A team of 18 people from the Northern Michigan District partnered with the Church of the Nazarene in Corigliano, Italy, for a two-week mission trip in March; the event left a lasting impact on both the community and the team members.
The idea for this Nazarene Missions Team began when missionaries Yoan and Astrid Camacaro, along with their family, visited Michigan on a deputation tour in 2024. The Northern Michigan District not only hosted them and helped them raise the necessary funds to start their work in Italy, but they also committed to going to Italy to serve alongside them. From 19 March – 2 April 2026, that commitment came to life.
Throughout the team’s time in Italy, they engaged in a variety of ministry projects designed to meet practical needs while creating opportunities to share the gospel. One key project was the renovation of a local soccer school that Yoan and the Camacaro’s oldest son is involved with.
The soccer school is a strategic location in a city with potential for future church planting. While improving the facility, the team also connected with children and parents, sharing the message of Jesus through creative evangelism tools provided through the church’s partnership with JESUS Film Harvest Partners.
The team also hosted a women’s outreach event in partnership with a local association where Astrid serves as a psychologist, welcoming around 50 women for a time of connection, encouragement, and support.
The group helped build a kitchen at the Corigliano Church of the Nazarene and make repairs to the building. The kitchen is especially meaningful because the church was planted through shared meals with neighbors. Additionally, the team served at the local school of the Camacaro’s youngest son, cleaning and restoring outdoor areas. Their efforts drew significant community attention and local media coverage, as many were moved by the team’s willingness to travel and serve voluntarily.
All these activities are confirming that God is at work in many ways in Corigliano.
“We reached around 120 people with the gospel message, extended the church’s reach to two different cities, and boosted the morale of the brothers and sisters who already attend church, showing them that the Christian life transcends the walls of the church and that the Church of the Nazarene is a missionary church,” Yoan said.
While the projects were impactful, many participants emphasized that the relationships formed were the true highlight.
One Northern Michigan team member shared that she arrived in Italy expecting God to use the team to bless the missionaries, the church, and the community. But that blessing extended to others too.
“I never envisioned how much love I would receive and that I would be blessed much more than I felt I gave.”
She added that the friendships formed will last a lifetime and that the team is already looking forward to hosting the Camacaro family in Michigan again.