Interested in Working With GAP?

Our dates for 2007 are filling up quickly. If you have an interest in bringing a group to Uruguay to help with GAP please email us at:

thesheaffers@pobox.com

If you are interested in purchasing copies of the Gospel of John for distribution, please let us know. We appreciate your prayers and support.

What is GAP?

GAP stands for “Gospel Advancement Project”. It is a gospel saturation ministry designed specifically for an urban setting. Its goal is to place the Gospel of John (and/or other evangelistic materials) in every household along the coast of Montevideo to the coastal city of Punta del Este, and to provide a clear presentation of the Gospel to these areas. This will be accomplished through the use of volunteers from the United States as they partner with other missionaries, Baptist churches, and persons of peace in each of the target areas.

Because distributing evangelistic material in an urban setting is difficult, GAP is designed to use four “waves” to help in the advancement of the Gospel: prayer walking, door to door distribution of Scripture, marketplace evangelism/distribution, and one or two evangelistic events in each target area.

The goals of GAP are simple: spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, seek out persons of peace for initiating new works, establish relationships to foster spiritual growth, and to see simple churches planted in every target zone along the coast.

The Four "Waves" of GAP

Each GAP team working in Uruguay will use four strategies (waves) for reaching their assigned target zone along the coast. These four waves are crucial to help us achieve the goal of starting simple churches in as many neighborhoods as possible once the GAP team leaves Uruguay.

Prayer Walking – street by street prayer walking in the GAP target area. This is a crucial step to breaking through spiritual strongholds in Montevideo. Specific training will be given prior to the team’s arrival.

Scripture Distribution – door to door distribution of The Gospel of John. During this time, people’s responses will be recorded, prospects gleaned, and the gospel will be presented when people an express an interest.

Marketplace Evangelism/Distribution – this is specialized evangelism in the urban market place of the target community. This can include scripture distribution in open air markets, parks, streets, beaches, and malls. This will be specifically tailored for each location with the assistance of the host team. Some members of the team will simply distribute Scripture while others will be involved in more direct forms of evangelism.

Evangelistic Outreach Events – one or two special events for evangelism in a neutral setting in the GAP target area. This can include evangelistic films, concerts, sports tournaments, children’s festivals, and other events specifically designed by the GAP team. The gifts and abilities of the visiting team will determine what approach will be used.