Ordination Service

Dr. Nina G. Gunter, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Mexico and Central America Region, recently conducted assemblies for the Mexico South Border, Mexico South, Mexico Sierra Madre, Mexico Oaxaca, Mexico Olmeca, Mexico Central, Mexico West, Mexico Huasteca, and Mexico Northeast districts. A total of 29 men and 3 women were ordained into the Christian ministry as elders. One was the first woman to be ordained on the Mexico South Border District in its history.

Pastoral education continues to be a strong emphasis in the Mexico districts. Rev. Obdulia Martinez Villanueva, rector of the Seminario Nazareno Mexicano, was on hand to present the bachelor of theology degree to one woman serving as a pastor at the Mexico Sierra Madre District Assembly, and the evening service of the Mexico Oaxaca District Assembly included a graduation ceremony for two more who had attended the Seminario Nazareno Mexicano. There are now seven extension campuses of the Seminario in Mexico, educating more than 500 students.

Ordination service

Although Mexico Sierra Madre is a Phase-1 district, its assembly was highlighted by notable gains. The district superintendent reported two newly organized churches, 142 new Nazarenes (an increase of 81 percent), 32 showings of the JESUS Film, a grand Centennial Celebration with the district receiving an offering for the Global Ministry Center, and 14 first-time district license recipients. With one of their pastors also a practicing medical doctor, this district sponsors medical clinics to help the needy. Pastoral and lay leadership development programs are in place, and all missions and preaching points have Sunday School, area prayer retreats, and camps for various ages.

Following last year’s announcement of birthing a new district, with appropriate ceremony the district assembly of Mexico Oaxaca officially declared the organization of the new Oaxaca Northwest District as a Phase-2 district. The people of the new district marched out as they sang and celebrated the new beginning. Dr. Gunter installed Alberto Joaquín as district superintendent. They elected officers and other district leaders in February.

“The future is bright for our church in Mexico,” said Dr. Gunter. “I am especially encouraged to see the attendance and involvement of youth in the assemblies. The young people love the church, respect the leaders, and are eager to engage in God’s mission through the Church of the Nazarene.”