Freddie Benavidez was elected superintendent of the Sierra Norte District on 17 March 2023.

Benavidez pastors the Manantial de Vida Church of the Nazarene in Quito, Ecuador, and has held leadership positions in the district, and taught at Seminario Teológico Nazareno Sudamericano (South American Nazarene Theological Seminary).

“With much enthusiasm, we accept this challenge,” Benavidez said. “I am convinced that if God calls you, He will support, guide, and affirm you. Thank you to the District Assembly, who confirmed their desire to support, trust, and to be a pillar in the new district administration.”

The assembly was held in a spirit of unity, bidding farewell to pastor Hernán Puga, who is retiring after 26 years of service as the district superintendent. 

“Serving 26 years in this district was a wonderful experience for four reasons: church planting, seeing so many people giving their lives to the Lord, developing lay leaders and seeing them later become pastors, and personally feeling the hand of God at work in my life and ministry all the time,” Benavidez said. “I only have gratitude to the Lord and to my beloved Church of the Nazarene. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this honor and privilege."

General Superintendent Fili Chambo, Regional Director Christian Sarmiento, Field Strategy Coordinator Geraldo Nunes, and around 178 delegates plus visitors who showed their support for the new leadership participated in the assembly.
--Church of the Nazarene South America