“Amada 4” Women’s Congress in Ecuador

With the participation of 512 women from the Latin American continent, the Women’s Congress “AMADA 4” was held with the theme “Caring for the Heart of a Woman”, the largest event for women in the Alliance, from July 24-27, in the Central Alliance Church of the city of Milagro, Ecuador.

The event brought together women from countries like Peru, with 130 participants -which was the largest delegation-, as well as Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador.

At the opening service on Wednesday, July 24, the youth of the C&MA of Milagro gave a warm welcome, wearing various traditional costumes typical of the culture of Ecuador. They also gave a rose to all who were present. Pastor David Muthre, president of the CLA, brought a meditation about the heart of a virtuous woman and her influence in society by building healthy homes in Christ.

Catalina Moscoso of Colombia was the main speaker; others included Isabel Muthre of Ecuador and Marlene Chiang of Peru. Workshops were presented by Isabel Mancini of Argentina, Nadia Arias of Chile, Rosa Pérez and Sara Cortázar of Peru. They addressed issues related to current social problems, making a pertinent analysis with scientific backings and proposing solutions in the light of the Word of God.

“It was a precious time with the church of Ecuador and the Latin American continent, in which together we heard in a clear and Biblical way timely topics of today, as well as arranging our hearts before the Lord, in addition to the love of Ecuadorians, which was something very impacting on our lives,” said Mami Yanagihara, wife of Pastor Jura Yanagihara, President of the Alliance World Fellowship.

Attendees were able to fraternize and exchange experiences and lessons together, and God spoke in a particular way to visitors who also enjoyed the Ecuadorian cuisine.

Sister Jesús Sánchez González of the Alliance in Peru commented: “I have had the opportunity to attend other AMADA programs and this has been one of the best. Topics such as sexuality and mistreatment towards women, femininity, evaluating it from a current panorama, were edifying topics for our heart, and in Peru we are very encouraged not to simply adhere to the teachings, but to replicate them in all the churches of the country.”

Likewise, sister Mabel Molina said: “Since I knew there would be Amada 4 in Ecuador, the desire to be a part of it grew in me. Before putting my foot on the plane that would take me to Guayaquil, I began to enjoy what God had prepared. The unity with my sisters from Chile who were also preparing, and the reception in Milagro was wonderful. The warmth of the brothers and sisters makes everything even better. It was very special to check all the preparation of a church that with such affection did everything to receive us the best they could. On the other hand, the Word of the Lord spoke so clearly about contingent issues that we face in each of our realities. There are many lessons collected, I still find myself digesting everything taught by God, a wonderful gift where I really felt beloved,” she concluded.

The focus on Friday, July 26, was folk dances and the culture of the visiting countries of Latin America. And on Saturday, July 27, each attendee at the closing program received a photo “AMADA 4 – Ecuador.” Personalized native hats were presented as a recognition by CLA to the international speakers for their effort and work.

“AMADA 4” was a time of refreshment and spiritual renewal, where Christ was glorified, building the lives of our beloved sisters of the Christian and Missionary Alliance family in Latin America. We thank our good God for allowing us to see His powerful action in hearts surrendered at His feet.