FISHING WITH THE GARÍFUNA
A boat, a net, and a chance to make a better life
   

WHILE THE MOON IS STILL OUT

Seven Garífuna fishermen on the northern coast of Honduras prepare their boat, the Bungiu Wama, for a day’s work.

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Bare feet move along the sand. Small waves crash. Everything else sleeps.

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ON THE COUNT OF THREE

The men hoist the boat, and carry it toward the sea. Yellow rope, gasoline, and a bucket sit by. Five of them bring over and attach the motor.

One fisherman voices a prayer. Then they push off, jump in, and wake up on the water.

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FACING THE SUNRISE

They search for a promising spot. A few lookouts stand, balancing with the waves.

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TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES

The Bungiu Wama crew needs to catch 80-100 pounds per day. Once last November they brought in 1,500 pounds with one throw—“like having a cow in the net.”

The fish offer a source of nutrition and income. Juan is a pastor with a wife and two kids. Rodolfo is an associate pastor with a wife and four kids. Ronaldo also has four. Pablo has three. In total, they are fathers to more than 20 children.

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AT SPOT NUMBER ONE

Three dive in with the end of the net. Fausto, the captain and a grandfather, drives in a large semi-circle, while two men throw, not missing a beat.

They reach the other end, and the rest jump in. The crew pulls and pulls, and the net slowly comes together, collecting fish along the way.

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They draw the entire net back into the boat, with their catch flopping along the bottom. Fausto takes them to another area to repeat the process. Lionel sings on and off in his gravelly voice.

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They throw in again and again, until the sun is high and bright.

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AFTER THEY FINISHED FOR THE MORNING

The Bible tells about Jesus cooking breakfast for seven fishermen. He first blessed their work. Then he ate with them. He cared for them. In the Garífuna's language, “Bungiu Wama” means “God with us.”

original26 original27 original28 original29 original30 original31Pictured left to right, standing: Pablo, Carlos, Ronaldo, Rodolfo, and Juan; kneeling: Fausto and Lionel

About 45,000 Garífuna people live along the coast in Honduras. They are a minority group of African and native descent, with their own language, art and customs. The Garífuna are often marginalized by society. They struggle with severely limited access to education and employment. Samaritan's Purse provides boats, equipment, training, and help obtaining legal status for Garífuna fishing co-ops in Honduras. Nearly 50 families, representing over 325 people are participating this year.  
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