How the Gospel spreads

This photo of Gerardo and his family, including the first (and only) grandchild. He preaches in downtown Caracas, within steps of the Presidential Residence. Several days a week he, along with other brethren, preach in different squares and parks, passing out tracts and invitations to study the Bible. They will be placing ads in the newspaper offering Bible studies this month.

In December a man was baptized after about a month of studies. In February he and Gerardo began studying with 2 people in the neighboring town of Guatire, where his Mother lives. Unfortunately, his Mother was not willing to study, at least now, but two others were and have been studying weekly for about 5 weeks now.

The book of Acts records that while Paul was preaching in Ephesus that the Gospel was spread throughout "all Asia". From this most important city of the province, the commercial center, the Gospel spread to other towns and villages. When "Joe" was converted, he immediately thought of his brother Moe in another town. When Moe heard the truth he obeyed it, as did his wife and her Mother. The Mother-in-law had children in yet another village and so it went. When people are really converted they must share the message.

As we teach people we must keep our eyes open for their contacts as well--those they have some influence with.

Tol

Church in the heart of the city

Caracas, Venezuela is a large metropolitan area of 6 million people.

There are now 3 churches in this city, one of which meets right downtown, only a few blocks from the presidential palace in a rented facility, down a long hall. Although they put a sign out when they are meeting, that is the only time it is advertised in this way, so it's not a place you are likely to "happen onto".

Caracas is no different than most big cities--most of the people in the area don't live there, the people aren't "neighborly", they're in a hurry, etc. In spite of that the men meet once or twice a month to pass out tracts, flyers about correspondence courses, etc. The preacher, Gerardo, does this by himself several days a week as well. From a beginning 4 years ago of 8 people they have grown to over 20 and continue to grow. A couple of months ago a man (Victor) visited with his two daughters. He had visited a number of churches and still hadn't found one that was following the Bible. After that initial service he agreed to study in his home and within 6 weeks was baptized. His wife was baptized in Jan. and they both continue to study. Little by little the Gospel is being spread.

Tol

Young christians preaching

Jose Barros (in the green shirt) and Carmelo Fricano are the preachers working in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. The church there is small--10 or so on Sunday and has been meeting about 2 years. Puerto Ordaz is a good sized city and is one of the petroleum centers in the Eastern part of the country.

Even though Carmelo and Jose are young physically and spiritually, they are the most knowledgable and mature in the church there. Paul told Timothy to let no one despise his youth, yet often we do. It's easy to say,"What do they know? They're still young." or perhaps "Just wait until you 'grow up' and then we'll see what you think about that." If what the young person says is Biblical, does their age matter? Or for that matter, if what they say is not scriptural, does their age matter?

To be sure, younger people often lack wisdom in the ways they deal with people, how to hand certain situations, etc. Looking back, it is easy to see that I've learned alot in these areas through the years and I see mistakes I made, but remember that God expects my best, no matter who or what age I am. The Lord recognizes the inexperience of young people and accepts their best efforts; so should we.

I would ask you to pray for these two brothers as they labor in Puerto Ordaz. They don't have mature Christians close to them--the closest church is a couple of hours away. They are both single, which also brings it's own set of temptations. They need our prayers.

Tol