Nearly 800 people attended the International Congress for Pastors and Leaders, organized by Mexico’s Oaxaca Northwest District. The participants came from various parts of Mexico and other countries, such as the United States, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Peru.

The purpose of the congress was to encourage pastors and leaders to passionately serve the Lord and to seek a move of the Holy Spirit to strengthen churches after the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I thank God for this congress [as] we were challenged to continue trusting in God because He will support us in the ministry to which He has called us," said Pastor Ablo Solis from Tonalá Chiapas. "Each one of the speakers impacted and challenged our lives."

The event was held 3- 5 February at the facilities of the Praise and Proclamation Center Church of the Nazarene, pastored by  Elías Betanzos, also superintendent of the Oaxaca Northwest District. The church offered the senior pastors lodging and food at no cost.

The congress was attended by global, regional, and local leaders, including General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker, Pastor Obed Jauregui, Pastor Felipe del Castillo, and Pastor Elías Betanzos. The leaders motivated and challenged the attendees to continue growing spiritually and in membership as they serve with perseverance and confidence in the Lord.

Pastor Mabel Velásquez hosted a time with the pastors' wives. The attendees also received workshops with Pastor Josué Barrera, Pastor Luz Portillo, Gabriel Gallegos, and Esteban Murillo, communications coordinator for the Mesoamerica Region. These workshops included topics such as developing ministrty potential, the importance of technology in the church, healthy worship, and loyalty in leadership.

"For me, holding this congress is honoring the life of my father, a Nazarene pastor who dedicated his life to planting churches and preaching in adverse conditions for 30 years," Betanzos said. "He taught me to honor pastors, and in his memory, I hold this congress every year to edify and bless pastors so that they return to their congregations motivated to give their best. It is my joy to serve God and support the pastors of our Church of the Nazarene."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region