Persevere That’s the motto of the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús La Joya de Quito a testament to its enduring faith. We stand before a church with a rich history a story woven into the very fabric of Quito.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús La Joya de Quito isn’t just a building it’s a vibrant community. It’s the largest non-Catholic religious organization in Ecuador. Its origins trace back to 1958 a time of internal conflict in Colombia. Many Colombians sought refuge in Ecuador. Among them were believers from the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia bringing with them the Gospel of the Name of Jesus.
This dispersion wasn’t accidental. It was God’s plan to spread the good news of salvation to Ecuador. A craftsman Crispiniano Arredondo became the first messenger of God’s truth in Ecuador. He tirelessly preached the word in his free time. He saw people come to believe in Jesus Christ. In 1957 another Colombian believer Joaquín Jaramillo arrived. He also spread the same doctrine. The two eventually met uniting their efforts to proclaim the gospel.
Their first services were in 1958. News reached the Canadian missionary William Drost in Colombia. He and Pastor Noel Ospina traveled to Ecuador. They performed the first baptism in water in the Name of Jesus. This was for the forgiveness of sins for Lindelia and Ofelia Arredondo.
In 1959 William Drost returned baptizing 30 more believers. The United Pentecostal Church of Colombia sent Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife to Ecuador. They established the church in Quito then moved to Guayaquil. The church grew despite hardships.
Later after the first missionary’s term a new missionary Eliseo Duarte served from 1977 to 1981. After his successful work the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in Ecuador gained autonomy. Today it boasts over 1000 congregations and around 100000 members. Its influence stretches across multiple countries spreading the message of faith and hope.
The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús La Joya de Quito stands as a powerful symbol. It’s a testament to perseverance faith and the enduring power of the Gospel. Its story is one of growth resilience and unwavering dedication to its mission.