God is still moving through Nazarene Missions International. We have seen how His church continues to advance in 159 world areas so far, where MNI has been vital in Prayer, Discipleship, Education and the contribution of our being and our resources (offerings) to support the missionary work around the world.
We, as the Mesoamerica Region, have been daily advancing in the fulfillment of the Great Commission: to REACH THE UNREACHED and MAKE CHRISTLIKE DISCIPLES IN THE NATIONS.
We have learned to be responsible in SERVING WITH PASSION AND COMMITMENT for the cause of the gospel doing this in many ways: Some in THEIR JERUSALEM, others in THEIR JUDEA, some in SAMARIA, and others SENDING and GOING TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.
When I say SENDING AND GOING, I mean we have been responsible for supporting not only the World Evangelism Fund – WEF, but also the GENESIS INITIATIVE.
Districts and congregations are accountable in supporting and sending missionaries to reach the 28 cities in our region without reducing their contributions to WEF and this is extraordinary. We give glory and honor to God for these achievements!
We already started with some events to celebrate what God is doing through His people in the Mesoamerica Region: On May 29th and 30th the first Celebration of the Nazarene Missions International – NMI 100 Years was held in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Sister Alma Rodriguez Hidalgo, Mexico Field NMI Coordinator along with Sister Maria Lucia Manuel, NMI Coordinator for that field and a team of Nazarenes brothers and sisters prepared this challenging event where we could celebrate how the Church of the Nazarene in Mexico has progressed through missions …but there is still much to be done.
The guest speaker was Dr. Gustavo Crocker, General Superintendent in jurisdiction who shared the topics: “Recognizing the NMI Past”, “NMI Today” and “NMI Ahead in a Challenge”, based on Romans 10: 9-15, 2nd Timothy 4 and Revelations 19. Through the messages from the Word of God, we were challenged to continue to fulfill the missions equation: Share A SIMPLE gospel, sharing the gospel to ALL and to complete it, there must be one WHO SENDS and one that GOES. We must also be prepared, DRESSED WITH FINE LINEN AND SHINING TO RECEIVE THE KING at the Wedding of the Lamb.
What a special time: remembering the past, we live the present and we were challenged to a future with a commitment full of the Lord’s presence!
But this does not end here; many districts are having their own celebration. But, at the regional level, we are preparing to receive the entire leadership of our Mesoamerica Region at the MISSIONARY REGIONAL CONFERENCE, where from October 7th, concluding on the evening of October 9th, we will be sharing about our CHRISTIAN, HOLINESS AND MISSIONAL HERITAGE, and will be challenged to hold A PRESENT WITH A FUTURE through God’s chosen servants and lecturers: Dr. Nina Gunter, General Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Gustavo Crocker, General Superintendent in Jurisdiction, Dr. Louie Bustle, former Global Mission Director, Dr. Vern Ward, Global Mission Director. Sister Lola Brickey, NMI Global Director, will present a greeting from NMI at the Gala Dinner we will have on the 8th, exactly the day we meet 100 years of missionary ministry.
In addition, we will have workshops related to our Nazarene Core Values, given by Ministry Regional Coordinators, Field Strategy Coordinator, Superintendents and the Global Child Development Coordinator, Rev. Trino Jara.
As Regional NMI Coordinator, I praise God for the privilege to serve and to say as the Prophet Samuel, “Ebenezer,” The Lord has not failed to help us.”
By Ana Maria Crocker de Diaz, Regional Coordinator NMI
