A letter from Osmundo and Ana Ligia Ponce in Honduras
September 2002
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Greetings! We are writing this little letter because the Presbyterian Mission Yearbook 2002 has assigned September 22 to be "Theological Education Sunday," and we'd like to ask your prayers for the theological ministry of our Honduran partner.
Since 1999 we have been assigned to the Theological Community of Honduras, known by its acronym in Spanish, CTEH. Before our time on continuing education (in English) in Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, Ana served as coordinator of the library and taught courses to help students do research. Osmundo has served as dean and professor of a variety of courses.
Founded recently, the CTEH serves ten denominations in Honduras with four educational programs: certificates in Christian education and pastoral education course, theological studies at a university level, and a basic education course. In addition, the CTEH has other activities, such as a program of theological dialogue, theological conferences, rural development assistance, and our "new hit," the virtual Honduran theology journal, soon to appear in English.
We would like you pray for the CTEH especially because this is a critical time with regard to financial issues. At present there's a gap between budget and projected income. The CTEH has been waiting for promised financial aid from churches and organizations. Please pray for our colleagues in charge right now, that they find the patience and strength to survive this scholastic year.
Remember in our volunteer teachers in your prayers and our more than 300 students in the different programs situated in several places throughout the country.
Also, we ask for your prayers that theological education continue to:
Prepare ministers and lay people for prophetic leadership not only for the edification of the Body of Christ but also for the transformation of the world
Prepare churches to be communities of peace that strive for justice in each place where they share the gospel of our Lord
Prepare leadership for a new world with a new life filled with justice and peace in which people live with tenderness at home, at church, and in the society
Please, pray that theological education be ever and always an affirmation of life.
With our best wishes and a warm hug, we send you our love and respect.
Osmundo Ponce / Ana Ligia Sánchez
