Jared Duran | Vineyard Church Mendoza, Argentina 

Pastor Jared's Story:

I have been a part of Missions work in Argentina since my early childhood, regularly joining my parents on mission trips over the last 20 years. In 2018, God started to speak to me about moving to Argentina long-term, while also beginning to give me a heart of compassion for the people of Argentina and a longing to share with them the love and mercy that I've experienced from Jesus. This led me to move to Mendoza in July of 2025 to join Mark and Karina in their work in the city.

Right now, my time is mostly divided into the following three categories: 

Viña Mendoza Comunidad Cristiana: The Story of the Church in Viña Rock Café

In 2018 Mark and Karina Young moved to Mendoza after feeling called by God to plant a church. This Church is now run out of the Viña Rock Café in the center of Mendoza city. During the week, Mark and Karina run the cafe and connect with the community through coffee, food, and hospitality. They also use the space to host live music events as they minister to local groups of musicians and everyone who comes to the shows. On Sundays, the cafe is transformed into a meeting place where the church gathers to worship, share their lives, study scripture, and pray together. The Young's heart is to offer the love and mercy of Jesus to those who normally would never step foot into a church building. 

Right now, I serve with Mark and Karina through preaching, leading worship, discerning direction, and all of the everyday practical responsibilities of leading this community. 

Starting to establish an English-speaking church community.

Establishing an English-speaking Church for Expats in Mendoza

There is also a large population of expats (people who have moved to Mendoza from another native country) who don’t know Spanish, and as of right now, there doesn’t seem to be a single church service in English in the city. We want to create a space that can help bring these English speakers into a discipleship relationship with Jesus, as well as bring new life and meaning to some of the expats here who want to go deeper in life with God.

Right now, we have a few English-speaking families who are gathering to pray and seek God weekly as we move towards starting an English church here.

Learning to Love the City and Speak the Language

Much of my time right now is spent studying and practicing Spanish through both formal lessons and informal conversations in the Spanish-speaking church and around the city. I’m also taking time to regularly walk through different areas in Mendoza to pray, get to know the city a little better, and learn to love all the beauty that is here.