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What does NACL stand for?
NaCl is the chemical formula for sodium chloride, better known as salt. NACL Inc. derives its name from the verse in the Bible, Matthew 5:13 in which Jesus Christ refers to His disciples as the "salt of the earth."
What does it mean to be the "salt of the earth"?
It means to be actively present in this world, intentionally, making a difference in the lives of others for the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom. It means leaving the comfort zone of the salt shaker church and filtering out into this lost and dying world in which we live. It means owning your identity in Christ as His ambassador on this planet and boldly taking His truth and His love to the remotest corners of human civilization. (Join the NACL online forum to share your own thoughts and comments.)
Why does NACL exist?
The world in which we live is a world corrupted by sin and its consequences, a world of death and decay. NACL exists as a ministry of the church and to the church to help believers recognize and reclaim their identity as the salt of the earth by putting into practice the commands of Scripture regarding our mission on this planet as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, His love and His truth. NACL exists to make a difference by preaching the Word, making disciples, practicing mercy and justice and mobilizing other believers to do likewise.
What does the NACL logo represent?
The NACL logo of five hexagons represents five crystals of salt and also the five phases of ministry of the NACL initiative. These phases are known as the I.A.D.O.M. protocols and they are: Infiltration, Assimilation, Dissemination, Occupation and Mobilization. The logo also represents individual members of the body of Christ as they fit together and work together toward these common goals.
Why is NACL based in Guadalajara, Mexico?
NACL founder, Paul Fisher had been a missionary in Mexico for 16 years when the Lord called him to the urban center of Guadalajara in 2002. There he found that this vast metropolis of over 6 million people, was also a spiritual wasteland, the heart of spiritual darkness in Mexico. (see map) NACL was founded in this city as a ministry of the Iglesia Cristo Redentor to address this urgent need and immediate opportunity for witness.
Although NACL is based in Mexico, it periodically conducts remote operations in other countries in coordination with local churches. By God’s grace and in His time, additional NACL teams will be established around the world. The next NACL target field is Scandinavia.
There are lines drawn across the globe, lines dividing Christian strongholds, like the United States of America; and lines marking strongholds of the enemy. But the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to the pulling down of these strongholds. But to use our weapons we must be on the front lines of the battle, or better yet, behind enemy lines.
Who does NACL "target" with the Gospel?
NACL seeks audience with people from every walk of life with whom to share the Gospel, but specializes in creating opportunities to engage those hard to reach individuals who have little or no contact with Christians or the church. NACL does not discriminate in its witness, but communicates the message of Christ to all who will hear. It is also the intention of NACL to cultivate contacts and relationships to increase the possibility for effective communication of the Gospel message and expression of God's love. Such contacts are based on certain criteria such as: previous relationship, physical need, window of opportunity, special burden or referral. Other contacts may likewise be random or "divine appointments."
NACL seeks to have a witness in virtually every segment of urban society within a given city whenever possible. These include: government, education, the arts, business, recreation and the streets.
What do most people NACL works with have in common?
NACL works with all different kinds of people from every conceivable background and walk of life. Most seem to be living lives of quiet desperation, but the one thing that virtually all have in common is that they want to be loved and know that someone really cares about them. This is the mission of NACL, to demonstrate God's unconditional love revealed in Jesus Christ.
Why all the protocols? Why not just spontaneously tell people about Jesus?
NACL operatives are trained to spontaneously share Christ with anyone, whenever and wherever possible, seizing every opportunity to be a witness for Christ. This should be a natural way of life for all believers. However, without some advance planning, procedure and protocol, evangelization itself can often be left undone, or done incorrectly or incompletely and can even do more harm than good in terms of someone's perception of Christianity. Likewise, some individuals are harder to reach with the Gospel. With a carefully designed approach to each intentional encounter, NACL attempts to ensure that the Gospel message is communicated in the most strategic and effective way possible to those people who may otherwise never be exposed to it.
What is the difference between spontaneous evangelism and strategic evangelism?
Jesus had many encounters with individuals and groups of people during His earthly ministry. Sometimes they were spontaneous, divine appointments and other times they were intentional and deliberate. NACL follows this model in being always prepared to share Christ spontaneously should an opportunity present itself, while at the same time, strategically seeking to create opportunities for witness where none presently exist.
Doesn't the tactical approach of NACL make evangelism a cold and systematic task rather than a warm expression of love for the lost?
The tactical aspects of NACL operations function to open the door and create a dialogue between believers and unbelievers. Once that door is open, the Gospel message of love and mercy is shared from heart to heart. Operatives are passionate and compassionate about sharing their faith. The message is always communicated with transparency, love, respect and patience, but also with a sense of urgency.
Doesn't all the protocol and strategizing tend to exclude the power of God in the evangelistic process?
NACL depends exclusively and entirely on the power of God's Holy Word and the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit to convict and save sinners. NACL does not rely on cleverly planned and executed strategies for results, but only seeks to train and send out the best prepared and equipped "fishers of men" and "sowers of seed" and "lambs among wolves" that it can.
Why does NACL use all the secret-agent lingo?
The FBI, the CIA, the NSA are elite federal government agencies dedicated to the procurement of justice, law enforcement and national security of the United States: all vitally important issues. Christians have a much more vital and urgent mission as Christ's ambassadors or agents to the human race, as we are engaged in spiritual warfare. NACL agents take their mission very seriously and respond to the great commission and other biblical mandates with the highest level of professionalism and preparation, in some cases borrowing terminology from these elite agencies to emphasize the vital importance of their mission.
Do NACL agents ever use aliases?
Under no circumstances do agents ever adopt a "cover" or an alias or pursue a covert agenda, as these imply deception or manipulation which are contrary to the Word of God. Sincere, authentic relationships, cultivated over time when possible, are the most honest and effective means of accomplishing mission objectives. Integrity, transparency and vulnerability are essential characteristics of these relationships.
Do NACL agents "spy" on people in order to then evangelize them?
NACL targets individuals from all walks of life with the Gospel message under a variety of different and sometimes challenging circumstances. With some individuals and circumstances, it may be advisable to observe their behavior and learn their routine in order to effectively establish contact with them. For example, drug dealers and prostitutes present a unique challenge because of the illegal activities they are involved in and often, the invisible presence of the people they are working for. Likewise, intel about high profile contacts such as politicians, helps facilitate contact and effective communication of the message.
Aren't some NACL operations dangerous?
A number of NACL ops are classified as medium to high level risk. These involve outreach to individuals who are involved in criminal activity, corruption, exploitation or other situations that are clearly well behind enemy lines. Missions such as these require careful planning, training and execution. Equal to the primary objective is the safety of the agents involved. When one or two agents are inserted into a potentially dangerous context, they are appropraitely trained and equipped and are also closely monitored by other agents, likewise equipped, whose only task is to provide surveillance, pray and intervene as needed to avoid or avert any confrontation. There are always contingency plans and exit strategies. By God's grace, to date, these occasions have been very few and far between.
Do NACL agents carry weapons?
Although some NACL operations do involve a element of risk or personal danger, it is the policy of this agency for agents to "be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" and avoid violence at all costs. NACL agents may use personal protective gear as a safety measure during high risk ops, but even in tactical interventions, no weapons are ever used. NACL does not conduct "commando raids." The only "weapon" in the NACL arsenal is the Word of God which is "sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
I read that there are NACL agents "of all ages," does that include children?
NACL has agents from many different backgrounds and different ages. The youngest operative on the team is fifteen years-old, while others are in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, but all are mature beleivers, totally dedicated to the mission of NACL. Obviously, not all agents are involved in every operation; but each are assigned missions appropriate to their own skill level, peer group and opportunities for ministry. Younger operatives are mentored and carefully supervised by the older, more experienced agents.
What is the difference between an NACL "agent", "ally" and "asset"?
NACL agents are trained operatives that have a specific mission agenda and protocols. Allies are individuals involved in helping facilitate NACL operations and assets are friends or contacts in the field who sympathize with the mission of NACL and may be called upon to help with specific given tasks.
What evangelistic method does the NACL team use?
NACL does not employ any standardized method of evangelization such as the "Four Spiritual Laws" or "Evangelism Explosion." Rather, NACL agents are trained in natural evangelistic conversation, which is essentially the art of asking questions that direct the conversation toward the Word of God. Every dialogue is as unique as the individuals involved. NACL agents memorize over 50 Bible verses and passages and practice navegating through them as the conversation flows naturally. NACL does not employ awkward Gospel "presentations" but rather Gospel "conversations" modeled after Christ's own conversational encounters.
What discipleship method does the NACL team use?
NACL employs a series of basic questions about topics such as faith, repentence, forgiveness, prayer, worship, etc. which require reading and study of the Bible to answer. This course is followed by further study of the Scriptures using the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Confession of Faith as a guide.
What teaching method does NACL use?
NACL agents are trained to communicate the message of the Gospel and other biblical truths in different ways depending on the circumstances. One of the most effective methods is by telling stories, as Jesus Himself taught with parables, and employing a series of questions to determine and reinforce comprehension. Object lessons and chalk-talks have also proved to be engaging and effective in transmitting the message.
Are NACL operations considered effective or successful?
A successful NACL mission is when the Gospel message is clearly and completely communicated in such a way that the hearer understands the message and its application to his or her own spiritual life. This is all we are commanded to do. If an individual responds in faith, repents and believes, that is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. NACL helps to nurture that faith by discipling new believers. If an individual does not believe, he or she has still heard and understood the Gospel message and may come to faith at some future time according to God's will and timing. By this definition, NACL ops are extremely effective. In every case, NACL agents continue to pray for each and every individual and contact is maintained whenever possible.
Are people being saved as a result of the ministry of NACL?
By God's grace, through the faithful, insistent proclamation of the Gospel, more and more people are trusting Christ as their Savior and receiving forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Among those who have received Christ through the ministry of NACL are people young and old, including former drug addcts, prosti tutes and bikers. They are all growing in their faith as they study God's Word and their lives are being transformed by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Some are even already actively ministering to others with the love of Christ.
What make NACL different from most other mission organizations?
NACL shares the same calling as all believers to preach the Gospel and make disciples. However, what makes NACL unique and perhaps different from traditional church-planting missions is that it specializes in extreme cases, people on the fringe, those least likely to ever be exposed to Christian teachings. NACL takes the message of the Gospel to anyone, anywhere, but especially to those hardest to reach. The goal of NACL is to always be on the cutting edge of modern missions.
How does NACL help with church-planting?
The primary objective of NACL is growing the Kingdom through evangelism and discipleship, the fruit of which are new believers and disciples of Jesus Christ. The discipleship process emphasizes the importance of worship: individual, family and corporate worship. God's Word is clear about believers meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25). NACL directs new believers into the fellowship of existing missions and churches, or helps nurture small groups into congregations of their own.
Doesn't sharing the Gospel with dependent, dysfunctional people create a dependent, dysfunctional church?
All human beings are sinful, needy creatures. The Gospel is the only thing that offers any of us hope. Because some people are more "dysfunctional" than others is no reason to withhold the Gospel from them. God specializes in hopeless cases and can transform lives through the power of His Word and His Spirit. The church is not an exclusive club for Christians who have it all together; it is a place of refuge and renewal for recovering sinners. The concern of NACL is not how will needy people negatively affect the church, but rather, how can the church positively affect people in need.
How can I access NACL agent profiles, field reports, case files and other restricted content on NACLnet?
Access to confidential content on NACLnet is controlled by passwords to protect field agents and operations as well as the identity of individuals with whom NACL has contact and other classified information. This content is made available to support team partners and others who have a special interest in a specific case on a "need-to-know" basis. Active NACL support team members can request password access at support@naclnet.org.
Why aren't there more pictures on the NACL website?
One of the most challenging aspects of NACL operations is documenting NACL operations photographically. As important as photographs are to a web site or ministry presentation, NACL will not compromise an operation for the sake of getting a good picture. Even with the utmost discretion and stealth, NACL photographers could be caught in the act, sometimes with negative consequences. This is not acceptable. NACL only takes photos with the consent of the subjects, or using cell phone cameras or telephoto lenses to document operations when (and if) possible. If not possible, no photographs are taken.
What is the greatest reward of working with NACL?
There is no greater reward than investing every day of your life in the service of Christ and His Kingdom. For NACL agents, the knowledge that there is nothing in the world more important than what they are doing is in itself, their greatest reward. For all Christians, there is no higher calling than serving as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus.
What is the greatest need NACL has?
NACL works with whatever resources it has available at any given time, (which is sometimes nothing!) Fortunately, the Gospel is free and it costs nothing for agents to share it freely with others, something they do on a daily basis. However, other aspects of the NACL ministry, especially in the area of mercy and intervention, require regular resourcing. NACL agents have all contributed personally to the mission of this agency, giving generously and sometimes sacrificially of their time and money to demonstrate the love of Christ and the truth of His Word. NACL needs steady support income to fund the many different ongoing operations to which it is committed. For a listing of some specific needs, please go to SPECIAL PROJECTS.
What is the greatest challenge of NACL?
NACL faces many unique challenges as it seeks to grow in its witness for Christ in Mexico and the world. There are daily challenges in the field which serve to strengthen and sharpen the leading edge of this ministry. However, the greatest challenge is actually not on the field or the front lines, but is the ongoing challenge of raising enough support to provide the resourses needed for this ministry and to recruit more full-time agents. But we trust in God's grace which abounds each day and is always sufficient for the task at hand.
Why should I consider supporting NACL?
Your financial support of NACL represents an investment, not in this agency or its people, but in the growth of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ as new believers receive Him as Savior. Your support puts more agents in the field and makes it possible for the Gospel to be communicated with more and more people, every single day-- people who would otherwise probably never be exposed to the Word of God. Support of NACL is not a substitute for your own personal witness, but represents another way God can use you to further His Kingdom. Your contribution goes 100% to the task of communicating the Gospel message to someone every day.
What are contributions to NACL used for?
NACL is a non-profit organization that conducts operations of evangelization, discipleship, mercy and justice. Although NACL has a very low overheard because it pays no rent or utilities and has very few administrative expenses, it does still depend on support for funding of specific operational needs to accomplish its ongoing strategic mission. NACL operations generate expenses including travel and transportation, communication, training, equipment and office expenses. In addition to the NACL general fund, special accounts have also been set up for special projects which include: printing, emergency relief aid, vehicles, computers, etc. NACL is also recruiting more full-time field agents who need regular support to stay in the field.
How can I be involved in the ministry of NACL?
In addition to prayer and financial support, you can help expand the NACL network by referring people to this website, inviting NACL representatives to come speak at your church, or volunteer to help in other ways by contacting NACL at support@naclnet.org.
NACL is also looking to recruit new agents, full or part-time. Presently, the NACL task force operates primarily in Mexico with plans for future remote ops in other countries. NACL has short-term internships available in Guadalajara, Mexico for qualified applicants interested in field training and operations. (See internships)
NACL is also in the process of developing a program for the training and deployment of volunteer international agents via online assessment and training for field operations worldwide. This program is still in the initial phases of concept development.
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