April Update

HELENE HAPPENINGS

April 2006

SEMANA SANTA

Sunrise Easter Services haven't really inspired me much in the past--until I came to Helene. Now a Sunrise Service is the highlight of my year here.

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, begins with Palm Sunday, on which many of the people come to church bearing palm branches to commemorate Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The drama of the events of the life of Jesus build up to Maundy Thursday, when Jesus met with disciples and instituted the Last Supper, and then to Good Friday, that fateful day when He was crucified in my place; and finally, to Easter, or Resurrection Day, when He rose again from the grave, defeating death once and for all.

Good Friday is traditionally the biggest holiday of the year in the Bay Islands. Here on Helene, everyone goes to the beach on the Northside for barbecue (since coming to Helene, I have learned that "barbecue" is a noun, not a verb!), "bathing in the sea," and--unfortunately--drinking. What starts out to be a family day often erupts into senseless fighting.

But this year was different. For the past few years, the Church of God on the Northside has started Good Friday with a prayer meeting, asking God for safety on that day. And each year has become increasingly more peaceful. This year's Good Friday was noted for the children playing on beach toys in the surf, and for families visiting back and forth as they ate together on the beach. God truly hears prayers!

The Sunrise Service on the municipal dock was a time of rejoicing as we stood facing the east, watching the sun rise up out of the sea, this year lining the clouds with silver. Such an experience gives new meaning to, "The Son is risen--He is risen indeed!" Whereas only a handful of women, reminiscent of the women at the cross, usually are on hand for the sunrise celebration, this year many more were present, as well as many of the children who stood in awe to watch the beauty. And Dina and Heslo, in true island fashion, pulled up in their dory alongside the dock just in time for Helso to pull out his guitar and lead us in psalms of praise as the sun rose.

No matter where I am on subsequent Easters, the impact of Semana Santa has left its mark on my heart. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

COMING HOME

On Saturday, April 29, I am flying out of Roatan for Seattle, arriving at 11:15 p.m . that night. I plan to be in the area until June 10, visiting friends and family, taking care of business details, and telling the story
of Helene whenever and wherever I can. I am looking to be able to take every opportunity to tell as many people as I can about the great work God is doing in this little insignificant (to us, but not to Him!) corner of the world.