October 2001

Dear Friends,

Following the horrific attacks of September 11, it may seem difficult to focus on mission concerns and efforts in other parts of the world. It was difficult for us to go about everyday activities. Suddenly, everything took on a new perspective in light of worldwide events. The Hondurans lived the tragedy very closely, since several Hondurans also lost their lives in the Twin Towers. Along with the general sentiment of a less-sure future, we have wondered if there will be interest for future mission activities. After working for many years in community-based development programs in Central America, we too wondered if our work is a valid and meaningful focus, given the new context beginning to shape our lives and thoughts.

On September 21 that concern was answered partly. As a grieving process goes on, it is hard to focus on everyday events. The village of Quebrada Honda helped us realize the importance of carrying on and continuing to build from our past a new and better tomorrow. Now more than ever this is necessary.

That day in Quebrada Honda 150 indigenous Lenca women gathered. They had achieved international recognition for their Heifer Project International-sponsored community program of providing new hope and leadership by receiving animals and passing on offspring to other community members. They also carry out gender-training and awareness activities. Five village leaders implement the program. This was done in record time and
with maximum benefits by the women’s organization of "Circles of Friends and Neighbors," a new way of organizing women in villages, forming several groups of 8 to 10 women who live near each other. Together, the groups form one large community organization that meets monthly.

Endeavoring to keep the spirit

As we gathered, Don Sotero, a community leader and farmer, read to us from Ephesians 4:2-4: "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling." The rush that came over Gloria and myself and other Christian Commission for Development workers that day, as
we heard the words, was dramatic. Here were long-suffering people looking forward to a future of love and unity in their community. What a testimony to others to carry on with boldness!

Dona Remigia told the assembly that their goal was that no woman in the community would be left out of the project. She told how they had worked together to overcome the difficulties. We could see how the golden gender award meant so much to each person as they passed the symbolic wooden plaque from one to another. The gender training and self-esteem that are a part of the community program was certainly evident. But more than
anything, we all realized that as part of the grieving process we need to throw off the shackles that limit us and our thinking, and more than ever we need to do those things that are meaningful to us and to others in making the world what we want it to be—a world based on bonds of peace and unity.

Mission Teams and HPI Updates

We have been busy with many mission teams. During the last six months we have focused on building 29 houses from adobe blocks in the community of Las Mercedes, a Lenca indigenous community in the region of La Esperanza. The tremendous efforts of the people in making and carrying the adobe blocks to the housing sites have demonstrated what this project has meant to the people in the community. Many mission teams worked in the
community shoulder to shoulder with the people. They built the houses adobe by adobe, and with each adobe put in place some of the hopes and dreams of 29 families were also put in place. The mission teams and the people of Las Mercedes have rejoiced together.

Heifer Project is working through nine partner organizations in the country and reaches 152 communities and 1,300 families. We are now talking about more than 5,000 animals in projects with many offspring to be passed on to others in the future. Their slogan, "Peace begins when the hungry are fed," is very meaningful in Honduras.

Family News

As time passes our daughters are quickly growing up. Pamela and Marsha are now juniors in college. We are very proud of their triumphs and accomplishments but also for their values as young adults now. They were home for most of the summer, which proved to be a very special family time for all of us. Grace is now in 10th grade and involved in many school activities. This fall she has done school projects on cloning, homosexuality, genocide, and euthanasia, which have provided for good family discussions. Now she is starting basketball practice.

Thank you very much for the communications sent our way, for the prayers that have nurtured our souls and strengthened the needy, for the hands that have gifted people the dignity and spirit of other people and for the joy we find in our unity with others.

As we were told that day in Quebrada Honda, "But unto everyone of us is given grace" (Ep. 4:7).

Peace and Grace be with you,

Tim and Gloria Wheeler

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 243