The Lencas are the oldest and largest indigenous people group in Honduras with a population of more than 450,000 people. They inhabit approximately two thousand villages in the western highlands of Honduras and El Salvador. They are strict Catholics, but they also include some of their tribal customs and ceremonies in their religion. They blend the new and old traditions through religious festivals. The festivals include nature worship, the patron saints of the Catholic Church, animal sacrifices, and prayers to ancestors
They are known to be humble and extremely hospitable people. They take time to talk to others and enjoy the company of others. Meals are an important part of their social culture. Everyone is expected to contribute to the life of the community. The women work as skilled artisans to create pottery and woven crafts. Men are particularly good at agriculture, masonry, and construction.
Their life is difficult. Many live in poverty and struggle to overcome the challenges of poverty. Many only receive $5.00 for working an eight-hour work day.
The Gualcarque River in Honduras is a sacred place for the Lencas. They believe the river is inhabited by the spirits of children and women. The mountains and hills are also considered sacred and holy places. They have a great respect for nature.
Most Lencas live in small one-bedroom homes constructed of mud with clay tiles for the roof. Most homes lack basic sanitation, electricity, and running water.
God spoke to me at the end of last year that in 2024 I would begin working with the Lencas. One time many years ago I visited a Lenca community with a missionary friend. God reminded me of that day and asked me to go back. Then as the year passed God brought it all together and made a way for us to go to Lempira where there is a large population of Lencas.
Yesterday we ventured into a mountain to preach the Gospel in an area missionaries have never visited and where a lot of Lencas are living. It was a more than a two-hour journey off the main road. The roads were very rough, steep, and muddy. At this time of year, because of the rain, there are a lot of landslides in the mountains. We went as far as we could. We could not quite make it to the village. The last part of the road we could not drive on. Nevertheless the people came to us. We found a small field in the woods and set up our sound system, which connects to our truck. The people came to us – more than one hundred eighty people! The men, women, and children were so friendly and hungry for God. They had never seen a white person nor a missionary from another country. They were so excited we were there. We spent some time playing with the children and then we did an evangelistic program. More than half of the people responded to the Gospel and said they wanted to give their lives to Jesus. We went around and prayed for almost everyone who came. It was a truly powerful time. We ended with piñatas for the children and by sharing juice and cookies with everyone.
This is just the beginning of what God is going to do in this part of the country.