Honduras

Honduras, Central America

We began the climb up the mountain in a four wheel drive vehicle. The incline seemed to be straight up. It had to be at least 30 to 35 degrees up the rough landscape. I wondered how the vehicle could keep traction on the thin concrete trails for each tire.

I am thinking that people must traverse this mountain each day for a myriad of reasons. Simple activity as going to the store would be a monumental feat. Then we arrived on top. The warmth of hearts and the humble smiles greeted us at the front door. Pastor Pedro gave me a strong and warm hug. The building hid the cliff upon which the church sat. The pastor took us back on the property and I realized the sheer cliff next to the building was hundreds of feet high.

Before the service we climbed on the church roof to view the landscape of Tegucigalpa. The beautiful flickering of lights laid out like a carpet of jewels between the mountain tops. It would take your breath away. But it masked the poverty, the deadly streets, the contentious gangs and general chaos of a third world country.

Everywhere I went in the city was a mental accent up a cultural mountain that would take my breath away with each experience. I sat in a McDonald's restaurant doing some study for my time with high school students in a very poor inner city Christian school. Outside my window was a crippled young man begging on the sidewalk. Sitting in his wheel chair he greeted and sought help from everyone that would make eye contact with him as they passed by. People would give the obviously needy man a couple of Limperas that is equal to an American nickel.

Meeting with the high school students stretched my mind and heart. Their questions littered the Bible, Christianity and their daily lives. There was a strong message of concern about the corruption and violence in their neighborhoods.

I must say that words seem completely inadequate to explain all that I saw, felt and heard. Missionaries who swim in such a convulsing society must pay a special price in their own hearts. But it was also good to be with those who give so much of themselves to shine the light of Christ in such a dark place.

Danny Sartin
 www.deeperstillmissions.com

Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved. Photograph was taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Central America.
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