Acts 20:35 - Support the Weak

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

I was born in Honduras, a developing country. My mother migrated to the United States in the early 1980s, leaving me with my grandmother and two siblings. My childhood memories include playing barefoot outside, having chickens, climbing mango trees, and often helping my grandmother extensively with house chores.

At the age of seven, I moved to the United States, experiencing a starkly different lifestyle. In Honduras, I lived with my grandmother simply, whereas in the U.S., I had a room filled with toys. My mother, a single parent, worked tirelessly to support my brother and me in the States while also providing for my grandmother and younger sister back in Honduras. As a child, I was content with what my mother could provide, never longing for more than the essentials—food, toys, and clothes.

As I grew into my teens, I realized our underprivileged status. I saw my mother's hard work in providing for us, contrasting it with peers who wore branded clothing. Despite these disparities, I remained grateful for what we had, understanding that with God’s help, we always managed to persevere through hardships.

Reflecting on our hardships inspires me to help those in need.  Many children in Honduras face horrendous challenges such as gang violence, human trafficking, rape, physical abuse, and extreme poverty. Often, girls are compelled to marry young, trapping them in a cycle of poverty without the prospect of education, all under a corrupt government. I am profoundly grateful first to my Heavenly Father and then to my courageous mother, who migrated illegally to the United States in the early 1980s and sent for my brother and me five years later. Her life story and the choices she made have shaped me into the person I am today—a woman with options and a brighter future, opportunities that many children in Honduras sadly do not have.

The words of Acts 20:35 resonate deeply with me: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This verse is deeply ingrained in my heart, echoing Jesus' teachings through the Apostle Paul, who urges us to assist those who are weaker. Such acts of kindness emulate Jesus Christ and fuel my passion for helping others—a mission that brings immense joy to my heart. This principle steadfastly guides all my efforts to support those in need.

Understanding the impact of these teachings and my experiences, I have committed to funding an annual mission trip to a small village near El Progreso, Honduras. Every November, I travel to a small village near El Progreso, Honduras, accompanied by my mother, sister, and a childhood friend. We provide clothing, school supplies, and toys to 120 children and food provisions like rice, beans, flour, and canned goods to 75 families. We also host a Christmas-themed party where these items are distributed. The contributions for these efforts total about $30,000 for each visit, excluding travel costs. Last year, a further $15,000 facilitated the installation of an air conditioning system in the village’s church, enhancing its dual function as a Bible and bilingual school for the children. This support has a substantial and lasting impact on the village, and spending time with the children during this season is always incredibly joyful.

This annual trip is not just about giving back but also a reminder to remain humble and appreciate the blessings in my life. This year, we plan to make the trip in late December or early January, aligning with the children's start of the school year. We will also shift our focus to providing more educational materials.

In closing, I reflect on Matthew 25:35-36, which reminds us of the importance of compassion: "For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me."

Remember, while many struggle to make ends meet, others face even more significant challenges. A single meal or outfit can significantly benefit someone in need.