2a A CHRISTIAN STRATEGY FOR MISSIONS II
THE BEGINNING: A CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY AND LONG-TERM GOALS
Paralife International follows Biblical and philosophical principles that guide the organization. These principles are Biblically based and can endure hard times. They will last forever because God’s principles are eeternal. Let’s delve into these principles and goals.
Philosophical Principles of Paralife:
- Paralife International recognizes the supreme authority of God’s throne.
God is the ruler of everything, and He has power over all the countries and forces on the earth. He may let His enemy, the Devil, do some things, but He is the one who has all the power. God gave all authority to Christ who then gave it to the church (Matt. 28:18; Col. 1:16-20; Acts 1:8). The church must know that it has the authority that God gave it, but it uses that authority only through prayer and the local church’s impact on the world’s systems. The church has enough spiritual power to do its mission. An example of that power is “Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance.” God puts men in power, and God takes them out of power.
Spiritual warfare and spiritual victory can never be successful only with human weapons and human concepts. Power and authority gained by human weapons and ideas produce only war and misery. On the other hand, Jesus will one day return to the earth to establish a theocratic governing system. Until that time, the church has a responsibility of influencing governmental and political affairs. This influence should not be construed to mean “control,” rather, Christian influence should be persuading and inspiring legislation that reflects Christian values and beliefs. Although God has given the church His authority on earth, the exercise of that power must be with humility and wisdom. Only with God’s resources will Biblical principles and values ever be demonstrated.
2. Paralife International affirms the Bible as God’s unbreachable covenant with man and that spiritual blessings are conditional upon obedience.
The principles of the Scripture are God’s promises to humanity. They are His covenants with the earth (Col. 1:16-20). These Biblical principles will function in any nation where they are applied. They will be effective in any culture and traditions where they are tried. These principles also work despite the spiritual condition of the one applying them. God’s principles are for all men of all times. Methodology and strategy may change depending upon factors such as culture, technology, wealth, or the lack of it, but God’s principles are applicable to any time of history, culture, or tradition.
Biblical principles are God’s unchangeable and everlasting promise to mankind. Faith is believing that God made these laws and that they will accomplish their goal. With this everlasting promise, Biblical values can be applied to any society, culture, or tradition. Biblical values like honesty, humility, quietness, individuality, and community bring blessings to individuals, communities, and nations when the church of Christ follows them. The church, as Christ’s delegated authority on earth, must show these Christian values in its own life. One way to demonstrate Biblical principles and Christian values is to care for the poor and needy.
It’s important to note that while the Church participates in Christ’s authority, it should always operate within the framework of God’s will and teachings. The Church’s authority is derived from Christ and is ultimately subject to his lordship and sovereignty.
- Paralife International supports the unity of humankind
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, there was a human desire to explore and comprehend God’s creative power by dissecting the world into smaller, more understandable components. Through this process of analysis, mankind aimed to replicate the original creations. For instance, humans have succeeded in modifying DNA molecules in certain organisms to generate specific types of life. These experiments can be seen as humanity’s attempt to wield the power of creation, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire for control. It was believed that acquiring knowledge would provide mastery over life and society as individuals sought to simplify complex systems into their fundamental elements.
God’s care extends beyond specific aspects of life or society; it encompasses the universe. God desires His church to grasp His expansive vision, recognizing how even the smallest details fit into His grand plan. God, as the creator of the universe and everything within it, did not create isolated islands separate from the rest of the world. Just as the islands in the ocean maintain a hidden unity beneath the water’s surface, all of humanity is intricately connected to the larger fabric of creation. Man is not isolated; rather, he is linked to the entirety of God’s creation by countless unseen connections. This truth is articulated in Romans 14:7, which states, “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.” Each individual is part of a broader tapestry, interconnected with others and the world at large.
Humanity holds a significant role within the broad scope of the universe. God entrusted humans with the stewardship of plants and animals, granting them a degree of control and responsibility over these elements. The world’s intricate ecosystem, encompassing all of God’s creation, heavily relies on the actions of humanity. The delicate balance between plant and animal life can be profoundly influenced by human behavior. Manifestations of this can be observed in the pollution of rivers and air, predominantly resulting from the industrial age. These instances highlight both the impact of human activity and the lack of regard for the interconnections within the global ecosystem. Humanity plays a crucial part in Earth’s delicate equilibrium, possessing the unique capability to single-handedly inflict detriment upon the rest of God’s creation. The connection between humankind and the broader spectrum of existence remains unbreakable, reinforcing the responsibility to foster a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
According to religious beliefs, humanity was formed by God using the elements found on Earth. When individuals pass away, they are said to return to the earth, much like plants and animals. In this cyclical process, human remains decompose and assimilate back into the Earth, just as they were originally derived from it. This shared origin and destiny emphasize the interconnectedness between humankind, plants, and animals. All aspects of creation ultimately trace their roots to the same earthly substances, underscoring the profound unity within the universe.
The fundamental connection among all human beings lies in their shared origin. As stated in religious scripture, “God breathed into man and man became a living soul.” This common starting point signifies that every individual is intrinsically linked and part of a larger human family. It is from this understanding that the significance of fostering peace and unity among people arises. Despite the challenges posed by political, social, and religious disparities, it remains crucial for the church to strive towards bringing these various elements under the authority of Christ. By promoting harmony and reconciliation, the church can contribute to the realization of a unified world. Recognizing and embracing our shared humanity can serve as a unifying force, transcending the divisions that hinder the oneness of society.
4. Paralife International believes that this is a world with a reason and that one of the reasons for Jesus Christ and His church is to make everything one with God.
The purpose of Christ and His church is to restore the control and authority that Satan had wrongfully obtained, transferring it back to its rightful owner, Jesus. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus reclaimed the true authority and power from Satan. This authority and power have been entrusted to the church, which represents the body of Christ and serves as His legitimate instrument on Earth. Thus, the church is the sole inheritor of God’s power and authority, entrusted with the responsibility to bring about His will.
The purpose of this power and authority is twofold: to continue to triumph over the influence of Satan and to demonstrate to the world the saving grace and unifying nature of Jesus. The divine words of Scripture remind us that God’s power is not something we can demand, but something He bestows upon us through the Holy Spirit. The meek are blessed and inherit the Earth, highlighting the importance of humility and dependence on God.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church is called to proclaim the gospel, liberating believers from the systems of the world. As the church grows in number, its influence over worldly systems expands, diminishing their power over the lives of individuals. It is through the redemptive nature of the church that the world’s systems can be impacted and brought under God’s authority.
It is crucial to note that this does not imply an aim for domination over the earth. Instead, individuals with talents grounded in biblical principles will become influential in shaping worldly systems. While the past cannot be altered by any single individual, a faithful and committed community can impact the future trajectory of society..
I want to stress one crucial point. Man relying on his own abilities and intelligence cannot restore the world to God. The Church, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, can affect the world’s systems and thereby influence the future of humanity.
5. Paralife International recognizes the prophetic role of the redeemed and covenanted community, as declared and shown by its ministry of reconciliation.
The local church serves as a reflection of God’s imminent kingdom. When the heart of the local church is surrendered to God, His sovereign rule becomes evident within that community. As a result, the church should anticipate and experience miraculous and wondrous occurrences that serve as confirmation of God’s presence. The manifestation of spiritual power signifies the arrival of God’s kingdom in that specific time and place.
In its prophetic ministry, the local church has the responsibility of showcasing God’s kingdom on Earth. This is primarily achieved through its ministry of reconciling the world to God. While evangelism serves as a starting point, community engagement also plays a crucial role. If the local church faithfully exhibits the characteristics of God’s kingdom, it should naturally impact worldly systems. Christians have a vital role to play by actively engaging in community matters such as local school boards, city and county councils, as well as state and national politics. The influence of the world systems that intersect with and influence the local church is transformational brought about by the redemptive nature of the church community.
The local church can be defined as a community (koinonia) of individuals who have entered into a covenant with God and with one another. Its collective purpose is to collectively represent Jesus Christ. It is through this sacred assembly that Christian individuals, standing upon the foundation of Christ, strive to radiate holiness (symbolized by light and salt) to a world that is in peril.
6. Paralife International affirms a view of the end times in which the world systems are conquered by King Jesus and original unity is restored.
The end of this age will occur when Jesus returns to Earth and welcomes His prepared bride. Until that time, the Church will continue its important ministry of reconciliation. Ultimately, all things will be restored under the authority of Christ. Death stands as the final adversary that Christ will gain control over. Although death may still challenge the Church, Christ will ultimately deliver a final blow even to the angel of death. This is the ultimate victory that awaits us.
Sadly, the Church has been greatly deceived by Satan. While there is nothing wrong with personal devotion and spiritual growth, the Church has often remained within the confines of its four walls, accumulating spiritual wealth, while Satan has achieved significant victories outside. The Church wonders why wickedness exists in its own neighborhoods, why technology is being used for destructive purposes, why drugs are being sold near schools, why the local authorities restrict churches from delivering aid to the needy, and why the Church is constrained from openly addressing moral issues that have become political. Perhaps it is through these very circumstances that God will judge both nations and the Church. However, the Church should not passively observe these events with a sense of hopelessness. The redeemed Church possesses the assurance of victory and the power, through Christ, to impact every aspect of its environment. If the Church fails to exercise this authority, judgment may arrive, and it will begin within the house of the Lord. When the Church, empowered by Christ, confronts the enemy of the kingdom, the enemy must flee.
The local church has often sought to avoid these battles by placing hope in the idea of a rapture. It is time for the Church to face the reality that, with or without a rapture, it cannot evade the responsibility entrusted to it by Jesus. In His initial confrontation with Satan, Jesus declared that the Church is to be the preserving agent, the salt, of God in the world. Paul also affirmed this concept and emphasized the need for the Church to actively engage and influence its surroundings. The Church must embrace this calling, recognizing that it has the power and authority to impact the world for the glory of God.
7. Paralife International affirms that the family is the fundamental unit of society.
The family holds a central role as the foundational unit of society. As children grow within the family, they become the future members of society. Therefore, it is crucial to foster strong and healthy families in order to cultivate prosperous and robust future societies. The significance of the family is multi-faceted.
First and foremost, the family should reflect the principles and values of God’s kingdom. Under the authority and leadership of the parents, the family functions harmoniously, working for the well-being and benefit of one another. This unity and goodness extend beyond the family itself and have a positive impact on the surrounding community. It is worth noting that God chose the family as a means to bless and bring prosperity to the world.
Secondly, the family possesses the potential to generate wealth in accordance with God’s design. In contrast to contemporary notions that associate wealth creation with large corporations or state-controlled economic systems, God’s plan revolves around the family as a primary source of wealth. It is within the family unit that the knowledge, skills, and principles needed for creating and sustaining wealth are transferred from one generation to the next.
Paralife, through its evangelistic community development program for the impoverished, aims to empower families by equipping them with essential tools such as healthy habits and education. By focusing on these areas, Paralife recognizes the transformative potential within families. When families are equipped with knowledge and resources, they can break free from cycles of poverty and improve their overall well-being.
In summary, the family holds a foundational and vital role within society. It is a reflection of God’s kingdom, working for the mutual benefit of its members and the broader community. Furthermore, the family has the potential to generate wealth according to God’s design. Through empowering families with education and healthy habits, initiatives like Paralife’s community development program seek to uplift families and contribute to the creation of stronger and more prosperous societies.
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF PARALIFE
In order to understand the direction and purpose of Paralife’s work, it is essential to revisit the objectives and goals that guide their daily activities. These objectives are fundamentally centered around the overarching goal of bringing glory to Almighty God. They are derived from three crucial aspects of local church life, as outlined by Howard Snyder in his book, Liberating the Church. These aspects are Worship, Witness, and Community, and they serve as the foundation for Paralife’s objectives and goals. It is important to highlight that Paralife firmly believes in the local church’s role as a reflection of God’s kingdom.
While one may question whether the Bible alone would suffice as a guide for daily activity, further exploration reveals that Paralife’s objectives are firmly rooted in scriptural teachings. From the outset, it was unanimously agreed upon that the Holy Spirit would lead the development of Paralife. Consequently, the objectives that have been established are the result of diligently applying biblical principles.
In summary, Paralife’s daily work is driven by objectives and goals that are centered on bringing glory to God. These objectives are influenced by the three foundational aspects of Worship, Witness, and Community within local church life, as identified by Howard Snyder. Moreover, they are firmly rooted in scriptural teachings, as Paralife acknowledges the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their endeavors.
The first objective centers around the significance of WORSHIP as an ongoing activity within the local church body and community. Worship emerges as individuals within the church body learn the importance of personal and collective repentance. It is crucial for each person to seek forgiveness for their own wrongdoings and sins, but it is also essential for the corporate body to acknowledge its own errors and seek forgiveness together. Without the pardoning of sin, genuine worship becomes unattainable.
Another vital aspect of worship is praise, which encompasses a diverse range of expressions. It involves singing, honoring God through both silence and vocal expressions, engaging in group and individual Bible study, and sharing testimonies. However, praise extends beyond these expressions. When members of the church live holy lives characterized by Christian disciplines such as joy, love, service, prayer, meditation, and peace, their very lives become a form of praise to God.
The third component of worship revolves around learning and teaching. The local church has the responsibility of exemplifying Christ through its actions. However, for the character of Christ and the actions that reflect His character to be manifested, they must be taught. Scripture needs to be taught both analytically and for motivational purposes. The principles of God’s kingdom must be conveyed in a way that even children can comprehend and understand their implications. Moreover, it is essential to examine world and local community events in relation to their influence on the local church and God’s work. Though some local church leaders may be hesitant to address local issues for fear of offending someone in the community, it is crucial for the church to engage in discussions and explore the underlying principles involved. By doing so, the congregation and community can then act in accordance with the biblical principles, regardless of any offense caused. This restorative approach brings Christ to the forefront of the local community and serves as a form of worship.
In summary, the first objective emphasizes worship as an ongoing activity within the local church and community. This entails the recognition of personal and collective repentance, the expression of praise through various means, and the importance of learning and teaching the character and principles of Christ. By engaging in these components of worship, the local church becomes an embodiment of Christ’s teachings and fosters transformative impact within the community, effectively bringing worship to the forefront of everyday life.
The second aspect of church life is COMMUNITY. This term and its usage are not to be understood in a geopolitical sense. Rather, it is to be understood as the family of God who meets and worships together. A purpose of community is to foster discipline in community and individual lives through covenanted relationships based on Biblical principles. Commitment to each other is essential, but there needs to be an awareness of the foundation of the covenant. In the Old Testament, the foundation of covenant was the “Blood Covenant.” Even today, some people try to covenant on that basis. Others have written their own covenant charter. And still others try to see the relational principles of the Bible and use these as a basis of covenant. Whatever basis one chooses, all members of the community need to be informed of the criteria for covenant. If this is not done, then no covenant can exist.
The second aspect of church life encompasses the concept of COMMUNITY. It is important to clarify that this term should not be perceived solely in a geopolitical sense, but rather as the family of believers who gather together to worship. One of the purposes of community is to cultivate discipline, both at the individual and communal level, through covenanted relationships grounded in biblical principles. While commitment to one another is crucial, it is equally important to understand the foundation of this covenant. In the Old Testament, the foundation of the covenant was the “Blood Covenant,” and even today, some individuals attempt to establish their covenant on this basis. Others may draft their own covenant charter, while some seek to derive relational principles from the Bible as the basis for their covenant. Regardless of the chosen foundation, it is imperative that all members of the community are well-informed about the criteria and expectations of the covenant. Without this shared understanding, the existence of a true covenant becomes uncertain.
The second purpose of community is to serve one another. The inherent nature of Satan and unregenerated humanity is to serve self. However, Jesus provided us with an exemplary model of serving others. Despite being a king worthy of being served, He chose to come and serve humanity instead. Learning to serve one another joyfully is a gift bestowed upon God’s community. By engaging in acts of service, individuals build self-confidence and contribute to the overall strength of the community. Serving one another also serves as a vital means of protection for the community. When the community operates in alignment with its intended purpose of service, there are no vulnerabilities or gaps that allow Satan to infiltrate.
A third goal of community is to create an environment where the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit can be constantly displayed. Love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, patience, goodness, and self-control, what a wonderful place to live in! Along with this environment are the gifts of the Spirit that instruct, direct, and correct. This is the reflection of God’s universal kingdom.
To summarize, the second aspect of church life revolves around the idea of community. This involves establishing covenanted relationships based on biblical principles, fostering discipline within individuals and the community as a whole. Additionally, the purpose of community extends to serving one another, following the example set by Jesus. By embracing a lifestyle of service, the community experiences personal growth, bolsters communal unity, and safeguards against the negative influence of the enemy.
The third aspect of church life revolves around the notion of WITNESS. The local church, by its very existence, should serve as a testament to God’s grace within its community. When the church maintains a sense of balance, evangelism becomes not just an occasional event but rather a natural and consistent expression of the church’s identity. The purpose of evangelism, reaching out to nations and their people, is widely recognized as a fundamental role of the church. Jesus’ mission was to make disciples in every nation and teach them His commandments. As the church engages in evangelism and expands its reach, it can have a greater impact on the systems and structures of the world. However, the mere existence of the local church does not automatically influence the world systems. Instead, the church makes an impact by empowering new Christians to bring redemptive influence within those systems. Therefore, there is a continual need for the growth of new Christians.
The second objective of Witness is to actively serve the local community and fellow humanity. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasized that the purpose of the fivefold ministry was to equip individuals for acts of service. Furthermore, Peter highlighted that when the church serves, the ungodly observe the good deeds and are led to worship God. Serving the local community demonstrates God’s love for His creation. The church has often overlooked the distinction between those who serve and those who are served. However, for the advancement of the kingdom on earth, it is essential to adhere to biblical principles. Serving the community is not an optional choice for the church; rather, it is a command from Jesus Himself to love one’s neighbor as oneself, recognizing that serving is an act of love.
The third objective of Witness is to manifest the church as a prophetic testimony to the character of God’s kingdom on earth. The world can only genuinely understand the character and power of God through tangible examples. Mere words no longer suffice; action is demanded. In recent years, the number of local churches has significantly increased, accompanied by the proliferation of large churches and
Christian television programs beyond what was previously imagined.
However, it is crucial to remember that true witness goes beyond quantity. It requires the church to exemplify the character of God’s kingdom through transformative actions that bring about positive change in the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
In summary, the third aspect of church life focuses on Witness. It entails the church serving as a testimony of God’s grace within its community, engaging in consistent evangelism, actively serving the local area and humanity, and demonstrating the character and power of God’s kingdom through impactful actions. By embodying these goals, the church fulfills its role as a transformative agent in the world.
Paralife’s Initial Operational Priorities
The “Operational Priorities” aimed to guide the daily administration in the initial phase of operations. The first objective was to secure legal status as a religious charitable organization. This involved drafting a constitution and bylaws and electing a board of directors to oversee the organization. This was accomplished in 1982 along with apply for and obtaining a 501 C status as a non-profit organization. After completing these steps in the United States, the organization applied to the Salvadoran government for incorporation in El Salvador. This step was very important for our initial work would only be in the war-torn country of El Salvador.
The second objective was to recruit a staff from diverse church backgrounds. This would ensure a truly interdenominational nature of the organization. A related and minor objective was to organize and participate in pastoral seminars and evangelistic campaigns.
The third objective was to implement a Social Reconciliation program with local church involvement. This consisted of the following steps:
Step 1: Establish a central clinic.
Step 2: Launch a community medical program.
Goal 1. Gain acceptance from the government, society, and local churches for the organization.
Goal 2. Demonstrate church compassion for local suffering.
Step 3: Build a relationship with the national government.
Goal 1. Earn recognition for Paralife’s mission and personnel working for national welfare.
Goal 2. Enable the delivery of goods and services to those in need.
Step 4: Initiate a program of community renewal through local churches or under their general supervision.
Goal 1. Conduct a comprehensive community assessment.
Goal 2. Promote health awareness by emphasizing:
a. Community sanitation.
b. Nutritional issues.
c. Personal and communal hygiene.
d. Proper clothing.
Goal 3. Start feeding and nutrition programs.
Goal 4. Develop educational programs.
a. Provide an academic program for rural communities.
b. Offer a vocational program.
Goal 5. Foster individual and family dignity.
a. Construct housing facilities where feasible.
b. Educate on family responsibility.
c. Teach the dignity of man through Christ.
Goal 6. Achieve economic independence.
a. Support small business ventures.
b. Integrate to local community.
c. Instruct on suitable gardening methods.
The fourth objective was to evaluate the program outlined above. The fifth objective was to identify and train competent local people who could permanently lead Corporacion Ministerios Para Vida (Paralife’s official name in El Salvador).
Step 1: Find potential leaders.
Step 2: Employ and engage them in Para Vida activities.
Step 3: Raise local funds for:
a. Executive wages.
b. General office lease.
c. Operations expense of transportation.
At the time of this writing, all of the above operational priorities have been achieved. Some priorities have been accomplished more fully than others, but all to some degree. It needs to be acknowledged that this has not been the work of a human, but rather, it has been the work of the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION: The original purpose of Paralife International was to proclaim God’s message of spiritual and social reconciliation and demonstrate it in El Salvador. It was clearly revealed to Paralife that our actions and words should be focused on “discipling the nation of El Salvador.” The organization was never intended to have eternal life; rather, it was meant to exist only as long as God granted it life to fulfill its purpose. The goal was for local churches to embrace the challenge of preaching and practicing the biblical principles of spiritual and social reconciliation to benefit the impoverished and needy in El Salvador.
God works through both the poor and the needy to build His church. This does not exclude the wealthy and powerful; rather, as individuals recognize their place in the kingdom of God, they will fulfill the specific roles designed for them by God. It is crucial to remember that God’s kingdom encompasses people of all races and social levels. Paralife has been called to minister among the poor and needy by God, and we strive to fulfill this calling with accountability and dedication.
God grants vision to all who are patient and receptive enough to listen. For some, the message may not be immediately clear, while others may misinterpret it. However, for those who discern the sound of God’s trumpet, the vision is accurate. The vision may be conveyed through the face of a malnourished child afflicted with parasites, a gentle inner voice of intuition, or insights and inspiration gained from studying God’s word. To those who have a genuine passion for God’s kingdom, the vision will come.
In summary, Paralife International’s core purpose is to declare God’s message of spiritual and social reconciliation, specifically targeting the nation of El Salvador. The organization seeks to empower local churches in El Salvador to embrace the call to spread the transformative principles of God’s kingdom among the impoverished and vulnerable. It is through attentiveness and openness that individuals can discern and act upon the vision God has for them.
Revised August 10, 1992
Revised January 20. 2024
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