A Nazarene Medical Brigade (NMB) shared God's love with others through healthcare services on Saturday, May 23, 2025, at the El Recreo Iglesia del Nazareno in Chiapas, Mexico. The brigade included a general practitioner, a dentist, and 20 volunteers.

During the event—organized by Jacob Ortiz, coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) for the Mexico Sierra Madre de Chiapas District—more than 130 people received medical care and heard the message of salvation.  

Jacob’s team provided medical and dental consultations, medication distribution, vital sign monitoring, gently used clothing distribution, and door-to-door evangelism activities. The event also featured children's activities, including entertainment by clowns.

"My dream was always to wear the NCM vest," said Shalma Hernández, a volunteer dentist. "Now, every opportunity I have to serve in my vocation, helping people without access to public health care, inspires me to continue forward with faith, love, and passion for God's work."

The community expressed its deep gratitude, as past insecurity in the Sierra region has led many local clinics to close, and medical care has not yet been fully restored. The population of El Recreo is primarily dedicated to growing coffee and corn, and the Church of the Nazarene has an active membership of approximately 100 people.

The Nazarene Medical Brigade in Mexico was founded in 2017 as a solidarity response following the earthquake in Juchitán, Oaxaca. Since then, nearly 350 brigades have been carried out in different regions of the country, all led by volunteer healthcare professionals.

"Most of the health volunteers are young people who have recently graduated," said Edi Montejo, NCM coordinator in Southern Mexico. "Young people are also actively involved in other areas of service. NCM is a great opportunity for young people to serve with purpose."

Thanks to the growth of this ministry, NCM Mexico has strengthened its structure. Sister Shalma Hernández has been appointed as Medical Brigade coordinator in the southern territory, and another individual has been appointed to coordinate these efforts in the north of the country.

"It is a joy to serve others through our vocation," Hernández said. "We invite others to join the NCM Mexico Nazarene Medical Brigade."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region