TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS – “Arise and Shine,” an event organized with women of the Methodist Church in Honduras, a Global Ministries Mission Initiative, sought to strengthen women’s identity in God, promote restoration, and encourage them to live out the calling and purpose that God has for their lives. Inspired by the words of Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,” regained momentum in mission, fellowship, and service.
The COVID pandemic and subsequent shutdowns significantly affected the life of the church. Many activities were suspended, and women’s participation declined. Over time, the national women’s organization stopped functioning as it once had. In response to this reality, an initiative emerged to hold a national women’s gathering this year, with the desire to see each other again and encourage and strengthen one another’s ministry.
What began as a dream and a prayer finally became a reality on Mar. 7, when a total of 39 women from different regions of the country converged on El Buen Pastor Methodist Church in Tegucigalpa. Some traveled more than ten hours by bus. Together they experienced a special time of learning, reflection, and fellowship. Throughout the day, workshops were held on restoration, calling, service, and talents—topics that encouraged participants to recognize the gifts God has placed in their lives and to continue serving with joy in their churches and communities.
The invited speakers were Jessica Solar, president of the Latin America and Caribbean Area of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, and Lourdes Mroczka, a Global Ministries’ Global Missionary and coordinator of Volunteers in Mission (VIM) in Guatemala. They shared teachings and testimonies that built up and inspired the participants.
One of the most important outcomes of this gathering was the formation of the National Board of Methodist Women in Honduras, fulfilling one of the main goals of the event. In a very meaningful moment, all the participants joined in prayer for the women who will serve on this board, asking God for wisdom, strength, and guidance for the ministry they will carry out.
Concern for some participants who wanted to attend but had no one to care for their children was also taken into consideration. In several cases, their husbands were unwilling to stay with them, a situation that reflects cultural challenges that still exist in Honduras. For this reason, women who needed to do so were given the opportunity to attend with their children, so that no one would miss this time of learning and blessing.
The gathering concluded with a special worship service in which Holy Communion was shared. The message focused on identity in Christ, reminding each woman that God calls her to arise and shine with the light God has placed in her life.
As a gesture of recognition and celebration, all participants received a diploma for their participation in the workshop. They took home not only a memory of the gathering but also a renewed commitment to continue serving God with joy, faith, and hope. Without a doubt, it was a time in which many women were encouraged to arise and shine for the glory of God.
The organization of the event was made possible thanks to the commitment and support of each member of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras staff. Their dedication and willingness to collaborate reflected a true spirit of teamwork, which made it possible to hold such a special and meaningful gathering. Without a doubt, everyone’s combined efforts ensured that every detail contributed to making this experience truly wonderful for the participants.
Karen Plaza is a National in Mission with the United Methodist Mission in Honduras, serving with a Global Ministries’ missionary and local staff supported by Global Ministries. Plaza serves the mission as the Assistant for Program Development.
The United Methodist Mission in Honduras can be supported through Advance giving. Gifts enable partners to walk alongside the church in Honduras, helping to develop Christian leaders, invest in people, strengthen communities, and creating opportunities for the light of Christ to shine in places where it is needed most.
