Believers take part in a baptismal ceremony in the Huaquillas district, on the border between Ecuador and Peru, following an evangelistic campaign. The service was led by district pastor Manuel Cochachín, with support from theology student Fabio Velandia as evangelist. [Photo: Colombia Adventist University]
Historic outreach strengthens local churches and expands evangelism across southern Ecuador.

April 21, 2026 | Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Cristin Serrano and Inter-American Division News Staff

A two-week evangelistic outreach in southern Ecuador led to 685 people choosing to follow Christ, with theology students from Colombia playing a key role in the effort.

The campaign, held from March 21 to April 4, 2026, was part of a broader evangelism initiative led by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the region and coordinated by the Ecuador Union Mission to strengthen missionary outreach across the country.

Pastor Ever Castro, faculty member and coordinator of ministerial internships at UNAC, officiates a baptismal ceremony at the Realidad de Dios church in the Florida district of Guayaquil as part of the evangelistic campaign in southern Ecuador. [Photo: Colombia Adventist University]
A total of 23 students from the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the Colombia Adventist University (UNAC) participated in the initiative, contributing to the hundreds of decisions made during the two-week effort.

Titled “The Drama of the Passion,” the theme was carried out within the territory of the South Ecuador Mission, part of the South American Division, and included cities such as Guayaquil, Manta, Quevedo, Milagro, Salinas, Babahoyo, and Loja, among others.

In this context, the participation of seventh-semester students marked a milestone, as it represented the first international experience of public evangelism practice, UNAC professors said.

Theology student Elibardo Paredes shares with new believers following a baptismal ceremony in southern Ecuador, where, by God’s grace, 75 people decided to follow Christ. [Photo: Colombian Adventist University]
Under the coordination of Pastor Ever Castro, faculty member and coordinator of ministerial internships, the students were assigned to 23 church districts, actively integrating into local churches, small groups, centers of influence, and community spaces, including rehabilitation centers. This experience forms part of their academic preparation, equipping future pastors for service in real mission contexts, said Castro.

During the two weeks of outreach, more than 2,500 people heard the message of Jesus Christ, centered on His life, death, and resurrection. Of the total decisions recorded in the South Ecuador Mission, headquartered in Guayaquil, 313 were the direct result of the students’ efforts.

Among them, theology student Elibardo Paredes stood out, witnessing 75 individuals give their lives to Christ through his evangelistic work.

In addition, more than 150 Bible studies were initiated, ensuring continued spiritual support, local leaders said.

Theology student Samuel Peña Castro makes an appeal during the evangelistic campaign at the Central Church in the Chone district, southern Ecuador. [Photo: Colombian Adventist University]
The impact was also reflected in the strengthening of local churches, which were revitalized in their commitment to mission.

Local leaders said the continuous prayer initiatives, increased member participation, and a renewed emphasis on evangelism signaled a spiritual revival across the districts involved. Throughout the campaign, images of students preaching, making appeals, and serving the community highlighted their missionary commitment in each territory.

Pastor Alex Rodríguez, leader of the Guayaquil Florida district, expressed gratitude for the results. “I am very thankful to God for these two weeks of evangelism,” he said. “The number of souls reached during this period surpassed what the district achieved throughout the entire year of 2025.”

Among the many experiences, the testimony of Aníbal Muñoz stands out. After receiving Bible studies in his home, he decided to give his life to Christ. He shared that during one visit he experienced an intense spiritual struggle; however, through persistent prayer and the support of the theology student, he found freedom in Jesus and later sealed his decision through baptism. Today, he affirms that he lives with the assurance of salvation and a new life in Christ.

Aníbal Muñoz takes his baptismal vows at the Montalvo Church in the Montalvo Bolívar district after deciding to give his life to Christ as a result of the evangelistic campaign. Pastor Salomón Vásquez and theology student Juan Pablo Bayona participated in the service. [Photo: Colombian Adventist University]
Paredes also reflected on the experience: “This evangelistic experience changed my life. I went in search of one person for Jesus, but I was the first one reached for Him,” highlighting the transformative impact not only on those who receive the message, but also on those who share it.

Pastor Castro said the experience reaffirmed the role of evangelism as the heart of the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and underscored the value of practical training in preparing future spiritual leaders.

“Beyond the numbers, it demonstrated how God continues to work when His church unites with a common purpose, mobilizing believers beyond borders and preparing hearts for the soon return of Jesus,” he added.