For two weeks in June of 2026, Michael Vos and James Riley embarked on a journey through Latin America, engaging with partner churches to develop a collaborative strategy for church planting and developing leaders across the Americas.
Historically, Latin America and North America have operated with distinct church-planting approaches. However, ongoing globalization has prompted a shift towards a unified strategy that fosters deeper connections between churches and church networks from both regions.
The aim of the trip was to encourage church partnerships and enhance strategies for training local leaders and planting new churches throughout the Americas. Michael and James visited several countries, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Argentina, and Peru; each with unique challenges and opportunities for church growth.
In Cuba, the situation is dire due to ongoing power outages and restrictive government policies. Despite these difficulties, the church has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing joy and support to the Cuban people amid hardship.
In the Dominican Republic, a network of over 40 churches is striving to transform communities by focusing on family-oriented gatherings and developing leaders and elders. These churches aim to address the welfare of their cities, emphasizing community engagement and spiritual growth.
Ecuador presents an exciting development with a church network comprising 20+ churches that prioritize creating a welcoming family environment. This network seeks to empower Ecuadorians through the teachings of the Bible and to foster a sense of celebrating life in Christ.
Additionally, in Argentina, a shift from traditional Sunday services to house church gatherings has allowed congregations to deepen their connections. This change has provided an enriching opportunity for individuals to invest in each other’s lives, placing Christ at the center of their relationships and experiences.
In Peru, working with Elders to develop more churches and leaders to lead them was the primary topic of conversation.
We hope and pray to continue to foster collaborative efforts; the hope for church growth and transformation in the Americas remains strong, showcasing the power of faith to unite and inspire communities across borders.