Is this where the spirit of faith truly ignited in Colombia? Look at the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia. It’s more than just a building. It’s a symbol of the resilient spirit of Pentecostalism in this country. The Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia has a rich and powerful story. It embodies the dynamic growth of Pentecostalism in Colombia. It all began in 1937 when a Danish missionary named Aksel Verner Larsen arrived, sent by the Full Gospel Fellowship of the Canadian Maritime District. He met with Charles and Clara Berchtold, originally Trinitarian missionaries. They became convinced of Oneness Pentecostalism and preached this message to their followers. This led to a pivotal moment in June 1937 when 52 believers, including a prominent young preacher named Maruja Correa, were baptized in the name of Jesus in the Servitá River. Later that same night, they held a service where they experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event, at a farm called Loma del Salado near Enciso (Santander), truly marked the beginning of the Oneness Pentecostal movement in Colombia. The Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia, originally known as the Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal, embraces the Oneness doctrine. This emphasizes the singular nature of God and practices baptism in the name of Jesus. From these humble beginnings, the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia grew rapidly, facing periods of persecution but ultimately emerging as one of the largest evangelical churches in Colombia. It’s inspiring to see how the faith spread throughout the country and even internationally, with the church now having a significant missionary presence in over 40 nations. Today, the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia stands as a testament to the power of faith and the dedication of its followers.
Hotel Bellavista
Is it just me, or does this place exude a certain kind of magic? We’re standing before Hotel Bellavista, a