Siloé is one of the most stigmatized neighborhoods in Cali, Colombia. It developed to house coal mine workers and became known for violence and poverty. Conflicts between armed groups left lasting wounds, and the neighborhood still lacks public services.

Often described as “close to heaven” for its mountain views, Siloé is also home to the Church of the Nazarene, born out of the violence experienced by the local pastor's family.

Pastor Steyner Pietro lost his brother in this community when he was still a teenager. The pain of mourning made him reject the love of God, but years later, God used that moment of affliction to call him into pastoral ministry. Steyner is now the pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Siloé. “That moment was very painful for everyone. Losing my brother was very difficult for me, for he was a very special person. [But out of that loss] God gave me passion for this neighborhood,” he said.

After a youth camp, Pastor Steyner reconciled with God and decided to serve his neighborhood to prevent other young people from becoming victims of violence. At first, he thought studying to be a police officer was the way forward.

God, however, called him into ministry. Sixteen years ago, the church began with only 15 people. From the start, they knew that in addition to sharing the message of salvation, they needed to serve the community and help transform lives.

The work began in a house and soon moved to a rented space once used as a gambling house and smuggler’s hideout. God transformed the story of that place and the lives of the people connected to it.

Inspired by Matthew 9:36, the church began serving breakfast to neighborhood children, later adding lunch. Though the group was small, they shared what they had. Soon, neighbors joined in, donating rice, eggs, and flour to make arepas.

Pastor Steyner has seen God’s provision again and again. “God always acted and helped us in one way or another. The people from the church who began to meet shared the vision among themselves,” he said.

FEED MY SHEEP: CARING FOR CHILDREN

The Feed My Sheep child development project cares for about 40 children between the ages of 9 and 13. Many spend long hours alone or under the care of extended family or siblings. Inside the church, they find a safe space to be cared for and supported academically and spiritually.

Jesica Dorado, one of the teachers, has seen the impact of love and care. “One of the most beautiful testimonies was that of a child who, at the beginning, did not greet anyone,” she explained. “He came from a very complicated family environment. When he arrived, he [was quiet], sat with his arms crossed, did not speak, and only listened to the class. He did not allow anyone to say anything to him.”

With patience and the love of Christ, change came. “Today, after spending a good amount of time in the project, that same child has changed a lot. Now, when he leaves, he says goodbye, hugs the teachers, and says: ‘Teacher, thank you very much!’ These small gestures reflect the great impact that the project has on their lives,” she said.

TRANSFORMERS: SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION

The Transformers project creates spaces for teenagers and young adults to grow into the image of Christ. About 80 youth participate in gatherings across the community, from sidewalks and homes to soccer fields and the church.

The ministry also organizes soccer tournaments and classes for parents, helping families flourish and giving the community a new imagination for life. To support economic development, the church offers a barbering course taught voluntarily by a professional barber. Two classes have graduated, and a third is about to start. Alongside technical training, students participate in devotionals to discover God’s purpose. About 30 have graduated—some opening shops, others working from home or in professional barbershops.

LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST: A PLACE FOR THE YOUNGEST

The daycare began nine years ago to help young, single mothers who needed safe childcare but couldn’t afford it. Nelly Sogamoso, one of the founders, remembers: “We started with nothing, only the physical space and a heart willing to serve.”

The team calls the project the “hogar infantil” (children’s home), where children from one to four years old receive care, love, and protection as if they were family. With support from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the project now provides meals and a warm, engaging environment.

In addition to these projects, the church serves about 150 lunches each weekday at its community dining hall.

Siloé’s description as “close to heaven” fits not only its mountain location but also the way church ministries allow people to experience the hope of heaven through tangible acts of love, bringing the presence of God into daily life here and now.

This story adapted from the latest issue of NCM Magazine. Read more stories of hope here.