While I was still living in Honduras, I had the privilege of leading the organization of an evangelistic event for Franklin Graham in the city of San Pedro Sula. For the musical portion of the event we invited the U.S. Christian band Salvador, and established a relationship with the band’s frontman, Nic Gonzales.

During a separate evangelistic event, we were able to persuade top Christian singer/songwriter, Jaci Velazquez, to do a series of concerts in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Nic Gonzalez and Jaci Velasquez have since married, and are now the proud parents of a baby boy.

For a little over three years, Nic Gonzales, together with his friend David Gardner, has supported various social welfare programs that Great Commission Latin America (GCLA) has undertaken in Choluteca, Honduras. Last May, Nic, Jaci and David traveled to Choluteca to see for themselves the progress of their sponsored projects.

One of these is Casa Hogar Vida (Life House Home) whose mission is to provide options for a better future for those infected with HIV/AIDS. A 64-acre compound has been donated and will be used to create a large, self-contained community that will include the following:

• Houses for families caring for their HIV/AIDS members.
• Homes for orphan children.
• A factory to make bricks.
• A clinic.
• A meeting place to worship God.
• A food distribution center.
• A separate area for sports and recreation.
• Farmland to grow fruits and vegetables.

The project is headed by English missionary, Ian Fawcett, under the support and direction of the leadership counsel of GCLA. Ian and his family have been actively involved in the GCLA church in Choluteca.

Another important partner for the Casa Hogar Vida Project is Cedar Creek church of Toledo, Ohio. Apart from their own financial support, Cedar Creek has been instrumental in procuring the financial sponsorship of the Detroit Marathon for Casa Hogar Vida. This important marathon, to be held this October 19th, attracts about 40,000 runners. All proceeds from that race have been earmarked for Choluteca.

Nick, Jaci, Dave, Ian, the leadership of Cedar Creek Church… different people from different places in the world, joining to make this socially sensitive project a reality and together contributing to the fulfillment of the great commission. God is working in our midst!