Church Planting Among Venezuelan Immigrants

Hi - 

There are a few teachings of Jesus that have really floored me recently. One of those is in Luke 14 where Jesus refers to the invitation of eternal life as that of an invitation to a great banquet... Jesus, who would compare himself to the master in this story, becomes angry when he hears of people's excuses in not coming to the feast and tells his servants to go quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame. The servants obey, and yet there is still more room and so Jesus says, "go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in."  

For the past few months I've been trying to start a church in Colombia's border city with Venezuela (known as Cúcuta), and sometimes I feel like one of those servants in the parable going out into the streets inviting anyone I can. Just like in the parable, there are a lot of unlikely guests who have shown up; such as  immigrants and transvestites, who generally don't fit into the typical Christian "status quo."

On a few occasions we've shared meals together, but the main thing I want to do is share the gospel. I want to share it in such a way that my friends can clearly understand it and sincerely accept it. 

Some have, and many have gone on to other cities or countries in hopes of finding better opportunities while they sing some of the gospel songs that I've taught them along the way. Please pray that my friends would cling to Jesus and grow up in him throughout every stage of their journey.

This last week I connected with a group of immigrant street musicians and we've been singing together on the streets to the people in cars who give my friends a few coins in return. 

It's kind of fun to be honest, though sad at the same time, and I think that showing my friends that I care about them and that I identify with them is what makes the gospel that much more powerful. 

Last night I played some basketball with a few guys I met casually at a mall and at the basketball court, and I have high hopes that at least 4 of them will be a part of our Bible study tonight.

If you want to see a documentary of how this ministry started, please click HERE.

-Sam  

Missionary Profile: https://www.cmml.us/node/817