Jill and Derick Dillard have been under heavy scrutiny from critics for allegedly spending their time in Central America attempting to convert Catholics. The pair addressed those claims in a recent blog post, noting that “God did not call us to convert Catholics.” Instead, Jill’s husband explains that the family is there not to convert but to “preach good news to the poor and to proclaim liberty to the captives.”
The Dillard Family Blog recently posted an update that touched on their work in Central America. The family has been criticized for not working enough on tangible products for the poor and disadvantaged in the area, such as building homes or donating usable items. Instead, many have claimed the Dillards, and Duggars, only perform mission work in the area to “convert Catholics” to their way of life. However, it seems the Dillards have heard enough of those allegations and attempt to set the record straight for supporters.
Jill Dillard shared this photo from her time at a children’s home in Central America. (Image via Instagram/ Jill Dillard)
Derick pinned the blog post, which claims that “God did not call us to convert Catholics.” He notes that statement plainly in the first sentence, attempting to shoot down the rumors regarding their ministry being based on converting. However, he goes even further by noting he is not in Central America to convert anyone.
“God did not call us to convert Catholics, but God has called us to follow His example. He has not called us to convert Buddhists, Muslims, Baptists, atheists, Mormons, Lutherans, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Methodists, agnostics, or Hindus. God has called us to Central America to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.”
Therefore, it seems that Derick is admitting that the main goal behind the Dillard Family Ministries is to preach to the community. However, he claims that conversion is not the end goal. He says by preaching “the good news,” he will be able to “proclaim liberty to the captives” in the area and provide hope to the poor.
“My desire is to preach good news to the poor and to proclaim liberty to the captives. I have the greatest treasure in Christ, and I want others to know that hope as well.”
The Dillards do not outline any particular work that they will do in the area, such as housing plans or volunteering, in the blog. Instead they claim that preaching hope is what God has called them to do in Central America.
Jill Duggar’s husband looks like he’s struggling with Spanish lessons (image via Jill Duggar Dillard/Instagram)
However, it seems Jill Dillard is attempting to strike down the rumors that the pair aren’t doing anything tangible in the community by posting photos and videos of their work in a local children’s home. As Derick shared the “we have not been called to convert Catholics post,” Jill was busy sharing videos from her recent visit to the children’s home. The Duggar daughter says she “loves these kids” as she posts a video of the children. She also posted a photo where she is seated on the floor playing with some of the children from the home.
“It was such a joy to be able to visit this children’s home. Please pray for these children and the family that runs the home; they are precious!”
Jill Dillard sits on the floor as she visits children at a children’s home in Central America. (Image via Instagram/ Jill Dillard)
What do you think about the unified effort of Jill and Derick Dillard to squash rumors that their Dillard Family Ministries is out to convert Catholics in Central America?
[Image via Instagram / Jill Dillard]
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