Rain or shine – Sunrise Services are happening!

Dios Con Nosotros

Sponsored by

Surprise Campus

Located in

El Reten - Magdalena

God is doing amazing things throughout Colombia. Here you will find updates on how each church is making a difference in their communities. Take a moment to learn about the Campus Pastor, read success stories, and how you can be praying for your Colombia church plant.

Pastor Edilberto Enrique Castilla Contrera

Pastor Edilberto was born in El Reten, Magdalena in 1958. He is married and has three children. He accepted the Lord 13 years ago and has been working in ministry for the last five years. Edilberto is full of vision for his church and looks forward to seeing the community come to know Christ.

Update for 12/5/2018

Greetings Christ’s Church of the Valley! We are so excited to share with you our final report and update for our plant! This church and child development center has already made an impact on our community in big ways! We have been able to improve children's health by reducing their nutritional deficiencies. With the construction of the new church, reduction of poverty for children and the El Retén community will be achieved, besides promoting and extending the Kingdom of God in a holistic way. With the support of the leaders from the mother and daughter churches, we have visited the children’s homes and held sessions with the guardians and parents of children to explain to them the Compassion program. We have 199 children in the program! The classrooms are equipped with chairs and tables suitable for working with children. The kitchen is not yet in operation, as it has not been possible to install natural gas yet, so the food is prepared in the director’s kitchen. Our opening and thanks service were held on September 29, 2018. In attendance the beneficiary children and parents, the municipal mayor, childhood and adolescence police, family commissioner, pastors from the mother and daughter church, and representatives of Compassion Colombia. This new Childhood Development Center "Emanuel" has generated a positive impact in the community, one that is rough and full of poverty and without the love of God. We have seen changes in families that are open to the word of God, prayers and family groups in homes, and children are attentive to church services and program activities. Government entities have seen the impact we are making and for that reason, they quickly improved the community with electrical installations that they did not have before. The medical center has been supporting the beneficiary children in health check-ups, vaccinations and mothers in family planning. In addition to this, at least 90% of the children have attended the activities programmed by the Childhood Development Center two days a week. They learn about the love of God, the plan of salvation and values in the family. At least 92% of the parents attended the first meeting that took place in the multipurpose room, where they were told about the benefits of the Compassion program and Jesus' plan of salvation. At least 70% of parents have attended the activities scheduled each month in " Parents’ School.” They have been taught topics about: water treatment, healthy week, children protection, and responsibility of parents with their children. 90% of children received instruction on the proper use of water and good hygiene practices in hand washing and teeth brushing. Children perform hygiene practices in hand washing and teeth brushing in separate hand washing stations for boys and girls. Director Jakeline Martinez, from the mother church says: “First, I want to thank God for allowing organizations like Compassion International to operate in our country and throughout the world. God continues to bless and guide you in paths of justice and truth, and to the donors who provided these funds for early childhood care in our community, El Retén.”

Prayer Requests

Pray for the children and their families to see the Love of Christ.