The Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, Bishop for the Diocese of Honduras, began his convention report in Spanish but suddenly started to laugh when he saw the confused faces in the mostly English-speaking audience. What a great sense of humor he has. By his side was Canon to the Ordinary Connie Sanchez.

Allen preaches only one sermon in Honduras, 2 Timothy 4:2-3: “Preach and teach at all times.” He started teaching the message after becoming bishop in 2001, and the members of his diocese continue today to preach and teach everywhere they go. “When I became bishop, I had to use tough love because everyone was waiting for something to be handed to them,” he said. “I explained to them that it is time to give rather than receive.”

The Diocese of Honduras has declared 2019 as the year it will become financially self-sufficient. Allen said this is being accomplished by changing the mindset of the people and empowering them to be self-sufficient. “If you come to Honduras, don’t bring us the fish; teach us to fish,” he said. He thanked the Diocese of Central Florida for their support, noting that because of their partnership, “We are doing what God has called us to do.”

Today, Hondurans make up ninety-nine percent of the diocesan clergy, he said. This is important because the people are learning from fellow Hondurans how to change from a handout mind-set to one of giving to others. God is at work in the Diocese of Honduras—Allen said that on the previous Saturday, 126 kids attended a Happening event held by the diocese.

Canon Sanchez reported that she has started a program called AANGLIDESH (Anglican Agency for the Development of Honduras), which teaches women to sew and make goods they can sell to help raise their family incomes. They are taught to tithe 10 percent and how to save what they can.

AANGLIDESH was started in 2012 with the help of ERD. Its mission is to improve participants’ lives through Christian programs.

Allen ended his report by stating that the diocese will continue the process of empowering the people to no longer look for handouts but to take the materials they have and learn to put them to the best use possible.