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‘Changing a Nation’
In a valley surrounded by mountains, on the outer edges of the jungle, Lifesong Honduras was birthed in the hearts of its founding fathers 22 years ago. The dream was, that poverty stricken youth of Honduras would find a haven from the outside forces of the world, in which to continue their education past elementary school, something the Honduras government was unable to sustain. Since then many of the country’s youth have been impacted, touched not only for their good, but the good of their country.
Today, the vision continues to grow as Director Guy Henry and his staff advance its mission statement, “Finding a need, meeting a need, changing the nation”. This year another dimension has been added to this statement, that of “causing a revolution”. It is their desire to “revolutionize” the country, affecting neighboring regions and impacting future generations to come.
Lifesong Honduras is invested in the lives of 500 plus youth, ranging in age from 11 to the early twenties. Most of these youth come from homes stricken with poverty and the loss of one or both parents, brought by relatives that cannot or will not provide for them. Sadly, this year the ministry has experienced an increase in the number of new students arriving malnourished. At Lifesong these students receive yearly scholarships and are enrolled in Plan Escalon, meaning “a plan to elevate”. They graduate with a career degree in either Business marketing or Computers. They also learn skills in welding, plumbing, electricity, masonry, agriculture or horticulture. The girls get experience in the kitchen as well as in the offices to learn administrative skills. Through this they are learning the value of work and helping to compensate for the funding of their scholarships.
The transformation that happens in these precious lives over the 3 to 6 years that they live on campus is remarkable. Not only do they receive a superior education equipping them with skills to enter the workforce, but they are nurtured and cared for in a stable environment where both their physical and spiritual needs are met. The students have labeled Plan Escalon as “a piece of Heaven where dreams come true.”
Another program called “Life in Action” enables students to give back to the poor communities of Honduras and instills in them a heart to change their nation.
