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Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Duggars Arrive in Central America

For the Duggars, December mission trips to Central America have become an annual tradition. They arrived at their destination yesterday and are ready to start serving with S.O.S. Ministries. This time, Jim Bob and Michelle both went, and they brought some of their younger children along.

Duggars in Central America December 2018
Duggars in Central America, December 2018
 
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in Central America
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in Central America, December 2018

Since we started blogging about the Duggars in 2009 (nine years ago!) we have posted dozens of photos from their many missions trips to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. For fun, here are a few throwbacks:
 
Joy-Anna Duggar in Central America
Joy-Anna Duggar in Central America, 2016
 
Jim Bob Duggar in Central America 2014
Jim Bob Duggar in Central America, 2014
 
Jana Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar, Jill Duggar
Jana Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar, Jill Duggar
Central America 2013

Joy-Anna Duggar and Kendra Caldwell in Central America
Joy-Anna Duggar and Kendra Caldwell in Central America, 2013

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

88 comments:

  1. I don’t get why they always refer to it as Central America... why don’t they just mention the country they’re in? It sounds so weird

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    1. Maybe cuz since they been bitten by the celebrity bug they don’t want folks knowing where they are . They used to share where they go now everything is a secret ..trips ,gender reveal for babies honeymoons etc

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    2. I find this weird too!! Since there's a big Honduras sign I was wondering why not just say the country they're in? Annoying.

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    3. Maybe the blog administrator just worded it that way, since it was a blog with pictures of past trips that covered Central America. I don’t think their is any secrecy about it.

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  2. I am curious as to what they actually do on these missions trips? Anything sustainable?

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    1. I agree do they read the Bible point people toward Jesus what all do they do besides give out small toys ? Not being funny but maybe they can say what they do over there

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    2. The ongoing missions that stay there might actually accomplish something sustainable, but these 7 or 8 day long mission trips are mainly expensive goodwill tours.

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    3. They always but food locally and take it to the poorest residents. See previous shows.

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  3. Proselytizing has been outlawed in Central l America!!!!!! A new was passed at the end of 2017. Those caught proselytizing will be jailed and possibly be put to death....

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    1. I didn't know that. I wonder how it will affect missionaries there.

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    2. Which country in Central America? Since Central America is predominately Catholic, I seriously doubt that those proselytizing would be put to death.

      Unlike in the US, the death penalty has been abolished: Costa Rica in 1877, El Salvador n 1983, Honduras in 1956, Guatemala in 2017

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    3. 6:23 -- How tragic that free speech has been outlawed in "Central America"!

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    4. @3:19 When was "free speech" ever allowed in those countries?? This is an area with a history of dictatorships, revolutions, civil wars, violent military groups, civil rights violations... Is it any wonder why people want to leave there?

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    5. 6:23, would you mind sharing your source? I tried looking up your claim but can’t find anything to verify that it’s true.

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    6. You all do realize that 6:23 is lying?

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    7. @3:19. Free speech has not been outlawed. First of all, Central America is collection of independent States,each make their own laws. It is not a political entity.

      Free speech means that the government cannot prosecute someone for criticizing its policies. It does not mean that people can say whatever they want. Some countries, like mine, have hate speech legislation.

      Also, although that post is obviously not factual, every country has the right to pass laws to protect its cuture and to safequard the rights of their citizens. Every country has the right to restrict the activities of foreigners,even when those foreigners are Americans.

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    8. 6:23 is not completely "lying." This type of information is available online. Each country in Central and South America has its own rules. Some have made things tougher for both resident missionaries and visiting ones. They can face being banned or expelled from some countries. I find it interesting that El Salvador, where Jill & Derick once were, does ban proselytizing while on a visitor or tourist visa.

      Bear in mind that any country's laws can't do much about discrimination. Even if missionary work is allowed, there can still be local discrimination that could make things harder and unpleasant.

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    9. Not every country has free speech or care to have people tell them how or what to believe... missionaries have been killed over it. Jim Elliot for instance in Equadore. Died a martyr

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    10. @7:25 Ecuador has a duty of care to protect isolated tribes from disease that these "missionaries" carry. The isolated tribes have NO immunity against the diseases most Westerners are carriers of. The "missionaries" may not be sick but their very present in tribal lands can cause death to the tribes; these diseases can and are LETHAL.

      Free speech goes both ways. The isolated tribes have a right to decide for themselves how to live, what to believe in and to remain in isolation. Their rights of self-determination supersede some American's dream of missionary work.

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  4. It looks like Michelle has put on some weight since recently.

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    1. Nah, the green shirts and black skirts still fit. She's fine.

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  5. I hope they watch their backs. Honduras is one of the world's most dangerous countries.

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    1. Yes it is and most are trying to bring their problems here in the u.s!

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    2. @9:27 Unless you're a Native American, your ancestors came here too, problems and all. They were not turned away. They made a better life for themselves and their descendants. So I'm not understanding why you'd begrudge that same opportunity for someone else.

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    3. You do realize, 1:15 that Native Americans and didn't establish America as a country??? It was immigrants from white countries who did. Sorry can't use that as an

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    4. These are 3rd worlders 1:15... have you watched anything besides CNN??! Look at England, Germany, France...all being destroyed by 3rd world invaders...wake up!

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    5. (Eye roll) 1:15...really???

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    6. 1:15.. I don't appreciate 3rd worlders living off the backs of U.S. taxpayers... America 1st as President Trump says

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    7. They should work on making theor own country better 1:15, not bringing their garbage here!

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    8. @9:27 I'm not saying to let that entire caravan in, because that would cause a lot of problems, but I do think people forget that a lot of those people trying to enter the US did not create "their problems." You cannot blame them for trying to find - not just a better life, but some sort of life at all!

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    9. 7:14 - The first Europeans to arrive found a land already occupied, and they killed to take that land for themselves. Yes, there were treaties along with the wars, but the Native American's idea of the "rights" to land was different than the European's idea. You see which group ultimately prevailed, mainly through use of force.

      The Indian tribes had already set up their own systems of government, agriculture, trade, and religion. So yes, they had established this land as their country, in that sense. Just because their country didn't have a McDonald's and a Starbucks on every block didn't mean it was wrong and had to change.

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    10. @7:13 SO true. The Native tribes were very successful before the "Whites" came to discover America. Unfortunately, many Natives died because they had no immunity against the bacteria and viruses the White Man brought over. What disease did not accomplish, force did.

      Plus,the US owes its development to the slaves it used to fuel its economy, prior to 1865.

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  6. Did you give birth Ellie ? I think your due date was early december

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    1. Not yet, but thanks for asking. :) My due date is early January.

      Ellie
      NashvilleWife.com

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    2. Thank you for the response.
      Hope you are feeling well. Wishing you a wonderful christmas time.

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  7. U can really see how they grown. Esp Jinger n Joy. Tho Michelle looked like Jim Bob mom at first glance.

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  8. Some places have made it illegal for people to come and try and convert people on mission trips. I agree tho, it should be focused on helping their living environments not changing their religion

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    1. I think the Duggars are visiting groups that have been established for years by full time missionaries.

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    2. It’s still illegal where they are travelling now! One day they will get into trouble

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    3. The visits may not technically be illegal in that country, but they may not be well-received by the locals.

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    4. Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Habitat for Humanity is one of the most interdenominational Christ-centered groups I know. “Share the Gospel. Sometimes use words.)

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    5. Habitat for Humanity is secular. Many who get involved are not Christian.

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  9. That's wonderful. Hopefully all goes well.

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  10. What a great tradition they have, serving other people together every Christmas. Allowing their kids to see how other people live and that not everyone has the advantages they've had, giving them a taste of mission work, developing a heart of compassion for others.

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    1. You can do everything you mention somewhere in Arkansas, 8:02. Where is their local mission work or charity work? I know there's lots going on in my area, but we're all too busy fixing bikes, gathering toys, handing out warm clothing, maintaining food collection barrels, and boxing food for distribution this time of year to pose for group pictures. But there was a picture in the paper recently of the 8 year old boy who decided to do a food drive for other kids his age who were in need. He got an award from the mayor for his outstanding work. Now there's someone to look up to. He somehow managed to do that without mentioning religion, proving good work can be done that way too.

      Just this morning, I helped pick up the monthly donated food in our neighborhood, but didn't find one tract in anyone's bag. Guess the people were more interested in giving the needed food. Anyway, the Duggar kids could learn a lot in their local community, and they're welcome to come with me next month to pick up the food and get it to the distribution center again. These needs are not just at Christmas!

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    2. They should serve in the u.s. plenty of poor non Christian here too

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    3. They should serve in the ghettos... it would look much the same

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    4. I’m pretty sure they do both

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    5. @10:48 it really seems as if you're looking for ways to diminish what the Duggars are doing, either by comparing it to what you're doing or by hinting it's unnecessary to go so far. A lot of people across the world need help, including some in our local communities, but I would argue that the level of poverty experienced in the Honduras is greater than here in the US. That is not diminishing what you're doing, but at the same time, I have every respect for what the Duggars are doing.

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  11. I think younger children should be left behind. Honduras is dangerous. They need food and clothing, not proselytizing!! If you want to know how desperate Hondurans are take a look at the border situation in Tijuana, Mexico!!

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    1. From watching their show in the past they take clothing for all ages and toys for the children. So it's not just preaching

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    2. Food and clothing, while definite needs, are only temporary. Spiritual needs are for both now and eternity. Someone who truly cares will seek to do both. And before you tell me that "they have their own religion," there are a number of Catholics, as well as people in other religions, who have no assurance of where they will spend eternity.

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    3. Anon @ 8:19 Even Jesus recognised the need to feed the five thousand before preaching to them. We are to show our love for people through our deeds, words do not nourish the body, and will not be received if the person is experiencing the pain of starvation.

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    4. I’m sorry, but I honestly don’t understand what you mean.

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    5. 8:19 what are you talking about? The basic tenets of most religions address where and how "eternity" will be spent. Are you implying that those religions are wrong, and only the Duggars' religion is right?

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    6. As a catholic myself I would be offended if anyone tried to push their religion on me & claimed theirs was the only right religion. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, I wouldn't dream about telling the Duggars that they should convert to Catholicism as their religion wasn't the proper one, it's their religion, their belief & they are entitled to believe what they want as are the rest of us, including the predominantly catholic people of Central America. It's good they take clothes & toys for the children but they should leave well alone with the religion.

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    7. Fuzzferet- Very well said!

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    8. @10:55 actually Jesus fed the five thousand AFTER preaching to them. The crowd had been following him and listening to him for a long time without food, and instead of just sending them on their way, he fed them.

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    9. 10:55, you did not read my comment accurately. I said that people need "both" their temporal and eternal needs met, which is also what you said.

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    10. 4:22, I just talked with a Catholic a few weeks ago who said she doesn't know for sure where she'll spend eternity. She's not the only one. And Catholics are supposed to believe the Bible, right? And she hasn't been taught the verses that explain how you can know for sure.

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    11. "@9:01 Catholics know the verses but they interpret those verses differently. They believe that entrance into Heaven is more than just saving you believe and saying you are sorry for your sins. You have to first atone for your sins.

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    12. @9:01 You talked with "a Catholic" and because she had doubts, you assume every Catholic is unsure, too? That's not how it works.

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    13. If we had to atone for our sins, there would have been no reason for Jesus to die on the cross. He did that to pay for our sins, which the Bible clearly teaches.

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    14. 11:13, you need to go back and reread what I said.

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    15. 4:29- Just because one person is unsure of their place in the after-life doesn't mean that the majority of Catholics aren't aware that Christ is the key to salvation. It sounds more like an individual's crisis of faith than an example to be used to define all Catholics. Catholics read and study the Bible. The Gospel is read at services and the priest builds his sermon from the chosen Gospel passage.
      We can't define a whole group of people from one individual.

      Christ died for our sins. However, we also need to embrace Jesus's teachings and put in the effort not to sin, to repent when we do sin, and serve others as Jesus did. How can we be his followers and truly accept salvation if we do not live by his example?

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  12. I'm not impressed with these "mission" trips. It's a waste of money for a group that size to travel. They could donate straight to the orphanages instead, and hire the local people to do any physical labor. A country like that needs the jobs and the money.

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    1. I have mixed feelings about these trips. The visitors rarely speak the local language so I'm not sure how effective they are with their attempts to teach classes or hold prayer meetings. However they usually bring needed food, clothing and medical supplies to the full time missionaries which is helpful to the people. The visitors usually draw a crowd of locals and that spurs interest in what the missionaries are trying to accomplish. Also I think the full time missionaries enjoy the visits.

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    2. No we don’t haha.

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    3. I have mixed feelings about them too. I think it's important to visit mission fields from time to time for the reasons you mentioned above. And also because it's important to teach your children to value mission work. But there so many projects in third world countries that go down the drain, because they are not well managed. A typical project is to build a dwell and not take the time and effort to teach the locals to maintain it. I have heard that a staggering 50 % of the dwells built won't be working after 5 years. It's nice to bring presents for the children and see their joy, but it is more important to donate money to the "boring stuff" (the infrastructure, education, job oppoturnities, helping people make produces from raw materials etc). I think they should visit less frequently and give the money those things.

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  13. I know they’ve been going on these trips for years, but have never actually understood what they do on them. Does anyone reading this have an idea of what a typical day on a mission trip would be like? I’ve always wondered.
    On another note, Ellie, you’re in the home stretch! I hope you are feeling well, and getting lots of rest. I remember feeling very impatient in the last few weeks of pregnancy, it was so hard to wait to hold my baby in my arms. I’m thinking lots of good thoughts for you and your family.

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate it. I am definitely feeling impatient. Hope it's not too much longer before we meet our son.

      Ellie

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    2. I too send you much love & patience for the next month Ellie. The last few weeks is always the hardest as you just want to meet your baby. I shall pray for you a safe & happy delivery & can't wait to hear when your little one arrives. God bless Ellie.

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    3. Thank you, Fuzzyferet! That's very kind of you.

      Ellie

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  14. I beg to differ that no one is sure where they will spend eternity. Since none of us is perfect 100% of the time, we may pass away after a moment of imperfection or sin even with the strongest of faith and/or being 'born again'. I don't care what faith you subscribe to or don't, we have no absolute assurance of our spiritual status at the moment of our deaths. It is STILL FOR GOD Himself to decide. Not any preacher or bible.

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    1. You really believe that no one can be assured of their standing with God? That seems rather scary to me since God can just toss you aside on whim. I'm not at all comfortable with your God.

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    2. What religion do you follow, if I may ask?

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    3. 1:29 What authority do you base your belief system on?

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    4. God's Word makes it very clear that true salvation does not end when the believer sins. John 10:28-30, Jesus says, "I give them eternal life. . .no one can snatch them out of my hand." God says that a Christian is a "new man" after salvation, and the "old man" is dead - not sleeping, but dead. Yes, Christians can commit awful sins, but even if they die WHILE COMMITTING THAT SIN, if they are truly saved, it doesn't matter. They are still going to heaven as God promised because His grace covers them.

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    5. Your views are at odds with Christian teaching. I suppose you already know that. Without the assurance faith will be rewarded by eternal life in heaven with God there would be little or no motivation to become a Christian. God doesn't demand perfection after all is said and done, just faith.

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  15. I just wish the Duggars did not take their young children with them. That area has a high kidnap rate. Perhaps it would have been wiser, safer and cheaper to go to California and help those that lost everything in the devastating fires.

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  16. They do serve in the U.S. Look up some of the old episodes to witness only a fraction of what they have done on behalf of others here in the United States.

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  17. It is soooo wonderful to see Kendra, before she became part of the family, lol, cool!!!

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  18. I hope Jana's fiance got to go on the trip with her.

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    1. You mean you hope there's a young man along on that trip who will someday become Jana's fiance, because we all know that she doesn't have a fiance currently.

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  19. Curious as to why Michelle’s skirts are getting shorter?

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  20. Hard to believe that picture of Joy and Kendra is only five years old. Joy looks so little with the braces. Now she’s a momma! Kendra too.

    Also the picture of Jackson in the header looks very old.

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