La Victoria de Quinche

A little group becoming a church in the face of persecution

La Victoria de Quiche is a small community connected to the larger town of Quinche, and is an area that has been closed to evangelical presence until now. We began trying to get into this area in September of 2007, and finally got the opportunity in December to give a little Christmas program. We had about a hundred people attenting in the public meeting house, and we shared who we are and our ideas for opening a bible study there. We also shared the gospel and in the end, they voted to recieve us into the community. Unfortunately, after catching wind of what we had done, the local Catholic church bulllied and intimidated the people who had a desire to meet with us. It took another 6 weeks before we made contact with one small group willing to brave the threats and start a bible study in a small grain shed on private property. In the next few months, we got to know an extended family and some neighbors, while teaching them a simple, straightforward chronological bible study. They were and are very appreciative, and growing in the Lord.

In June 2008, a small group from Oakland Baptist church came to do some work in Ecuador for a week, and we did a VBS type outreach for one day here at La Victoria. I was a tremendous success; we gave out 100 tshirts with the theme "God made me special" to the kids and some of the parents. We had crafts, games, gifts, songs, and an "illusion show" which of course was gospel-related. We shared the gospel and around a dozen or so prayed to be saved. Later in the evening, we held a program for the family, where we showed a Christian movie and shared testimonies and the gospel. Again, a dozen or so prayed to be saved. I thought, "this is it! We have broken into this community for real now!" But I underestimated the power of the enemy again.

Again, the local Catholic church leaders heard of our outreach and visited each family who participated, threatening them with excommunication. They also belittled and threatened the children at school, and many of these innocent children whose only crime was hearing the truth about God's love for them went home crying and fearful. Everyone was afraid again, and greatly discouraged. We have spent the last few months rebuilding their courage and again they are very excited about their little "church" in the making. Please pray for these lovely people; especially Jorge (George), the apparent leader both socially and spiritually.

In October 2008, one of the ladies offered their house to meet in, so we switched from the grain shed to Angelita's living room. In November 2008, a team from Oakland Baptist church (our home church) came and held a two day VBS program there, which really encouraged everyone as well as effectively reached out to the neighborhood. For Christmas 2008, we held a Christmas outreach party, with a special service. We served a great number of kids and a number of the neediest people in the area. We also started a children's Sunday school class as well, having between 15 and 25 kids each meeting..

2009
The work continues. The group in some ways sees themselves as a church now. They meet every other week on Sunday, and on the odd weekends we have visitation. This March 16, 17, 18 they are sponsoring a medical caravan, and we are organizing our missionaries and Linaje Escogido church to participate in the evangelism.

2010
The group has started calling themselves a church, and we have moved into two separate houses; one for adults and one for the kids. This little church meets every week now, and we are moving them towards being an official church this school year 2010 - 2011, Lord willing. 2010 Leadership: Rod Bond, Diego Leon, Freddy Garcia, and Mary Lopez.

Below, find some pictures from La Victoria.