Sustainable Discipleship for Children of Honduras: 2011 I wanted to present my vision for developing sustainable discipleship for children in Honduras. I travelled to Honduras three times in the last year focusing on three separate communities: La Union, Oak Ridge, Roatan and La Ceiba.
On my March journey to Honduras, I spent the entire trip simply listening to the people who directly work with children, youth and adults. This was a life changing experience and confirmed my God given vision to strive for sustainable ministry.
Most of the leaders I met with in Honduras made the same or similar comment, " no one had ever asked them and spent time listening to their perspective. This may or may not be completely accurate, but I do believe we have a tendency to "go and do" instead of embracing the importance of " the ministry of presence."
On my last trip in June, we brought backpacks full of supplies and curriculum and spent time with the leaders teaching them how to use the materials after we left. It is my hope to send lockable chests on the AHMEN containers for each church filled with supplies for 6 months to a year. We were limited bringing only 6 of the 15 backpacks needed (luggage and weight limitations).
Additionally, we found the churches needed a locked container to keep things from walking off. After much prayer, my current thought is to create the mission organization entitled, "Heartprints 4 Honduras."
For me, the bottom line is: developing sustainable discipleship programs for children through prayer, equipping, encouragement and follow-up. Another way to simply say this-strive for maximize Kingdom building, transformation and "being the intimate hands and feet of Christ" through relational education and support. Looking from a purely Kingdom building perspective and effectiveness, it seems logical to not limit oneself to one local congregation, but be available to partner with any church or secular mission organization. I have stepped down from my responsibilities at Discovery UMC to devote more time to Heartprints 4 Honduras. I would like to engage in dialogue with you in hopes that Heartprints 4 Honduras could possibly partner under the umbrella of AMHEM. The Four Key Heartprints 4 Honduras lifechange concepts include : · Working long term with communities in Honduras holistically to build relationships and assess environment for lifechange.
Developing an effective training program to equip, prepare and train Heartprints team members in the United States for partnering with communities in Honduras. · Equipping leaders in Honduras for sustainable humanitarian programs and discipleship.
Provide on-going prayer, encouragement, support and resources. · Paradigm shift from old school concept of rescuing and enabling to giving Hondurans ownership, equipping and multiplying skills. · Paint handprint murals-I named our unique mission group "Heartprints 4 Honduras." One big surprise during our last mission trip was the response to painting handprint murals on the walls. Just a little paint, some sweat, and lots of laughter seem to kick start relationships,
produce God excitement and leave lasting impressions of hope and love. I know that right now I am in a season of prayer, something I've never really stopped long enough to do. What I believe God has put on my heart, will not happen overnight, it will need numerous hours just seeking God and his wisdom.
Having said that, I also sense a urgency to go to the next level of commitment to God and to those in need (here-Honduras-where ever they are).. In order to raise funds for this project, I have additionally started "JUNK 4 JESUS'.
I take junk and refashion (upcycle) it into new and beautiful items for sale. On every tag and business card, I have II Corinthians 5:17 displayed, "we are a new creation, the old is gone, the new is here." I have tested some of my items at local craft fairs and I have initially been amazed at the conversations the booth has created about missions At this point, I am not in a position to be an independent non-profit organization.
Plus, I believe working under AHMEN might be beneficial for both of us. I can bring specialized knowledge to a all ready dynamic mission organization. I would be interested in your comments and feedback. Humbly Serving, Leisha Boulware 205907-5468