Category Archives: Church Planting
Baptisms, Blessings, and Burdens — September 2023 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Different Look, Same Gospel
Sometimes, the ministry looks different overseas than in the USA. Sometimes, the ministry even looks different from place to place in the same city! For instance, in the past month, one of our churches baptized several new believers in a nearby river, another did baptisms in a portable wooden and fiberglass baptistry, and yet another baptized converts in an inflatable jacuzzi. Though we adapt to the culture and the available resources, what unites us is the same faith in the same Gospel!
Successful Youth Camp
In August, we organized our own youth camp for the first time. Several dozen teens and young adults from our local churches gathered over three days to learn about our new life in Christ. It was a joy to lead this camp and see God work in the lives of many of these young people. I was also blessed as some of the other pastors we’ve reached and trained over the years helped me preach through the book of First Peter with these teens. Not too long ago, these pastors were curious university students investigating Christianity themselves!
Building Project Obstacles
We have recently faced challenges in purchasing our current rented facility for Agape Baptist Church. We are getting close to our initial fundraising goal of $200,000, and we have recently received several designated gifts from our friends and supporting churches. However, the owner has raised the asking price in our negotiations. At the same time, the dollar has come down about 25% in value compared to the Colombian Peso since last year. With those factors, we still need around $45,000. We need your help! Would you consider giving a tax-deductible gift toward this need? Gifts can be sent online or by mail to MWBM, Inc. PO Box 519, Braselton, GA 30517 and marked “A. Vance- Building” in the memo. The clock is ticking to finalize this purchase before the end of the year. We are looking for other options, but our current building is still the best fit. May God’s will be done!
Family News and Needs
In August, we enjoyed another visit from my Mother-in-law, Juanita. She is always a blessing to us. And, like the rest of our family on both sides, she has always supported our move to the mission field so well. It has been said that parents and grandparents often sacrifice more than the missionary families themselves.
Despite the many recent blessings, our family is facing another challenging season. We have felt the weight and pressures of ministry, spiritual oppression, financial hardships, and health needs. On top of all the other medical issues Aubrie has already been facing, she has a skin tumor that will be removed in October. It will be sent to pathology to see if it is cancerous. We appreciate your prayers for this and many other needs.
Thankful Hearts
We thank God for being our faithful and strong rock through every stage of life and ministry. He is worthy of all praise, and no sacrifice can ever be too great for him. And once again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support. May God bless, guide, protect, and provide for your needs.
For Our Faithful God,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”
—Psalm 9:1-2—
Pastor Nelson baptizing one of five new believers at North Baptist (Café Madrid). 
Pastor Félix baptizing one of four new believers at Lighthouse Baptist (El Faro). 
Pastor Juan baptizing one of five new believers at Agape Baptist. 
The youth camp, “Reboot” was a great success! Thanks to those who prayed and gave. 
Our girls love their “Mamaw!” 
Every year on the day our son passed away, we look for a boy or two to give a small gift to in his honor. Our neighbors sure enjoyed this tradition! Amaziah would have been four in September.
Thousands Served, and Hundreds Saved! — June 2023 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
It has been a very busy season here in Colombia, and God continues to do amazing things! Hundreds of people have come to know and believe the Gospel in the last few months. Thank you for praying for us and for supporting us financially to be able to serve on the mission field.
Addition & Multiplication
Our primary church, Ágape Baptist Church, has continued to grow immensely. We added an extra Sunday morning service two months ago to accommodate the new people. Our weekly attendance is now over 240 individuals each Sunday! Besides the new attendance highs, we’re even more excited about people getting saved, baptized, discipled, and added to our church. We hold a “Faithful Men” meeting every Monday for men who feel a call toward ministry. The name of this meeting is based on 2 Timothy 2:2. It is one of my favorite times of the week, as I meet with 20-25 men hungry to grow spiritually and serve the Lord Jesus. Pray for them as they prepare to follow God’s leading, and as they teach others also.
Special Guests From The USA
In June, we enjoyed a refreshing visit with a group from First Baptist Church in Ashland, Ohio. Over a week, they helped us distribute many thousands of Gospel tracts! The group saw our city’s need and some ministries and churches God has allowed us to start here over the years. We put Pastor Stollings to work preaching and teaching six times! We also enjoyed having a young man named Samuel with us for three weeks. He is praying about being a missionary and even considering Colombia. Pray that God would direct his steps.
Huge Outreach Effort
At the end of June, we also hosted a group of 27 volunteers from Medical Missions Outreach to offer a vision clinic to our community. The devil fought tirelessly, and he did his best to stop everything. However, we still helped over 1,500 people with glasses. Each person heard the Gospel one-on-one, and we praise the Lord for at least 290 professions of faith! Each number represents a person, a soul whom the Lord loves. We are already looking forward to MMO’s return in August of 2024.
Almost to the Goal!
We’re inching closer to being able to purchase our current rented facility. Out of the initial $200,000 goal, thanks to many of you, we are only lacking around $30,000! Would you consider helping us reach this goal in the next few months? Every little bit helps! For those wondering, our next stage would be to also purchase the empty lot behind our church and expand our auditorium and classroom space in God’s timing and according to his will.
Family Funnies
A friend recently told Alethea (5 years old) that her shoes were on the wrong feet, and her big sister Aris (8 years old) said they’re always on the wrong feet because she’s left-handed.
With Love in Christ Jesus,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“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—
Many in Colombia long for a political reformation. Protests and marches are common. But what Colombia needs is a spiritual awakening! We get to be a part. 
We added another 20 adults and their families to church membership in June! I love to see how Christ builds his church. 
With the pastor and mission team from First Baptist Church, Ashland, Ohio 
Part of the 1,500 people we served from the community with free glasses and the Gospel. 
Some of the 100 volunteers from our churches and some of the MMO volunteers. What a great group God! 
My girls got to serve all week alongside wonderful MMO volunteers like Mrs. Yvonne. 
Aubrie and I just celebrated 14 years of marriage. It has been quite a crazy ride, but I am so thankful we get to do this life together! 
Back in Colombia, Huge Building News, Exciting Ministry Days — March 2023 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Hello again from Colombia! We returned to the field in February after a great furlough. It’s so good to be in the place where the Lord has called us. We hit the ground running, and God is already working. I’m excited about the days ahead.
Exciting Building News
We have had some significant developments since our last letter. Several gifts have come in for our building fund for Agape Baptist Church. In addition, we received a generous matching-funds offer from Calvary Baptist in Ashland, OH. We now only need around $45,000 out of our $200,000 goal. But we urgently need your help. We only have until July to finish raising these funds. Would you consider giving toward this project? Whether you can give $50 or $5,000, every little bit helps! We plan to purchase the same church building we rent, which is also the site of our Bible Institute, medical clinic outreaches, recording studio, and more. If extra funds come in, we will put those aside for a future purchase of the adjoining lot as we grow. Gifts can be sent Online and by mail through Macedonia World Baptist Missions (PO Box 519, Braselton, GA 30517) and marked “A. Vance – Building.”
Strong Churches
We are so encouraged by the growth of each church we started here. Even in our absence, most have seen new people saved and added to the membership. In fact, our current main work, Agape, is now running around 180 people, and we will be adding another service starting in April to accommodate more growth.
In March, we had a joint men’s camp, wherein 65 men from our congregations came together to speak of the theme, “United For His Cause.” Each of our lead pastors shared a message on unity and the Gospel that brings us together.
Family Update
Our girls are back into the homeschool routine again here in Colombia. They were sad to leave our sending church’s school, Lighthouse Christian Academy, where they enjoyed time with new friends and awesome teachers last year. Such is missionary kid life — lots of transitions, hellos, and sad goodbyes. Aubrie is doing a fantastic job teaching the girls.
We still have pending doctor appointments to pinpoint Aubrie’s autoimmune condition and treatment plan. We’re looking for just the right doctors to help her. Until then, we take one day at a time!
As far as my arm after the accident over a year ago, the doctors just gave me a clean bill of health in March! This is a miracle because there was virtually no progress in bone healing for over six months, and the plan was to do a bone graft surgery this year. I’ve adjusted to permanent limited mobility.
Thank You
We couldn’t be here without your prayers and financial support, and we don’t take it for granted! Thank you for your faithfulness. May God continue to bless you and keep you. Let us know how we can be praying for you!
Grace and Peace to You,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;”
—1 Thessalonians 3:9—
I joined a group of pastors on a trip to Israel in January before returning to the field. It was a life-changing experience that will forever mark me! Seeing the land of the Bible has brought the Bible to life and will help me as I teach it to those who will teach others also. 
Jesus is building his church! Pray for us as we add another Sunday service on Easter. 
Man Camp 2023 — “United For His Cause” 
Praise God, Aris got saved & baptized in January! What a precious moment. 
Aubrie had a birthday in February, Aris turned 8 in February, and Amira turned 13 in March. Wait, we have a teenager?! 
Tickets Bought, Building to Buy, & Feliz Navidad — December 2022 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
This has been such a strange year. We have experienced many blessings, but we’ve also gone through many dark trials. Such is the Christian life. We long for that final day in which we are forever with Christ. Until then, we faint not!
Tickets Purchased For Our Return!
We are nearing the end of our 2022 furlough travels! Lord willing, we will return to Colombia on February 8th. The last 2-3 months have been the busiest by far. But God has blessed us in remarkable ways. During this furlough, we had 97 meetings in 40 different churches in 11 States. We’re thankful for the chance to visit some long-time supporting churches and add a couple of new monthly financial partners. We only lack around $400 per month to meet our monthly support goal.
Growing Ministry & Big Opportunities!
All four of our churches and Bible studies have grown since the start of our furlough. New salvations, baptisms, church members, and people training for ministry have been evident in each congregation. What great joy to hear these dear believers are walking in truth (3 John 4).
We’re on our way to meeting our goal of $200,000 by mid-2023 to purchase our current building for Agape Baptist Church. Pray if God would have you or your church invest in this opportunity to continue to reach Colombians with the Gospel for generations to come. You can make your tax-deductible gift Online (www.mwbm.org) or by mail (MWBM Inc., PO Box 519, Braselton, GA, 30517) and mark it “A. Vance — Building.”
Here is a quick video I recently recorded from the church building:
We also look forward to hosting another team from Medical Mission Outreach to do an Optical clinic from June 22- July 1, 2023. If you are interested in joining this trip, find more information on their website: www.medical-outreach.com.
Aubrie’s & Aaron’s Health
We still have no definitive answers concerning Aubrie’s autoimmune condition. She has gone through five levels of testing to pinpoint the issue but to no avail. As of now, we plan to follow up with rheumatologist and neurologist specialists in Colombia. Pray that we find some answers soon.
In December, I also had more imaging and tests done to see how my arm was healing after being run over by a truck in January 2022. Unfortunately, one of the fractures in my forearm still hasn’t progressed as expected. We’re still looking at a possible bone-graft surgery next year to fill in the gaps. They also suspect I am developing Dupuytren’s Contractures in one of my hands which may require surgery in a couple of years if it worsens. We long for that glorified body!
¡Feliz Navidad Y Año Nuevo!
From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the peace of God keep your hearts; may his grace be sufficient in your needs; may his love define your identity; may his power fill your lives; and may his Word sanctify you in every good work. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
In Christ’s Perfect Love,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;“
— 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 —
Our 2022 Christmas Card 
We thank God for the Cox family, a new missionary family who has come to work with us in Colombia for a few years. 
Each of our four girls joined me on a trip this year. Aris went with me to PA and she caught a big catfish on the way! 
I participated in Agape Baptist’s second-anniversary service in November. Christ is building his church! 
Jaime was baptized in November. We never get tired of seeing God change lives! 
Our youngest, Alethea, turned 5 in November. They grow so fast!
Vance Family to Colombia — September 2022 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Colombia Trip Update
I traveled back to Colombia for a brief trip at the end of August. I preached and taught 12 times in 10 days in three of our churches, counseled several families and church leaders, and encouraged the men who are training for ministry. Additionally, I met with my surgeon and had a court hearing related to the accident in January in which I was run over by a delivery truck. It was a busy yet very blessed trip! One of the highlights was meeting with 20 new adults and their children who were in the middle of a new member’s class. These are mostly new believers, and all were reached since we left in May for our furlough. Christ is building his church! We’re already looking forward to our return early next year.
Medical Update
The orthopedic specialist who operated on my arm this January mentioned that I may need another bone graph surgery if one of the fractures doesn’t improve by December. Though I’ve learned to live with the pain and limited mobility, I would love to avoid this surgery if possible. Pray for healing.
Additionally, at the beginning of September, Aubrie tested positive for some type of auto-immune disease. More tests need to be run, but it appears we may have a long road ahead of us. There are many unknowns. Lately, it has just been one thing after another. May God’s grace be sufficient moment by moment.
Furlough Update
We are about to shift to another gear of our furlough, also known as “mission conference season.” From September through November, I will be traveling up and down the east coast and participating in several back-to-back conferences, both as a speaker and guest missionary. Pray for us during this busy time. May Christ allow us to encourage his churches and raise awareness for the cause of world evangelism. Pray for Aubrie and the girls, as they will mostly stay close to our home base in Georgia while the girls are in school. It’s hard not to be together.
Building Update
We are thankful for a couple of churches that have already sent in special offerings to help us with the $200,000 needed to buy the building we currently rent for our latest church, Ágape Baptist Church. This is also where we have our Bible College, big community outreach efforts, and television recording studio. We still have a long way to go, but I am confident that the funds will come in God’s timing. If you would like to make an eternal investment in reaching many people for years to come, you can send donations through our Mission Board and mark the checks or online giving “A. Vance – Building.”
Thank you once again for holding the ropes for us. God is using your faithful prayers and financial support to help us reach and train many souls in Colombia and South America. This is all spiritual fruit added to your account!
With Love & Grateful Hearts,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”.
— Philippians 4:18-19 —
Our first church in Colombia, El Faro, celebrated its 8th anniversary in July. 
Our newest church, Ágape, has had standing room only for most services! 
Praise the Lord for Felipe, another young person who recently accepted Christ! 
It was great to be in GA with Pastor Alfonso and the Spanish ministry I started in 2006 for their missions conference in September. 
A benefit of furlough is spending time with family. We got to celebrate my dad’s (Richard Vance) birthday in person. 
There is still so much work to do for Christ in our city of Bucaramanga. (Nicknamed: La Ciudad Bonita / The Pretty City) 
The Vance Family 
