Siphiwe Sithole
Intern, Anglican Communion Communications, London
Twelve members of "Collective", supporters of Amos Trust, who have recently returned from a visit in Nicaragua and Honduras, Central America, are hosting an exhibition of pictures of hope taken by the group as the people there are trying to rebuild their lives two years on from Hurricane Mitch.
Amos Trust is a United Kingdom charity that works with communities to bring about justice and hope, led by Anglican priest Garth Hewitt.
In October 1998 Hurricane Mitch struck Central America with winds of over 180 mph, causing complete devastation. Over 4,000 people were killed in Nicaragua alone and it is estimated that over 20,000 people died overall. Two million people became homeless as a result of landslide and floods.
Inspired by the people they met on their journey, they committed themselves to increase awareness and support of their partners. The exhibition consists of photographs that depict something of life in these two countries, the hope and the continued struggle.
The group was hosted by CEPAD (the Council of the Evangelical Churches of Nicaragua) which brings together pastors across Nicaragua, training and equipping them to serve their communities.
Funds generated from this exhibition will go towards the continuation of the school's work, which is supported by the Amos Trust. Liz Curran who was part of the visiting group said, "Having visited Nicaragua, the importance of efforts like Jubilee 2000 becomes much clearer, with only 5,000 children in education out of 70,000 in one district debt is unsustainable burden to the future of countries lie Nicaragua."
Describing their visit, Joe Hewitt, one of the group, said it was a humbling and emotional experience for the whole group as they came face to face with the reason they were there, to be educated by the lives and stories of others.
"We had come from the other side of the world yet we were reminded of that bond that unites the most geographically and economically distant people. The people we met in La Concha had very little materially, yet they provided us with a wealth and love that that evening which sits firmly in our hearts and mind. For me can be called upon whenever I need to be reminded of God's love," he said.