best solutions we strive to make sure that we can implement them in a way that will ensure optimal positive effects with as little environmental footprint as we can

Lush vegetation like lettuce, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and more can all be grown quickly in an Aquaponics driven system. Foods like these need to be planted often and require a nutrient-rich medium in which to grow. This is provided by soil-less grow beds which are fertilized by the fish. The roots and photosynthesis helps to filter & oxygenate the water which then returns to the fish tank to help the growing fish.

The future is here We need to work together to challenge the status quo and bring this timeless technology to as many people as possible.

We invite you to help us spread the word so we can continue to share these solutions with those in need. Many people have already benefited from these systems and we are anxious to get these tools into the hands of many more.

ConnectGlobal.org/aquaponics

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

"WE GIVE WITH CONNECT GLOBAL BECAUSE CONNECT GLOBAL IS JUST FUN — JOY IS AN UNDERRATED THING IN THIS LIFE AND WE HAVE A BLAST ANYTIME WE PARTNER WITH THEM."

"GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF CONNECT GLOBAL THANK YOU ALL FOR RESPONDING TO THE CALL THAT GOD GAVE Y'ALL FOR HONDURAS, LEADING OTHERS ALONG THE WAY, AND DOING EVERYTHING WITH EXCELLENCE."

They are raising up the next generation of leaders to do ministry.

They are really focused on legacy and we absolutely appreciate that and value that. No matter what environment they are in, whether in the states or in another country, what we so appreciate about Connect Global is that they are focused on getting into people's lives and truly loving them to Jesus.

ConnectGlobal.org |

The Connection Magazine | 2022

2022 MISSION TRIP HONDURAS

DATES ARE FORMING NOW

MISSION TRIPS

We visit locations in need of selfless and

Our Mission Trips are booked inclusive of air

sustainable support. Every trip is full of

travel, lodging, food, projects, insurance,

adventure and designed for maximum

and more. Trips are typically 4-7 days

impact in each community we serve.

including all travel days.

Connect Global is able to share the

Our projects vary from hospital visits to

message of Jesus by providing collaborative

leadership conferences, and from light

and sustainable solutions to needs around

construction to long-term discipleship

the world

programs with Children's homes, and our partner Schools.

If you would like more information on a mission trip with Connect Global, please visit our website and send us a message.

CONNECTGLOBAL.ORG/TRIPS

PARTNER SUBMISSION

Let's stay connected with God

BY PASTOR NAHUN FLORES Yesterday I started to make a good fruit smoothie, and

The same thing happens with our spiritual life, many

even before I was mentally ready they are already

times the cares and worries of life prevent us from

savoring it, I imagined how delicious that mixture of

remaining permanently connected to that source of

papaya, banana, and watermelon would come out, in

power that God provides us through his Holy Spirit,

fact, I had never mixed three types of fruits, the normal

Jesus said that apart from Him we could do nothing.

thing had been only two, but, this time I decided to try my new mixture, but something unexpected happened

The apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit said in the

just when I turned on the blender, the electric power had

book of Corinthians: "Those who are led by the Spirit,

gone and I was left there frustrated just wanting to savor

these are the children of God", perhaps we have ever

my delicious fruit smoothie.

wondered, but how can I know if what I have thought to do is God's will for me ...?

This daily experience made me think about how many times we make plans in life, we want to prosper, travel, we want to go on vacation and see other places and so on, deep in our hearts there are longings that we would like to see come true and although apparently, We have the name of being connected with the one who gave us

The answer to this interesting question is: Only connected to the source of power that the Holy Spirit provides us can we know exactly what God's will is for us, and part of that assembly that keeps us connected to Him in prayer and prayer. meditation on his Word.

life and in whom we find fulfillment, many times the source of that power that nourishes that connection is inactive, has lost power or suffers a blockage.

Most of the electrical energy that reaches our homes comes through an assembly of turbines, cables, towers, and wires, in our neighborhoods we can see the transformers that regulate the constancy and power of the energy so that it arrives safely and gradual up to us, but, when part of that assembly fails or is disconnected from the source of the power that feeds it, it is impossible for it to reach our homes.

If you ever feel that you have disconnected from the source of power that is God himself, come back, reconnect, God longs for that connection with you.

Pastor Nahun Flores is a long-time friend and local partner in Honduras. He is married to Edenia and lives in Trujillo, Honduras.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

By Danielle Mendoza

After having lived in Honduras I have now begun to see many things from a different perspective. One thing I have been mulling over almost constantly is gratitude.

Being grateful shows depth in someone’s character, while being ungrateful displays an attitude of entitlement. I am learning that being grateful oftentimes is a choice made by the individual and is rarely determined by an individual's set of circumstances.

I have been humbled by many of the citizens I've met in Honduras. Scouting projects, vision casting, and followthrough all take a significant amount of work not only from our organization but also from the leaders in the community who graciously plan, facilitate and include every needed detail to accomplish the task at hand.

These community leaders are the ones who lend us credibility to their friends, their families, their schools, and hospitals.

The gratitude that they exude in the day-to-day has even made me feel uncomfortable at times.

In part, because our organization solely exists to be a help, a support, and a friend to such communities, what else would we be doing? We are simply trying to be followers of Christ who fulfill the Great Commission.

For Javier and I personally, as well as Connect Global as a staff, we have made a decision to actually do what the bible says to do. It sounds crazy but by simply doing what the bible says our purpose in life can be revealed. We are to enhance others with the gifts we have received.

Everyone has the ability to play a role in enhancing someone’s life.

For most of you, this will not involve you moving to a developing country, learning a new culture, or deciphering a new language, but if you are mindful it will re-route your heart and your thinking.

For many of you, this will look like you being the best teacher your students will ever have, being a co-worker that will listen in someone’s time of need, or being a spouse that dedicates their life to friendship and mutual partnership within your marriage.

The list can go on and on, the idea is that when you begin to nurture your attitude of gratitude you will no longer be able to settle for a surface relationship, petty gossip, constant discontentment, or dissatisfaction.

YOU have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of others. By focusing on the enhancement of others, you forfeit the “right” to be selfish and that leads you to places you’ve never imagined being.

— DANIELLE MENDOZA

In fact you might catch yourself volunteering to feed the homeless, taking in foster children, booking a ticket to a foreign land to go and serve, or playing the piano for the elderly in your local nursing home. The possibilities are endless.

It is easier at times to focus on present circumstances, feel entitled or harbor resentment but that road is wide, and leads you nowhere.

Practice gratitude, give of yourself, and live on purpose so you too can experience The Road Less Traveled.

-Danielle

The Connection - A Magazine by Connect Global

THE

A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL

12 N Broadway Loft 3B Yonkers, NY 10701 (214) 725-4352 Email: javier@connectglobal.org www.connectglobal.org