TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS – Sixteen Methodist pastors of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras traveled to Tegucigalpa from across the country to attend a three-day retreat in August that focused on their pastoral calling. The objective was to affirm doctrinal guidelines and provide tools for local leadership, Bible study and discipleship.
C. Todd Willis, Chief Operations Officer for Global Ministries who has been overseeing the work in Honduras for Global Ministries, welcomed participants, thanking pastors for their work and commitment. Professor Adan Vasquez, from Precept International Ministries, taught the inductive Bible study method – observation, interpretation and application – using the book of Titus. This took nearly eight hours, spread throughout the weekend.
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr, of the Horizon Texas Conference and president-designate of the Council of Bishops, serves as the presiding bishop for the United Methodist Mission in Honduras. In his sermon to the pastors in Tegucigalpa, he emphasized the importance of leading with honesty, using Titus 1:5-9.
“In Honduras,” he said, “you are the elders that Paul is talking about in his letter; you need to watch that you are able and worthy of the task at hand.” He went on to explain what being a disciple means. “A good steward and disciple of Christ watches over all aspects of life, including health and selfcare.”
The Honduras mission has two Global Ministries missionaries working with the church. Edwin Campomanes Ramirez, who was recently assigned as a missionary in Honduras, explained protocols and procedures for travel policies. Originally from Mexico, Campomanes previously served in Guatemala. Daniel Contreras, from Chile, led a workshop on doctrine, discipleship and church growth.
District superintendents took time to meet with pastors from their districts. All activities were carried out at the mission initiative headquarters in Tegucigalpa, and overall, the retreat proved to be a success. Some pastors expressed their thankfulness, saying: “We should have these retreats more often!” Another commented: “This inspires us to continue working with our local communities, because what I learned is fully applicable to my local ministry.”
Daniel Humberto Contreras is a Global Missionary serving with the United Methodist Mission in Honduras.
