Why is the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús, also known as IEANJESUS, so important in Ecuador? It is the largest non-Catholic religious organization. Its story began in 1958. It grew from a foreign mission of the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. Now standing before us, it has over 1029 congregations. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús also has a large membership.
Let’s step back to the 1950s. Colombia faced internal conflict. Many people sought refuge in Ecuador. Some were believers from the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia. They carried the seed of the Gospel of the Name of Jesus. God allowed their dispersal. His purpose was to spread the good news of salvation in Ecuador.
In 1953, a devout man named Crispiniano Arredondo arrived from Cali. He settled near Santo Domingo de los Colorados with his family. Arredondo, an artisan, became the first messenger of God’s truth in Ecuador. He preached the word of God during his free time. Many people came to believe in Jesus Christ.
Later in 1957, Joaquín Jaramillo from Colombia also lived in Santo Domingo. He belonged to the same brotherhood. Jaramillo proclaimed the same doctrine. Several people accepted Jesus Christ because of him. These two servants of God eventually met. They joined together to proclaim the Gospel. They shared the glorious name of Jesus Christ.
The first services took place in 1958. News of this reached Colombia. A letter was sent to Canadian missionary William Drost. Drost traveled to Santo Domingo. Pastor Noel Ospina joined him. At the Suma River, they performed the first baptism. It was in the name of Jesus. Lindelia and Ofelia Arredondo were baptized for the forgiveness of sins.
In 1959, William Drost made a second trip to Ecuador. He baptized 30 believers in the name of Jesus. These were among many who had accepted Christ.
Averner Larsen, then Superintendent of the IPUC, received an official report. He shared the need for a missionary in Ecuador. The congregation agreed. They appointed Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife Beatriz de Peña for this mission.
In October 1959, the missionaries arrived in Ecuador. They first lived in Quito. They managed the new work entrusted to them. Later, they settled in Guayaquil.
These messengers worked hard. They had the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit. They also had the support of the Church and pastors. Despite many adversities, the Church grew in different parts of the country. It was a victorious growth through faith.
Years later, a new missionary was needed. The IPUC directors appointed Pastor Eliseo Duarte. He served with vision and love from 1977 to 1981. His work was fruitful spiritually and administratively. After successfully completing his mission, he returned to Colombia. Since then, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in Ecuador has been autonomous.
They extended this message to other countries. These include Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Also El Salvador, Spain, England, and Italy received the message. Switzerland, France, Costa Rica, Germany, and Brazil were included. Honduras, Bolivia, Israel, Romania, the Dominican Republic and the United States too.
Initially, the institution was known as Iglesia Pentecostal Unida del Ecuador. It was later legally established as Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús.
Today, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús is managed by the Honorable Administrative Board. It works with sixteen District Boards. These are distributed in 16 districts nationwide. There are over 1045 congregations. Each has its own pastor. The membership includes approximately 100,000 believers.
The IEANJESUS has a 65-year history of revival. The current administration’s slogan is “Persevere.” Throughout these decades, the Church has developed. It is based on the doctrinal principles of the Holy Bible. It has seen impressive growth and blessings. This is evident through great wonders, miracles, and signs. These are for the salvation of souls.
Still today, the word of God is announced. The good news of salvation is shared without wavering. Nothing will stop it. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús stands as a testament to faith. It demonstrates perseverance and commitment to spreading its message.