Dear Friends and Amigos, Your Honduran brothers and sisters in Christ would like to express their warmest greetings to you all.

This is the season to rejoice and be glad for all of the blessings He has entrusted to us and for the advent of the Lamb of God. This celebration of Christmas and the close of 2013 call us all at World Renew and CRWM to reflect on our vocation as His servants and envision even more opportunities to mirror God ́s love and compassion throughout the world. Here are some examples of the blessings and challenges our team and partners faced in this past year.

  • CRWM hosted a youth retreat in Catacamas, Olancho attended by 98 young people with a presentation from the Association for a more Just Society regarding youth centered ministry.
     
  • An assembly of Honduran Christian Reformed Churches was also sponsored by CRWM and brought together 78 church leaders in dialogue to unite 90 congrega- tions for a Synod in March 2014.
     
  • As part of the “Trainers of Trainers” Christian Education Program, CRWM has developed 34 lessons using flannel graphs for 15 churches focusing on a bib- lical world and life view. The goal for next year is to reach 60 church communities.
     
  • World Renew ́s partner agencies rejoice that 881 local entrepreneurs are involved in 35 savings and credit groups.
     
  • More than 570 farmers are actively improving their families’ food security and nutrition through the livelihoods program.
     
  • In the southern region, 890 vulnerable children are being weighed and monitored and receiving vitamins and medicines to combat malnutrition and illnesses.
     
  • Targeting the poorest and most susceptible populations, 216 youth at risk were mentored and trained through “Impact Clubs” during this year.
     
  • 200 women are trained and receiving support in various community leadership roles.
     
  • Over 160 youth and adults are continuing their studies through literacy programs.
     
  • This year we hosted 9 North American teams totaling 75 Canadians and Americans involved in developing relationships of mutual support and love in communities all over our beautiful country.
     
  • With the Lord ́s care and blessing we have been fortunate to see the lives of many Hondurans transformed and uplifted.

Thank you to all of the various churches and groups for your incredible support and prayer for the many initiatives that make these successes possible. A highlight from this year also includes the visits of several Hondurans to experience North American culture and strengthen our ties as the body of Christ. A special thank you to New Life CRC and West CRC for hosting two staff members from our partner agency Diaconía Nacional, one from World Renew and a pastor from the community of Laure.

Olympia CRC welcomed our Country Consultant, Irene Zepeda, and two staff from Diaconía this fall. Our Bridger, Ana Joya, was also invited to speak on behalf of World Renew at the Carpenteros and Friends annual Building Hope for Honduras banquet as well as visit the congregations of Community CRC and Mayfair CRC. Thank you to everyone for making it possible to share about the tremendous work God is doing in Honduras and to enrich the lives of all those involved.

Pastor Apolinario Estrada mentioned about his visit to North America: It was great especially to see the other people that support our work, the invisible donors that pray and give money. I didn ́t expect how much they talk about the work here to others. They gave us a great welcome with lots of photos and flyers of us. They are very special people to do that even though they are so busy.

Please remember in prayer:

  • Pray for a positive government transition for the new President, a reduction in violent crime and restored safety throughout Honduras.
  • Pray for all five of World Renew ́s partner agencies in Honduras, for their staff and programs.
  • Keep all of the Honduras country team members and their families in your prayers for a blessed year to come.

Thank you for your encouragement, prayer and love for Honduras. As our brothers and sisters in Christ, we hope for the Lord ́s richest blessing upon your families in this joyous season.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." – Romans 15:13

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Feliz Navidad y un Próspero Año Nuevo!

The Honduras Country Team 

Caspar and Leanne Geisterfer, Irene Zepeda, Reyna Rodriguez, 
Ana Joya, Carol Moreno, José Velásquez, and Eduardo Artica