The Vance Family

Reading time: 3 minutes

Dear Praying Friends & Family,

Packed House At Agape!

We wish you could stand with us on a typical Sunday morning Agape Baptist Church. Before the first hymn even begins, chairs are being added, children are squeezed onto laps, and latecomers scan the walls for any remaining space to lean. Both services are now consistently beyond full capacity—an incredible answer to prayer and a visible reminder that God is drawing people to Himself through His Word. It is a “good problem”— and yet one that requires wisdom as we seek the Lord for next steps in space, structure, and shepherding.

Discipleship & Training

Beyond the numbers, we are rejoicing most in the depth of spiritual growth. This year, nearly 100 adults are actively engaged in intentional discipleship—meeting weekly in homes, studying Scripture, memorizing truth, and learning to walk faithfully with Christ in daily life. The fruit is evident: growing hunger for the Word, transformed lives, and new believers being grounded in the faith. Your prayers and support are directly shaping these lives.

We also recently relaunched our weekly “Faithful Men” gathering, and the response has been deeply encouraging. Every Monday, around 30 men fill the room—Bibles open to the book of Titus—preparing their hearts for leadership in their homes, church, and community. Many are young in the faith; others are stepping into ministry responsibility for the first time. Please pray that the Lord would continue raising up a generation of faithful, qualified men for His church.

Injured National Pastor

We ask a special prayer for Pastor José Nelson, whom we commissioned to lead a nearby church plant. He recently suffered a serious arm fracture while doing building repairs and is unable to work for a season, creating financial strain for his family. If the Lord leads you to be a blessing to them, please contact us.

Refuge of Life Nonprofit

At the Fundación Refugio Vida children’s center, 74 underprivileged children are now receiving daily meals, school tutoring, and Christ-centered discipleship. Ongoing support is always needed! Gifts can be sent to MWBM, Inc., designated “A. Vance — children’s center.”

Adoption & Travel Update

On the family front, we rejoice that Alexander’s adoption in Colombia is fully finalized—a huge answer to prayer! This now begins a lengthy U.S. immigration process, which has delayed our anticipated furlough travel to the United States until further notice. We trust the Lord’s timing and appreciate your prayers.

Love in Christ,

Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with Amira, Anabel, Aris, Alethea, & Alexander!)

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;”

—Philippians 1:3-5—

Reading time: 3 minutes

Dear Praying Friends & Family,

As we look back on 2025, our hearts are full of gratitude for what God has done and continues to do in Bucaramanga. The past two months have been packed full of events, milestones, growth, and blessings, both as a family and in our public ministry. Celebrate with us!

Alexander Is Home With Us!

As we mentioned in our previous letter, November 20th was a special day for us as a family, as we welcomed a new member through adoption. Alexander (1) has fit right into our crazy family. Pray for us as we work through the legal processes in both Colombia and the United States to formalize the adoption.

Milestones & Special Events

Agape Baptist Church, our main work in Bucaramanga, has continued to grow spiritually and numerically. November marked five years since we started this church, which has become a beloved body of believers. In addition to our regular outreach efforts, we held a special program on Christmas Eve, during which many of our church members gathered to assemble hundreds of sandwiches and gifts, which we then distributed among the homeless in our city. We praise God for his work in and through his people!

Christmas at Refuge of Life

Our nonprofit ministry, based at our church in the Cafe Madrid neighborhood, held its big Christmas program in December, during which we gave gifts to nearly 200 children. With their families also in attendance, more than 300 people gathered to hear the Gospel and enjoy the program and a meal. Though we finished off the year with a bit over 60 children we serve daily, it is a blessing to hold events like these that expand our reach and shine the light of Christ into the darkest corners of our city.

A Plenteous Harvest

There are times of life and ministry in which you simply have to prepare the land, other times to sow seed of the Word, other times to cultivate and prune, and then there is a time of reaping a harvest. This has been an outrageously fruitful year! We saw hundreds of people make professions of faith, dozens go through extensive discipleship, and nearly all of our churches are full to capacity each week. This is all part of the fruit that is added to your account! The harvest is ripe in Colombia! We are praying for more laborers to come and help us. Would you pray with us toward that end?

Love in Christ,

Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with Amira, Anabel, Aris, Alethea, & Alexander!)

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

—Philemon 1:4-7—