News 12 at 11 o'clock, July 1, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- 22 members from Stevens Creek Church are in Honduras, a country whose leader was overthrown by a military coup over the weekend. The group traveled to the country to do missionary work and could end up stuck there because of all the political turmoil.

One of the church's pastors, Dave Willis has traveled to Honduras before and understand the concerns about the area, however he says the team from his church is in a safe place. They have been in constant contact with the church members and say the team is still getting humanitarian work done despite all the turmoil. He says while he doesn't believe the team is in danger, he is concerned about them getting back home on time.

"It truly is one of the most tranquil places I've ever been," says Willis. "They are some of the most beautiful and remarkable people.I hate what is happening in their country."

Willis - the Pastor of Life Development,remembers different images of his missionary time there last year. The area was filled with happy children, adults working hand-hand and harmony among the people. He says the streets were not filled with fighting and turmoil.

"We provided medical outreach.The doctors and nurses are some of the only medical care the children in this village will see. We also did some construction work," says Willis.

We worked alongside the Honduran people to dig latrines to put concrete floors down to do Samaritan work to help them empower themselves to raise their own standard of living."

Bridgette Hagen's son, Nick, her sister and her brother-in-law are all part of the missionary group.

"He says he's working harder than he's ever worked in his life," says Hagen.

The wife and mother says she is worried but believes that the good work outweighs the danger. Her son has sent text messages to her since he's been there.

"I know they're safe on the ranch and know that they're where they're supposed to be and that they're doing so much good. But I'm a little bit nervous about when Saturday comes, when it time for them to fly back out, that they'll have safe passage back into the city. But I think it's going to be worth it."

"Our biggest concern now is just getting them home safely and on time because flights in and out its kind of a touch and go situation and we're just hoping their flight remains on schedule,"says Willis. "They have to go back into the capital city to fly out and that's where all the unrest has been."
Both Hagen and Willis understands the potential danger but say their faith is unwavering. They both believe their team will make it hope safely.

"I'm very proud of the whole team that's down there," says Hagen.

"They all know that the whole city of Augusta is praying for them so they are excited to be there and they feel like God has a plan for them there this week and we do as well. We just can't wait to get them home,"says Willis.

The group is expected to fly out of Honduras on Saturday. Pastor Willis says the group is in contact with the U.S. Embassy and will follow their guidance.