Blog Archives
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. 
God is still working, even in the middle of COVID19! – March 2020 Prayer Letter
Dear praying friends and family,
Many of you will agree that this year has already proven to be one of the most unique and challenging we have faced. But Christ is still faithful! Join us as we review God’s great work here in Colombia, and we look forward to the days ahead.
Church Growth
During the last two months, we experienced a surge of new converts and attenders in our churches. We rejoice in seeing several baptized, 21 adults in our most recent new members class, dozens now in discipleship, and 12 additional students in our Bible Institute. All three of our churches have grown, and we praise the Lord for how he is building his church.
Evangelistic Events
In February, we held evangelistic events for area children. We were able to reach over 150 kids through the local ministries of each of our three churches! Additionally, we took a team of 5 people to the remote village of Bocas Del Rosario. To get there, we drove 4 hours to a river port city, then took a small motorboat up the river for 3 hours. Over that weekend, we held Bible-Club style classes for 100 children, as well as an evening service for 80 adults (nearly everyone in the entire village!). The team plans to return each month, and the locals are asking us to start a church soon. Pray for wisdom in this new opportunity. We praise the Lord for dozens of professions of faith during each event.
Television and Media Outreach
In March, we hosted a team from Christian Media International. They have been raising funds to help us improve our media outreach and to get on local and national television. We’re very excited about this new door that is opening up to get the Gospel message to millions of Colombians who have yet to hear. They finished up their quick visit and brought us a couple of cameras to get started just before the outbreak of the Coronavirus. We must now go to digital services. God’s timing is impeccable!
COVID-19 In Colombia
Yes, we’re feeling the effects of this worldwide pandemic. Since mid-March, our city and country have been on total lock-down. All schools and most businesses are closed. Nobody can leave their houses except to get groceries and medicine, and all public meetings are banned, including churches. Police and military check every person that is out to see if they have a permit or a valid reason to leave their home, heavily fining those who violate the lock-down. Everything changed quickly, and we have tried to adapt. Our main church has gone entirely online, for now, using Facebook and YouTube to hold our services, as well as doing daily Bible studies. We have stayed connected to most of our people, and have even reached new people during this time. Our second and third churches have suffered more, as they are in more vulnerable areas, and not everyone has a reliable Internet connection or a device to watch services. The people, like many around the world, are hurting financially. Most aren’t able to work and were already living day-to-day. We have tried to deliver essential food supplies to those who need it most. It has been a great chance to minister even more and fulfill 1 John 3:16-18. Pray for us as we try to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Any additional support during this time will allow us to provide for more families.
Our Living Hope
There are many uncertainties and changes in our world today. Historically, that is when Christianity flourishes the most! When the pressure is applied, what’s on the inside comes out. As Christians, we have a living hope. We ought not to find our joy and identity in present circumstances, in health, in investment accounts, in job stability, or even in ministry itself. Our hope is in Christ, and HE never changes. We trust him to provide for us. We also pray for you as you go through much of the same there in the United States. We love you, and thank you for your faithfulness. Let us know how we can pray for you!
For Such A Time As This,
Aaron, Aubrie, Amira, Anabel, Aris & Alethea Vance
Enjoy some recent pictures from the ministry…
We had our very first Valentine’s banquet with 100 people present! 
We recognized over 50 ladies for International Women’s Day, which became our last “normal” service. 
Some children from the river village. Thank God for this open door! 
Thanks to CMI, we are able to broadcast the Gospel online and soon on Television! 
Facemasks, closed businesses, and military presence is now our new “normal.”
Furlough Update & Church Robbery — June 2018 Prayer Letter
Dear Praying Friends & Family,
Hello again from the furlough road! We’ve got a lot to update you on in this letter, so buckle up!
Friends, Old & New
It has greatly encouraged us to visit some of our supporting churches and to see the many familiar faces of those who have been praying for us during all these years. It is awesome to share about God’s grace in Colombia, and the fruit that has been added to their account. We’ve also made some new friends at churches who have had us in to share about the ministry and are considering joining our team of rope-holders. Thank God for his faithful saints! Each month we are inching closer to our support goal. Contact us if you want us to come to your church.
Colombia’s New President
On June 17, Colombia had their final presidential runoff election, wherein Iván Duque won the majority vote. He looks to carry on the efforts of the last two presidents to eliminate the corruption, violence and drug trafficking that plagued the country for decades. Many are happy, others are not. We know, however, that real peace only comes through knowing Christ. Pray for this new leader, and for the people of Colombia, to know the true peace-giver.
Planting Seeds In New Fields
Our preachers and leaders in the two churches of Bucaramanga have been doing a tremendous job with the preaching, outreach, discipleship, as well as every other ministry. Thanks to technology, we talk very regularly and I am excited about getting back in the trenches with them. We are looking forward to planting a couple more churches when we return, and these leaders are already holding bible studies in some of the target areas. It is exciting to see!
Church Robbery
We had somebody break into our main church just a couple of weeks ago. They stole at least $1,500 worth of cash, and maybe other things. This was the church’s rent money, missions support and some of the building fund offerings. It looks like we will simply have to absorb the loss, as the police couldn’t find any significant evidence to continue an investigation. We thank God nobody was hurt and the damages were not worse, and we trust him to provide. He is always faithful.
Family Funnies
Aris, our 3-year-old, was just asked if she’s ever been on a family trip. She said NO! This is a kid who has had passports from two countries since she was a baby and has already visited more countries and US states than most people do in their lifetime. For her, life on the road is normal, as is traveling on planes and staying in hotel rooms. #MKlife
Prayer Requests
- Wisdom as we raise our children, lead ministries, and plan for the future.
- Continued safety as we travel on the road (several close calls lately).
- Remaining support to be raised (we are at around 85% of our recommended level of monthly support).
- Special financial needs for recuperating what was stolen in Colombia as well as other projects.
- Opportunities and boldness to witness as we travel here in America.
Once again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support. We love you all and pray that God continues to bless you as you strive to glorify him.
May Christ Be Magnified,
The Vance Family
Aaron • Aubrie • Amira • Anabel • Aris • Alethea
Here are a few recent pictures from our lives and ministry.
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The Vance Family 
