What is “tou Xristou?”
Missions of Christ in Valle, Honduras
To begin with, “tou Xristou” is biblical Greek for “of Christ,” so “Missions tou Xristou” is “Missions of Christ.”
Where am I?
Valle, Honduras: One of 18 Departments that make up the country of Honduras, Valle forms part of the Pacific coastline, along with Choluteca. While the capital of the Department is Nacaome, San Lorenzo is a vital port, not only for Honduras but for the international community as it is one end of what is known as the “Dry Canal,” an alternative to the Panama Canal. With beaches and volcanic islands as well, Valle is well known in country as a popular tourist location. Because of all this in addition to the Pan-American highway, this southern Department sees a lot of travelers passing through some of the main hubs. However, in the rural areas, especially up in the mountains, there are many who live in relatively isolated communities.
Who am I?
I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where my family was heavily involved in starting the Hispanic ministry at our church. Later I graduated from Harding University with a degree in Spanish and went on to pursue a Masters. While I was looking for a job as a university professor in Honduras, God called me to full-time mission work originally collaborating with brother Claros García and learning from him.
Past and continuing work: During the past year I have been working closely with the churches that brother Claros pastors in both Nacaome and San Lorenzo, mostly in preaching, teaching and serving during services, but that will unfortunately have to diminish as I lean into visiting other churches to build those relationships. I have also been offering free English practice and tutoring both in the community and at the local UPNFM campus (National Pedagogical University Francisco Morazán). Additionally I have been hosting a youth group at my house with the goal of it being for anyone, and not just from the church I’ve been working with so far. But the biggest part of what I’ve been doing this past year and plan to continue is being present in the community as much as possible being intentional in relationship building for the people around me to know God’s love and desire for a personal relationship with them.
Planning and preparation: I’m currently planning to further develop the English ministry and the youth group while focusing on going out to visit all of the churches in Nacaome throughout the year to begin developing relationships. I’m also looking at possibly collaborating with the Catholic church in one of their benevolence ministries towards that end. Additionally I’m hoping to launch spiritual healthy rhythms workshops for Christians from any church to come and work together to develop spiritual disciplines in their lives alongside an accountability group. Finally, I’m wanting to finally start with the free soup kitchen on Saturday and Sunday mornings for those who have a hangover but need to work or wish to go to church with their family.
Future goals: Moving forward I’m hoping to find which churches have any presence in the local community to volunteer and collaborate with them and have something to point to as an example when others want to start something. I’m also planning to work with the English department at UPNFM to see about collaborating in creating a free English class for high school that would lead to the ability to apply for scholarships to the US while simultaneously providing extra practice for the university students in direct application of their pedagogy classes.
How much do I need?
Personal:
$2,500/month
$30,000/year
Ministry:
$750/month
$9,000/year
Total:
$3,250/month
$39,000/year