Companion Synod Corner 
By Rev. Michael Wittkamper
I was shocked recently to learn of my friend Bertha Caceres, murdered in Honduras. She was a charismatic leader of resistance, advocate for her Lenca people, advocate for land reform and critic of the government. She and I were part of the international team of election observers at the last presidential election in Honduras. She was personally a wonderful lady, politically a rallying point for so many and a thorn in the side of the government. She brought hope to her native Lenca people for land reform and justice. As I thought about this person of hope, a light to all who had the privilege to meet her, I also remembered Arnold Peralta, an international soccer star, and Maria Jose Alvarado, a Miss World contestant, also both recently murdered. These highly visible Hondurans brought hope to the lives of a people beset with poverty and little opportunity for advancement.
Sadly, in four short months three icons of hope have been murdered and the government of Honduras is not only not addressing this, but many believe may also be complicit in these murders. I am deeply troubled by these losses for a people who live in constant oppression and fear. Those of us that make missionary journeys to Honduras consistently hear from our beloved friends of threats, false accusations, taxation by intimidation from gangs, beatings and worse.
There was a glimmer of hope that came several years ago, but ended in what the world leaders now call a "coup". The U.S. was complicit in the coup ending the reforms that might have come. The last elections are a proven sham. Election observers were mortified as we documented the fraudulent count in 2013 while the U.S. government was already congratulating the winner. Sadly there was nothing to be done once again. Hope lost out. It appears that our government does not want to bother with the growing pains of a democracy close to home, but to let it stay relatively "stable" and not be a bother - without regard to the pain of the people.
Our Companion Synod relationship with the people of this troubled country is so important. Our mission of accompaniment is so valued. We walk along with our brothers and sisters in Honduras, feeling their fear and their pain and their hope. And we share together our common witness to our Lord, as we pray, sing and together learn his promises. In the midst of oppression we share the hope we have in Christ.
Sadly, I also note that in our current political activity in this country, hope is being taken away as our youth struggle to move ahead in this very difficult world. And the question comes back to me - and to each of us - if our hope is in Christ, are we conveying that to the world? What am I doing to bring hope to the young people I meet? What am I doing to bring hope to my area, my country, my world? My Lenten prayer cannot simply be "Please God, let things will get better" - i.e. Please God make things better in Honduras. No, my prayer must be, "Gracious God inspire me, teach me, direct me to do your will in Honduras, my church, my neighborhood, my state." We say "yes" to God's work, my hands! Listen to what God is calling you to do.
Rev. Michael Wittkamper
Honduras Companion Synod Steering Committee
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