Honduran Coast at Tela
Honduras, about the size of England, is the second largest country in Central America after Nicaragua, it’s neighbor to the south. It’s home to about 8 million people. According to Operation World, Seventh Edition, about 50% live in cities, and about 37% are under the age of 15! It’s one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere with an average income per person of $1,826 (4% of USA), and 28% unemployment.
New Guitars Put to Use
Commenting on the religious landscape Operation World states, “In 1960, evangelicals numbered 32,000 and 1.7% of the population. They are now 1,750,000 and 23% , and growth shows little sign of stopping. Some polls show that up to 36% of the population identify with evangelical beliefs.”
Beautiful Young People
Moon’s travel guide reports the religious landscape according to a 2008 poll as 47% Catholic, 36% evangelical Christians, and 17% “other.” They also note that, “A belief in magic and witchcraft is common among Hondurans in both rural and urban areas.” And commenting on it’s history they note, “For reasons not entirely clear, Copan (in Honduras) was the greatest center for arts, astronomy, and science among the Maya.”
5 Hour Drive from San Pedro Sula to Olanchita
From January 7th to January 13th, sixteen folks from Louisiana, California, and Arkansas went on a ministry and friendship mission adventure to Central America organized and hosted by Extreme Missionary Adventures (XMA) and initiated by my friend Robert Lindsay, our leader at age 75, making his 10th and perhaps last mission trip to Honduras. He’s passing the leadership torch and mantle to others he’s trained along the way.
Prison Ministry
During the week long adventure we did prison ministry, a three-day pastor’s conference, construction at the mission complex, and visited two villages, praying for the sick, sharing the gospel, distributing Bibles, tooth brushes, and clothing.
Bunk Bed Construction
If you’d like to view some photos of those activities, places, and people click here.
XMA exists to help groups of friends, individuals, or church groups go on mission adventures and make a difference in the lives of others while broadening their own perspectives, fulfilling the great commission given by Jesus to disciples of all ages until He returns. You can get a feel for their philosophy and hearts to serve from visiting their website, as well as a look at opportunities for future missions. I’ve been on ten short term mission trips now, and I can attest to the fact that they are experienced, organized, and excellent in all phases of making such trips meaningful and successful. It was a pleasure.
Robert with Leo
Speaking of a pleasure, meeting the other fifteen team members, all but one for the first time, was a real pleasure. We bonded immediately and had a great time together, building memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.
I found Honduras a beautiful country, with beautiful, warm hearted people, who were generous, gracious, and truly appreciative of our help. XMA has a ten year relationship in Olanchito with a pastor who pastors a church in the city while mentoring pastors from several neighboring villages. We partnered with Pastor Dario, helping his ministry while he made many of his relationships available to us. Working with him gave us meaningful and immediate entrance into communities and lives there, opportunities to really see into the culture and into people’s individual lives that simply being a tourist can’t replicate. I can’t say enough about it. It was truly another life event and memory, as most short term mission trips are. Go! Soon! You’ll be glad you did.
Honduras!
Bill with Bear Wittness and an armed Guard!
Youth Leading Worship…Honduras’ Future