Bolivia is the fourth poorest country in the world; and the poorest country in Latin America. Considering her natural resources, that's crazy! The truth is that behind the outward natural poverty, there is a spiritual origin of corruption that only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can heal. There is of course a LOT of need, yet we understand in ministry, that we are not humanitarians first but rather ambassadors of God, who must be led by the Holy Spirit...not driven by the needs we see.
I've witnessed a lot of missionary investment into short-term (and short-lived) things here. Most haven't truly changed people or produced a 'remaining fruit.' Many times, short-term missions construct or give money or help out in some humanitarian way (which is wonderful); but they don't effectively preach the Gospel, (or invest into equipping local pastors to do so.)
I would love to tell you that VLM does a lot better, but the challenge is the same for us.It is not difficult to preach the Gospel and see people come to Christ here. Yet it is very difficult to bridge the culture-gap to disciple in ways which cause measurable, quality growth and expansion.
One thing that we have learned is that all growth must be established upon the foundation of a 'biblically explainable' salvation; a 'biblically explained & accomplished' water baptism; and a 'biblically defined & accountable' discipleship. Without these three things being effectively done; people will often make 'decisions for Christ'... but have no idea what that decision entails in responsible reality.
For this reason, we preach forgiveness & salvation by grace. We encourage people to be water baptized as soon as possible. And we attempt to challenge them to become active Disciples of Christ, rather than just so many more church members. These are our foundational goals.
We do not have a fixed church in Santa Cruz.We work the streets; the canals; the drug rehab centers; and disciple people in small groups who are willing to learn something new today and go out and practice it in reality on the street, tomorrow.
In short - We challenge, inspire, exhort & teach people to be Doers of the Word of God by being Doers of the works of Christ.(Is 58:1-2 & Matt 25:35-40) See 'Projects'
I will be the first to tell you that I am less than perfect in all of these things.And in everything that has worked, it has all been God's grace; never our ability.The difference in what works and what doesn't work however has everything to do with our ability to walk-out God's leading in a real spirit of relational love.Without that relational love, our faith is less than biblical.Gal 5:6
As we continue to walk-out what God has prepared for us, we covet your prayers and appreciate your support.We are not humanitarians, in the sense of the word. We do however believe in a two-handed Gospel; one where if we want to help someone spiritually, we also need to be prepared to feed to feed their belly or shoe their feet; not because they are poor...but because they are our brethren and family.And the responsibility is ours.
