Revival Sweeps Across Argentina
In the 1970s, a remarkable spiritual renewal swept across Argentina, with Juan Carlos Ortiz at its heart. Born in Santos Lugares, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Ortiz grew up in a deeply religious Pentecostal home. Despite a challenging childhood with an absent father, his mother, a devout seamstress, instilled in him a strong foundation of faith.
From Sunday School Teacher to Preacher
Ortiz's ministry began early. By 14, he was teaching Sunday school, and by 16, he was preaching to Italian immigrants. His commitment deepened when he graduated from Instituto Bíblico Rio de la Plata in 1954. Just after graduation, he faced rejection from his church for attending seminary, a move not widely accepted. However, God turned this moment of crisis into a pivotal point in his ministry journey.
In 1954, Ortiz was invited to work with American evangelist Tommy Hicks during a campaign in Buenos Aires. Ortiz recounted, 'They offered me a big salary to be his private secretary, but it was God who told me, Juan Carlos, I did not abandon you. That opportunity with Tommy Hicks catapulted me to the world.' This role not only honed his skills but also broadened his vision for ministry.
Following this transformative experience, Ortiz embarked on missionary journeys across Argentina, including living with the Mataco and Toba tribes. He described these times as some of the 'hardest, happiest days of my life.'
In 1966, Ortiz became the pastor of El Tabernaculo de la Fe, transforming it into a beacon of spiritual renewal. His focus on discipleship and small groups played a vital role in the Argentina Revival, which began in 1969 and spread globally. His teachings on unity were encapsulated in a sermon he delivered at the Lausanne Congress in 1974, where he likened unity to mashed potatoes, needing to be boiled, mashed, and mixed to become one.
Ortiz's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of his son, Robert John, to AIDS in 1991. Through it all, he remained steadfast in his faith, stating, 'He taught me how to die . . . how to approach death positively.'
The legacy of Juan Carlos Ortiz is one of faith, resilience, and profound impact. His ministry continues to inspire believers worldwide, reminding us that in moments of crisis, God can turn rejection into a calling that reaches the world.
