Heritage and Legacy: 125 Years of the C&MA in Argentina

Pastors and leaders of the Alliance churches of Argentina and Latin America gathered in November 2022 to celebrate 125 years of history of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of Argentina and to recognize those who have helped build and grow the C&MA in that country.

Pastors and leaders of regional Alliance churches met within the framework of celebration of the 51st Convention and National Assembly, November 11-12, 2022, to celebrate 125 years of shared history. The central theme of the convention in Buenos Aires was Heritage and Legacy, and the event gave well-deserved recognition to the work and academic trajectory of the Buenos Aires Bible Institute (IBBA) for its valuable contribution to the evangelical Christian community during IBBA’s 100 years of existence.

From historical reviews, photos, data and explanatory graphics, participants were able to have a clear understanding of the history of the C&MA in Argentina from 1897-2022. Pastor Daniel Fanderwud, president of the national church, spoke of the importance of “valuing and telling the stories of the heroes of faith, who, concerned with carrying God’s message, opened gaps and paths so that today we have established churches in our communities.” He recalled missionaries Samuel and Vera Barnes, who arrived in Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century to officially shape what we in the country know today as the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

The plenary sessions, both devotional and prayer, were focused on the same vision. And at the end of the day, November 11, the Lord’s Supper was celebrated, a moment dedicated to exaltation and corporate worship marking the 125 years of shared history.

At a thanksgiving service on Saturday, November 12, Pastor Jura Yanagihara, president of the AWF, recalled that the Alliance church of Argentina is the oldest Alliance church in Latin America. With joy, he recognized the hand of the Lord who accompanied the members throughout this pilgrimage. “All those who participate in this celebration are living proof of how God has worked in a marvelous way through this Alliance family in Argentina,” Jura said. The C&MA is a family that has a heritage and a common root, and for that reason, he explained, it is important to know what family members are doing in different parts of the world. Jura gave the National Assembly an overview of the goals achieved globally by the C&MA and spoke of the transformation that has taken place in recent decades.

One of the most moving events of the convention was the recognition of those who carried the torch and gave themselves for the work that our Heavenly Father entrusted to them. National presidents were the first to receive commemorative plaques, and the names of Alejandro Fanderwud, Rogelio Nonini, and Alfred Smith, among others, stand out. Several plaques were received by their children, grandchildren, and even by former President Rogelio Nonini himself. Other national presidents honored for their service to the Alliance of Argentina were Juan Sánchez, Humberto Garrido, Jorge Bernardini, Guillermo Gitz, Roberto Papa, Güilfredo Fanderwud and Felix Jimenez.

In the same way, during the recognition of the 100 years of IBBA, the memory of the predecessors who led the Bible institute was honored. There were special mentions for Samuel Barnes and Jorge Little. Rectors of the seminary also were honored: Jack Shannon, Myron Voth, Vernon Caston, Daniel Reigel Esteban Voth, Vilmar Casal, Eduardo Tatángelo, Walter Pérez and José Fonseca.

Leaving an inheritance and a spiritual legacy for those who come after us, those who will receive this torch in the next generation will continue toward the goal until our King Jesus Christ returns.