2010 Sts Peter and Paul Theological Appeal

June 2010

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

Dear Friends,

Each year, under a tree in a remote region of northern Kenya, the Turkana people of Lupala gather so that traditions can be passed from one generation to the next. It was at this traditional gathering that Fr. Zacariah, a newly-ordained Orthodox priest from Turkana, introduced the life-giving message of Christ to the people of this village for the first time. As a result, the Orthodox Church is becoming incarnate within this local culture, and Orthodox Christianity is being planted among a new generation of believers.

As a young man, Fr. Zacariah accepted the Orthodox Christian faith; and, after feeling called by the Holy Spirit, he was invited to enter the Makarios III Orthodox Theological Seminary in Nairobi. Upon completing his studies, Fr. Zacariah returned to his home as an ordained priest to serve and minister to his people. The theological training he received has equipped him to meet the many challenges he faces with faith and confidence, and it enables him to provide guidance for the newly-illumined Turkana people under his pastoral care.

Providing access to Orthodox theological training is a vital aspect of the Church’s growth, and it is the focus of OCMC's Theological Training Program. Last year, this program was able to send $61,000 toward the establishment and growth of theological training programs and institutions around the world. Please make a gift toward OCMC's Theological Training Program this year in support of the 9 seminaries and 175+ seminarians in countries where the Church is emerging. Your prayerful offering is needed and appreciated as these men pray, study, and prepare for ministry service.

Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of making this ministry part of your response to Christ’s call to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19) and for your gift in support of the Theological Training Program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Martin Ritsi
Executive Director