Las Colonias

Las Colonias

Monday 10 April 2017

Happy Easter! A Celebration of New Life

We first met Chris by his reputation.  And it wasn’t good.  Chris was known as the petty thief who lived somewhere near us, and made it so we couldn’t leave a chair out on our tiny deck, or hang laundry outside to dry.  He was known to remove light bulbs from outside lights and turn around to sell these light bulbs to neighbours.  Chris really liked to steal from Son Rise mission and we suspect that he was the thief who ran off with one of our computers – even though it had been fastened to the table with a cable-lock.  Our desperate thief yanked the computer until the plastic case broke away from the lock. 

The day my computer went missing, I met Chris.  In my sweetest voice, I appealed to him to keep an eye out for my computer.  In an equally sweet voice, he assured me that he would.  The computer was long gone, but Chris wasn’t.

When two 2x4s needed by Larry for a project went missing from our deck, Larry chased after Chris. I think that was the beginning of their relationship. Larry and Chris developed an interesting friendship.  Chris began stopping by our place almost on a daily basis sometimes just to chit chat but most times it was to make a little cash.  Sometimes he would offer to rake the beach in front of our house. Sometimes he had something to sell us. He frequently had small lemons, or hot peppers, or could get us a deal on bananas.  Once he offered us Jack Sparrow’s silver spoon! Most of his requests required payment of 20 lempiras – even Jack’s spoon! By now you’ve figure this out.  Chris needed a daily income to support his habit. We paid, knowing we were contributing to his addiction. We justified it as security. When Chris had money, he wouldn’t be stealing, at least from us – usually. 

Chris never married his girlfriend, Laura. They had two sons who lived with their mom nearby.  The boys and their mom had no respect for Chris – for good reason.  The youngest son and his mom would have nothing to do with Chris. Chris, having no work, provided no support to his family.

Eventually, Chris’ addictions demanded more than petty thieving could provide. He had short stays in jail. He needed stitching up at the hospital from jumping a fence and landing barefoot on broken glass. A few major fights caused Chris to recognize he had few choices.  After hitting rock bottom, he went to Miss Peggy asking for help.  Peggy was able to connect Chris with a rehab center in Zambrano, Honduras.  This location was far from the island, far from Chris’ family, and far from those friends who encouraged Chris in his addiction.

Chris participated in the six-month program to overcome drug addiction.  He then decided to stay an additional six months in the second phase of the program which consisted of discipleship training with a focus on God’s purpose and calling.  In a reference written to us, Chris’ pastor and mentor wrote:  “Chris has proven to be consistent in his search to overcome the mistakes of his past and is now harvesting the results of the life he now has in fellowship with the Lord, as opposed to a life without God.”  Chris has gone on to serve full-time in the ministry at Zambrano contributing in various ways.  He supervises the teen boys’ dorm, conducts Bible studies at a nearby jail, takes shifts as the night watchman, as well as serving in general maintenance and assistance for the facility. 

Part of Chris’ rehabilitation involved seeking forgiveness from those he has hurt.  Imagine Larry’s surprise when he received a message from Chris on Facebook, apologizing for his behaviour in the past!  Chris has always been very eloquent, and this letter was definitely Chris at his best. Larry and Chris have continued to regularly communicate.  Chris sends Larry interesting photos and anecdotes.  At times he asks Larry for advice on how to fix or maintain. 

We were excited to hear that Chris had encouraged his oldest son, Isaiah, to come start school at the facility.  Roatan offers little for local teen boys and Isaiah on the brink of making poor choices.  A few months later, Laura arrived to participate in the rehab program herself.  She brought with her Lestil, the youngest son.  Over the past year, Laura too, has found her peace with Jesus.  Moreover, Chris and Laura have found their peace together.

And yes, this story has a fairy tale ending!  On March 25, 2017, we were so excited to travel to Zambrano and witness Chris and Laura’s wedding.  They were married in an outdoor wedding at the facility where their lives really did come together.  Their friends at the Zambrano facility assisted in arranging and providing a beautiful celebration of God’s love.  Isaiah and Lestil preceded their mom to the altar. Laura’s father accompanied Laura and presented her to Chris. They shared vows of commitment and shared communion with Christ.  This was a celebration of God’s goodness!  Neither Larry nor I, nor many who had encountered Chris in Roatan, would have ever anticipated this day.  A broken Chris had travelled to Zambrano.  Only God knew of the restoration awaiting him – a restoration of not only a single life, but a restored family.  We’re rejoicing with them.   Happy Easter!

       Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away;                                    behold, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)