Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Church

From a missionary’s vision to a global presence, the story of the Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Church is one of remarkable growth and unwavering faith. The Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Church traces its roots back to a humble beginning in Ponce, Puerto Rico. On November 3, 1916, missionary Juan León Lugo, along with Salomón Feliciano and his wife Dionisia, held the first Pentecostal service. This marked the birth of a movement that would eventually spread across continents. The church, officially incorporated in Puerto Rico in 1922, quickly expanded its reach. The Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Church didn’t confine itself to Puerto Rico. In 1928, Tomás Álvarez brought the church’s message to the United States, establishing a presence in New York. Further expansion followed, with Francisco Rodríguez taking the gospel to Cuba in 1937 and Juan Rodríguez beginning evangelization in the Virgin Islands in 1945. The church’s commitment to global missions solidified with the establishment of the Missionary Society in 1948. This led to the first official missionaries, Francisco and María Sánchez, being sent to Haiti in 1949. This dedication to spreading their faith continued, reaching various countries including India, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Kenya, and many European nations. Over the years, the Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Church has adapted its structure to accommodate its international growth. In 1982, a new constitution with an international focus was adopted. The church continued to evolve, holding biennial assemblies to elect leadership and guide its mission. The Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Church, from its humble beginnings in Puerto Rico, has blossomed into a global community. Its story is a testament to the power of faith and the dedication of its missionaries and members.