The Unfinished Mission
“AND THIS GOSPEL of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world,” Jesus said in Matthew 24:14. To the early disciples, Jesus’ words presented a mind-blowing challenge. Although their known world was geographically smaller, a person could only walk 10-15 miles daily, and a normal day’s ride on a horse over hilly terrain might cover 25-30 miles. More than 2000 years later, the world has expanded across the hemispheres and oceans, cultures and languages. Even with modern technological advances of internet, satellites, rockets and supersonic jets, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom throughout the whole world is a daunting task, an unfinished mission.
From the early disciples to missionaries who have dedicated their lives and martyrs who have sacrificed their lives, a relentless drumbeat of longing to fulfill that mission continues in the hearts of those who have tasted the joy of knowing Christ, of sins forgiven and of a transformed life.
The ancient hymn resounds:
‘O for a thousand tongues to sing, my great Redeemer’s praise
To spread through all the earth abroad, the honors of your name’
And the contemporary artist Cody Carnes sings, ‘Christ be Magnified!’
‘Were creation suddenly articulate, with a thousand tongues to lift one cry
Then from North to South and East to West, we’d hear Christ be magnified!’
How can the 21st-century family of God respond to this challenge? This is certainly not a task that any one individual, one ministry or even one nation can accomplish. Would multi-level collaboration strengthen and extend our efforts to fulfill Christ’s missional proclamation?
There is the critical dimension of collaboration between goers and senders. 3 John 1:6 affirms the senders’ role: “You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God.” Not everyone can be a goer, but if we are not called to be goers, then collectively, we are charged to be senders of the message and hope of Jesus throughout the world.
A second and exciting level of collaboration occurs when people of different countries join together in a Kingdom-building effort that expands the opportunities to share the Gospel. Recently, STCH Ministries teams from American churches, Dominican ministry partners and members from the Peniel churches all came together in a collaborative project to expand Kingdom efforts in El Salvador to share Christ, reach children and families and develop disciple-making possibilities.
Possibly the most important level of collaboration is required between mission teams and the “boots on the ground,” those called to build the Kingdom in the specific area, country and population in which they live. Mission team activities must be aligned with the goals of those that God has called to serve their own culture.
STCH Ministries International began work in the Dominican Republic in 2006, bringing the light of hope into dark places, enabling children to develop their God-given potential and transforming families. The results motivated us to seek opportunities in other countries to impact children and families in the life-changing invitation to know and follow Christ. After visiting several countries, and surviving the Covid interruption, God pointed His finger south to the tiny country of El Salvador. In 2022, we found a similar heart-calling in Pastor Edgar Borja who leads the Peniel network of churches in reaching children and families with the hope of Christ. After several mission trips, we felt confirmed that God had led us to partner with the Peniel churches. Their priority on children and families, their creative ways of reaching them with the Gospel and their spirit of cooperation formed a common bond with STCH Ministries.
One of the logistical challenges for our mission groups was housing, which was only available in a hotel some distance away, requiring daily bus travel and eating out. We felt more like tourists than the partner relationship that we valued. Pastor Borja offered the opportunity to build missionary housing at their main Santa Tecla location. The recently abandoned facility needed major renovations with a significant price tag. We would have to wait until God provided for this need.
As we waited to “go,” God was working, and He soon provided a “sender” in the Bear Creek Church of Katy. “How can we help?” they asked, as they challenged the church to extend the Kingdom “in a manner worthy of God.” Shortly after, we received a significant donation which allowed the renovation process to begin.
Collaboration reached a new level in the demolition and construction activities. Russell Jerez, the Director of Construction and Projects in the Dominican Republic, along with Robert Alcantara and Algenis Pichardo, arrived to lead the teams. They were joined by a group from Port Lavaca FBC and were followed by another group of men from Bear Creek. Salvadoran workers were also recruited as they engaged in the demolition of concrete barriers, tore down existing walls and built new ones. They stood on ladders, scraped down walls, replaced sheetrock and repaired ceilings. They also worked on building beds for future mission teams.
The team members reflected diverse perspectives on why they came to serve. Russell saw collaboration in its most practical form as the team adapted Dominican methods of building a bed with available materials in El Salvador. Due to a lack of 4×4 posts, they substituted metal legs and used wood for the bed frame. He was impacted by the eagerness of the Salvadorans to serve, despite few resources, and to use what the team brought to reach others for the Kingdom.
Some of the Port Lavaca team had previously been to the Dominican Republic. “I saw a picture on the wall in the Dominican Republic of the beginnings, and it looked like just a lot of dirt. We wanted to be a part of the beginnings here in El Salvador.”
Danny Quintanilla, missions pastor from Bear Creek, stated: “We have partnered with STCH Ministries for many years and we wanted to share in the long-term impact this will have in El Salvador for future mission teams.” Pastor Borja agreed and commented, “I believe that this missionary housing will become a multiplier of all the ministry here in El Salvador, allowing us to be more flexible and less costly.”
Robert Alcantara from the Dominican Republic said, “I came to work, and the work was very hard although gratifying. But what impacted me the most was when Pastor Borja introduced us to the Salvadoran church as missionaries. It changed my view of my purpose and my identity. I am not just a helper in construction. I am a missionary of the Gospel!”
Another participant from Bear Creek shared, “I came seeking an opportunity to serve God in a way I haven’t been able to do before. I am close to retirement, and considering how I will spend the next phase of my life. I wanted to feel that I was adding value to myself and to others.”
Adding value and multiplying Kingdom impact are attainable goals when collaboration is based on common goals, shared vision and respect for the calling God has given to each. These principles guide STCH Ministries as we partner with others to share Christ, strengthen families and enable children to become independent Christ-sharing adults in their own culture.
Pastor Borja stated, “STCH Ministries teams have changed our perspective on what a mission team partnership can be. Specifically, in the way they integrate into the work we are called to do here in El Salvador. It has challenged us to do the work we have before us with new energy. Having the Dominicans join our work has opened our vision to how in the future we might be able to send our own people to other countries on mission.”
Sulma Pichinte, who handles logistics for our teams in El Salvador, shared, “Your ministry allows us to expand what God has called and given us to do. It impacts our families and our pastors.”
Sulma went on to say, “When you leave, we know that it’s not goodbye; it’s hasta pronto! Because you are involved with your hearts, and many more will continue to come, inspire others and form a real bond with us. Ultimately, we are all citizens of heaven. We all speak Kingdom language.”
In this mission of collaborating to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom, we catch a glimpse of our ultimate citizenship and hear echoes of Revelation worship, “For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation!” Revelation 5:9. If you are interested in serving in either El Salvador or the Dominican Republic please visit, www.STCHM.org/International. If you would like to support the ongoing building project in El Salvador please email, jberry@stchm.org or call 361.994.0940.
