Like many in Naperville, my church sends missions throughout the U.S. and the world. For many years, we have worked with El Ayudante (EA), an agency committed to growing a Christian community in Honduras. Along with spiritual needs, EA and U.S. churches address the physical needs of the community with new latrines, water filters, concrete floors for homes and schools, and medical clinics.
Surprisingly, EA has expanded its ministry to include weddings. Weddings are a big deal in our society, with fancy dresses, limos, catered parties with toasting, feasting, and dancing. Both the ceremonies and the receptions signal the launch of a new family.
It’s not too different in Honduras, where a wedding without a party is shameful and poverty is no excuse. Average income is $5 per day, making a big party plus the $240 marriage license unaffordable. Many unmarried couples cohabit indefinitely, without full acceptance in the community. Unfortunately, they and their kids are often ostracized at church and not allowed to serve an active role if they are “living in sin.”
EA addresses the social impediment to marriage in a unique way. Not long ago, they started conducting wedding ceremonies for several couples at a time, providing them with financial assistance to pay the fees, the cake, a full reception with dinner (each couple is permitted up to 50 guests) and wedding dresses donated by people in the U.S.
“The hope is that by emphasizing the importance of long term commitment through official marriage, families would be stronger and broken homes fewer—strengthening the community as a whole. The next generation may grow up placing a stronger importance on the commitment.” (Elizabeth Mohagen Co-director of El Ayudante)
El Ayudante (“the assistant”) also provides marriage classes to help keep families together. They represent the best of grass roots initiatives.
For more info, visit eahonduras.org.
