The Federación Alianza Evangélica Costarricense (FAEC) marked its 75th anniversary with a national celebration highlighting the historic unity and public witness of Costa Rica’s evangelical churches. President Ronald Vargas opened the commemorative event by welcoming pastors, denominational leaders, and representatives from both national institutions and international alliances.
Among the special guests were worship leader and pastor Danilo Montero and his wife, Gloriana, who attended the ceremony in recognition of the milestone.
“On a day like today, seventy-five years ago, in a very different Costa Rica, a group of pastors, by the grace and favor of God, and thanks to their vision and efforts, founded what we now know as the Federación Alianza Evangélica Costarricense,” Vargas said.
He highlighted that the FAEC has, over seven and a half decades, represented and united various sectors of the Costa Rican evangelical Church. “From the beginning, the spirit that gave birth to the Evangelical Alliance was entirely inclusive and representative of the whole Church,” he affirmed.
Vargas emphasized that the unity of those founding pastors has endured through the years. “We thank God because that unity is still alive,” he said.
He also reaffirmed FAEC’s commitment to continue strengthening its work: “We will remain focused on consolidating the work of the five pillars that support our mission, constantly evaluating our efforts to respond to the growth and the many needs of a Costa Rica that is also changing.”
Vargas urged those present to maintain “the strength to proclaim the Gospel in Costa Rica, in season and out of season.” He reminded attendees that FAEC is officially recognized by government authorities, which allows it access to spaces where churches and denominations do not easily reach. “I’m talking about the three branches of government,” he added, underscoring the alliance’s institutional representation.
During the ceremony, Vargas invited members of the Board of Directors to the stage, introducing them by name and role, and highlighting aspects of their service and character. Afterwards, awards were presented to past presidents and executive directors who have served FAEC over the last 75 years.
Later in the event, greetings were delivered by Pastor Alejandro Espínola, secretary of the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic (ACIERA), and virtually by Pastor Juan Cruz Cellammare, president of the Latin Evangelical Alliance (AEL).
The keynote message was given by Pastor Danilo Montero, who led a time of worship before sharing a personal story from a visit to Mexico. He recounted how a poor woman welcomed him and a group of young people into her home, an experience that helped him understand the true meaning of the Lord’s Supper, based on 1 Corinthians 11:17–30. “This is all about how you treat others,” he said. “We must be careful when we come to this table. We must examine ourselves in case we have sinned,” he added, preparing the audience for the celebration of Communion.
Montero reflected on his baptism at age 14 and the first time he took part in the Lord’s Supper. He spoke about the need to come to the table not because one feels worthy, but because the table calls for it. “I used to come to the table without having eyes to see what was on it,” he confessed.
With honesty, he asked himself whether he now preaches out of professionalism or from a surrendered heart. He urged, “Come to the table honoring what it means.”
He concluded with a clear call: “Discern the body, respect it, and come with honor.”
To close the event, Vargas returned to the stage and expressed his hope that “we never lose the awareness that we are one body, where denominational flags are laid down, where our logos and egos have no place, and that in the years to come we will be a response, as the Church, to what Costa Rica requires.”
The celebration concluded with a prayer of invocation and the dedication of the Church in Costa Rica to God’s service in the years ahead.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
