Chelsey:
I am so pumped for this month. Seriously.
We are here in Honduras, on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa (the capital city) at Zion’s Gate Ministries. Tony, an American turned Honduran, lives here with his wife and 10-12 other people, depending on the day. Tony takes in kids and teens who want to leave their lives on the streets in search for a safe community and faith in Jesus Christ.
Each boy who lives here has a story. Many of them are similar, but with different details.
As we learned this week from Tony, Honduras is the murder capital of the world. This is a result of rampant drug use, gangs, and adultery.
The drug of choice in the poor cities and villages is paint thinner. Many of the boys here at Zion’s Gate have recently been addicted to sniffing thinner because it is the cheapest way to get high.
90% of babies born in Honduras do not have a father listed on their birth certificate.
A few days ago we went into the heart of Tegucigalpa to pray for the end of violence in this city. We prayed for God to infiltrate the streets and bring his peace and love to a broken country. There is so much brokenness here, but God loves brokenness because that is when His strength is perfected. He is redeeming these boys through the power of love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace.
The main ministry building here used to be the most popular nightclub in Tegucigalpa. It was filled with drugs, prostitution, and violence. Broken glass still litters the property. However, I love the redemption that is symbolized by the transformation of this property into a ministry for boys from the street.
It was once a deep pit of sin and darkness, and now is a refuge for the lost and broken to find light in Jesus Christ.
We have a busy month ahead. Our squad is doing a lot of renovation projects around the grounds of the ministry. Tony acquired this property just one year ago, and there are lots of improvements to be made. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are property renovation days. There are weeds and rocks everywhere and the buildings need paint, trim, and cleaning. Tony’s desire is that the grounds will be a refuge and a reflection of God’s glory to all those that step foot here.
On Thursdays, we are spending time with teenage girls who have left the streets. We are painting nails, doing hair and makeup, and showing these girls that people do care and love them, no matter their background.
Yesterday was our first day at the girls’ ministry and I stepped WAY out of my comfort zone and translated my teammate Sidney’s testimony in front of everyone. I pray that God will continue to build my confidence in Spanish speaking!!
Fridays we hit the streets for evangelism. We are those “Honk if you love Jesus” people in the streets of Tegucigalpa. We hold signs, dance, play guitar, give out candy with Bible verses, and put as many smiles on faces as we can! Today we even had a “Abrazos gratis” (Free Hugs!) sign and the response was fantastic!!
God is moving in the hearts of many in this country, despite the violence, crime, and poverty.
God Bless Honduras,
Chelsey
Luke:
So far it has been great getting to know my teammates; Gabe, Sidney, Tia, Joan, Drea, & Chelsey (guess I kinda already know Chelsey) more. At some point during each day our team has what’s called feedback time. During feedback we all share positive and constructive things we have noticed about each other during that day. It is a little bit of a challenge but it really makes you aware of what God is doing through others’ lives.
I love the vision of our ministry host Tony. He is very open to new ideas and kinds of ministry. He told us that if we feel like God is leading us to spend time with the boys and girls that live here at Zion’s Gate Ministries that we should do it. If we feel more lead to go to the poorer neighborhoods and play soccer and share our testimonies with them then we should do that.
One thing is very true about this place and this time I’ve spent so far…
I love Central America! I love the countryside of Honduras! I am blessed to not be doing the daily grind I had been doing for the past few years! I’m in a foreign place with foreign food and a foreign language but I welcome it all. I’m blessed with this opportunity to travel the world and share the love of our Father God with others. I say ‘Yes’ to what God is doing with my life and where He has called me to serve!
Please pray for us this month. Pray for safety as we work to make this ministry site beautiful.
Pray that we can make relationships with the kids here and show them that they are loved by God and others. Pray that we can bring light into communities that haven’t seen hope in a long time.
Talk soon,
Luke
