The Mesoamerica Region celebrated a historic milestone by organizing the new Cuba Centro District, based in the province of Santa Clara. This district has been formed with 21 organized churches, two church-type missions (CTM), and six missions in formation, which are almost ready to become church-type missions, marking a significant advancement in the church's organizational structure on the island.

During the event, Beatriz Reyes Silvente was elected as superintendent, becoming the first woman to hold this position in Cuba. 

"She is an extraordinary leader in the Cuban church," said Carlos De la Cruz, strategy coordinator for the Central Field. 

This moment strengthens women's leadership in the Church of the Nazarene, and Silvente joins three other female superintendents on the region. The inauguration ceremony was held on 25 January, and additional leaders were elected for the various district ministries to ensure strong leadership and comprehensive support for local communities.

The leadership of Superintendent Leonel López in the Western District has been key to the vision and implementation of this new district. The expansion of the church in Cuba continues unabated, as the organization of a new district is projected for 2030, reaffirming the church's commitment to growth and evangelization.

A Woman of Faith and Mission

"I want to express my gratitude and honor God every day," Silvente said. "I learned in the greatest tribulations that God is sufficient, that he will always be present, that he sustains everything with the power of his Word, that I am merely a vessel for his glory, and I rejoice in knowing that his Holy Spirit lives within me."

Beatriz Reyes Silvente met the Lord in 1993 at the age of 23 in the church pastored by Amelio Palmero in Guantánamo. Since her conversion, she felt a strong calling to ministry, serving for nine years as president of the Nazarene Missions International ministry in her district. 

Her passion and dedication led to her being sent as a missionary to the community of Cidra for three months, which later resulted in her selection as pastor of the local church; she served there for 12 years.

In 2014, Silvente was sent to Santa Clara to pastor the mother church and represent the province, a role she has held for the past 10 years. Her leadership has resulted in the planting of five new churches in the central region of Cuba, where the new district has now been organized.

Married to Hermesindo Rodríguez Gámez for 38 years, Silvente has counted on her husband's unconditional support throughout her ministerial journey. Together, they have formed a beautiful family with two sons.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region