Roatan Island, Honduras

The village of Punta Gorda is home to an indigenous people group known as the Garifuna [gah-REE-foo-nah]. The Garifuna arrived on Roatan Island over 200 years ago, bringing with them their own culture and language. Even today, the Garifuna observe the religious traditions of their African and Caribbean forefathers. World Gospel Mission and the Honduran Holiness Church work to bring God’s light into the darkness of a culture steeped in superstition and spiritual bondage.

A little more than twenty years ago WGM established Swartz Clinic to provide general medical care and spiritual ministry to the communities in this area of Roatan. The church in Punta Gorda is a result of that ministry. In recent years we saw that the general medical needs were being met by the government hospital and other clinics in the area; therefore, we rented the clinic to a group called Siempre Unidos [Forever United] who provide HIV/AIDS care. The clinic now provides medical treatment, support groups, and spiritual counsel to the patients and their families living with HIV/AIDS.

Statistics estimate that one in ten persons living in Roatan is HIV positive. HIV/AIDS preventative education is an integral part of ministering to all of Punta Gorda. The local church and WGM personnel have adopted the Samaritan’s Purse model for prevention: A - Abstinence. B - Be faithful to your spouse. C - Christ. This message is shared with people through meetings of community groups, in churches, and in the local school.

VBS ministers to over 150 children and youth each year. Many of today’s church leaders are products of VBS and youth ministries. Youth meetings are held on Friday evenings with food, fun, and fellowship in a Christian atmosphere. Missionaries and church members share Biblical truths with young people searching for solid answers to life’s problems.

Leadership development is a pressing need in the church. Discipleship programs have strengthened the local congregation, resulting in indigenous worship and the growth of outreach ministries.