Fernando and Julia Jaimes
Our Plan
The plan is to strengthen the leadership of local churches in major cities of Colombia, through Bible exposition and theology classes, and training pastors with original biblical languages.
We will participate in a church planting located in Bogotá and create a biblical Institute that offers classes to Christian leaders of other local churches.
Why Colombia?
• In Latin America, Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest receptivity to sound doctrine. There are many Christian churches growing fast.
• Colombian pastors are in need of sound training in theology, bible exposition, pastoral ministry, and original languages.
• Colombia has a strategic location that links Central America with South America allowing easy access for pastors in both areas that would like pastoral training.
• Colombia’s population is estimated at 42 million and has an area of 439,735 square miles
• Colombia has experienced a war for more than 50 years, and now are more open to the gospel message.
Political Situation
“Colombia is plagued by violence, but the government has made progress toward improving security since 2002. Due to Marxist guerrilla and paramilitary activity, Colombia has the world’s second highest number of internally displaced people.
A formal peace agreement ending 50 years of conflict and violence has been in process for more than two years.
Guerrillas, drug cartels, and paramilitary groups target religious leaders who oppose their drug activity and who, through conversion, drain both recruits and potential recruits. Paramilitary and guerrilla groups have openly committed murders in public streets and on buses. Many pastors operating in guerrilla territory have been assassinated or fled the country”
(Voice of the Martyrs news journal).
Religious Situation
Roman Catholicism is the most influential and traditional religion in Colombia, but in recent decades the growth of evangelical Christianity has increased greatly. However most of this increase was by movements where sound doctrine is not the priority.
In recent times an awakening is evident in Colombia.
• 81% Catholics
• 10% Non-evangelical
• 3.5% Evangelical
• 1.9% No religion belief