With the purpose of strengthening marriages and promoting Christ-centered homes, the North Chile District Church of the Nazarene held its first MANA Marriage Encounter, a day of blessing, restoration, fellowship, and spiritual growth. 17 couples from different churches in the district participated in the events of the day.
The encounter took place on 15 August 2026 and brought together couples who dedicated time to seek the Lord together, strengthen their marital relationship, and renew their commitment to walk in unity. The day unfolded in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, marked by moments of worship, Bible teaching, prayer, and fellowship.
The invited speakers were the national coordinators of the MANA ministry, pastors Oscar Varas Ruiz and María Paz del Canto Castro, who provided guidance to the participants and led each session with a biblical and practical approach to married life.
Three main themes were addressed during the encounter. The first session, “The Art of Staying Together,” explored biblical principles related to communication, forgiveness, and the importance of cultivating marital unity daily. The second, “Serving the Lord Together,” highlighted marriage as a team that can use its gifts and abilities to serve God and the church. Finally, “Finances in Marriage” provided tools related to financial unity, stewardship, and joint decision-making to responsibly manage the resources God provides. The central biblical text of the gathering was Ecclesiastes 4:9.
In addition to the teaching sessions, each couple received a special time of personal ministry and prayer. They also participated in practical activities together, accompanied by materials designed to encourage conversation and reflection on different aspects of married life.
The day also included separate ministry sessions for men and women. Varas led a time of prayer and reflection with the men about their spiritual responsibility within the home, while Paz del Canto accompanied the women in a space designed to strengthen their identity, vocation, and participation in family and ministry life.
As part of the closing ceremony, the couples received certificates and were invited to express their commitment to continue nurturing and strengthening their relationship. The organizers expressed their gratitude to God for the experience of this first gathering, as well as to the participating couples, the pastors who promoted the initiative in their churches, and the district team that made the event possible.
This first MANA gathering reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces for accompaniment, formation, and fellowship that contribute to strengthening families. As part of this vision, the North Chile District plans to continue developing zonal gatherings and practical workshops to support more couples and promote healthy, united homes committed to Christ and his mission.