More than 400 people representing 13 of Mexico’s 15 districts participated in the Nazarene Youth International (NYI) National Congress, “Santos Rebeldes,” held July 30–August 1, 2026, in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Under the theme “Saints for Christ, Rebels Against the World,” the event sought to challenge a new generation to discover their identity in Christ, experience spiritual renewal, break away from conformity, and understand that holiness continues to be God’s call for His people.
Young people and leaders attended from the Oaxaca Norponiente, Oaxaca, Sur, Oriente, Sur Fronterizo, Sur Pacífico, Olmeca, Occidente, Golfo, Norte, Noreste, Noroccidental, and Centro districts.
Throughout the three days, participants took part in devotionals, conferences, workshops, Bible quizzing, and various fellowship activities. The event also included a cultural night featuring live mariachi music, games, and other activities designed especially for participants.
Speakers included Dr. Eli Camas, who shared the messages “The Grace of God” and “The Call of God”; Rev. Jimmy De Gouveia, regional director of the Church of the Nazarene in Mesoamerica, who presented the messages “Unfiltered Holiness,” “A Reformed Church, Always Reforming,” and “Face of a Lion, Feet of a Gazelle”; and Dr. Jorge Córdova, who spoke on the theme “Set Apart for God.”
Workshops included “Agents of Transformation,” led by Misael from Religious Affairs of the State of Jalisco; “Rebel Saints: Standing Firm in the Fire,” led by Austin Blender; and “Tested by Fire,” led by Ana Candy Castro, Mexico Area NYI coordinator.
One of the main emphases of the congress was understanding that being a “Santo Rebelde” means standing firm in faith in the midst of a culture that often opposes the values of God’s Kingdom. During the final message, participants were challenged not only to speak about Jesus, but to reflect Him through the way they live.
As a result, four people accepted Christ and one person reconciled with God. In addition, more than 100 young people responded to the final call to live with passion, purity, and purpose, expressing their willingness to serve with the words, “Here I am.”
Mariana García, from First Church of the Nazarene in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Sur District, shared how deeply the congress impacted her life.
“‘Santos Rebeldes’ was a great blessing. I could feel the presence of God in every message, in the worship, in every smile, and in every conversation. God challenged me to depend on Him, to go against the current, to live an unfiltered holiness, and to bring His light to those who need it,” she said.
García also explained that during the event she found a cause that awakened in her the desire to make her heart available for God’s service. “Personally, I struggled before saying ‘yes’ to the Lord, and in the midst of that I could feel the Holy Spirit telling me, ‘I see you. My grace is sufficient for you, because My power is made perfect in weakness.’ And I have experienced that to be true.”
The congress also included an opportunity to serve beyond the event venue. At the conclusion of the program, members of the team and some participants distributed meals to people experiencing homelessness in downtown Guadalajara. They also had the opportunity to listen to them, pray with them, and share the message of the Gospel.
Guests included Mesoamerica Regional Director Jimmy De Gouveia; Dr. Jorge Córdova Valencia, Mexico Area Strategy Coordinator; Benjamín Soria, Mesoamerica Regional NYI Coordinator; Daniel Tebalan, Mesoamerica Regional Nazarene Bible Evangelism Coordinator; as well as leaders from various ministries, district superintendents, and district NYI presidents. Representatives from organizations and institutions in Jalisco were also present.
For the organizers, “Santos Rebeldes” did not end with the congress. As part of the follow-up efforts, the Santos Rebeldes School was created as a free virtual initiative that began August 29, along with the Santos Rebeldes Mentoring Network, which seeks to continue accompanying the more than 100 young people who responded to the call during the event.
Ana Candy Castro expressed her gratitude for what took place and for the work of the team that made the event possible.
“All I can say is that God’s grace is sufficient. I am grateful for my family and my team, who worked on what no one sees—through sleepless nights, early mornings, and hours without eating, but always with willing hearts. We continue praying for what God is doing in Mexico. I see a new generation rising, and I see families confirming that God continues to call them. To Him be the glory. This is not mine; it belongs to all of us, and it belongs to God,” Castro said.
Through the Santos Rebeldes School and mentoring network, Mexico NYI seeks to build on what began during the congress and continue walking alongside a generation called to live in holiness, serve God, and impact their communities with the Gospel.
Source: Ana Candy Castro Contreras, Mexico Area NYI Coordinator and NYI Project Coordinator.
AI-assisted translation.
