The Value of Wisdom and a Listening Ear: February 2021 Update

 Hello All,



Even avoiding unnecessary trips out or group socialization, this past month was very busy. January and February are always full of administrative tasks, and this year is no exception. I am happy to report, however, that I'm ahead of schedule and starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel in that regard. During the last month, I have also been juggling grad school assignments focused on counseling skills. 
It has felt like a tough class for a variety of reasons, but I have been encouraged by the ability to put some of the things I'm learning into practice with my husband and also within our community of loved ones. I've had some privileged opportunities to be able to offer a listening ear or a piece of advice to some dear friends, and the feedback I've received from them has been life-giving. Many many years ago, when I first came to Honduras and was visiting Alvin Anderson's ministry, I remember clearly his saying that oftentimes what is lacking in a person's (especially a young person's) life is trustworthy relationship with mature people who can offer sound advice. We focus on money or employment or other material resources, but wisdom and direction are priceless. I am in my tenth year (crazy, isn't it?!) of living in Honduras, and I whole-heartedly agree with that statement. There's a reason that Solomon chose wisdom instead of material wealth or fame or even opportunity as his greatest prize. I have been reminded often recently of how much need there is around me in the realm of mental and emotional health. Suicide, areas of great hurt and betrayal, domestic violence, and even just COVID stress and anxiety are present in the people around me, but resources for processing hard emotions and hard situations are very, very scarce. People are desperate for the listening ear of someone trustworthy to be able to vent their burdens, and people also feel frozen and stuck for lack of guiding wisdom. Most of the counsel that takes place in many populations in Honduras comes from pastors who haven't been trained in counseling, who often haven't had healthy parental figures themselves, and who often have a personal stake in the state of the person being counseled because of their involvement in the pastor's ministry. Many pastors do the best that they can just as many missionaries do the best they can, myself included. But, I found many times when I was encountering really serious issues in the lives of people seeking me out for advice that I didn't feel educated and equipped to handle. There will always be times when the Holy Spirit will lead, but I am also grateful for the opportunity to fill my toolbox in such a way as to be much more of a blessing to others. I think the Holy Spirit can lead us to formal education as well. 

Meanwhile, one way we sought to offer support in the form of community this past month was virtually in our annual assembly for the NGO here. It was such a blessing to hear everyone share where God was leading them and see ways that God is knitting our community together through unique talents meeting unique needs. Hondurans and North Americans serving one another and serving others together.

In February, I had the opportunity to speak at an online women’s conference alongside Lindsey. It was organized by Kelley, a fellow missionary who has become a special part of our ministry community. The theme centered on women realizing their God-given value. Women here are very rarely taught their value, how to discover their gifts, and how to live out their callings. Most women here define themselves by their spouses or children. It was a special time, and I felt that many of the women in our discussion groups were sponges, hoping for even more.  

An Update on Marvin
Some of you may remember Marvin, the young man who lived in my home many years ago. He has been in prison for robbery for around 3 years and has some time to go. At the end of last year, he contacted us and has since been in regular communication. He is serving the Lord within the prison and recently asked us for discipleship materials to continue leading others in their group of inmates in spiritual growth. While Marvin’s road has been long, I am grateful that the seeds planted are still growing. Please join us in praying for him and for his future. 

Thank you all for reading, for your prayers, and for your support!
Sarah