During this past Holy Week, Etla Church of the Nazarene in Mexico experienced an intentional time of seeking the Lord through different activities. Many community members gathered in increasing numbers, culminating in an Easter Sunday celebration where 400 people attended.

The activities began on Wednesday with a night of praise to celebrate God’s great love.

On Thursday, the church gathered for a time of fasting and prayer. Later, they shared a time of refreshment and fellowship. In the evening, they celebrated the Lord’s Supper and remembered the events of Maundy Thursday. Many took up the challenge to live a life of gratitude to Jesus for his willingness to sacrifice himself in obedience to the Father.

On Good Friday evening, the church gathered to hear the Word of God and pray for those physically and emotionally sick.

“We faithfully believe that the power (of God) was present,” said Daniela Santiago, a member of the pastoral team of the Etla Church of the Nazarene.

On Saturday morning, they gathered for ministry, prayer, and confession.

“We experienced the Lord in an incredible way and left full of him,” Santiago said.

On Easter Sunday at 5 a.m., more than 400 people celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. The pastor of the church, Josué Barrera, shared a message from the Bible.

One entire family gave their lives to Jesus. The Easter service was the first time that they had attended a church. They saw the event announcements on social media and decided to attend.

“It was noteworthy that many people who had not visited our church joined this special celebration,” Santiago said. “It was a celebration full of joy, happiness, thankfulness, and hope. We celebrate that Christ lives, that he conquered death, and that we are free, forgiven, redeemed, and transformed into a new creature through him.”

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region