Bolivia Church Plant Update - Iglesia Gracia Soberana, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

“What a joy to share with Sovereign Grace Church of Tucson a brief update on the activities of our sister church in Santa Cruz Bolivia. Your support and partnership have helped make this possible! 

Jorge & David

Jorge and David and their families opened the doors of the Bolivia church plant in February 2020. Three weeks following the opening, they had to close for several months due to governmental covid restrictions.   To care for new folks, they established a network of virtual meetings including Sunday morning worship and preaching, Monday night prayer, Thursday evening discipleship, and a young married community group.  In each of their gatherings, their focus has been on preaching and teaching the basics of the gospel.  In outreach, the church has been able to practically assist the community in material needs of food and clothing, conduct a children’s ministry outreach to over fifty children, and support families of those affected by or who have lost loved ones to covid.  

At the same time, they rented and renovated a facility that serves as their current church meeting location. Interestingly, when meeting in person was again permitted, they found that the church had grown and continues to grow. Recently, a couple, who served in ministry at the church in La Paz, who David had discipled and raised up in ministry, relocated to be a part of this church plant. The husband is a community group leader, an experienced worship leader and a potential pastor and his wife is a long-term experienced children’s ministry coordinator. Their friendship and support are a great blessing to this church.

While there are a number of non-denominational churches in Santa Cruz, there is a critical absence of churches teaching reformed doctrine. To that end, testimonies by new members describe how they are experiencing the wonder of the gospel for the first time and how it is impacting their lives.  One family describes attending a church for many years but never understanding the truth of the gospel. Another gives thanks that they are hearing true Bible teaching for the first time in their Christian life. Additionally, Jorge and David are being approached by other leaders serving in other churches who have heard of Sovereign Grace and reformed teaching and are investigating closer affiliation.  

Jorge and David share the preaching responsibilities while David also leads worship and serves as the church administrator. While their primary focus is establishing the church, Jorge has a burning passion to soon begin a pastor’s college in Santa Cruz based upon the values and vision of the Sovereign Grace Pastors College model.  This location could serve not only pastors in Bolivia, but in all of South America, preparing and helping pastors to impact their churches with the  gospel.

David and Jorge and their families feel the love, friendship, and significant support of Sovereign Grace Tucson. You are and continue to be a significant encouragement to them. Thank you for your partnership!"

Chris Deloglos is a pastor at Kingsway Community Church in Midlothian, VA and serves as Executive Director of the Bolivia Missions Foundation.