Faith Across Borders: Diocese of Alabama and Diocese of Honduras Strengthen Ties Through Parish Exchange
For over 30 years, the Diocese of Alabama and the Diocese of Honduras have shared a deep and growing connection. What began as mission trips and medical teams continues to grow from strength to strength, with a recent a one-month parish exchange that has strengthened friendships, deepened faith, and brought new perspectives to ministry.
On Friday February 14, 2025, the first exchange journey that started on January 15, 2025 came to a meaningful close as the Rev. Danny Whitehead of St. Michael’s Church, Fayette, and the Rev. Olga Barrera of Iglesia Episcopal Espíritu Santo, Tela, prepare to return to their home parishes. But their experiences over the past four weeks will remain with them—and their communities—long after they leave.
When the Rev. Danny Whitehead arrived in Tela, Honduras, he stepped into a world both familiar and new. The warm embrace of the congregation at Espíritu Santo made him feel at home, yet every day brought fresh challenges and joys.
“Beyond my duties at the church, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to teach Christian Education and lead chapel at Holy Spirit Episcopal Bilingual School,” he shared. “One of my biggest goals was to improve my Spanish so I can better serve the Hispanic parishioners back home at St. Michael’s. Every conversation, every moment with the congregation and students, has been a gift.”
His days were filled with worship, school activities, and cultural immersion. And while he came to serve, he found himself learning just as much as he was teaching.
“In Tela, almost everyone except me had brown or black skin while I turned red in the tropic sun,” he reflected. “I was inspired by their lack of prejudice, especially in light of the challenges we face here in the U.S. It was a reminder that America begins in the extreme north of Canada and extends to the southern tip of Argentina—including North America, Central America, and South America.”
Meanwhile, in Fayette, Alabama, the Rev. Olga Barrera was experiencing her own journey of faith and ministry.
“The congregation has been incredibly loving and supportive,” she said. “I’ve participated in ECW meetings, Daughters of the King gatherings, and led services in both Spanish and English. It has been a joy to connect with people in their faith.”
But one of the most profound moments of her exchange came in quiet, sacred spaces.
“I had the privilege of bringing communion to Agnes, a 101-year-old woman who has been faithful to the church for a lifetime. Sitting in her home, praying with her, sharing the Eucharist—it was a moment I will never forget. I also visited Robert Avant in long-term care, sharing in the presence of God’s love. These encounters remind me that ministry is not just in the pulpit—it is in the hands we hold and the prayers we share.”
Reflecting on her time in Alabama, she added, “If there is a heaven on Earth, I have been there with all these angels around the Diocese.”
Before heading back to Honduras, the Rev. Olga attended the Diocese of Alabama’s 194th Convention in Decatur, where she witnessed firsthand the broader Alabama Episcopal community that has welcomed her so warmly.
Though this exchange has ended, it is clear that this is not the end of the story. the Rev. Danny and Rev. the Olga return home with new perspectives, deeper connections, and hearts full of gratitude.
The Holy Spirit Episcopal Bilingual School bids farewell to the Rev. Danny on this last day.
The Rev. Olga teaches Spanish to some members of St. Michael’s church, Fayette.
The writer is the Director of Communications. She can be reached at nana@dioala.org.