More than an organization, a movement
We are a Christian, international, interdenominational and intercultural ministry that has worked for Latin American youth and the local church since 1990. MOVIDA combines two words: "Move", "life" — Moving lives!
More than 30 years of history
A great step of faith
It all began in 1987 with a great step of faith: the founders, Thomas and Mechthild Vögelin, arrived in Melipilla, Chile, and three years later led the first camp with just 23 brave souls. What seemed like a small local project soon crossed borders when the family moved to Argentina in 1997 to multiply the vision. The birth of the iconic CIMA gatherings in the late nineties marked the start of an unstoppable youth movement.
Massive expansion
The following two decades became a massive expansion across South America, crossing "the pond" to Europe and reaching North America. Movida planted flags in countries like Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Germany, the United States and Brazil, while the International CIMA in Córdoba already exceeded 2,500 participants. The great milestone of global consolidation came in 2015 with the establishment of the Missionary Center in Switzerland.
A passion more alive than ever
With more than three decades of history, the organization showed that its purpose adapts to any challenge. After expanding through Central America and opening offices in Spain, Movida turned the 2020 crisis into a digital opportunity, launching the virtual SIGUE platform and celebrating a historic Online CIMA with more than 4,000 participants in 2021. Today, the movement keeps adding pages to its legacy with teams in Uruguay, Colombia and Guatemala.
Vision
"Latin American youth committed to God and his mission, serving interculturally to impact the world."
Mission
- → Challenge Christian youth to total surrender to God and to grow in their relationship with Him.
- → Provide tools for them to discover their gifts and talents.
- → Motivate committed service in their local church and in world mission.
Values
Our governance
It is an intercultural team of people passionate about God and his mission, who take responsibility for leading this ministry in dependence on the Lord. Only the Holy Spirit can bring peace, unity and direction amid the diversity of its members. When this happens, we face any challenge together!
