Ministry in Venezuela

We have returned from our trip to Barquisimeto VZ.

It was a great mission in many ways, and a personally refreshing break for us.  The travel was perhaps the more exhausting part. 

Flying from Panama City, Panama, to Bogota Columbia, to Caracas VZ, and then a 6 hour taxi ride to Barquisimeto VZ.  Total distance was approximately 1300 miles one way.  Normally, we are told the taxi ride is about 3-4 hours, but with Caracas traffic, both coming and going, we were stuck in traffic jams that lasted over an hour, at least 2x in each direction.

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Friday’s Evangelism Workshop

I conducted a workshop at Buenas Nuevas Shekina, a church located in the area of Las Sabila in the north of Barquisimeto.

 

I had visited Shekina before when I was in Barquisimeto before, a few years ago.  It was a good experience to reconnect with the pastor.

 

The Friday night workshop was focused on our motive for evangelism, based on a workshop I give as Evangelism Coach.  About 65 people attended.

After the time of teaching, we had a time of prayer ministry, praying for those who do not know Christ and praying for a new infilling of the Holy Spirit. 

 

One thing I have started doing in my evangelism workshops in Latin America is giving invitations to start following Jesus.  Once again, there were 2 or 3 more people in this workshop who prayed to receive Christ into their life and start following the Lord.  Praise God for those new believers.  

Preaching on Sunday

On Sunday, I returned to preach two services at Shekinah Sabila.  About 600 people attend two morning services.  The church is in the middle of a field, and is the process of doubling it’s sanctuary.

Our missionary friend, Argenis Mena served as my translator.  We ministered together for two years in Richmond, and then multiple mission trips to serve him and his family since the year 2000. 

The message focused on Psalm 51 and the effects of sin and the desire for forgiveness.  It was a naturally evangelistic service and in both services, more people responded to the invitation to receive Christ and find that forgiveness of sin.

Praise God for the new believers here over the weekend.   I get excited when I see people respond to the preaching of the gospel and continue to be humbled that God would use such an imperfect vessel like me.  It’s not for our glory, but for God’s glory.