The joy of the moment, both on the part of our own youth and those who welcomed us in their land, was tangible. Honduras is a developing nation that has great problems. Much of what we take for granted is not part of their infrastructure. It was a humbling experience to witness their daily struggles.
Yet in the midst of much need there was always laughter. There were those sparkling moments of blessing when joy seeped in and the world seemed like a place of welcome. On the trip, I had a few uncomfortable days due to catching a stomach bug. The day we visited this particular village I really wasn't at my best. But still the joy broke through!
Before leaving for Honduras I had announced to the congregation here in Baldwin my intention to resign, having accepted a position at another church near to where my daughter lives. The church here now have a struggle ahead of them as they seek to discern the way forward as a church community needing pastoral oversight. It probably won't be an easy journey. Transitions are never easy.
The people we met in Honduras face tremendous obstacles, just to survive. Their strength came through community. It is as they have worked together towards common goals that things have happened. It is as they have accepted help from others that they have been able to accomplish things that urgently needed to be done.
The church here in Baldwin has challenges ahead. If they can pull together they will be fine. If they can accept the help of their Presbytery and work with them, progress will be made. Probably not quickly. Probably not without a fair share of frustration and disappointments. Community is the key. It is as people seek the best for each other that the good stuff comes along.
So I guess my prayer, in the midst of transition, is that the laughter will keep appearing and joy will be a force that keeps things focused. That there will be an emphasis on community and a sense that God is very much present in the hard work and the tough choices.
I witnessed first hand the amazing things that are taking place in Honduras through the PC(USA). God is at work. Those who say the church has had her day or that Christianity is a thing of the past are simply wrong. Where there is a desire to work hard, a willingness to do so with others and the unquenchable hope that God's Holy Spirit is with us, not against us, amazing things continue to happen.
May they continue to happen, not only in Honduras, but in the life and witness of Baldwin Presbyterian Church, NY... and all to the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
