Church Planting In Colombia
An update from Ángel Miranda, Lead Pastor of Iglesia Biblica Gracia Soberana, Sincelejo, Colombia…
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44
The Lord and His gospel are the greatest treasure my family and I have ever discovered. A little over two years ago, we moved from my hometown of Barranquilla—a major city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia—to a smaller city 240 km away (150 miles), called Sincelejo.
In leaving Barranquilla, we left behind relatives on both my side and my wife’s, as well as beloved brothers and sisters from a wonderful congregation called Iglesia Bíblica de la Ciudad (City Bible Church), where I had served as pastor and which I had helped plant several years earlier.
We also left behind a family business. Yet we did all of this for the sake of the Kingdom, moved by an indescribable joy, to plant what is now an established church: Iglesia Bíblica Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace Bible Church).
The Kingdom of the Lord is a treasure worth proclaiming, regardless of the cost.
Our relationship with the city of Sincelejo began when some believers from that city attended a conference in Barranquilla. During their visit, they shared with Pastor Jacobis Aldana, pastor of Iglesia Bíblica Soberana Gracia in Santa Marta, their desire to know and experience the truths of the gospel in their own city.
The Lord heard their cry, and several months later, we began visiting them. Initially, we held one in-person meeting each month, with the remaining meetings taking place virtually. However, it soon became clear that this was not enough, so we began meeting in person every two weeks, eventually progressing to weekly gatherings.
These meetings took place on Sunday afternoons because we served in our respective churches in the mornings and then immediately traveled to Sincelejo. For those of us coming from Barranquilla, the journey took four hours, while those traveling from Santa Marta spent six hours on the road.
For more than a year, we continued this church-planting work from a distance. Eventually, however, it became necessary for the church plant to have a pastor living in the city to carry out the mission.
My wife and I had been praying about this possibility, placing ourselves in the Lord’s hands. If it was His will, we were willing to go. And indeed, the Lord willed it to be so.
On the first Sunday of July 2024, we gathered to celebrate our first worship service with a church-planting pastor now living in the community where the church was being established.
From the very beginning of our work in Sincelejo, we have enjoyed the support of the Sovereign Grace Churches family, of which I am deeply grateful and joyful to be a part, as well as the support of the local churches I mentioned earlier. To this day, God has graciously provided for our financial needs through these ministries.
As for the church itself, we have witnessed the congregation grow in its understanding of the centrality of the gospel. In every gathering, we preach, sing, live, and proclaim the gospel.
Today, approximately 70 people, including children, gather with us regularly. I would like to share a few encouraging things about what the Lord has been doing among them.
Seven people have come to know the Lord through our ministry and have been baptized. Another group of nearly ten people has been learning about Him, and we pray that, if the Lord wills, they too will surrender their lives to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We also have two men who are now serving in the congregation after more than a year of walking together in discipleship and preparation. In addition, a group of women is preparing to serve in our children's ministry.
Although we have witnessed the Lord’s goodness throughout this journey, we still face several challenges that I would like to share with you.
Challenges Within the Church
Establishing our music ministry: We are currently training a group of musicians who will eventually serve in our worship gatherings.
Launching our children's ministry: We hope to begin formal Bible classes for the children.
Developing biblical and theological training: We desire to establish a weekly Friday gathering dedicated to biblical and theological instruction for the congregation.
Family Challenges
Our daughter's education: After two years of virtual schooling, our daughter will begin attending school in person.
Financial support: In September of next year, our financial support from Sovereign Grace Churches will come to an end. Although this brings some uncertainty and even fear, we continue to trust in the God who has faithfully provided for and sustained us until now.
There is so much more I could share, but space is limited. There are also many other challenges before us. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize two things: To the Lord alone belongs all the glory for everything He has accomplished among us. And in the Lord alone we place our hope as we face every challenge ahead.
May the Lord bless you all.
Your brother in Christ,
Ángel Miranda
