Faith

Venezuelan Missionaries Find Unexpected Harvest in Spain

Published

3 weeks ago

July 27, 2026

faithandfreedo

Faith Facts

Venezuelan church planters Pedro and Luisa Andrade relocated to Spain after planting 13 congregations and baptizing 500 people in South America over four decades
More than 4 million Latin American immigrants now live in Spain, with Venezuelans forming the second-largest group at nearly 600,000 people
The couple is using Spain’s immigrant communities to reach Spanish-speaking souls for Christ in a new mission field shaped by centuries of reversed migration patterns

As the train was leaving the station in western Spain, Luisa Andrade saw a man in the aisle with a confused look. She stood up.

Using some kind of sixth cultural sense, she picked him out as a Venezuelan, like her. First, she showed the stranger his seat. Then she got acquainted — hopefully to invite him to worship.

She couldn’t help showing kindness or sharing her faith. Luisa, 73, and her husband Pedro, 72, planted churches for four decades in Venezuela. Now they’ve “crossed the pond,” as Spaniards say, to reach people for Christ on a new continent.

And they can spot fellow Latin American immigrants — more than 4 million people now in Spain were born in Latin America — a mile away.

The couple left South America late last year to take their church-planting skills to a new continent. Pedro counted up 500 people he had baptized as he thought back to the places he’d preached. The couple themselves planted 13 congregations in Venezuela and collaborated in other evangelistic efforts there and on the nearby island of Aruba.

Venezuela has experienced political and economic upheaval for more than two decades, including the forcible removal of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. in January 2026. Recently, the nation suffered two powerful earthquakes killing more than 5,500 people.

But the Andrades didn’t leave the South American nation just because of conditions at home, they said.

“When we came here, it was truly from a desire to establish a work,” Pedro explained.

The couple wrapped up their work in Falcón state on the northern coast of Venezuela and began searching for another place to spread the Gospel. The U.S. crossed their mind, or another Latin American nation, or even Mérida, Venezuela, where they had worked before. Then came the chance for a short vacation in Spain to visit relatives.

A Culture They Know

Luisa’s brother has lived about 25 years in Osebe, Galicia, near Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, a popular pilgrimage route across northern Spain. Osebe is about 50 miles north of Vigo.

Before the trip, the Andrades learned from their younger son, Aaron — also a preacher in Venezuela — that Rut Morillo, a woman the couple brought to Christ years before in the Venezuelan city of Maracay, was living in Vigo. Pedro baptized her when she was 12.

Luisa messaged Morillo on Facebook. Morillo moved to Galicia 20 years ago and works as an importer of Venezuelan cacao. She had struggled to find a Church of Christ.

Reestablishing contact with Morillo struck an emotional chord with the Andrades. Pedro fell in love with Vigo.

“She was like the trigger for us to come to establish a work,” Pedro said.

The Andrades presented their vision for working in Galicia to the New Hope Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma, which had long supported their work in Venezuela.

Paul Ferrell, the New Hope Mission Team’s liaison for the Andrades, said that the committee had been concerned about Pedro and Luisa.

“We were very behind them being somewhere besides Venezuela because of the hardships there,” Ferrell said.

“They really saw what could be,” said fellow missions team member Alan Phillips.

For Phillips, the Andrades’ longing to connect with Latin American immigrants in Spain made sense.

“It’s more natural, probably, for them to have outreach within the culture they know,” he said.

From Conquistadors to Immigrants

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spaniards crossed the ocean to conquer, extract resources and colonize. In the 19th century, many Spaniards once again left Europe, this time as immigrants in search of work in places such as Cuba and Argentina.

Later the pattern reversed again, with Latin American immigrants seeking economic opportunities in a now thriving Spain.

According to the Spanish government, Latin American immigrants represent 60 percent of the nation’s foreign-born population.

Venezuelans form the second largest group of Latin Americans in Spain, with Colombia providing the biggest population and Ecuador the third largest. Almost 600,000 Venezuelans called Spain home at the start of 2024.

Pedro’s own observations square with the statistics.

“Venezuelans live here, lots of them,” he said, adding Colombians, Peruvians, Guatemalans and others to the list of Latin Americans he’s encountered in Galicia.

Pedro has a plan, one that puts to use the Catholic Church’s parish system that divides the city into zones surrounding a parish church. A map in Pedro’s office highlights an urban core of 30 Vigo parishes.

The Andrades are focusing on the central part of that core. They dream of a congregation in the heart of the city that will serve as a beachhead from which to fan out.

The couple arrived in Vigo in January. The first real estate office they visited showed them a nearby apartment that had just entered the market. It’s tiny, about 215 square feet, but close to the train and bus stations. The Andrades saw the quick, centrally located and newly available rental as providential.

After housing, the Andrades found a space in a commercial building to hold services.

“On Saturday afternoon, nobody’s there. On Sundays, it’s ours alone,” Pedro said.

It was affordable, near the heart of the city, but unfurnished. Pedro saw God at work again.

First Steps … and Seats

The budget was tight.

“We have to buy something, but … we can’t buy anything new,” Pedro told Luisa.

They prayed, then set off on foot for a resale shop run by an evangelical Christian organization. The missionaries bargained for a desk and four unmatched chairs, all the store had that day.

When the delivery truck arrived, the Andrades met another employee, one who had been in Venezuela. They got acquainted. He was able to offer 14 chairs. They were set for worship.

“Why doubt it?” Pedro said. “This is from God.”

Morillo, the woman who decades after Pedro baptized her would lure the couple to Spain, spoke of the influence the Andrades had on her life.

Now living in Redondela, Galicia, about 10 miles northeast of Vigo, Morillo imports Venezuelan cacao. She recalled a request a few years back to use her cacao containers for a smuggling operation.

“I was alone with my daughter at that time,” Morillo said, adding that the payback would have been “very big.”

Her decision about that deal reflected a different one she made long ago.

“The truth is, I didn’t stress out about saying no,” Morillo explained.

Becoming a Christian at an early age, she said, “has saved me from many things … in my process of immigrating.”

“I’ve had a very clean path,” Morillo added. “Not that I don’t make mistakes. I make a lot, a whole lot.”

In Vigo, the Andrades made contact with another Latin American immigrant, Mariano García, a psychoanalyst from Argentina.

García had heard of Churches of Christ back in South America from his uncle, a member. The psychoanalyst went to Catholic schools but never firmly embraced the Christian faith.

During a particularly hard time after moving to Spain, his doubts grew.

“What good is it doing me to believe in God?” he asked himself. “It doesn’t matter — it’s just a lie so I don’t feel alone.”

García started looking for a Church of Christ. The closest was in A Coruña, a city about 100 miles north of Vigo. The preacher told him about the Andrades.

“When I found out that they were here, it was an enormous joy,” García said. “For me it was a gift, a gift from heaven, because literally what I most needed was to meet with Christians.”

After Pedro and García began studying the Bible, García visited his uncle, now living in Alicante, a city all the way across Spain on the Mediterranean coast.

“I got baptized on the beach,” García said.

Convinced that Christians need community, García hopes that Churches of Christ flourish in Galicia.

“Maturity in the faith to me goes hand in hand with a personal relationship, one on one, with God, but that doesn’t exist if it’s not supported by study … with other Christians, by the companionship of other Christians, by sharing the Lord’s Supper with other Christians,” García said. “Your walk is your walk, but on that walk, you can’t do it alone.”

He dreams that the new Vigo church “will not be just any congregation, that it will be a congregation that motivates, pushes, that grows and that makes other congregations grow. And that we’ll know how to use the people God sends us.”

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith

Christian Filmmaker Reveals Spiritual Danger Behind the Camera

Published

1 hour ago

August 18, 2026

faithandfreedo

Faith Facts

Alex Kendrick and his brother Stephen are remaking their first Christian film “Flywheel” more than 20 years after its original release
The remake is being produced in the Philippines with a new generation of filmmakers and cast
Kendrick warns that Christian filmmakers face spiritual danger when they seek personal glory rather than honoring God

More than two decades after launching their groundbreaking ministry in Christian cinema, filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick are returning to where it all began. The brothers behind beloved faith-based films like “Fireproof” and “War Room” are now overseeing a remake of their very first movie, “Flywheel,” but with a powerful twist that underscores their commitment to raising up the next generation of believers in filmmaking.

This time, the story is being retold thousands of miles away in the Philippines, with an entirely new cast and crew of Christian filmmakers eager to share the gospel through their craft.

The original “Flywheel” was created in 2003 on a shoestring budget of just $20,000 in Albany, Georgia. Despite its humble origins, the film resonated with audiences and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful Christian film ministries in modern history. The Kendrick brothers went on to produce several box office hits that have touched millions of lives worldwide.

Now, as the story gets new life in a different culture, Alex Kendrick is using the opportunity to share a crucial spiritual warning with Christian filmmakers and content creators everywhere.

In discussing the remake, Kendrick emphasized the spiritual dangers that come with success in Christian media. He cautioned that believers working in film and creative industries must constantly guard their hearts against the temptation to pursue their own glory rather than God’s.

“We have to resist the urge to make it about ourselves,” Kendrick explained, highlighting the subtle but dangerous shift that can occur when Christians in media begin to focus on personal recognition rather than Kingdom impact.

The decision to empower Filipino filmmakers to remake “Flywheel” reflects the Kendrick brothers’ commitment to mentoring and equipping believers globally. Rather than simply exporting American Christian films, they’re investing in indigenous storytellers who can reach their own communities with culturally relevant but biblically grounded messages.

This approach aligns with the Great Commission’s call to make disciples of all nations, recognizing that effective evangelism often requires local voices and cultural understanding.

The remake also serves as a testament to the enduring power of stories centered on repentance, redemption, and transformation—themes that transcend cultural boundaries. “Flywheel” tells the story of a dishonest car dealer whose life is turned upside down when he commits to living with integrity and honoring God in his business practices.

For Christian filmmakers and content creators, Kendrick’s warning about pursuing personal glory comes at a critical time. As faith-based media continues to grow in influence and profitability, the temptation to prioritize acclaim, awards, and recognition over faithful stewardship can become increasingly powerful.

The Kendrick brothers’ model offers a different path—one focused on equipping others, sharing resources, and ensuring that God receives the glory for any success that comes.

This commitment to humility and servant leadership has characterized their ministry from the beginning, and it continues to guide their work as they expand their influence globally.

As the Philippine remake of “Flywheel” moves forward, it represents more than just a new version of an old story. It’s a practical demonstration of what happens when Christian leaders prioritize raising up the next generation over building their own platforms, and when they recognize that God’s Kingdom work extends far beyond their own projects and productions.

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Faith

Seminary President Makes Unexpected Announcement About His Future

Published

3 hours ago

August 18, 2026

faithandfreedo

Faith Facts

Columbia Theological Seminary President Victor Aloyo Jr. announced his retirement effective end of 2025
Aloyo has served as president since 2016, leading the Presbyterian institution through significant challenges and growth
The president cited desire to spend more time with family as his primary reason for stepping down

Columbia Theological Seminary is entering a new chapter as President Victor Aloyo Jr. announced his decision to retire at the end of 2025. The announcement marks the conclusion of nearly a decade of leadership at the helm of the Presbyterian seminary.

Aloyo, who has served as president since 2016, made the first person of color to lead the historic institution. His tenure has been characterized by steady leadership through challenging times for theological education in America.

In his announcement, Aloyo emphasized his desire to prioritize family during this season of his life. The decision reflects the biblical principle of stewarding relationships and honoring the God-given responsibilities of family life, a value deeply cherished in the Christian conservative community.

“Led with wisdom, integrity and pastoral spirit,” colleagues noted in recognizing Aloyo’s contributions to the seminary. His leadership style has been marked by a commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Under Aloyo’s leadership, Columbia Theological Seminary has navigated the evolving landscape of theological education while maintaining its commitment to training pastors and church leaders. The seminary has faced the same challenges confronting many Christian institutions in an increasingly secular culture.

The board and faculty praised Aloyo’s dedication to the mission of preparing ministers for service in Presbyterian churches across the nation. His pastoral approach to leadership has been particularly valued during his time at Columbia.

The seminary will now begin the process of searching for Aloyo’s successor. This transition comes at a critical time for Christian theological education, as seminaries across America work to equip the next generation of pastors to lead churches in a culture that increasingly challenges traditional Christian values.

Aloyo’s retirement provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of faithful leadership in Christian institutions. His decision to step back for family commitments serves as a reminder that even in significant ministry roles, believers must prioritize their God-given responsibilities to their families.

The Columbia community expressed gratitude for Aloyo’s years of service while preparing to support new leadership in continuing the seminary’s mission of training faithful ministers of the Gospel.

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Faith

Forest Service Officer Wins Religious Freedom Victory

Published

5 hours ago

August 18, 2026

faithandfreedo

Faith Facts

A U.S. Forest Service officer was initially denied religious accommodation to observe Sunday as his Sabbath but has now secured that right with legal assistance.
The officer’s request for exemption from Sunday work assignments was contested by his supervisors until First Liberty Institute intervened on his behalf.
This case demonstrates the ongoing need for federal agencies to honor religious freedom protections guaranteed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

A U.S. Forest Service officer has successfully obtained a religious exemption from mandatory Sunday work after initially being denied by his superiors. The victory came after the officer sought legal representation to protect his constitutionally guaranteed right to religious observance.

The officer, whose faith convictions recognize Sunday as the Lord’s Day, requested accommodation to honor his religious commitment to worship and rest on the first day of the week. Federal employers are required under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide reasonable accommodations for employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer.

Despite these clear legal protections, the Forest Service initially rejected the officer’s request, forcing him to choose between his livelihood and his conscience. The decision placed unnecessary pressure on a dedicated public servant whose religious convictions align with traditional Christian practice observed by millions of Americans.

With the assistance of legal counsel, the officer challenged the denial and ultimately prevailed. First Liberty Institute, a religious freedom legal organization, has been at the forefront of defending Americans whose faith is sidelined or penalized in the workplace.

This case serves as an important reminder that government agencies—like all employers—must respect the religious convictions of their workforce. Sunday observance has deep roots in American Christian tradition, and federal law explicitly protects employees who seek to honor the Sabbath according to their faith.

Religious freedom advocates have noted that cases like this should never reach the point of legal intervention. Reasonable accommodations for Sabbath observance are typically straightforward to implement and reflect the pluralistic values enshrined in our constitutional framework.

The officer’s perseverance in defending his faith demonstrates the courage required to stand firm when religious liberty is threatened. His victory not only secures his own right to worship freely but also reinforces protections for countless other Americans who face similar challenges in their workplaces.

As cultural pressure mounts against traditional Christian values in public life, cases like this underscore the critical importance of vigilant legal defense. Organizations dedicated to protecting religious freedom continue to play an essential role in preserving the rights our Founders guaranteed.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.