Every year hundreds of people from the Church of the Nazarene in the Mesoamerica Region are trained in missions through the Cross-Cultural Orientation (CCO). 2023 was no different for the Caribbean Field as the CCO was held virtually. The 25 participants ranged from high school and university students to ministry leaders originating from 9 Caribbean countries: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, French-Guiana, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The CCO was held from March 2 to 4 and included workshops, dynamics, discussions, and training geared specifically toward cross-cultural missions.

“Despite some internet and technical challenges, God manifested Himself and moved throughout every workshop and activity” remarked Timmeon Spencer, Caribbean Field Missions Mobilization Coordinator. “The participants were attentive and engaged with everything that was said and done, some even sensed that God was definitively calling them to the missions ministry.”

He also mentioned that another group testified that God was calling them to various areas of service, while others were still processing everything that they had witnessed that weekend, which is a great sign.

Timmeon stated that the reason the CCO is so effective can be largely attributed to the work of the small groups, which were led by three dynamic leaders who were also participants in previous CCOs.

As a Mission Mobilization team, our goal is to purposefully travel with prospective missionary candidates. We are also there to support and accompany them in their development as they participate in the Called to Serve mission trip to Abaco, Bahamas this summer.

“Our time together at CCO was impactful. God touched lives, ministered to hearts, and provided answers to many questions that the participants had coming into the CCO” Timmeon commented. “We are certain that God wants to raise up more missionaries in the Caribbean Field and, as a Mission Mobilization ministry, we are excited to partner with Him in discovering, developing, and deploying these missionaries across our field and region in the future.”

Source: Pastor Timmeon Spencer, Caribbean Field Missions Mobilization Coordinator