Rio Cuarto Church Celebrates 115 Years!

In October 2024, the Charis Alliance church in Rio Cuarto, Argentina celebrated a milestone of 115 years of ministry with a heartfelt celebration. Around 180 people gathered to honor God’s faithfulness through the years. Everyone in attendance was filled with gratitude and joy.

The service was filled with special moments that highlighted God’s work in and through the church. The congregation sang celebratory songs, shared moving testimonies, and listened to elders reflect on the church’s rich history. And, of course, no celebration is complete without cake! “The kids loved it,” said Fabricio Nocelli, one of the church’s leaders.

The church traces its roots back to Charles Yoder family and Miss Bertha Bell, the first Charis missionaries to Argentina. In addition to planting the church, Yoder also introduced basketball to the city. “Our church was the first place basketball was played in our city,” Fabricio proudly shared. This fun fact is a testament to how the church has long been a source of innovation and influence in Rio Cuarto.

One person who attended this service was Nely Demarco. She is the grandaughter of the family who first welcomed Yoder to Rio Cuarto. Having her there was a beautiful reminder of the lasting connections forged through Yoder’s ministry.

The church has weathered its share of challenges over the decades, but God pulled them through. In the 1970s, over half of the congregation left to join more charismatic movements. This was a painful season, yet a group of dedicated young men stood firm, committed to continuing the church’s mission of sharing God’s Word. Their faithfulness became the foundation for the thriving church that exists today.

This 115th anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of the past—it was a call to continue bringing God’s kingdom to this world. As testimonies and stories echoed through the gathering, one thing was clear: God has been faithful to Rio Cuarto Church, and its best days may still lie ahead.

Here’s to another 115 years of ministry, basketball, and cake!