More than 300 Nazarenes from 10 countries participated in the Nazarene Missions International (NMI) Regional Congress, “Nazarenes Obeying the Great Commission,” held August 13–15 at the Convention Center of the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Guatemala City.

Representatives from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Belize gathered to be challenged and equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and mobilize the church in its mission to make Christlike disciples.

Under the emphasis “Mobilizing to Build His Church,” the congress included six conferences and five workshops focused on topics such as discipleship, prayer, mobilization to cities, the participation of younger generations and children in mission, the regional vision, missionary mobilization, and strengthening NMI in the local church.

Special guests included Dr. David Busic, General Superintendent in Jurisdiction; Dr. Gustavo A. Crocker, General Superintendent and Chair of the Board of General Superintendents; Cheryl Crouch, Global NMI Director; and Rev. Jimmy De Gouveia, director of the Mesoamerica Region, along with regional, field, and district leaders.

During the opening session, Dr. Busic shared the message “Mobilizing to Build His Church.” On the following evenings, Dr. Crocker preached on the themes “Mobilizing the Church of the Nazarene in Global Missions” and “Committed to Taking the Mission to the Ends of the Earth.”

During one of these moments, Crocker extended a call to embrace the challenge that had been presented. Many people responded by coming forward to the altar and kneeling as an expression of commitment.

One of the congress’s key emphases was the participation of different generations. Ana María Crocker de Díaz, organizer of the event and regional NMI coordinator for 22 years, shared about an encounter with a child who had traveled from Mexico and approached her to ask how he could know whether God was speaking to him and calling him, because he wanted to become a pastor when he grew up.

“We often think that God only calls young people and adults, but throughout this time, children were also impacted to serve Him,” Crocker said.

The strong participation of young people was also considered one of the significant outcomes of the gathering, connecting NMI’s mission with the vision of a Living Church, driven by a multigenerational movement of Christlike disciples who multiply and plant churches with evangelistic passion and compassion in every community.

David Josué Ramírez, from Casa de Oración Church of the Nazarene in San José, Costa Rica, described the impact the gathering had on his life.

“I came to the congress with great expectations, and the Lord exceeded them. He reminded me that my testimony in His hands can bless others and that the encounter that transformed my life also marked my call to serve Him,” he said. Ramírez added that he believes God is awakening a multigenerational remnant called to live in holiness, reflect Christ, and remain attentive to His voice.

María de Lourdes Hernández Guajardo, NMI president of the Northeast Mexico District and pastor of the Third Church of the Nazarene in Saltillo, Coahuila, said the congress gave her the opportunity to learn more about missions through regional and global leaders.

“We were challenged to contextualize strategies and methods for the new generations,” Hernández said, also highlighting NMI’s role in mobilizing, educating, and involving every person in fulfilling the Great Commission.

A Leadership Transition

The congress also marked a significant moment for NMI in Mesoamerica. Regional Director Rev. Jimmy De Gouveia publicly recognized Ana María “Ani” Crocker de Díaz for her 22 years of service as regional NMI coordinator. District representatives also joined in honoring her years of leadership and service.

Cheryl Crouch, Global NMI Director, also expressed her gratitude for the time shared in Guatemala, highlighting the teaching, times of worship, and fellowship with leaders and missionaries.

“It has been a special joy to celebrate 22 years of exceptional leadership by Ana Crocker,” Crouch said.

As part of this leadership transition, Crocker symbolically passed the baton to Ana Celia Martínez, who is assuming the role of regional NMI coordinator, and then prayed for her as she begins this new season of ministry.

“For me, it is an honor and a great responsibility to assume the coordination of this ministry in our region. The challenge ahead is great, but I am convinced that, with the grace of God and the support of our church, we can be instruments of transformation. It is my desire that the Lord equip me with everything necessary to do His will,” Martínez said.

Reflecting on the conclusion of her years leading the ministry, Crocker thanked God for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of NMI in local churches throughout the Mesoamerica Region.

“I am entering a new stage in my life, and I can only say: Thank You, God, because You have helped me this far,” she said.

Another moment of recognition was the farewell to Dr. Benjamín Soria, who concluded four years of service as regional NYI coordinator. The Regional NYI Council expressed its gratitude for his work and dedication to serving the youth of Mesoamerica.

The gathering also included a flag night, during which participants paraded representing their countries with flags and traditional attire. This was followed by a time of sharing traditional sweets and items representing the different nations present.

The Regional NMI Congress concluded with a time of fellowship and Holy Communion. Participants were encouraged to take the tools and the challenge back to their districts and local churches, continuing to mobilize, build the Church, and fulfill the Great Commission.

Written by: Communications, Mesoamerica Region
This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.