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This long
narrow country has enjoyed a unique evangelical movement throughout
the 20th century, primarily within Pentecostal denominations and
among the lower classes. At the same time, Chile is still recovering
from brutalities perpetrated by both the military dictatorship and
by subversive Marxist groups that traumatized the nation and caused
political divisions, including among Christians. Freedom of religion
prevails. SIM entered
Chile in 1988. The Lord has led to a broad vision of forging links
among existing small denominations through interdenominational activities.
The Pastors' Bookset Project in 1996-1997 not only provided tools
for church leaders but also helped bring them together in a shared
vision. Other activities envisioned are small theological libraries,
ministry resource centres, joint cross-cultural missions and theological
education (formal and nonformal). Relational evangelism
and discipleship continue to motivate the SIM missionaries. SIM
has cooperated in Marriage Encounter seminars with urban couples,
that are facilitated and led by Chileans. The Mapuche (Araucanian)
Indians are considered unreached with the gospel, despite many attempts
to evangelise them. This tribal group, influenced by Roman Catholicism
and less than 5% evangelical Christian, desires to maintain their
identity and yet integrate into Chilean society. SIM is involved
in the development of theological education and cooperative evangelistic
ministries among the Mapuche from its base in Metrenco, near the
south-central city of Temuco. The Metrenco Ministry Centre provides
training for rural Mapuche pastors. Future vision includes seminars,
Marriage Encounters and retreats; training in missions; rural literacy
training in both the native Mapudungun and in Spanish; and a rural
Christian radio outreach in both Spanish and Mapudungun that will
also address agricultural and health issues. Chilean believers
have lagged behind other Latin American churches in developing a
vision for world evangelism, but that is changing. Some Chilean
missionaries are being equipped and sent out. SIM missionaries are
promoting this growth in mission vision. There is growing interest
in theological studies, especially by extension, and also in combining
witness with programs such as rehabilitation and small business
development. Although Chile
has one of the strongest economies in South America, and overall
enjoys relative prosperity, there are many rural immigrants to Santiago
and throughout the country who are suffering economic hardship and
need help from the churches. Please pray
for:
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