Right here stands Iglesia Cristiana Verbo EL valle. Its story began far from Ecuador. It started with a spiritual awakening among young Christians in the United States. This movement was known as “La Generación de Jesús”. It touched hearts on the West Coast during the late 1960s.
These young believers united. They found guidance in Gospel Outreach. Jim Durkin led this ministry of communal homes and farms. He taught them the importance of practicing God’s word. They felt called to serve in Latin America.
But they knew being called wasn’t enough. They needed to learn how to be missionaries. Gospel Outreach taught them a biblical and honest approach to Christianity.
In time a team established itself in Quito. Tom and Gisela Becotte led this team. They were soon joined by Jim and Mary De Golyer. They brought a powerful spiritual dynamic to the ministry. The growth of Iglesia Cristiana Verbo EL valle was remarkable.
Today there are over 30 Verbo churches in Ecuador. Some of these churches have over a thousand members. There are also Verbo schools and a hospital. The ministry has even expanded into Peru.
The founders of Iglesia Cristiana Verbo EL valle chose the name carefully. “Iglesia” showed they were part of the larger body of Christ. “Cristiana” emphasized their focus on Christ. It wasn’t about following trends. “Verbo” pointed to Jesus. He is the Word of God. The name itself implies action.
Iglesia Cristiana Verbo EL valle embraces a clear mission. They follow Jesus’s words in Matthew 28:18-20. They make disciples of all nations. They baptize and teach them to obey God’s commands. This is a church committed to action. It seeks to spread its faith. It also seeks to serve its community.