The church provided solid food in several villages and helped organize the local people in their relief efforts. The church is involved in all levels of education in Colombia. In the city of Cali, infamous for its drug cartels, a 350-member Methodist church with a school is providing basic and secondary education for more than 300 children. Despite so many years of war, the presence of paramilitary squads and drug addiction, a new church has emerged that is united in the love of Jesus Christ and is committed to rescuing the people in these situations. The church also has plans for the John Wesley Academy, an advanced education facility for which the government has promised support, the bishop said.
Efforts are also under way to open a ministry training and agricultural schools.
Despite its successes, the Methodist Church of Colombia has its challenges. Many of the pastors coming out of seminary have little means of supporting themselves and their families and need housing, Guti rrez said.