Ministry at Fuerzas Unidas

           Fuerzas Unidas (“United Forces”) is located in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Tegucigalpa.  The streets are unpaved; there is no running water, no sewage system.  There is electricity for those who can afford it.  There is public bus service.

           The church here was initially started when Methodists paid the salary of a kindergarten teacher in the local school, which is located next to the current sanctuary.  Gradually, Bible studies and worship started, and local church leaders emerged.  A small house was rented in which services, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and other activities were held. 

           Eventually, land was purchased, and a church sanctuary was built with the help of many Volunteer-in-Mission teams.  Purchase of adjacent properties has enabled the construction of a two-story community service building.  Construction on this building and many other accompanying projects were started in December 2002.  The building has a kitchen, two workrooms, medical consultation area, garage, small apartment, and three Sunday School classrooms.  There is an ongoing ministry of medical attention in Fuerzas Unidas, as well as classes in sewing, welding, woodworking, and basic computer skills.

           Supporting education at all levels continues to be a primary goal of ministry of the Methodist Church at Fuerzas Unidas.

            This is what former pastor Jorge Rodriguez writes about the community of Fuerzas Unidas:

      United Forces (Fuerzas Unidas) is a marginal barrio (neighborhood) situated to the north of the city of Tegucigalpa.  The neighborhood has existed for about 15 years, after a "recuperation" or "invasion" of land by poor people.  This year, the legalization of titles for landholders has begun.

      The inhabitants, in their majority, are people with very few economic resources.  Unemployment is abundant and the minimum salary is less than $6.00 per day.  The population, in their majority, are young people.  There are many children.

      There is no potable water; people buy water from people whose business is to run water trucks into the neighborhood to sell water.  There is electricity, though not many people have access to it.  There are no health centers nearby.  The most common health problems are respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, and malnourishment.

      The poorest people live in poorly constructed wood homes with used metal roofs.  The majority of homes have dirt floors.  There are latrines.

      There is a high incidence of school dropouts -- elementary school children who do not finish even the sixth grade.

            The population of Fuerzas Unidas is very religious and many of them attend religious services of different Christian churches that are in the neighborhood.

Current Ministries

      - Sewing project with women.
        - Accompaniment and assessment with women.
        - “Cantares” musical group; a ministry with youth.
        - Medical consultations – health teams
        - Pastoral work with children:  bible classes, hygiene classes, school supplies
        - Lay pastoral training classes with leaders from the church
        - Scholarships for youth with limited economic resources. 

Needs and Plans

            - A fund to maintain a medical consultation ministry, quarter time or more.
            - Help with health issues for women, children, and infants.
            - A library for youth and children
            - Home improvement projects.  Many people in Fuerzas Unidas continue to
                    live in temporary housing with dirt floors.
            - Help for adults to finish their primary education.