Dr. Glenn Petta (national director of SOMA-USA) invited me to join a SOMA team to Honduras.
Bishop Lloyd Allen
On October 23rd, I headed down to San Pedro Sula in Honduras. The other team members joining me were Edwina Thomas, our leader, and Mary Anne Weisinger. Both are from Texas. We prepared for an Episcopal clergy conference for the Diocese of Honduras at the invitation of Bishop Lloyd Allen.
After a week with the clergy, we moved on to the Cathedral for a day and a half of renewal meetings with clergy and laity.
Clergy Conference
With (left to right) Mary Anne, Bishop Allen and Edwina
I gave four expositions – one each morning.
1 Peter 2:1-12. We began with the focus on being living stones being built into God’s Temple, a royal nation and a holy priesthood – once no people but now God’s people.
Bishop Allen interpreted for me – while my Spanish was OK for all else, I wanted to be sure that the talks were not hindered by my lack of skill.
1 Cor. 2:4 and 5. “My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” The title was, “The power of the Spirit and the humility of the servant.”
Bishop Lloyd Allen has been Bishop for over twelve years. He loves his clergy and is loved and respected by them.
Luke 3:21-22. The question was why Jesus needed a special anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The exposition then continued to the end of the gospels where Jesus says wait for the promised Holy Spirit. We looked at John 20:21 and 22. “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
We continued into Acts 1 and 2– the great commission then followed by Pentecost Day.
Luke 6:17-26. The focus was Luke 6:19 “And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.” The critical words being “power came out from Him.”
Worship was lively and energetic
Most of the Honduras clergy
Cathedral renewal meetings.
Catedral Buen Pastor, San Pedro Sula
At the Cathedral we had three sessions – two of these were led by Honduran seminarians under our coaching. Edwina presented the last talk. The talks were (in order) – Salvation and God’s love, the Anointing of the Holy Spirit and, Living the Transformed Life.
Worship at the Cathedral
I preached on Sunday was based upon Luke 6:19 – power came out from him and healed them all – which is the verse that precedes the All Saints Gospel reading.
After the sermon on Sunday
The time in Honduras was hugely energizing for me. My Spanish returned sufficiently, for which I was most grateful. I asked Bishop Allen to interpret the talks as I wanted to be sure that the people heard exactly what I was saying. We got into a great rhythm. He is such a Godly man and a superb leader.
The clergy arrived at the conference tired and in need of rest and affirmation. By the time the conference was over they were transformed and renewed. Some asked for confession and some, spiritual direction. We were able to train some to give presentations that are part of the “Life in the Spirit” weekends. We had a number of group sessions – affirmation, silent prayers of blessing, and prayer ministry.
Thank you for the prayers and financial support that made it possible for me to participate in this trip.
I have been praying about how to be supportive of clergy and missionaries. Working with SOMA is a means to do so as well as a way to serve the larger Anglican community.
God is so Good.
