Church Growth Developments in Colombia and Spain

First LDS congregation organized in Maicao, Colombia

The Church organized its first branch in the city of Maicao in northern Colombia.  With nearly 100,000 inhabitants, Maicao was the city with the fourth largest population unreached by the LDS Church prior to the organization of the new branch.  Within the past couple years, the Church established its first branch in neighboring Riohacha; possibly indicating coordinated mission efforts to expand outreach in Colombia's most populous cities that are unreached by the Church.  Both branches pertain to the Santa Marta Colombia District.

Missionaries assigned for the first time to Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

Mission leadership in the Spain Barcelona Mission report that the first group was organized on the island of Ibiza and that full-time missionaries were permanently assigned.  The core of active membership in the small group consists of Paraguayan Latter-day Saints who relocated to the island but the Church has found a handful of local Spaniards who are members.  With approximately 150,000 inhabitants, Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands and pertains to the Baleares Spain District.  The Church in Spain has renewed outreach expansion efforts within the past year as new branches were recently organized in Vic, Huercal-Overa, and Villagarcia de Arousa.