Hebron Baptist Church in Arica, Chile, Celebrates 50 Years

In June 2024, Brother Ben and his eldest daughter, Rachel, embarked on a two-week journey to Chile to celebrate the Lord’s work in the country. Brother Ben’s parents originally traveled to Chile as missionaries in 1970 and dedicated nearly two decades to their mission, residing in Arica and Santiago. During their time there, they established two churches, which have since fostered the creation of numerous other congregations across the nation. The first church they founded in Arica, Hebron Baptist Church, marked its 50th anniversary with special celebration services. Due to health reasons, Brother Ben’s parents were unable to make the long journey, so Brother Ben and Rachel attended as their representatives at the festivities.

Bro Ben and Rachel in front of the Chilean flag at the top of El Morro in Arica.
The inside of the sanctuary during a Sunday service.
Thanks to the wonders of technology, Bro. Harold and Sis. Peggy, Bro. Ben’s parents, were able to join the special service via Zoom.
Hebron hosted a special 50th anniversary dinner celebration for its members and invited Bro. Ben and Rachel to join them. They presented tokens to each member and sent special gifts for Bro. Ben’s parents.
Sis. Silvia is the last surviving original member of Hebron and was especially honored during the celebration.
This is the front of Iglesia Bautista Hebron, Hebron Baptist Church, the first church that Bro. Ben’s parents started in Chile.
Bro. Patricio Lefamil pastors Hebron, and he welcomed Bro. Ben to speak and preach to the congregation.
Bro. Ben and Rachel were able to participate in taking communion with the Chilean brethren in the church the Lord allowed Harold and Peggy to start 50 years ago.
Hebron hosted a special 50th anniversary dinner celebration for its members and invited Bro. Ben and Rachel to join them. They presented tokens to each member and sent special gifts for Bro. Ben’s parents.
As part of the week-long celebration, Hebron hosted special revival services. This photo shows the packed house during the first night. People came from up and down the country to celebrate with Hebron for this special service. Many people were standing around the outside door because there was no more available seating.
This view of Hebron from behind shows how it overlooks the city of Arica and the Atacama Desert. Arica has a population of about 250,000 now.
Bro. Patricio Lefamil pastors Hebron, and he welcomed Bro. Ben to speak and preach to the congregation.
Bro. Ben and Rachel were able to participate in taking communion with the Chilean brethren in the church the Lord allowed Harold and Peggy to start 50 years ago.
Sis. Silvia is the last surviving original member of Hebron and was especially honored during the celebration.

After enjoying fellowship in Arica, Brother Ben and Rachel traveled south to Santiago, the capital of Chile, with a population of around eight million. There, they visited Las Acacias Baptist Church, the second church founded by Harold and Peggy. The church recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and it was truly heartwarming to witness the remarkable transformation. What began as a humble Bible study in a poverty-stricken squatters’ community has grown into a vibrant, mission-oriented church in a flourishing neighborhood.

The outside of Las Acacias.
Julian Gonzalez pastors Las Acacias, and he invited Bro. Ben to preach while he was in town.
the children and grandchildren of this original couple are still foundational active members of Las Acacias. They hosted the Lairds in their home and were also emotional as they talked about their love for Bro. Harold and Sis. Peggy and how the Lord used them in their family’s and community’s lives. They remarked, “They taught us so much. We don’t idolize them, but we appreciate them so much and are so grateful to God that he moved on their hearts to come here.”
Inside Good Hope Baptist Church in Santiago.
The sanctuary in Las Acacias highlights their various mission efforts.
Julian Gonzalez pastors Las Acacias, and he invited Bro. Ben to preach while he was in town.
the children and grandchildren of this original couple are still foundational active members of Las Acacias. They hosted the Lairds in their home and were also emotional as they talked about their love for Bro. Harold and Sis. Peggy and how the Lord used them in their family’s and community’s lives. They remarked, “They taught us so much. We don’t idolize them, but we appreciate them so much and are so grateful to God that he moved on their hearts to come here.”
Inside Good Hope Baptist Church in Santiago.
This photo shows a glimpse of their Saturday night youth service.
This is the couple who first asked Bro. Harold to study the Bible with them in their tiny, two room home.
This is at Good Hope Baptist Church in Santiago, another church descended from Las Acacias. Bro. Jaime Hernandez is the pastor.
This is at Good Hope Baptist Church in Santiago, another church descended from Las Acacias. Bro. Jaime Hernandez is the pastor.

There are so many more churches and missions that we didn’t have time to visit, but it was such a blessing to see how mightily the Lord is still working in the country of Chile.

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