BeFriend Tela

BeFriend sparks empowerment in the Tela community through the local church.  

What is life like in Tela?

Tela is on the Caribbean coast of Honduras. A Honduran phrase says, "In the sea, life is tastier." This is especially true in Tela. People in Tela live off fish and food from the sea, and they love it. 

The tourism industry thrives because of the beaches and fresh seafood. On weekends, tourists flood the area, coming to enjoy the beaches, coconut bread, the best seafood around in unique small restaurants, and local entertainment. This is not a place for chain restaurants!
 

What are the issues that Tela is facing?

COVID-19 hit Tela hard. The community is still trying to recover. The economy depends heavily on tourism which stopped or was very limited in the pandemic. Tourism has not returned to what it was before.

Although Tela is a beautiful place to visit, many of its neighborhoods are not fully developed, lacking basic services such as health services and a safe public drinking water system. Many of its people experience poverty. 


About Tela Christian Church:

Tela Christian Church is located in Nuevo Amanecer and has been there for 12 years. A local family donated the land for the church, and the community contributed funds to cover most of the construction costs.  

The Church has had a positive impact in the community, but they have also endured some difficult times. The last two pastors had to give up their leadership positions due to moral failures, which brought hardship to the church. Yet recently, the church has renewed excitement and energy due to the arrival of a new pastor named Adolfo. 

Adolfo is a graduate of Ocotillo Christian School and his wife Lesby formerly lived at Lifeline’s children’s home in Omoa, Honduras. They have two children. 

Overall, the church has a good relationship with the community. Tela Christian Church is the only church in the area, and it allows the local public school, Francisco R. Benedith, to hold events inside. 

  
BeFriend Project Goals

Tela Christian Church will focus on 3 key areas of transformation: 

Economic Empowerment

• Achieve self-sustainability for the church through the growth of a kingdom business.
• Restore dignity through economic empowerment for 7 families in the community.

Discipleship & Multiplication

• Share the gospel of Jesus Christ to all 70 students in Francisco R. Benedith School.
• Provide comprehensive support–spiritual, health, basic needs–for 62 children and their families in La Chatarrera.
• Develop an multiplication program in the center of Tela to reach 75 people.
• Launch a small group bible study in La Flor, a suburb of Tela.

Church Improvements

• Renovate the church. 

How will BeFriend Tela benefit the church and community?

BeFriend will allow Tela Christian Church to achieve self-sustainability. The church continues its ministry and growth once the project is over! Investing in a kingdom business and individual economic empowerment will bless the community and church.

Tela Christian Church will demonstrate and proclaim the good news of Jesus by seeking the good of their community. People will not only restore a spiritual relationship with God, but also improve their quality of life.

BeFriend will develop strong relationships between people in other countries, creating opportunities to know another culture and strengthen the family of God.