World Outreach: Chile

Our Work in Chile

ELS Mission work began in Chile when the Board for Foreign Missions feared that political unrest in Peru might eventually drive its missionaries from that country.  Chile was chosen as an alternative and work began in 1993. 

Work focused in the vast city of Santiago, primarily in the southern communities of San Bernardo, La Cisterna and Las Vertientes.  Property was purchased and the work of ELS missionaries was blessed with congregations in those communities.

Work has now expanded 300 km south of Santiago in the city of Linares, where the congregation is determined to construct a church facility, using their own resources – not depending only on grants from US donors.

A milestone in the Chilean church’s development was reached recently when the first Chilean was Called to serve as Vicar at the congregation in Puente Alto.  Guillermo Ruz is the first to reach this status among the men who are studying theology with Missionaries Tim Erickson and Oto Rodriquez.

Chelsea Dietsche is currently teaching English as a foreign language in Linares, Chile, introducing members of the community to our mission.  Read about Chelsea’s work here.