Mexico Mission Trip 2011: Final Day of Ministry in Chanchen

A Message from our Pastor Scott Gleason:
Ministry in Chanchen to the Mayan people has its challenges. The most notable issue involves language and culture. In terms of language we’ve had to translate from English to Spanish and then from Spanish to Mayan. In terms of culture, we find ourselves working from a very different worldview. But I’ve once again been struck by a fundamental reality of the gospel. The gospel of Christ is not culturally or linguistically bound. Every other religion I can think of is heavily inculturated. From Hinduism to Buddhism to Isalm and other religions, the culture greatly influences their message. But the heart of the gospel has no cultural baggage. Someone may object that Jesus was a Jew and lived in a Jewish culture. That’s true, but the fundamental hope of Christ and His work on the cross and His victory by the resurrection cross all cultural and linguistic boundaries. Perhaps this is one reason why every other religion is man-centered and works based. But the gospel is God-centered and grace based and therefore moves from culture to culture with ease. Even in a Mayan village, the love of Jesus Christ in the gospel translates. You may need to interpret the language but you don’t have to interpret the message. That’s why the picture of Revelation is so beautiful. As John is given the vision of God’s throne he sees people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The reason we go to the ends of the earth is because we believe the gospel changes lives from one end of the globe to other. The problem is not with the gospel. And according to Jesus the problem is not with the harvest. The problem is a lack of workers who will go into the fields. So let’s take this precious gospel to the ends of the earth for God’s glory.