Blog Archives
Love in Action! — November 2021 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
The Lord is always good, through the ups and the downs. The last two months have been no exception. The ministry in Colombia is thriving, and our family is moving forward in the power and grace that God gives.
Love in Action
Our fourth and newest church, Agape Biblical Baptist Church, celebrated its first anniversary in November. We are now averaging over a hundred people every week, with a constant flow of new professions of faith and new believers getting involved in discipleship and ministry. It is phenomenal how Christ is building his work! We have encouraged our people to think creatively in reaching others in addition to personal evangelism. Since October, several of our members have taken up this challenge. In conjunction with a local barber school, one man organized a community event in which we offered free haircuts to men and boys. Over a hundred came, and each received a one-on-one presentation of the Gospel. Another member organized a community concert for around a thousand people, in which I was able to preach the Gospel in the intermission. Another teamed up to do community service with our youth ministry at a local non-profit foundation. We also hosted a Thanksgiving meal for several American families we have met in our city over the years. Some of these people are not yet believers. Agape is the Bible word for God’s perfect love. We truly are seeing love in action.
Opportunity for Youth
Our churches received an invitation to participate in a youth camp in January with other Baptist congregations from all over Colombia. I know the church that organizes this camp, and they do an excellent job! I love camp ministry. At a Christian camp around 23 years ago, God called me into missions. Many of our teens would love to go but are limited in their finances. If you would like to sponsor one of these young people, the cost is around $60 per person. Send me a note if you want to get involved in this project.
Family News
Aubrie had surgery to remove a benign uterine tumor in October. The surgery was a success, and she is recovering well. She also just began treatment for her severe endometriosis. We are hoping that this treatment will help her avoid another surgery. And yes, we were finally able to move into our new house at the end of November. It is nice to put down roots here in Colombia and continue serving as long as the Lord allows. We’re here for the long haul.
Upcoming Furlough
We are planning a short furlough for the second half of 2022. Though we have not finalized the dates, we would love to hear from you if you would like us to come to your church and give an update. We will also be seeking opportunities to present the ministry to new potential partners as we reach Colombia for Christ. Send us an email if you are interested.
Once again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support. We have had an odd year, full of blessings and challenges. But it is so helpful to know we have an army of prayer warriors and supporters holding the ropes for us as we live and minister in Colombia, South America. We wish you a Merry Christmas and New Year.
In Love,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
1 Corinthians 16:23-24
Celebrating our first year of God’s faithfulness at our new Church 
We are quickly seeing the church building fill up with new people hungry for the Gospel. 
The barbershop evangelistic event was a great success! 
Many new believers were able to enjoy their first women’s retreat in November. 
We had an excellent Thanksgiving meal and fellowship with other American families who live in our city. 
Our teen ministry is growing! We pray God uses these young men and women for his Glory. 
We were happy to host Juanita, my mother-in-law, for her visit in October. The girls love their ”Mamaw!”
Grace At Work In Colombia! — September 2021 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
God’s grace is amazing! He pours it out on us for salvation, and then he continues to let it flow as we serve him. We are learning more each day to rely on his grace. The ministry in Colombia continues to grow only by the grace of God.
Grace For New Believers
“I finally understand how the Gospel is good news. It’s the best news!” This is what a young engineer told me as I was counseling him. He began attending our church services with his girlfriend. He has continued coming, even after they broke up. I told him that his primary need was to be reconciled to God by Jesus. Over the past few weeks, we have been meeting and discussing the Gospel. It’s great to see it finally taking root in his life! He has believed and is growing in his faith. Over and over, we get to witness this work of God’s grace in people’s lives. If only I could tell you all of their stories! We do have the best job!
Grace For Faithful Churches
We recently celebrated the 7th anniversary of our first church in Colombia, El Faro. We have been mostly absent from this work since leaving it in the hands of Pastor Félix and other leaders to start another church last year. I am amazed by how well everything has continued to grow and flourish.
Our second church, Café Madrid, is also doing very well. Around 75 children and 25 adults gather each week to study the word and worship together. Pray as we are in a transition with the pastoral leadership of this church. It has been a challenge, but God’s people are evidencing grace to continue ahead.
Our third church, Girardot, recently began to meet again in a new place. Since we opened this church just before the pandemic hit and everything closed, it has been like starting over again. It is being led now by Pastor Ernesto.
Our fourth church, Ágape, is where we are currently working. In September, we signed the legal documents to constitute as a church. It was a wonderful day! After less than a year, we’ve been averaging around 80-90 people each week in our services. God’s grace is changing lives.
More Bible studies and future churches meet each week under the leadership that we have trained and are training. It’s incredible to see how God’s grace is working beyond our limits.
Grace In Family Blessings And Trials
My health has been excellent since having surgery in June. We thank the Lord for this. However, now Aubrie is having several health issues. Surgery is scheduled for October 20th to remove a tumor in her uterus. They believe it is benign, but it is causing problems. Another pending surgery will be to provide relief from her endometriosis. She had surgery for this just before we moved to Colombia around eight years ago. It is again causing so much pain and discomfort. Pray that God provides the finances for this need, as well as grace to get through this trial.
We mentioned several months ago that, by the grace of God, we were able to purchase a home here in Colombia with our savings. It has been a long process to get things repaired and ready to move in, as we found many issues to address with the house, but it will be well worth it in the end. It is almost finished. We hope to move in before our next prayer letter.
With so much going on personally and ministerially, finances have been tight, and time has been short. But God is faithful, and his grace is sufficient! Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
By His Grace,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance, and Family
“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
1 Corinthians 15:10
Following is a video update we posted when we signed to constitute our newest church. (PS – Don’t miss a glimpse of the stuffed pig lunch we served!)
Going over the legal documents to constitute our new church, Ágape. 
As our new church grows, so does the children’s ministry! 
Michael & Adriana Harris will be moving soon from Texas to retire here and help in the ministry as lay leaders. Pray for them as they transition in October. 
Crime is on the rise in Colombia. Our van was recently broken into. Thankfully, not much was stolen. 
“I Can Finally See!” — June 2021 Prayer Letter
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
We have experienced an incredible two months since our last update! Between emergency surgery, church growth, travel, a medical clinic, and hundreds of salvations — God has been so good.
“You Shouldn’t Be Alive!”
As I mentioned previously, since last year, I had been dealing with occasional abdominal attacks. The doctors here did not know the cause. I decided to go another route and pay out-of-pocket to be seen by the best gastroenterologists in our city and get the care I needed. They quickly did more tests and found I had an umbilical hernia that was getting strangulated. Between October and June, I had ten severe attacks. According to the doctors, I should not have lived through them. But God must not be done with me yet! The surgery in June was simple, and I have recovered well since then.
“I Can Finally See!”
At the end of June, we hosted a team from Medical Missions Outreach to do a vision clinic for our city and surrounding area. Over four days, we served 938 people, nearly all of whom received glasses (and sometimes two pairs)! Each person also spent time one on one with personal evangelism workers from our churches, and over a third of them made professions of faith! Praise the Lord! Many waited for hours, and even days, to be seen. Unfortunately, we had to turn away thousands of people who we could not accommodate. The desperate need was humbling. After receiving glasses, one happy elderly person cried with joy and told us they were glad to finally see with their eyes, but also with their heart. They had just trusted Christ for salvation. Now, the real work begins. Pray as we follow up with each of these souls and get them connected into discipleship and community in one of our five churches.
“Is There A Church In My Area?”
Since arriving in Colombia in 2013, we constantly hear this question. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough churches to adequately help our city’s population and even less so the surrounding towns and villages. Even after the medical clinic, in which we had people travel hours to come to us, we received multiple requests to start churches in these other areas. The need is great. There is so much more to do. Though we are actively training many Colombian and Venezuelan men and women for ministry, we pray that God raises more missionaries to come and help. Will you help me pray for more laborers in this ripe harvest field of Colombia?
“I’m Ready To Let God Transform Me!”
One of the recent converts in our church has had a very messy past. Jaime was heavily involved with drugs, gangs, violence, addictions, crime — you name it. After hearing and believing the Gospel, he told me he’s ready for a change. As we sat over lunch last week, he expressed, “I don’t know what the future looks like for me, but I’m sure not going back to the past; I’m ready to let God transform me.” He’s still a bit rough around the edges, but I love seeing how the Gospel changes lives. It works.
Aubrie and I are so grateful for each of you. Your prayers are precious to us. Your monthly and one-time financial support is used by God to provide for each of our needs and to reach more people on the mission field. Your notes, cards, emails, and texts encourage us more than you will ever know. Thank you. We hold you close in our hearts and our prayers. May God bless you.
To Magnify Christ,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance, and Family
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;”
1 Thessalonians 1:2
Following is a video update we posted during the Vision Clinic.
Our churches began a bi-monthly joint youth meeting. God is working! 
Thousands came to be seen at the vision clinic. Many waited for days! 
The MMO mission team, along with 50 volunteers from our churches, did a fantastic job at the clinic. 
Our soul-winners shared the Gospel with everyone who came through the clinic. 
We thank the Lord for a total of 329 professions of faith after the vision clinic. Now the work begins! 
Anabel turned 9 in May. She and her older sister were big helpers as interpreters during the vision clinic!
Advancing Always and Anyway — April 2021 Prayer Letter
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
The Gospel continues to advance in Colombia! God is working. We have seen new doors open during the last two months, even amidst unrest and uncertainty.
Advancing Despite COVID
I know you’re tired of hearing about COVID-19. We are too. Unfortunately, the cases have gone up lately here in Colombia. This has incited more curfews and restrictions. The midweek curfews start at 8:00 PM, and occasionally they will also decree a complete lockdown on the weekends. And yet, our churches continue to grow. We continue to see salvations, baptisms, and discipleship courses start. I am convinced that when pressure is applied to the church and the Gospel, it always grows. We might have to adapt, but we advance. We see this in the book of Acts. We have seen this during the pandemic. Pray for our churches during this time. Pray for those who have contracted the virus, as well as those who mourn the death of loved ones.
Advancing Together
We held a combined men’s retreat in March, with around 40 men from our different churches. The theme was “This Means War!” We saw some saved, and many were encouraged to take the next step in their walk with God. Many of these men have started to get involved in our training for ministry. Pray for these men and their families, as many are currently experiencing a spiritual attack.
Advancing Through Media
In March, we hosted a team from Christian Media International. They have graciously helped us obtain video equipment and training to broadcast the Gospel on local and national television (Canal TRO). It appears we will have a weekly half-hour slot for only $600 per month! This ministry outlet has been a part of our plan since the beginning, and it is encouraging to see it start to go forward. Pray as we get paperwork and initial recordings set up to sign the contract with the TV station in the coming days.
Advancing Amidst Conflict
At the end of April, all around Colombia, millions participated in a nationwide strike, protesting a proposal of the government for higher taxes. What started as peaceful has turned violent in recent days. Many cities have called in Martial Law. There are constant burnings of buildings, vandalism, theft, and confrontations between police and rioters. Some areas look more like war zones than the beautiful Colombia we know. As of the writing of this letter, 19 have died, and hundreds injured in these conflicts. Please pray for Colombia. Pray for its leaders and people. Pray that people may know the Gospel, the source of true peace.
Advancing As A Family
Aubrie and I celebrated our 12th anniversary in April. I am amazed by the goodness of God to let us be one, to serve him, and to raise our four daughters together. On another note, my health has been a big concern lately. Though we are still awaiting a definite plan, it appears I have an obstruction in my intestines that has been causing the random abdominal attacks. This obstruction may be related to the surgery I had three years ago. I have adjusted my diet, which has helped, but the problem probably won’t go away without another surgery. We appreciate your prayers in this trial. God’s grace is sufficient.
Thank you again for your faithful prayers and financial support. We love you all and pray the Lord continues to bless you as you serve him wherever you are. Let us continue to advance!
For King Jesus,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance, and Family
“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”
Colossians 1:3
Following is a video update with the content of our letter.
We were challenged and encouraged at our 2021 combined Men’s Retreat. 
Video and lighting training from Christian Media International 
Thankfully, the marches and protests have been mostly peaceful. This just down the road from our new church. 
Our oldest daughter, Amira, had her 11th birthday in March. She’s just growing too fast! 
Aubrie and I celebrated our 12th anniversary in April.
New Year, New Growth — February 2021 Prayer Letter
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
It’s a new year, and God is still at work in Colombia and around the world! Aren’t you glad that our God was not surprised by the pandemic and other events of the past year?
New Baptisms And Church Growth
Our most recent church, Ágape Baptist Church, has continued to grow since its inception in November. We have seen new people attend weekly, and many are finally understanding the Gospel for the first time. Even last week, we were able to baptize three men who recently believed in Christ for salvation. We have around 30 adults attending a new members class this month, preparing to join us as we officially organize as a church in March. I am thrilled at how the Lord is building his church, and he is allowing us to have a small part. Thank you, again, to those who have prayed for and given specifically to this new work.
Faithful Men Training Faithful Men
Years ago, before we started the first church in Colombia, I asked God to give me one or two men to train for the ministry. Over these past seven years, he has called many more than I even asked for, and they have been faithful men. Our first churches are now running fully autonomously, and their leaders are even planning on how they can reach new areas with the Gospel. New Bible studies are being started, many times without our direct involvement. Some of the first generation of men we saw saved and trained are meeting with and training a new generation of preachers, who, in turn, will reach others. This multiplication process has been the goal since the beginning. I think only eternity will tell the total reach of this ministry. It is incredible to see and be able to participate in this work. Let us continue to be faithful in the process, and God will bring the fruit.
Setback in the Adopted Church
I mentioned in our last letter that we would be assuming leadership of a small nearby congregation. Right after we sent out that update, it seems that everything fell through, at least for now. The meeting place, the logistics, and even the people’s will seemed to all fall apart. It may have been because of the Christmas season, but we will see. Pray that God gives us wisdom in how, or if, we should proceed.
Family News
It appears that Aubrie and a couple of the girls contracted COVID at some point in January. Thankfully, their symptoms were mild, and they have fully recovered. Since late last year, my health has been a big concern, as I have had five random abdominal attacks. The doctors haven’t figured out the issue yet, so we appreciate your prayers. We also are happy to inform you that we could take from our personal savings over the last 11 years and purchase a home debt-free in February. This is a huge answer to prayer! The whole ordeal was clearly a work of God. The house is quaint and may need a little work, but the location, price, and timing were perfect. Pray as we try to get the necessary repairs done and move during the next couple of months.
Thank you once again for your prayers and support. Let us be faithful until Jesus comes.
In Him, By Him, For Him,
Aaron, Aubrie, Amira, Anabel, Aris and Alethea Vance
PS – Here is a video update with the content of this letter that you can share with your church.
This new church would not have been started, were it not for COVID!
Jersson is one of several men who were recently baptized.
It’s exciting to get photos like these, another adult Bible study being led by the men we trained.
The “Santísimo” is a large statue of Jesus that overlooks our city. We look forward to the day Colombia can know the real Jesus!
The kids all pitched in to make over 100 sandwiches to distribute to the homeless on Christmas Eve.
Aubrie is an amazing wife and mom. We celebrated her birthday in February.
The Vance Family 
