The Mesoamerica Region Nazarene Youth International gathered 762 participants from 17 countries at the regional youth congress, themed “Surrender,” in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

“Our goal is to teach young people that surrendering is about surrendering our life, will, and desire completely to God and that we trust in his plan for our lives,” said Benjamin Soria, regional NYI coordinator, regarding the theme chosen for this event.

The congress was held from 18 to 21 July.

The Mesoamerica worship ministry led worship. Carlos Saenz, director of the Mesoamerica Region, and Rian Williams, superintendent of the Trinidad and Tobago District, shared the preaching.

Also invited to preach were Janary Suyat, Asia-Pacific regional NYI coordinator; Christian Sarmiento, general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene; David Gonzalez, global NYI director; and Christiano Malta, NYI global council president.

Additionally, NYI field coordinators Danielle Miller, Edgar Corzo, Jerson Chupina, and Joel Bermudez shared about sexual purity, generational ministries, identity, and the influence of social media.

Plenary speakers challenged the participants to reflect the character of Christ, to seek unity as children of God, to share the gospel with a living and holy testimony, to educate and empower others, and to understand the importance of being filled with God’s Holy Spirit. Above all, the students were challenged to surrender and consecrate their lives to God.

Different activities were held, including sports and recreational activities. Other events included a cultural parade and a regional youth Bible quizzing competition. The winners of the English and Spanish language competitions were the Leeward/Virgin Islands District and Guatemala, respectively.

Gonzalez recounted a testimony from the conference that began when a couple waited for him after his preaching. The woman told him they were not participants in the event but guests at the hotel. The night before, she and her husband, Gilberto, had heard the music and tried to join the activity, but the hotel staff did not allow them because they were not participants in the event, so they stayed outside listening that night.

The following day, they tried again and were met by Soria, who allowed them in and chatted with them.

Gilberto, between sobs, told Gonzalez: “I don’t know exactly what is happening to me. Since yesterday, I have felt the need to come in here. The music, the atmosphere, and the [speaker]’s words urged me to come in. Earlier today, too, that’s why we came back… And since we came in, I haven’t stopped crying. I didn’t believe in God, and although my wife insisted that I seek God for years, I said no. But being here today, God spoke to me … and I know I need him.”

Gonzalez confirmed that God was speaking to Gilberto because God loves him and that it was no coincidence that he had been let in. At the end of the conversation, Gilberto recognized Jesus as his Savior. He said that when they returned home, he and his wife would attend church together.

“This is just the beginning of the journey that Gilberto has started with Jesus,” Gonzalez said. “When we are one, living in humility, kindness, and mutual help, we give testimony of God’s love, and this testimony is used to transform the lives of many people. May it be so Lord, in us, your church!”