From September 26-29, Panama received 65 people, among them missionaries, missionary kids, and guests, at the “Pure of Heart” Mesoamerica Region Retreat. During the retreat, missionaries enjoyed times of worship and praise, the message of God’s Word, training, as well as times of fellowship and rest.
The retreat began with a devotional shared by the regional director, Dr. Carlos Sáenz. Some of the talks were given by the Field Strategy directors and some regional ministry coordinators. Missionaries heard from global leaders too, including Jim Ritchie, Global Missions director; Brent Hulett, Missions Mobilization global director; and Marty Hoskins, global coordinator of personnel.
A very special moment of fellowship was the birthday celebration for all missionaries. It was a time of happiness among group activities, laughter, applause, cake, and even a piñata that the youngest ones enjoyed.
Another very special moment at the event was when Miguel and Irene Garita, regional coordinators for the Family Care ministry, received a recognition for their distinguished service in the Mesoamerica Region.
The Garitas have served on the region for 14 years, ministering specifically to pastoral, superintendent, and local church couples through talks, counseling, and retreats. They have also participated in ladies’ and superintendents’ retreats, among others. The Garitas have been part of training teams for compassionate, youth, and children’s ministries. They have counseled in times of natural disasters, assisted with training new counselors, with giving psychological help to orphans, and have participated in the selection and following of Project Genesis candidates.
In addition, the Garitas have written a 12 lesson book for couples, a book for superintendents, and others. Said Mrs. Irene Garita, “We are very thankful to the Lord for the privilege to serve him. All glory to God!”
Also, during another very special moment, Rev. Carol Rittenhouse was recognized and thanked. She has served the region as part of the Seminario Nazareno de las Américas (Nazarene Seminary of the Americas, known in Spanish as SENDAS) team in Costa Rica. Since her arrival in 2015, she has worked in the area of theological education as an administrator and professor. She also supervises a Spanish teaching program known as CALL (Christian Academy of Language and Learning). Rev. Rittenhouse has collaborated with the Nazarene devotional “Reflecting God”, among other publications.
As of January 2025, Carol will be teaching English at Crestview Middle School in Huntington, Indiana, where she will be working with Spanish-speaking students to help them learn English. She will also have the opportunity to work with their families as a teacher and with the Spanish-speaking community in general. “It has been my life’s privilege to serve at SENDAS on the Mesoamerica Region. In my nine years of service, I have felt the grace of leadership in our region and have valued their guidance.” Rittenhouse said, “God’s call in my life to be a missionary has not been abandoned. Rather, God has opened a new mission field for me! God willing, I will continue as a volunteer in this wonderful region… May God’s will be done in each of our lives!”
Mrs. Rosa de Sáenz, organizer of this event, said, “For me it is a privilege to organize events like this one after praying, planning, and coordinating every detail that God placed on our hearts so that every participant could come and enjoy. It was a beautiful time where the Holy Spirit renewed the lives of each of our families that serve on this region. We thank God!”
Source: Mesoamerica Communications Team
