I could smell it before I could see it. Our bus made its way up the makeshift “road” in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, winding towards the peak of a mountain made entirely of trash. To the locals, Trash Mountain is their livelihood. The conditions are harsh, the sun and heat unforgiving, and the smell is simply unbearable. The sight was overwhelming: people, cows, and dogs roamed through the garbage, while vultures circled ominously overhead.

On any given day, hundreds of adults and children work here, sorting through trash, looking for anything they can sell or recycle. On this day in January, I was there with a busload of Timothy students on a Renew trip, delivering much-needed sandwiches and water. Despite our best efforts, we quickly ran out of food. While we were there to meet their physical needs, the eternal value lay in simply being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Later that week, the Timothy students ran a Vacation Bible School for over 400 kids. Then we separated into small groups and walked through the winding streets of one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa carrying Tubs of Love, filled to the brim with canned goods, eggs, and other necessities. One home we visited was constructed of cinder blocks with a tin roof that offered little protection from the sun and rain. It had one window that would not open, offering no relief from the unforgiving Honduran heat. There was no running water, and no furniture other than two beds, which were shared between the mom and her five children.

But our small group all squeezed in and prayed together. At that moment, God was at work. And there was joy—pure joy that comes with the peace that passes all understanding.

Our time in Honduras was transformative. We witnessed extreme poverty intermingled with hope that only comes from Jesus. Each night, the group gathered for devotionals to talk about “God sightings.” Students recalled countless ways they had seen God at work in the most desperate situations.

High school history teacher Mr. Carlson was on the trip as well. Turn to page 76 to read Alexa Auriemma’s (Class of 2025) story—a first-hand account of how she was inspired when Mr. Carlson shared his faith.

As you read this issue, you’ll notice a common theme: Timothy is committed to an excellence-driven program of academics and upholding Biblical truth. This issue is chock full of stories of teachers and coaches who model courageous leadership and stand firm on Biblical values.

Both VEI and DECA (you can learn more about the business class and club in this issue) qualified for Nationals! That’s an incredible achievement. Our students aren’t just learning 21st-century skills; they are learning how to navigate the business world as Christians.

It’s bold and it’s countercultural.

This is by no means easy work, but, like a Renew trip, it’s transformative. We are on a mission here at Timothy Christian Schools. Our students are not only excelling academically but are also being molded into servant leaders who fully live out their purpose in the world for Christ—and do it all for God’s glory!

Thank you for being part of, and praying for, Team Timothy. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy reading this issue of The Reflector.

Amy

PS: Mark your calendars and plan on joining us at one of our upcoming events. You’ll find dates in this issue and also on the MyTimothy app.