Why are missionaries in Latin American Countries?

The following comments were made by Dr. Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board.

Why do we send missionaries to Catholic countries? Some researchers identify these as “Christian” and already evangelized, a nomenclature we reject in our vision to fulfill the Great Commission...The people may be identified as cultural Christians since that is their socio-religious profile, but most of them do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They may attend church and fulfill all the prescribed ritual and sacraments of their faith, but it is unlikely that most of them have ever been confronted with the truth of the gospel. We would not discount that there could be significant numbers who personally have genuinely had a born again experience of knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but I find it an enigma of how one can remain within a community of faith whose teachings are so contrary to that of Scripture and inconsistent with evangelical belief. If there are those who are saved, it is not because of Catholic doctrine and teaching but in spite of it.

Belief in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross and saving grace that is received by grace alone is the only means of salvation. When you add to the cross, you, in reality, take away from it, because you are saying, in effect, that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was not sufficient. Their insistence on the immaculate conception of Mary and her assumption of the role of mediator, the infallibility of the Pope, the church as an additional source of ultimate truth, sacramental regenerational baptism, the repeated sacrifice of Christ in the mass and ultimate salvation by works all represent an aberrant gospel which God’s Word terms “anathema.” Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.”

Roman Catholicism has been increasingly universalistic, reaching out to embrace all the world’s religions as “brethren” who ultimately worship the same God. It brought into its system the pagan superstitions of the Roman Empire and continues to lead millions away from the truth of the gospel by its deceptive doctrine. One can find little difference in Catholic churches and Hindu temples in India. In Latin America Catholicism has become the context for a syncretism of spiritism and voodoo. One only has to observe for a few minutes the masses flocking to cathedrals in Europe and Latin America, praying to saints and fondling their relics, to recognize they are not even near to the kingdom of God. A brief conversation will reveal the emptiness and hopelessness of their works-based theology and their need for Jesus.

I realize this is not politically correct, but our Lord has sent us into all the world to disciple the nations. He has commissioned us to proclaim the gospel to every creature. Those in Catholic countries are as lost and bound for hell as much as those who have never heard the name of Jesus. They, too, deserve an opportunity to hear, understand and respond to the life-changing message of the gospel. They cannot be ignored in our commitment that all peoples would know our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Report from Barranca

The following report was posted by one of our missionaries.
Barranca is the next pit stop in a race around Costa Rica. A city booming with industry, houses, soccer fields, bars and old train stations, Barranca also features a large bridge enabling people and cars to cross the mighty rushing waters of the Rio Barranca. A detour is a choice between two tasks, each with its own pros and cons. Teams will have to set out prayer walking and then go back and distribute Gospels of John and invite people to “The Jesus Film” that night. Though the task may not be too physically demanding, it could take all day, as Ticos are known for their hospitality and inviting people into their homes. Teams will have the chance to work with nationals from the local Baptist church and should they finish on time and with less than 5 rejections, Pastor Jose Carranza will have their next clue. Or, teams can stay home in San Francisco and go to the “feria” and study Spanish and try to talk to their Nicaraguan guard who sometimes is drunk. Though this task is easy it is often mentally draining and teams will not receive their next clue until they are at least at an “intermediate high” level in Spanish. Jose Carranza will provide the youth (some better than others) of his church to help each team along the way. Should a youth project come up, however, each team could be left to take on Barranca on their own.

Teams set out all over Barranca praying for the town that the Holy Spirit would open doors, and hearts, and homes. The local youth joined the team and though at times may have had no clue to what they were doing out there, provided great Spanish support. So some people got a true taste of prayer walking for the first time, noting its effect and importance. The team was joined by Costa Rican Gringo Church Planter of the Year, Steve DuVall. Steve said in a speech once, “I want to thank all my fans and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of course my wife Debbie, who cooks the best meatloaf!” Steve brought along with him pastor Jose Manuel Rojas who was recovering from a recent heart attack. Jose Manuel had relatives in this area with which he was hoping to share. And what more shall I say? I don’t have time to talk about [all the missionaries] who through faith conquered grueling IMB appointment processes, survived unbelieving in-laws, and gained the Spanish Language Institute as their reward—the USA was not worthy of them.

So the teams came, they saw, and they conquered. One group led a man to Christ, and all the groups had the chance to pray with someone and practice some Spanish and even come back and see the people reading the gospel! They will hold to the promise of Isaiah 55:11, in whatever version of scripture you choose, that God’s word will go out and not come back empty but will achieve the purpose for which it was sent. Teams gave out over 600 gospels and still made it back to the church before dark to see many neighbors fill the open air church to watch the story of Jesus on the big screen. The team then shared in some songs with the locals including a clapping song that could tire anyone out. It was something about “Jerusalem and La lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala…”

So the teams finished one by one and ended the race at a Chinese Restaurant that was not aware of Child Labor Laws. They also went and enjoyed the Kiosko Costa Azul in Puntarenas, and there was host, Phil Keoghan greeting each team as they crossed the finish line. The bus driver was with him. He said “Aqui en Costa Rica, se dice Pura Vida!” And then mumbled some other Spanish no one understood. Phil said, “Cheryl and Judy…you’re the last team to arrive…maybe if you hadn’t toured that bridge you would’ve made it before the others. But I have good news. Fortunately, this is not an eliminatory round, and you are still in the race.”

So the race ended though no one really lost at all. Each gained an appreciation for Gospel Outreach and the power of prayer and the Word. Many were amazed by the receptivity of the people and were challenged by the barrier of communication and the need to learn the language some call Español. So the second wave of gospels crashed into Barranca on May 14, 2005 with a thundering effect.

Thanks for coming out, folks, and may the Force be with you.

Potpourri of thoughts

I have spoken of Jose Manuel before. He is a man who is working with one of our missionaries and is leading several groups. A few days ago he suffered a mild heart attack. Well, I suppose it was mild. They called the ambulance early in the night, and then called the missionary who works with him. That missionary lives a good hour away. He went to the house...and beat the ambulance there...says something about emergency service here. Anyway, he stayed at the hospital that night and went home the next morning.

Jose is now back in full swing, but still needs our prayers.

A few months ago a volunteer group worked in a little village called Buena Vista. Several people were interested in a Bible study, so one was started. They are now functioning as a church and meeting regularly for worship and study. This is what makes us happy.

It's really amazing how many people express interest in studying the Bible. The Bible isn't a new and strange thing to folks here, but they're not familiar with it at all generally. They revere it, but don't know what it says. They are not encouraged to study the Bible, being told that the priest will tell them what they need to know.

One lady who is in an English class that Mitzi teaches related that several years ago she decided that she was going to find out for herself what the Bible said about things she had been taught. She began to read and, of course, found that some things weren't as she had believed. However, that is rare.

By the way, it seems that God is opening some doors through those English classes. Mitzi teaches an advanced class, so they are able to speak pretty well in English, and are beginning to have some good discussions about what the Bible says and "religious" issues.

Pray that we will be able to discern what areas and towns God is leading to and how to best reach people for Him.