“How can the largest non-Catholic religious organization in Ecuador trace its roots back to a crisis in Colombia?” That’s the question that brings us to Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Dos Puentes today.
This church has a fascinating story. It is linked to faith and resilience.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús began in 1958. Colombia faced internal conflict in the 1950s. Many Colombians sought refuge in Ecuador. Some were members of the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia. They carried the seed of the Gospel of Jesus. God allowed their dispersion. It was so the good news of salvation could reach Ecuador.
In 1953, Crispiniano Arredondo arrived from Cali. He settled near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. Arredondo was a craftsman. He became the first messenger of God’s truth in Ecuador. He preached the word of God. Many people believed in Jesus Christ because of him.
Later in 1957, Joaquin Jaramillo also came from Colombia. He belonged to the same church. He lived with his family in Santo Domingo. He proclaimed the same doctrine. Many accepted Jesus Christ. These two servants of God met. They united to spread the Gospel and the name of Jesus Christ.
The first services were held in 1958. News of this reached William Drost in Colombia. He was a Canadian missionary. Drost traveled to Santo Domingo with Pastor Noel Ospina. They performed the first baptism in water. It was in the Name of Jesus for forgiveness of sins. Lindelia and Ofelia Arredondo were baptized.
In 1959, William Drost made a second trip to Ecuador. He baptized 30 believers in the Name of Jesus. Many people had accepted Jesus Christ.
Pastor Averner Larsen learned about these events. He was the Superintendent of the IPUC at the time. He told the congregation about the need to send a missionary to Ecuador. Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife Beatriz de Peña were chosen.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús grew. It now has over 1029 congregations. The church also preaches the gospel in 18 countries. This is under the coordination of IEANJESUS Ecuador.
These countries include Bolivia, Brazil and Chile. Also Costa Rica, El Salvador and the United States. And Honduras, Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Plus Venezuela, Israel and Germany. As well as Spain, France and Italy. The United Kingdom, Romania and Switzerland are included too.
The church supports its evangelistic work. It relies on the Holy Scriptures. These scriptures guide their actions and love for others.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús focuses on biblical teachings. It increases fellowship among believers. The church promotes world evangelization. They care for existing congregations. They teach sound doctrine. They follow the practices of the early church.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús has a rich history. It began with Colombian refugees. It grew into a global ministry. It continues to spread its message of faith and salvation. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús perseveres. It shares the good news. Nothing will stop it.