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SOME DANGERS FACED BY MISSIONARIES IN LATIN AMERICA

IT JUST COMES WITH THE TERRITORY

Evangelical missionaries working in Latin America, including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Venezuela, encounter a complex web of risks depending on the specific location and context. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential dangers:

General Dangers:

  • Crime: Petty theft, mugging, assault, and even kidnapping are all possibilities, especially in areas with high poverty rates. Gang violence can be a significant threat in some urban centers.
  • Political Instability: Latin America has a history of political unrest, protests, and violence. Missionaries may get caught in the crossfire of demonstrations or targeted due to their perceived affiliation with foreign powers.
  • Health Concerns: Access to quality healthcare can be limited in many areas. Missionaries may face exposure to diseases like dengue fever, Zika, malaria, and foodborne illnesses due to inadequate sanitation or unfamiliar food sources.
  • Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes and floods are common occurrences in many parts of Latin America. In some places, even volcanic eruptions. Missionaries need to be prepared for potential emergencies and natural disasters.
  • Cultural Clashes: Language barriers, misunderstandings due to differing social norms, beliefs and tensions arising from attempts to introduce the Gospel can create many challenges. Missionaries need to invest time in understanding the local culture and building relationships for their own protection and well-being. When you win them over, many times they are very loyal and thankful and will look out for you.

Variations in Risk by Location:

Big Cities:

  • Heightened Crime: In the bigger cities it is easier to find good schools, hospitals, more availability of medications, car parts and much better variety of food. Unfortunately, crime rates, including violent crime, tend to be significantly higher in major urban centers compared to rural areas. Missionaries should exercise extra caution in poorer neighborhoods and be aware of their surroundings.
  • Social Unrest: Large cities are often the focal point for political demonstrations and protests, which can escalate into violence. Missionaries should stay informed about potential disruptions and avoid large gatherings during volatile times.

Small Towns and Countrysides:

  • Limited Resources: Access to quality healthcare, reliable communication networks, and essential supplies may be scarce in remote areas. Missionaries need to be prepared for these limitations and have contingency plans in case of emergencies.
  • Isolation: Missionaries working in remote areas can feel isolated from support networks and experience loneliness. Building strong relationships with local people and maintaining communication with their home base is crucial for their well-being.
  • Infrastructure Issues: Poor roads, limited public transportation, and unreliable electricity can pose logistical challenges and hinder movement, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Country-Specific Risks:

  • Venezuela: Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic crisis creates a particularly dangerous environment. Food shortages, hyperinflation, and social unrest can significantly impact safety. Missionaries considering Venezuela should carefully assess the situation and weigh the risks before deploying.
  • Haiti: Extreme poverty, gang violence, and a vulnerability to natural disasters make Haiti a challenging environment. Missionaries need to be especially vigilant and have robust support structures in place.
  • Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic is generally considered safer than Haiti or Venezuela. However, petty theft and many other crimes still occur. So it’s best not to be naive. I have had robbers attempt many times to break into our house, they poisoned one of my dogs that protected us while we slept, the church plant in Santiago has been broken into several times, another missionary friend of mine suffered a home invasion, and they were tied up at gun point and locked in a bathroom with his pregnant wife while they stole everything. I can go on and on, but won’t. But to protect their strong tourism industry, it is likely that you won’t see much of that on the news back home.

(Unfortunately, being an American in any of these locations will automatically make you a target in one way or another by some. Missionaries should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions, especially in the barrios and even tourist areas. But if you left home to serve on the mission field, congratulations, it comes with the territory. )

Risk Mitigation Strategies:

  • Missionary Training: Missionary should receive training on cultural sensitivity, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness specific to the Latin American context.
  • Security Awareness: Missionaries need to be aware of the current security situation in their area and take steps to minimize risks. This may involve avoiding certain areas, traveling with a companion, and varying routines to avoid predictability.
  • Local Support Networks: Building relationships with local people who can provide guidance and support is essential. Understanding the local culture and customs can help missionaries navigate potentially risky situations.
  • Communication Plan: Having a clear communication plan with their home base or support organization allows missionaries to raise concerns and receive assistance in case of emergencies.

By carefully researching their destination, taking preventative measures, and building strong relationships with the local community, missionaries can mitigate many of the dangers they may face in Latin America.

Yet, these are all the more reasons why in many ways it is beneficial to work through the nationals with the proper training and accountability. They know this type of life better than we do, they are usually very used to these risks and already know how to best maneuver through most of these situations.

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Prayer request for Valentina

Here is a brief report on Rafael’s daughter Valentina’s health:

My dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord bless you.

“I’m writing to give you a short update on Valentina Rodriguez’s health. Unfortunately, the inflammation in her right parotid gland hasn’t gone away despite the treatments and the special diet she’s been on. There’s also some slight swelling in her left parotid gland now as well.

The current treatment plan aims to boost her immune system and eliminate some parasites that might be contributing to the inflammation. The doctor extended both the diet and the treatment for another three months. The new diet is quite restrictive, requiring her to completely avoid flour, dairy products, gluten, processed meats, and sugar. Thankfully, she hasn’t experienced any pain or discomfort so far, and we’re grateful for the Lord’s blessings in that regard.

We would truly appreciate your prayers for Valentina. Our ultimate desire is for her complete recovery, and we’re hoping to find a more effective treatment that can truly cure her. Right now, we’re trying a natural treatment approach. We also ask for your prayers regarding the financial burden of the treatment, which involves several different medications and the specialized diet. Finally, please pray for Valentina to have strength and patience as she adheres to this strict new diet.”

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Grace and peace

Rafael and Yohanny Rodriguez

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BCMS MISSION UPDATE

BCMS MISSION REPORT FROM VENEZUELA

 

Dear brother and sisters, 

By the great grace of the Lord, we continue to serve despite the difficulties. The Lord has not quit showing us His grace.

EVANGELISM   

By the grace of the Lord, we continue to preach in squares and in the lines of gas stations. We have had many good moments and conversations while out preaching the Gospel.

We ask you to please continue praying that the Lord will allow us to start a home Bible study this month, where we can gather people to study and to preach the gospel to them. Our home is in the same town as our local church, but it isn’t very close by. We are aware of the need in our own community. Pray that the Lord would be pleased to begin a new work through us there.

It is our desire that many people may come to know the grace of our God in Jesus Christ, and we want to do so by all means possible.

LOCAL CHURCH

In our local church, we continue to help in the time of worship leadership and in the discipleship school to new people who have arrived at our local church. Approximately 14 people will be added to the membership if the Lord allows it for the month of July. Praise God!

I ask you to pray that the Lord will raise up more men for service in our church, that the Lord will raise up more pastors and deacons in our congregation.

FAMILY

We continue as a family grateful to all the beloved brothers and sisters that the Lord has moved to give and pray to support missions so that more may go to the mission field, may the LORD BLESS them, thank you for your love for Christ.

We appreciate the messages to of our daughter Valentina and for praying for her, it really is something that has us a little anxious, since we do not yet have a clear diagnosis, but we rest in the Lord. Please continue to pray for her.

PRAYER REQUESTS

For our daughter Valentina’s health, for myself to be a biblical husband and father, for the salvation of our children and for a new amplified speaker system for street preaching.

May the peace of Christ be with you all.

Rafael Rodriguez

BCMS worker serving in Maracay, Venezuela

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

Also,

CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511
You may begin sending your support to BCMS/Antonio Salgado at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)
You can also now give to the ministry online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website. To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.

 

https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate

 

For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field in case of emergencies. We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us. Grace and peace.

 

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PASTOR, YOUR WAY OF PREACHING AMOUNTS TO NOTHING

 

PASTOR, YOUR WAY OF PREACHING AMOUNTS TO NOTHING

 

For it is said, “His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak and his public speaking amounts to nothing.” – 2 Corintians 10:10

 

Paul was a man of tremendous intelligence. The mysteries of God had been revealed to him, things that were hidden in times past. His letters and sermons were deep and of great theological weight.

 

However, it was said of him that, “his physical presence is weak and his public speaking amounts to nothing”. Even with the knowledge he had, many did not like his way of speaking or preaching. He said true things, yes, pure words of God, nothing that was not biblical. But he was not as eloquent as other preachers, or even the philosophers of his day. We must remember that when we judge our pastors, or any preacher of the Word.

 

God has given pastors and teachers to His church as gifts to build up believers. At the same time, just like the different authors of the gospels, each one has his own distinct way of communicating the same truths. Some sound better than others, some have more passion than others, some are more eloquent and academic than others, each one is an individual person. And none of them will perfectly please your standard, opinion, tradition, or preference.

 

The question is whether they are faithful in preaching the Bible. Do they love the Word and the Lord and the church? Perhaps they do not preach in the way that you prefer. Perhaps they fail in one point or miss a detail of a text. But the question is whether God is building His people through that man? Does he have his weaknesses? Does he have his struggles and sins? Of course! They will have some theological differences with what you understand from Scripture in certain aspects too, yes! Almost always, at least in something for sure. But it is okay and normal as long as they are not fundamental things of faith where they fail.

 

We must strive to have unity in what is primary, liberty in what is secondary, but love in all things. There is true beauty in that diversity. I fear it is pride that causes us to despise those who don’t do things exactly the way we think they should be done. In many cases, it is something more traditional than Scriptural that we have a problem with.

 

We have several examples in the Scriptures of men who preach or tell stories correctly, but in different ways. Apollos was praised for his eloquence… while others despised Paul. Some include details that others do not, and vice versa. But are they preaching the Word in such a way that it is clear what they are saying in the text, and the brothers in the congregation are being benefited and built up by the teaching? Are they joyful and do they express to you how God has spoken to them and taught them something that they now understand they must change in their lives, giving thanks to God for those same sermons that others despise and judge?

 

They look at the men that God has greatly used in the past and present and compare their sermons. Spurgeon, Edwards, Whitfield, Pink, Tozer, Piper, MacArthur, etc. They all preach the Word, and with excellence! Some with different methods, some with more passion. Not only in the communication of the message, but also in the way it is organized. It is a beautiful thing how God, through different men and in different ways, always does His will through His Spirit to speak to and edify His people. At times, Spurgeon’s sermons sounded more like poetry than anything else.

 

When we cling to one method, and in our futile way try to limit the Holy Spirit of God by saying that only in such a way should a sermon be, and if not, the people will not be edified, we are showing nothing more than a deep pride in our hearts and a certain level of immaturity. The most important thing in any preacher’s message is that Christ is lifted up, that God is glorified,… but there is also much wisdom in the following verse.

 

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another.   – 1 Corinthians 4:6

 

It is true that there are better and more accurate methods than others. There are ways to preach more academically and effective than others in that sense. For the record, I personally am a fan of sound exegesis similar to the method of Simeon Trust. I like to examine the Greek and seek to have the confidence that I am saying what the text is actually saying and not something else. But when we set ourselves up as the ultimate judge of these things, especially when we are not a pastor, do not know the inner struggles of each man, the unique way each of us are wired, or when we are not appreciating the time and effort that man gives to be able to preach that message to the best of his ability at that moment, we are doing what the Word says we should not do. Complaining….

 

´ “Do everything without complaining or arguing,” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14‬ (For the theologians out there- if I understand the immediate context of this text, however, this can easily be applied to every aspect of Christian life.)

 

How easy it is to criticize instead of loving them and receiving the good from the message that was preached. How easy it is to desire another church, another pastor, or a better specific method of preaching, Instead of loving the church we have, loving the pastor we have, and looking for the good in what was preached instead of criticizing with crossed arms like the expert we probably are not. 

 

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. Sound teaching is important. Solid biblical exposition is important for the health and growth of the church, and I certainly promote both things. But even within the camps of sound doctrine and good biblical expositors, unfortunately it has become a trend to despise local pastors and glorify the celebrities. But while the well known pastors may preach well, they are still sinful men at best. Furthermore, they don’t even know you exist, meanwhile your local pastor regularly prays for you and has probably shed tears before the Lord on your behalf. Let that sink in for a minute.

 

We should be more careful how we treat our brothers, Philippians 2 teaches us that the humility of Christ is what brings unity in His church. And the lack of humility in any member of the church, for any reason, will only bring division and the opposite of what Christ truly desires of us. The same ugly attitude that causes us to complain, the desire for a better pastor, a better church, a better spouse, a better child or a better job are all from the same ugly root of ungratefulness. In other words, without being aware of what we are actually saying, we are thinking that God has somehow not been good to us, and we foolishly think that we deserve more or something better. It reeks of that which caused the fall in the beginning. We should guard our hearts of such things. Let him who has ears, let him hear. Pray.

 

The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. – 1 Timothy 5:17

 

“Above all, let your love for one another be fervent, for love covers a multitude of sins.” – ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:8‬

 

“Fools do not care to have understanding; they only want to express their own opinions.” – ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:2‬ ‭

 

“Whoever keeps his words has knowledge, And the one who is calm in spirit is a man of understanding.” –  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:27‬

 

Written by Antonio Salgado

 

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

 

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

Also,

CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511
You may begin sending your support to BCMS/Antonio Salgado at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)
You can also now give to the ministry online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website. To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.

 

https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate

 

For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field in case of emergencies. We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us. Grace and peace.

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JESUS AMIGO DE PECADORES

Jesús: Amigo de Pecadores / Marcos 2:13-17

 

“Salió otra vez junto al mar, y toda la gente venía a él, y les enseñaba.”

  • Para Cristo, la enseñanza era importante porque la Palabra de Dios es importante.

 

  • Las COSAS que eran importantes para Cristo, deben ser importantes para nosotros (enseñar, predicar el Evangelio a los perdidos).

 

(v. 14-16) “Y pasando, vio a Leví, hijo de Alfeo, sentado en el lugar del cobro de los impuestos, y le dijo: Sígueme. Y levantándose, le siguió. Y aconteció que estando Jesús sentado a la mesa en casa de Leví, muchos publicanos y pecadores estaban comiendo juntamente con Jesús y sus discípulos; porque había muchos de ellos que le seguían. Y viendo los escribas de los fariseos que comía con los publicanos y pecadores, dijeron a sus discípulos: ¿Por qué come y bebe con los publicanos y pecadores?

  • Las PERSONAS que eran importantes para Cristo, deben ser importantes para nosotros.

 

(v. 17) “Y al oírlo Jesús, les dijo: No son los sanos los que necesitan médico, sino los enfermos; no vine a llamar a justos, sino a pecadores.”

  • Como seguidores de Cristo, debemos seguir el ejemplo de Cristo.

 

Notas Adicionales:

El pasaje resalta la disposición de Jesús de relacionarse con y aceptar a aquellos considerados marginados por la sociedad, como los recaudadores de impuestos y los pecadores. Aunque esto presenta desafíos para algunos, es un patrón claro en el ministerio de Cristo, por lo tanto, debemos imitar al Maestro en su enfoque.

Las acciones de Jesús desafiaron a las autoridades religiosas de la época, quienes creían que no debía asociarse con tales personas. A veces, los evangélicos fríos y legalistas pueden ser nuestros peores críticos. Cuando lleguen las críticas, debemos estar decididos a ser servidores de Cristo, no servidores de hombres. Cristo fue criticado y calumniado a menudo. ¿Pensaste que sería diferente para nosotros?

El mensaje de Jesús es de compasión y comprensión para aquellos que están atrapados en su pecado, y un llamado al arrepentimiento y la transformación a través de la fe en Él.

Estamos llamados a seguir el ejemplo de Jesús extendiendo la compasión en expresiones tangibles del amor de Dios a los necesitados y la esperanza a través del Evangelio a los marginados de la sociedad, sin condonar su pecado y sus comportamientos destructivos.

Conclusión:

Jesús, en su ministerio, demostró un amor radical e invitó a los pecadores, extendiéndoles amistad a pesar de sus transgresiones. Este mensaje nos desafía a seguir Su ejemplo, extendiendo compasión y comprensión a los marginados de la sociedad, sin condonar sus comportamientos destructivos. La gracia y la compasión que Jesús ofreció a los más odiados y marginados de la sociedad fueron escandalosas entonces, y lo siguen siendo ahora.

Las personas que se criaron en la iglesia y en hogares cristianos toda su vida, con poco conocimiento del “mundo” o la “calle”, naturalmente temerán estos contextos hasta cierto punto. Y tal vez por buenas razones, ¡hay una guerra en curso y esto no es un juego!

Sin embargo, si no eres lo suficientemente valiente para correr riesgos por el Señor, probablemente nunca harás nada grandioso por Su causa. La autoconservación es un obstáculo para el Evangelio. Sal de las cuatro paredes de tu edificio y sal de tu zona de confort. No seas imprudente de ninguna manera, pero tampoco seas cobarde. Ora.

“Porque si predico el evangelio, no tengo por qué gloriarme, pues estoy bajo necesidad; porque ¡ay de mí si no predico el evangelio!”– 1 Corintios 9:16

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JESUS A FRIEND OF SINNERS

  • Jesus: A Friend of Sinners / Mark 2:13-17
  • “And again he went out by the sea, and all the crowd came to him, and He was teaching them.”
  • For Christ, teaching was important because the Word of God is important
  • The THINGS that were important to Christ, should be important to us (teaching, preaching the Gospel to the lost)

(v. 14-16) And as he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And it came to pass that as Jesus was reclining at table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many of them who followed him. And when the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?

 

  • The PEOPLE who were important to Christ should be important to us

 

(v. 17) And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

  • As followers of Christ, we must follow Christ’s example

 

Additional Notes:

  • The passage highlights Jesus’ willingness to associate with and accept those considered outcasts by society, such as tax collectors and sinners. Although this presents its challenges for some, it is a clear pattern in the ministry of Christ, therefore we ought to imitate the Master in His approach.

 

  • Jesus’ actions challenged the religious authorities of the time, who believed that he should not associate with such people. Sometimes, cold and legalistic evangelicals can be our worst critics. When the critics come, we must be set on being servants of Christ, not servants of men. Christ was often criticized and slandered. Did you think it would be different for us?

 

  • Jesus’ message is one of compassion and understanding for those who are trapped in their sin, and a call to repentance and transformation through faith in Him.

 

  • We are called to follow Jesus’ example by extending compassion in tangible expressions of God’s love to those in need, and hope through the Gospel to those on the margins of society, without condoning their sin and destructive behaviors.

 

Conclusion:

Jesus, in his ministry, demonstrated radical love and invited sinners, extending friendship despite their transgressions. This message challenges us to follow His example, extending compassion and understanding to those on the margins of society, without condoning their destructive behaviors. The grace and compassion that Jesus offered to the most hated and outcasted of society was scandalous then, and is scandalous now.

People who were raised in church and in Christian homes all of their lives with little knowledge of the “world” or the “streets” will naturally fear these contexts to some extent. And perhaps for some good reasons, there is a war going on out there and this is not a game!

Yet, If you aren’t bold enough to take risks for the Lord, you will probably never do anything great for His sake. Self-preservation is a hindrance to the Gospel. Get out of the four walls of your building and out of your comfort zone. Don’t be foolish by any means, but don’t be cowardly either. Pray.

 

For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
– 1 Corinthians 9:16

 

Written by Antonio Salgado

 

 

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

 

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

 

 

Also,

CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511
You may begin sending your support to BCMS/Antonio Salgado at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)
You can also now give to the ministry online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website. To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.

 

https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate

 

For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field in case of emergencies. We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us. Grace and peace.

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BCMS MISSION UPDATE

Dear friends, mission partners, brothers and sisters in Christ,

March was a busy but fruitful month! Here’s an update on my mission activities. BUT FIRST, I would like to share that a very, very special little boy just turned 10 years old! It’s hard to believe how big he has gotten. I am so very proud of the young man Yeison is becoming. May the Lord give him grace and wisdom and use him someday to reach many. Pray for me as I try to be the best possible earthly father to him. He is such a gift from God, and it amazes me how much God can use a small child to teach us about some big things in life. Thank you, Lord, for Yeison´s life.

Collaboration and Strengthening Local Churches:

  • I’ve been meeting with local pastors and brothers to coordinate a year-long plan, including online workshops and support for struggling churches in the city of Santiago and in other vulnerable rural areas.
  • The goal is to strengthen churches through leadership and evangelism training, resource provision, and collaboration with other local churches.
  • Our vision encapsulates our long-term aspirations, emphasizing not just the initial planting of churches, but also their growth and sustainability.

Online Workshops:

  • Three good brothers have committed to joining us in teaching through the online workshops: a brother in Venezuela, a former missionary to the DR in the US, and a pastor here in the Dominican Republic.
  • Workshop topics will cover topics like the Gospel, evangelism & missions, discipleship, spiritual disciplines, and pastoral care with several men connected virtually in four different countries, the U.S., Dominican Republic, Haiti and Venezuela, Lord willing.

Your Prayers Needed:

We ask for your prayers for wisdom and discernment in several areas:

    • Identifying the most qualified brothers according to 2 Timothy 2:2 principles (faithful and able to teach), to work with and support.
    • Please pray for wisdom in the decision-making process.
    • Discerning real needs and determining priorities in each situation.
    • Provision to maintain our commitment to the vulnerable churches we work with.

Meetings and Partnerships:

  • I have a meeting with Francisco Rosario, a theologically sound pastor in Santiago. After a few conversations, the brother has expressed his desire to collaborate with us. I am especially looking forward to this meeting. I invited Francisco to preach at the church in Hato Mayor years ago, and he is a great expositor of God’s Word.
  • I also have a meeting with brother Hosmane Clevoir, who speaks Spanish and Creole and has studied theology.
  • Three other profiles on candidates for partnership are almost complete. Please pray as everything seems to be coming together by the grace of God.

Collaborating with Existing Ministries:

  • I met with brother Alberto “Betico” in Boruco. He is presently discipling two solid young men, but needs some help and a few resources to better serve the community. A plan is being developed to support him and that church.
  • By God’s grace, I will be providing him with a Kindle loaded with theological books and a physical copy of a discipleship book by Otto Sanchez, (a Dominican pastor, my former professor and personal friend), and several tracts and other literature to share.
    •  More copies of that excellent book will be purchased for other collaborating brothers.
  • In Hato Mayor, Pastor Victor requested evangelism training and collaboration opportunities for his church and remains committed to that work.

There are other cases being evaluated before committing, the idea being long term partnerships towards a common goal with continued care and commitment to that partnership.

Our mission statement defines our purpose and key activities as the following:

    • Equipping nationals: Empowering individuals within these countries to lead and sustain ministry efforts.
    • Making disciples: Growing individuals in their faith and equipping them to share the Gospel.
    • Collaborating with local partners: Working alongside existing churches and organizations to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impact.
    • Planting and strengthening churches: Establishing new congregations and supporting existing ones.
    • Fulfilling the Great Commission: Carrying out Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel and make disciples.

Project PG: A Hearfelt Plea for Yera in Piedra Gorda

  • We’re slowly but surely progressing with Project PG, aiming to build a home for Yera, (Yeison’s biological mother).
  • Land has been secured, and fundraising is underway. So far we have $1,050 dollars towards the project.
  • But, there are now two potential locations (very near to each other) that have been offered as the location for the home at no cost. One of the options is land that was donated to a group of pastors and missionaries I worked with in the past. Both plots are being evaluated to determine the best choice, all things considered.
  • Construction of the house could be completed in two months with sufficient funding.
  • Please consider donating, sharing this project and read more about the project here: https://salgadodrmission.com/2024/02/project-pg-a-heartfelt-plea-for-yera-in-piedra-gorda/

Personal Studies:

BCMS Mission Partners:

  • Leonel and Rafael’s updates have been reported separately but more often in the Facebook group. Both have been diligent in ministry, but are in need of our continued prayers.
  • Rafael is doing well but asks for prayers for his daughter Valentina. She has a gland in her face that is causing swelling, and they still don’t have any solid answers from the doctors. Please pray for Valentina. You can read more about some of the recent things that the Lord is doing through Rafael here https://salgadodrmission.com/2024/03/4263/ 
  • Haiti continues in a state of emergency and the situation is becoming worse with each passing day. Continue to pray for Leonel and his family as the Dominican Republic continues to deport Haitians despite the current state of emergency.
  • Communication with Leonel has increased recently, thank God, and Leonel is presently putting together a list of their most urgent needs. They need everything, but mostly food. Amidst all the chaos in Haiti, brother Leonel remains faithful in his duties and compassionate to those in need around him.
  • Please continue to pray for these dear brothers.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5

In Christ,

Antonio Salgado

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

Also,

CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511

You may begin sending your support to BCMS/Antonio Salgado at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)

You can also now give to the ministry online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website. To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.

https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate

For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field in case of emergencies. We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us. Grace and peace.

Posted on

BCMS MISSION UPDATE

Dear friends, mission partners, brothers and sisters in Christ. The following is an update from the mission field by BCMS worker, brother Rafael Rodriguez. Please continue to pray for our Project PG and our present and future mission endeavors.

 

“Greetings, dear brothers and sisters.

Here’s a report on some of our recent activities, all done for the glory of Christ.

Evangelism:

By God’s grace, we’ve been visiting the children’s emergency room at the central hospital, providing food (around 60 arepas) and sharing the Gospel message of hope. This helps families in need, offering sustenance to hospitalized children (for those whose diets permit it) and their accompanying parents.

As you may know, we face a healthcare crisis. Medications are expensive, and medical care has significantly declined. Please join us in prayer, asking the Lord for his grace to help us overcome this challenging situation and the detrimental effects of the current system. It’s heartbreaking to see so many struggle with such basic healthcare needs.

Our outreach extends beyond the hospital. We’ve been actively preaching in public squares, distributing Christian literature, and engaging in conversations with people we encounter. This includes preaching and handing out materials on passenger vans as well.

Distribution of Christ centered literature:

The Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to continue supporting other pastors and preachers with more Christ-centered literature with the hope that they may become more Christ centered in their teaching and preaching ministries. Here are a few I most recently was able to share with.

Brother Ronny Morillo, a dedicated leader planting a church called “Las Riquezas de su Gracia” in a nearby town, received several Baptist confessions of faith and a family theology book.

The pastor and president of a Pentecostal federation (La Vida Verdadera church) with over 20 years of experience also received numerous books to enhance his preaching ministry.

Evangelist Rober Aranguren was gifted two books: “The Attributes of God” and “The Gospel of Grace.”

Additionally, a new church called the Church of God received several catechisms for their children’s Christian education program.

We are thankful for Chapel Library who sends these types of literature to many different countries. Please pray for the pastors and preachers receiving these valuable resources. May the Lord empower them in their preaching, allowing the message delivered from their pulpits to become increasingly Christ-centered.

Local Church:

Our discipleship program continues to flourish, with 14 individuals actively seeking membership in our local church. They are enthusiastic and growing in their faith.

We kindly ask for your continued prayers as we seek the Lord to raise up more pastors and deacons within our local church body.

Family:

We would greatly appreciate your prayers for our family, that we may continue to be a family that glorifies God.

In particular, we request prayers for my eldest daughter, Valentina. She has been experiencing inflammation in her parotid gland. Despite multiple tests and treatments, a definitive diagnosis remains elusive. Please pray for her health and for our peace of mind in the Lord.

Finally, we ask for your prayers for continued provision, allowing us to reach out and support more vulnerable individuals in our community.

May the peace of Christ be with you all.”

Rafael Rodriguez

 

Translated to English by Antonio Salgado

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

 

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5

 

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

 

Posted on

“LA PODEROSA PATRICIPACIÓN DE PABLO CON LA IGLESIA DE FILIPINAS”

 

Y vosotros sabéis, filipenses, que desde el primer día del evangelio, ninguna iglesia compartió conmigo en lo tocante a dar y recibir, sino vosotros solos.

Pues aun estando yo en Tesalónica, me enviasteis socorro una y otra vez para mis necesidades. No es que busque dádivas, sino que busco el fruto que abunda en vuestra cuenta.   – Filipenses 4:15-17

 

Tema principal: El libro de Filipenses enfatiza la importancia de mantener la alegría en el Señor aún en medio del sufrimiento, mientras se avanza el evangelio a través de la colaboración.

 

Tres aspectos clave de la poderosa colaboración de Pablo con la iglesia de Filipos:

 

1. Dios provee a través de la colaboración (Filipenses 1:3-5):

Doy gracias a mi Dios siempre que me acuerdo de vosotros, siempre en toda oración mía rogando con gozo por todos vosotros, a causa de vuestra colaboración en el evangelio desde el primer día hasta ahora. – Filipenses 1:3-5

Colaboración = κοινωνία

Koinonía: colaboración, es decir, (literalmente) participación, o (social) relación, o (económica/que involucra dinero) beneficencia: (comunicar) -ación, comunión, (contribución), compañerismo.

  • Pablo expresa su gratitud por la colaboración (koinonia) de la iglesia de Filipos en el evangelio.
  • Koinonía es un término multifacético que abarca la participación, la comunión y el apoyo financiero.
  • Esta colaboración significa su compromiso compartido de difundir el mensaje del evangelio.

 

2. Cuidado y compromiso continuos (Filipenses 4:10-11, 4:14-16):

Me regocijé en gran manera en el Señor de que al fin habéis vuelto a renovar vuestro cuidado de mí. En verdad, vosotros os preocupabais por mí, pero os faltaba la oportunidad de demostrarlo. No lo digo por causa de la necesidad, pues he aprendido a contentarme cualquiera que sea mi situación. – Filipenses 4:10-11

Sin embargo, hicisteis bien al colaborar conmigo en mi tribulación. Y vosotros, filipenses, sabéis que desde el primer día del evangelio, ninguna iglesia compartió conmigo en lo tocante a dar y recibir, sino vosotros solos. Pues aun estando yo en Tesalónica, me enviasteis socorro una y otra vez para mis necesidades. – Filipenses 4:14-16

  • Pablo destaca el continuo apoyo y compromiso de la iglesia con la colaboración, incluso cuando las oportunidades de expresarlo eran limitadas.
  • Menciona su contentamiento en todas las circunstancias, enfatizando una completa confianza en el Señor y la capacidad de abstenerse de quejarse por las necesidades materiales. Pablo deja claro que está bien dar a conocer las necesidades, pero quejarse de nuestras circunstancias no lo es.
  • Sin embargo, reconoce su colaboración en su dificultad y su único apoyo financiero a lo largo de su ministerio, convirtiéndolos en una excepción entre otras iglesias.

 

3. Promesa de provisión (Filipenses 4:17-19):

No es que busque dádivas, sino que busco el fruto que abunda en vuestra cuenta. Pero lo he recibido todo, y tengo abundancia; estoy lleno, habiendo recibido de Epafrodito lo que de vosotros enviasteis, como olor grato, sacrificio aceptable, agradable a Dios. Mi Dios, pues, suplirá todo lo que os falta conforme a sus riquezas en gloria en Cristo Jesús. – Filipenses 4:17-19

  • Aunque Pablo está agradecido por sus regalos, enfatiza que su principal preocupación no es su propio bienestar, sino el crecimiento espiritual de los filipenses. Sus palabras acerca de su generosidad y apoyo incondicional hacen eco del lenguaje utilizado para describir los sacrificios en el Antiguo Testamento, ofrendas agradables a Dios.
  • Reconoce su completo apoyo a sus necesidades y expresa su abundancia gracias a sus dones.
  • Por último, Pablo vincula su colaboración a una promesa divina: Dios suplirá todas sus necesidades según sus riquezas en gloria en Cristo Jesús.

 

Esta es solo una vista panorámica de algunas verdades maravillosas que se encuentran en Filipenses. En este pequeño y singular libro, encontramos un excelente modelo bíblico para las misiones que deberíamos esforzarnos por alcanzar. El libro revela una notable asociación entre Pablo y la iglesia de Filipos. Compartían el objetivo común de difundir el evangelio, y esta asociación se manifestó a través del apoyo mutuo, el compromiso y las contribuciones económicas. Pablo destaca la provisión de Dios a través de su asociación, no solo para él mismo, sino también para ellos, prometiendo que Dios suplirá todas sus necesidades. Esta asociación sirve como ejemplo del poder de la colaboración y la generosidad del pueblo de Dios para avanzar en el mensaje del evangelio mientras se mantiene el gozo y el contentamiento en circunstancias desafiantes.

 

Con promesas tan maravillosas, un mandato claro y un patrón bíblico a seguir, debemos preguntarnos…

¿Qué más nos impide hacer la obra del Señor a la manera del Señor? ¿A qué estamos esperando?

 

“La obra de Dios, hecha a la manera de Dios, nunca carecerá de la provisión de Dios.” – Hudson Taylor

 

Escrito por Antonio Salgado

 

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

 

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5

 

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

Also,

CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511

You may begin sending your support to BCMS/Antonio Salgado at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)

You can also now give to the ministry online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website. To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.

https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate

For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field in case of emergencies. We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us. Grace and peace.

Posted on

THE BIBLICAL MODEL PART 3: THE SUPPORT SYSTEM OF MISSIONS

PAUL’S POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH

 

And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.  

For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. – Philippians 4:15-17

 

 

Main Theme: The book of Philippians emphasizes the importance of maintaining joy in the Lord even amidst suffering, while advancing the gospel through partnership.

 

Three key aspects of Paul’s powerful partnership with the Philippian church:

 

1. God Provides Through Partnership (Philippians 1:3-5):

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. – Philippians 1:3-5

Partnership = κοινωνία

Koinonía- partnership, that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary/involving money) benefaction: – (to) communicate (-ation), communion, (contri-), distribution, fellowship.

  • Paul expresses his gratitude for the Philippian church’s partnership (koinonia) in the gospel.
  • Koinonia is a multifaceted term encompassing participation, fellowship, and financial support.
  • This partnership signifies their shared commitment to spreading the gospel message.

 

2. Continued Care and Commitment (Philippians 4:10-11, 4:14-16):

! rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. – Philippians 4:10-11

Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship. And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. – Philippians 4:14-16

 

  • Paul highlights the church’s continued support and commitment to the partnership, even when opportunities to express it were limited.
  • He mentions his contentment in all circumstances, emphasizing a complete trust in the Lord and the ability to refrain from complaining about material needs. Paul makes it clear that making needs known is ok, but complaining about our circumstances is not.
  • However, he acknowledges their partnership in his hardship and their unique financial support throughout his ministry, making them an exception among other churches.

 

3. Promise of Provision (Philippians 4:17-19):

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:17-19

 

  • Though Paul is grateful for their gifts, he emphasizes that his main concern isn’t his own well-being, but rather the Philippians’ spiritual growth. His words about their generosity and unwavering support echo the language used to describe sacrifices in the Old Testament, offerings pleasing to God.
  • He acknowledges their full support for his needs and expresses his abundance thanks to their gifts.
  • Lastly, Paul links their partnership to a divine promise: God will supply for all their needs based on His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 

This is just a bird’s eye view of a few wonderful truths found in Philippians. In this unique little book, we find an excellent biblical model for missions that we should strive for. The book reveals a remarkable partnership between Paul and the Philippian church. They shared a common goal of spreading the gospel, and this partnership manifested through mutual support, commitment, and financial contributions. Paul highlights God’s provision through their partnership, not just for himself but for them as well, promising that God will meet all their needs. This partnership serves as an example of the power of collaboration and generosity of God’s people in advancing the gospel message while maintaining joy and contentment in challenging circumstances.

With such wonderful promises, a clear command and a biblical pattern to follow, we must ask ourselves..

What else hinders us from doing the Lord’s work the Lord’s way? What are we waiting for?

 

“God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor

 

Written by Antonio Salgado

 

Please pray for our BCMS workers serving faithfully in hard places. May the Gospel continue to go forth, to God be the glory.

 

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5

 

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry, you can easily donate online through PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to the mission field.

 

 

Also,

CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511

You may begin sending your support to BCMS/Antonio Salgado at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)

You can also now give to the ministry online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website. To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.

https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate

For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field in case of emergencies. We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us. Grace and peace.