Cali, a city in darkness

El Abrigo, a foundation giving light and life in the darkest places. 

Changing communities through the power of God.

Transforming lives and futures.

Colombia has one of the worst rates of poverty in the world

89% of Cali’s population live in poverty.

Through the power of Jesus, El Abrigo seeks to free people from poverty, violence, gangs, drugs, murders and corruption.

What We Do

Children’s Foundation

A day care centre provides education and 3,750 meals a week for up to 250 children, Monday to Friday. This helps single parents, as well as giving an opportunity to those who need to work.

The foundation also runs “back to school” programs, to help kids back in to education. It also runs several medical campaigns a year, helping those in the local community.

Kids at the El Abrigo foundation, Cali, Colombia
Open House at the El Abrigo Church

The Church

The Church provides outreach into the local community and aims to bring the Gospel to life and show Jesus’ love in action.

As well as services at the weekends, the Church hosts 100 people at a weekly Wednesday morning service. The Church also provides pastoral care, a Women’s ministry, Young Adults Ministry, Bible study and provides free food and clothing to those in need.

Open House at the El Abrigo Church

Music Ministry

Music plays a big part of what we do at El Abrigo, with Pastor Hendrik himself being an accomplished guitarist.

Music is used as evangelistic tool to bring joy and peace.

Over the years, Pastor Hendrik and friends have been involved in concerts, and have promoted Christian music for radio and television programs.

Pastor Hendrik of El Abrigo playing some music

Latest News

A Life Changing Experience

In 2016, Thanney Pyper, visited Cali, Colombia, in what was a life changing experience. He shared his experiences with the Very Rev. Dr. Charles McMullen (West Church, Bangor) about how that all came about. Thanney, who is a founding member of El Abrigo Northern Ireland, travelled to Cali, Colombia in 2016 to help fit some […]

Greetings from Pastor John

Over two years ago, Pastor John Jairo gave up his (secular) job in order to work in the ministry full-time with El Abrigo. In this video, John sends his thanks and blessings to you all. He talks about the blessings that the Lord has made during the past year. And how the Lord has protected […]

“What is El Abrigo?”

Pastor Hendrik (Hein) Hoeré and his wife, Teija, talk about the El Abrigo Foundation that they founded over 25 years ago. They serve the local community through a Children’s Foundation and a Church. They seek to bring the word of Jesus Christ to the people of Cali, Colombia. The Children’s Foundation provides day care to […]

 Donate to El Abrigo

We’ll use your donations to further the work of Pastor Hendrik and El Abrigo, in helping free the people of Cali from crime and poverty.

* Your contribution goes direct to those in need; El Abrigo has no administration costs.