Carlos Hernández is one of ASJ’s co-founders and currently serves as the executive director for ASJ- Honduras. Carlos has worked on community-focused projects for 35 years. He is known internationally for his work in anti-corruption, transparency, and public policy. He leads ASJ with empathy and passion.
Song of Justice / Sent to Work for Justice
February 1, 2024
“I think of John 3:16 and how God sent his Son to the world. He sends us too that we may give our life for our brothers and sisters.”
- Carlos Hernández
“ The Lord Now Sends Us Forth”
Lyrics by Anonymous
Translation by Gerhard M. Cartford
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live.
The angels are not sent
into our world of pain
to do what we were meant
to do in Jesus’ name;
that falls to you and me
and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray,
to do your will today.
When did your justice journey start?
My journey started when I was about 13 years old. I was heavily impacted by people in my family who, even though we were poor, challenged me to work on improving our community. At that age, I started giving literacy classes to seniors in our community. Then, as I grew into a young adult, I started to question what it really meant for me to be a Christian. This process of questioning my faith ultimately opened up my mind and heart to move to Nueva Suyapa, one of the most violent neighborhoods in Honduras. Living in Nueva Suyapa challenged me to work for justice in my community. This challenge to work for justice did not end there, for we must always remain attentive to God’s call.
What does justice sound like to you?
Justice sounds like thunder. It is strong and disruptive, just like when the walls of Jericho fell. Some might say justice sounds quiet or passive, but I think it is loud, disruptive, and commands attention.
What is your hope for justice in your context?
This is a broad question, and my answer will vary depending on my current circumstances. This past December, I was experiencing some health issues that required laboratory testing. I was able to get both the labs and medical treatment immediately, which led me to think about those who have not had the same privilege as me. My neighbors who rely on the public healthcare system have had to wait months, sometimes even years, to receive the care they need. I felt very emotionally affected by this reminder. I believe God uses circumstances like this one to sensitize us to the needs of others. I was reminded not only to have empathy for what the majority of Hondurans have to go through but also to think about concrete actions that we can take to improve the situation.
Earlier this month, The Banner published a story written by Our Shared Ministr y by Karina Guevara and Elmer Salinas . The authors showcase the work that ASJ-Honduras is doing to help and support students in Honduras. Karina and Elmer tell the story of Genesis Garcia, an 8-year-old, whose family struggles to find consistent jobs. "Genesis Garcia Baquedano is 8 years old and lives with her older brother, Anderson, and their parents in Honduras. Her parents work hard to support their family. Genesis’s father is a painter who struggles to find consistent work, and her mother is a street vendor who spends long hours away from home." According to Karina and Elmer, although Genesis is a good student, she was struggling with reading, writing, and math. This is where the ASJ-Hondurans' program, Strong Communities , comes to be a blessing. "Through God’s grace, Genesis and her family were able to join the Strong Communities program facilitated by World Renew’s local partner, Association for a More Just Society (ASJ, because the Spanish translation is Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa). Through the program, Genesis attended academic support sessions, where she impressed her tutors with her perseverance and enthusiasm. Now, Genesis’s teachers praise the program for the significant progress Genesis has been making at school." We are blessed to be able to help kids like Genesis and her family to be able to achieve their dreams and goals. You can read the full story HERE and learn more about the ASJ-Honduras Strong communities program HERE
Highlights from our 25th Anniversary Celebration in Grand Rapids, MI
MY EMPTY VILLAGE / HOW IMMIGRATION AFFECTS A COMMUNITY (by Sara Pineda)
Young Hondurans have stepped up for democracy (by Blanca Stephanie Elvir)
Reflecting on 25 years of seeking justice together (by Jo Ann Van Engen)
From the Executive Director
What does paused international aid mean for ASJ?
Something Worth Waiting For
Will you walk with us for a more just society?
The beauty of doing justice in community
