Mennonite Weekly Review

SAN MARCOS, Honduras — The offering said it all.

Matias Giron, pastor of San Marcos Mennonite Church, braids multicolored strands symbolizing unity and diversity in the global church Jan. 25 at Llano del Horcon. Ovidio Flores is at the microphone. — Photo by Bruce Stambaugh/MWC

The fledgling Mennonite church near San Marcos was celebrating Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday and the dedication of its new building. Yet members gathered their offering for people in Zimbabwe.

They had heard of the plight of their brothers and sisters there, and sent $260 to Mennonite World Conference for Zimbabwe.

The audience of more than 150 people showed both diversity and unity. Representatives from several area Mennonite congregations, along with members from the local Catholic church, were present to celebrate with the Llano del Horcon church.

Ovidio Flores, who attends Central Mennonite Church in San Pedro Sula, was instrumental in organizing the gathering, as well as also the construction of the facility.

The intention was to have a cross-section of representatives from the many people who helped finance and build the center present on this historic day in the life of the global church as well as the local congregations.

Among those were nine people from the Holmes County, Ohio, area. Some of them had helped the local residents build the church, which also serves as a community learning center.

The first hour of worship centered on the children, who nearly filled the church. They participated in interactive Bible stories and games before breaking open two piñatas. A spirited service of dedication and celebration followed.

Overseer Isaias Flores spoke of the day’s historic significance and of how Mennonites around the world were celebrating with the congregation on this day.

In a symbolic activity of the unity and diversity of the global church, Hondurans wove together long, colorful strands with the help one of the workers who had built the church, Lamar Denlinger of Martins Creek Mennonite Church, Millersburg, Ohio.

The offering gift further solidified the congregation’s connection to the global church.

Bruce Stambaugh is chair of the Service and Outreach Committee at Millersburg (Ohio) Mennonite Church, which has been working with church people in Honduras for several years. He was one of the nine North Americans at the celebration and dedication service.