Persevere. That’s the motto of the Iglesia Evangelica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús. It’s a powerful word echoing the faith that built this very church. Standing before you is not just a building but a testament to resilience and the unwavering spirit of a community.
The Iglesia Evangelica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús is Ecuador’s largest non-Catholic religious organization. It began humbly in 1958 as a missionary outreach from the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia. Today it boasts over 1029 congregations and a vast membership. It’s a story of remarkable growth. A story of faith spreading across borders.
The seeds of this church were sown in the 1950s. A time of internal conflict in Colombia. Many people including members of the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia sought refuge in Ecuador. They carried with them the Gospel of Jesus’ Name. The story starts with Crispiniano Arredondo an artisan from Cali. He settled near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. In his spare time he passionately shared his faith. People listened believed and a new community was born.
Another pivotal figure was Joaquín Jaramillo also from Colombia. He lived in another part of Santo Domingo. He preached the same doctrine. Soon the two men found each other united in their mission. Their combined efforts led to the first services in 1958. News reached missionary William Drost in Colombia. He traveled to Ecuador with Pastor Noel Ospina. They performed the first water baptism in Jesus’ name. This act marked a significant turning point.
More missionaries followed including Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife Beatriz. They established a presence in Quito then Guayaquil. Their work was arduous. They faced many hardships but the church thrived. After decades of growth the Iglesia Evangelica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in Ecuador gained autonomy. Its message spread reaching Peru Chile Uruguay and many other countries.
The church’s official name. Iglesia Evangelica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús reflects its identity. Its legacy continues to inspire hope and faith. This building before you represents more than just a place of worship. It’s a living testimony to a profound faith that has persevered across continents. A faith that continues to grow and spread its message of hope to this day. Let’s take a moment to appreciate its enduring strength.