The Cape Verde ordination class with Dr. Graves, Regional Director  Filimao Chambo, and District Superintendent David Araújo

The Achada Santo Church of the Nazarene was filled to capacity each service as Nazarenes arrived from across the Cape Verde islands for district assembly. Dr. David W. Graves, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Africa Region, joined Regional Director Filimao Chambo and District Superintendent David Araújo August 4-8, 2010, for Spirit-filled worship, ordination, seminary graduation, and the 57th Assembly of the Cape Verde District.
 
Delegates come from all 10 islands of Cape Verde and stay for the full five days of district assembly and activities. Dormitory rooms are available at a teacher training school across the street, and meals for all delegates are prepared by the local church.   

“The district has many young, exciting pastors, and the churches are growing in new converts,” said Dr. Graves. This year pastors reported 810 converts and 375 new members by profession of faith. In addition to pastoring the Achada Santo Church, Rev. Araújo has served as the superintendent of the Cape Verde District for 13 years. This year the district launched 5 new church plants with a membership of 6,238 and 58 organized churches. Rev. Araújo challenged the delegates to continue “to go and make Christlike disciples in all the islands of Cabo Verde.”

The Achada Santo Antonio Church of the Nazarene filled to capacity for the Cape Verde District Assembly

Worship with the Cape Verde Nazarenes was a memorable experience for Dr. and Mrs. Graves. In the evening services, the church was overflowing with people in the balcony and gathered on the small patio around the building. “Can they sing!” he said. “The presence of God was in the church.  It was amazing to hear their voices, so full of emotion and energy, giving praise to Him.”  In addition to a praise group leading worship music, the Achada Santo Church choir presented a collection of music emphasizing sharing the light of Jesus Christ. On the last song, the Praia Church choir joined them, and a children’s group came down the aisles carrying battery-powered candles and singing “This Little Light of Mine.”

The Speaker of the House of Cape Verde was in attendance one evening. He joined the Graves on the front row of the congregation.  

The 2010 graduating class of Seminario Nazareno de Cabo Verde received their diplomas during the week’s festivities. Dr. Chambo delivered the message, challenging the new graduates to be people of integrity, and Dr. Graves presented their diplomas. About 400 people enjoyed a celebratory Cape Verde buffet feast afterwards.

The district assembly culminated with the ordination of 10 elders. This was a historic moment as the largest single group of ordinands ever presented on the Cape Verde District.

The five days of gathering of the Cape Verde Nazarenes were characterized by frequent periods of prayer. “As I preached about Stephen, I told them that God is aware of what is happening to them, in their churches, and with their families, and that He can be trusted,” said Dr. Graves. “At the end of the message, spontaneously people began to come forward to pray. The altars were lined, and we closed with a spirited season of prayer.”