“Half a century of faithfulness, a mission still burning.”
The Church of the Nazarene in the Dominican Republic celebrated its 50 years of ministry with a large gathering at the Sambil Convention Center on August 23, 2025, where nearly 2,000 Nazarenes and friends came together to thank God and renew their missional commitment.
In a festive and reverent atmosphere, the Nazarene family in the country celebrated under the theme “50 Years of Building in Love.” The program included music by districts, the main sermon by General Superintendent Emeritus Dr. Jerry Porter, a moment of consecration led by Dr. Louie Bustle (retired Global Missions director), and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper with all attendees.
Founding missionaries Dr. Louie Bustle and Ellen Bustle participated, along with Dr. Jerry Porter and his wife Toni, whose legacy was recognized for her key role in establishing and growing the work in the nation. Also in attendance were Regional Director Dr. Luis Carlos Sáenz, his wife Rosa and family; past and present district superintendents, pastors, leaders, and delegations from the country’s five districts, turning the celebration into a true family reunion.
The order of service included: welcome; district music (interspersed throughout the day); the message by Dr. Jerry Porter; and the solemn prayer of consecration led by Dr. Louie Bustle, culminating with the Lord’s Supper.
The Nazarene work took its first steps as a house congregation in the Bustle family’s home, in Las Palmas, Santo Domingo, with Librado Figuereo as the first pastor in the country. In the first year, churches were planted in Fundación de Barahona, Bonao, Santiago de los Caballeros, and La Romana; and from Santiago, six new congregations emerged in just two years. The missional momentum was supported by pastors and laypeople from Puerto Rico—including the Alvarado family—by William Porter, who was Dr. Jerry Porter’s father, as well as Youth in Mission teams and volunteers. Preaching reached the bateyes and remote areas of La Romana. Shortly thereafter, the first District Assembly was held at Las Palmas (Alma Rosa, Santo Domingo Este). In the second assembly, 13 churches and 228 members were reported; in the third, 30 churches and 528 members. With the motto “Each One Win One”, based on John 15:16, NIV, membership doubled to 1,079 in just one year.
Today, the Church of the Nazarene in the Dominican Republic has 211 organized churches, 5 districts, and 17,098 members. In Children’s Ministries, 671 children benefit from 15 Child Development Centers (CDC), and 34 pastors’ children receive sponsorship.
“This commemoration not only marked a historic milestone, but became a divine reunion with our identity and mission to make Christlike disciples,” said Carlos de la Cruz, area strategy coordinator for the Mesocentral Field. The atmosphere reflected the unity of the Spirit; hugs, conversations, and expressions of joy bore witness to God’s grace throughout these five decades. There was also recognition for national leaders, district superintendents, pastors, and laypeople who have led the church with dedication and sacrifice, including a posthumous tribute to those who now rest in the Lord. “Their names resounded like an echo of victory…” added De la Cruz.
With a solid foundation and eyes on the future, the church in the Dominican Republic embraces the challenge of its founders: to advance in love, unity, and holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, convinced that the best chapters are yet to be written. “We reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission, recalling the motto that propelled growth nationally and internationally: Let every Nazarene win one.”
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16, NIV)
Source: Carlos de la Cruz, Area Strategy Coordinator (Mesocentral); Alexandra Gautreaux, Central District Communications (DR). Photo credits: Central District Communications (DR) and Mesoamerica Region Communications.
