by Brian Burkholder

Central America is a blend of modern metropolises and quiet colonial towns, pre-Columbian sites and remote settlements of indigenous people. Central America is on the rise, both socially and economically. Traditional in its history yet with a vision for the future, Central America (including Mexico) presents one of the greatest missionary challenges of the 21st Century.

Mexico, with its proximity to the United States, has become one of the greatest mission fields of the 20th century. Though much has been done through BIMI and other independent Baptist missionaries, 90 percent of the population still profess Catholicism. The greatest opportunities lie in the large cities: Mexico City (28 million), Guadalajara (4 million), Monterrey (3 million) and several other cities. These large metropolitan areas are the key to reaching the entire country with the Gospel.

BIMI’s ministry to Mexico began in 1960. In the beginning the work was difficult, but God has tremendously blessed through the years with scores of churches being started throughout the country. Presently, our missionary family in Mexico has grown to 32 families ministering in 12 different cities.

Belize is the smallest country in Central America with 300,000 people. The culture is more Caribbean than Latin. Belize City, the capital, remains a challenge with almost half of the country’s population living there. Since there are very few Baptist churches, missionaries are greatly needed to reach both the English as well as the Spanish-speaking population.

We do not have any BIMI personnel living or working in this country. Admittedly, the work would be difficult, but we believe that God is able to send missionaries to this needy field, and to raise up strong churches.

Guatemala, with 12.5 million people, has the largest population in Central America, excluding Mexico. Although 30 percent of the population profess Christianity, there is still a great work to be done. Much of the evangelistic effort of the past has focused on the capital city, but one of the greatest areas of spiritual need is the Amerindian population. Many of the Amerindians live in the northern jungle areas, speak traditional Indian languages, and hold Mayan religious beliefs.

There are three BIMI missionary families serving in Guatemala. All of them are located in the capital of Guatemala City. The future is bright as God is raising up national pastors to plant churches within the country and abroad.

With over 6 million people, El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Central America. Ravaged by war, this small country is beginning to build itself back.

More than 25 years ago BIMI missionaries planted several churches that have not only become indigenous but also have continued with a church planting vision. At this time there are no BIMI missionaries in El Salvador. The country is wide open to missionaries and there are areas that still need to be reached with the Gospel.

Honduras remains one of the poorest countries in Central America. Recent natural disasters have only worsened an already difficult situation. Through these disasters, the Honduran people have become more receptive to the Gospel.

BIMI missionaries have been ministering in Honduras for more than 30 years. More than 10 churches have been started in this country, as well as several Bible Institutes that are training national pastors and leaders for ministry. Our missionaries have also had much success with medical missions.

Missionaries are urgently needed, especially in the interior of the country and along the northern coast. Now is the time to reach this country with the message of Christ.

Nicaragua has a population of 4.5 million people. Twelve years of communism has put the country years behind, but the door to missionaries is once again wide-open. This by far has been BIMI’s most fruitful country in Central America with more than 100 churches started.

For many years BIMI has sponsored a Bible Institute in the capital of Managua. More than 100 preachers have graduated from the school. Many of them are pastoring or planting new churches. The national pastors have set a goal of starting ten new churches a year.

There is a great need for missionaries to help reach the rapidly growing middle and upper classes.

Costa Rica, a country of 3.5 million people, is the most stable and probably the most beautiful of all the Central American countries. For more than 30 years BIMI missionaries have faithfully preached the Gospel in Costa Rica, establishing several strong churches. Many of these churches are under national leadership and continue to thrive.

In Costa Rica there is tremendous unity among the national pastors and churches. For years annual pastors conferences have been held to encourage and continue to train leadership. Two Bible Institutes exist that continue the cycle of leadership training and church planting. Though we thank the Lord for all that has been accomplished, there are still many towns and villages with little Gospel witness.

After the construction of the canal in 1914, Panama became both a popular tourist spot as well as a center for U.S. military operations. For more than 20 years BIMI has maintained a good work among the U.S. Military personnel but did not have a work with the Panamanian nationals. Recently, this has changed with the arrival of our first missionaries to the Panamanian people. With more than 20 cities without a Baptist church, Panama presents a great need and many wonderful opportunities for missionaries.

Current Service Opportunities

· MISSIONARIES, MISSIONARIES, MISSIONARIES — The Central American ministry is constantly praying and looking for men and women who would be interested in evangelizing and discipling with the purpose of planting churches in Central America. Missionaries for church planting are needed in all eight countries. Just think, God could use you to reach a city, town or village with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

· PREPARED MEN — The stability and longevity of any ministry rests in the quality of national leadership. For many years we have trained men in Central America through our local church Bible institutes, but now we are expanding our vision with the establishment of Pastoral Training Seminaries and a Post Grad modular program. We are praying that God will give us missionaries that have advanced Bible training and a burden to train future leaders, as well as to be involved in church planting.

· MISSION FIELD VISIT — What would it be like to personally experience the mission field? You can find out! The BIMI Central American ministry encourages church groups, youth groups, work groups and senior classes to see the mission field firsthand by taking a missions trip. You can visit any of our eight Central American countries. It would be a trip of a lifetime as well as a trip to enlarge your vision for Central American Missions.

Prodigal Father

As we neared the small, isolated pueblo of Villa de Progreso, we spotted an elderly - looking man — a haggard figure, dressed in torn clothes and an old cowboy hat, with several weeks growth of unkempt beard on his face, walking beside the road.

“Brother Steve, pull over!  I think that’s him.” Ruben’s voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

We pulled over, and Ruben jumped out of the van. This was the man we had traveled almost 200 miles to see. This was the man Ruben had prayed and fasted for, the one for whose salvation his heart burned. A little unsure of how to begin, Ruben cautiously approached the old farmer.

“Excuse me sir, could you tell me your name?”

“My name is Sidronio Castillo Sanchez. And yours?”

“My name is Ruben Castillo Vega. You are my father!”

“Ruben?” It took a few seconds to realize that this handsome young man standing before him was the eight-year-old boy that haunted his memories. A closer look into his face dispelled all doubt.

Tears began to well up in the man’s eyes. “Ruben! My son!”

The moment is too sacred to describe. The young Baptist “preacher boy” embraced the father he had not laid eyes on for over 12 years.  Until this moment, Ruben’s family was just another statistic, another home destroyed by demon alcohol. But from this moment, the story is forever changed. Because of the grace of Jesus Christ, a father and son are reconciled. Instead of bitterly demanding some kind of explanation or compensation for the void his father had left in his life so long ago, Ruben arrived with a heart overflowing with love and a message of hope. Jorge and I left the pair and spent the rest of the day in a nearby town. The rest of their day was spent walking through the cornfield, looking over the cattle and the fighting roosters, and talking about all that had transpired in the years they had missed. Finally, Ruben got around to the real purpose of his visit.

“Papá, I came here to talk to you about something very important. I received Jesus Christ as my Saviour last year, and I have surrendered my life to serve Him. I am studying now to be a pastor. I came to tell you how you can know Him too, and how you can be 100% sure of spending eternity with Him when you die.”

Then he took his Bible and sat down with his father to tell him the Good News of Jesus Christ. After about an hour, Sidronio humbly bowed before the Lord and received eternal life!

Today was truly a day that both father and son will remember for time and eternity!

Thank you for giving us this unforgettable privilege!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jonathon & Mandy Crews -  BRAZIL
Joel C & Brooke Daku -  KIRIBATI
Paul W & Martha Daku -  FIJI ISLANDS