The Alliance in Colombia: 100 Years Building its Legacy

The Alliance in Colombia has left a profound mark on the lives of countless people throughout a century of history. The centennial celebration was a special occasion that included notable visits and a series of significant activities.

Rev. Esnilder Popó, the president of the Alliance of Colombia, shared his vision for this historic milestone. “The Lord challenges us to think about how we want to continue,” he said. “We have commemorated our first 100 years. Now we must move forward with renewed energy to fulfill the work the Lord has entrusted us: forming leaders and keeping our eyes on the goal.”

“The Alliance must grow, multiply, train leaders and establish new churches in the years to come,” Rev. Popó said. “We must also create a process for new generations to take on the responsibility of carrying on the work that we can no longer do. Children, adolescents, and young people are essential for the development of the church.”

Rev. Popó encouraged pastors and local churches to continue training future leaders, working together to carry the message of Jesus Christ for generations to come. His focus is not on human capabilities, but on Christ as the center of everything, keeping our attention on the road ahead.

The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) of Colombia has a rich history dating back to 1923 when Rev. Homero Crisman fled from an angry mob in Ecuador and arrived in Ipiales, Nariño. At that time, he and his wife Leticia met the local photographer, Teófilo Mera, and his wife Raquel, who would later become the first Christians in the country. Over the years, the mission expanded to various regions of Colombia, including Old Caldas, Tolima, and Tumaco.

About Rev. Porfirio Ocaña, the first indigenous believer from the Paez community in the city of Popayan, who faced the challenges of the past, Rev. Popó said, “Ocaña served among the tribes of Cauca, facing persecution for being a Protestant. Let us remember those who lived in the open, who died for the cause,” Rev. Popó said. “We enjoy many blessings thanks to the blood shed by others. The church must remain focused on what lies ahead.”

Rev. Ocaña initiated the establishment of three churches before he even reached the age of 18. He eventually ascended to the position of tribal leader, serving as the representative for his community in negotiations with the Colombian government to secure religious freedom within tribal territories.

Rev. Robert Searing, a second-generation Alliance missionary in the country, said, “Throughout his lifetime, Rev. Ocaña was responsible for the founding of well over 100 churches and guided thousands towards a spiritual connection with Jesus. Upon his passing, an astounding 50,000 individuals congregated in front of the city’s Catholic church, where he was laid to rest, to recognize his remarkable contributions as a pastor, evangelist, and tribal leader.”

Mark Searing, a third-generation Alliance missionary in the country, shares the legacy of his family’s missionary work: “My parents continued the legacy, enduring beatings, and hardships in their gospel mission. Despite violence in a small town orchestrated by religious leaders, their determination remained unshaken. Throughout these challenging times, small churches emerged in the mountains, and rivers became baptismal sites, with ropes securing missionaries to prevent being washed away.”

In the 1950s, political opposition to the gospel escalated, but the faithful persisted. Missionaries, including Mark and his wife, returned even during the 1980s and ‘90s when Alliance pastors faced threats from guerrillas and drug traffickers. Nearly six decades of violence tested the church’s resilience, yet it stood firm, establishing roots in both rural and urban areas.

The 332 Colombian Alliance churches celebrated the Month of the Alliance in August 2023, dedicating each week to highlighting the Alliance’s work in the world, in the country, in local churches and its commitment to the Great Commission. The four-day conference addressed topics such as leadership, revitalization, stewardship of gifts and talents, and ministries.

Among the guest speakers was Rev. Eynar Mina, pastor of the Alliance of Colombia serving in Canada. “We need leaders who really know God, who are able to live in truth and to interact in society,” he told the participants. Rev. Ivan Flores, president of the Alliance of Chile, challenged them: “The only way to manage a 100-year legacy is to continue building it through the Word of God, cleaning up our lives, fearing and serving our Lord.” Rev. John Stumbo, president of the U.S. Alliance, said: “When the Spirit of God is present, the gospel cannot be stopped.”

As the Colombian Alliance church celebrated its centennial, a sense of triumph filled the air. A Colombian senator recognized their unwavering commitment to truth and the gospel, commending their holistic impact on communities. For Mark Searing, representing three generations of missionaries, the journey has been marked by pain and hardship, but the enduring faith and impact have made it all worthwhile.

“Building Our Legacy” was the motto that resonated during the event where nearly 500 attendees, including pastors and leaders, recognized those who contributed from the beginning of the work to the current committed ministerial and administrative workers, celebrating those who are also part of the present effort.

During the colorful celebration, joy, gratitude, and emotion, and with a commitment to humility and unity, our brothers continue the ministry, thanking God for his faithfulness, aware that as the world changes, the Word of Christ remains constant and eternal.

The Alliance of Colombia has more than 29,000 members, 332 churches, 41 ordained ministers and 11 missionaries who continue to advance the Great Commission. It is one of five national churches celebrating its centennial in 2023, along with those in Cambodia, Syria, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

Let’s praise God for what he is doing among our brothers and sisters and keep them in our prayers as they pursue the good work.