News from our field
Solid Foundation, Deep Commitment: GlobalRize Latin America Officially Launched
On February 27, the official inauguration of GlobalRize Latin America took place, joined by team members from across the continent. In sun-drenched Santiago, Chile, those gathered looked back in awe at God’s great works throughout the thirteen years the Spanish-speaking team has already been active. The impact has been especially profound among women, with many beautiful stories of transformation. At the same time, there was a sense of eager anticipation for the future.
The official opening served as the finale of a three-day conference. Some participants traveled 22 hours by bus from Buenos Aires, others journeyed for three days from Bolivia, or covered over 1,000 kilometers from within Chile itself. Arjan Vaders, language team coach at GlobalRize, remarked: “The dedication they show through this is truly moving.”
Online mission work among Spanish speakers has been running for years, initially managed from the Netherlands. With the official establishment of GlobalRize Latin America, the team gains greater autonomy and strategic impact. The new branch is firmly focused on the future. Over the past six months, Director Marco Alvarado launched a new brand targeting Generation Z: ‘Rize con fe’ (Rise with faith). Additionally, a project has been established to provide online training for pastors who lack formal theological education.
During the conference, these plans were presented and testimonies were shared. Arjan: “The beauty of the conference was that people got the full picture of how different ministries converge. People have come to faith, entire families have returned to the Lord Jesus, and approximately 500 people have been connected to a local church. In WhatsApp groups, people receive pastoral care, while dozens of others receive personal mentoring. There is growth, and it is bearing fruit!”
The women’s branch, Ella Resplandece, is seeing a significant impact in the lives of women and their families. Arjan: “The stories of the women touched me deeply. Genuine communities are forming through WhatsApp groups. Devotions are shared, prayers are offered, questions are asked, and relationships flourish. The most difficult pastoral cases are handled by Mary—a 73-year-old woman who is on fire for God. She spends hours in conversation with women facing abuse, violence, divorce, and loneliness. Many women in Latin America are left to fend for themselves, but we are seeing restoration. Women are growing mentally and spiritually, becoming mentors themselves. Families are being restored: husbands return, children find healing, and entire households are finding their way back to God.”
The final day of the conference focused on strategy. Marten Visser, Director of GlobalRize International, provided an overview of our current world: rapid changes, new forms of communication, and digitalization. The core question remains: how do we reach people in a clear, direct, and relevant way? We need content that captures attention while guiding people toward an encounter with God.
The official opening was celebrated that evening with a thanksgiving service. The pastor from Marco Alvarado’s church inspired the congregation with a powerful sermon on Romans 10.
The team returns home with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed vision. The foundation in Latin America is solid; the harvest is plentiful. Soli Deo Gloria.
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Give thanks for the spiritual fruitfulness God has granted in Latin America over the past years.
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Pray that the transition of GlobalRize Latin America into an autonomous organization will empower the team to work even more effectively.