In Colombia, an Orthodox Catholic Priest Decides to Become a Seventh-day Adventist

Former Fray Mateo was one of thousands baptized during a national evangelistic series.

January 6, 2026 | Bogotá, Colombia | Laura Acosta and Inter-American Division News Staff

A former friar who served the Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Church in Colombia for more than 20 years was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church on November 29, 2025. Former Fray Mateo’s baptism and the baptisms of 200 others capped a yearlong evangelistic effort across that South American nation, which resulted in 10,742 baptisms throughout the year.

The special baptismal ceremony took place during a service of gratitude of praise that marked the national closing of the evangelism series under the theme “One Heart”. The service gathered more than 10,000 church members and leaders from across the country at the G12 Convention Center in the capital city of Bogotá.

Mateo’s decision to publicly join the Adventist Church was the result of a deep spiritual process, accompanied by years of Bible study and Christian friendship, regional church leaders said. It also involved the impact of the message preached through the Escrito Está (It Is Written) ministry led by Pastor Robert Costa.

A Seed Planted in 2023

The path to Mateo’s baptism began in 2023, when he personally met Pastor Costa during the national evangelistic campaign “Never Give Up, There Is Still Hope” held in Colombia. Mateo had long followed the messages of the Escrito Está broadcast on television and online, especially those related to the biblical seventh-day Sabbath.

“When I heard him discussing the seventh-day Sabbath it caught my attention,” he recalled in an interview. “We have studied the topic, and we know it is part of the first four commandments. For us as an Orthodox church, it is also a day of rest,” Mateo said in 2023.

During that 2023 evangelistic effort, Mateo’s family decided to join the Adventist Church. Then Fray Mateo accompanied them in that process, but he still did not feel ready to follow them. From that moment on, he began a period of deeper study and prayer, accompanied by his Adventist friend Juan Montaño, who for more than eight years had walked with him in discussing spiritual topics and studying the Bible.

Montaño recalls, “He came to our church once asking about the Sabbath. Since then, we talked, we shared, and we built a very beautiful friendship. He already knew the law and was waiting for the Lord’s coming. I knew it was only a matter of time.”

A Decision in Unity and Hope

Two years later, during Pastor Costa’s evangelistic meetings in Bogotá, Mateo decided to make his faith public. On November 29, he joined the 200 new believers who descended into the waters of baptism in what was a day of celebration, renewal and commitment to the mission, regional church leaders reported. “The ceremony was not an isolated event, but the fruit of a wholistic evangelistic work promoted by the Adventist Church in Colombia, with the support of leaders, local churches and the media,” they explained.

“How is it possible that someone from the Orthodox Church, with more than 20 years of service, is here today?” Costa said. “That is the work of the Spirit of God. I sow, but the Spirit does the work in people’s hearts.” Now Mateo and his family are all active members of the Adventist Church and participate in outreach and missionary initiatives in their local community.

Sharing His Testimony

Mateo said he is thankful to have understood and accepted Bible truth better. This includes renewing his commitment to the seventh-day Sabbath. “Sabbath is not simply a doctrine, but an experience of an encounter with God. It’s not just rest. It’s about dwelling in the presence of the Lord especially during those hours,” he said.

As regards the church’s mission endeavors, Mateo thinks Adventists need to think outside the box. “We should abandon our skepticism toward other religions,” he said. “God has sheep in other fields. We must go to those fields because the voice of the Lord is one, and our mission is to help people find the truth.”

For Pastor Henry Beltrán, president of the South Colombian Union, Mateo’s testimony reaffirms that the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to preach the gospel to every person, without distinction.

“We firmly believe that holistic work—from the local church to the media—allows the Word of God to reach sincere hearts,” Beltrán said. He added that the fruit seen is the result of missionary commitment, church unity, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “We remain convinced that fulfilling Christ’s commission means sowing faithfully, trusting in God, and serving with love, knowing that He continues to call His children from diverse contexts.”

Beltrán noted that Mateo’s baptism is evidence of the transforming power of the gospel and the impact media can have when used faithfully and purposefully.

The impact of the Esperanza Colombia project, led by the Union, integrates radio through a nationwide network of stations, television programming such as Escrito Está, digital platforms, and Chat Esperanza, where Bible instructors provide guidance through WhatsApp.

Church leaders reported that in 2025 alone, 2,150 people requested prayer, counseling, or Bible studies, and 135 were baptized as a direct result of the integrated media outreach.

“In every word shared, every program broadcast, and every relationship cultivated, the Holy Spirit continues to lead sincere people to the truth,” Beltrán said.

During the celebration event, church leaders and members enjoyed music, participated in worship services, and listened to spiritual messages from John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written.

As part of the program, Senator Lorena Ríos honored Pastors Bradshaw and Costa with a commemorating written declaration recognizing their work in Colombia in recent years.

For more information on the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Colombia, its initiatives and activities, visit adventistasco.org