StacieNicole Simmons, WEA Women’s Commission
Latin Evangelical Alliance Women’s Congress Report
March 10th-14th, 2026
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The WEA Women’s Commission was delighted to gather alongside 240 women leaders and pastors from 10 Latin American countries for the 5th AEL Women’s Congress, “Women in Victory,” held in Buenos Aires, Argentina (March 10-14, 2026).
Concha (Perú /CONEP), Lic. Magda Ramírez (Costa Rica), Lic. Carmen Bermúdez de Castro
(El Salvador), Pastor Nazly Van Strahlen (Colombia), Dr. Fátima Oliva Roca (Bolivia), Pastor
Ligia Wurfel (Argentina), Pastor Loly Matamoros (Honduras), Psych. Gloria Hernández
(Uruguay), Elizabeth Gaethe (Chile).
The Lord honored the work of our AEL Women’s Commission with institutional recognition from the President of the Latin-American Evangelical Alliance (AEL), Pastor Juan Cruz, also from the President of the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches from Argentina (ACIERA), Pastor Christian Hoof, and Pastor Rafael Pedace, Vice President of External Relations from AEL and senior pastor of “Una vida mejor.” (host church). All three expressed words of encouragement and recognition for the work of AEL Women and the importance of congresses such as this one. A significant moment during the opening day was the recognition granted by the Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Represented by the Minister of Human Development and Habitat, Gabriel Miraida, a plaque of recognition was presented to Dr. Fátima Oliva, coordinator of AEL Women, declaring the congress an event of public interest.
Encouraged. Inspired. Equipped.
The national committee, led by Pastor Ligia Wurfel (Argentina), together with a team of pastors from various churches and ACIERA office collaborators, were also instrumental in ensuring that the AEL Women were strengthened among the nations, and encouraged to continue building, guiding, and equipping women leaders in Latin America.
During the conference, leaders were inspired by presentations such as “Vision and vision, with authority and understanding,” “Spiritual life in pastoral ministry and leadership,” alongside topics on resilience and overcoming. It was my joy to represent the Women’s Commission and address leadership, identity and unity in my presentation on “The importance of being part of the WEA Women’s Commission.”
What a privilege to journey alongside this rich array of leaders —one language, many contexts, as we worshipped, prayed, broke bread, listened, learned, and laughed together throughout the week.
Our prayer was for a truly transformative time. God granted our request, and we are richer for the journey. For these reasons, I am blessed to share this with each of you.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” Psalm 115:1
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