Latin American Reports
by David Harriman

October 2007 Update
(click here to view pictures)

Dear Friends:

Allow me to bring you up to date on what God has been doing in the last two months.

UPDATE

San Juan, Puerto Rico (August 30-September 9)

I spoke at a leadership conference where many sought heart purity and received practical helps pertaining to integrity. Young people made commitments toward sexual purity at the youth conference, and many students sought Christ during the meetings held at a private Christian grade school/high school where over 900 are enrolled. In the three churches where I spoke, Christians sought a deeper walk with God and inner healing.

Los Angeles (September 21-23)

During anniversary services at a Hispanic church, Christians responded, seeking the Lord with sincere and hungry hearts.

Phoenix (October - November)

I am making contacts with the Hispanic church leadership about offering my services to the numerous congregations. About 50 percent of the city's population is Hispanic.

Note: The evangelistic meetings that were scheduled for Panama in October have been postponed until a later time.

COMING UP

Jaen and Chota, Peru (November 30 - December 9)

Evangelistic crusades, pastor's conferences and youth meetings in these two northern cities.

THANK YOU

Karol and I are grateful to each of you for your support and prayers, which make this ministry possible.  Our deepest thanks to the Francis Asbury Society.

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PUERTO RICO REPORT
August 3 - September 9, 2007

AN OPEN DOOR
 

It was my honor to be invited by Benjamin Sanchez, Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church in Puerto Rico, for a series of meetings with church leaders, young people and different congregations. I spoke 18 times during my eleven-day stay. It was a joy to become acquainted with the Puerto Rican Christians and to experience their warm and gracious hospitality.

A RECEPTIVE ISLAND

Puerto Rico, population of approximately 4,000,000 is a territorial island of the United States. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Florida and measures only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. Over the years, the Gospel has found lodging in the hearts of approximately 25% of the Puerto Ricans. The numerous Christian radio and television stations saturate the air waves day and night throughout the island with music, Bible teaching, and preaching.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Approximately 20 pastors and church leaders attended the conference for personal spiritual refreshment and renewal. The theme was "Holiness, the Ultimate Goal in Ministry." The Holy Spirit touched lives as many sought heart purity and received practical help and reminders in regards to integrity and servanthood.

BEAUTIFUL CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
 

I also spoke in three different churches in San Juan, the capital city. What a blessing to see believers seeking spiritual wholeness and purity and inner healing for their lives. Four individuals sought Christ for the first time.

YOUTH MEETINGS - GOD MOVED

Approximately 60 youth attended the youth conference where praise and worship filled the meeting place. The theme, "Purity Under Pressure" was a timely message for this island, where promiscuity and Aids are realities. Many made commitments toward sexual purity and received practical helps in dating. It was also a privilege to speak at the Wesleyan grade school/high school which is a lighthouse in the city of San Juan. More than 900 students are enrolled. More than 40 kids sought Christ during the three sessions held with the 12 to 17 year olds.

My thanks to the Francis Asbury Society for assisting with travel expenses for this trip and future ministry trips into Latin America, as funds are available. These are exciting days for spreading the Good News and the beautiful message of heart purity and spiritual holiness.

Home  /  Latin American Ministries

September 2007 Update

Dear Friends:

Allow me to bring you up to date on the good things God has done in recent days in Latin America.

UPDATE

Chuatemoc, Mexico (June 20-24)

Believers and church leaders sought spiritual wholeness and renewal.  One man, who came to see his daughter graduate from Bible school, was saved that same night. God's timing is awesome!

(June 24-26)

I spoke at a church camp where the youth responded to purity and a greater commitment to God and His work. Four individuals found Christ, one a 5-year-old boy who has aspirations of becoming a lawyer someday. Who knows, God could be preparing another young man to become Mexico's first Christian president. (Click here to view pictures.)

COMING UP

Puerto Rico (August 30-September 9)

Evangelistic/revival meetings, pastors conference and youth retreat.

Los Angeles (September 21-23)

Hispanic youth meetings.

Peru (December 1-9)

Evangelistic meetings and pastors conferences.

THANK YOU

Karol and I are grateful to each of you for your support and prayers, which make this ministry possible.  Our deepest thanks to the Francis Asbury Society.

Home  /  Latin American Ministries

MEXICO REPORT
June 20-24, 2007

CHAUHTEMOC - A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY
 

It was my privilege to return to Cuauhtemoc, Mexico for the third time, where I spoke at the Annual Church Conference for the Evangelical Methodist Church and to the growing congregation of that city. It is estimated that 15% of the Mexico population is evangelical

Cuauhtemoc is a bustling city of approximately 200,000 people, located in the northern part of the country, or south of the border between Phoenix and Houston. Its growing industry is bringing people from different parts of Mexico and even Hispanics from the U.S.  The influx of people, due to the work opportunities, is giving the evangelical church an open door for evangelism with both working and middle class population. At the same time, the church is faced with the growing problem of drugs, alcoholism and prostitution which is so prevalent.

WONDERFUL RESPONSE

I spoke seven different times in the evening services and twice on Sunday. God's blessing was present as many believers and church leaders filled the altar at the close of every service. Hunger for holiness, spiritual renewal and inner healing were evident. One father who came to see his daughter graduate from the Bible Institute was saved. This annual event was a time of festivity and encouragement to the church as it continues to reach Mexico for Christ.

PRAYER CONCERNS

Adjacent to the city is a large colony of 20,000 Mennonites (German descent), who are desperately in need of the Gospel. Although traditionally "religious" and hard working, they are being faced more and more with their own emptiness and lostness, not to mention alcoholism and drugs that are infiltrating the community, especially the youth. The Mexican pastor of the church where I spoke, ha a real burden to see the Mennonites saved.

Pray for a young widowed Christian father and his four children, five year old quadruplets. Five days after the children were born, his wife and mother to the children, committed suicide. At the close of one of the preaching services he came forward to put in the hands of the Lord his desperate need -- the need for a wife to mother his children.

THANK YOU FAS

My thanks again to the Francis Asbury Society for making this trip possible. What a privilege to represent the organization and to have their sponsorship, even for future travels into Latin America, as funds are available.

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May 2007 Update

Dear Friends:

Allow us to bring you up to date on recent events and happenings in our lives.

UPDATE

Phoenix, Arizona (November) -- Karol and I moved here due to job opportunities and the possibilities for evangelism among Hispanics.

Phoenix, Arizona (March 14) -- I spoke to Hispanic Christians at the First Assembly of God Church. A good number sought the Lord.

Monterrey, Mexico (March 2-24) -- I attended the Latin American leadership conference and music festival crusade with Luis Palau, who is known as the Billy Graham of Latin America. Twenty-two countries and 2,000 church leaders attended the conference, and approximately 300,000 people turned out for the last night of the crusade. Hundreds sought Christ. (Click here to view pictures)

Ingelwood, California, a Los Angeles suburb (April 27-29) -- I spoke at a young conference attended by over 100 who came from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Many sought inner healing and purity for their lives.

Las Vegas, Nevada (May 4-6) -- I preached at the Evangelical Friends Church to over 200 Hispanics, most of whom were Guatemalans. How beautiful to see the response in hearts at the close of each service.

COMING UP

Cuatemoc, Mexico (June 20-24) -- Leadership conference and evangelistic meetings.

Saltillo, Mexico (July 23-27) -- Church camp

Puerto Rico (August 30-September 9)-- Leadership conference and evangelistic meetings.

Jaen, Peru (December 1-9) -- Evangelistic crusade.

THANK YOU  -- for your continual support and prayers, which makes this ministry possible, and to the Francis Asbury Society for sponsoring the trips to South America.

These are exciting days for taking the Good News to the Latin world, where a genuine spiritual awakening is taking place.

Home  /  Latin American Ministries

Bolivia Report

January 3-14, 2007

(click here to view pictures)

At the invitation of the World Gospel Church in Bolivia, I had the privilege of representing FAS, as I ministered in Cochabamba, Tupiza and Tarija, cities located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The people in these cities are of Quechua Indian descent.  They are a very intelligent and hard working people who have beautifully responded to the Gospel over the years.  According to statistics, approximately 25% of Bolivia's population is now evangelical.

On this trip I spoke a total of 18 times.  My ministry was geared to Christian youth and pastors and believers of all ages, on an interdenominational level.  How beautiful it was to see God's Spirit move in hearts!

Youth Retreat

More than 200 young people converged on the city of Cochabamba (population 586,800) from different parts of the country.  All were eager to receive the preaching of the Word and to commit themselves to a life of purity and Christian service.  I shared the speaking time with Nelson Matto, a Uruguayan with twenty years of youth ministry experience.  Different ones sought personal counseling.

Town Hall Meetings

A seven-hour journey over rugged mountain roads (one way traffic in some places) reaching 10,000 feet above sea level, took me to the mining town of Tupiza (population 23,100).  In spite of the entrenchment of idolatry and paganism in this city, there are presently 18 churches and congregations which are spreading the Good News!  Meetings were held in a rented town hall, where again God moved on hearts, especially among the youth.  Classes on heart purity and marriage were also given, plus having the opportunity to be on TV.

Leadership Conference

Tarija (population 170,900), considered to be one of the most difficult cities to reach with the Gospel, now has 80 evangelical churches and congregations.  God is at work!  Pastors sought holiness and greater integrity in their lives during the interdenominational leadership meetings.  Praise the Lord for the response at the close of each evening service, which was held in a rented city hall!

Open Doors

Doors for ministry continue to open for 2007 in Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Spain and California, provided there is funding.  Without question these are days of harvest in the Hispanic world.

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Colombia Report

October 31-November 12, 2006

Open Doors

It was my privilege to represent The Francis Asbury Society in Bogata (Pop: 6,288,000) and Medellin (Pop: 2,951,000).  The invitation came through Rev. Jose Quintero, director of the Wesleyan Bible Institute in Bogota and president of one of the Wesleyan Church districts in Colombia.  Plans were to hold two leadership conferences on Holiness and to speak in some of the Wesleyan churches.  What a rewarding and fulfilling two weeks I had, as I poured out my heart to leaders and believers.  I spoke a total of 27 times, including 15 Leadership sessions (pastors and Bible Institute students), 8 church services, 2 marriage seminars, and 2 youth rallies.

Alive and Doing Well

Although in comparison to other Latin American countries, the percentage of Evangelical Christians in Colombia is low, the Evangelical community is thriving.  In recent years guerrilla and militant factions have been responsible for the deaths of more than 100 Evangelical pastors.  But in spite of this, people are responding to the Gospel more than ever before.  Churches are growing and multiplying in numbers with several thousand in attendance.  One example is the largest Wesleyan church in Latin America, located in Bogota.  Every Sunday approximately 5,000 gather for worship.  In order to accommodate the influx of people, five services are held throughout the day, starting at 6:00am and ending around 5:00pm.

Hunger for Holiness of Heart

It was my privilege to speak on the topic of Holiness to more than 100 highly qualified pastors and eager to learn Bible Institute students in Bogota and Medellin.  The Biblical truths of this important subject continue to be attractive, as church leaders and believers of all denominations in Latin America grapple with the serious issues pertaining to morality and integrity.  Many responded to the invitation of total surrender and heart purity.  They were very receptive to the practical helps given, particularly as it pertained to sexual purity and honesty.

Congregational Meetings

God beautifully blessed the evening services in both cities.  Many responded, seeking heart purity and His help regarding personal and family needs.  There were also opportunities to minister one on one with believers during the altar services.

Inspiring Youth Rallies

Two wonderful youth rallies were also held.  The attendance at the rally in Bogota was 200-300 and in Medellin around 60.  The topic was "Purity Under Pressure."  At the close of practically every service young people went forward to make genuine commitments toward sexual purity.

Marriage Seminars

Two marriage seminars were held in both cities with a total of 130-140 people.  What a blessing to see many couples and singles absorb the practical biblical teaching pertaining to marriage and family and to experience the first steps of renewal and restoration.  There are so many deep hurts caused by the disarray in dysfunctional families.

In closing, I want to say that my visit to Colombia will remain as a highlight experience in my ministry.  The opportunities to visit with pastors and their families are never to be forgotten experiences.  I was received as family and their excellent hospitality of course included numerous cups of Colombian coffee.  I ended my two-week visit with a great appreciation for the leadership and the believers who are faithfully following Christ and building His kingdom in Colombia.

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Philadelphia Report

October 5-8, 2006

History

Over 200 years ago William Penn migrated from England to North America.  The English king at that time gave Penn a vast amount of property, now known as the state of Pennsylvania, to clear a debt (1/2 billion dollars) owed to his father.  Penn became the first governor of the state, and impacted the society of his day by his religious principles.

Hispanic Invasion

Who would ever believe that over 200 years later Hispanic peoples would migrate from Latin America to Pennsylvania in search of jobs.  After arriving, many have found, and are still finding opportunities for religious expression.  According to statistics, there are 40 million Hispanics in the United States, of which 7 million are evangelical Christians.  This evangelistic fervor that prevails, will no doubt impact the Anglo American church in a positive way.  My reason for going to Philadelphia was to join hundreds of born again Hispanics, most of whom were Guatemalans, in their quest for more of God in their lives.

God Wonderfully Blessed

At the invitation of the Hispanic Evangelical Friends Church, I was asked to give two courses on evangelism and preach at the four evening services.  It was like being in a Latin American setting.  How God blessed!  Each service was saturated with praise and worship (all in Spanish), with many special musical numbers.  One young man, a gifted singer, was flown in all the way from Guatemala for this special occasion.

The receptivity to the messages was awesome, as many believers sought spiritual renewal and holiness in their lives.  The Saturday evening service was especially moving as numerous Hispanic young people made first time commitments to sexual purity.  We had a high attendance of 400.

Undoubtedly, the valuable contacts that were made during my time in Philadelphia will open doors for ministry among other Hispanic churches in the US and in Guatemala.  To God be the glory!

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Chile Report

August 10-20, 2006

An Open Door

It was my privilege, along with Tom Dunbar (retired World Gospel Mission missionary to Honduras, Mexico, and Paraguay) to represent FAS in Chile.  An open door was extended to us through Pastor Carlos Martinez, Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church in Chile and president of the association of evangelical pastors in the city of Osorno.  Pastor Martinez also pastors a growing congregation in the city, and travels extensively as an evangelist.  He and his family graciously received us and provided us with meals and transportation for the eleven days we were in Chile.

A Unique Country

Chile is a very unique country, running from Peru to the southern tip of South American, and located between the majestic Andean Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.  It has a population of approximately 15,155,000 and it is estimated that 20% are evangelical Christians.

Ministry in Five Cities

What a blessing to minister in the southern cities of Osorno, Purranque, Rio Negro, La Union, and Rio Bueno, where the believers of various church denominations warmly received and beautifully responded to the Gospel messages.  Tom and I spoke a total of 24 times during our eleven day visit.

Awesome Youth Response

One of the special ministries was with the youth of Purranque and Osorno where over 200 young people participated in the three day retreat and in the interdenominational revival crusade.  The great majority made first time commitments to sexual purity.

Excellent Leadership Seminars

Another special event (one afternoon and three mornings) was the interdenominational leadership classes on holiness, held in the cities of La Union and Osorno, where Tom beautifully expounded on heart purity and its practical aspects.  Over 70 pastors and leaders were present and listened eagerly to the teaching.  The seminar in Osorno closed with a moving time of prayer and soul searching, and a Communion service.

Marriage Vows Renewed

The interdenominational revival crusade (three nights) was held in a former theater.  The last night there was an attendance of over 600.  Besides the positive youth response and others who sought the Lord during the first night, over 50 couples renewed their marriage vows.  One couple sought the Lord in repentance.

Radio and Newspaper

Through the dedicated efforts of Pastor Martinez, we had five radio interviews, and one newspaper interview which was published with a photo to promote the revival crusade.

Positive Impressions

In conclusion, we found a very receptive people ranging from the working/middle to upper classes, and a very unified interdenominational family.  What a joy it was to share our hearts and the full Gospel message.  An open door remains for future ministry.

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Dominican Report

July 2-9, 2006

An Open Door

It was my privilege to visit the Dominican Republic, and minister in the cities of  Santo Domingo, San Francisco, and La Romana . This was made possible through the Wesleyan Church and  its leadership.  Pastor Carlos Martinez, acting superintendent, was especially instrumental in providing this open door. It was a privilege getting to know this servant of God, and to stay with him and his family. Carlos has a real vision for church growth and a genuine passion for holiness.

God Touched Lives

Nine preaching services were held in five different churches. God wonderfully blessed as numerous believers sought heart purity and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Eleven individuals came to Christ for the first time. The expressions of praise in each worship service were greatly uplifting for all those who were present

Committed To Purity

An awesome youth rally gave opportunity to speak on sexual purity. How beautiful to see committed young people making a special covenant with God toward sexual abstinence until marriage.

Inner Healing

A victory service took place in an open air men’s rally, where emotional and spiritual issues, due to abuses of the past, were addressed. It was the beginning of  a healing process as bitterness  and  unforgettable memories were committed to the Lord.

Counseling

Opportunities for personal counseling were also made possible. A highlight  experience was the group counsel given to ex-drug addicts and alcoholics at a Christian rehabilitation center in San Francisco.

Media Outreach

While in San Francisco, I also had the privilege of being on live TV and giving the Gospel message on radio, thanks to Pastor José Manuel Acosta, who is using this means to reach out to many lives.

Exciting Prospects

FAS has an open invitation to return to the Dominican in 2007. The plan, God willing, is to have the participation of more churches and use a coliseum or a larger neutral setting to  accommodate more people. 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."  Ephesians 3:20 (NKJ)

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Peru Report

May 20-28, 2006
 

Outreach and Growth

It was my privilege to represent the Francis Asbury Society for a series of special meetings in Lima, the capital city of Peru with a population of eight million.  Ministry activities took place in San Juan de Lurigancho, the largest neighborhood of Lima of over one million people.  Presently there are 500 evangelical churches and congregations reaching this needy metropolis with the Gospel.  This growth and outreach reflects why 18% of Peru's population is now evangelical Christian.

God Opened Doors

My visit to Lima was made possible through a Peruvian Christian layman who located my name on the Francis Asbury Society website.  As we began e-mailing, further contacts were made with a key pastor who was instrumental in organizing and setting the meetings up in various churches throughout the neighborhood.

Awesome Response

It was an exhausting yet fulfilling week as I spoke 21 different times to congregations, youth, and pastors, all on an interdenominational level.  Furthermore, in one of the downtown Lima theaters, where two of the larger gatherings were held, the messages were recorded and later transmitted on radio and television.

The response seen at the close of each service only reflects the spiritual hunger of the people.  Over 40 individuals came to Christ for the very first time, while many believers sought renewal, restoration and heart purity.

Great Prospects

There is a wide open door and invitation to return to Peru in 2007 to either minister in Lima again, or in other cities.  Without question, Peru, as in all of Latin America, is experiencing days of great harvest as never seen before in the history of the Church.

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La Paz, Bolivia

April 13-16
 

An Intriguing City

La Paz is an intriguing city of Aymara Indians with a population of 1,000,000.  It is located in the heart of the majestic Andes Mountains and is one of the world's highest cities at approximately 12,500 feet.  It has the longest (one mile) and highest (13,000 feet) commercial airport in the world.

Awesome People

It was my privilege to participate for the second time in the Bolivia Holiness Church Annual Conference.  The church, with more than 2,000 membership has been growing throughout all of Bolivia and is now extending its outreach into Argentina and Peru.  Its membership is composed of Aymara and Quechua Indians, who are committed and hardworking peoples.

Celebration Time

During the conference, I taught three courses on evangelism to more than 100 "hungry to learn" pastors.  Each was desirous of implementing new evangelism strategies to better reach their own people.  In the evenings I spoke to the general assembly, one being a youth service.  How beautiful to see the receptivity and response of the people!

Easter Sunday morning was celebration time as hundreds of evangelical Christians of different denominations paraded the streets with their accompanying orchestras.  More than 2,000 congregated in the tabernacle for the praise service and Easter message.  ("He Still Removes Stones").  Many individuals sought heart purity and more of God in their lives!

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Lima, Peru

April 18-19
 

A Needy City

Lima, the capital, is a growing coastal city of 8,000,000.  On my return home, I stopped for a couple of days to meet with some of the church leadership who had a desire to reach the largest neighborhood (more than 1,000,000) in the city.  I also gave two classes on evangelism.

Preliminary plans were made for my return on May 20-28.  During this time I will be holding evangelistic meetings, speaking in different churches and having special sessions with the church leadership on an interdenominational level.  Exciting days are ahead!

My THANKS again to the Francis Asbury Society for their partnership in this ministry.

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