From Colombia to Ecuador, the story of Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús begins with a journey. This is not just a story of a church. It is a testament to faith and resilience.
Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús is the largest non-Catholic religious organization in Ecuador. Its roots trace back to 1958. It started as a foreign missionary work of the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia.
In the 1950s Colombia faced internal conflict. Many sought refuge in Ecuador. Among them were believers from the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia. They carried the seed of the Gospel of the Name of Jesus in their hearts. God allowed this dispersion so the good news of salvation could be announced in Ecuador.
In 1953 Crispiniano Arredondo arrived from Cali. He settled near Santo Domingo de los Colorados with his family. Arredondo was a craftsman. He became the first messenger of God’s truth in Ecuador. In his free time he preached the word of God. Many people believed in Jesus Christ.
Later in 1957, Joaquín Jaramillo also from Colombia lived with his family in Santo Domingo. He proclaimed the same doctrine. Many accepted Jesus Christ. These two servants of God met. They joined together in proclaiming the Gospel and the glorious name of Jesus Christ.
The first services took place in 1958. News of this reached Colombia. The Canadian missionary William Drost received a letter. He traveled to Santo Domingo with Pastor Noel Ospina. In the Suma River they performed the first baptism in water. It was in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins for sisters Lindelia and Ofelia Arredondo.
By 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 Jesus Christ.
Averner Larsen was the Superintendent of the IPUC. He received an official report from Ecuador. He shared the need for a missionary with the congregation. Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife Beatriz de Peña were chosen for this mission.
In October 1959 the missionary and his wife arrived in Ecuador. They settled in Quito to manage the new work. Later they moved to Guayaquil.
These messengers worked hard with the Holy Spirit’s anointing. They had the support of the Church and Pastors. Despite many challenges the Church grew in different parts of the country.
Years later Pastor Eliseo Duarte was appointed as the new missionary. He served from 1977 to 1981 with vision and love. His work was fruitful. After successfully completing his mission he returned to Colombia. From then on Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in Ecuador became autonomous.
The church extended its message to other countries. These include Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Also El Salvador, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Costa Rica. Plus Germany, Brazil, Honduras, and the United States.
Initially the institution was known as Iglesia Pentecostal Unida del Ecuador. Later it was legally named Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús.
Today Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús has over 1000 congregations. There are approximately 350,000 members around the world.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús stands as a beacon of faith. It embodies the journey of believers who carried their faith across borders. It grew into a vibrant and autonomous church. It continues to spread its message of salvation.