Hope for Colombia!

Equipping Local Churches in Colombia for Integral Mission

Background
Colombia is a beautiful country, but more than 50 years of civil war have left deep scars. Many lives have been affected by internal conflicts, numerous murders, kidnappings, and drug-related violence. Over the past 20 years, many people have fled from rural areas to the cities, and there has also been a large influx of refugees from Venezuela (over 3 million in Colombia).

There is a significant gap between the rich and the poor, causing major social problems. One-third of the population lives below the poverty line. Many families experience domestic violence, and issues such as addiction, youth gangs, and teenage pregnancies are prevalent. Officially, there has been peace since 2016, but in some areas, violence persists. However, people dare to dream of a better future again. Hope for Colombia!

Desire
The church, in particular, is able and willing to offer hope in Colombia. Christ offers reconciliation! A place of peace and mercy: a new beginning. We desire strong, faith-filled churches that look after the weak and marginalized and serve them wholeheartedly by being present in society and being recognized for their role, commitment, and impact.

Strategy
What do we want to achieve and how do we do it?
Since 2022, the GZB has been working on this project with very positive results. They would like to continue developing this project with the local churches through 2026. At the request of the local church in Colombia, the GZB is investing in developing diaconal awareness in all local congregations. In doing so, they are working on 3 main goals:

1. Training and educating a new generation of strong leaders and pastors in local churches who understand the importance of integral mission and undertake diaconal action.
2. Assisting local churches in developing their vision of integral mission, identifying diaconal needs in their own environment, and initiating diaconal projects.
3. Forming new faith communities.

“The idea to establish an after-school program for children from poorer neighborhoods came from a deacon in the church. We were reflecting on how our faith becomes visible in our surroundings: what impact do we, as a church, have on the neighborhood around us? Now we welcome 130 children daily.”

Partners
The Gereformeerde Zendingsbond (GZB) is the missionary organization within the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. From its missionary assignment it is active in many different countries. Cooperation is always sought with the local churches. For this project in Colombia, it works especially with the following two partners:

• The Presbyterian Church (Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia Sínodo Reformado). This church is spread across the country with 130 local congregations and approximately 8,000 members. Several local churches have developed (large) diaconal initiatives.
• The Bible Seminary (Fundacion Universitario Seminario Biblico de Colombia). Established in 1944, it offers high-quality education, equipping people to be dedicated to God, the church, and society.

Impact
Because a few years of experience have already been obtained, the expected impact of this project can be estimated with relative certainty. For 2024 alone, we expect to realize the following impact:

• Theological education: 203 leaders and church members receive biblical education through the church’s Bible Institute. Three young students are completing their final year of theological training at the seminary, and 11 older pastors are pursuing advanced training with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. Additionally, 50 students from IPCSR are receiving theological distance education through the practical courses of FUSBC, such as church planting.
• Growth in number of diaconal congregations: The number of congregations actively involved in diaconal initiatives has grown from 42 to 50. In Bogotá, 150 children receive a meal and homework assistance daily. In Medellín, 70 homeless people are provided with meals, clothing, and spiritual support. National funds enable the support of 10 diaconal initiatives from churches across Colombia in their initial phase.
• Capacity building: The learning module ‘people on the margins’ has been developed by the end of 2024. The aim is that it will equip churches how to launch diaconal initiatives (within the framework of ‘Integral Mission’).
• Visibility: As a side effect of nationwide training coverage (both in urban and rural areas), unity and recognition of shared identity in Christ are increasing. This is an important foundation for the church to be able to offer hope!

Project Costs – We need YOUR help!
MissionInvest would like to help the GZB and the church in Colombia to be able to give more substance to their diaconate in the local community. That way they too can spread ‘Ripples of Hope’. In that way they can also spread ‘Ripples of Hope’, and become a recruiting power for God’s Kingdom!

To make this project possible, €127,500 is needed per year. Part of this is covered by GZB itself through its supporters. MissionInvest has been asked to raise the vast majority of € 103,000 through its network. Your contribution will be spent on the following components:

• € 62.000 for theological training of church leaders and pastors.
• € 31 000 for diaconal training and support for local diaconal initiatives.
• € 10.000 for church planting initiatives.

Partner with us to help raise a new generation in Colombia!