At the age of 24, pastor Miguel Arriagada had a calling to serve wherever God sent him. His first years of service were in his local church in northern Chile.
In 2007, Miguel and his wife, Marisol, moved with their three children to Geneva, Switzerland, to begin a new stage of life. Despite the difficulty of adapting to a different culture, God has been at work in their hearts. That resulted in a desire to start a ministry to the Latin American community in Switzerland, providing a place where people can gather and grow spiritually through their own language.
Starting a church from zero in a country with a different culture has not been easy for the Arrigadas. It has required patience, perseverance, and trust in God. God has reminded Miguel that his work unfolds in his timing, teaching the tiny church plant to rest in God’s will and rely on him for the fruit.
“From the years of preparation in Chile to our arrival in Switzerland in 2007, God has revealed each step at the right time,” Miguel says.
Depending completely on God has reinforced the lesson that true growth begins in the heart of people, where transformation takes place, as believers reflect the character of God more.
In October 2025, the church was officially recognized as a church-type mission.
The church has received great encouragement from Northern Europe Field Strategy Coordinator Antonie Holleman. His willingness to guide, strengthen, and encourage church members through this process has provided the direction and motivation needed to continue serving with responsibility and commitment. The church is praying to see lives transformed, families restored, and a community reached by Jesus.
The congregation loves the words of General Superintendent Carla Sunberg: “The best ministry is born from the overflow of God’s presence in our lives.”
The community in Geneva believes that when people truly encounter Christ, not only is their story changed but also the environment around them.
Please pray for transformed lives, for people in need of hope, for those in intercultural marriages, and for new opportunities to share the gospel in Geneva. Pray for open doors in other regions of Switzerland and God’s direction to advance the ministry.