Our history began in 2009 when we joined an immersion program located in La Ceiba, Honduras, Central America.  We knew we wanted to find a way to share the many blessings God had given us with others in his Creation, specifically in Honduras.  Our immersion program allowed us to live with a local family who had no air conditioning or hot water. The temperatures averaged 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the water for showers averaged less than 70.  We learned to tolerate both extremes! During our 3 week stay, we were tutored in the language and culture as well as given volunteer opportunities at a local school. These experiences solidified our decision to work in Honduras. 

While we were being “immersed”, a young man named Jeffrey, also in the program, invited us to go with him to a church that he was sure we would enjoy as fellow Christians.  Iglesia Gran Comisión (Great Commission Church) reaches out to the very poor and provides Bible-based and theologically sound church services, Christian education and an affordable health clinic.  After some discussion, we decided that education was definitely one avenue we wanted to pursue, hopefully enabling individuals a way to move out of poverty.

Years later, settled on the west end of La Ceiba, we found ourselves near a large “squatter” populace - people with limited resources and belongings, little or no education, jobless, and typically, no food beyond one day. We felt God’s leading to begin working as the hands and feet of Jesus in this locale.  We began small by offering support for two young women who wanted to pursue their education. They had attained a 7th grade level and were 18 and 22 when they entered classes again. As a few more years passed, the number of students from our targeted area increased to 12, the need for support became greater, and “Helping Hands, Helping Hearts” was established.

• Nan Loerop

• Bob Hooker

• Cal Boonstra

• Ray Middel

• Logan VanProyen

• Barb Weber