Honduras: Connecting with the People God Puts in Our Lives
Recently, I spent a week in Honduras with Eduardo, our in-country staff member. Together we drove and hiked up and down mountains in search of a new village with which to partner for the next five to seven years. Each community we visited had great needs, yet every person we met was wonderfully gracious sharing out of their poverty to make us feel welcome. Some villages had only 16 houses, others nearly 60. In each one, water was the greatest need.
After visiting several sites, one village—Saran—emerged as the clear choice. I’ll share more about Saran soon; but for now, I want to reflect on why we connect with villages in Honduras in the first place.
The Journey with Ojo de Agua
For the past seven years, Hillspring has partnered with Ojo de Agua, a village not much different from Saran when our journey together began. Guided by our values—to become more like Jesus by connecting with the people God places in our lives, developing meaningful relationships, and changing the world for good—we entered a shared story that has transformed both them and us.
Our partnership began with a water project, followed by the construction of bathrooms and houses. When those projects were complete, we realized our journey was not over. We began exploring economic development opportunities, which led to the creation of a chicken project last spring.
Under the leadership of Joel, the village president, that project has exceeded all expectations. The community now produces over 800 eggs each week and anticipates earning $2,800 in profit this year—with even more projected next year. They have also started a village bank, providing small loans to residents for home improvements and local needs. Our initial $4,000 investment has multiplied many times over, fostering self-sufficiency and dignity.
The Sewing Center and Community Spirit
Another highlight of our time in Ojo de Agua is the Sewing Center, which has become a vibrant gathering place for the entire village. Young and old alike are learning to sew—men and women side by side. I spent several hours watching Erlinda, the instructor, teaching groups of six students at a time how to make skirts, ensuring that each person had hands-on experience.
Cindy, the local schoolteacher, led the children in a dance program as an expression of gratitude for Hillspring’s ongoing support. And Danella composed a song of thanks to honor our partnership—I’ll have it translated soon and share it with the church.
During our visit, Joel gave a heartfelt and deeply honest speech about the role Hillspring has played in the transformation of the village. His words were not mere pleasantries—they came from the depths of his heart, describing how the community has been renewed spiritually, physically, emotionally, and economically.
Transformed Lives, Transformed Hearts
Because we—the people of Hillspring—dared to be like Jesus, we have connected with the people God has placed in our lives. We have developed meaningful and lasting relationships. And together, we have changed the world for good.
Take a moment to sit with that truth: lives have been transformed—and in the process, our own lives have been changed as well.
Now God has opened a new door—an invitation to walk alongside another community in Saran. With Ojo de Agua as our model, may we once again live into the opportunities God places before us, trusting that as we go, we will continue to Live, Love, and Grow into the likeness of Christ.
Steve Lewis
Pastor of Community Engagement and Discipleship