A letter from Tim and Gloria Wheeler in Honduras
July 2014 - Passing On the Gift
Dear Friends,
But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream Amos 5:24.
We love the imagery that Amos brings to us. Of course it was said to a disobedient people in the context that they were living at the time. Wouldn’t it be nice to make well all that is not that way, like waters rushing in rivers and streams, leaving a new aftermath in their wake?
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Children folk dancing
Honduras has been in the news recently due to the detention of thousands of minors at the border or within the United States. This is a symptom of a complex situation and no one simple cause. The heart-wrenching image of these children, some with a parent, others alone, tears at our emotions in many ways.
Somehow many people have gotten lured into the possibility of reuniting with parents that have gone before them (so called economic immigrants) with the encouragement of those making money from taking them north, people called “coyotes” or middlemen. They tell them that they can get them legal entry for a fee. The reality is that unaccompanied minors when picked up have to have due process because of the migratory reform under the Bush administration and cannot simply be deported or sent back at the border. This reform was designed to control human trafficking but now is being used in another way.
What is true is that there is so much to do to improve the conditions of people in their countries of origin. This has been talked about for a long time now, perhaps 30 years, out of fear of countries turning left if more wasn’t done for the poor. What became popular were the maquilas or assembly factories as a form of “development” and not comprehensive programs to create a life of opportunities and dignity for many people. Now the rich live in enclaves within a society protected from the conditions around them. They are not inclined to invest in their own countries or for that matter pay taxes. Governments struggle with bureaucracy, corruption, indifference and stop-gap measures without adequately addressing the situation.
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Hipolita, on right, ready to pass on her chickens
Previously we have written in regard to the global issues that the Presbyterian Church is targeting, that of (1) addressing the root causes of poverty, especially as it impacts women and children; (2) sharing the Good News of God’s love in Christ, together with global partners; and (3) working for reconciliation amidst cultures of violence, including our own.
In this regard and in view of the situation affecting children at this time, I was very happy to participate in a “passing on of the gift” ceremony in southern Honduras with a Heifer partner the other day. The testimonies of the people spoke well about the efforts being made to improve lives with real actions that impact the lives of children. By passing on animals one family assists another in getting started with their animals. They pass on seeds, forage and advice as well so there is a true sharing of God’s love in a very simple way. In another way the improved relations between people in this process improves community spirit, enhances the idea that yes, we can do something together, and cuts down on indifference and violence in a tangible way.
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more pass-on chickens in southern Honduras
It was a pleasure to watch the children participate in a traditional folkdance; all watched with interest in the warm morning temperature that easily reached 90 degrees in the rugged and seemingly desolate area near the border with Nicaragua. But this was the message to be heard, that when people are given the opportunity to improve their lives where they live, they will take advantage of the opportunity with a great deal of enthusiasm. Many animals passed hands that day, some cows but mostly our small feathered friends that are cared for by women. Hipolita passed on 10 chickens and a rooster to a neighbor and epitomized the moment when she said: “I am happy to pass on these animals to you. I hope that you will care for them well because I did very well by raising chickens.” The recipient thanked her in turn for “passing on the gift” to her and giving her an opportunity to benefit her children with the eggs that they will give.
There was a great spirit in the air and goodwill among all. Perhaps justice will not roll down the streams of Honduras like Amos spoke of, but family and community-oriented programs that help people meet some of their basic needs would go a long way in relieving many of the problems that people face. I often think of how dollars spent in simple programs in Central America would help to save millions being spent along the border.
I invite you to continue to support this ministry we share, through your voice, your daily living, your financial contributions and your prayers. We know that the immensity of the task at hand is real and urgent as lives are broken and the spirit is quieted. Yet direct experiences give us hope as we write and as we live. Together, and by the Grace of God, we will continue to transform this world in which we live.
Yours faithfully,
Tim and Gloria Wheeler
Apartado 15027, Colonia Kennedy
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 43
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