What comes to mind when you picture a church building? Maybe you envision a traditional sanctuary with stained glass windows or a sleek, modern space with a children’s wing that feels like it belongs in Disneyland. You might even recall the old finger game, “Here’s the roof. Here’s the steeple. Open the doors and see all the people.” Whatever you imagine, it probably includes a roof and doors—basic features we often take for granted. But in Honduras, a roof, doors, windows, a solid floor, and even bathrooms aren’t always part of the package.
Today, Brandy shares the stories of three Honduran pastors whose churches Sowers4Pastors has partnered with, transforming simple structures into true sanctuaries.
Church #1: Saving a Church on the Brink
Perched on a small mountain in Guacutao, a church building faced a serious threat last year when heavy rains triggered mudslides that began to bury the building. Water also seeped under the church, eroding its foundation. The congregation started building a retaining wall, scraping together what funds they could through donations from the church members and local fundraisers. But with limited resources in a village where everyone's income is low, they only managed to complete about a third of the wall before they decided they needed to reach out to Sowers4Pastors for help.
When S4P saw the situation, they immediately offered funds for materials. Brandy and Rachel expected someone to pick up the money the next day, but within an hour, two church leaders arrived on a motorcycle, ready to save their church. The brothers explained that they had been praying for these funds because their church was at risk of sliding away if they didn’t act fast.
The very next day, Brandy drove by the church and saw the congregation already unloading materials to complete the retaining wall. They weren’t wasting any time!
Church #2: A Faithful Few in Lemanal
In Lemanal, a little church was built with concrete blocks, but it lacked flooring, electricity, and a bathroom. For two years, the congregation relied on a rotating cast of interim pastors, none staying long enough to establish roots. But one woman remained steadfast. Ludiz Gonzáles held the key to the church and was always there, even when no pastor showed up. On those days, she would open the doors and lead the congregation in prayer, urging them to keep faith alive.
The church in Lemanal
Lemanal is a community where many of the men have emigrated to the U.S., leaving few hands to help with building projects. The church has been trying to construct a bathroom for two years, collecting sand from a distant river and digging a hole for the septic tank, but they lacked the manpower and funds to complete the job.
Under Ludiz’s leadership, the children’s ministry has flourished, growing from 10-15 kids to 45. She even started teaching Bible lessons in the local school, and the church is growing in other ways, too. Brandy hadn’t realized the church was without a bathroom until the last VBS program. Moved by the situation, he contacted Lighthouse Church, who agreed to partner with them to finish the project. When Ludiz received the news, she cried tears of joy.
Worship at Lemanal
(Picture taken when the LH team was visiting)
Church #3: Half a Roof, Full of Faith
Near San Pedro Sula, another little church has been under construction for four long years. Pastor José Briones managed to get the walls up, and last year they added half a roof. Yes, you read that right—the congregation has been worshiping under half a roof! Imagine attending service while rain pours in and the wind whips around you.
Pastor José, being from an area four hours away from Gracias, had never heard of Sowers4Pastors, but a mutual contact introduced him to the ministry so he could ask for help. Last week, S4P approved Pastor José's request for assistance, and the congregation didn’t waste any time. The beams are already in place, and the roof is expected to be completed this week. Pastor José sent an emotional audio message to S4P, filled with gratitude. “Thank you” doesn’t seem to cover how much this means to them after all this time.
Help These Pastors Build More Than Walls!
These stories are just a glimpse of the impact S4P’s Church Construction program can have. Please consider donating — every bit helps, and the difference it makes is monumental. It only takes $1200 to complete the typical church roof in a Honduran village.
- posted by Christi
No comments:
Post a Comment