On Saturday September 3rd, 2016, at the Yahweh Shalom Church of the Nazarene in Dominguito, Arecibo, a graduation ceremony and Ordination Service was held for the Puerto Rico West District. Dr. Ruben Fernandez, Rector of the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas (SENDAS) and Education and Pastoral Development Coordinator for the Mesoamerica Region, led the graduation ceremony. This is the first graduation sponsored by SENDAS held in the Puerto Rico West District,. Six students received the Diploma in Christian Ministry, they were: Blanca D. Campos, Glenda Colón, Marta J. Gonzalez, Mildred Martinez, Myrna Perez and Jose A. Rivera.
The graduation ceremony was dedicated to Rev. Frank Mastache, who has pastored nearly 40 years and has contributed in theological education for more than 25 years, both in Puerto Rico and the US Hispanic area.
Dr. Jerry Porter, General Superintendent in Jurisdiction, accompanied by his wife Toni, preached the Word of God and challenged those present to fulfill the mission of Jesus and to multiply by making Christlike disciples in Puerto Rico. Dr. Porter officiated the ordination ceremony of 5 ministers, 3 Elders: Blanca Campos, Angel Ramos and Miqueas Torres; and 2 Deacons: Carmen Rivera and Wilfredo Galán.
Brethren, pastors and familis celebrated this very significant moment with the graduates and those who were ordained. A group from the Puerto Rico East District also accompanied them, including the new Superintendent, Reverend Andres Hernandez and former superintendents: Rev. Olga Robles, Herson Santa and Samuel Perez.
Rev. Ramon Sierra said: “We experienced the presence of God as the Puerto Rico Nazarene family and we rejoice in the achievements of our brothers and sisters. We were motivated to continue working together to fulfill our mission to realize the annual motto of our district: Let’s harvest in the Power of the Spirit”
Source: Ramon A. Sierra, Puerto Rico West District Superintendent
