Aziel Barrientos is a 24 year-old architect and artist, born and raised in Honduras, who is currently studying abroad in Spain. He takes his inspiration from culture, different landscapes and his country. He has never taken an art class but he has learned from his observations, experiences, and knowledge. He has dedicated himself to painting, illustrating, prints, and textile design. He hopes that through his painting he can demonstrate what Honduras is like to the whole world:
Painting Hope to Keep Moving Forward
July 7, 2025
Meet the Artist Behind Our New Sticker Illustrations
Earlier this spring we sent out a letter reflecting on the story of Carlos Hernández, Executive Director of ASJ-Honduras, and recounting how he was inspired by his son to keep moving forward despite the threats and challenges he was facing
Since we were also deeply inspired, we wanted to have a constant reminder of this powerful story. That is why we decided to seek out an artist that could create a design showcasing the unity between the U.S. and Honduras seeking justice and moving forward together. We wanted to make something that would stick with us and you.
Additionally, since one of our goals at ASJ is to highlight Honduran artists, we found someone that helped us portray the simple life of Honduran people. We found Aziel, and we were confident that he could carry out our vision. The image he created is full of nature and the vibrant colors of the tropical country.
“A country rich in nature, resources, culture, and kind hard-working people.”
–Aziel
When we contacted Aziel, it was his first time hearing about ASJ, but he was excited about our mission and our impact in Honduras. He agreed immediately to work on the design. He was happy to demonstrate what we wanted and was thrilled to contribute to our mission by creating the illustration.
With our suggestions and his art style we were able to design this sticker. We hope that it reminds us all to keep moving forward no matter where we are in the world and what we are going through.
Sigamos Adelante
"Keep Moving Forward" Design by Honduran artist Aziel Barrientos
You can find Aziel on Instagram @azielbarrientos his artwork is sold on Artblr.
Honduras’s Institutional Crisis Deepens Ahead of the 2025 Elections
Dear friend, I couldn’t stop looking at the picture. Of course, there had been plenty of inspiring photos from this summer’s Prayer Walk for Peace and Democracy. The sea of blue and white rising and falling as hundreds of thousands walked the Honduran hills through Tegucigalpa, flowing like a never-ending stream. Catholic nuns praying their rosaries alongside Pentecostals dancing in the streets. But the picture that still knocks me flat is the closeup. The one of the two men standing side by side (picture enclosed). They are exhausted, and the shorter collapses into the taller. The tears mostly hold joy and relief, but they are mingled with something darker. After all, there had been threats—promises of harm done to themselves and their loved ones if they led their followers through the streets of Honduras in prayer. Despite the fear and intimidation, Pastor Gerardo Irías and Monsignor José Vicente Nácher forged ahead. They knew Honduras needed unity and, above all, prayer before the looming November 2025 presidential elections. As an ASJ supporter, you know that these kinds of threats aren’t out of the ordinary, and your support has helped slow and reverse violence in Honduras. Today, I am writing to share a way you can continue standing with brave Hondurans like Pastor Gerardo and Monsignor José in hope. The Evangelical pastor and the Catholic archbishop put the word out as widely as they could to their churches, hoping to mobilize 20,000 to walk and pray. Instead, an estimated 230,000 walked in the capital of Tegucigalpa alone. It was a historic moment. And without your past support for ASJ, it may have never happened. After all, two years prior, Pastor Gerardo and Monsignor José didn’t even know each other’s names. They first met in 2023 at ASJ’s offices. They were two of many civil society leaders convened by ASJ to discuss safeguarding democracy– especially before the election in 2025. It was at that meeting that they shook each other’s hand and learned each other’s name. It was at that meeting–and many subsequent meetings–where old religious prejudices began to be replaced by trust and mutual affection. So, when the moment came this summer to act, Pastor Gerardo and Monsignor José knew what they had to do. And they knew that they had to do it together.
Calvin alums turn faith into action through nonprofit
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thank You for Moving Forward With Us this Summer!
When Policies Shift, Families Pay the Price * by Jo Ann Van Engen
Inspiring civil society in the US with a vision of a more just society
Dear Friend, On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of Hondurans flooded their streets with prayer and peaceful demonstration. Reports from our team members who attended said it was like an inspirational sea of people all wanting the same thing for their country: peace. One of our ASJ-US colleagues said he walked past Pentecostals dancing and playing music, a woman praying the rosary, nuns walking, and priests and altar boys in full robes–all walking in the same space together for peace.
Love, Labor, and the Price of Leaving By Jo Ann Van Engen
Prayer Update (JUL 16- Election Process Turmoil)
