Teachers and kids being impacted in Honduras

(This was originally published in an email March 10, 2022)

Alison and her husband serve Garifuna pastors and leaders on the north coast of Honduras. For the last two years she, along with two young women (who received training at Viña) have been heading up a network of Sunday school teachers throughout the region. Each of them are committed to growing in their calling and supporting each other as they teach children in Sunday school.

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“Deditos has offered a unique, fresh approach to children’s ministry by incorporating video, dialogue, and activities rooted in deep theological truths not always explored in traditional Sunday school materials. Teachers have begun to relate biblical stories, such as Abraham and his sons, to children’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs, such as healing from family dysfunction and trauma. This experience has challenged us to dig deeper in God’s Word prior to class and, by faith, see beyond activities to the truths the Holy Spirit will convey to young hearts.

"I would like to share a few memorable moments from teaching Sunday school that have impacted me. The first was considering with the children how Noah experienced loss and restoration during and after the flood. Several drew pictures of people or things they have lost; one drew his grandmother in a coffin, and several chose to depict older siblings who have emigrated from Honduras. While emigration is a frequent topic in our region, this was the first instance I had observed children bringing it up in Sunday school.

"Another Sunday, the response to Isaac and Ishmael dealt with my own family situation, as my son chose Isaac as the child he most identifies with, while a girl who lives next door and spends a lot of time with our family chose Ishmael, as she lives with an aunt who favors her biological children. While I dearly love this girl and share with her what I can, it was a bittersweet comfort to witness her relate to God’s Word in her own painful experience.

"I would like to express my gratitude to each person who has played a role in creating and sharing Deditos with children: thank you for helping teachers, reaching children in local churches, and leading my own family closer to the Lord. May He provide this opportunity to more people not only in Honduras but around the world.

Thank you!"