Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Llano Chico

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Quito, a beacon of faith stands tall. This is the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Llano Chico. Its story begins not here, but in the heart of Colombia, during the tumultuous 1950s. Amidst the strife and uncertainty, believers from the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia carried a precious seed: the Gospel of the Name of Jesus. Some sought refuge in Ecuador, unknowingly planting this seed in new soil. In 1953, Crispiniano Arredondo, a craftsman from Cali, arrived near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. He became the first messenger of this faith in Ecuador, preaching in his spare time. Then, in 1957, another Colombian, Joaquín Jaramillo, arrived in Santo Domingo, also sharing the same doctrine. These two men eventually met, uniting their efforts to proclaim the Gospel. By 1958, their gatherings had become known. News reached Canadian Missionary William Drost in Colombia, who, along with Pastor Noel Ospina, traveled to Ecuador. In the Suma River, near El Carmen, the first baptisms in the Name of Jesus took place, marking a significant milestone for the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús. In 1959, Missionary Drost returned, baptizing 30 more believers. Pastor Averner Larsen, Superintendent of the IPUC, received the report and advocated for a dedicated missionary to Ecuador. Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife, Beatriz, were chosen. They arrived in Quito in October 1959 to oversee this burgeoning movement, later settling in Guayaquil. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús faced many challenges but flourished under their leadership. Later, Pastor Eliseo Duarte served as missionary from 1977 to 1981. His leadership solidified the church’s doctrine and administration. Following his tenure, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in Ecuador became autonomous. The church’s message spread beyond Ecuador’s borders, reaching numerous countries. From its humble beginnings, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús now boasts over 1,000 congregations and a large membership throughout Ecuador, continuing to share its message of faith and salvation. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Llano Chico stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, a story woven from threads of resilience and devotion.