Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 11:12 AM
Subject: Ministry and Honduras update

Dear Family and Friends,

I wanted to briefly update you on the ministry and the Honduran political situation. First of all, let me thank you each and every one of you for your faithful prayer and financial support. The Lord has truly been faithful in sustaining us.


	(Click here to open Google Maps.)

In God’s providence, Honduras is under- going a political crisis, the likes of which has not been experienced for over 20 years. The best word to describe the political climate at this time is “UNCERTAINTY.” The Costa Rican president has been tasked to mediate dialogue between the parties involved to come up with a peaceful resolution. At this point, it seems these talks have not been too productive. Demonstrations are taking place throughout Honduras especially in the bigger cities like the capital and also at the Nicaraguan/Honduran border where the ousted president is drumming up support, apparently to return and reestablish his presidency. Fortunately, Siguatepeque has been pretty much immune to the visible unrest and some violence that other regions have encountered. Like someone said, we are blessed to live in a “bubble” that has been spared from the unrest. However, travel between here and the bigger cities has been hampered as some of the demonstrations have blocked the main arteries between cities. There have also been some clashes between police and demonstrators. As mentioned before, uncertainty seems to predominate the situation. Nevertheless, we thank the Lord for the safety that he has granted us.

Because of the political uncertainty, MEDA has had to make some decisions about the ministry. To date, we have had to cancel two conferences, most of our U.S. groups and the rest of the Seminary modules for the year. The main reason for these decisions is that many of our students are from out of town and our desire is to avoid them from having to leave their families for a two week module only to cause unnecessary anxiety about the safety of their families. Also, many of our conference speakers are from out of the country and their concern to travel Honduras is warranted. MEDA will continue to assess the situation and determine whether to cancel the remaining 4 conferences for the year. MEDA has decided that during this time we will work on much needed administrative tasks to prepare for an exciting year of ministry in 2010. We are excited about how God has touched the hearts of 10 or so more pastors to join the SEPE (Seminary for Expository Preaching) student body.

The Lord has given me opportunity preach at our church the need to biblically respond to the current political climate. Many can get so emotionally caught up by supporting one side or the other and forget that God calls us to pray for our authorities, for their salvation and also for the liberty to live for Christ and to preach the gospel that reveals the GLORY of CHRIST! That is our utmost calling!

Please continue to pray for us and that the uncertainty in which we live might be an opportunity for many to turn to the only CERTAINTY that can save us, the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Again we thank you for your faithful prayers and support. Let us hear from you so we can pray for you!

Exalting the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Carlos, for the Montoya family.
MEDA
Siguatepeque, Honduras