More than 70 leaders from various ministries received joint training in an unprecedented event in the North District of Costa Rica.
Nazarene leadership in Costa Rica strengthens integrated ministry work, igniting passion for the mission and God’s call across generations.
On April 26, the North District of Costa Rica experienced a historic day of training in Muelle, San Carlos. Over 70 participants—including leaders from Nazarene Missions International (NMI), Nazarene Youth International (NYI), Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI), Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), pastors, and the District Superintendent—gathered with a common purpose: to strengthen the call to mission through truly integrated ministry work.
“Usually, when we offer training to leaders, it is directed at only one ministry. But what happened in the North District of Costa Rica was very special, because for the first time all ministries came together to be equipped as one. This integrated model strengthens both vision and teamwork,” said Ana María Crocker, NMI Regional Coordinator, who led this significant gathering.
The event was convened by the district NMI president, Fabiola Castro, and opened with a pastoral reflection by the District Superintendent, Rev. Alexander Loría, who emphasized the importance of carrying out the mission in unity. Ana María Crocker then led the main workshop titled “What We Do, How We Do It, and Why We Do It,” reinforcing the identity, purpose, and passion of the mission ministry.
One of the most moving moments was when specific prayer was offered for the youth and children present. The church gratefully acknowledged that they are not just the future but the living present of the Body of Christ. Prayers were lifted for their protection, discernment, and dedication to serving God.
Rev. Erika Chaves, Regional Mobilization Coordinator, also shared a powerful message encouraging all ministries to “Find, Train, and Send” those who are experiencing a divine call to serve—not only in traditional missions but in the many ministry areas across and beyond the Mesoamerica Region.
The testimony of Jeimy Navarro, a young woman from the Central District of Costa Rica, deeply inspired those in attendance. She shared her upcoming assignment as a sponsored missionary with the Genesis Initiative. She will serve as a pioneering church planter in Antigua and Barbuda, a living testimony to what happens when a church invests in its youth and their missionary calling.
According to Rev. Loría, this type of event is part of a clear strategy: “It is essential that all ministries work together and fulfill the mission in an integrated way.” He also noted that the next ministry scheduled to provide training in the North District will be Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), as part of the ongoing commitment to advance the mission together.
This gathering reaffirmed that when the church unites under a shared vision—to Make Christlike Disciples—the result is a vibrant community that responds to the call of Acts 1:8: to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Source: Ana María Crocker Regional Coordinator of NMI – Mesoamerica Region
