BCMS: CULTIVANDO COMUNIDAD Y CRECIMIENTO EN MARACAY, VENEZUELA

Cultivando Comunidad y Crecimiento: Un Informe de la Comunidad Bíblica Misionera de Gracia en Maracay

Ministerio en noviembre

  • Servicio Dominical

             El pasado 10 de noviembre de 2024, fue nuestro primer culto al Señor. Como muchos saben, estamos iniciando una misión en Maracay,Venezuela, después de una transición que pasamos al salir de nuestra iglesia local.

            La gracia del Señor nos ha ayudado, asistiéndonos desde ese primer domingo, añadiendo a una familia, el hermano Irving y su esposa e hija. Fue para nosotros un gozo poder tener al hermano Irving en ese primer domingo cuando pensamos que estaríamos solos. Logramos tener un tiempo de adoración y predicación, considerando el pasaje de 1 Corintios 3. 

             Para el próximo domingo 17 de noviembre, que sería nuestro segundo servicio dominical, el Señor concedió otra familia, además de un joven que ha manifestado recientemente fe en el Señor Jesucristo. Ese día nos pudimos congregar y tener un tiempo de escuela dominical, adoración y, al final, un tiempo de predicación.

            En la escuela dominical comenzamos con un libro de discipulado de Paul Washer (Manual de Discipulado Bíblico) y cada domingo vamos a abordar un tema. Es un tiempo de enseñanza participativa, así le sacamos mucho provecho al tiempo de la enseñanza. Para el tiempo de la predicación, comencé  a enseñar el evangelio de Juan; para ese domingo 17 de noviembre, enseñé la introducción al evangelio de Juan. También hemos podido tener tiempos de comunión después del culto muy edificante.

  • Miércoles de Estudio 

             Los días miércoles estamos realizando un estudio bíblico vía online por Zoom sobre la doctrina del hombre. Son tiempos donde podemos además orar los unos por los otros y estudiar de forma participativa, donde la finalidad es hacernos más cercanos, así como responder preguntas doctrinales.

            Durante estas reuniones hemos estado tocando el tema del hombre bajo estos dos principios:

  -La grandeza del hombre (Es Portador del Imagen de Dios)

  -La miseria del hombre (Su Pecado)

             Con abundantes pasajes de las escrituras estamos analizando cada afirmación. El propósito es que cada uno de nosotros aprendamos a defender las enseñanzas desde las escrituras, pues muchas veces sabemos o creemos algo solo porque lo hemos leído de un libro o confesión de fe, pero no es algo que nosotros mismos hemos tomado el tiempo suficiente para verificar qué dice de ello las escrituras.

 

  • Reunión de Hombres

          Los viernes en la noche nos reunimos para rendir cuenta de nuestras vidas y familias, planificar asuntos de la misión y tocar temas doctrinales para definir algunas posturas que creemos que se deben de tener desde sus inicios.

          Oren por mí, para que el Señor me ayude, capacite y colme de su gracia, también por el hermano Irving. He notado su anhelo por enseñar y tiene buen testimonio, además de una familia piadosa. Quiero invertir tiempo en él en cuanto al tema doctrinal, específicamente sobre la (TNP), él no está definido en una postura sobre ese tema.

           Durante esta reunión, también dedicamos un buen tiempo a la rendición de cuentas con relación al trato de nuestras esposas e hijos y nuestras devociones familiares, esperando que el Señor, por medio de ella, pueda ayudarnos a ser más fieles con nuestros roles familiares. 

 

  • Evangelismo

            En la nueva comunidad donde estoy viviendo, he estado saliendo a predicar los días martes en el Cuerpo Científico Penal y Criminalístico (CICPC) con un grupo de hermanos de otra iglesia cercana. Ellos van cada martes y recientemente yo me uní a ellos para participar en este tiempo. Al lugar se llevan alimentos y la predicación del evangelio a los privados de libertad. Ruego sus oraciones para que este tiempo sea de mucho provecho para los presos, y que el Señor pueda traer salvación. 

 

  • Escuela Dominical Infantil

             Considerando la presencia en nuestro servicio dominical de varios niños, decidimos iniciar el pasado domingo 1 de diciembre una escuela dominical para los más pequeños. En este tiempo, mientras los adultos reciben la escuela dominical, también los pequeños aprenderán sobre el mismo tema que desarrollan los adultos, pero ajustado a su edad para mayor comprensión. La finalidad es que lo que se les enseñe pueda ser reforzado en casa por sus padres en el tiempo de devoción familiar que estamos promoviendo. Es nuestro ruego que en el futuro podamos contar con un lugar designado para esta finalidad y mejores recursos que incentiven su aprendizaje.

 

  • Peticiones de Oración

   Por nuestra familia:

   Para que el Señor nos permita cumplir nuestros roles a mi esposa y a mí, también por la crianza de nuestros hijos y que el Señor traiga salvación a nuestros pequeños.

   Por la salud de nuestra hija mayor, Valentina (10 años):

   Ella fue diagnosticada celíaca; además, su condición hizo que aparecieran unas masas al nivel de las parótidas que, sin la atención adecuada, le crecen. Ella debe comer todos sus alimentos libres de gluten; esto puede parecer algo no gravoso, pero aquí particularmente es una dieta bastante costosa, orar por provisión para su dieta y consultas médicas. 

    Por la misión:

   Para que el Señor nos ayude, nos permita ser fieles a la predicación de su evangelio y a impactar nuestra comunidad. Por eso desde ya pedimos oración por un local o lugar de reunión que sea más visible a la comunidad, ya que por los momentos nos reunimos en un apartamento. Que el Señor siga abriendo puertas para la predicación del evangelio.

   Por Venezuela:

   Para este 10 de enero se esperan días difíciles, ya que el actual Gobierno de Venezuela debe dejar su cargo y entrar en vigencia el nuevo presidente Edmundo Gonzales.  Pero eso no será fácil, ya que el Gobierno de Nicolás Maduro ha manifestado no querer salir y no ha querido reconocer su evidente derrota. Por favor, únese a nosotros en oración por Venezuela.

En Cristo,

Rafael Rodriguez

Soli Deo Gloria

Oren por nuestros obreros de BCMS que sirven fielmente en contextos difíciles. Que el Evangelio continúe avanzando, a Dios sea la gloria.

 

BCMS UPDATE FROM THE MISSION FIELD

 

LAGUNA PRIETA

Laguna Prieta is a community that is part of Puñal, which is on the outskirts of Santiago De Los Caballeros. We have been consistently visiting, doing evangelism and holding bible studies there for a few months now. Pastor Job and I go there every Thursday night and spend on average 2-4 hours a night. Sometimes there is another visit during the week for an individual follow up or to help someone with a need. The group consists of people of Haitian nationality who live in a very vulnerable situation here in the Dominican Republic. They are very kind to us and have accepted us well. They like that I can talk with them in their language, (although not perfectly), and have visited parts of their country. Places where some of them are from.

Usually we meet in the open air, sometimes inside of a home. There is usually a lot of mud and mosquitoes, sometimes there is no electricity. We set up plastic chairs and a table we purchased for this location when we realized the people were coming consistently. We also stay afterwards for a time of snacks and fellowship. That’s the time when we really get to know everyone. 

Last night in Laguna Prieta was wonderful. One lady we met last week (Michelina), came last night and brought her friend, her husband and their children with her. Three new men attended. By the end we had almost 30 people gathered, most of them stayed the entire time. Pastor Job and I pretty excited about what the Lord is doing in this group of people who are quickly becoming beloved to us. When we arrived, we shared the Gospel with a couple of people near where we meet. We also had a chance to talk one on one with a couple of new believers.

After the study, there were many questions and comments from the group. We went on almost a half hour more just to dedicate enough time to that. We asked them to write down their questions during the week so we can answer them on our next visits.

There is even one man, who was somewhat of a scoffer at the beginning, but has become curious and has ended up attending. Although sometimes coming and going, but for the last two weeks in a row he has been present. He is dropping his guard and talking to us now. He even stayed after the study to join us for snacks both times. Praise the Lord!

Something seems to be happening, time will truly tell. May the Lord do a mighty work for His glory in the hearts and lives of many in Laguna Prieta. That they may know Christ, and make Christ known!

Pray.

Soli Deo Gloria

 

“Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

 

 

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

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!

 

BCMS Venezuela, Evangelism follow up with Jorge and Irma

 

Update from BCMS worker Rafael Rodriguez in Maracay, Venezuela

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

“We recently returned to the home of Irma and her only child, Jorge.

Irma has explained to us that Jorge has a condition called cerebral palsy with ataxia psychomotor retardation. Jorge suffers from epileptic convulsions, insomnia and has signs of autism.

His mother Irma is who takes care of him, and since she lives alone with him and due to his condition he requires so much attention, she cannot go to work.  She has expressed interest and has been very receptive to the Gospel. We have visited her several times and been able to help them with what we can, food and by bringing the word of the Lord.

Please pray for her, because certainly the burden she carries every day with her son in this condition is quite large.

Please pray for provision for her and for Jorge’s doctor’s appointments and for his treatments. May the Lord in His mercy grant them salvation.

In Christ,

Rafael Rodriguez”

(Translated to English from Spanish)

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.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/127204737629016/

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 ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to us. Click the link below for that option.

To give specifically to help Irma and Jorge for medications or other needs, please specify by writing “Irma y Jorge”, when making your donation to properly designate funds.

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!

Salgado DR Mission Video / Iglesia Bautista Hato Mayor

This is a video of some of the activities we did for the community of Hato Mayor with our friends from Morriston Baptist church. We were able to minister to 150 children in the mornings through Bible teaching, and have some fun with games, crafts, and music. There was also ministry for adults in the evening with bible studies for both men and women, a beading class for the ladies, a movie night and, a concert with worship music. Since these activities we have continued the beading class to share the gospel with ladies in the community and have had new visitors at the church. Soli Deo Gloria.

New ministry video – Hato Mayor

Here is a new ministry video of this mission here in the Dominican Republic. Our family serves as missionaries here in a new work in Hato Mayor, Santiago DR. We are a small ministry dependent upon God’s provision and grace. We also have custody of a Dominican child who is the product of a rape from a mentally handicapped young lady. We are in a process of trying to adopt this child (Yeison, the baby in the family shot) who has been with us for over ten months.  Ministry is difficult here, but the Lord is blessing the new work in Hato Mayor and we are beginning to see fruit of the ministry.  We would appreciate your prayers and are also very much in need of mission partners who are willing to financially support our endeavors. We are a doctrinally sound ministry who’s only desire is to see Christ’s church here grow and see Him be glorified. Please pray about helping. You can learn more about this ministry by exploring the site’s buttons where you can read our statement of faith, see videos, read past newsletters, and even conveniently give online. Thank you and God bless. Pray.

Grace and peace.

In service to our lord and King,

Antonio Salgado

Salgado DR Mission