Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria

Amidst the bustling energy of Quito, a beacon of faith stands tall. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria has witnessed decades of spiritual growth. Let’s step into its inspiring story. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria traces its roots back to 1958. It began as a foreign missionary work of the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. The church has blossomed into Ecuador’s largest non-Catholic religious organization. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria now boasts over 1029 congregations across Ecuador. Its message resonates with a large and devoted membership. The church’s influence extends far beyond Ecuador’s borders. It actively spreads the gospel in eighteen countries. This international outreach is coordinated by the administration of the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria in Ecuador. From Bolivia to Switzerland, the church’s missionary work touches lives across continents. The church’s mission is deeply rooted in scripture. It views the Bible as a guiding compass. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria emphasizes love for one’s neighbor. This love is the driving force behind its actions and outreach. The story of the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria began in the 1950s. During a time of conflict in Colombia, many sought refuge in Ecuador. Among them were believers from the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. They carried the seeds of the gospel within their hearts. In 1953, Crispiniano Arredondo arrived from Cali, Colombia. He settled near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. A craftsman by trade, he became the first messenger of the gospel in Ecuador. He preached fervently in his free time, leading several people to Christ. In 1957, another Colombian believer, Joaquín Jaramillo, arrived in Santo Domingo. He also shared the same doctrine, further spreading the message. These two servants of God eventually joined forces. Together they proclaimed the gospel and the name of Jesus Christ. The first formal services were held in 1958. News of this reached Canadian missionary William Drost in Colombia. He traveled to Santo Domingo with Pastor Noel Ospina. There, in the Suma River, they performed the first baptism in Jesus’ name. The recipients were Lindelia and Ofelia Arredondo. In 1959, William Drost returned to Ecuador. He baptized thirty more believers. The United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, hearing of the growing movement, sent missionaries Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife, Beatriz, to Ecuador in October 1959. They initially settled in Quito. Later, they moved to Guayaquil. They worked tirelessly, supported by the church and fellow pastors. The church flourished under their leadership, spreading throughout the country. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – La Victoria continued to expand. It eventually became autonomous from its Colombian roots. Today, the church is governed by an administrative board and sixteen district boards. It continues to be a vibrant force for faith in Ecuador and beyond.