Christian Aid financially assists indigenous ministries in 13 Latin American countries. Compared to native Asian missionaries, Latin American missionaries encounter less overt persecution. Yet no lack of courage is permitted of them as they face poverty, corrupt governments and foreign religions, hostile to the gospel.
Native missionaries in Colombia bravely spread the gospel in guerrilla-infested jungles. The FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), especially hostile toward evangelical Christians, is the best-equipped insurgent force in the country. They finance their terrorist activity through kidnapping ransoms, extortion and protection of the drug trade.
In the politically unstable nation of Ecuador, one ministry leader shares the gospel with the country’s inmates. Another leader takes children, living in poverty-stricken villages along the Anchayacu River, to school in a motorized canoe.
Ministries in Peru and Bolivia share the gospel and disciple members of the Quechua tribe. In the 1960s, only 100 believers existed among the 3 million people. Today, just under 50 percent of the tribe professes Christ as Savior.
Missionaries in Uruguay provide the country’s poorest citizens with basic necessities. Eyeglasses, wheelchairs, crutches and artificial limbs are provided to the elderly and disabled who cannot afford medical attention.
Countires where Christian Aid supports indigenous ministries in Latin America:
- Cuba
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
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- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Argentina
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
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Glenview Baptist Church in Puerto Rico is an example of what one church can do to help spread the gospel in many parts of the world. This missionary-minded church currently sponsors 137 indigenous missionaries through Christian Aid Mission. Started in 1976 with a core of seven believers, this body of Christ is now 2,500 strong with six more churches planted.
July 2007 marked a monumental historical event in Peru. Machu Picchu, "the Lost City of the Incas" was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Hundreds cheered and celebrated when the announcement was made worldwide from Lisbon, Portugal.
Apr. 21, 2008 - Missionaries with Segadores (Reapers) in Peru recently learned of a hidden tribe of people who have never been reached by anyone from the outside world, much less Christians bringing the gospel.
Faith. Many times it was all that Carlo Perez took with him on his walks through the jungles of Colombia. Evil hides in the underbrush and around almost every corner in the path, but despite the threat, he marches forward, accompanied by four of his brothers in Christ....