From a Simple Act of Honor to National Influence in Chile
Several years ago, the church Catedral de la Alabanza (Cathedral of Praise) in Santiago, Chile, hosted a unique gathering—not a traditional holiday celebration, but a “Thank You” service designed to honor local government officials for their service to the community.
The event was organized by Senior Pastor José Ferrara, together with one of the church’s ministers, Christian Jara, who serves as a youth pastor. Both men share a deep burden for reaching those in positions of authority. Christian has served as Capitol Ministries’ Ministry Leader since August 2024 and received his training in Bogotá, Colombia, later that same year.
Following the service, local public servants were honored with a meal, and each official was presented with a plaque recognizing their public service. Their response was striking. Such recognition from an evangelical church was entirely unexpected. Yet through this simple and thoughtful act, meaningful relationships were formed.
One year later, in December 2024, several of those same individuals were elected to national office as Members of Congress in Chile.
When discussions began regarding leadership for a newly established governmental office overseeing religious affairs, these officials were asked to provide recommendations. They immediately recalled the respect and sincerity shown to them and put forward one name: Christian Jara.
In March Pastor Christian met with President-elect José Antonio Kast to formally accept an invitation to serve as Director of the National Office for Religious Affairs in Chile. In this role, he will engage with leaders across the executive branch and help oversee religious affairs throughout the country, including involvement in the appointment of chaplains across Chile’s regions.
From a ministry perspective, the implications are significant. For Capitol Ministries, this anticipated appointment opens unprecedented doors for future ministry development at both the national and local levels.
As Oscar Zamora, CapMin’s Latin America Director, reflected: “What excites me most is seeing how a simple act of honoring local authorities—without any agenda—led to a national platform for the Gospel. God used those relationships years later in ways we could not have planned. With Pastor Christian serving at the highest level of religious affairs in Chile, we see a unique opportunity to open doors for Bible study ministry across the entire country.”
In a nation shaped by a strong Christian heritage yet navigating shifting political dynamics, this development represents a strategic and timely opportunity. What began as a local expression of gratitude has become a doorway to national influence—demonstrating once again how God works through faithful, intentional relationships over time.
Click here to learn more about Capitol Ministries in Latin America.