Philadelphia welcomes you to a story of faith. It is about overcoming adversity and spreading hope. The story unfolds around Centro Misionera Betesda.
Centro Misionera Betesda’s roots stretch back over forty years. It started in Bogotá, Colombia. The church began with a powerful motto. It stated, “What is impossible does not exist, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and everything will be possible.”
Pastor Jorge Enrique Gómez Montealegre and his wife Melida Sánchez de Gómez founded the church. They felt a calling from God. The ministry started humbly. Yet, it quickly showed divine power.
Initially, Centro Misionera Betesda was a small local church. It could only hold fifty people. Only five people attended at first. But the church grew rapidly. Soon, they needed more space. God revealed to Pastor Enrique that the church would expand greatly. Thousands of souls would come to Centro Misionera Betesda.
Pastor Enrique remembers the first church lot fondly. It was a joyous moment despite the lot’s condition. The area was dirty. It had an old, broken wooden door. They cleaned the space. They made it suitable for worship. The first structure was simple. It was a shelter covered with plastic. One day, a strong wind tore away the plastic roof. Neighbors mocked them. They said, “The evangelicals’ cathedral fell down.” But God’s presence remained powerfully.
The Centro Misionera Betesda opened in the Las Cruces neighborhood of Bogotá. This area was known for crime. Vice, prostitution, and witchcraft were common. God promised that Bethesda would become large. So, they bought surrounding houses one by one. They expanded along the streets. They overcame opposition at every turn.
The Mayor of Bogotá sent an official letter. A Catholic priest recognized Centro Misionera Betesda. It was for their role in reducing violence in the area. Romans 5:20 states that where sin abounds, grace overflows. The church used spiritual weapons from the start. These included the Word, fasting, and prayer.
Centro Misionera Betesda keeps its doors open 24 hours a day. Thousands gather to fast and seek the Lord. This practice follows Jesus Christ’s example.
The growing congregation created a challenge. They envisioned a church for a million souls. It would be a place for unified worship. The pastors bought the land with very little money. This showed God’s approval.
Pastor Enrique recalls the muddy terrain. Church members would get stuck. The pastors decided to build the main auditorium. They added rooms for Sunday school. With support from the members, they believed that the latter state would be greater than the former.
Despite obstacles over the years, faith has driven them. This faith makes them fearless. The work has not stopped. It will not stop. Jesus Christ leads the way. They believe He will fulfill His promises. They dedicate themselves to service. They believe the glory of this house will be greater than the first.
Remember this story of Centro Misionera Betesda. See faith in action. Consider the power of community. Note the unwavering belief in the impossible.