MMN MISSION PARTNER

Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana (IEMB)

  • Bolivia, Latin America

Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana (IEMB)

Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana (IEMB) includes twelve Bolivian congregations plus church plants in and around Santa Cruz.

Since 2010, a youth discipleship program, Sirviendo a Cristo (SAC, Serving Christ), has developed young leaders in the churches. Many serve first in the vacation Bible school program, and then move into broader ministries. Gifts that the church has identified are discipleship ministries, holistic evangelism, camps for children and youth, social work, crafts, teaching, and writing curriculum.

In 2006, IEMB began a day care program, Guarderia Samuelito, as an outreach serving the neighborhood of the Esmirna congregation in the city of Santa Cruz. In 2010, a new building was dedicated for this ministry. The IEMB’s five-year plan (2021-2026) includes four specific objectives:

  • Mature churches in continuous growth
  • Continue teaching Anabaptist principles and practices
  • Identify, equip and accompany the development of leaders
  • Seek stability and sustainability in the operational system of the conference and manage the legal status

From the beginning, predecessor agencies – the Commission on Overseas Mission of the General Conference Mennonite Church, and Mennonite Board of Missions of the Mennonite Church – collaborated with others in the formation of Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana. Mission Network helps with leadership development, Christian education and church planting, and subsidizes retreats for children, youth, and leaders.

On February 16, 2025, exactly 50 years after the first baptisms that launched Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana, nearly 700 members from the twelve churches and three church plants gathered to reflect on their history, celebrate their faith, and look to the future. The seeds of this community were sown by Mennonite Central Committee workers who established Bible study groups. Predecessor agencies of Mennonite Mission Network collaborated to support mission workers from South and North America. Among the early workers attending the anniversary were Beatriz Barrios of Uruguay and Steven (Tig) Intagliata of the United States. Linda Shelly, Mission Network Director for Latin America, presented certificates and gave words of greetings and blessings.

Long-term church leader Leonidas Saucedo wrote a book that was released at the celebration: Leónidas Saucedo Rodríguez. Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana: Una historia de Fe, Compromiso, Valentía y Coraje.

Connected Mission Workers