Puertas Online

         Soft spoken but determined, Tulio Cesar Meza Mejia wants to be a Lutheran Pastor. He’s 25 years old and lives in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and just returned there from a month of confirmation training in Sora, Panama under Pastor Martinho Weiss. Tulio is supported with this training as a part of LCMS World Mission’s strategy for future mission work in Honduras. Although he has already attended  a few classes at the Lutheran seminary in Nicaragua, this was his first full exposure to the Small Catechism and the basic foundations of the Lutheran confession.

“What I was wondering the most, and wanted to learn most was how to serve. In Nicaragua I learned many things but I was afraid that I would return from here (Panama) without knowing any of it, but while I was here I learned a lot of things I didn’t even have any idea about!” Tulio remarked about the trip.

The other important element of this trip for Tulio was learning about the work and daily life of a pastor, as he lived and worked with Pastor Martinho on a day to day basis, and connecting with church members throughout the country.

“I really liked the union and fellowship I saw in the Panamanian Lutheran Church. I feel like now I have a great support in Honduras from my brothers and sisters that I now know in Panama. I learned a lot from Pastor about the catechism and about how to be a good pastor, this is not a job for one day a week, it’s a lot of work. I loved to see how the pastor can give support to the members of the congregation, it is a lot of work but very important.”

Pastor Martinho had Tulio participate in each of the services by reading the gospel lessons in front of the congregation. “Pastor Martinho wanted me to lose my nerves in front of people, I was terrified to be in front of people, but he had me read the lessons in church until I got over my fears; now I’m not afraid to stand up front!”

Tulio also took advantage of his time in Panama to observe methods for ministry in a country very much like his own, “I was happy to see that Panama is a lot like Honduras, almost the same, the people were very nice and welcoming. I really saw good things in the work with youth here, they were really a great part of supporting the church; that and education in music, theology, english etc. are things that I would like to see back in Honduras!”

Tulio was confirmed, along with one other member, on Easter Sunday in Sora, “I feel very happy and privileged to finally be a part of the Lutheran Church, to participate in the Lord’s supper, to be a member. I’ve been inspired to work harder in the work of the church and the gospel!”

Tulio wants to extend his thanks to everyone who has supported him and his studies, “First, everyone who has trusted in me, lots of people have wanted to have an opportunity like this, and thanks to God it fell to me. I have received so many blessings, for someone to put their hope in me to found a new ministry I am extremely humbled and privileged. God willing I will continue to receive guidance and support from many in establishing a [confessional Lutheran] ministry in Honduras, both from God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.”