{"id":84804,"date":"2025-10-06T12:52:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T18:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesonaz.org\/?p=84804"},"modified":"2025-10-06T12:52:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T18:52:13","slug":"50-years-of-building-in-love-nazarenes-celebrate-in-the-dominican-republic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesonaz.org\/en\/50-years-of-building-in-love-nazarenes-celebrate-in-the-dominican-republic\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Years of Building in Love: Nazarenes Celebrate in the Dominican Republic"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cHalf a century of faithfulness, a mission still burning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Church of the Nazarene in the Dominican Republic celebrated its 50 years of ministry<\/strong> with a large gathering at the Sambil Convention Center<\/strong> on August 23, 2025, where nearly 2,000<\/strong> Nazarenes and friends came together to thank God and renew their missional commitment.<\/p>\n

In a festive and reverent atmosphere, the Nazarene family in the country celebrated under the theme \u201c50 Years of Building in Love.\u201d<\/strong> The program included music by districts<\/strong>, the main sermon<\/strong> by General Superintendent Emeritus Dr. Jerry Porter<\/strong>, a moment of consecration<\/strong> led by Dr. Louie Bustle<\/strong> (retired Global Missions<\/strong> director), and the celebration of the Lord\u2019s Supper<\/strong> with all attendees.<\/p>\n

Founding missionaries<\/strong> Dr. Louie Bustle and Ellen Bustle<\/strong> participated, along with Dr. Jerry Porter<\/strong> and his wife Toni<\/strong>, 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 S\u00e1enz<\/strong>, his wife Rosa<\/strong> and family; past and present district superintendents<\/strong>, pastors<\/strong>, leaders<\/strong>, and delegations from the country\u2019s five districts<\/strong>, turning the celebration into a true family reunion.<\/p>\n

The order of service<\/strong> included: welcome; district music<\/strong> (interspersed throughout the day); the message<\/strong> by Dr. Jerry Porter; and the solemn prayer of consecration<\/strong> led by Dr. Louie Bustle, culminating with the Lord\u2019s Supper<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Nazarene work<\/strong> took its first steps as a house congregation in the Bustle family\u2019s home<\/strong>, in Las Palmas<\/strong>, Santo Domingo<\/strong>, with Librado Figuereo<\/strong> as the first pastor in the country<\/strong>. In the first year, churches were planted in Fundaci\u00f3n de Barahona<\/strong>, Bonao<\/strong>, Santiago de los Caballeros<\/strong>, and La Romana<\/strong>; and from Santiago, six<\/strong> new congregations emerged in just two years. The missional momentum was supported by pastors and laypeople from Puerto Rico<\/strong>\u2014including the Alvarado family<\/strong>\u2014by William Porter<\/strong>, who was Dr. Jerry Porter\u2019s father, as well as Youth in Mission<\/strong> teams and volunteers. Preaching reached the bateyes<\/em><\/strong> and remote areas of La Romana<\/strong>. Shortly thereafter, the first District Assembly<\/strong> was held at Las Palmas<\/strong> (Alma Rosa, Santo Domingo Este). In the second assembly, 13 churches and 228 members<\/strong> were reported; in the third, 30 churches and 528 members<\/strong>. With the motto \u201cEach One Win One\u201d<\/strong>, based on John 15:16, NIV<\/strong>, membership doubled to 1,079<\/strong> in just one year.<\/p>\n

Today, the Church of the Nazarene in the Dominican Republic has 211<\/strong> organized churches, 5<\/strong> districts, and 17,098<\/strong> members. In Children\u2019s Ministries<\/strong>, 671<\/strong> children benefit from 15 Child Development Centers (CDC)<\/strong>, and 34<\/strong> pastors\u2019 children receive sponsorship.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis commemoration not only marked a historic milestone, but became a divine reunion with our identity and mission to make Christlike disciples<\/strong>,\u201d said Carlos de la Cruz<\/strong>, area strategy coordinator for the Mesocentral Field. The atmosphere reflected the unity of the Spirit<\/strong>; hugs, conversations, and expressions of joy bore witness to God\u2019s grace<\/strong> throughout these five decades. There was also recognition<\/strong> for national leaders, district superintendents<\/strong>, pastors<\/strong>, and laypeople<\/strong> who have led the church with dedication and sacrifice, including a posthumous tribute<\/strong> to those who now rest in the Lord. \u201cTheir names resounded like an echo of victory\u2026<\/strong>\u201d added De la Cruz.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>, empowered by the Holy Spirit<\/strong>, convinced that the best chapters are yet to be written<\/strong>. \u201cWe reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission, recalling the motto that propelled growth nationally and internationally: Let every Nazarene win one.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit\u2014fruit that will last<\/strong>.\u201d (John 15:16, NIV<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

Source:<\/strong> Carlos de la Cruz, Area Strategy Coordinator (Mesocentral); Alexandra Gautreaux, Central District Communications (DR).\u2028Photo credits:<\/strong> Central District Communications (DR) and Mesoamerica Region Communications.<\/p>\n