Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Quito’s spiritual landscape, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. The very air around the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco hums with a unique energy. It’s a blend of history, devotion, and the echoes of countless prayers. Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable church. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco traces its roots back to 1958. It began as a foreign missionary work of the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. The church’s name, Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús, translates to “Jesus Name Evangelical Apostolic Church”. This emphasizes the central role of Jesus in their faith. Now, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco represents the largest non-Catholic religious organization in Ecuador. It has blossomed into a network of over 1000 congregations, demonstrating its widespread influence. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco’s story is intertwined with the tumultuous history of Colombia in the 1950s. Amidst internal conflict, many Colombians sought refuge in Ecuador. Some of these refugees brought with them the seeds of the Gospel of the Name of Jesus, planted by the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. Crispiniano Arredondo, a craftsman from Cali, became the first messenger of this faith in Ecuador. He diligently preached the word of God in his free time near Santo Domingo de los Colorados, leading several people to Christ. Later, in 1957, another Colombian, Joaquín Jaramillo, joined Arredondo in proclaiming this doctrine. Their combined efforts laid the foundation for what would become the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús. In 1958, the first formal services took place. News of this growing movement reached Canadian missionary William Drost in Colombia. He traveled to Santo Domingo with Pastor Noel Ospina and performed the first baptism in the name of Jesus in the Suma River. By 1959, Drost returned and baptized 30 more believers. Word of the burgeoning Ecuadorian church reached Pastor Averner Larsen, Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. Recognizing the need for a dedicated missionary, the church appointed Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife, Beatriz, to this mission. Arriving in Quito in October 1959, the Peñas initially administered the growing church from the capital before settling in Guayaquil. Their dedicated work, fueled by faith and supported by the church back in Colombia, resulted in the church’s impressive growth across Ecuador. Eventually, Pastor Eliseo Duarte took over the missionary role, serving from 1977 to 1981. His leadership further solidified the church’s spiritual, doctrinal, and administrative foundations. Following Duarte’s tenure, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco became autonomous. Remarkably, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco has extended its reach beyond Ecuador. Its missionary work now spans 18 countries, including several in the Americas and Europe. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Tumbaco, a beacon of faith in Tumbaco, has spread the Gospel of the Name of Jesus far and wide.