Peniel Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist congregation located at Santa Cruz 2-D, Santa Cruz, Aruba. Founded in 2004, it serves the island’s multilingual community with worship and outreach grounded in biblical teaching and evangelism. The church emphasizes love, service, and discipleship in accordance with the Baptist Faith and Message.

Peniel Baptist Church began in May 2004 at the home of Rudolfo Cortes and moved to its Santa Cruz location in January 2005. Its name, derived from Genesis 32, means “in the presence of God.” The church’s mission is to help believers freely love and serve Jesus Christ through worship, teaching, and community impact, while its vision extends to sharing the Gospel throughout Aruba and the world.

Services are conducted mainly in English with Spanish and Papiamento translations. Worship gatherings occur on Sundays, with Bible study and prayer meetings midweek. Music and fellowship incorporate the island’s cultural diversity, using multiple languages in songs and devotion.

The church runs ministries for men, women, children, and youth, encouraging all members to engage in service and spiritual growth. Programs include Discipleship Training, Prayer Ministry, and Children’s Ministry, which focuses on nurturing faith with “Agape” love.

Peniel’s Missions Committee promotes both local and international evangelism. The church supports missionaries abroad and organizes outreach events in Aruba such as Vacation Bible School and community evangelism through partnerships like APEM, the local Child Evangelism Fellowship chapter.

The church is led by Pastor Cedric M. Charles. Regular activities include Sunday services from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday prayer meetings, and Friday youth gatherings.