April 6, 2009

Dear Friends,

Returning to Honduras after a time of absence always requires some readjustment. Gloria and I returned on January 1, 2009, after five months in the States. We have many good memories of our time there, and we were pleased at the amount of sharing we were able to do during our visits to many churches. But we also realize, as we reflect on what gifts and focuses we might bring to our new, four-year assignment, that we face many new challenges. As we consider our new calling we engage a creative process that guides us in our journey.

Isaiah 58:10 tells us: And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. Surely there will be many new opportunities to reach out to the hungry in Honduras. The economic downturn is affecting a country with chronically high unemployment and a low human-development index. On a recent visit to my friend Don José Hidalgo, director of the home for boys called El Hogar Diamante, Don José told me how hard it was to make ends meet at the home. Charitable donations were down from private enterprise. Government funding had not been released due to a bureaucratic process. The board of directors has suggested that he close the home for a year to see if the economic situation improves.

Romans 12:2 tells us: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Don José had seemingly heard a call from Isaiah that would seem to contradict this passage from Romans. He doesn’t accept the world as it is, but is trying to transform the stark economic situation into something positive for the 55 boys in his home. Instead of closing the home he is seeking new alternatives to generate income.  With the help of some small donations, he planted a tomato crop on a quarter-acre plot. When I visited him, the boys were harvesting the tomatoes to be sold in the local market. Profits would go toward the ongoing expenses of the home. These creative efforts coupled with other longer-term activities—such as making bread on a semi-industrial scale, a farm with 300 chickens, and a vocational training shop in carpentry—have helped the home get by in spite of reduced donations. I have been really impressed by Don José’s creativity; he just doesn’t accept that any obstacle is insurmountable, but does about transforming it.

Two weeks ago I was part of a gathering of U.S. and Honduran Presbyterians for a week of sharing and reflection. The theme for the week was how we are called to serve. We studied Moses, Isaiah, Paul, and Mary. There were different interpretations and messages, but we became one in the Spirit. We heard some incredible stories from Presbyterian pastors of how they go about their ministry. Often, their biggest asset is faith in a loving God who transforms the suffering and hardship around them.

As Gloria and I are led to our new call, we expect to meet more people like Don José and the Honduran pastors, people who will provide both guidance and an impelling example of profound service to others. Again, we find ourselves the fortunate ones, blessed in so many ways.

We are hopeful that we can turn this opportunity of service and help transform an unjust world that we cannot accept as God’s will. In this regard, we are happy to announce new actions already at work in two communities since the start of this year. All of the houses in both communities will be built with the determined support of Presbyterian mission teams that Gloria is hosting, and the villagers also participate in this work, transforming their reality into a better one.

Thank you for your prayers, your thoughts, and your communication with us.

Yours,

Timothy and Gloria Wheeler

The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.281