Mid-September, I had the privilege of traveling to Bogotá, Colombia, to join leaders and pastors from across Latin America and Europe for a summit of a Family of Church-Planting Churches (Cumbre). The theme of the gathering was “We are Part of Something Bigger,” and it was a beautiful reminder of the unity we share in Christ that transcends borders, languages, and cultures.
Our time together was thoughtfully designed from beginning to end. With around 150 people in attendance, we worshiped as one body, hearing stories from pastors and leaders representing Colombia, Ecuador, Spain and Venezuela. While each testimony was extremely powerful and carried its own weight of faith, perseverance, and hope, what was most impactful personally were the numerous opportunities for small group discussions and time for one on one prayer.
The voices of our brothers and sisters from Venezuela stood out in a particular way. They shared candidly about the challenges of ministering in a nation marked by political and economic crisis. One church meets every Sunday, rain or shine, in a city street, another in a park, directly in the communities they are witnessing to. Another pastor spoke of his ministry in the local prisons, boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus. He told a powerful story of sharing the gospel with a leader of the notorious Tren de Aragua cartel, and the Holy Spirit bringing that man to tears. In the midst of this challenging landscape, what shone most brightly was not despair, but a steadfast trust in God’s provision and an unshakable commitment to proclaiming the gospel.
Listening to their testimonies was both humbling and inspiring. Their faith in the midst of adversity reminds us that the gospel is not hindered by hardship. In fact, it often shines most brightly when circumstances are darkest. The churches I mentioned above, which have no building to meet in, reminded me of the ministry of Jesus, teaching from the hills and streets of Israel.
It was an honor to represent SAM and to stand alongside leaders like these—to encourage and walk with them as they fulfill the calling the Lord has placed on each of their lives. 
Your prayers and support are part of their stories. You are helping fuel gospel witness in places where hope is desperately needed.
Please continue to pray for the Family of Church-Planting Churches ministry, especially for our brothers and sisters in Venezuela. Their testimonies are a living reminder that Christ is building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Raised in Honduras as a missionary kid, Andrew Davis carries a deep love for missions, family, and Christ. He and his wife, Jenny, are raising three lively boys and finding joy in serving wherever God calls them.
