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The Manzano family (above) includes Dennis, Kiera, Cassie (who was in college and not present), Stephen, Enoch, and Esther. They shared their story with us of leaving generational violence behind and becoming a family raising their children with tenderness.
Kiera told us her story of growing up. The oldest of four children, she was raised by a single mom. Though she was only five, she was expected to care for her younger siblings. Before she turned six years old her mother died. The children then went to live with their grandmother and aunt. Kiera was again expected to care for the younger children and help with household duties. Finally at the age of eight years old she was allowed to go to school. After school she would sell cigarettes, candy, and chips on the street, getting home very late, often around 11 p.m.
The days were long but Kiera still did well in school and completed primary school with high marks. She wanted to continue with high school, but her grandmother and aunt said no. They told her she needed to find a husband. Kiera rebelled! But she was beaten. Kiera had had enough and left home. Fortunately, she was taken in by a kind woman. Kiera helped with the woman’s children, worked part time in a grocery store, and went to school at night. At night school Kiera met Dennis, and while attending night school they had their first child, Cassie. They both finished high school and got married.
Sadly, while raising Cassie and Stephen, Kiera and Dennis continued with the generational violence they had experienced growing up. Then their church started to participate in the World Vision Christian Discipleship program. Both Kiera and Dennis were reluctant to become involved, but they finally joined the program. Now they are leaders sharing their story and encouraging neighbors to participate.
Stephen is a youth leader for one of World Vision's Peace Clubs, and Cassie is now training in hopes of joining the staff of World Vision Honduras. Thankfully, Enoch and Esther did not experience generational violence. The cycle of violence was broken. The family is now a loving whole family with Jesus Christ at the center.
The community is improving too. Many children come to the Christian Discipleship program activities, along with the Peace Clubs, including children of gang members. Gang members are also sending their children to church. There is less violence on the streets, with no gun shootings in the six months prior to our February visit. The hope in the community is tangible.
Jeremiah 29-11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity, plans to give you a future and a hope."
And God's plans are always good.
Lynne Sears
Honduras Vision Trip Team Member
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