I often hear people refer to the religious setting in Latin America as ‘much better’ than that of Asia or Africa.  As if Latin America’s religious ’poison of choice’ was somehow better than the deceptions propagated in other areas. Somehow Chile’s religious makeup  (70% Catholic, 15% of evangelical, 8% non-religious, 1% Jehovah Witness, 6% other – source) constitutes a ‘much better’ scenario than that of India (80% Hindu, 13% Muslim, 2% Christian, 5% other- source).  On the surface it seems to be decisively clear – Chile is much better off than India.  Let’s see if that is the case.

A closer look at the 400 million Catholics in Latin America (roughly 70% of 572,039,894)

Most of my readers would agree wholeheartedly that Roman Catholicism does not teach the gospel.  The Catholic church teaches salvation based on our good deeds.  The Bible, on the other hand, teaches we are justified by grace alone and not because of our works or deeds.  Although the Catholic church looks a lot more Biblical than a Hindu temple, they will both lead you to hell.  For a closer look at the Catholic church’s teachings, read Understanding Roman Catholicism by Rick Jones.

A closer look at the 85 million Evangelical Protestants in Latin America (roughly 15% of 572,039,894)

The Evangelical churches of Latin America are ravaged by neo-pentecostal extremism and the prosperity gospel.  Let’s unpack those ideas.  Nearly every pentecostal church service in Latin America will focus entirely on the extreme sign gifts culminating in an emotional euphoria with speaking in tongues, healings, exorcisms, prophesies, and visions.  Their typical Sunday service would look like a Benny Hinn crusade on steroids.  The gospel is not emphasized and often never mentioned.  When the “gospel” is discussed, it’s shrouded in the heresies of the prosperity gospel.  This false-gospel teaches that spiritually is equated with being healthy and wealthy.  In this man-centered theology, God becomes a puppet that you can control if you believe hard enough.  These charlatan groups, like the United Church of the Kingdom of God, insist the poor can solve all their spiritual, emotional and physical problems by giving their money to the church.  On the surface the influx of evangelical churches in Latin America looks attractive, but most are no better than the Catholic church.

In countries like India the idolatry is so flagrant and prevalent that every casual Christian could identify it from miles away.  In Latin America, Satan’s strategy has been to subtly mix the Bible with lies.  The Latin American version taste ‘sweet’, but it will kill you – just like antifreeze.

Spiritually speaking, which is better: death by bullet or antifreeze?

Read more missions articles at bcwe.org

The goal of biblical missions is to plant local, indigenous, missions minded, giving churches who will reach both their city and the world at the same time.  I’m thankful that the churches in Chile have caught this vision!

A long-time supporter of the ministry said he will match all donations given before the end of the year up to $888.00!!!  Act now, and your donation can have a double impact to purchase land for churches in Chile!!!

If we receive $888.00 plus the $888.00 match before 12/31, we will enter 2011 past the $10,000.00 mark!

Will you pray about helping?  No amount is too small.

Send us an email if God has led you to partner with us in this project – holt@biblicalmissions.com

Thank you for praying and giving towards this need!!

All gifts can be sent to:

Our 5 year old church in Santiago, Chile is having their annual missions conference this week. During the last 12 months, our small church has given $5,600.00 dollars to support world evangelization! This year we hope to do much more.

Pray that God will help us to give more generously, pray more fervently, and witness more boldly for Him during this next year.

Our young people, with the help of a few adults, hosted a play about the death of Christ.  God totally used the event!! During the two presentation of the play, over 250 people attended, 10 accepted Christ, and dozens of unbelievers heard a clear and concise presentation of the gospel.

It’s thrilling to see God move!  Thanks for praying with us about this event!!

For more articles about evangelism visit bcwe.org

Imagine, for the price of one Coke, these kids will invest in men who will be used to preach the gospel to literally thousands!!  Thanks to everyone at Lakeview Baptist for investing in the preachers and churches of Chile!!!

What could you do to encourage your teens to be involved in world evangelism??

Karin mentioned during her testimony that she is now known among her scientist peers as the “Science Traitor” because she believes in God, the Bible, and the biblical account of creation.  The jokes and jeering do not phase her!  She’s a strong example for our young people of how we should be bold witnesses for Christ in our secular society.

Message for the Summit ’10 from Jason Holt on Vimeo.