Blog Archives
God Works Through Blessings & Trials — March 2022 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Hectic and crazy are words that could easily describe February and March. At the same time, we have seen God’s blessings in abundance. People are getting saved, baptized, discipled, and commissioned. It’s a great time to serve the Lord in Colombia!
Church at Capacity!
All of the churches here are growing! Our newest work, Agape Baptist, is especially busting at the seams lately. After just over a year, we are now at nearly 100% capacity! Over 150 people gather each week to study the Word, encourage one another and serve together. Several were recently baptized, and we just presented another 30 new people for membership. We enjoyed a joint men’s camp with our other churches in March. Nearly 50 men set aside a couple of days to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1). We praise God for working in raising up men for his cause. Christ is building his church! Speaking of buildings, though, pray that God gives us wisdom for our next steps. We would love to purchase our current facility and the adjacent property, but it will cost quite a bit. If this is God’s will, we trust Him for the funds.
Bible Institute Back In Session!
In February, we launched a new semester of Bible and ministry training. This year we have a record high of students, with over 60 adults attending classes! Besides our basic Bible and hermeneutics classes, I meet weekly with 25 men who especially want to train for the Gospel ministry.
Robbery at Café Madrid Baptist!
Our second church, which we started around five years ago, is in one of the most dangerous communities in our city. In all these years, we never had any problems… until this February. Somebody stole nearly everything — almost all the chairs, fans, sound equipment, food, and even the children’s ministry craft supplies. After it happened, I posted this on Facebook, and two of our supporting churches responded almost immediately with special gifts. Thanks to Lighthouse Baptist in Georgia and Community Baptist in North Carolina for your generosity!
God Still Works Miracles!
I am still healing well after being run over by a truck in January. Therapy has been brutal, but it’s the good type of pain (if that exists!). The doctors told me two months ago that the tendon that controls my index finger was severed, as I had no movement whatsoever in that finger. The orthopedic surgeon said this could only be repaired through another surgery, though so much time had passed since the accident that the likelihood of a full recovery was low. Miraculously, I have regained movement and some strength in that finger. The doctors are confused, but we praise the Lord — He still works miracles!
Schedule for Furlough 2022
We will be back in the US from May 2022 through January 2023 for a furlough to give an update to our supporting churches and try to raise more monthly financial support for the growing ministry. Our calendar is already starting to fill up. If you would like to schedule us, please email me at aaronlvance@gmail.com or call/text at (678) 696-0082. We’d love the opportunity to come to share what God is doing in Colombia. Many of you receive our update letters but are not yet part of our support team. Would you consider partnering with us to continue to carry out the Great Commission?
Thanks again to all of you for your prayers and support. Everything good here also comes with some hardship and spiritual warfare. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s a blessing to serve our King. Please keep praying!
In Christ’s Humble Service,
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 —
Pastor Félix baptizing an 80-year-old convert at our first church, El Faro. 
Our Man Camp was a great success. Thank God for raising up faithful men. 
One of the best things about the Bible Institute this year is seeing graduates now teaching some of the classes! Pastor Juan is doing a great job teaching this class on the Gospels. 
Amira turned twelve in March! She is becoming quite the seamstress too (she made this dress).
Run Over By a Truck! — January 2022 Prayer Letter
Reading time: 3 minutes
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
We often forget that every day is a gift from God, and every breath we take is a token of His grace. I was reminded of this truth once again at the beginning of January. People said I shouldn’t have survived. But by God’s grace, I did.
Run Over By A Truck
Yes, that literally happened! While doing errands on my motorcycle, the breaks went out on a truck behind me. He pummeled into me, then ran over my left arm. Thankfully it wasn’t worse. Surgeons were able to repair two severe fractures with plates and screws. They are hopeful for a recovery in about 6 months. I may also need another surgery soon to repair a ruptured tendon in my finger. I may never get full mobility back in my hand. Until then, I am learning how to do many things with one hand and thank God for preserving my life. He still has me here for something! Aubrie and the girls have been amazing little nurses.
Standing In The Gap
The accident occurred two days before the youth camp I mentioned in our last letter. I was one of the main speakers, but as you can imagine, my body wasn’t up for the 14-hour bus ride! We still sent a group of around 30 youth, mostly from the new church. Another pastor preached the messages God wanted to be preached, and God mightily worked! Many made decisions for salvation, sanctification, and service. Thanks to all who prayed and gave toward this need.
More Laborers
Jesus told us in Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” We have been doing this for over twelve years now, both for the world and for Colombia. First, he sent us. Then, little by little, we have seen more missionaries and pastors come to work the ripe mission field around our country. Just in the past month, two more missionary families have arrived to work here in our city. We praise the Lord! Pray with us for the Cox and Carpio families. However, there are still many untouched corners of this harvest field. Will you also pray that God sends more willing workers?
Furlough Tickets Bought!
Lord willing, we will be landing in Atlanta, GA on May 18th to begin a 7-month furlough. We will use this time to rest as a family, to report God’s work to some of our supporting churches, to raise more support for the growing ministry, to reconnect with family, and to help churches and Christians renew their passion for world missions. It will also give the churches and leaders here a chance to step up and not rely too much on our presence. We’re still trying to find a place to stay and a car to drive, but we know God will provide. Also, if you would like to schedule a meeting for us to present the ministry, please reach out to me.
Thank you all for your prayers and financial support. Thanks also to those who have recently sent special gifts. These have helped more than you can know. Friend, our time is short. The night comes when no man can work. If the Lord were to come back today, may he find us faithful and fruitful, laboring in love, by his power, and for his glory!
In God’s Strength,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance
(Along with the girls: Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea)
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Our girls are on the balcony of our home. God often sends rainbows to remind us of his goodness and faithfulness. 
The transit police officer is writing up the report after my motorcycle accident. 
You can see the damage and repair done to fix my arm. We thank God it wasn’t worse! 
Our youth pastor, Felipe, with some of the teens at camp. 
Pastor José Nelson is now leading our Café Madrid church.
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. 
September 2017 Prayer Letter
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Sometimes, the Gospel ministry feels like a hospital. In one area, new births are taking place, in another, the sick are being treated, and in another still, patients are in therapy and rehab. On every side, people’s lives hang in the balance, and we can have a small part in helping them get well. This is the joy of serving God!
Click here to download & print a PDF of this letter
Welcome To The Family…
Those new spiritual births are always a thrill to see. Several have accepted Christ and followed in believer’s baptism over the last couple months, including our oldest daughter, Amira! She had been asking questions for some time now, and was finally ready to take a step of faith to trust in Jesus for salvation, making it public through baptism. It’s so exciting to see the work of the Holy Spirit who brings conviction of sin and confirms the truth as we lift up Christ. This is the power of God!
Both of our churches have grown with new families being added constantly. We are seeing chains of people who have been reached with the Gospel and are reaching others. Those who were being discipled recently are discipling others in the fundamentals of the faith and even leading small groups and Bible studies. This is missions!
Celebrating Milestones & Ministry…
We recently celebrated our third anniversary at our main church, as well as the inauguration of a new meeting facility in our second church. Both of our churches are at capacity each week. It was a joy to have friends from the US (Steve, Erin, Jason and José) visiting during this time. They were such a blessing to us and the people to whom we minister, and worked hard in the getting the new building ready for use.
Our Bible institute has grown exponentially, and now has around 30 students preparing for ministry, both full-time and as faithful members and leaders in the local church. Please pray for these core leaders as we establish them in the Biblical doctrines and ministry. Over a dozen men have responded to God’s call to preach!
Let’s Meet Up! — Furlough 2018
Our furlough is quickly approaching, and we would love to come by your church to give a report of the work God is doing here through us in Colombia. We are now scheduling meetings for February through December of 2018. We are also looking to add around 20 monthly support partners to our team in order to continue to plant more churches. Do you have any recommendations? We have plans in place to plant three more churches by 2020, Lord willing. We have the leaders who are being trained, and we have mapped out the areas that are wide open and needing a Gospel preaching church. We just need the funds to help them get started. If you’d like more info, send me an email at: aaronlvance@gmail.com or call 678-696-0082.
A Home Full Of Girls…
The family is doing very well, and Aubrie is nearing the delivery date for our 4th daughter. Pray for her especially during this time. We hope to introduce you to this little princess in our next letter toward the end of November.
Thank You…
We are sincerely grateful for your prayers and monthly support, as well as a few special gifts that have come in recently. It is through your faithfulness that we can live and minister here in Colombia. If you do not currently support the ministry here, would you consider partnering with us to become part of our team? Lives are at stake, and we have the message that can save them. Thank you, and God bless!
Your Missionaries In Colombia, South America,
The Vance Family
Aaron, Aubrie, Amira, Anabel, Aris & Baby girl “A” 🙂
Here are some recent pictures from the family and ministry…
The Vance Family 
