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.

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:

“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.

You can find Aziel on Instagram @azielbarrientos his artwork is sold on Artblr.

By Jo Ann Van Engen July 1, 2025
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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
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From the Executive Director
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