Where is the hope?

You’ve likely seen it on the news: caravans of Central Americans are heading to the United States, hoping for a better life. While we won’t delve into the politics, there is a real desire for a better tomorrow that has driven people north for decades. Ultimately, we believe that hope is only found in Christ. We also believe that opportunity can be found through their local church.

So we ask: what if their communities looked different? What if hope wasn’t about crossing a border?

Our vision at Lifeline is to work alongside the local churches in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador to help create stable communities where families can have hope for the future! What does that look like?

Education is one answer. It provides an opportunity for better employment which gives families financial stability.

Lifeline’s two Christian schools near San Pedro Sula, Honduras serve lower income communities. Our staff who work with these students are amazing: they know the day-to-day struggles that each family goes through. They encourage parents to keep their students in school because our staff knows that the alternative - dropping out of school - simply continues the cycle families are in.

Sponsors are also important to these students. If you sponsor a child in Honduras, then please know that your prayers and love are a huge encouragement to these students and families!

But for the remaining students without a sponsor: they need an encourager! If you have ever considered sponsoring a child, then this is your time to begin! There are many, many students in our schools who are still waiting for a sponsor. You can come alongside a student to cover them in prayer, share God’s love and encouragement with them in emails, and support the ongoing ministry to these children. You can find a child in Honduras on our website.

But our leaders in Honduras aren’t content. They’re dreaming about the next educational opportunity…

Workers who know both Spanish and English are in high demand. Basic English is taught in our schools but our Honduran leaders want to go to the next level. Their dream is to launch a bilingual school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in a neighborhood that lacks stability. This bilingual school will teach English beginning in pre-school, so that by the time a student graduates they will be fully bilingual and qualified for a much higher paying job.When these leaders speak about their community, you hear the passion in their voice; their hearts hurt for families in their neighborhood. And when you look in these leaders’ eyes, you see their vision of a building full of students and a strong community surrounding the church and school. If God is planting this vision in your heart, then we invite you to join the conversation.

An education gives a child the opportunity to create a stable future. Education is a start, but our Honduran leaders are also dreaming bigger…

A business as mission initiative is another answer. It empowers local families to start a business, which provides stability for their family and employment for others in their community.

Our Honduran leaders know the value of owning a business or learning a secondary trade. These leaders envision a cafe at Omoa, a restaurant in Santa Cruz de Yojoa, and a trade school for our pastors to be bivocational. They are excited to begin, but there are a lot of questions on how to make this work effectively. That’s where you could come in.

Our Honduran leaders are looking for experienced business leaders and people who are passionate about helping families in Honduras launch a business.

Our church leaders in Guatemala and El Salvador are also watching. What does this look like? How can they replicate this in their communities? How can they bring stability to families?

This isn’t a quick fix. But if we don’t start now, then nothing will change…

Right now:
Be an encourager to these students who are waiting for a sponsor!

You can...

• sponsor a child and support their walk with Christ and their education.

• be an advocate for the students: find friends and family members to sponsor a child

• host a sponsorship drive at your church, group, or on social media

Long term:
Join the conversation to develop small businesses and a bilingual school

Come alongside our Honduran leaders to enable business development! We’re looking for business leaders who can lend their expertise with economic development and empowerment through small businesses. Let us know of your interest by filling out this form, or contact Ben.Simms@Lifeline.org or Joel.Augustus@Lifeline.org to join the cause!

It’s giving hope to families one business at a time. And before long, that multiplies to an entire community! Which means hope won't be found by crossing a border: it will be found in the local church with stable families and neighborhoods!