Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
ASJ-US Executive Director
QUARTERLY PROGRAM REPORT
March 7, 2024
November 2023 through January 2024
Message from the Executive Director
In January, I had the opportunity to travel to Honduras for my first trip as Executive Director. It was an incredible time of learning and sharing. I met so many amazing people and heard countless stories of beauty, struggle, and resilience. It was a powerful and personal reminder for me of why the work of ASJ is so important and why I am so proud to be a part of it. And if you’re reading this, you are a part of it too. I know that it can sometimes be hard to feel connected to the transformative work happening in Honduras, and I know that we aren’t all so fortunate as to be able to travel there to see it firsthand. But my hope for you is that as you read the stories in this report, you will feel–in a very real way–that it was your prayer, your financial support, and your partnership that made all of this work possible.
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
