The coffee harvest is now in full
swing on Tierra Nueva’s coffee farm in Alta Mira. I am glad to report that we now have the infrastructure in
place for a growing production of specialty coffee that offers employment to
local workers and income to support Tierra Nueva’s ministry in Honduras (see
photos below).
We are grateful to supporters who
have contributed funds to purchase a truck, coffee processing plant, housing
for farm manager, latrines, solar dryers and drying patios. A growing supply of quality beans are
now available for Underground Coffee Project’s ex-offender-led roasting
operation at Tierra Nueva in Burlington, which you can order online here: http://coffee.newearthworks.org
Tierra Nueva’s Honduran leader David
Calix has had a calling to reach out to people in extreme poverty since we began
working together in 1983. Since
TN’s founding in Minas de Oro in 1982 we have been committed to empowering the
rural poor through teaching sustainable farming and intensive gardening,
establishing gravity-flow water projects and teaching on nutrition and
hygiene. Bible study among people
outside the churches has also been a major emphasis. Now we are focusing on building small communities, “hogares
en transformacion,” where new Christians can be built up in their faith and in
sustainable living practices.
David visits his native village of
Mal Paso twice a month. He had to
move away two years ago due to violence that led to the deaths of 9 men from
opposing sides—all people David grew up with. Honduras is currently considered the most violent country in
the world due to lawlessness resulting from a breakdown in government leadership
and widespread poverty and drug-trafficking.
Jesus’ sending the disciples out in
Luke 10 provides inspiration for regular visits to receptive families. Hondurans are noted for their generous
hospitality, and David and other leaders are welcomed into homes in Mal Paso,
Minas de Oro and other surrounding villages.
There in the security of people’s
homes, prayers are offered for healing and other needs, and the Bible is read
and discussed. When Jesus heals
someone rejected by the majority, and people feel cared for with no strings
attached by Tierra Nueva’s workers, they usually want more, and the work is
growing. Leadership development is
now the biggest priority.
David conducts larger gatherings
every two weeks with all the families involved to encourage and build up these
new believers. He also is
mentoring emerging leaders in Bible study and social development. Tierra Nueva provides lunch for these
meetings and covers transportation for people from surrounding villages.
Tierra Nueva’s future plans include
regular visits to the villages of Huertas, Altamira, Guachipilín to engage
people in prayer and Scripture study.
Please pray for a resolution of the
political crisis in Honduras, and for reconciliation between the many Honduran
Christian groups that are currently divided and working against each other. Please intercede for David and his wife
Esperanza’s health and safety.
Pray with us for a growing harvest of people into Jesus’ Kingdom. Pray also for TN apprentice Paul Foth’s
visit to Honduras Feb 18-March 5.
Right now we are in need of $20,000
for the purchase of land with a house where David and his family can live, show
hospitality, gather people for worship, leadership training, and establish a
small organic demonstration plot to train people in sustainable living practices. See this YouTube video interview with
David where he outlines his vision http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VGF7fFt2BI.
If you would like to support this
project donations can be given through e-giving using this link,
Or, you can sent to Tierra Nueva,
Attn: Honduras, PO Box 161, Burlington, WA 98233, USA.
