Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia – Blase de Lezo

Have you ever wondered what the word “Iglesia” means? It is a Spanish word for church, one of the oldest institutions in Cartagena. The Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia – Blase de Lezo is not as old as the nearby cathedral or fortresses, but its origins are tied to an intriguing story that unfolded in Colombia back when the church itself was a new concept. The Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia – Blase de Lezo’s story begins in 1937 with the arrival of a Danish missionary named Aksel Verner Larsen. He was sent to Colombia by the Fraternidad de Iglesias del Evangelio Completo to spread the gospel. But Larsen’s mission was not without its challenges, as he was met with opposition from the established Catholic Church and the traditional religious norms of the country. The story goes that the missionary started with a small group of converts while he shared his thoughts and teachings on the doctrine of the oneness of God. In 1941, an American missionary, James Elmer Ball, joined the cause. Ball, accompanied by his wife Grace Helen, spent 11 years in the city of Bucaramanga, working to establish the Church’s presence. By 1945, the Assemblies of God in Canada united with the Pentecostal Church Incorporated of the United States to form the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Internacional (IPUI). This unification opened doors for further expansion of the gospel, especially in Colombia. It was during this time that the Pentecostal faithful grew in number and spread throughout Colombia, pushing the limits of the faith. However, some members were not comfortable with the influence of foreign missionaries. The IPUI was seen as overshadowing the local church. The desire for autonomy grew, and in 1968, the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia (IPUC) officially broke away from the IPUI, marking a turning point for the congregation’s growth and independence. Today, the church’s roots run deep and it continues to thrive. The Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Colombia – Blase de Lezo is a landmark, a place where people find solace and fellowship, and a testament to the power of faith and its evolution in Colombia. So, stand here with me for a while as we imagine those missionaries, the challenges they faced and the triumph of their vision. There is a sense of history here, a whisper of change, a spirit of resilience. This church is more than just a building. It is a living testament to faith’s enduring power, reminding us that even when times are tough, the spirit of the gospel will always find a way to thrive.