On the second day of the COMIBAM 2025 Missionary Congress, Executive Director Cristian Castro provided a historical overview of the Ibero-American missionary movement and issued a call to further mobilize churches, pastors, and new generations for God's global mission.
"Only 38 years have passed since the first congress in São Paulo, and today we have more than 34,000 Ibero-American missionaries serving in over 200 nations," Castro celebrated, highlighting that Latin America has evolved from being considered a mere mission field to establishing itself as a true global missionary force.
A journey through history and achievements
Castro recalled how, at the beginning of the 20th century, Latin America was not even considered a priority field at the 1910 missionary conference in Edinburgh. “We weren't even invited as a relevant force,” he said. It wasn’t until 1916, at a congress held in Panama, that the region was officially recognized as a mission field.
Since then, progress has been remarkable. According to data presented by the COMIBAM research department, the number of missionaries grew from 1,350 in 1987 to more than 34,000 today, with over 19,000 of them serving in Latin America itself. In addition, more than 80% of these workers have committed their lives indefinitely to the mission field.
Revealing statistics on participation
COMIBAM also shared figures that show how the Latin American church is involved in missions:
- 36% of churches participating in missions do so among indigenous ethnic groups
- 12% participate in Bible translation
- 19% pray regularly
- Only 6% send missionaries
- Barely 3% actively care for workers.
Castro also highlighted the economic investment: “In monthly support for missionaries alone, Latin American churches invest more than $20 million, and more than $250 million annually.”
New vision for the next decade
In a speech marked by passion and humor, Castro shared the goals for the next ten years: to mobilize 20,000 new churches, send 10,000 new missionaries, integrate indigenous and ethnic churches into the mission effort, and actively involve young people. “Today, more than 30% of those attending the conference are volunteers between the ages of 25 and 40. They are a key part of the future,” he said.
Voices from the field and current challenges
The day also featured testimonies, including that of an Argentine missionary couple in a North African country, and remarks from Pastor Jorge Manuel Pérez of COMIBAM Spain, who shared his experience of mobilization from Europe.
During the devotional, Brazilian Zaza Lima reminded attendees that “a church that is not missionary contradicts its identity,” and emphasized that “there is no mission without the cross,” calling for genuine and sacrificial commitment.
Castro closed his message mirroring the prophet Isaiah's response to God's calling: “Ibero-America says: Lord, here we are, we also want to be part of what You are doing in all nations.”
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
