What the church is called to be: an update from Honduras
An encouraging word from Honduras: Now that Easter is over, what should we do?
Many of us spent Lent reflecting on Jesus and on God’s love for us (John 3:16). But this isn’t something we need to put to one side now that Easter is over – for the story continues. The next act is in play, and it includes you.
We can honor the sacrifice Jesus made at the cross by living out the two commandments he calls us to follow: to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). Darwin, a youth pastor from Honduras, offers an encouragement in how we can be a light to others.
Darwin attended a training course run by Tearfund that equips young people to understand how God wants to use them to be an agent of change in their community. ‘We see ourselves not only as affected people, but as people who can also bless others,’ says Darwin.
What the church is called to be
When two deadly hurricanes hit Honduras in just two weeks, Darwin put his training into action. The impact of the hurricanes was devastating to communities who were already living in poverty. Waters more than three yards high tore through homes.
'The first thing we set up was a community dining room for people in shelters… The church served three meals a day,’ shares Darwin. Money was raised to buy boots, so people would not hurt themselves walking in the streets barefoot, and tools to support the cleaning and rebuilding.
‘The church became what is always expected it to be: a refuge for all in need.
‘The role of churches should be to guide people, not just in prayer, but in action. The church should be a means by which people can have hope. Not only the hope that God is going to help us, but also a means through which we can organize ourselves so that together we can help each other.’
Please pray
Reflect on what it means to love God and to love others:
- Begin in worship. Praise God for how he’s using his people to make a difference.
- Ask God how you and your church can be a blessing to your community. Wait for God’s response and write down anything he shares with you.
- Share with your church leader or small group how God has been speaking to you.
