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.

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.

 

 

 

BCMS UPDATE FROM MARACAY, VENEZUELA

Update from Rafael Rodriguez Serving in Maracay, Venezuela

“Greetings brothers and sisters,

By the grace of the Lord, I was blessed to be able to go with my family to share the Gospel in a nearby community called Turmero. There is a new church is being planted there.

The person in charge of the mission is a very good and beloved friend of mine.  I spoke to the brethren that day on the mercy of God. There are presently about 12 brothers and sisters who gather regularly. The brother in charge is of a different theological background but is humble and open to learn. He and the group have been gathering diligently to study the doctrines of grace and the biblical Gospel. Praise the Lord for their desire to study and grow.

Please pray that the Lord will continue to help us, and help them, so that the Lord will bless the preaching of the Gospel in that community and that these brothers and sisters may continue to grow in knowledge and grace.”

The peace of Christ be with you.

BCMS Worker Rafael Rodriguez

Translated 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 donate to this ministry online with 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 us. Click the link below for that option.

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

The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and the liberty in making needed adjustments.

You may begin sending your support to the 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 here in the DR 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. But the PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.

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.

Project PG: A Heartfelt Plea for Yera in Piedra Gorda

Dear Friends, Mission Partners, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My heart draws me to share about a recent visit to Piedra Gorda, a place etched deeply in my memories. Years ago, in 2008, as a pastor’s translator, I served this community alongside the beloved brothers and sisters there. I eventually moved to the mission field full time in 2012. Even after settling in Esperanza, I continued to share preaching, teaching, and evangelism responsibilities there and in two other churches in two different towns.

Throughout the years, Piedra Gorda held a special place in my heart, especially during the early years of my arrival in the mission field. I participated in projects with visiting teams, witnessed times of hardship like Yeison’s grandmother’s passing and Yera’s struggles, and experienced the dwindling visits from foreigners who at one time came to help. Yet, the connections remained, and the people continued to be dear to me.

This recent trip held a deeper purpose. My son, Yeison, who is almost  ten years old, very bright and very aware, desired to visit his biological mother Yera and wanted to offer help to her and her caretaker Brunilda. Their needs weighed heavily on our hearts, knowing the challenges they face. So that morning, we sent a surprise video message from Yeison to Yera which brought tears to her eyes, reminding her of the son she dearly loves. It was a beautiful reunion filled with joy and tears when we arrived just a few hours later.

Brunilda pictured above cooking outside of her home.

Yera, burdened by a mental disability, gave birth to Yeison when she was 20. Although aware of him and expressing affection, she is unable to care for herself, let alone a child. By God’s grace, Yeison has been with me since infancy, a constant reminder of God’s love and the Gospel. However, a growing concern weighs heavily on me: what will happen to Yera if Brunilda, her dedicated caretaker with her own health issues, is no longer able to care for her?

Brunilda has been an extraordinary blessing to Yera, transforming her life from a state of neglect to a safer and more comfortable existence. Beyond Yera, she opened her heart and home to vulnerable children, shielding them from exploitation and harm. This community lacks safe havens for individuals like Yera, and the thought of her falling into the wrong hands is terrifying.

Seeking solutions with prayer and guidance, I envisioned building a small and affordable home for Yera near Brunilda’s home. This would ensure her safety and provide continuity of care even if unforeseen circumstances arose. Brother Freddy, a trustworthy leader in the community, has built similar homes and would be instrumental in this project.

While exploring alternative options, visiting facilities for disabled individuals left me furious and at the same time, heartbroken. Witnessing the lack of proper care and potential for abuse solidified my conviction: Yera deserves better.

Thankfully, a small plot of land in Piedra Gorda has been graciously donated, paving the way for this project. My hope is that Yeison, who already expresses concern for his mother, will be able to support her in the future when he is an adult. Building this home will offer him the opportunity to fulfill that desire and ensure Yera’s well-being, especially when needed most.

Please join me in prayer for Yera, Brunilda, and the entire community of Piedra Gorda. Pray for wisdom and guidance as we move forward with this project. Consider partnering with us through a commitment to making this vision a reality. Your support will not only benefit Yera and Brunilda but also open doors for further ministry opportunities in this precious community.

As you can see, Yera and Brunilda face a desperate situation. Building a safe haven for Yera is crucial, not only for her well-being, but also to honor Brunilda’s years of selfless care. With your generous support of $18,000, we can make this a reality. This is the price of a church van in this country. Yet for the same amount you can help us provide a home, a long term solution for Yera. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal.

With your generous support of $18,000, we can make this a reality. This is the price of a church van in this country. Yet for the same amount you can help us provide a long term solution for Yera. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal.

Together, we can offer Yera the security and care she needs. This wouldn’t be just any house; it will be a small, yet well-built structure designed to last for many years, ensuring comfort and safety for Yera well into the future. By contributing, you’re not just providing temporary relief, but investing in a long term solution.

Remember, Brunilda has dedicated years to caring for Yera, and ensuring her well-being even if unforeseen circumstances arise is paramount. Please consider joining us in this meaningful endeavor. Your compassion could change the course of their lives. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generosity.

In Christ,

Antonio Salgado

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

 

 

“Those who pray for, and give to missions, play a crucial role just as important as the missionary on the field. We really believe that. Thank you for holding the rope for us.”

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.

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry or contributing to the aforementioned project:

You can donate to this ministry online with 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 us. Click the link below for that option. To donate specifically for this project, please add a note with donation that says “Project PG”.

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

The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and some liberty in making needed adjustments and attending emergencies.

You may begin sending your support to the 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 here in the DR 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. But the PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.

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 and helping this ministry. God Bless You!

 

UPDATE: PRAYER REQUEST FOR BCMS WORKER LEONEL IN HAITI

Please pray for BCMS worker Leonel, in Juana Mendez, Haiti. He has had a hard time recently. Things are not good in his country, and it has been unstable for some time. We are still unable to enter. The banks and many other public places have been closed. After days of trying, praise God today he was able to receive support.
Brother Leonel remains faithful despite the challenges. Please pray for him, his family and those he reaches. Pray for Haiti. May the Gospel continue to go forth, and may God be glorified. Pray.
HAITIAN-DOMINICAN BORDER SITUATION UPDATE (FEBRUARY 9, 2024)

 

Land border closure:
  • The land border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic remains closed to most traffic since September 14, 2023, following a dispute over the construction of a canal on the Haitian side.
  • Only limited exceptions exist for medical emergencies, diplomatic missions, and authorized humanitarian aid deliveries.
  • This closure has significantly impacted trade, travel, and daily life for people on both sides of the border.
Impact on trade:
  • The closure has caused major disruptions to cross-border trade, leading to significant losses for both economies.
  • Dominican farmers have reportedly incurred millions of dollars in losses due to their inability to export goods to Haiti.
  • Haitian consumers face increasing prices for essential goods due to limited supply.
Humanitarian aid:
  • While some humanitarian aid is allowed through the border, organizations report difficulties navigating the complex procedures and limited access.
  • This raises concerns about the ability to meet the needs of vulnerable populations in Haiti, already facing food insecurity and other challenges.
Human rights:
  • Human rights organizations have documented increased deportations of Haitian migrants from the Dominican Republic since the border closure.
  • Concerns exist about potential violations of due process and discriminatory practices during these deportations.
Broader overview:
  • The border closure remains a source of tension and uncertainty between the two countries.
  • Both sides have exchanged accusations and held diplomatic meetings, but no resolution has been reached yet.
  • The closure’s long-term consequences on the economies, communities, and human rights remain to be seen.
Sources:
*This is just a brief overview; the situation is complex and evolving. Pray.

A Letter of Gratitude From The Mission Field, First Anniversary of BCMS Venezuela

BCMS recently celebrated our first year working in Venezuela. Brother Rafael has been faithful in his local church and in assisting other local churches in teaching, disaster relief after the flooding in Castaño, open air preaching in the streets and plazas, prison ministry, visiting the hospitals and homes of the most vulnerable taking them help and the hope of the Gospel.

The following is a letter of gratitude for the prayers and support from BCMS worker Rafael Rodriguez in Maracay, Venezuela.  Those who pray and give to missions, play a role just as important as the missionary on the field. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.

 

“The grace, love and peace of Christ be with you all.

Beloved brothers, greetings. Today, I can finally express to you in writing the feelings and words that my family and I have kept in our hearts. After a blessed year of receiving your very fruitful and great help.

We can hardly thank you enough. We lift our prayers before the heavenly throne for you and for this beautiful ministry that has decided to fulfill God’s call to take the gospel to the whole world through missions.

My family and I are extremely thankful for Biblical Christian Missionary Society and for all the brothers and sisters who give, who make it possible for men like me to dedicate more time to the mission and service of going (Mark 16:15) in our city. Without ever neglecting our role as providers in the home.

In recent decades, our nation Venezuela has been hit by an economic and social instability that has pushed many ministers out of the country. However, there are many of us who, despite this, still want to see the hand of God in the lives of the most vulnerable Venezuelans, and we have taken on the task of continuing to sow the seed of the gospel while it is possible and wise for us to do so according to our responsibility as guardians of our families. Dear brothers, your help makes it possible to carry out this desire, so we are really moved, and we do not tire of thanking God for these blessings and for your lives.

Despite how complex things have been here in Venezuela, the Lord has used the lives of your donors, who support missions, to continue carrying the message in this nation. You are undoubtedly part of this work!

Therefore, we thank each one of you as we celebrate this happy first anniversary of support and service in Venezuela.

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your seed and multiply the fruits of your righteousness, so that you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Cor 9:10-12

You are part of every teaching and collaboration that reaches the homes of families full of spiritual and material needs. Your effort is present in every outreach to take the message to the streets, every tour exposing the gospel in the squares, every visit to the prisons and every comfort in the hospitals.

The Lord does not forget what you do. Keep on storing up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

For our part, we want to continue serving the Lord as missionaries, committed to proclaiming a biblical gospel centered on the person and work of Christ, serving the Lord in our local church, as well as giving to the extent of our ability to help the neediest in our community with food.

We are also willing to collaborate in other ways for the advancement of the ministry and its mission, such as writing articles and sharing our teachings in the different formats or languages that are required, among others.

I also beg you to please continue praying for our family: my wife Yohanny and my children Valentina, Grace and Benjamin. For the conversion of the souls to whom we regularly preach and help, for the proclamation in the hospitals, the exposition in the prisons, the preaching outdoors and of course, for our local church.

Without further ado, I can only wish that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Sincerely,

Rafael Rodriguez serving in Maracay, Venezuela

BCMS in Venezuela  (Translated by Antonio Salgado)

“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 donate to this ministry online with 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 us. Click the link below for that option.

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

The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and the liberty in making needed adjustments.

You may begin sending your support to the 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 here in the DR 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. But the PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.

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.

EL PRIORISMO Y EL HOLISMO EN LAS MISIONES ¿POR QUÉ NO AMBOS?

MISIONES BÍBLICAS Y LA RELEVANCIA DE CARL F. H. HENRY 

A lo largo de la historia, en medio de hambrunas, plagas y persecuciones, la iglesia ha enfrentado muchos desafíos. Especialmente cuando se trataba de cómo manejar dos cosas, la proclamación del evangelio y ayudar a los necesitados de la sociedad en medio de eso. Estas controversias en las misiones no son nuevas. Cuando la puerta del ministerio se abrió a los gentiles en el libro de los Hechos, las cosas se complicaron aún más después de que Pablo y Bernabé enfocaron su atención en los gentiles en su trabajo misionero. Por supuesto, el contexto del debate en Hechos 15 fue determinar si los gentiles deben o no guardar la ley y ser circuncidados. Pero es generalmente cierto que, al cruzar la brecha cultural, habrá desafíos en la proclamación del Evangelio y para algunos, en la identificación de los detalles del papel de la iglesia con respecto a los problemas sociales y la contextualización. No hay escasez de personas perdidas o sufrientes a nuestro alrededor, y por lo tanto, ciertamente no ha cambiado hoy.

En todo caso, el problema solo se ha agravado a lo largo de los siglos a medida que los diferentes contextos culturales continúan siendo penetrados con la luz del Evangelio. Es hermoso e inspirador saber que el Evangelio se está llevando a los lugares más oscuros y difíciles, pero también conlleva desafíos reales para enfrentar y las necesidades cada vez mayores. Especialmente cuando se trabaja con los pobres. Puede ser un trabajo difícil, y de alguna manera es más fácil predicar que ensuciarse las manos para servir entre los indefensos de la sociedad en el frente. Pero no la conciencia de todos les permitirá ser oyentes de la Palabra solo cuando se encuentren cara a cara con las grandes necesidades de otros portadores de la imagen de Dios. Y las preguntas sobre qué deben hacer o no exactamente los misioneros han entrado en el debate en repetidas ocasiones. Por lo tanto, esta es una controversia que ciertamente me llama la atención. Es el debate aparentemente interminable entre lo que se conoce como priorismo y holismo.

 

Definiendo los términos

Debemos admitir que la iglesia no siempre ha hecho muy bien en matizar las cosas en el pasado, especialmente al desarrollar una teología que permita adecuadamente ambos lados de un problema como este. Pero antes de profundizar en el asunto en cuestión, quizás deberíamos tomarnos un tiempo para definir los términos un poco mejor. Dependiendo de con quién hable, las personas pueden tener algunas ideas diferentes cuando usan las mismas palabras. ¿Qué es exactamente el priorismo y qué es el holismo? ¿Son esas las dos únicas opciones?

En un artículo del Judson Center, Jay Flinn resume la historia del debate evangélico de la misión holística. Él escribe: “En las décadas siguientes, se ha escrito mucho sobre el tema de la misión holística. La mayor parte de lo que se ha escrito se puede resumir en tres posiciones principales relacionadas con la relación de evangelismo y acción social en la misión. Una posición conserva el énfasis en el evangelismo y la plantación de iglesias con poca consideración a la acción social. Una segunda posición sigue el modelo de evangelismo de Stott como la misión principal con la acción social cristiana como socio secundario. La tercera posición considera la acción social como una misión igual al evangelismo. Si bien existen variantes para estas posiciones y se pueden usar diferentes términos para describirlas, las variantes se definen en última instancia por la relativa prioridad y la relación de evangelismo y acción social entre sí”.

 

Entendiendo el Priorismo

Por un lado, del tema, hay quienes dicen que el Evangelio (y algunos incluyen plantar iglesias con eso) siempre debe ser lo principal. Y tienen razón, muy bien debería ser. Una declaración clásica sobre priorismo de Donald McGarvan afirma: “Una multitud de empresas excelentes nos rodean. Tan grande es el número y tan urgentes los llamados, que los cristianos pueden fácilmente perderse entre ellos, viéndolos a todos igualmente como una misión. Pero al hacer el bien, pueden fallar de lo mejor. Al ganar los preliminares, pueden perder el juego principal. Pueden tratar una picazón problemática, mientras el paciente muere de cólera. La cuestión de las prioridades no se puede evitar “.

Él hace un punto válido. Aquellos que se aferran al priorismo temen que algunos que se aferran a un enfoque más holístico hayan hecho del Evangelio una cuestión secundaria. Aunque debemos reconocer que es cierto para algunos, también debemos tener cuidado con la generalización imprudente. Pero gran parte de la confusión se debe a que las palabras reinventadas significan cosas distintas de lo que originalmente significaban. Esto solo enturbia aún más las aguas teológicas, causando confusión en lugar de ayudar a aclarar el tema. En estos días, muchas palabras como evangelismo, evangelio y misión pueden significar cosas diferentes de lo que solían ser. Por lo tanto, es importante que examinemos estos términos bíblicamente, de lo contrario no tienen límites en cómo se usan y pierden todo significado real.

Lo más probable es que sea el resultado a lo largo del tiempo de lo que se conoce como “deriva de la misión”. El CEO de Edify dijo: “Es la excepción de que una organización se mantiene fiel a su misión. El curso natural, la desafortunada evolución natural de muchas misiones originalmente centradas en Cristo, es ir a la deriva ”.

En un número de Evangélicas Misiones Trimestrales, se publicó un “simposio” en el que “se pidió a cinco líderes que expresaran sus puntos de vista sobre la relación entre proclamación y acción social, y solo uno presentó una aproximación a la posición prioritaria”. Esto es bastante desafortunado considerando que antes del primer Congreso de Lausana en 1974, el priorismo era la opinión dominante entre los evangélicos. Sin duda, los asuntos eternos tienen prioridad sobre los asuntos temporales.

Son correctos en su manera de mantener el evangelio como el foco principal de la misión. Pero para algunos en el extremo del espectro (prioristas estrictos), lamentablemente se ha convertido prácticamente en lo único que hacen. Este es un agujero enorme en su posición. Debido a esta falta en la teología de algunos quienes se aferran al priorismo, a menudo son acusados ​​de descuidar el mandamiento de amar a su prójimo en su intento de centrarse en el Evangelio. Estoy de acuerdo en que el Evangelio es la prioridad y debe estar en la parte superior de la lista para todos nosotros. Sin embargo, irónicamente, muchos de los que dicen ser apasionados por Cristo pueden aislarse de las comunidades a las que intentan llegar mostrando poco interés en su condición humana temporal de sufrimiento. Muchos lo interpretan como una falta de amor, no solo por la perspectiva opuesta, sino también por la comunidad perdida que siempre está mirando. Por lo tanto, no deberíamos ser tan rápidos para descartar por completo todo el enfoque holístico del ministerio. Algunas de las acusaciones a los prioristas estrictos son justas y deben abordarse. Pero siempre recordando que existen otras opiniones más equilibradas entre estas dos posiciones. John Stott finalmente cambió sus puntos de vista a favor de un enfoque más equilibrado de la Gran Comisión.

 

Entendiendo el holismo

En el otro lado del tema, hay quienes toman una misión más holística. Afirman creer y predicar el Evangelio también, lo que puede hacer que las cosas que dicen parezcan algo ambiguas. C. René Padilla, quien fue muy influyente al convencer a muchos de adoptar un enfoque holístico de la misión, dijo lo siguiente:

“La misión holística es una misión orientada a satisfacer las necesidades humanas básicas, incluida la necesidad de Dios, pero también la necesidad de comida, amor, vivienda, ropa, salud física y mental, y un sentido de dignidad humana. Además, este enfoque tiene en cuenta que las personas son seres espirituales, sociales y corporales, hechos para vivir en relación con Dios, con sus vecinos y con la creación de Dios. En consecuencia, presupone que no es suficiente cuidar el bienestar espiritual de un individuo sin tener en cuenta sus relaciones personales y su posición en la sociedad y en el mundo. Como Jesús lo vio, el amor a Dios es inseparable del amor a nuestro prójimo “.

En mi opinión, no está equivocado al decir que el amor a Dios es inseparable del amor a nuestro prójimo. Dentro de este campo hay quienes son acusados ​​de tener otro Evangelio, un evangelio de “justicia social”. Y para estar seguros, hay algunos en este campamento que no están muy centrados en el evangelio. En el peor de los casos, pueden ser de naturaleza casi completamente humanitaria con poca o ninguna enseñanza bíblica del Evangelio o del sonido. Algunos están distraídos y descuidan el verdadero evangelismo bíblico. Sin embargo, hay algunas cosas que un priorista estricto puede aprender de ellos. Usualmente son muy activos en servir a sus comunidades, alimentar a los pobres, defender a los débiles y los necesitados y hacer el bien a su familia de fe y a sus vecinos fuera de la iglesia. Aunque el evangelio es un asunto eterno y de mayor peso, al menos debemos admitir que estas son cosas buenas e importantes y no deben ser ignoradas. Y no todos los que adoptan un enfoque holístico de la misión se ajustan a la descripción de “guerreros de la justicia social” o no estarían completamente de acuerdo en una categoría u otra. Entonces, a medida que avanza el debate, la línea continúa pareciendo borrosa para algunos sobre cómo exactamente estas dos cosas deben encajar correctamente.

 

¿Una alternativa?

Debemos ser conscientes y estar dispuestos a admitir los peligros de una posición extrema en ambos lados. Esta es simplemente una de las muchas áreas de nuestra teología donde debemos aprender a vivir en la tensión y encontrar una manera de reconciliar las dos ideas, ya que ambas tienen bases bíblicas. Ciertamente no queremos caernos a ambos lados del caballo, por así decirlo. Hacerlo, creo, sería caer en algún tipo de error u otro. Debemos encontrar un mayor equilibrio bíblico, y aquí es donde Carl F. H. Henry es extremadamente útil.

 

Sus credenciales

Carl Henry es más relevante cuando se trata de esto por muchas razones. Él mismo dijo que era, de hecho, un priorista, pero que también mantenía la necesidad de la preocupación social. Henry fue uno de los arquitectos fundadores del movimiento evangélico moderno de EE. UU., Y probablemente ha dicho y escrito más sobre el tema que nadie, siendo él mismo extremadamente influyente, “llamando a los evangélicos a diferenciarse del fundamentalismo separatista y reclamar un papel para influir en la cultura americana más amplia. Participó en la creación de numerosas organizaciones evangélicas importantes, incluidas la Asociación Nacional de Evangélicos, el Seminario Teológico Fuller, la Sociedad Evangélica Teológica, la revista Christianity Today (de la cual fue editor fundador) y el Instituto de Estudios Cristianos Avanzados. El Instituto Carl F. H. Henry para la Participación Evangélica en el Seminario Teológico Bautista del Sur y el Centro Carl F. H. Henry para la Comprensión Teológica en la Universidad Internacional Trinity buscan continuar su legado “. Su visión de la necesidad de competencia teológica y compromiso cultural sigue siendo una de las alternativas más vibrantes en nuestros días. Era conocido por su compromiso con los rigores teológicos, su compromiso activo con los problemas sociales apremiantes de nuestros días, pero también por tener un compromiso inquebrantable con el evangelio de Jesucristo. Su libro “La conciencia inquieta del fundamentalismo moderno” (1947) fue una respuesta al movimiento fundamentalista separatista que sin darse cuenta se convirtió en un obstáculo para su propia causa de alcanzar a los perdidos con el Evangelio.

Henry habló elocuentemente sobre lo que durante mucho tiempo ha sido disputado por teólogos y misiólogos. El propio Henry había dicho que “estas tensiones ahora irritan a la iglesia como nunca antes en la historia reciente”. El tema ha generado mucha división entre los evangélicos, especialmente desde la controversia fundamentalista-modernista de principios del siglo XX.

En un ensayo sobre Carl Henry y su modelo “regenerativo” de evangelismo y preocupación social, Jerry M. Ireland cita: “El fundamentalismo respondió a la agenda social centrada en el ser humano de la teología liberal al retirarse principalmente del compromiso cultural y la acción social. En lugar de desarrollar una respuesta bíblicamente más equilibrada a los problemas sociales. Desafortunadamente, el fundamentalismo tendió a truncar la reverencia temporal del evangelio a favor de un enfoque exclusivo en asuntos eternos “.

 

Su modelo regenerativo

Hay mucho que aprender de Henry. Como señala Irlanda, Henry asocia estas dos tareas de la iglesia de una manera similar a C. H. Dodd, distinguiendo la palabra didache de kerygma. En las enseñanzas de Dodd, señala que “kerygma representa el mensaje único de salvación de la iglesia”. La proclamación del evangelio. Mientras didache, dice, “se refiere a las enseñanzas de la iglesia y las demandas éticas de las Escrituras”.

Henry creía que el kerygma se relaciona especialmente con el cumplimiento de la Gran Comisión. Kerygma es necesario porque es el medio que Dios usa para dar a conocer Su voluntad y el evangelio. Didache es necesario porque es el proceso de enseñanza que es esencial para la formación moral de una persona. Las enseñanzas de las Escrituras que Dios usa para traer crecimiento espiritual. Pero sin kerygma primero (proclamación del evangelio), no puede haber didache (discipulado). Y aunque kerygma y didache son ambos necesarios, no son necesarios de la misma manera.

 

Orden bíblica

La preocupación es buena, hacer y mantener el evangelio como la prioridad. Sin embargo, con un vistazo rápido a los imperativos en las Escrituras, la vida de Cristo y el ejemplo del apóstol Pablo, uno tendría dificultades para presentar el caso de que la preocupación por la condición humana sufriente de nuestro prójimo y la generosidad hacia ellos era algo opcional. Jesús tuvo compasión por las multitudes, Pablo dijo que estaba ansioso por ayudar a los pobres, y hay muchos otros ejemplos de por qué debemos hacer el bien a la familia de fe y a nuestro prójimo. A continuación se presentan solo algunos del Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento.

 

Evidencia del Antiguo Testamento

El generoso será bendito, Porque da de su pan al pobre. (Proverbios 22.9 NBLA)

El que oprime al pobre afrenta a su Hacedor, Pero el que se apiada del necesitado lo honra. (Proverbios 14.31 NBLA)

El que cierra su oído al clamor del pobre, También él clamará y no recibirá respuesta. (Proverbios 21.13)

(Para más ejemplos miren a Proverbios 14.21, 29.7, 31.8-9, Ezekiel 16.49)

 

Evidencia del Nuevo Testamento

 En todo les mostré que así, trabajando, deben ayudar a los débiles, y recordar las palabras del Señor Jesús, que dijo: “Más bienaventurado es dar que recibir”». (Hechos 20.35 NBLH)

Solo nos pidieron que nos acordáramos de los pobres, lo mismo que yo estaba también deseoso de hacer. (Gálatas 2.10 NBLH)

Al que te pida, dale; y al que desee pedirte prestado, no le vuelvas la espalda. (Mateo 5.42 NBLH)

 La religión pura y sin mancha delante de nuestro Dios y Padre es esta: visitar a los huérfanos y a las viudas en sus aflicciones, y guardarse sin mancha del mundo. (Santiago 1.27 NBLH)

(Para más ejemplos miren a 1 Juan 3.17-18, Lucas 14.12-14, 12.32-34, 3.11)

 

La lista puede seguir y seguir y seguir …

 

También existe la evidencia de la historia a considerar. El impacto de la iglesia primitiva continúa siendo visible en la civilización occidental de hoy. Los historiadores señalan que “en la Edad Media, el cristianismo transformó las sociedades para mejor y continúa influyendo en la cultura dondequiera que se extendieron sus enseñanzas. La caridad alentada por las enseñanzas bíblicas (Lucas 10.30-37) eventualmente llevó a la fundación de hospitales, orfanatos, hogares para ancianos y cuidado de los pobres, los hambrientos y las personas sin hogar. Incluso muchas de las universidades más grandes y prominentes de nuestros días se fundaron originalmente para propósitos cristianos”. La tendencia de la iglesia a extender la compasión a los que sufren y los necesitados a su alrededor a lo largo de la historia, fue simplemente fruto de los cristianos que viven una vida transformada llena del Espíritu en obediencia a las Escrituras. Vivieron imitando el ejemplo de Cristo, motivados por el amor a Aquel que nos amó primero, y que se entregó sacrificialmente por nosotros. ¿De qué manera esto sería algo malo? Y con las Escrituras y la historia que atestiguan el patrón de audaz proclamación del Evangelio Y compasión y generosidad hacia los demás, ¿por qué sería diferente para la iglesia hoy?

No hay necesidad de debatir si la iglesia debe ser generosa o no con la familia de fe, pero por alguna razón hay personas que piensan que no debemos distraernos con problemas sociales o invertir demasiado tiempo o dinero en mostrar compasión. a otros portadores de imágenes que sufren. Henry ciertamente tuvo una elocuencia única sobre él a la hora de reconciliar este tema. A veces parecía hablar el idioma de ambos campos. Se aferró a mantener el Evangelio como una prioridad, pero manteniendo la preocupación social como algo importante y necesario.

No hay necesidad de debatir si la iglesia debe ser generosa o no con la familia de fe, pero por alguna razón hay personas que piensan que no debemos distraernos con problemas sociales o invertir demasiado tiempo o dinero en mostrar compasión. a otros portadores de imágenes que sufren. Henry ciertamente tuvo una elocuencia única sobre él a la hora de reconciliar este tema. A veces parecía hablar el idioma de ambos campos. Se aferró a mantener el Evangelio como una prioridad, pero manteniendo la preocupación social como algo importante y necesario.

Es importante tener en cuenta que aunque su modelo (el de Henry) sostuvo ambos puntos de vista según fuera necesario, no significa que ambos fueran iguales. Henry fue una crítica de las falacias liberales y seculares con respecto a la benevolencia de Dios. En el libro Controversias en las misiones, Jerry M. Ireland escribe que “Henry encuentra un motivo de preocupación entre las tendencias liberales y seculares … y advierte contra el evangelismo confuso y la preocupación social, o de reducir el evangelismo a simplemente atacar los males sociales o políticos. Hacerlo es cometer el último acto de falta de amor, ya que descuida la mayor necesidad de la humanidad, a saber, la redención personal y la regeneración sobrenatural “.

Jerry M. Ireland también hace una distinción importante cuando dice que está “ligeramente fuera de lugar decir que el evangelismo y la preocupación social son dos alas del mismo pájaro, o dos caras de la misma moneda”. Porque incluso la Escritura nunca iguala estas dos cosas de una manera tan abiertamente paralela, a pesar de que la Escritura defiende la necesidad y la importancia de ambas “. Debemos trabajar y vivir en la tensión que existe allí.

Al comprender las diferencias en kerygma y didache, se hace evidente por qué la proclamación del evangelio debe ser una prioridad en las misiones. Deberíamos querer que más personas vengan a Cristo. Como resultado de hacer discípulos, eventualmente se plantarán más iglesias. E históricamente, la iglesia ha sido un medio por el cual el bien se desborda naturalmente en el mundo que la rodea. Es una gracia de Dios, un beneficio de simplemente vivir cerca del pueblo de Dios. Sin embargo, lo que sucede en algunas iglesias es que el enfoque se vuelve mucho más interno, a lo que sucede dentro de las cuatro paredes de un edificio, y menos tiempo que la sal y la luz para quienes los rodean. La evidencia de esto se ve en lo poco que se designa para la benevolencia en los presupuestos de la iglesia local promedio.

Yo conozco personalmente a misioneros que se dieron cuenta del desequilibrio en sus ministerios de una estricta visión prioritaria y en realidad perdieron el apoyo de algunas iglesias, cuando debido a una “conciencia incómoda” (como lo llamaría Henry), se involucraron más para ayudar a satisfacer las necesidades de aquellos a quienes sirvieron además de la predicación y la enseñanza regulares. Fueron rechazados por algunos partidarios que eran prioritarios estrictos cuando adoptaron un enfoque más holístico para participar más en sus comunidades. Cuando un misionero decide obedecer las Escrituras en ambas áreas en amor por su próximo, y en realidad pierde el apoyo de las iglesias, esto no solo es trágico, ¡es una locura! El evangelio siempre debe seguir siendo lo principal, por supuesto, pero también debemos aprender a caminar en las buenas obras que nos prepararon (Efesios 2.10.) Se nos dice que amemos, pero no solo de palabra, sino de hecho también (1 Juan 3.18), y que nuestra fe sin obras está muerta. (Santiago 2.26)

 

¿Por qué no las dos cosas?

La pregunta es, ¿por qué no ambos? Carl Henry se consideraba un priorista, pero claramente creía y enseñaba que ambas eran tareas necesarias de la iglesia. Es posible predicar un Evangelio bíblico, con un énfasis importante en la evangelización, entrenando líderes y discipulado, al mismo tiempo que sirve a su comunidad, mostrando compasión por el sufrimiento siempre que sea posible. Es bastante desafortunado cuando quienes luchan por tratar de mantener un mejor equilibrio son acusados ​​de un “Evangelio social” cuando no se descuida la proclamación del evangelio, simplemente se agrega un mandato bíblico que faltaba. Estamos llamados a ser sal y luz, haciendo buenas obras para que otros puedan glorificar a nuestro Padre en el cielo. Después de todo, una fe genuina no es meramente intelectual y pasiva, sino una fe activa y activa.

Pero Ireland hace un punto que vale la pena recordar cuando se discuten estos temas. Él dice que “es importante que distingamos el evangelio en sí mismo de las demandas del evangelio y evitemos confundir los dos si queremos ser fieles a las Escrituras. Cuando se hace esto, podemos abogar por la prioridad del evangelismo y por una sólida preocupación social cristiana “.

También usa una ilustración útil de la vida cotidiana para demostrar esto. Él dice: “Imagínese si tuviera que ir a un banco para hacer un depósito para pagar sus facturas. Ir al banco sería la prioridad. Porque si el cheque no se deposita, las facturas no se pueden pagar. Claramente, una cosa es una prioridad y debe tener lugar primero, pero ambas siguen siendo necesarias. Debo depositar mi cheque y debo pagar mis facturas. Lo segundo depende de que lo primero ya haya sucedido y la prioridad de lo primero no hace que lo segundo sea opcional”. Es similar a esto con evangelismo y preocupación social.

Hacer del evangelismo una prioridad no debe significar descuidarnnos en los actos de compasión. Tampoco un enfoque holístico tiene que significar la negligencia del evangelismo, de ninguna manera. En este punto, los términos priorismo y holismo han adquirido tanto equipaje y significados diferentes que casi se han vuelto inútiles, especialmente cuando no se puede acordar lo que significan.

Hacer del evangelismo una prioridad no debe significar descuidarnnos en los actos de compasión. Tampoco un enfoque holístico tiene que significar la negligencia del evangelismo, de ninguna manera.

Pero cuando se trata de dar a conocer a Cristo a través del evangelismo audaz y mostrar compasión y amor a nuestro prójimo, digoque esto es el cristianismo bíblico del Nuevo Testamento, entonces, ¿por qué no ambos?

Autor- Antonio Salgado Jr.

Director Biblical Christian MIssionary Society

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

Bibliografía

  1. SCOTT MOREAU. Mission and missions. ED A. SCOTT MOREAU. Evangelical dictionary of world missions. Grand Rapids. Baker Academic, 2000. 
  2. CHRISTOPHER R. LITTLE. The case for prioritism. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 671-672. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  3. CHRISTOPHER R. LITTLE. The case for prioritism. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 643. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  4. CHRISTOPHER R. LITTLE. The case for prioritism. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and  practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1112. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  5. CHRISTOPHER R. LITTLE. The case for prioritism SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 684. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  6. Wikipedia. Disponible en https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_F._H._Henry
  7. JERRY M. IRELAND. Concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1129-1130. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  8. JERRY M. IRELAND. Concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1134. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  9. JERRY M. IRELAND. Concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1380. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  10. JERRY M. IRELAND. Concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1134. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  11. TOMMORROW’S WORLD. How “Christianity” changed the world. Disponible en https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2016/november-december/how-christianity-changed-the-world
  12. JERRY M. IRELAND. Carl F. H. Henry’s regenerational model of evangelism and social concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1288-1296. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  13. JERRY M. IRELAND. Carl F. H. Henry’s regenerational model of evangelism and social concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1296-1303. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  14. JERRY M. IRELAND. Carl F. H. Henry’s regenerational model of evangelism and social concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1387-1394. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8
  15. JERRY M. IRELAND. Carl F. H. Henry’s regenerational model of evangelism and social concern and the promise of an evangelical consensus. SCHEUEREMANN, ROCHELLE and CATHCART. Controversies in mission: theology, people, and practice of mission in the 21st century. Pasadena. Scheuermann, Rochelle and Cathart, 2016. Loc 1394-1402. ISBN: 978-0-87808-892-8

 

 

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.

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry:

You can donate to this ministry online with 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 us. Click the link below for that option.

https://www.paypal.me/SalgadoDRMission?locale.x=es_US

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

The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and the liberty in making needed adjustments.

You may begin sending your support to the 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 here in the DR 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. But the Paypal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.

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 and helping this ministry. God Bless You!

BCMS Venezuela, Evangelism and follow up in Maracay

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

The following was reported by BCMS worker Rafael in Maracay, Venezuela about an evangelism outing and follow-up visit.  We are hoping to get some better technology for quality videos and images in the future, but this is a wonderful clip of Rafael emphasizing the real need for Christ over all, yet showing love and compassion in serving and helping these vulnerable, elderly siblings over time during several visits.

“By the grace of Christ we have been bringing food to vulnerable people in the community of Guasimal, it is the community where our local church operates.

We visited Nina again, and this time her sister Carmen accompanied us.

Please pray for them, Nina is very attentive to the preaching of the gospel, but her sister Carmen is not, pray particularly for Carmen so that the Lord opens her heart to the gospel.

We were sharing the Word of the Lord with her and her siblings and bringing them some food.

They are a family of three older siblings, Nina, Carmen. And his brother Jesús, Jesus is blind, he hardly lis able eave his room. The three of them are in a very critical condition financially, and we have been able to serve him with food and also with some things that he lacks at home, such as light bulbs, lamps, power outlets. etc. Pray that the Lord continues to help them.”

For more frequent updates, prayer requests and photos from the work in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Venezuela, join the private Facebook group “Biblical Missionaries and Church Planters” by simply clicking on the link below.

Biblical Missionaries and Church Planters FB Group

 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

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.

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry:

You can  donate to this ministry online with Paypal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministryThis is the fastest option to get funds to us. Click the link below for that option.

https://www.paypal.me/SalgadoDRMission?locale.x=es_US

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

The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and the liberty in making needed adjustments.

You may begin sending your support to the 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 here in the DR 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. But the Paypal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.

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 and helping this ministry. God Bless You!

BCMS Monthly Prayer Letter

 

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

 

Earlier this month we sent out an end of year report on how we finished 2022 in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Venezuela. You can read that update at the link below. 

 

https://salgadodrmission.com/2022/12/b-c-m-s-prayer-letter-end-of-year-update/

 

Forgive the tardiness of this update. We have been having some technical issues uploading photos to the website. Hopefully it will soon be resolved. We are set for our focus here in the Dominican Republic for 2023. We understand that the results depend on the LORD, but we are very aware of the responsibility we have of being diligent as well. We pray and depend on the LORD, but we also plan accordingly to not be in the air or without direction. So for us, it is easy. We plan and work to obey the clear teachings of Scripture for the church, and at the same time we pray about the unknown details, simply trusting the LORD. Having said that, the work plan is pretty detailed and includes general objectives, specific objectives, “smart” indicators to measure progress in each of the five departments, logistics and at the school in at least five aspects of holistic development, physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development.  I’m feeling motivated, I have a good team and have been noticing a small change for the better in a few things. Others are noticing it too, praise God. But there is still so much to do, so your prayers are very much needed and appreciated.

 

We have been working on the Venezuela and Haiti plan. This week, I have done video calls with the other workers to discuss some of the details, and there is still a lot to talk about. But they are motivated and their faithfulness despite the circumstances they face has been so encouraging. 

 

Here in the DR, a lot of time and effort is dedicated to the orphanage. I simply have a lot of responsibility there. But it is very much ministry, and every day is an opportunity for Gospel conversations and counseling. With 90% of the children we receive having been victims of sexual abuse, you can begin to imagine the trauma and pain we deal with in these children. So very much of the work must include the Gospel and the consoling promises of God. However, we still receive donations of clothes, food and medicine for distributions in the poor areas in and around the city and use the opportunity for evangelism as well. At the orphanage, I do Bible studies, catechism with the kids, verse memorization, devotionals with the staff, apart from the regular operational stuff that comes with my position. Prayers for wisdom in prioritizing and in time management are very much appreciated.

 

I will be in Indiana in February for an intense week of biblical counseling training. So I am very thankful to the orphanage and Faith Church in Lafayette that is making that possible.  I am trying to extend my stay for a couple of days in Florida to take care of some paperwork and possibly see family, Lord willing. But I am looking forward to the teaching, fellowship and the hope of learning more to be better equipped when counseling those that are scarred by trauma. .

 

We experienced a 5.6 earthquake Wednesday morning. On my way to the orphanage, just after 7 in the morning, I began to receive messages from my team. It was a hectic morning, but no damages or injuries, praise God. The experts say we are in for a big one soon, and there are tremors all over the island all the time. So we will be working on our evacuation drills just in case. Plan A, and a plan B. Since there is a dam nearby, the river, the bridge to get here, there are a lot of things against us if a real disaster were to strike. The buildings are built tough, but if the dam were to break, that’s another story. Pray the Lord would protect these children from such a situation. The head of the red cross here says we are best if we stay put, unless the dam breaks. If that were to happen, I don’t even want to think about what the results could be. We hope for the best and try to prepare for the worst and trust the Lord.

 

In Haiti, brother Leonel is staying busy as usual. Between open air preaching in the mornings, evangelism throughout the week, and working with the children and youth of his church. As of most recent, he has been teaching frequent bible studies with 4 new believers. Please pray for these men and women to grow in grace and in knowledge. Or even as Paul prays for the saints in Colossians, 

 

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully  giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. – Colossians 1:9-12

 

We are now in the process of trying to purchase a motorcycle for Leonel. The one he had is now beyond repairs. And where Leonel lives, there is no electricity, no running water and everything is quite a distance since he lives in a rural area outside of Juana Menthe  called Savange Longe, and even to go get water to cook and bathe can be hard. But Leonel used his motorcycle to take his family to church, visit the brethren at their homes for discipleship, Bible studies at the church building, evangelism, and to work at the border. We are praying now about trying to meet this need for this faithful brother and found a good one for a decent price. Pray that the Lord makes it possible for this to happen. We would love to be able to bless him in this way. Especially since we know it will help Leonel be more effective in his ministry and help his family as well.

 

In Venezuela, brother Rafael is doing quite a bit himself. Apart from the responsibilities within his local church, preaching at another church often, open air preaching, evangelism in different areas of Maracay and Tejerías and where all the flooding happened. He is also preaching the Gospel in another neighborhood near his home now. Just about three months ago, his local church relocated after the blessing of having a property donated for a building. They have quite a bit done on the building already. But what is nice about it is the location. The church building is right in a central part of town and has several apartment complexes surrounding it. There is a potential of reaching so many people that live near there with the Gospel. May the Lord bless the efforts and plans that have been made so far. Please pray for both Leonel and Rafael and the brothers and sisters that serve with them in these difficult places. 


BCMS is growing, and we are still in need of new mission partners for 2023. There is so much we want to accomplish this year, so we are praying for  provisions as we grow, and more needs arise. We hope to be able to support another worker this year, Lord willing. But we still need a few things we would like to accomplish for each present worker and are praying to be able to set up an emergency fund for us, which would be a wise thing to do considering the circumstances in these countries. Things are tough out here and we really could use your help. So pray for us that the Lord would bring new mission partners on board willing to pray for us, those we serve and support the work being done.
It’s not easy for me to get back to the States often enough, so we count on the saints back home to pray, share the newsletters, the needs and be willing to help meet these needs. Thank you for your prayers and support and God bless.

In Christ,

Antonio Salgado

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

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.

If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry:

You can  donate to this ministry online with Paypal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministryThis is the fastest option to get funds to us. Click the link below for that option.

https://www.paypal.me/guerofino22?locale.x=es_US

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

The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and the liberty in making needed adjustments.

You may begin sending your support to the 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 here in the DR 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. But the Paypal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.

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 and helping this ministry. God Bless You!

BCMS Update: Maracay, Venezuela devastated by the immense amount of rain and flooding. Leaves many survivors suicidal.

Relief urgently needed in Maracay. Survivors lost everything, leaving many desperate and suicidal.

Following report given by Rafael Rodriguez,  BCMS worker on the ground in Maracay, Venezuela. This another town that has been devastated in this last week. It began to rain heavy yesterday and the streets were flooding again. He is pleading for help and for prayers. Please pray about helping.

 

Good morning my brothers and sisters, may the peace of Christ be with you all.

Beloved, on Wednesday 10/19/2022 some brothers from the congregation brought some arepas and water to Castaño, as you know this place was strongly affected by the flood that occurred on Monday.

By the grace of the Lord we managed to reach the highest and most affected part, since they told us that there was no way in anymore and in reality there was not. They only would let government cars pass to Palmarito, which is the most affected place.

But the Lord made our trip to this place prosper, in the same way that when we went to Tejerías, and providentially we managed to reach Palmarito just like the Lord opened the door for us in Tijerías when others were not allowed.

My dear ones, this city was really devastated by the passage of the river, the people of this community need help, water, food, candles and shovels because many houses as you see in the photos are full of mud.

By the grace of the Lord we were able to talk to some people and deliver gospel tracts, deliver water and food to houses where the water did not come from the river and they did not suffer from floods, but people cannot leave their houses because they cannot leave their cars because all the streets are covered with large stones and mud, they are without electricity and without water.

This Saturday, if the Lord allows it, we want to bring water, candles and shovels (the shovels are to help someone for a while to remove the mud from their house, not to give it away), we also want to continue preaching and bringing the gospel to these people  because although many people are collaborating in terms of food and water, we understand that these people also need to hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and it is a good opportunity to do so.

Pray for them that they may seek the Lord and for us that the Lord may prosper our path and give us words of wisdom to speak with grace and truth to these suffering people.

God bless you,

BCMS worker in Maracay, Venezuela

Rafael Rodriguez

Translated by Antonio Salgado