Extension Evangelism: New Church in Ciudad Colón, Work in Turrúcares, Costa Rica
Mission Report for Bammel Church of Christ – November 2025
A New Church in Ciudad Colón
To the glory of God, we’re happy to report that through the work of the Church of Christ in Heredia, a new church has been planted in Ciudad Colón, about an hour from Heredia.
This new congregation currently has 15 active members (see photo below), meets on Sundays at 6:00 p.m., and has already witnessed three baptisms. The most recent addition is Guillermo, who was baptized on November 16, 2025, in an improvised baptistery (see photo).
The work in Ciudad Colón is being shepherded by faithful members of the Heredia church:
- Mauricio and his wife Wendy
- José, Wendy’s teenage son
- Randall, Wendy’s father and Mauricio’s father-in-law
- Eugenio and Susy, Mauricio’s parents
How Did This Church Begin?
The story behind this new church is deeply personal and Spirit-led. Eugenio and Susy, longtime members in Heredia, relocated to Ciudad Colón. Their son Mauricio and daughter-in-law Wendy began visiting them regularly to share the Word and care for their spiritual growth.
At first, while living in Ciudad Colón, they continued attending the church in Heredia, and those who wanted to be baptized made the trip to Heredia. That’s how the first three baptisms happened.
However, the seed of the gospel began to grow. Neighbors and newcomers in Ciudad Colón started attending the gatherings. On Sunday, November 16, Guillermo’s baptism marked a turning point—this one was held locally. A new chapter had begun.
Discipleship with Deep Roots
Mauricio’s spiritual formation is the fruit of committed discipleship. He was mentored by Víctor Araya (wife: Aura), a brother who had been rejected by other congregations in San José because he came from the International Church of Christ (ICOC). Some churches considered his baptism invalid.
But in Heredia, we welcomed Víctor and Aura with discernment and love, and through them, Mauricio came to us. That was back in 2015. Víctor and Aura then began working with Mauricio’s divorced parents. By God’s grace, not only were Eugenio and Susy baptized, they reconciled and remarried.
Later, Mauricio married Wendy, a single mother, and their wedding was joyfully celebrated in Heredia. Today, they serve as a united and faithful family actively engaged in expanding the Kingdom.
All of this shows how the Spirit moves freely when we allow space for people to grow at their own pace, without forcing institutional expectations.
A Growing Group in Turrúcares
We are also witnessing a new group with great potential forming in Turrúcares, located between one and two hours from Heredia depending on Thursday evening traffic.
At the home of Nelcy (Colombian), a diverse and spiritually hungry group has been gathering weekly. Her husband, Felipe (Venezuelan and former member of Hugo Chávez’s presidential security detail), is part of the group, as are:
- Yenny, Nelcy’s daughter, and her husband Gustavo (Peruvian)
- Juan José, Nelcy’s son, and his wife María (Venezuelan)
- And more relatives and friends from the neighborhood
We’re learning that for groups like this to become spontaneous, self-sustaining churches, it takes time.
“We must first form Christ in their hearts, so that they don’t feel like the demands of a religious organization are being imposed on them. In this way, the power remains with the Spirit—not with our cleverness, nor our methods, nor any agenda of our own. These works often start small, but once they become self-reproducing, a process of multiplication begins.”
This is not about control or human strategies. We want the Spirit to lead. When churches are born this way—spontaneously, locally, and at their own rhythm—they grow to become faithful, durable, and fruitful.
This aligns with what Roland Allen called the “Pauline principle,” what George Patterson described as “immediate obedience and spontaneous multiplication,” and what Ed Mathews taught through his model of “Leadership Training Evangelism.”
A Growing Church in Heredia
The Church of Christ in Heredia continues to grow with spiritual health and vitality. The congregation just inaugurated a new church building, and its members are actively evangelizing.
Just this past Sunday, November 16, Daniel (church treasurer) and his wife Raquel, respected leaders in Heredia, baptized Tracy, a young woman of 18 (see photo).
They are raising a beautiful, Christ-centered family and are part of a growing movement of believers who are living and sharing the gospel authentically. Heredia is not only preaching—it is multiplying.
A Word for the Global Church
These stories remind us that when we step back from institutional control and allow the Spirit to work freely, beautiful and lasting things happen.
Extension evangelism may not be fast or flashy—but it is organic, durable, and faithful.
Just like with Mauricio and Wendy in Ciudad Colón or Nelcy and her family in Turrúcares, the Kingdom of God grows like a seed planted in good soil.
Bibliography
- Allen, Roland. The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church
- Patterson, George. The Spontaneous Multiplication of Churches
- Mathews, Ed. Leadership Training Evangelism
- Bosch, David. Transforming Mission
- Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society
Thank you, Bammel Church of Christ, for your generous and faithful support. All of this is fruit you share in.
To God be the glory!
Carlos & Roxana Ulate
Heredia, Costa Rica
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| Ciudad Colón gathering |
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| Baptism of Guillermo by Mauricio |
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| Baptism of Tracy by Daniel and Raquel |
