Indigenous Missions at Work in South America
March 14, 2012
South American missionaries and believers pour their hearts out from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon jungles and from the Amazon tributaries of to the shanty towns across the continent. Poverty does not stop these grateful Christians from reaching out to those around them. In some countries the gospel has made great progress, while in other places there are hindrances such as socialism, superstition, and local deities bearing the names of Roman Catholic saints. Still, the gospel, seasoned by persecution, has forged a strong, indigenous evangelical movement that is spreading, especially among tribal groups.
Native missionaries conduct many outdoor evangelistic meetings. Sometimes they draw crowds from rural villages by preaching on the hillsides.
High in the Andes Mountains believers gather on a mountainside where they are taught the Word of God. Traveling native missionaries come from the valleys below and are able to reach these people by motorcycles provided by Christian Aid. There are a few roads, but most of them are full of potholes and ruts that make traveling by car nearly impossible. Gifts of $1200 sent to Christian Aid enable indigenous ministries to purchase motorcycles and send more workers into the mountains.
Gifts sent to Christian Aid provide support for South American missionaries who go to unreached villages where they plant new churches. Then after churches have been planted other workers go to teach and disciple new believers, young and old.
Many times Christian leaders from surrounding towns gather for a time of planning, training and to encourage one another to reach out to those who have not yet heard the gospel. They must meet outside because most have no funds to construct headquarters buildings.
With the help of Christian Aid the gospel is growing. The hard work and energy of native missionaries have enabled them to bring the Word of God to tribes and villages where the truth of the gospel has not been heard. Most are poor and do not have the resources to carry on their work without some assistance.