Gatherings
(Caspar) Pentecost is the Jewish festival called “Feast of Weeks,” celebrating God ́s goodness to the people of Israel, much like our Thanksgiving. The people gathered together in anticipation of hearing stories of God ́s goodness. Their anticipation and gathering was rewarded by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God’s goodness to his people.
Here in Honduras, we recently had three large gatherings. In each gathering, more than 80 people came together in anticipation of hearing from others the stories of God ́s mighty acts of goodness to his people.
In early August, the first gathering brought together people from 10 countries, as we reported in our last newsletter. God ́s people, working in his Kingdom with young people from diverse settings, heard stories of street theater, prison ministry, non-formal education for at-risk youth, and many other ministries.
In late August, more than 90 young people from 13 churches gathered in Catacamas, arriving in buses and pickup trucks. They came anticipating a weekend of forming new friendships, playing a good game of soccer, and learning how to be God ́s instruments in their communities. They were also ready to share their own talents and stories of God ́s goodness.
They participated in games where they learned how to invite and include other youth in their churches, and many shared of the gifts God has given them.
In September, close to 80 leaders, pastors, elders, and deacons of the Christian Reformed Church in Honduras met for an assembly. This was the first time in more than 15 years that so many leaders have been able to come together and share stories of God ́s goodness to his people.
We are thankful for God ́s goodness to us and the ministries we support. We have been blessed in seeing the IMPACT program graduate clubs and inaugurate new ones. They are shifting their approach to reach some of the most impoverished families in poor neighborhoods of Tegucigalpa. And we celebrate God ́s goodness because over 100 children and young adults are attending improved Sunday school classes.
Family news
(Leanne) In September, we enjoyed traveling to Saskatoon to visit our son Reuben and Malyssa Wiens, the special person in his life. A week of beautiful early fall weather allowed us to enjoy walks along the river and see some of the houses Reuben has framed, while eating lots of freshly harvested vegetables.
Please join us in prayer
Praise!
- A Christian education training event held in September was a huge success, especially considering that Caspar was on vacation. We thank God for capable people.
- Although sometimes tedious, year-end reports allow me to step back and see how God has supported our work. I praise God for the tremendous privilege of working with 223 communities in six countries of Latin America!
Concerns!
- Several communities in the Olancho region of Honduras have suffered a severe drought and the farmers lost their crops. Our partner Diaconia Nacional is carrying out a project to provide short- term food supplies and support the farmers in testing more resistant types of seed to prevent another food shortage. Pray for a plentiful harvest.
- Also pray that the participants in recent gatherings will implement and share what they’ve learned for the benefit of their church and community.
Thank you for your continued support.
Shalom, from the Geisterfers,
Leanne and Caspar Geisterfer
Latin America Team Leader
World Renew Honduras
