Strategic Alliances for Global Missions

Latin America Mission has traditionally (and obviously) focused on "Strategic Alliances" (partnerships) within Latin America (not rocket science given our name). However, as many of the ministries we work with (some for nearly 100 years) have moved from inception on to maturity, what it means to partner with them has obviously grown and changed as well, giving way to a much more global understanding and practice of fulfilling the Great Commission.

What do I mean by this? Well, most people are aware of the Gospel need within the "10/40 window" (primarily countries located within the latitudes of 10 degrees North and 40 degrees North). Many of these countries also happen to be at odds with the U.S. and by default US citizens, making it more than difficult for those with a US passport to minister there, but not so for Latin Americans who are for the most part received and welcomed. A "Global" approach to missions understands the need for a new type of partnership that shares in giftings, resources, networks and abilities that can enable those most equipped for the front lines to be on the front lines. Hence a Latin Missions Movement. Those who were previously on the receiving end of missions are increasingly able to be senders, but re-inventing the wheel would be counter productive. Hence, a new type of "Strategic Alliance" between N. America, the Latin Church and into the rest of the world. But more on this later, there are potential pitfalls. For now, I want to simply introduce you to "partners to our partners" or ministries that our partners are working with and through, If nothing else, for now its a great, immediate resource to those who are prayer warriors:

Libya needs prayer, if your so inclined please check out: http://www.pray4libya.net/ . This has been set up as a gathering point for prayer requests for a country, and a people desperately in need of God's intervention and our intercession. I encourage you to check it out.

God bless and thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

-Kevin

Generations of God's faithfulness in Costa Rica

While I was in Costa Rica over the past two weeks with LAM’s Ministry Team (yeah, I haven’t been good on sending out updates), Valdir Franca our director of International Partnerships taught from Matthew 1, the genealogy of Jesus. Now that may seem like a difficult text to draw application from, but one of his points was how God works through those who the world would otherwise dismiss. If you read through this text you will come across prostitutes, non Jews (an unthinkable thing at the time) and adulterous relationships. Not exactly the cream of the crop if you’re looking to promote genealogical pride or purity. But Matthew was making a different point. He was showing that God was at work in unlikely ways, though unlikely people in unlikely circumstances.

I was blessed in being able to see God’s hand at work through similarly unlikely people in a story that continues to be written in Costa Rica, branching throughout Latin America and to the rest of the world. Nearly 100 years ago LAM was born in Costa Rica through a series of ministries established by Harry and Susan Strachan. Orphanages, medical clinics, Bible schools and many more. We visited nearly 20 ministries during our time in San Jose and I was continually amazed at what God has done throughout the last century in protecting the Gospel foundations and evangelical heart of these organizations that serve thousands of peoples hearts minds and souls.

LAM missionary Estelita Cevallos is a fiery Ecuadorian that the Lord called to Chaplin at Clinica Biblica (Bible Clinic) when it was a small medical clinic. It’s now a sprawling medical center recognized as one of the 5 most modern hospitals in Latin America and recognized as on par (or surpassing) North American standards. They continue providing affordable service to those who cannot otherwise afford care. This is balanced with the “medical tourists” from around the world to are willing to pay for procedures they cannot afford in their own country.

We spent time with Shellie Rice serving at “Fundacion Rahab” named after the prostitute listed in Jesus genealogy (See Mat 1:5). Here “women at risk” find care, conseling and can obtain marketable skills that provide a long term income and an alternative to prostitution.

We spent time with at Roble Alto which has many branches of it’s own including a school that both provides quality education to children of low income families while counseling and caring for those very families hearts, minds and souls. In this way the children and their families are given an understanding of their value to God and tools to provide for themselves and bless their communities.

At Roble Alto we met up with LAM missionary David Longworth, now working with Glorioso Dia Children's home. David is standing in front of a picture of his mom (as a young woman) working with children at Roble Alto Hogar Biblico. That's generations of faith, commitment and service!

In every case, I was impressed at how a solid, Biblical foundation accompanied by long term faith and work have been richly blessed by the Lord. These ministries did not spring up over night and accomplish something grand, but have developed over time (some of them a century) and generations that have followed Christ's example, seeking God’s glory by "considering others..." (especially those of lesser means, education etc,) "...better than themselves" (see Phillippians 2:3). It gives me hope for the future and a joy in what the Lord has called us to today, knowing that though we may not get to see the fruit of what we’re planting, in God’s time, and under His hands, there will be a harvest.

If you want to learn a little more about LAM’s history, please see: http://www.lam.org/about/history