Clutching your worn Bible. A wave of peace washes over you as you approach Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús Cumbayá. This church stands as a testament to faith. It highlights the power of community, especially for those who sought refuge in Ecuador.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús began in 1958. It grew from a foreign missionary effort. The Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia played a vital role. Today, it is Ecuador’s largest non-Catholic religious organization. It boasts over 700 congregations. Its influence extends far beyond Ecuador’s borders.
In the 1950s Colombia faced internal conflict. Many Colombians sought refuge in Ecuador. Some were believers from the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia. They carried the seed of the Gospel. They were spreading the name of Jesus. God used their dispersion to spread His message.
One such person was Crispiniano Arredondo. He was a craftsman from Cali. In 1953, Arredondo settled near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. He became the first messenger of God’s truth in Ecuador. He preached the word. Many people began to believe in Jesus Christ.
Later in 1957, Joaquin Jaramillo arrived from Colombia. He belonged to the same brotherhood. He lived with his family in Santo Domingo. Jaramillo also proclaimed the same doctrine. Many accepted Jesus Christ because of him. These two servants united. They preached the Gospel. They glorified the name of Jesus Christ.
First services took place in 1958. News reached Colombia. Canadian missionary William Drost traveled to Santo Domingo. He came with Pastor Noel Ospina. They performed the first baptism in the Suma River. Lindelia and Ofelia Arredondo were baptized. Their sins were forgiven in Jesus’ name.
In 1959, William Drost returned to Ecuador. He baptized 30 believers. Many people had accepted Jesus Christ. Pastor Averner Larsen received an official report. He told his congregation about the need for a missionary in Ecuador. Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife Beatriz de Peña were chosen.
The missionaries arrived in October 1959. They first settled in Quito. They then moved to Guayaquil. These messengers worked hard. They were supported by the church and pastors. Despite hardships the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús grew.
After the first missionary’s term ended, a new one was needed. Pastor Eliseo Duarte was appointed. He served from 1977 to 1981. His work was fruitful. After his service, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús became autonomous in Ecuador.
The church extended its message to other countries. This includes Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Also Venezuela, El Salvador, and Spain. It reached England, Italy and Switzerland. Costa Rica, Germany and Brazil also received the message. Honduras, Bolivia, Israel, Romania, Dominican Republic and the United States were included.
Initially, the institution was named Iglesia Pentecostal Unida del Ecuador. Later it was legally recognized as Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús. It received legal status on January 16, 1976.
Today, the church is managed by the Honorable Administrative Board. They work with sixteen District Boards. These boards are spread across 16 districts. There are about 1045 congregations. Each has its own pastor. The membership consists of approximately 100000 believers.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús perseveres. It celebrates 65 years of revival. Throughout these decades, the church has developed. It follows the Bible’s doctrines. It has experienced impressive growth. This growth is filled with joy and blessings. It shows God’s work. It manifests through miracles for the salvation of souls. Still today, the word of God is announced. The good news of salvation continues to spread. Nothing stops it. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús Cumbayá remains a beacon of hope. It is an example of faith. It stands firm in its mission.