A Year of Recovery and Help for Honduras

How we've helped through the Friends Disaster Service

On October 28 and 29, 1998, Hurricane Mitch stalled off the Northern Coast of Honduras, dumping as much as 4 inches per hour, with winds up to 180 M.P.H. Then on October 30, it moved inland still producing torrential rains. The resulting floods were devastating. TV coverage could not really depict the magnitude of the destruction.

Eastern Region Friends immediately jumped on board with Southwest Yearly Meeting Friends to provide relief and assistance in Honduras. From November 1998 through August, 1999, Eastern Region sent approximately 22 people on short-term construction and medical mission trips to help with rebuilding bridges and medical needs. God has used Friends to demonstrate His love in very tangible ways there. Below is an excerpt from an e-mail received from Duane Davis, a Friends Missionary to Honduras:

"The people asked Julio, a member of the Belen Friends Church, why this bridge was progressing so much better than the others. He told them it was because the people from the Friends Mission and Friends churches were all cooperating to see that it was completed. Some asked him why this bridge was being built and not one that goes to the National park at Celaque (the tallest mountain in Honduras). He told them that the Friends people weren't interested in tourism but in helping the people of the communities. In the Mount Sinai church near the bridge site, 12 people have recommitted their lives to the Lord and three people have accepted the Lord for the first time! Several people, including Julio, were amazed at how well the medical treatments have helped them. They think the medical team brought miracle medicine, but Julio shared with them that part of the success is from the prayers offered with and for the villagers throughout the week (and even before and after). A brigade of Cuban doctors also visited not long ago, but only spent a few hours in Belen. Their attitude was totally different... push people through, treat them brusquely, don't take time with them... and the people noticed the difference. Having the Cubans there made the people realize all the more how much the Friends people showed they cared."

Praise God for placing this concern on the hearts of Friends all over Eastern Region. If you gave items for the food and supply shipment, contributed or bought something at the Friends Disaster Auction, or went to Honduras, you have helped to spread Christ's love.