Trip to Asia

During the first century, Christians from Judea and surrounding areas obeyed the great comission and spread the gospel to those around them. Later, because of the persecution, the gospel went farther than ever. Several centuries later the gospel was then taken to the Europe, then the North America, eventually Latin America and so on. People may think that the work is done, but the truth is that we are far from finishing the task. Several things hinder the church from taking the gospel to every corner of the globe. For some is the culture, for some the funds.

Three months ago I got to visit an unreached people group. My visit was a vision trip to check the possibility of sending Dominicans to make disciples in the area as well as finding out about the logistics needed for that to happen. I was overwhelmed by God´s grace when I saw myself on the other side of the globe in a country where the customs officials didn´t even know what Dominican Republic is. I had made it, but what I was to experience was beyond my expectations.

I have taught about missions and UPG´s but I had never been to one. I got to an area in a country where several millions of people live and simply there are no believers there. Yes, there is one congregation here and another there, but they are foreign congregations led by foreign pastors which in no way represented that people group. they were more like immigrant churches.

In 8 days I was there, I met 7 missionaries and 3 believers (that were actually part of this people group). The word "Missionary" is like a curse word there. The Evangelical lingo I´m used to is banned there. The whole thing was shocking to me. I grew up in the only country in the world that has a bible in its flag. A country where its founders were true Christians. The emblem of our flag has John 8:32 on it "and thou shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". Now I was in a country where being a Christian meant to be kicked out of your home.

Caucasian Americans are not very effective there. The culture, the history, the way they are seen makes it hard for Americans to be able to minister. On the other hand Latinos, because of the culture and no previous relationship with such countries, are more effective

One of the problems Latinos (especially Dominicans) face is the fundraising part. Once you find one or two disciples who have given up the Dominican Dream (a similar version of the American Dream except it is harder to achieve) you´d have to convince them that now they´ll have to "ask for money" in order to go. This of course makes it harder and therefore only those who are completely confident on their calling actually go into the field.

When you pray for this team, ask the Lord to provide for them. Pray that the team is a helping hand and not a burden on those working there already. Pray for God to be preparing their hearts. ANd Pray for the hearts of those who will receive the gospel according to God´s will.