Being a part of the Sower’s Circle is a privilege because we are part of the future generations of families mentored by Agros. As one who began her journey with Agros around 2007, my first familiarization trip was with David Carlson, who hosted our visit to two Agros villages recently underway in Honduras. While riding in that car over the endless hills, I felt my heart palpitating with excitement and anticipation. Would it be possible to see the raw earth, basic building materials, and farming tools—and then train the families to create a village? Would people be able to leave the dreadful, dangerous barrios of San Pedro Sula and find safety and community in the hills high above the urban centers? I believed it then, and I do now.
My journey was planted in the village of Bella Vista, where we witnessed the promissory note celebration with families who were pledging their lives to the land and their future. I wept as Carlos held his daughter Lizzie on his lap while he signed and whispered, “This is for you, Lizzie,” knowing someday she too would have a share in the land. We worked alongside the members of the village and planted coffee sprouts in little plastic pots, and cleared the land of vegetation, preparing it for new crops. We rejoiced visiting nearby villages as they raised corn and coffee on steep mountainsides and celebrated with a meal from their harvest. We witnessed the first Tilapia Pond, filled with what seemed like hundreds of fish to share with other villages and also take to market.
Perhaps most encouraging were the ways the villages assisted each other—sharing plants and seedlings, trading farming successes, and creating coffee co-ops. I loved bringing the fresh coffee back to friends and church members to tell the story, which in turn led to a visit from Carlos and his wife Marina, who were able to visit my church in Lake Oswego. Hearing their story—from heartbreak to a new home—was a transformational experience. Some years later, my sisters and I offered a grant to Bella Vista for education. I was able to go back, experience the groundbreaking for the new school, and marvel at the new coffee harvesting machine on the hill.
Now, some 18 years later, I still remember the many acres of crops waving in the breeze, the land deed ceremony, teaching school in the community room, prayers in worship, and the smiles and laughter of children on S’mores Day—and our now-famous puppet lessons on dental care, featuring a toothbrush as large as a baseball bat. But more importantly, I remember the tears of joy on the faces of parents and single members of the community as they realized they were home. From what had been unnumbered houses along a contaminated river without utilities, they now lived in houses with roofs and a water system, with latrines and cooking stoves and gardens with animals. There were little bodegas supplying the village with necessary items and treats for the children. And it was permanent.
Before my husband Frank died, I asked him where he would like to make our benevolence designations from our trust. Without hesitation, he said, “Agros. I have seen in your eyes how much this ministry has meant to you, and we need to continue our love for their work.” And the wish was fulfilled.
So, as the sower goes out to seed (Matthew 13:3–9), I pray it will fall on good soil, and we can rejoice that the Lord can multiply the harvest one-hundred-fold. It is my prayer that the work of Agros will continue to transform lives in Central America.
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) T. Boatwright, BCC-PCHAC, CFP
Include Agros International in your estate plans and help families in Central America break the cycle of poverty for generations to come. Together, we can build a future where every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more about the Agros Legacy Giving Program here: https://agros.org/legacy_giving/
Historic Return and New Beginnings
In past decades, Agros helped four villages in Honduras flourish, each reaching self-sufficiency between 2017 and 2019—positively impacting a total of 140 families. After a decade away, we are thrilled to announce our return to Honduras, marking a powerful new chapter in our mission to empower families and transform communities.