A new association + Trade Schools

Pastor David takes his seat at the conference. It's March 2022, and even though his congregation is tiny and has no building, or even tent, to meet, they are growing. He has connected with other pastors at the conference, some with 20 members and others with churches of 300. All have the same goal: to reach all of Argentina's pueblos, cities, and provinces with the gospel.

During one conference session, Pastor David hears about The Crecer Foundation. Carlos Cañete, our Latin American director, talks about our Trade Schools, week-long workshops that provide job training, all while building relationships and preaching the gospel. These are a perfect tool in the tiny, poverty-ridden zone of Las Lomitas where David pastors.

Carlos has driven 645 miles to Las Lomitas for a trade school on motorcycle mechanics. Many local men are interested in the training - jobs are hard to come by, and this workshop can give them an advantage in the job hunt. However, Pastor David is a little frantic because the Trade School starts in less than 24 hours, and their rented space has just fallen through. The church has property but no building or roof to shield them from the elements. They meet in homes on rainy or chilly Sunday mornings, but that limited space won't do this week. Last minute, the rented garage canceled on them, but David finds a replacement soon enough so the trade school can continue!
As the week goes on, Carlos (the instructor) and David get to know the men beyond their work capacity. When the attendees learn that Carlos and David are Christians, they're more open to biblical conversations because they have already established trust. When Carlos shares the gospel, the attendees pay attention because they've come to respect him. When Pastor David asks for a phone number and if he can keep in touch, the attendees are willing because they realize that the pastor cares about them.
While the slow, relational work done via a trade school is less exciting than en masse evangelism projects, it is crucial in helping young churches reach out to their communities. What started as an annual or bi-annual workshop in small congregations like Cachi or La Rinconada is now spreading to impact congregations throughout Argentina. Trade Schools this year are stretching beyond the Crecer sister churches and into the entire network of Reformed churches in Argentina ("ABRA" or "Association of Reformed Baptists in Argentina"). Besides the trade school in Las Lomitas, there have been three schools in other churches and five more to come this fall.
CF-Logos-favicon

Quick side note: We support our Trade Schools from general donations to the foundation. A simple gift from you will provide funds for the rest of our 2022 need of $5,200 for gas, rental space, and training equipment needs. Or…. If you know a skill that could be taught (drywalling, mechanics, welding, electrical wiring, etc), you could also get involved by taking a mission trip to Argentina to be an instructor! Either method of support will allow trade schools to reach more souls and bless local churches like David’s.

"We'd be honored to host you..."

When Carlos wraps up the Trade School on the last day in Las Lomitas, attendees ask him to come back and teach again. "Don't worry about rental space," they say. "We'd be honored to host you in our work shed next time!" The next day at Las Lomitas church, Carlos is present for the baptism service where a new Christian is baptized in the river. Perhaps someday, one of the new contacts from the Trade School will be in that river, declaring their faith in Christ. Only the Lord knows who and when, but the seed has been sown.

Want to learn more about taking a missions trip to Argentina?

Click Here
Posted in Uncategorized