Today was our cultural day here at Many Hands. The morning began with our team boarding the 10:30 ferry to Hope Town, a 15-minute ferry ride from Marsh Harbour. As we pulled into the harbor, we were immediately drawn to the beautiful turquoise water and pastel-colored homes throughout the bay. Every dock and buoy in the bay seemed to have a boat tied to it. Compared to the communities we have seen the past few days still surrounded by destruction, Hope Town seemed alive and filled with hope.
We learned on our journey that Hope Town suffered incredible damage from Hurricane Dorian, but they were able to rebound faster than Marsh Harbour. Hope Town is a destination island that draws tourists and dollars to this iconic location.
Hope Town has a quaint feel. There are no cars on the island except for small utility vehicles and a few golf carts. The streets are narrow and the buildings are small; and if you walk from the bay to the other side of the street, you walk out to a beautiful view of the ocean.
Our group started our trip by having lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, groups of 2 or 3 began walking the streets, discovering the history of this beautiful island. There were plenty of rich conversations with locals and shop owners. There has not been one place our team has visited where we did not feel the kindness and warmth of the Abaconians.
One of its key landmarks is the only lighthouse in Abaco. It is owned and run by the islanders and a unique fact is that it is the only lighthouse that still runs on kerosine. There are two lighthouse attendants that run it through the night, splitting their shifts. While it took a bit of a beating during Hurricane Dorian, it stands tall as a pillar of resilience in this tiny community. As I reflected on the beauty of the lighthouse, I felt even more hope in Christ, whose light is shining in all the communities we have been invited into.
After a few hours in Hope Town, our team boarded the 3 o’clock ferry heading back to Marsh Harbour. The ferry was more full than the ride out. I couldn’t help but notice the beauty of God in the variety of people on this ferry: black, white, laborers, tourists, rich, poor, young, and old. It was a beautiful picture of God’s chosen people.
The highlight for our entire team came this evening. Back at camp, we had the opportunity to hear from one of Many Hands’ friends and allies in Abaco – Pastor Ryan. Pastor Ryan shared his story of going from lost to found; hopeless to hopeful; selfish to now a life of selflessness. He expressed his gratitude for the work of Many Hands, and for our Lutheran Church of Hope – IMPACT team serving this week. He shared the story from the Old Testament where Elijah was desolate and hungry and the LORD provided ravens to bring bread and meat to him in a time of great need (1 Kings 17:2-6). His words to our team were, “You all are like the Ravens to our community…I cannot thank you enough.”
While Pastor Ryan was grateful for what we have brought to the Abaco, we were grateful to witness another beacon of hope bringing light to this community through Pastor Ryan and Many Hands.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers for our team.
We leave you with this reflection question:
Today, how will you choose to be a beacon of light right where you are?
