Aruba is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, dry and sandy with no fresh water and few natural resources. They rely on tourism. They also have one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and low unemployment. Aruba has a varied culture, with 92 different nationalities on the tiny island. Religion is mostly Roman Catholic.
The Alto Vista Chapel pictured here is a small Catholic chapel also known as “Pilgrims Church” that stands above the seashore. The present chapel was completed in 1952 and replaces the original chapel built by Domingo Silvestre, the Venezuelan missionary in 1750. It is also stated to be the location where conversion of Aruban Indians to Christianity started.
As I read about the different countries of the world, I am seeing just how important the missionaries of the past have been to our world, often giving their life and great sacrifices to fulfill the commission that Jesus asked of us.
Jesus came near and said to the disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-19
