LWR Is Changing the World in Honduras
I’m in Honduras this week for a Board Meeting of Lutheran World Relief. Most of our Board Meetings, I should probably say, are not in Honduras, but in Baltimore, Maryland, the headquarters of LWR. But every three years, the staff plans a Board Meeting and retreat at one of the sites where LWR is doing work so that the Board can gain a more three-dimensional sense of the importance and challenges of this work.
After two full days of meetings and reports and strategic planning and all the rest, today we went to visit one of the project sites where LWR staff and their Honduran partners are working to help those Jesus refers to as “the least of these,” those the world often overlooks or has forgotten but who, at least according to the logic of the kingdom Jesus proclaims, are blessed.
While I’ll say a more about LWR tomorrow when I’ll have a little more time to write, I wanted at least to share a bit about the visit we made today. This morning we visited several cooperative communities that focus on giving indigent Hondurans opportunity in agriculture, education, and health. A cooperative community, at least in this case, is one that was formed when land was first granted to people to come and work. Over time, they made their homes and built their communities here as well. They are, in a very real sense, twenty-first century homesteaders.
Interestingly, although “Relief” is in our name, LWR, partnering always with local organizations, actually goes well beyond relief to provide sustainable means by which persons can improve their lives and the lives of their neighbors. And so in this particular community, for example, LWR and its partners were able to help farmers who traditionally grow only coffee to diversify their crops, which has proven essential as a major leaf rot has devastated much of the coffee bean plants in the region. In addition to continuing to cultivate coffee beans, the farmers we visited are now growing sweet potatoes, squash, onions, carrots, corn, and a variety of local root plants that both feed their families and are sold at market to provide additional income. LWR has also supported local farmers in developing organic fertilizers which are not only better for the land and better for the health of the people eating the vegetables grown, but also is something they can learn to make themselves, re-using and preparing compost rather than buying expensive chemical fertilizers.
LWR and its partners have also set up multiple test sites, where local farmers can experiment with various farming techniques as well as with breeding more drought-resistant plants. As farmers discover what works at the test site, they are able to share what they are learning with other farmers throughout the region.
One of the things that impressed me most – and as soon as I write and post this I need to be back to our group! – was that in each project we visited a variety of people shared leadership. And so we met the president and treasurer of the local community banking association that made one-year microloans to families in the association. We also met the president of the local farming cooperative, another farmer who worked to organize several cooperatives in order to receive a better price for their produce. And each of these persons showed not just gratitude for our partnership with them but pride in their ability to contribute to making their communities stronger. The women and men we met share leadership throughout the community, stress education for their children, and are constantly eager to learn how to improve their lives and the lives of their neighbors and the health of their community. And across the board they gave thanks to God for the opportunities they have to use their gifts and provide for their families.
Once again, more to come later, but for now just a moment for me to give thanks to God for the people we met today, for all the local agencies and partners we have in Honduras and around the world, for the dedicated and talented staff of LWR, and for all of you who support this work and these people through your prayers and financial gifts. LWR is changing the world, and we get to be a part of that. Thanks be to God.
David. Thanks for the wonderful story telling of what LWR is actually doing in Honduras. May I “copy” and “paraphrase” some of this to put in our church newsletter please?
I love to be able to hold up the “living” side of what LWR does on behalf of Lutherans and the people of the world
Absolutely, Carol. And by all means spend some time on LWR’s website as well. They’ve got a lot of great information, compelling stories, and a number of short videos that help folks gain a sense of what’s going on. I’ll put a link to a few of their videos here. Also it’s worth letting your folks know that if they’re Thrivent members, they can direct their Thrivent Choice dollars to LWR as well. I like to tell folks that LWR, and other social ministry organizations who continue to reach more and more people ever year, is one way in which the church is not declining but only growing!
Dave, i have praying what the Lord would do with me in my retirement. your post yoday about LWR touched my heart. Is there a place for me there, teaching, working with the women. I’m a quilter and would live to use my skills in some way with rhese beautiful people, sharing the Lord’s blessings.
Thanks so much. pat wilder.
Thanks for your note, Patricia. I will forward your interest and contact info. to someone at LWR. I’ll figure out whom to start with and let you know. Thank you, again!
Dear Patricia,
As part of the LWR team who helps engage Quilters and Kit Makers, David Lose referred your comment to me. It’s great to hear you’re interested in getting involved with LWR’s ministry, especially as a Quilter. Quilts are our number one requested item, which means they are always in high demand. If your congregation does not currently have a Quilt group, perhaps you would consider starting one. Our website provides excellent information about making Quilts, including ways to get the whole congregation involved. LWR Quilts are so simple to make that it’s easy to involve women, youth and men! As an alternative, you could consider a mission project around LWR Personal Care Kits or School Kits. Both Kits provide essential tools to our recipients and are deeply appreciated. To learn more about making LWR Quilts or Kits, please visit our website at the link provided. If you have questions after reviewing the information, please feel free to email me at the email address provided. I’d be delighted to answer any questions you might have!
Peace and Joy,
Vicky Whetstone
LWR Engagement Associate
Thanks for this informative post, David. I sent it along to my daughter who has done research recently in Honduras and Nicaragua. Take good care.