GodSighting: Multiplication in Venezuela
The perfect location for shipping and oil refining is at the northern tip of Venezuela. It was at this location that the Venezuelan Evangelical Free Church and ReachGlobal missionary, Carol, chose to plant a new church. This was not a haphazard choice, but one that was made by assessing the potential for success and the need for a Bible-centered, mission-minded, Kingdom community. Four Venezuelans living in the area asked for assistance in planting this new work and agreed to be part of the leadership team. Bringing in a national pastor was not an option as resources were limited and the budding church would not be able to sustain this obligation.
Working with this leadership team, Carol began to work at developing leaders, teaching them to lead, accompanying them on home visits, and helping to coordinate outreach events.
After two years, there are three home-based cell groups that meet weekly which consist primarily of new believers. There is no preconceived idea of what a church should be. With so many new believers, there is a feeling of eagerness to learn and worship together.
In keeping with the value of empowering national believers to minister to their own community, Carol has been careful to allow leaders to identify challenges and find solutions that fit their own cultural context. Cell groups meet in homes, leaders are all bi-vocational, and the accouterments of a traditional church are reflected in their choices of using plastic chairs, paperback Bibles, and handmade decorations for their small meeting areas. Soon, more cell groups will be started in other neighborhoods and plans are being made for Sunday services led by these new national leaders.
Prayer, cultural contextualization, a multiplication mindset, and the commitment to see God grow His church using local leaders has created a true mission-minded movement in parts of Venezuela. We praise God for the great work He is doing in Venezuela!
