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El Hogar Ministries eNewsletter
Special Edition - Update on Political Situation
September 22, 2009 |
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September 22, 2009
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Issue 27 | |
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| Introduction |
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We are continuing to send updates from Rich Kunz as new information becomes available.
Thank you for your concern for El Hogar and Honduras.
Liz Kinchen
Executive Director in NA | |
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| September 22, 2009 - Zeyala returns to Honduras |
As you probably have heard from the news reports, Zelaya has slipped back into Honduras with the help of the Brazilian embassy, and is now in their complex. Last night, when the announcement went out, several thousand people gathered around to celebrate his return. The present government imposed a sudden curfew, and most people rushed home to avoid arrest. However, a large crowd ignored the curfew, and settled in around the embassy. In the middle of the night, the police came to disburse the crowd. The reports of what happened are vague and conflicting, but everyone agrees there was teargas, destruction of property, and injuries. The morning paper featured a police truck overturned and burned. There are rumors of one or two deaths, but they are not confirmed. The crowd is now, apparently, dispersed. The curfew has lasted all day, and most people anticipate it being continued into tomorrow.
Zelaya says he is back to engage in dialogue with the present government, but also says he is back to regain power. Micheletti has said instead that Zelaya will be arrested and charged with crimes, and has complained to Brazil for harboring a person who is wanted for crimes in Honduras and busy inciting rebellion within the country. The atmosphere in the country is tense because no one knows what will happen next.
The extensive curfew is a hardship for the Technical Institute. It is on the main road, which is blocked right now, so the teachers were unable to get there. Lazaro has been keeping in touch via his cell phone, but there are almost 80 boys, and only two staff members. Fortunately, they went grocery shopping recently, so there is enough food.
Amazingly, at El Hogar, all the staff defied the curfew in order to show up for work. I talked, for instance, to the new administrative assistant, who simply said, "Well, I live nearby, so I could walk." Claudia was stopped on her way to work, but after explaining to the police where she was going, was permitted to complete her journey. It emphasizes to me the incredible commitment our staff have to this ministry. Claudia said that inside El Hogar it was impossible to tell that it was not another ordinary day, and that I should not worry! She also said that on her way she had seen many Hondurans walking to their jobs. She wants people in the US to understand that most Honduran citizens are trying hard to fulfill their normal responsibilities, looking forward to the elections, and wanting the world to understand their situation.
I was unable to contact the Agricultural School today. Balbino was sick, and their communication system is always a bit fragile.
This has been a challenging few months, and it looks like it is far from over.
I had some friends who wrote a book about community called "Living Together in a World Falling Apart". As we continue to try to carry on a faithful ministry during a year characterized by recession, inflation, H1N1, lack of volunteers, and disruptive political crises, that title strikes a chord in me. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
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| Past Articles |
| To read past articles, please visit our website at: www.elhogar.org. | |
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Sincerely,
Rev. Rich Kunz
Executive Director, Honduras | |
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