Who's on the Team?

Below is a list of our team members, the team they will be working with, and a little bit about them. We ask that you pray for us daily so that we can do God's work and minister to the people in Honduras.

Noey Barrera (Construction)
"This is my first time going to Honduras. I am very excited and honored of being a part of the St Mark’s Honduras team this year. I have lifted a hammer or two in my time, so I will be going as member of the construction team. My family and friends are saying “Noey is going on a mission trip?” That’s a completely fair thought. I kept asking myself that too. I’m not the first person people think of when it comes to feeding the hungry/helping the poor/working on a small village far far away for the borders of the United States. Plus, I’m so busy. Work is really intense right now at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , family commitments (my partner , Sheri and our son, Todd) are many and this is not a good time to go on a mission trip. But I’m not sure if there is ever a “good time” to go on a mission trip. And I also had a list of reasons why I shouldn’t go, but I keep coming back to the one reason I should – To help others. It’s easy to pray for far off places and far off people and write a check to help others. But sometimes, it becomes necessary to put forth time and give a helping hand. As I prepare to go I am guided by Isaiah 41:10 'So do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand'.”


Kelly Bryant (Education)
"Within the last year I moved to Atlanta for my job with Cook Medical. I sell Interventional Radiology supplies to Interventional Radiologist in Georgia and Alabama. I moved here not knowing a soul with my beloved 2yr old schnauzer, Maddie. (What a blessing she has been) My hobbies are Triathlons (Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distances to date), I typically run five days a week, swim or bike 1-2 times a week and I participate in FITWIT boot camp (when my travel schedule allows) four days a week in the morning. I also like to read when time allows. During my move to Atlanta from Indiana, I was involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT). My Indiana Triathlon coach thought it would be a good idea to get involved with TNT here as a way to stay involved in helping find a cure for blood cancer and meet good people. Also, in my short time here, I started FITWIT boot camp, which is affiliated with inner city underprivileged youth to aid in their after school fitness and tutoring. I work with my fellow Team in Training Teammates to collect workout clothes and shoes on the behalf of FITWIT children. This has been very fulfilling. I have always had a special relationship with the Lord, (I admit I am not the most knowledgeable in the biblical sense but I have my faith in the Lord). I knew another way to make “my heart smile,” would be for me to find a church similar to the Methodist Church I attended in Indianapolis, that welcomes all people. From my fundraising and training efforts for blood cancer research with TNT and FITWIT boot camp, I wanted to give more of myself to others and let the Lord work through me. That being said, I started my research for a church. I printed off a few church options and started with St. Mark and have not visited another. In November or December of 2010, I learned of the Honduras Mission trip. I knew I was passionate about helping others be it through humor, fundraising, volunteering, collecting donations… I wanted to be a part of this trip. I reached out to Byron and the next thing I know I was sending out letters to coworkers, friends, family and business associates to explain the Honduras Mission trip cause. I thought because of my medical career I would assist with the medical team or perhaps I would work with the construction crew. However, it wasn’t until our first Mission trip dinner that I learned of the sports/rec need on the education team. I am a sports fanatic and have played sports since the age of 5. If it’s a sport, I have likely played it or watched it. I want to be a part of kids being active & healthy, happy, burn up pent up energy, build their confidence, teamwork and communication skills and give them my time, share my energy and love for sports. Sports/Rec offers so many outlets to those that seek it, just as our faith in the Lord does. I have never been to Honduras so I am excited and nervous all in one. I am privileged and honored to be a part of this TEAM. The scripture that helps guide me…daily is, Proverbs 3:5-6 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'"


Pam Buzbee (Medical)
"This is my second trip to Honduras with St Mark UMC but I have been on mission trips throughout the world since 2004. After the first one (which also happened to be Honduras, but to a different area entirely), my heart was broken for "the least, the last and the lost." I realized how much I have and how much I wanted to give back. I am guided by Jesus' parable in Matthew 25 in which he talks about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, taking care of the sick and visiting those in prison. And then he says, "As you have done it for the least of these, you have done it to me." I am blessed to have the time and physical ability to serve. Since I went to Honduras the first time, I have pulled out my high school Spanish from LONG ago and worked to become fluent. I'm not there yet but I can communicate (however ungrammatically it might be!) so I will be using that limited language skill on this trip to help the medical team."


Terry Davis (Construction)
"This is my third missionary trip to Honduras and I will be working with the construction team, helping to build the wall around the school. Currently, I am an educator, teaching Biology in the Cobb County Public School's System. I have been blessed by God and feel the need to help establish his kingdom here on earth. This is my way of helping my fellow-man on this journey that we call life. A scripture that guides me comes from Matthew 25:35-36, 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me'."


Lisa Duncan (Construction)
"My partner Cindy, and I have been a member of St. Mark since 2004. We recently had to relocate to New Jersey for her job but plan to come back to Atlanta at some point to find a small 2nd home for those cold winter months up north. From the first moment we walked through those red doors we immediately fell in love with the church and the welcoming community, a place that has been our spiritual home for the past six ½ years. I was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition and was very involved from an early age in the church--VBS, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Puppet Ministry, Girls Auxiliary (GA's), Church camp, and eventually, Youth Director. I wouldn't trade anything for my spiritual upbringing, but am very happy to call myself a Methodist today, especially as a member of St. Mark UMC. I became a born-again Christian at the age of 18 and truly know that God came into my life that night and changed me forever. I always thought about going on mission trips, but they were never something that I searched out and committed to over the years until coming to St. Mark. As God would have it, Cindy and I attended one of St. Mark's mini-tradeshows in Wade Hall after church one morning and learned a lot about the Honduras Mission Trip and were very interested in going. The following year (2006) we both went on the trip and I have been hooked ever since. This year marks my 5th trip and I just can't imagine not being a part of this mission every year. I believe the work that we do in Honduras is such an important mission, and while it's a very personal way for me to shine God's light in the world, it's also a way that I can use the gifts God gave me to share with those in precious need."


Randy Fullerton (Construction)
"My life has meaning because of my interactions with individuals around me. I like to think that I bring a breathe of fresh air into a room or into a group of people I have never met before, or among a group of my long-term/lifelong friends. Life is about the interactions we have with each other, and I like to think that everything I do is for partial entertainment. There are doctors, there are lawyers, and there are business folk out there and those people have found their niches. Well, my niche is to entertain and that’s what I try to do! Quite often, we forget that life is short, so we need to enjoy ourselves! I am looking forward to the trip to Honduras and venturing out into a part of the world that I have never experienced! I have been on a tremendous new journey over the past year, “re-creating” myself and looking towards wonderful new opportunities and experiences! Look out Honduras, HERE WE COME!"


Robert Fusci (Medical)


Cooper Gluck (Medical)
"Hey there, my name is Cooper Gluck and I will be on the medical team this year. I am 16 years old and this will be my very first time traveling to Honduras. I enjoy playing lacrosse and wrestling. I am going to Honduras because I love an adventure, and because this experience will help me get into a good medical college."


Shirley Horran (Lunch Lady)
"I'm retired and have five grown children with three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I do pet/house sitting to keep busy; and enjoy travel, history and reading. This is my 10th trip to Honduras. I actually have two hymns that seem to draw me to missions, "Hear I am Lord" and "Freely, Freely". I believe my gift from God is service, and I try to keep involved with things at the church. I'm drawn to help where, who or when I can. On mission teams, I've helped with Bible School and the children and have been a light construction helper. Many years ago, as well as in more recent years, I have helped prepare lunches and done the shopping for the group. I'm always anxious to go back and see folks we've worked with and met on previous trips."


Shirley Ingram (Medical)
"I enjoy helping people. When Dr. Kauffman stated, "I don't have a nurse this year." I thought he was talking about going to room 3. "Hear I am! What do you need?" I replied. He said, "No, I need someone to go with me." I said, "Ok." To my surprise, he was talking about going to Honduras. I have been working at home most of the past two years on walls, sheet rock, painting, sinks, yard, rebuilding a home...a money pitt. I have not been on a mission trip before; yet have worked with doctors which have been all over the world doing mission trips. I have wanted to save the world and now I realize I needed to get off the cross and bring in the wood. I thought there was 'No way I could go' but prayed for God's will. Next thing I know, I became a part of an amazing group of people. I still have to take up the floors at home and still have to put in cabinets. However, the gift for a break on this project will renew my heart. I know my soul will be touched once again. I don't like to say the word no and I believe in treating people the way you want to be treated. When harsh times come, I believe what Mark 11:24 says 'Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them'."


Richard Kauffman (Doctor/Medical)
"I have been involved in medical mission trips in several countries around the world including Cambodia, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, South Africa and Vietnam. This will be my ninth trip to Honduras. I started going to La Ceiba when I was a medical student in 1976 with the Christian Medical Society. This will be my sixth trip with Saint Mark. I grew up in a very strict Amish community where formal education is forbidden. I told my bishop and my parents that I wanted to be a missionary doctor and used it as an excuse to leave the Amish community and seek higher education. I have "missionary" in my blood. That is why I keep going again and again. I receive far more than I give each time I go on a medical mission. I keep Isaiah 6:8 in my head: 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"


Sandi Keener (Construction)
"My name is Sandi Keener and I am an elementary school physical education specialist. Even though I teach throughout the school year, I work on the construction crew while in El Pino. This is my seventh trip to Honduras. In 2002, I made my first trip to La Ceiba in which we visited the village of El Pino. Our relationship with the people there was just beginning. As I reflect on the photos I took, I see faces of children, some which still live there and have grown to be young adults. Some of these young people are currently a part of the construction crew that I so enjoy being a part of. They inspire me as I watch them. Their work ethic is incredible. Several of them work 8-9 hour days and then go to school at night. Wow! Even though I speak very little Spanish, it doesn't matter. We communicate with our choppy attempts at each others language, we use gestures, and we laugh a lot. Ecclesiastes 3:12 says, "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live." I look forward to seeing my Honduras family again."


Jon Knoy (Education)
"This will be my first trip to Honduras and my first time out of the country as well. I will be teaching music with Beth which I’m really excited about, but will definitely put me outside my comfort zone. I’ve joked with friends about my hope that the children are either tone deaf or that I can magically sing well in Spanish. I have always felt the calling to serve which has led me to jobs in the hospitality industry (restaurants & hotels) and the non-profit sector (a food bank & American Red Cross). I’m currently back in the hospitality industry but hope to transition into academia to utilize my passion for education, where I can use my skill sets to serve in other ways. When I moved to Atlanta (June 2010), I was happy to find Saint Mark as it has been a great way for me to build a sense of community in this new city. I was excited to learn about the Honduras mission trip last year as I had to cancel a mission trip to Nicaragua with my church in Indianapolis two years ago due to scheduling conflicts. It’s amazing to see how this trip has come together and I am excited to serve in the village of El Pino. A verse that guides me is Matthew 20:26-28, 'Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'."


Beth LaRocca-Pitts (Education)
"I am married to Mark LaRocca-Pitts. We have two children, Ellie and Joe, who are twins and will be entering the 7th grade next year. I am the senior pastor of Saint Mark and Mark is a chaplain with Crossroads Hospice. We met and married when we were in graduate school together at Mother Harvard! Both of us have PhD’s in Old Testament which neither of us actually use to earn a living! This is my first trip to Honduras, though I have been on other mission trips before, notably to Costa Rica with Athens First UMC. On this trip, I will be leading music class at the school along with Jon Knoy and am looking forward to the trip!"


Larry Lucas (Education/Lunch Man)
"This year, I will be doing lunches, etc. with Shirley H. and the other area will be afternoon recreation and sports on the education team. This is my first mission trip to Honduras. For the last 34 years, I have owned a showroom in the Atlanta Market Center in downtown Atlanta. This is my 43rd year in the gift industry both retail and wholesale. My family includes 1 daughter, 1 deceased son, and 8 grandchildren. I enjoy playing volleyball 3 times a week and teaching dance lessons on cruises around the world. I also love to garden, cook and entertain, as well as being the Social Chair for St. Mark UMC. All my life I have done for others; paying ahead with great joy. A scripture and quote that guide me are, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' and 'Those who mind don't matter; and those who matter don't mind'."


David Marier (Construction)
"This is my 3rd trip to Honduras (2005, 2007 and now). I've always been on the construction team which is helpful since I do remodeling and construction in the Atanta area and I'm able to use my experience in Honduras. I love working with the local construction guys on projects that will help them lead better lives, and then playing with the other children in the area when the work is done. It's very rewarding for me to be able to help the local people; it's a simple way for me to give back. I am very grateful for the financial support that my family, friends and St. Mark members have provided. They made this trip possible for me and I'm most appreciative!"


Mary Murray (Education)
"I am on my sixth trip to Honduras with the Saint Mark mission team. I love teaching bible school to the kids in Nueve de Julio, a very poor community. We have taught in the public school for the past three years. Since that first year, I have been working to raise money to build a much needed security fence/wall around the school. It is the thing that the teachers felt was the most important need so the students would have a better, safer education. Well, this year the wall is being built. It will be so rewarding to see the results of all the contributions from wonderful Saint Markers and others. I am very much looking forward to seeing all of my Honduran friends!"


Harvey Oaxaca (Education)
"This will be my second trip to Honduras with Saint Mark. As a public school educator, I loved getting to see and experience what public school in a tiny village is like in Honduras. Last year's trip helped me put all other 'school issues' into perspective throughout the year for sure. Since I was a youth back in Texas, I have always enjoyed going on mission trips and giving back to our world in a different way. When I was a Youth Director, I had the opportunity to take my youth group to Juarez, Mexico, to Tennessee, and to San Antonio, Texas (to name a few). In looking back, these are some of the best times of my life. There is a picture of me and a small child in Mexico where he is eating spaghetti out of my hand...that I think is what it is all about. Using our hands to give to the world to help make a positive difference. I know that I have been called to do more, give more, and be more. I am truly blessed with so many things and I feel this is where God wants me to utilize these blessings. God has given me the gift of teaching and a love for traveling and this mission trip brings both of my passions together. Last year was an experience that I can hardly explain. The Honduran children and people were amazing and my life was forever changed as I taught, sweat, and enjoyed life in Honduras. I am so very excited about traveling to Honduras again and learning more about the people there and what they are going through on a daily basis. As I prepare to go I am lead by 1 Peter 3: 13-16, 'Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence'."


Byron Pittman (Team Leader)
"When I'm not enjoying the North Georgia Mountains with my partner Steve and our dog Buddy, I am a pharmacist for Kroger. I am one of those lucky people who have discovered my chosen profession in high school and have enjoyed 'selling drugs' for almost 30 years. I live in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood in Midtown Atlanta and have been a member of Saint Mark since 1995. My first trip to Honduras was in 1998 when I fell in love with the Honduran people and their beautiful country, and I have returned on mission trips almost every year since then. My spiritual journey led me to mission work and each and every mission trip that I make inspires me to give more of myself...to open up my heart and life. I serve as the Team Leader (El Heffe) and I coordinate all the logistical aspects for the team: transportation, lodging, meals, recruiting, and fundraising. I also serve as the liaison to the North Georgia North Coast Honduras Methodist Mission. I am inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:20, "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." For me, evangelism, hospitality, and mission are interconnected. When people see our Saint Mark Mission Team, they see a group of caring, loving, laughing, and fun people who wear the love of Christ on their faces and in their hearts. Being able to coordinate and lead these teams who collectively stand as a witness to God's love and power of redemption gives me joy beyond measure. Most of my dearest friends and strongest relationships have been developed from this shared experience of my Honduras Mission work. I invite you to join our next team and experience this living and dynamic ministry."


Chuck Rice (Construction)
"After joining St. Mark last November, I began searching for ministries with which to become involved. One of the opportunities that came available was this mission trip to Honduras. Although I've spent many summers serving at student summer camps, I've not actually gone on a mission trip. This will be my first. Educated and trained as both an Architect and musician, I am looking forward to being outside my comfort zone and available for ministry in whatever way is needed alongside our friends in La Ceiba. God has blessed me in so many ways, even (maybe ESPECIALLY) through hard times. I want to share this grace He has lavished on me. A scripture that speaks to me is Ephesians 1:7-8a, 'In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us'."


Tom Smouse (Education)
"This will be my third trip to Honduras. Originally we (St.Mark) were associated with Honduras Outreach, located in Decatur, GA set up by a former DS, Rev. Dr. Jimmy Thompson. We flew to the capitol city of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, and then took a two day bus ride to El Rancho Pariso in central Honduras. At that time, we had a medical team, teaching team, and a construction team. Medical and teaching are self explanatory. Construction projects the first two years were building a church. Several teams before us did work and then we completed it; from digging out houses for sanitary purposes to building chimneys in huts to take the smoke outside from the inside oven for cooking. I originally signed up for the construction team, but was drafted to the medical team and was quickly sent to the teaching team due to my Spanish speaking skills. It changed my life and I will never forget it. The second year I was instrumental in securing and shipping kitchen equipment to the Ranch to create a full commercial kitchen for them to use to feed all teams visiting throughout the year. In addition, 10 solar kitchens were provided for them to use in remote areas. I was able to do this with personal funding and funding from several major food service companies with whom I did business. As for what I do now, I am semi-retired. I spent 20 years with a major food service distribution network in procurement, marketing, quality assurance and finally corporate training in sales and culinary arts. I am a Certified Chef and Culinary Instructor. This year I decided to go back to Honduras in memory of O.B.Smith, a long time St. Mark member who passed away unexpectedly this past November. OB and I were friends and went on two trips together. OB continued to go every year when I did not. He looked forward to going every year. I hope to continue to go in his honor and memory."


Barry Stearns (Construction)
"I have been going to Honduras for the last thirteen to fourteen years. Here in Atlanta, I have my own construction business and I have used these skills in Honduras on the various construction projects over the years. I go each year because I want to help other people and have grown very close the people of Honduras. At the same time, I have grown close to my team members from Saint Mark, and most of my close friends have been or are members of the Honduras mission teams."

The Basics

Where are we going?
We are returning to the village of El Pino, outside the city of La Ceiba on the north coast of Honduras. This is the sixth year St. Mark teams will be working in this village and the nearby village of Nuevo de Julio. We have developed many friendships and strong relationships with the people from this village and we are blessed to be able to return again and share our mission ministry.

When do we go?
We will be traveling to Honduras from July 23, 2011 to July 29, 2011.

Who is supporting us?
This mission trip is being supported by the friends and families of each team member, as well as the members of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. (www.stmarkumc.org) St. Mark UMC has helped raise money to purchase medication and medical supplies, and to off-set construction costs for building for the people of El Pino and Nuevo de Julio. We ask that if you are reading this you become a supporter by praying daily for the work and safety of our trip.