Cultivating collaboration to see the Kingdom Flourish in Latin America
Collab Quarterly is our initiative designed to highlight some of the work of South America Mission’s Church Engagement Branch. This page was created as a resource for your church to learn of unique opportunities to engage with the kingdom work being done across Latin America and prayerfully consider the ways your community is being called to participate in this work.
After spending 6 days in the city of Bogotá for the Cumbre conference, I was able to witness in a deeper way what South America Mission (SAM) is all about. We endeavor to see the Kingdom of God multiplied across Latin America, through various ways, by strengthening the local church and its leaders. I saw our gospel focus through not only the work of our organization and our missionaries, but also in the collaboration we seek in coming alongside other organizations and initiatives.
The latter was the case at Cumbre, a gathering with over 100 church leaders from 7 different countries gathering to spend time in the Word and in mutual encouragement through conversations and prayer. With the help of churches and partners, we were able to subsidize the travel expenses of 23 brothers and sisters from Venezuela to the event. The environment created a unique opportunity for fellowship as people were able to share their dreams, fears and challenges in ministry. Tears and laughs were the soundtrack as we stirred one another on to love and serve Christ and his church.
During the times of small group conversations, we were encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul written to his young disciple: “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Tim 1:6).”
We heard many stories of the hardships these brothers and sisters go through daily in Venezuela: stories of harassment, church members being kidnapped for their political opinions, pastors being sent to prison, and church families affected by the massive diaspora. Millions of Venezuelans are leaving the country in hope of paving a better future for their family, but in the process they leave kids, spouses, their land and their churches behind. Pastors and churches are acting and embracing those who stayed.
In the midst of all of these challenges, we did not hear a single word of complaint, but a clear awareness that there is no authority except from God, and those that exist were instituted by God (Rom 13:1). Would your church prayerfully consider supporting these brothers and sisters through the work of Transforming Ministries?
As we continue to serve Latin America by discipling believers, training leaders, and strengthening local churches, we recognize the key role that our local missionaries play in the spread of the Gospel. SAM is not simply a missions agency that sends American workers to the field. We are a mission organization committed to seeing God’s kingdom spread through collaboration, training, and by equipping local pastors and missionaries to serve their own people faithfully.
Because of this, we have a deep desire to see these national missionaries thrive in ministry—supported by prayer, resources, and relationships that extend beyond their borders and into the United States.
As an MK now living in the U.S. and serving both in a local church and with SAM, my heart is to help connect churches here with missionaries there. These partnerships strengthen the global body of Christ as your congregation prays for, invests in, and participates with the ministry of local missionaries across South America.
Here are some simple ways to begin:
Together, we can help empower those who are faithfully advancing the Gospel right where God has placed them.
