When the Alianza Cristiana y Misionera (ACyM) de Camuy II, Puerto Rico, was planted in 2001, its leaders agreed to commit full control of its ministries to the Lord. Although this may seem like an obvious goal of any God-honoring church, it takes intentionality and discipline to consistently surrender every decision—large or small—to Him.

 

 

“God has placed us in this place to be light in the midst of darkness,” says Pastor Domingo Perez-Badillo. “The greatest need that people have today is to have Jesus in their hearts. He is the only one who can transform lives. Many people have been hurt by churches, and those people need a place where they can feel safe. Currently, there are many social challenges, including subcultures that have gradually taken center stage in society. Many of them live far from Jesus and their lives are not centered on Him.”

“Since God established this church,” he adds, “we have seen Him guide and direct everything we do. I see people being born again and fully transformed. I see new believers being discipled into maturity in Christ and offering themselves in service to Him. I see people discovering their spiritual gifts and engaging in ministry, doing whatever God has called them to do.”

 

 

A Foundational, Five-Pillar Strategy

To better disciple new believers and extend the tangible love of Christ deeper into its community, ACyM de Camuy launched a ministry strategy in 2020 based on five key pillars: a culture of discipleship, exemplary leadership, authentic worship, living as “one,” and relational evangelism. The church firmly believes that relational evangelism is the most effective way to present the gospel to those who have yet to experience Jesus’ loving embrace. It hosts vibrant outreach ministries, including its annual Holy Week Campaign, Summer Bible School, youth events, and “Super Sundays,” which are held specifically to win the lost.

 

 

Equipping the Called

The church currently has 25 active ministries born out of this ministry strategy. Most church members are required to take the “301” classes (Discover Your Ministry) to become ministry leaders. Once they are able to identify their spiritual gifts, church leaders help them find a ministry where they can exercise their gifts and leadership capabilities.

“With our discipleship process they first learn how to do ministry, then we give them the opportunity to do what they believe God wants them to do,” adds pastor Domingo. “All of our board positions have term limits so we can give new leaders the opportunity to discern God’s voice and lead accordingly. When we identify a member with a call to leadership, we guide him or her through the process.”

 

 

Church Planting DNA

Being a church plant itself, ACyM de Camuy realizes the importance of establishing communities of faith in nearby areas that need a greater gospel presence. In 2022, the church planted a daughter church in the city of Isabela.

“We implemented a similar strategy that we used to plant our own church in 2001,” explains Pastor Domingo. “We attended ‘Exponential,’ a boot camp for church planters, and established a core planting group of about six families. We applied for funding from our [C&MA Puerto Rico] District and a church planting grant from the Alliance National Office. We did a demographic study and selected Isabela for the new plant. We launched Alianza Cristiana y Misionera de Isabela in March 2022.”

However, the Holy Spirit continued to whisper into the church leaders’ ears and led them to plant a second daughter church in the city of Arecibo. Three core families were assigned to the plant, and La Alianza de Factor Arecibo was launched April 21, 2024.

The three churches have a vibrant prayer ministry to fuel their growing ministries to the greater Camuy, Isabela, and Arecibo communities. Those prayers also extend across the globe. As pastor Domingo reflects, “We pray for our Alliance missionaries throughout the world and that God will help us fulfill our Great Commission Fund faith promise. We are also committed to sending and supporting more Alliance international workers by helping our people experience short-term missions first-hand.”

 

 

A Bigger Facility for a Bigger Vision

To help extend its ministry momentum locally and globally, ACyM de Camuy partnered with Orchard Alliance to secure a loan for a larger, better-equipped worship facility to support its mission and vision and build momentum toward its Kingdom-advancing objectives. As pastor Domingo notes, “In the new facility, we will provide an environment where people who come will know they are in a place where they can grow and mature in the Lord. The doors of the temple will be open to receive anyone who needs a transformative word, regardless of their personal situation. God loves everyone equally.”

He adds, “As an administrator in the Puerto Rico District Office, I have been able to appreciate first-hand how Orchard Alliance has been fundamental in financing the infrastructure of our churches in Puerto Rico. I have seen how they have even helped churches walk through difficult economic situations, providing viable solutions so as not to hinder their vital ministries or burden their financial status. Having this experience with Orchard from the District, I was sure that it was the best alternative to finance our construction project.”

 

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Orchard Alliance thanks our investors for making ministries like this possible for Kingdom-minded Alliance churches in Puerto Rico and throughout the United States. Your investment continues to bear great fruit in gathering lost sheep and shepherding them into fully devoted disciples of Jesus.