We arrived in La Ceiba, on Honduras's northern coast, on Sunday afternoon. After a warm welcome and church history overview at the Central Mennonite Church of La Ceiba, we were delivered to our host families, whom we stayed with for two nights.
Monday was a day to learn about two programs--PREP (Project of Reconciliation and Forgiveness) and the Peace and Justice Project. PREP grew out of the need to address divisions in the country and church following the 2009 "coup." The Peace and Justice Project carries on several ministries including a prison ministry, community reconciliation, and a holistic program addressing the needs of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Today--Tuesday--was a day we will not forget! We accompanied Matt Kaiser to Los Laureles, a community of approximately 2000 people (up to 1000 children!) living on and around the city landfill. Matt has developed trust and close relationships with the people and leads a variety of programs for the children and youth. Despite their very poor conditions, everyone we met was genuinely welcoming and open to our questions. A woman suffering from a severe infection in her hand invited us into her crude home to lay hands on and pray for her. What a powerful, humbling experience! There is not enough room here to say everything about this day, so ask one of the group when we return to Kansas.
What an amazing experience for all of you. I can't wait to hear more from Judy when she gets back. I pray that God will reveal Jesus's face to you through the people you meet, and that you will catch the vision of what God is doing in Honduras! May the power and presence of God uphold you, fill you, and overflow into the lives of everyone you meet!
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