(Le Mars) — Gehlen Catholic had a send-off Tuesday for their 37 missionaries going to Honduras. Among the 37 people were two adult chaperones that have been to Honduras on multiple occasions. Bruce Kellen is on his tenth Gehlen Mission Honduras trip, while Dr. Juan Uribe is on his fifth tour to the Central American nation. Moments prior to their departure from Le Mars on Tuesday, KLEM news visited with both individuals to learn why the two have chosen to make several return trips on the Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras. We begin with Bruce Kellen.
Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras coordinator, Carolyn Bickford can’t recall the exact number of times she has visited Honduras while working on a mission trip.
Bickford says the group will test their construction skills during their ten-day stay.
Mission Honduras is only half of the connection Gehlen Catholic has with the nation and the people of Honduras. Bickford says the other connection is with the food packaging program known as “Then Feed Just One.”
Each of the members of the Mission Honduras lit a candle and dedicated their missionary service in honor of someone special. Middle school teacher Dan O’Brien offered the key-note address. Dr. Juan Uribe, a five time participant of the Mission Honduras trip, was presented with the Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras cross by coordinator, Carolyn Bickford during the send off ceremony. The 2022 Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras is the 20th year of the program.
