LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Over spring break five student-athletes joined the Honduras Water Project team on its visit to El Portrero, where they ministered to the villagers and helped them build water systems. The team traveled to El Portrero last year, but due to the rainy season was unable to finish the project; this year the team picked up where it left off and completed the irrigation installation.

Apart from spending roughly four hours per day doing physical labor, the students spent time in ministry with the locals. They say the villagers seemed to be more receptive of the team's presence because they were familiar with the concept from the previous year.

"The locals reacted very well to us being there," said junior midfielder Joey O'Keefe. "They loved us the second we got off that bus because they knew what we were coming to do. They accepted us immediately; there was loads of mutual respect."

Junior Marina Rodriguez was the first demale in the history of the project who joined her male team members when they played soccer with the local men. In Honduras the women do not play soccer, let alone with members of the opposite gender. Their primary role is being caretakers of the home and children.

"The fact that the Honduran men were open to me joining them was not a common gesture because of the gender barriers that exist in their culture," Rodriguez said. "Unfortunately, women are viewed as weak and incapable of being talented at anything outside of what is expected of their gender role, which is caretakers of the home, kids, and maybe serve in the church."

As a result of playing soccer with the male locals, who ranged in age from 12 through mid-40s, a few of the students were able to create bonds with the younger men. The connection he shared with a 12-year-old is the most unforgettable part of the trip for sophomore forward Daniel Martinez.

"It was really impactful to see him day by day and share the love of God and just be able to see what it's like to live there through him, an innocent little kid," said Martinez.

Prior to the trip O'Keefe had been concerned about the language barrier, but that did not turn out to be an issue. O'Keefe's most memorable moment was when he preached a sermon to the villagers with the assistance of Martinez, who served as translator.

"After the sermon, a guy came up to us and he told us that he wanted us to pray for him so he could speak just as Joey did, with eloquence and his choice of words was unbelievable," said Martinez. "People still got the message [despite the language barrier] and it was great to see that."

The students agree that the trip to Honduras was successful and had a positive outcome for both the locals and the team. The group left feeling humbled and cherished the experience.

"We did what we came to do which was complete the project and share the gospel," said O'Keefe. "We had at least one person commit their life to Christ while we were there, which makes the entire trip worth it."

The Honduras Water Project has been in effect for over 20 years, making it Biola's longest-running ministry. Not only do the villagers continue to express a need for efficient water systems, but they desire the word of God as well. While the team finished its job this spring, another group will visit a Honduran village next year.