Hondurans Bolster Miskito Ministry
Episcopal News Service. June 6, 1985 [85126]
Lydia Dorsett, Diocese of Central Florida
HONDURAS (DPS, June 6) -- The Episcopal Diocese of Honduras has experienced phenomenal growth since 1978, but the Miskito Indians, located in almost inaccessible territory in the eastern part of the country, had remained outside this growth, living in hunger, sickness, ignorance and isolation. It appeared that mission and ministry to them was virtually impossible.
However, urgent concern begets action, and today an Episcopal mission to the Miskitos is putting down roots.
The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade, Bishop of Honduras, says that initial efforts among the Miskitos, must, of necessity, be social ministry. "And this will be for all the Indians, no matter what their religion may be."
The work has begun with a recent grant of $36,500 from the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, which has made it possible for the Episcopal Church to establish development, medical and advocacy programs for the Miskitos.
"The money isn't going for handouts," Frade explains. "It's the old business about teaching people to fish rather than giving them fish. The Fund money will be spent for seeds and tools and agricultural implements and for medical supplies.
"It will be used to develop pig farming and fish farming (these two activities being mutually beneficial, for fish thrive on pig feces), and we are considering a bee-keeping project. We will begin a medical program and hope to reduce the malaria and tuberculosis that plague these people.
"The grant will also be used for an advocacy program through which the Miskitos will learn community organization and the skills needed for dealing with government and international agencies."
Allen Bodden, a Honduran with experience with the Miskitos, is the diocesan missionary, his work supervised by the Diocese's Commission on Social Concerns.
Two additional Presiding Bishop's Fund grants to the Diocese of Honduras will assist refugees coming into that country to escape violence. One, for $21,480 will be used to help promising young Nicaraguans finish their academic or professional education, rather than wasting their lives in refugee camps.
The other, a $10,000 grant, will enable the diocese to participate in Christian Solidarity, an ecumenical program which provides emergency and medical care to urban refugees from Central America's wars.