Blog Archives
“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.
Two New Churches! — November 2020 Prayer Letter
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Let’s just say it — 2020 has been crazy! However, even amidst the craziness of the COVID-19 pandemic, strict lockdowns, natural disasters, and the wild political climate, nothing can stop the spread of the Gospel!
A New Congregation Is Born!
On November 22, we launched the Agape Baptist Church. We invested two months into establishing and edifying our core group, as well as endless hours into preparing our meeting place. We have consistently had over 50 in attendance since then! God has allowed everything to fall into order. We are already working with some of the new believers in home bible studies and discipleship. We want to give a special thank you to those who gave generously to this new church plant. God is already adding fruit to your account!
Another Congregation Is Adopted!
Recently, I received an interesting request from another pastor close to our city. He left the charismatic movement years ago and has tried to lead his church to be more biblical. They have followed our ministry for a while now. He is moving away and does not have anybody to take the church in his absence. So, the day before we launched Agape Baptist Church, I met with this pastor and 35 of their members who want us to take over and lead their church. I will be going once a week to do a service in a facility lent to us by the local city government. The idea is to find them a permanent meeting place eventually and for one of our men to take over as pastor. This church was another utterly unexpected opportunity God has brought us. I think the name of the church is appropriate — Open Door Baptist Church. Pray as we go through this open door.
The Gospel Still Works
Since arriving in Colombia 7 years ago, God has done spectacular things. I would have never imagined the extent we would be able to plant churches and train leaders in so little time. But none of this success is because of any merit or giftedness on our side. It’s all God’s grace and his Gospel! Can I encourage you to believe that? Wherever you are, may we hold the conviction that the Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
Blitz Trip To The USA
Thanks to a supporting church in Florida, I traveled to the US for two weeks in November. During this time, I preached 11 times and got to squeeze in several other meetings and see some family. What a blessing! Since I traveled alone, I was happy to get back quickly to my wife and kids.
Thanksgiving
After enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, our family went around and prayed, thanking God for something special he has done this year. Alethea (who just turned 3) said, “Thank you, God, for the virus!” In everything, we must give thanks, right? We don’t know why God has permitted this year to be such a crazy one, but I’m glad he did. He works all things out for his glory and our good. We are grateful for his grace, his love, and the hope of his return. We are thankful for you too! Many of you support us with monthly or one time gifts, which permits us to live and work here in Colombia. Many of you pray for us regularly. Your prayers are obvious, given the blessings on the ministry here. Thank you! We trust you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year Holiday.
For The Gospel,
Aaron, Aubrie, Amira, Anabel, Aris and Alethea Vance
Churches Gather Again, & A New Church Starting Soon! — September 2020 Prayer Letter
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
The total lockdown quarantine has ended in Colombia! After six months of isolation, we’re gradually easing back into a sense of normalcy (whatever that is). We continue to move forward in the ministry in which God has placed us. There are spectacular things taking place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and we get to have a part! Read on for more.
We Meet Again!
September the 13th is a day I’ll not soon forget. It was the first day we met as a local church body since mid-March. Our gatherings haven’t been the same as before. There are now multiple services, attendance limits, strict safety protocols, per-registrations, masks, social distancing, and the like, but it feels like home. How is it that we don’t fully appreciate something until it is taken away? Though we’re not in the same circumstances, I am beginning to understand the Apostle Paul’s lavish expression of love toward the churches as he wrote letters to them, many times from prison.
“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.”
(1 Thessalonians 2:17)
May we never undervalue the great liberty and joy it is to assemble with other believers!
Exciting Church Plant News
In mid-August, we got the keys to the building for the new work on our city’s southern side. We are working hard to prepare this building for public services, though there is still much to do. We thank the Lord for how he has already provided the funds and skilled workers amongst our people to repair the electric wiring, structural issues, and other needed renovations. God has also put together a fantastic core group of about eight families, and we have been meeting weekly to work out who we are and plans to launch the Agape Baptist Church very soon. I’m thrilled to see how everything is coming together! We still need some finances to get off the ground. If you’d like to help, any special offerings can be sent through our mission board and marked “A. Vance – Building Fund.” Following is a breakdown of things we still need:
- 120 Plastic Chairs ($1,000)
- Pulpit ($300)
- Church Sign ($300)
- Fans ($200)
- Piano ($500)
- Guitar ($200)
- Water Dispenser ($200)
- Basic Sound Equipment ($2,000)
- Tracts and Literature ($500)
- Basic Office Furniture ($500)
- Security System ($1,000)
- Additional Building Repairs ($1,000)
Family Funnies
Kids learn new technology so fast! Alethea, our 2-year-old, recently found Aubrie’s cell phone and decided to go on a photo spree while we were talking one day. We looked up and heard her say, “What a handsome man!” She was admiring her photographic skills (and her “good-looking” dad!).
Keep Holding The Ropes!
Once again, thank you! Thank you to those who support us monthly so we can live and minister in Colombia. Thank you to those who sent in special offerings during the last few months to help us get by and move forward in the Gospel Ministry. Thank you to the countless many who pray without ceasing for us. Thank you for remembering us. How can we pray for you?
By His Grace and For His Glory,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance & Family
The Vance Family 
