In 1960, my grandfather, Dr. L. H. (Popsi) Ashcraft, crossed the bridge which divided the United States from Mexico. All that remained behind him was the country he loved, the language he knew, the customs he understood, a secure income and comforts available only to those who live in the United States.
Before him, lay the challenge of learning a new language, new customs and new laws, the responsibility of obeying God’s call on his life and the burden of knowing so many were depending on him. With no experience, no language school, no mission board and little (and at times no) financial support, he set out, determined, to obey God’s will.
Accompanying him were his faithful wife and four children. His plan was to reach Mexico for Christ. His tools were an English/Spanish dictionary and a Bible. In retrospect, I understand now why many believed he was foolish. In fact, he was a humble servant faithfully obeying his Father’s commands. In 1989, Popsi went home to be with the Lord, yet, his vision for seeing Mexico reached with the Gospel lives on.
Before him, lay the challenge of learning a new language, new customs and new laws, the responsibility of obeying God’s call on his life and the burden of knowing so many were depending on him. With no experience, no language school, no mission board and little (and at times no) financial support, he set out, determined, to obey God’s will.
Accompanying him were his faithful wife and four children. His plan was to reach Mexico for Christ. His tools were an English/Spanish dictionary and a Bible. In retrospect, I understand now why many believed he was foolish. In fact, he was a humble servant faithfully obeying his Father’s commands. In 1989, Popsi went home to be with the Lord, yet, his vision for seeing Mexico reached with the Gospel lives on.
In 1998, thirty-eight years later, I crossed over that same border into Mexico. After spending twelve years in Mexico, the Lord is moving us to Southeast Asia. At first, I wondered why the Lord would lead us in such a direction as this. After submitting to His will, He began to give me a vision of what He will do with us in this new field of service. The Bible says that where there is no vision the people perish. Webster's Dictionary says that a vision is "the ability to perceive or forsee something." There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord has given me a vision.
Simply stated, I see an unreached part of the world flooded with Hispanic missionaries proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hispanic missionaries, funded and sent out by Hispanic churches, reaching the lost for the glory of God. After spending all my life in Mexico, I have no doubt that if the Lord leads them, the Hispanic people will make wonderful missionaries.
Using the language and culture I already know, I will be able to assist these missionaries like no other. There is no reason why we shouldn't see many Hispanic missionaries moving to Southeast Asia in the next few years. Working with the churches we have started in Mexico, we will begin to train and equip these new missionaries with all the tools they need to be effective in their ministry for the Lord. This, of course, is not a reality yet. It is a vision. We have to get to Thailand, learn a new language, customs and laws. Then, and only then, could we begin to receive and aid these men and women in their new land.
I am excited about what the Lord is about to do and I hope you are, too.
In His Service,
Rev. Randy Ashcraft
Director of La Fe Ministries
Simply stated, I see an unreached part of the world flooded with Hispanic missionaries proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hispanic missionaries, funded and sent out by Hispanic churches, reaching the lost for the glory of God. After spending all my life in Mexico, I have no doubt that if the Lord leads them, the Hispanic people will make wonderful missionaries.
Using the language and culture I already know, I will be able to assist these missionaries like no other. There is no reason why we shouldn't see many Hispanic missionaries moving to Southeast Asia in the next few years. Working with the churches we have started in Mexico, we will begin to train and equip these new missionaries with all the tools they need to be effective in their ministry for the Lord. This, of course, is not a reality yet. It is a vision. We have to get to Thailand, learn a new language, customs and laws. Then, and only then, could we begin to receive and aid these men and women in their new land.
I am excited about what the Lord is about to do and I hope you are, too.
In His Service,
Rev. Randy Ashcraft
Director of La Fe Ministries