Isn’t it inspiring how faith can unite people from different backgrounds? Right here stands Iglesia Cristiana Verbo Valle. This church has a fascinating story rooted in a movement that began far from Ecuador.
In the late 1960s a spiritual awakening called “La Generación de Jesús” swept through young people and hippies on the West Coast of the United States. From this movement emerged a group of Christians who felt called to spread their faith in Latin America. They met at Gospel Outreach. It was a ministry of Christian homes and farms led by Jim Durkin.
These young missionaries including some Hispanics and North Americans didn’t know where they should go. They learned how to be missionaries while emphasizing the importance of practicing God’s word. Durkin and other leaders taught them a biblical Christian life in an open and honest environment.
Eventually a team was established in Quito Ecuador. Tom and Gisela Becotte and some Guatemalan workers were among them. Soon after Jim and Mary De Golyer joined bringing a powerful wave of the Holy Spirit. The ministry grew significantly. Today there are over 30 Verbo churches in Ecuador. Some have over a thousand members. They also have schools a hospital and a church in Peru.
The story of Iglesia Cristiana Verbo Valle is one of global connection and dedication. The church is part of a family of churches that values world evangelism. They also value spiritual unity and the personal holiness of its members. They take James 2:17 seriously. “Faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action is dead.”
Verbo began social work early on. The Indigenous People’s Aid Foundation opened a ministry to help indigenous people in need. Casa Bernabé the first Verbo orphanage started in Guatemala in 1982. It later moved to El Salvador. It currently serves more than 150 children.
Iglesia Cristiana Verbo Valle is more than just a church. It is a community. It offers emotional support and guidance. Its address is Calle Mañosca and Av. República.