God Builds His Church in Colombia

An update from Joselo Mercado, Lead Pastor of Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, and SGC Key Leader for our work in LATAM…

I recently had the joy of traveling to Colombia for several days of ministry, fellowship, and encouragement alongside dear brothers serving the Lord. This trip included time in Apartadó, Sincelejo, and Barranquilla, and it was deeply encouraging to witness what God is doing through local churches and church planting efforts in these regions. Throughout the trip, I was especially grateful to serve together with Jacobis Aldana, Ángel, and other pastors and leaders who are laboring faithfully for the advance of the gospel.

Our first stop was Apartadó, a growing city in the northwest corner of Colombia. Apartadó is especially significant because it serves as a gateway to the Darién Gap, a region known not only for its geographic importance but also for the many human needs that surround it. The city itself is growing, and with that growth comes many opportunities for gospel ministry. We spent a day there with Pastor Brayan, and it was a very meaningful time.

The church in Apartadó is about seven years old, and it is encouraging to see that it is growing steadily. Even in the short time we had there, it was evident that the Lord is building his church. One of the greatest blessings of that visit was being able to encourage Pastor Brayan personally. Pastoral ministry can often feel lonely, especially in younger churches or in places where leaders carry many burdens. It was a privilege to listen, to pray, and to strengthen his hands in the work.

In addition to spending time with Pastor Brayan, we were also able to meet with ten of his leaders. This was a particularly valuable time because our conversation centered on adoption and walking together. These discussions were important not only because of the practical implications for partnership, but because they reflected a shared desire for healthy church life, sound doctrine, and meaningful accountability. It was encouraging to see the seriousness with which these leaders are thinking about the future of the church and the possibility of deeper relationships within a broader family of churches. There was openness, humility, and a genuine desire to grow in wisdom and faithfulness.

From Apartadó, we traveled to Sincelejo, the capital city of Sucre. This part of the trip was also especially meaningful because Sincelejo is where Ángel planted the first Sovereign Grace Churches church in Colombia about two years ago. It was a joy to see firsthand what the Lord has been doing there in such a relatively short period of time. The church is growing, and there is a clear sense of excitement and gratitude among the people.

One of the most encouraging aspects of our time in Sincelejo was seeing how much the congregation was looking forward to Ángel’s ordination. There was real joy among the members, not merely because of the event itself, but because of what it represented: the Lord’s faithfulness over time, the maturing of a local church, and the public recognition of a man who has served and labored among them. Ordination services can sometimes feel formal or procedural, but in Sincelejo there was a warmth and anticipation that made it clear this was a moment of genuine thanksgiving to God.

On Wednesday, we held a workshop on crisis and the gospel. This was an especially important time because crisis often reveals what we truly believe and where we instinctively turn for hope. The workshop gave us opportunity to reflect on how the gospel not only saves sinners but also sustains believers in seasons of suffering, confusion, pressure, and weakness. We sought to show that the gospel is not merely the entry point into the Christian life; it is the foundation for endurance, wisdom, humility, and hope in the midst of crisis. The interaction was encouraging, and it was clear that this was a topic of real relevance to those present.

On Thursday, we spent time with Ángel, Jacobis, and also the two pastors from Barranquilla, Alejo and Rodolfo. That day included good conversation, mutual encouragement, and time to think together about ministry, pastoral faithfulness, and the needs of the churches. We also had lunch with leaders, which provided another opportunity to strengthen relationships and reflect on the work the Lord is doing in the region. Shared meals in these kinds of trips are often more significant than they may appear at first glance. Around the table, trust deepens, burdens are shared, and vision is reinforced.

Later that same day, we had the ordination service. It was a beautiful time and a reminder that ordination is not simply about recognizing giftedness, but about affirming character, doctrine, calling, and proven service. It is one of the ways the church publicly acknowledges the grace of God at work in a man’s life and ministry. The service was marked by joy, seriousness, and gratitude to the Lord.

On Friday, we traveled to Barranquilla, where Bob Wright and his son-in-law Tercer joined us. Their presence added to the sense of partnership and shared mission that marked the whole trip. In Barranquilla we had another wonderful ordination service, this time for Ángel and Rodolfo. It was deeply encouraging to witness these moments and to see local churches strengthened through the recognition of faithful men set apart for pastoral ministry.

The ordination service in Barranquilla was especially meaningful because it reflected both the local and broader dimensions of church life. On the one hand, these were men known and loved by the congregations they serve. On the other hand, the presence of pastors and leaders from different cities highlighted the blessing of walking together in shared doctrine, mutual support, and gospel partnership. That kind of unity is not automatic; it is something the Lord gives and something that must be cultivated carefully over time.

Looking back on the entire trip, I am deeply grateful. It was encouraging to see churches growing, pastors being strengthened, leaders asking good questions, and congregations rejoicing in the faithfulness of God. From Apartadó to Sincelejo to Barranquilla, the Lord gave us tangible reminders that he is at work in Colombia. He is raising up leaders, establishing churches, deepening partnerships, and giving his people joy in the gospel.

I was also reminded again that ministry trips like this are not only about events, workshops, or meetings. They are about encouraging men on the field, building trust, strengthening churches, and helping foster long-term faithfulness. Our day in Apartadó with Pastor Brayan and his leaders was important. Our time in Sincelejo with Ángel and the growing church there was important. The workshop on crisis and the gospel was important. The fellowship with Alejo, Rodolfo, Bob Wright, Tercer, and others was important. And certainly, the ordination services were important. But taken together, these moments tell a larger story: God is building his church, and it is a privilege to walk alongside brothers who are giving themselves to that work.

Please continue praying for Pastor Brayan in Apartadó, for Ángel and the church in Sincelejo, for Alejo and Rodolfo in Barranquilla, and for all the leaders involved. Pray that the Lord would keep these men humble, faithful, courageous, and full of love for Christ and his people. Pray also that the churches would continue to grow not only numerically, but in sound doctrine, holiness, unity, and mission. This trip left me thankful, strengthened, and hopeful for what the Lord will continue to do in Colombia.