Day 19: Guatemala, Chile & Uruguay
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Guatemala, Chile & Uruguay
⛪️ Common Obstacles that can slow our efforts to begin new churches
A principal challenge in Guatemala is building churches with strong biblical teaching where the “prosperity gospel” has caused confusion and distrust. Some people associate evangelical churches with promises of wealth or pressure to give money. Church planters need to explain the gospel clearly, train honest leaders, and build trust through faithful service.
A principal challenge in Chile is building trust among people who have lost confidence in churches. Chile has seen declining trust in religious institutions and a shift away from organized religion. For conservative evangelical church planters, this means patiently building relationships, explaining biblical beliefs clearly, and showing Christ’s love through honest leadership and practical service.
A principal challenge in Uruguay is reaching people in a deeply secular culture where many see little need for church or distrust organized religion. For conservative evangelical church planters, this means patiently building honest relationships, respecting people’s freedom to choose, and showing how faith in Christ matters in everyday life.
🙏🏼 Three Prayer Requests for those laboring to plant new churches
Ask God to strengthen our small church in Guatemala through creative ways to train a new generation of leaders with vision for multiplying churches.
Ask God to multiply the efforts of our small church in Chile to reach their neighbors through prayer and evangelistic Bible studies.
Ask God to strengthen the existing church in Uruguay and bless a new church planting effort (in collaboration with Argentina).
🌍 Two Interesting Facts about our movement in these countries
The Charis Alliance first entered Guatemala in 1983 as an initiative of Mexicans.
The Charis Alliance first entered Uruguay in 1986 as an Argentine initiative and Chile in 1998 as an Argentine/Brazilian initiative.
♥️ One Precious Promise as we seek to plant new churches
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand ... Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”
—James 5:7–8, 11
