From bustling cities like Buenos Aires to isolated tribal villages in the Amazon, Latin America is one of the most diverse and contradictory regions on earth. Vast natural beauty coexists with terrible economic poverty, lifestyles of one generation may be almost unrecognizable among the next, and while there are hundreds of unreached people groups in desperate need of the gospel, an evangelical missions movement is blossoming.
The opportunities for ministry in Latin America are particularly exciting because of ABWE’s long history in the region. ABWE missionaries have been involved in virtually every type of ministry since first opening a small outreach along the Amazon River in 1938. From those humble beginnings, we’ve seen God’s hand at work in ministries like our hospital in Brazil—where hundreds of people receive the love of Jesus through compassionate healthcare—and in our church-planting efforts across the continent—with more than 30 national-led churches planted in Nicaragua alone. Churches throughout Latin America have embraced the Great Commission and are now supporting their own missionaries and launching their own missions movements.
Highly social and relational cultures, freedom of religion, and growing platforms for global missions in Latin America make it a fruitful region for gospel proclamation. ABWE missionaries have endless opportunities to share the gospel, disciple the next generation of leaders, and plant churches alongside national partners. But the need is still great. With more than 200 million people in Spanish-speaking South America who do not yet know Jesus as Lord, the region is not yet saturated with the gospel.
And while challenges can include crime and corruption in urban areas, lack of resources or access in reaching remote areas, or secularism and syncretism in the spiritual landscape, there is much hope to be found in the energy of local believers desiring to be trained and equipped for ministry to their neighbors and to the world.
Ministries in Latin America include:
- Aviation ministry
- Camp ministry
- Church planting
- Deaf ministries
- Education ministries
- Evangelism and discipleship
- Feeding centers
- Healthcare
- Leadership training
- Missions movements
- Pregnancy crisis centers
- Team development
- Theological education
- Tribal ministries
- Youth ministries
If you have passion for disciple making, training local leaders, planting churches, and inspiring passion for global missions, there is a place for you in Latin America. Serving alongside both established and new Central American and South American believers and partners, you will be part of a sweeping gospel movement that is transforming hearts, lives, and communities. What role is God leading you to in his kingdom? Consider Latin America as your next step toward the mission field.
