In Honduras, where pastors face poverty, threats, and violence, access to biblical materials has become a vital lifeline for their ministry. “We have changed the way we see things because we didn’t have access to study materials before,” says Armando*, a Honduran pastor who recently received donated biblical resources from Open Doors.
Act of Courage
For 34-year-old Armando, being a pastor in Honduras is not just a spiritual calling; it is also an act of courage. His ministry takes place in the country’s prisons, among the most violent in Latin America and the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index.
When asked about his motivation, Amando explains: “I believe everyone should have the opportunity to know God.” His words come from personal experience, as his own life was transformed through redemption.
At 18, he faced a brutal turning point. “God saved me from being beaten to death after a group of people accused me of stealing,” he recalls. “I heard one of them say they were going to kill me. I couldn’t speak because I was so badly beaten, so I prayed in my mind: ‘If you get me out of this, God, I will serve you all my life.’”.
And that is exactly what happened. He gave his life to Christ and, six years later, began his ministry in one of the country’s most dangerous areas for pastors.
The Challenge of Preaching in Prisons
But ministry inside Honduran prisons brings unique challenges.
These prisons, operating at 150% capacity, are dominated by violent gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18. They enforce their own rules, often above the state’s authority. Preaching the gospel can be seen as a threat and punished with violence.
“We have to be very careful. Sometimes, I feel exposed because it’s difficult to interact with inmates. They sometimes warn me: ‘Preach to us, but not to the others.’” Armando recounts.
The risks are real. Christians who ignore these restrictions may face harassment, threats, or even death.
Although Honduras is not on Open Doors’ World Watch List of the 50 most persecuted countries, the growing power of criminal groups increasingly affects churches and pastors.
Even gang members who convert to Christianity may face retaliation if their faith is not seen as “genuine” by their former peers.
Still, Armando remains committed. “Everyone has the right to know the truth,” he says. For him, spreading the gospel is not just a calling; it is a vital mission.
The Role of Biblical Resources
On top of violence, poverty adds another heavy burden. With more than half the population living in poverty (over 59%, according to the 2023 World Bank data), many believers cannot afford a Bible, and pastors like Armando lacked study materials for years.
“We didn’t have enough resources even for transportation, let alone to buy Bibles or teaching materials,” he recalls. In this context, pastoral training and access to biblical resources were an unattainable luxury.
Recognising this need, in early July, Open Doors delivered libraries with study Bibles and provided specialised training to 10 Honduran pastors on how to face persecution biblically. This support allows leaders to strengthen their ministries, guide their communities with greater knowledge, and reach spaces where religious education is limited.
The impact has already begun to multiply. “The training and biblical materials have helped me. We’ve changed the way we see things. Since last year, we’ve started working not only in prisons but also in schools and colleges,” Amando says.
Isabella, another Christian leader benefiting from the project, shares her experience: “Personally, it has been very helpful. The materials I received have given me clarity and been a great blessing. I’m very grateful.”
Today, Isabella serves as a pastor in one of the areas with the highest presence of gangs in the country. Despite the risks, she believes the only way to overcome violence is by spreading the gospel wisely, reaching new souls for Christ.
“We understand that the Bible is essential for believers, especially new converts. The materials we received allow us to fulfill this mission, even when many arrive at church without a Bible,” she adds.
For pastors like Armando and Isabella, these donations are more than books; they are tools that bring light to communities overshadowed by poverty and violence.
“The donations not only strengthen pastors but also ensure that entire communities can access the gospel message,” Armando concludes.
Please pray:
- Pray for Christian leaders facing constant threats.
- Pray for pastors receiving biblical materials, that God may use them with wisdom and power.
- Pray for Armando, Isabella, and other leaders spreading the gospel beyond prisons, reaching schools and colleges.
- Pray for ministries working in gang-controlled areas; that God grants them strength, protection, and perseverance.
- Pray for provision and support so pastors can continue receiving the materials and resources they need to fulfill their mission.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
