FUNDAPREMIS: Fundación Predicadores de la Misericordia
- Bogota, Colombia
Organizational Overview
The idea for the Preachers of Mercy Foundation (FUNDAPREMIS) emerged in 2014 under the leadership of Reverend Michael Daniel Cuevas. In the early years, Cuevas, along with a group of volunteers from his Syrian Orthodox church, went out each month to serve and minister to people living on the streets. They were able to channel significant resources from donations and volunteer support to meet immediate needs such as food and healthcare for vulnerable individuals. Four years later, FUNDAPREMIS was officially established in Bogota, Colombia. It exists to share the gospel through word and deed with vulnerable communities in Bogotá, including Venezuelan migrants, children from poor neighborhoods, homeless individuals, at-risk youth seeking professional growth, and former FARC combatants seeking reintegration into society. By establishing spaces for discipleship, prayer, growth and holistic support, the organization also aims to create opportunities for a dignified and fulfilling life, fostering development processes, seeking societal transformation, and striving to eradicate poverty. Today, FUNDAPREMIS continues with great vision and passion to bless and bring the good news of the gospel to many more people in highly vulnerable conditions.
Beneficiary Population
- Urban Poor
- Migrants
- Children & Youth
- Women
- Families
- Leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Vulnerable Populations
Focus Areas
- Spiritual Transformation & Faith Communities
- Leadership Development & Training
- Community Development
- People & Family-Centered Development
- Wealth Creation & Economic Development
Organizational Track Record
Over the last six years, FUNDAPREMIS has dedicated itself to serving vulnerable populations within Bogota and beyond. It started with the Caminatas de Misericordia (Mercy Marches), where they venture into the streets twice a month to provide breakfast or lunch, as well as a hug, a listening ear, and prayer to those who want. Currently, the Caminatas de la Misericordia are regularly held in Bogota, directly serving 700 individuals each month, mostly Venezuelan migrants, displaced people, and the homeless. In 2022, they began operating Casa de Paso El Buen Samaritano, a sleep-in shelter, serving over 180 migrants and homeless individuals each night. Additionally, over 320 young people have graduated from a holistic accounting training program offered in conjunction with the Dutch multinational company, TMF. A daycare facility that started with 12 children from urban poor communities in 2021 is now caring for 150 kids each week. FUNDAPREMIS also works with ex-combatants of the FARC guerrilla group, indirectly benefiting 900 people working as coffee producers in rural areas and directly helping 35 young ex-FARC combatants through discipleship, mentoring, and entrepreneurship support. At the FUNDAPREMIS headquarters, they opened a coffee shop and warehouse to market the coffee produced by the ex-combatants in rural areas. The Syrian Orthodox church connected to FUNDAPREMIS holds services in six locations, runs over twenty discipleship and prayer groups, and has a membership of about 500 people. In summary, over the past year, FUNDAPREMIS directly impacted almost 4,000 people in vulnerable conditions through their various programs and initiatives.
Funding History with Camino Alliance
In 2023, Camino Alliance secured a $25,000 grant for FUNDAPREMIS to address humanitarian needs related to the migration crisis, the rising homeless population in Bogotá, and the challenges faced by migrant children and disoriented ex-combatants. The grant aimed to strengthen FUNDAPREMIS’ initiatives by creating synergies and expanding their impact in the following areas:
Discipleship and leadership development for 35 ex-FARC combatants through “Tinto, Una Experiencia de Paz”
Practical assistance for 120 Venezuelan immigrants and homeless individuals through their Casa de Paso
Comprehensive care for 150 immigrant and vulnerable children
Job training for 50 vulnerable youth and immigrants
Spiritual formation and growth for 400 people in the church
This grant enabled FUNDAPREMIS to unify their approach, integrate their initiatives more effectively, and develop greater organizational and leadership capacity, setting the stage for future growth and expanded operations.
Key Leader Biosketch
A Philosopher, Lawyer, Theologian, and Master in Psychology, Rev. Michael Cuevas brings extensive experience in providing legal, psychological, and spiritual guidance to families, couples, youth, and children. His career includes teaching philosophy, social studies, and civic competence at the secondary school level, as well as biblical pedagogy at the university level. He is also a skilled facilitator of spiritual retreats and integration programs. Between 2013 and 2014, Cuevas served as a Chaplain at the Bogota Penitentiary Complex (COMEB) - La Picota Prison. Following this, from 2013 to 2015, he was an Educational Director and Chaplain at Colegio Andrés Escobar. Currently, he serves as the Pastor of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch at the San Ignacio de Antioquia Church in the Chapinero locality in Bogota. He is also the President and Founder of the Preachers of Mercy Foundation.
