Venezuelan Baptists learn about Hands On Ministry

VALENCIA, Venezuela—Trying times are universal—as is the need for Christ, Chaplain Joe Jaime noted.

In Venezuela, Baptist churches are growing exponentially as people respond to the hope of Christ there. Christians are sharing their faith with their neighbors, testifying to the effect a relationship with God can have, he reported.

But they want to do more. They want to be the hands of feet of Christ for those around them, a caring compassionate presence that reflects God’s love and draws them to him, Jaime said.

To help them, nearly 200 Venezuelan Baptists in two cities recently completed the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Hands on Ministry course, a resource to help Christians minister in difficult times and crises. It marked the first time the course has been taught in South America.

The effort is part of an ongoing partnership between the BGCT and the Venezuelan Baptist Convention. Oscar Quintana taught the first courses in January and Jaime completed the instruction in June in Valencia and Maracaibo. Both are chaplains endorsed by the BGCT.

“We’re teaching pastoral skills, pastoral ministry, how do you reach the heart of the person, how do you respect their religious background, their religious identity,” Jaime said. “We’re helping them understand when you can provide this kind of respect to them, they will ask questions about your faith.”

The trip provided an opportunity for Jaime to share some of what he’s learned as he has served as a chaplain in the Valley Baptist Health System. The chaplaincy field is relatively new in Venezuela and is expanding across the nation.

“I was interested in going and teaching,” Jaime said. “I like to teach. The idea of sharing some of the experiences and knowledge I’ve accumulated—I’ve served for 36 years as a chaplain at Valley Baptist Health System and worked every corner of this hospital—was exciting to me.”

Jaime believes the Hands on Ministry course will be helpful as Venezuelan Baptists reach out to hurting people around them. It will strengthen their ministry and help more people come to Christ.

“The churches are evangelistic,” he said. “They’re reaching out. They’re sharing the gospel. But they’re also concerned with social needs.”

For more information about the BGCT’s Hands on Ministry courses, call Reba Gram at (888) 244-9400. For more information about mission opportunities in Venezuela, contact Steve Seaberry at the same number.