Primero Dios

When students begin the Manna 4 Lempira program, there is great excitement. They feel that they are being given a key that will open doors of opportunity for a brighter future. While lack of resources is a significant challenge for most of the families we serve, in many cases, there is also a lack of hope. When it comes to the future, there are more questions than answers. Manna helps families find a way forward, a way to plan and dream. Our program provides resources, support, encouragement, and spiritual development for students through their pastors, teachers and sponsors. If all goes according to plan, students can make plans to continue with their education as God blesses.

But what happens when everything DOESN’T go according to plan? Honduras has a “Primero Dios” culture. It’s a phrase we often see repeated in letters from the children and in everyday conversation. People here don’t make plans for the future without being careful to say this phrase. Roughly translated, it simply means “God first”—or as we people from the southern US say, "Lord willing and the creek don’t rise." People simply don’t make plans without acknowledging that God’s will in their lives is ultimate.

I’ll see you tomorrow—Primero Dios.

We will finish the harvest next week—Primero Dios.

I’ll graduate high school this year—Primero Dios.

Enter COVID-19. The pandemic shattered the plans of students who have worked and fought and dreamed. In our youth meetings, we often hear students crying out to God, asking God—what will my future be now? How can I go forward? How can I continue my studies? Education and access was a problem before COVID—and now it is an even bigger challenge for students. That is why the continued support, encouragement, and relational aspect of Manna 4 Lempira is so important. We are here—the churches are here—walking with these students and their families, continuing to meet needs and offer counsel.

Sindy entering
 the program

Beautiful Sindy enrolled in our program in 2016. She was entering her final year of studies when the pandemic began. We read her anguished letters, heard her prayers, listened as she fought through online classes. And yesterday, we celebrated her as she received her high school degree! She thanks her family, her church, our program, and her sponsor for supporting her through her process.

Sindy with her high school diploma!

Primero Dios, this is not the last we will hear from this generation of fighters and dreamers in Honduras, who are wisely using the resources given them to faithfully pursue God’s calling on their lives.

- posted by Kim H.