BCMS UPDATE: LEONEL RIVIERE IN HAITI

Congratulations to brother Leonel on reaching the halfway point of his Bachelor’s degree in Theology. This is a remarkable achievement that requires dedication, study, and a true passion for faith. It is inspiring to see his commitment and constant effort on this journey of spiritual and academic growth, especially amidst the many challenges he faces with the present situation in his country.

Leonel has served the Lord for several years, in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. But it was in recent years, through the support of our mission partners, that he was able to begin studying formally. May the Lord continue to use him for His glory, and that this would be just another step towards Leonel serving our Lord and His people in an even deeper way.

Thank you for helping us equip the saints, investing in faithful men like Leonel who can teach others also. Soli Deo Gloria

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.- 2 Timothy 2:2

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.- 2 Timothy 2:1

 

 

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.

WHERE ARE OUR MISSIONARIES? (ENGLISH VERSION)

Where Are Our Missionaries? (The Latin American church and the lack of outward missionary efforts)

The Command is to Send Missionaries, Not Just Receive Them

Is your church a missionary church? Are you committed to praying for, giving to, or possibly preparing a brother or sister from your church to go on a mission trip? Do you have a desire to work in missions?

In many Latin American countries, we have seen great missionary efforts from groups and individuals from various foreign organizations. Many churches have received groups of “missionaries” or have met missionaries personally who work in their town or even in their local church. Many of the people I have met here in the Dominican Republic have been the fruit of these missionary efforts. Of course, what has been done in Latin America has happened despite the problems of the region. In addition, we cannot deny that God has used them despite these many difficulties. But by God’s grace, at the end of the day, the church arrived, and for this reason today we have worshippers of Jesus Christ in Latin America. Does it have its problems? Yes. Is there work to be done? Very much! But we give thanks and glory to God first for that.

However, there is something worrying that happened with the “passing of the torch of the gospel.” The vision fell short in many places, or perhaps the mission was not communicated well in its fullness. When a people recognizes their responsibility to reach their population with the gospel, they are headed in the right direction. But it must be understood that within the mandate remains the element of going beyond, and we cannot ignore it. So we must define the terms.

What happened after the transfer of that sacred truth that is the gospel, when it passed from one distant land to another? Why does it seem that many countries receive missionaries, but generally very few in Latin America have sent missionaries to other places? Many believe that evangelizing their own people is enough and bringing the gospel to other places in their own country is enough to participate in the Great Commission. For many, this is missions.

I have persoanlly witnessed entire “mission” campaigns on a national level of a certain baptist denomination that focused its entire month of missions on trying to get people to go out and share the gospel in their neighborhoods. Where most of their neighbors were exactly like them. I applaud the effort, but it was am emphasis on evangelism, not missions. I was asked to speak at a church who was participating. I was the only missionary there. I was gentle and loving. But I was clear that what was going on that day was much more evangelism than actual missions and that we just shouldn’t stop there. I remember receiving many blank stares after saying that. Their concept of missions was actually evangelism. We must define the terms.

Let’s see what the gospel of Matthew 28:18-20 says:

“Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Some brief observations:

* Jesus declares his supreme authority before His disciples.
* Based on that authority, Jesus gives orders to his disciples that include:
* Going to other places
* Making disciples of all nations (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη)
(groups with ethnolinguistic and cultural differences, within any nation, and outside in other nations as well).
* Baptizing believers.
* Teaching them to obey Jesus.
* Jesus promises to be with us always.

Generally, any biblical church understands the importance of evangelizing, understands the concept of making disciples by teaching new believers how to follow Christ. And many understand the ordinance of baptism and the importance of growing in knowledge and obedience to the teachings of our Lord.

But for one reason or another, we have failed greatly in a vitally important element of the Great Commission. The mandate includes going beyond, to people different from us. I am referring to an intentionally transcultural ministry, crossing ethnolinguistic and even geographical barriers, intentionally bringing the gospel to people different from us and starting the same process with them as was done when the gospel came to our context. There are some churches that, yes, have managed to send some, but if we are honest in view of the big picture, there are very few.

Where do we begin?

First, the most practical and natural thing is to reach out to people in our families, neighbors, coworkers, etc. But that’s really just evangelism. We need to have a plan to reach out to foreigners and make disciples of them as well. Maybe your church doesn’t have the resources to go, or support sending someone to a faraway land. But have you ever thought about the foreigners who live in your community, in your city? Groups that are usually looked down upon. They need the gospel too. And that would be a perfect example of participating in missions locally.

What would you think if I told you, with great sadness, that I have heard a pastor with my own ears say that he is not interested in reaching out to “those people”? This man then said that, “They can come to my church if they want, but I will not make an effort to reach out to them beyond that.”

“Those people!” At that moment, my heart was broken. This pastor was contradicting part of the mandate of Jesus. The most ironic thing is that if it were not for missionaries from other countries who brought the gospel to his country, he would not have the hope he has now either. Thank God that the brothers who reached this man’s country did not think the same way.

Why it is important to define the terms?

If we do not understand that the Great Commission carries with it the intention of propelling outward and reaching people different from us where we live, and even further to other ethnicities outside our borders as well, we do not understand the concept of missions.

In short, evangelizing is bringing the gospel to our own people and of course evangelism is very important. But, according to the biblical pattern, missions could be better defined as the “intentional way of crossing cultural barriers to evangelize and disciple.”

We are wrong when we only evangelize people of our own culture and think that we are fulfilling the mission, when in reality, it is only a part of the mission. The text does not present us with the luxury of only working here or there, one group or another. It is both things. The Lord with all authority in heaven and on earth said to “all nations, to all the world.” And I repeat, that was a command, not a suggestion. The King of kings has given His orders; period. I agree with John Piper when speaking about missions he says: “We only have three options, to go, to send, or to disobey.” It is key that we can understand this, that missions should not be optional for the church.

Below, I present some evidences that may show that many churches have lost focus, and then you will be able to see some practical suggestions to start taking the Great Commission more seriously in our local churches, even with the few resources that many churches have.

Evidences that we have lost focus of the mission

Churches with growth invest their resources (and sometimes even go into debt) with secondary matters; such as better equipment, larger temples, a multitude of fun activities, etc. But in order not to be misinterpreted, I must clarify that these are good things and none of them are a sin in themselves. I would never say something like that. But, if I ask you to honestly examine our priorities. The budgets of each church reveal a lot about the true priorities of any ministry. If we take the words of the Lord seriously, the Great Commission should be one of those priorities.

Evidences that we have lost focus of the mission:

  • Receiving and thanking missionaries from other countries who come and help, but without having any urgency to understand the need to imitate that kind of sacrifice and dedication for others. What we have received was never only for us.
  • No long-term plan to prepare and send missionaries from local churches.
  • -No funds allocated in the church budget to support some people who are already working in the mission field.
  • No place on your prayer list for missionaries in other countries, or for the Lord to raise up missionaries from your congregation to give their lives in the mission field in another country.

It is time for us to learn to obey the Lord and step outside our comfort zones, my brothers. This is God’s plan, and we should not give ourselves the luxury of ignoring the most difficult parts of following Christ. Let us remember that in the book of Acts, the disciples had to suffer persecution in order to spread the gospel to other cities and nations. We should not expect anything different for us.

Some suggestions for adjusting our focus and beginning to participate in the Great Commission:

  • Firstly, we must pray. Let us pray for missionaries in other countries. Brothers and sisters who give or put their lives in contexts much more difficult than ours.
  • Let us pray that the Lord will put a passion in the hearts of the members of his church to present the gospel in other nations.
  • Let us pray for provision so that we can support missionaries and eventually send others. Faithfulness is more important than quantity, and the people who give offerings and pray for missions play a role of equal importance to that of the missionary in the field.
  • Let us pray and choose a country for which to pray frequently, for the missions and the church of that country. Praying for missions in other nations is participating in those missions. We depend on the Lord, and we cannot do it in our own strength.
  • Let us pray that the Lord will raise up one of his own church to the mission field, possibly it could be you. Would you be willing?**
  • Be intentional in preparing leaders. This should always be a priority in any church. If you have faithful men working in the ministry, who know the Word of Truth, they will be the best candidates. If they are to be effective as missionaries, they must be good theologians.
  • Above all, do the work of an evangelist. Preach to everyone. But you must be intentional in seeking opportunities to build relationships with people from other cultures as well (even if it is with translators), take the time to learn things about them and their culture, with the goal of preaching the gospel to them. This is also participating in missions.

If you open your eyes you will realize that God brings a mission field to your own doorstep. Opportunities abound, Christ has all authority and thank God He promised to be with us. What else do we need? What stops us?

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… – Jesus

(This article was originally written in Spanish. The context is of the Latin American church and the lack of outward missionary efforts. Written and translated by Antonio Salgado.)

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.

¿DÓNDE ESTÁN NUESTROS MISIONEROS?

¿DÓNDE ESTÁN NUESTROS MISIONEROS?

El Mandato Es Enviar Misioneros, No Solo Recibirlos

¿Es su iglesia una iglesia misionera? ¿Tienes un compromiso con orar, dar o posiblemente preparar un hermano de su iglesia para ir de misión? ¿Tiene deseo de trabajar en misiones?

En muchos países de Latinoamérica se ha visto un gran esfuerzo misionero de grupos e individuos de varias organizaciones extranjeras. Muchas iglesias han recibido grupos de “misioneros” o han conocido misioneros personalmente que trabajan en su pueblo o aun en su iglesia local. Muchas de las personas que he conocido aquí en R.D. han sido fruto de estos esfuerzos misioneros. Por supuesto, lo que se ha hecho en Latinoamérica ha sucedido a pesar de los problemas de la región. además, no podemos negar que Dios los ha usado a pesar de estas muchas dificultades. Pero por la gracia de Dios, al final del día, la iglesia llegó y por esta razón hoy en día tenemos adoradores de Jesucristo en Latinoamérica. ¿Tiene sus problemas? Si; ¿Hay trabajo que hacer? Mucho; Pero damos gracias y gloria a Dios primero por eso.

Sin embargo, hay algo preocupante que sucedió con la “transferencia de la antorcha del evangelio” La visión quedó corta en muchos lugares, o quizás no se comunicó bien la misión en su plenitud. Cuando un pueblo reconoce su responsabilidad de alcanzar a su población con el evangelio, van en una buena dirección. Pero hay que entender que dentro del mandato permanece el elemento de ir más allá y no lo podemos ignorar. Entonces debemos definir los términos.

¿Qué pasó después de la transferencia de esa sagrada verdad que es el evangelio, cuando se pasó de una tierra lejana a otra? ¿Porque parece que muchos países reciben a misioneros, pero por lo general muy pocos en América Latina han enviado misioneros a otros lugares? Muchos creen que con evangelizar su propio pueblo basta y en llevar el evangelio a otros lugares de su propio país es suficiente para participar en la Gran Comisión. Para muchos, esto es misiones. Y en un sentido lo es, en parte. Pero no podemos detenernos allí.

¿Qué pasó después de la transferencia de esa sagrada verdad que es el evangelio, cuando se pasó de una tierra lejana a otra? ¿Porque parece que muchos países reciben a misioneros, pero por lo general muy pocos en América Latina han enviado misioneros a otros lugares? Muchos creen que con evangelizar su propio pueblo basta y en llevar el evangelio a otros lugares de su propio país es suficiente para participar en la Gran Comisión. Para muchos, esto es misiones. Y en un sentido lo es, en parte. Pero no podemos detenernos allí.

Veamos que dice el evangelio de Mateo 28:18-20 NBL dice:

“Acercándose Jesús, les dijo: Toda autoridad me ha sido dada en el cielo y en la tierra.  Vayan, pues, y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo, enseñándoles a guardar todo lo que les he mandado; y ¡recuerden! Yo estoy con ustedes todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo.”

Algunas breves observaciones

Jesús declara su autoridad suprema delante de Sus discípulos.
Basado en esa autoridad Jesús da órdenes a sus discípulos que incluyen:

  • Salir a otros lugares
  • Hacer discípulos de todas las naciones (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη)
    (grupos con diferencias etnolingüísticas y culturales, dentro de cualquier nación, y fuera en otras naciones también).
  • Bautizando creyentes.
  • Enseñándoles obedecer a Jesús.
  • Jesús promete estar con nosotros siempre

Por lo general, cualquier iglesia bíblica entiende la importancia de evangelizar, entiende el concepto de hacer discípulos por medio de la enseñanza a los nuevos creyentes sobre como seguir a Cristo. Y muchos entienden la ordenanza de bautismo y la importancia de crecer en conocimiento y obediencia a las enseñanzas de nuestro Señor.

Pero por una razón u otra, hemos fallado grandemente en un elemento sumamente importante de la gran comisión. El mandato incluye ir más allá, a personas diferentes de nosotros. Me refiero a un ministerio intencionalmente transcultural, cruzando barreras etnolingüísticas y aun geográficas, intencionalmente llevando el evangelio a personas diferente de nosotros y comenzando el mismo proceso con ellos que se hizo cuando el evangelio llego a nuestro contexto. Hay algunas iglesias que, si lo han hecho, han logrado enviar algunos, pero si somos honestos en vista del gran panorama, son muy pocos.

¿DÓNDE COMENZAMOS?

En primer lugar, lo mas practico y natural es alcanzar personas en nuestras familias, vecinos, compañeros de trabajo, etc. Pero realmente eso es solo evangelizar. Debemos de tener un plan para acercarnos a los extranjeros y hacer discípulos de ellos también. Tal vez, su iglesia no tiene los recursos para ir, o apoyar enviando a alguien para vaya a una tierra lejana. ¿Pero en un momento has pensado en los extranjeros que viven en tu comunidad, en tu ciudad? Grupos que usualmente son menospreciados. Ellos también necesitan el evangelio. Y eso será un perfecto ejemplo de participar en misiones a nivel local.

Que pensarías si te cuento con una gran tristeza, que he escuché un pastor con mis propios oídos decir que no le interesa alcanzar “esa gente” Este señor luego dijo que, “Pueden venir a mi iglesia si quieren, pero yo no hare un esfuerzo para alcanzarlos a ellos aparte de eso.” ¡¿Esa gente!? En ese momento mi corazón fue quebrantado. Este pastor estaba contradiciendo parte del mismo mandato de Jesús. Lo mas irónico es que si no fuera por misioneros de otros países que trajeron el evangelio a su país, él tampoco tuviera la esperanza que tiene ahora. Gracias a Dios que los hermanos que alcanzaron el país de este hombre no pensaron de esa misma manera.

Pero por eso es importante definir los términos. Si no entendemos que la gran comisión lleva consigo la intención de propulsar hacia a fuera y alcanzar personas diferentes a nosotros donde vivimos, y aun mas allá a otras etnias diferentes fuera de nuestras fronteras también, no entendemos el concepto de misiones. En pocas palabras, evangelizar es llevar el evangelio a nuestra propia gente y por supuesto el evangelismo es una importante parte de misiones. Pero misiones se podría definir mejor como la manera intencional de cruzar barreras culturales para evangelizar y discipular.

Nos equivocamos cuando solo evangelizamos gente de nuestra misma cultura y pensamos que estamos cumpliendo con la misión, cuando en realidad, es solo una parte de la misión. El texto no nos presenta el lujo de solo trabajar aquí o allá, un grupo u otro. Son las dos cosas. El Señor con toda autoridad en el cielo y en la tierra dijo a “todas las naciones, a todo el mundo. Y repito, eso fue un mandato, no una sugerencia. El Rey de reyes ha dado Sus órdenes; Punto. Estoy de acuerdo con John Piper cuando hablando respecto a las misiones dice: “Solo tenemos tres opciones, ir, enviar, o desobedecer.” Es clave que podamos entender esto, que las misiones no deben ser opcional para la iglesia.

A continuación, presento unas evidencias que pueden mostrar que muchas iglesias han perdido el enfoque, y después podrán ver algunas sugerencias prácticas para comenzar a tomar la gran comisión con mas seriedad en nuestras iglesias locales, aun con los pocos recursos que muchas iglesias cuentan.

Evidencias de que hemos perdido en enfoque de la misión:

Iglesias con crecimiento invierten sus recursos (y aun a veces se ponen en deuda) con asuntos secundarios; como mejores equipos, templos más amplios, una multitud de actividades divertidas, etc. Pero para no ser malinterpretado debo aclarar que estas son cosas buenas y ninguna es pecado en sí. Jamás diría algo así. Pero, si les pido que examinemos de manera honesta nuestras prioridades. Los presupuestos de cada iglesia revelan mucho acerca de las verdaderas prioridades de cualquier ministerio. Si tomamos en serio las palabras del Señor, la gran comisión debe ser una de esas prioridades.

El recibir y agradecer por misioneros de otros países que vienen y ayudan, pero sin tener ninguna urgencia en entender la necesidad de imitar ese tipo de sacrificio y entrega para otros. Lo que hemos recibido nunca era solo para nosotros.

Ningún plan de largo plazo para preparar y enviar misioneros desde las iglesias locales.

Ningún fondo asignado en el presupuesto de la iglesia para apoyar algunas personas que ya están trabajando en el campo misionero.

Ningún lugar en su lista de oraciones por misioneros en otros países, o para que el Señor levante misioneros de su congregación para dar su vida en el campo misionero en otro país.

Es tiempo que aprendamos a obedecer al Señor y salir de nuestras zonas de confort mis hermanos. Esto es el plan de Dios y no debemos darnos el lujo de ignorar las partes más difíciles de seguir a Cristo, recordemos que en el libro de los hechos los discípulos debieron recibir una persecución para poder expandir el evangelio a las demás ciudades y naciones, no debemos esperar que a nosotros nos suceda igual.

Sugerencias para ajustar nuestros enfoques y comenzar a participar en la gran comisión:
En primer lugar, debemos orar. Oremos por misioneros en otros países. Hermanos y hermanas que dan o ponen sus vidas en contextos mucho más difíciles que la nuestra.

Oremos para que el Señor ponga la pasión en los corazones de los miembros de su iglesia para presentar el evangelio en las demás naciones.
Oremos por provisión para poder apoyar a los misioneros y eventualmente enviar a otros. La fidelidad es más importante que cantidad, y las personas que dan ofrendas y oran por las misiones que cumplen un papel con la misma importancia que el del misionero en el campo.

Oremos y elijan un país por el cual orar frecuentemente, por las misiones y la iglesia de dicho país. Orar por las misiones en otras naciones es participar en dichas misiones. Dependemos del Señor y no podemos hacerlo en nuestras propias fuerzas.

Oremos para que el Señor levante uno de su propia iglesia al campo misionero, posiblemente podría ser usted. ¿Estarías dispuesto?

Ser intencional en preparar líderes. Esto siempre debe ser una prioridad en cualquier iglesia. Si tienes hombres fieles trabajando en el ministerio, que conocen la Palabra de Verdad, ellos serán los mejores candidatos. Si va ser eficaz como misionero, debe ser un buen teólogo.

Sobre todo, haga el trabajo de un evangelista. Predícale a todo el mundo. Pero debes ser intencional en buscar oportunidades de establecer relaciones con personas de otras culturas también (aunque sea con traductores), toma el tiempo de aprender cosas de ellos y de su cultura, con la meta de predicarle el evangelio. Esto también es participar en misiones.

Si abres los ojos te darás cuenta de que Dios trae un campo misionero a tu propia puerta. Las oportunidades abundan, Cristo tiene toda autoridad y gracias a Dios Él prometió estar con nosotros. ¿Qué más necesitamos? ¿Qué nos detiene?

Vayan, pues, y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones… – Jesús

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.

La Canción de Yeison: Un Susurro Contra el Rugido (ACTUALIZADO)

El mundo ruge con argumentos sobre el aborto, cada lado ahogando la voz más preciada: el grito de una vida silenciada. Pero no puedo quedarme callado con la historia de mi propio hijo pidiendo ser escuchada. Esto no es una diatriba política, sino un lamento, un susurro contra el estruendo ensordecedor, tejido con la esperanza nacida de una realidad brutal.

Muchos conocen a Yeison, nuestro milagro bilingüe y brillante. Lo que quizás no sepan es la oscuridad que lo dio a luz. No sólo nació de una madre con necesidades especiales, sino en las secuelas de un acto monstruoso: una violación que destrozó su mundo y lo dejó a él, un alma inocente, aferrándose a la vida.

Esta es la verdad que me desgarra. Mientras la rabia por el perpetrador arde con fuerza, una brasa de gratitud parpadea: gracias a Dios que el aborto no era una opción legal aquí. Pero la sombra de su posible existencia futura se cierne sobre nosotros, recordándonos la escalofriante verdad: cada vida, desde su primera chispa, tiene un valor intrínseco. Cada latido, independientemente de su origen, susurra una canción que sólo el cielo puede escuchar realmente. ¿Y quiénes somos nosotros para silenciar esa canción?

La madre de Yeison, aunque atrapada en sus propias luchas, lo ama con fiereza. Brilla en sus ojos, un testimonio del vínculo maternal que trasciende las limitaciones. ¿Cómo se atreve nadie a afirmar que este niño, nacido de semejante horror, merece algo menos que amor y protección?

En la época en que estaba orando por otro hijo, Dios me llevó a una comunidad donde predicaba y enseñaba Su Palabra. Respondió mis oraciones, pero de una manera que nunca esperé. Me puso en el camino de ayudar a Yeison, a su madre y a la que sería la cuidadora de Yera.

La escena que nos recibió era desgarradora. Yera, débil y desnutrida, apenas podía cuidarse a sí misma, y mucho menos a un bebé. Si el aborto hubiera sido una opción, la vida de Yeison se habría borrado, su pequeña melodía se habría apagado antes de empezar realmente.

El pensamiento me hiela la sangre. Incluso en casos de traumas inimaginables, el niño no debería cargar con los pecados del perpetrador. Quitar una vida, en cualquier etapa, no es una solución, sino una tragedia agravada.

Hoy, la risa de Yeison resuena en nuestra casa. Él prospera, amado y querido por sus hermanos y muchos otros. Pero su historia no es sólo sol y sonrisas. Es un recordatorio crudo de la oscuridad que existe, de las vidas que se balancean al borde del silencio. Es un llamado a la acción, una súplica para que nos elevemos por encima del ruido y escuchemos los susurros de aquellos cuyas voces apenas se oyen.

El Evangelio se hace eco de esta súplica. Cuando estábamos perdidos y rotos, condenados y separados de Dios, Cristo no nos condenó, sino que vino a salvarnos, a ofrecernos el perdón y el asombroso privilegio de convertirnos en hijos de Dios. Como un niño adoptado en un hogar amoroso, ya no somos parias, sino hijos e hijas amados. Esta verdad alimenta mi compromiso inquebrantable de vivir para Él, de ser un faro de esperanza en un mundo que la necesita desesperadamente.

Pero las palabras por sí solas no pueden cambiar el mundo. Debemos actuar, nuestras acciones reflejando la compasión de Cristo y la gracia del Evangelio. Unámonos, no sólo para denunciar, sino para ofrecer apoyo y sanación a los afectados por el aborto. Recuerde que, incluso en la oscuridad más profunda, el perdón y la restauración son posibles.

Cuando miro a Yeison, veo más que un hijo. Veo un superviviente, un símbolo de esperanza, un testimonio vivo del valor de cada vida, incluso de las nacidas de un dolor inimaginable. Veo un hermoso reflejo del Evangelio. Que su historia toque su corazón, despierte su compasión y le inspire a unirse a nosotros para alzar nuestras voces, no sólo contra el rugido, sino por los susurros de cada preciosa vida.

Oremos por los afectados por el aborto, tanto por los niños como por los que se enfrentan a decisiones difíciles. Incluso en la oscuridad más profunda, el perdón y la restauración son posibles. Que estos encuentren consuelo y esperanza en el amor inquebrantable de Dios mostrado en el Evangelio.

En Cristo,

Antonio Salgado

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!

 

Yeison’s Song: A Whisper Against the Roar (UPDATED)

The world roars with arguments about abortion, each side drowning out the most precious voice: the cry of a life silenced. But I can’t stand silent with my own son’s story begging to be heard. This isn’t a political diatribe, but a lament, a whisper against the deafening noise, woven with hope born from a brutal reality.

Many know Yeison, our bright, bilingual miracle. What they may not know is the darkness that birthed him. He wasn’t just born to a mother with special needs, but into the aftermath of a monstrous act – a rape that ripped her world apart and left him, an innocent soul, clinging to life.

This is the truth that tears me apart. While rage for the perpetrator burns white-hot, an ember of gratitude flickers – thank God abortion wasn’t a legal option here. But the shadow of its possible future existence looms large, reminding us of the chilling truth: every life, from its very first spark, holds an intrinsic value. Each heartbeat, regardless of its origin, whispers a song only heaven can truly hear. And who are we to silence that song?

Yeison’s mother, though trapped in her own struggles, loves him fiercely. It shines in her eyes, a testament to the maternal bond that transcends limitations. How dare anyone claim this child, born from such horror, deserves anything less than love and protection?

Around the time I had been praying for another child, God led me to a community where I had been preaching and teaching His Word. He answered my prayers, but in a way I never expected. He placed me on a path to help Yeison, his mother, and who would be Yera’s caretaker.

The scene that greeted us was gut-wrenching. Yera, weak and malnourished, could barely care for herself, let alone a baby. Had abortion been an option, Yeison’s life would have been erased, his tiny melody snuffed out before it ever truly began.

The thought makes my blood run cold. Even in cases of unimaginable trauma, the child shouldn’t bear the sins of the perpetrator. Taking a life, at any stage, is not a solution, but a tragedy compounded.

Today, Yeison’s laughter echoes through our home. He thrives, loved and cherished by his siblings and many others. But his story isn’t just sunshine and smiles. It’s a stark reminder of the darkness that exists, the lives teetering on the brink of silence. It’s a call to action, a plea to rise above the noise and listen to the whispers of those whose voices are barely heard.

The Gospel echoes this plea. When we were lost and broken, condemned and separated from God, Christ didn’t condemn us, but came to save us, to offer forgiveness and the amazing privilege of becoming children of God. Like a child adopted into a loving home, we are no longer outcasts, but beloved sons and daughters. This truth fuels my unwavering commitment to live for Him, to be a beacon of hope in a world desperately needing it.

But words alone can’t change the world. We must act, our actions reflecting the compassion of Christ and grace of the Gospel. Let’s stand together, not just to denounce, but to offer support and healing to those impacted by abortion. Remember, even in the deepest darkness, forgiveness and restoration are possible.

When I look at Yeison, I see more than a son. I see a survivor, a symbol of hope, a living testament to the preciousness of every life, even those born from unimaginable pain. I see a beautiful reflection of the Gospel. May his story touch your heart, stir your compassion, and inspire you to join us in raising our voices, not just against the roar, but for the whispers of every precious life.

Let us pray for those affected by abortion, both the children and those facing difficult choices. Again, I emphasize, that even in the deepest darkness, forgiveness and restoration are possible. May they find solace and hope in God’s unwavering love shown in the Gospel.

In Christ,

Antonio Salgado

 

 

 

PRAYER REQUEST FOR BCMS VENEZUELA

The Gospel work of the nationals is so important!

This is one of the many reasons I hold brothers Rafael and Leonel in such high esteem. Especially in hard places like theirs, with eminent dangers for Americans and other foreigners. The nationals can work maintaining a much lower profile and can work even better than we can with a little help.

Here is a little context on the situation in Venezuela from the U.S. government, advising citizens not to travel to Venezuela. (The same is true for brother Leonel in Haiti right now, with so much suffering and civil unrest.)

For American citizens, Venezuela is presently at a level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory.

“Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel due to wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure.

On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas. All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. U.S. citizens in Venezuela who require consular services should try to leave the country as soon as safely possible and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.

Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common. Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice. Demonstrations typically elicit a strong police and security force response that includes the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants and occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism.

Reports from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission document human rights abuses attributed to the Maduro regime, including torture, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and detentions without due process and/or fair trial guarantees or as a pretext for an illegitimate purpose. Shortages of gasoline, food, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies continue throughout much of Venezuela. The CDC issued a Level 3 avoid non-essential travel notice on September 30, 2021, due to inadequate healthcare and the breakdown of the medical infrastructure in Venezuela. Today, the the Department has determined that there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Maduro regime.

Regime-aligned security forces have detained U.S. citizens for long periods. The Maduro regime does not notify the U.S. government of the detention of U.S. citizens and the U.S. government is not granted routine access to those U.S. citizens.

Colombian terrorist groups, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), and Segunda Marquetalia, operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.”

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.

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.

¿QUE SIGNIFICA CRISTO CÉNTRICO?

“Entonces él les dijo: —¡Insensatos y tardos de corazón para creer todo lo que los profetas han dicho! ¿No era necesario que el Cristo padeciera estas cosas y que entrara en su gloria? Y comenzando desde Moisés y siguiendo por todos los profetas, les declaraba en todas las Escrituras lo que de él decían.” San Lucas‬ 24:25-27‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“porque si creyerais a Moisés, me creeríais a mí, porque de mí escribió él.” San Juan‬ 5:46‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Hay mucho en las redes sociales entre los cristianos que usan este término, muchos libros, sermones, canciones. ¿Pero qué significa y exactamente, y porque se usa? ¿Por qué tanto énfasis? ¿Tal vez la pregunta más importante será, es bíblico darle tanto énfasis a la persona y obra de Cristo? Este tema es uno cuál es simple, pero a la vez muy profundo y tiene que ver con la teología del “cumplimiento” y es un tema que el mismo Antiguo Testamento da prioridad. Es el mensaje que Juan el Bautista predicó, Jesús y los apóstoles predicaron, y es el tema que llega al mismo corazón del evangelio. 

El Apóstol Pablo declaró que Jesús vino cuando el tiempo fue cumplido. Por lo menos esto implica que hubo un tiempo de preparación. Preparación de algo grande anticipado. En el plan de Dios progresivo, todo de lo que había sucedido tenía su propósito y meta de señalar, y exaltar a Cristo.  La era de Moisés apuntaba a este momento de cumplimiento y dio énfasis a ese momento venidero. La llegada del Hijo de Dios indicaba la culminación de ese tiempo. Hasta este punto en la historia, esto había sido la meta de TODO que había sucedido en el pasado.

El Señor prometió en varias ocasiones un Redentor, Salvador, el Mesías, el mejor y mayor profeta y dador de ley. Todos los tipos y sombras en el Antiguo Testamento eran solamente sombras del que ha de venir.  Se puede decir que nunca ha existido un verdadero rey, un verdadero, profeta, un verdadero juez, un verdadero maestro. ¡Porque en un sentido todos del pasado eran nada más que sombras del Verdadero, el Señor Jesucristo!

¡Desde Génesis a Malaquías hay algunos 353 profecías acerca de Cristo cumplidas en el Nuevo Testamento! 

La Biblia fue escrita y preservada para nosotros, ¡pero no es acerca de nosotros, las Escrituras dan testimonio de Cristo! Todas las promesas son a Él, a Cristo, y somos herederos de esas promesas por fe en Él.

“Porque todas las promesas de Dios son en él «sí», y en él «Amén», por medio de nosotros, para la gloria de Dios.” 2 Corintios‬ 1:20‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

San Agustín es que está acreditado con decir, “el antiguo está en el nuevo revelado, y el nuevo está en el antiguo ocultado”.

Desde Génesis vemos en el protoevangelio, la primera promesa de redención, que se cumplió en la cruz.

“Pondré enemistad entre ti y la mujer, y entre tu simiente y la simiente suya; esta te herirá en la cabeza, y tú la herirás en el talón.” Génesis‬ 3:15‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

En Deuteronomio vemos la promesa de un profeta como Moisés… Pero mejor, mayor.

“»Un profeta como yo te levantará Jehová, tu Dios, de en medio de ti, de tus hermanos; a él oiréis.” Deuteronomio‬ 18:15‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

En el Nuevo Testamento vemos El Padre decir lo mismo de una nube de gloria en la transfiguración.

“Y se les aparecieron Moisés y Elías, que hablaban con él. Entonces Pedro dijo a Jesús: «Señor, bueno, es para nosotros que estemos aquí; si quieres, haremos aquí tres enramadas: una para ti, otra para Moisés y otra para Elías.» Mientras él aún hablaba, una nube de luz los cubrió y se oyó una voz desde la nube, que decía: «Este es mi Hijo amado, en quien tengo complacencia; a él oíd.» Al oír esto, los discípulos se postraron sobre sus rostros y sintieron gran temor. Entonces Jesús se acercó y los tocó, y dijo: «Levantaos y no temáis.» Cuando ellos alzaron los ojos, no vieron a nadie, sino a Jesús solo.” San Mateo‬ 17:3-8‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Moisés y Elías, quienes siempre han representado a la ley y los profetas, en este instante muy significante, desaparecen y el texto dice que alzaron los ojos ¡y no vieron a nadie, sino a Jesús solo! ¡A él oíd! Esto es el mensaje de la Biblia. ¡Jesús es el verdadero Profeta, el verdadero, Rey, el verdadero Maestro, el verdadero Juez, el Sumo sacerdote del mejor y nuevo pacto basado en mejores promesas, y el verdadero y mayor dador de la ley, Su ley!

Todo punta hacia Cristo, los sacrificios, el templo, el tabernáculo, el sábado, y podemos escribir ejemplos innumerables de los tipos y sombras de Cristo en el Antiguo Testamento. Pero el Nuevo lo declara con más claridad.

Cristo está..

“sobre todo principado y autoridad, poder y señorío, y sobre todo nombre que se nombra, no solo en este siglo, sino también en el venidero.” Efesios‬ 1:21‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Cristo es..

“Él, que es el resplandor de su (Dios) gloria, la imagen misma de su sustancia y quien sustenta todas las cosas con la palabra de su poder…” Hebreos‬ 1:3‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

¡Es Cristo que sostiene todo en la creación!

En Cristo-

 “fueron creadas todas las cosas, las que hay en los cielos y las que hay en la tierra, visibles e invisibles; sean tronos, sean dominios, sean principados, sean potestades; todo fue creado por medio de él y para él. Y él es antes que todas las cosas, y todas las cosas en él subsisten.” Colosenses‬ 1:16-17‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Todas las cosas por medio de él fueron hechas, y sin él nada de lo que ha sido hecho fue hecho.”  San Juan‬ 1:3‬ RVR95‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

¡Cristo es todo! Y en la infinita sabiduría de Dios el Padre, Él lo decretó así y El Espíritu lo glorifica y nos guía hacia Él.

Como cristianos, debemos también ser Cristo céntricos, porque Cristo es el centro de todo, y en la Palabra de Dios es así.  Y si Cristo es el centro de la Biblia (Y el universo) entonces debe ser el centro de nuestras vidas también. Nuestra nueva identidad está en Él y en todo momento debemos adorar y dar gracias que por la fe, y con un corazón humilde podemos acercarnos a este Rey de Reyes y Señor de Señores, a quien merece toda honra y gloria y poder por los siglos de los siglos, amén.

El gran misterio en todo esto es esta hermosa verdad:

Pero Dios demuestra su amor para con nosotros, en que siendo aún pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros. -Romanos 5:8

Arrepiéntete de tu pecado y de confiar en ti mismo.  Ven a Cristo, crea en Cristo, confía en Cristo.  Tendrás paz con Dios, perdón de tus pecados, descanso para tu alma. Centre tu vida en Cristo, porque Él verdaderamente es el centro de todas las cosas.

Escrito por Antonio Salgado, misionero en la República Dominicana

Doy gracias a mi Dios cada vez que me acuerdo de ustedes.  En todas mis oraciones por todos ustedes siempre oro con alegría,  porque han participado en el evangelio desde el primer día hasta ahora.

– Filipenses 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.

WHAT DOES “CHRIST CENTERED” MEAN?

“Then he said to them, ‘Oh, foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Luke 24:25-27 ESV

“For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”
John 5:46 ESV

There is a lot on social media among Christians who use the term “Christ centered”, many books, sermons, and songs. But what does it mean exactly, and why is it used? Why so much emphasis? Perhaps the most important question will be, is it biblical to give so much emphasis to the person and work of Christ? This topic is one that is simple but at the same time very profound and has to do with the theology of “fulfillment” and it is a topic that the Old Testament itself gives priority to. It is the message that John the Baptist preached, Jesus and the apostles preached, and it is the theme that reaches the very heart of the gospel.

The Apostle Paul declared that Jesus came when the time was fulfilled. At the very least, this implies that there was a time of preparation. Preparation for something great anticipated. In the progressive plan of God, everything that had happened had its purpose and goal of pointing to, and exalting Christ.

The era of Moses pointed to this moment of fulfillment and gave emphasis to that coming moment. The arrival of the Son of God indicated the culmination of that time. Up to this point in history, this had been the goal of EVERYTHING that had happened in the past.

The Lord promised on several occasions a Redeemer, Savior, the Messiah, the best and greatest prophet and giver of the law. All the types and shadows in the Old Testament were only shadows of the one who is to come. It can be said that there has never been a true king, a true prophet, a true judge, a true teacher. Because in a sense, all the past were nothing more than shadows of the True One, the Lord Jesus Christ!

From Genesis to Malachi, there are some 353 prophecies about Christ fulfilled in the New Testament!

The Bible was written and preserved for us, but it is not about us, the Scriptures testify of Christ! All the promises are to Him, to Christ, and we are heirs of those promises by faith in Him.

“for all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter the Amen to the glory of God through us.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV

Saint Augustine is credited with saying, “the old is in the new revealed, and the new is in the old hidden.”

From Genesis, we see in the ‘protoevangelium’, the first promise of redemption, which was fulfilled on the cross.

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Genesis 3:15 ESV

In Deuteronomy, we see the promise of a prophet like Moses… But better, greater.

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You shall listen to him.”
Deuteronomy 18:15 ESV

In the New Testament, we see The Father say the same thing from a cloud of glory at the transfiguration.

“And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself.”
Matthew 17:3-8 ESV

Moses and Elijah, who have always represented the law and the prophets, at this very significant moment, disappear and the text says that they looked up, and saw no one, except Jesus alone! To him, give ear! This is the message of the Bible. Jesus is the true Prophet, the true King, the true Teacher, the true Judge, the High Priest of the better and new covenant based on better promises, and the true and greater giver of the law, His law!

Everything points to Christ, the sacrifices, the temple, the tabernacle, the Sabbath, and we can write countless examples of the types and shadows of Christ in the Old Testament. But the New Testament declares it with more clarity.

Christ is..

“above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
Ephesians 1:21 ESV

Christ is..

“the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”
Hebrews 1:3 ESV

It is Christ who sustains everything in creation!

In Christ..

“all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”Colossians 1:16-17 ESV

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 1:3 ESV

Christ is everything! And in the infinite wisdom of God the Father, He decreed it so and the Spirit glorifies Him and guides us to Him.

As Christians, we must also be Christ centered because Christ is the center of everything, including the Word of God. And if Christ is the center of the Bible (and the universe) then He must be the center of our lives as well. Our new identity is in Him and at all times we must worship and give thanks that by faith, and with a humble heart we can approach this King of Kings and Lord of Lords to whom is due all honor and glory and power forever and ever amen.

The great mystery in all this is this beautiful truth:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 ESV

Repent of your sin and of trusting in yourself. Come to Christ, believe in Christ, trust in Christ. You will have peace with God, forgiveness of your sins, and rest for your soul. Center your life in Christ, because He truly is the center of all things.

Written by Antonio Salgado serving in the Dominican Republic

“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.