Celebrating the Church Centennial in Ecuador

A couple of weeks ago, our family traveled to Riobamba, Ecuador, to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Church of the Nazarene.  This anniversary is being celebrated all over the world.  Here's a recap of the weekend:

With great enthusiasm, the Ecuadorian church celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Church of the Nazarene on September 12-14 in Riobamba, Ecuador.  Every event intentionally demonstrated a heartfelt thankfulness for God’s blessings upon the Church.  On Friday night, Field Strategy Coordinator Dwight Rich provided a clear definition of a Holiness Church and he bore witness of God’s grace to the Church over its history in Ecuador.

On Saturday morning, staff members of the South American Theological Nazarene Seminary presented workshops.  Rector Freddy Guerrero shared his vision for the future of the Seminary while Dr. Jonathan Salgado, from Mexico, spoke on Nazarene Identity (or what it means to be a Nazarene).  Seminary students also testified about their calls to ministry.

The highlight of the weekend came Saturday afternoon when 2000 people marched through the streets of the Riobamba, stretching out over 15 city blocks (picture 1).  The rally simulated the gathering of our founding fathers and demonstrated for the townspeople the joy of the Church of the Nazarene.  The band from the local Nazarene school accompanied the crowd while jugglers on stilts performed in the parade.  Several ministry groups marched alongside the colorful floats (picture 2).  The march ended at the Coliseum where an evangelistic service commenced.  Several indigenous churches formed a choir of 120 Quechuan women.  A youth group also performed an amazing juggling and acrobatics act, which included lit torches.

During the final celebration on Sunday morning, as the congregation finished singing the last note of “Holiness Unto the Lord,” a Mariachi band surprised everyone as they paraded through the Coliseum and led a time of worship (picture 3).  A special “passing of the torch” ceremony, in which the older generation lit the candles of the younger generation, pointed to the future of the Church (picture 4).  Rev. Freddy Guerrero gave the final challenge—we cannot be content with our accomplishments but must look ahead, building upon our glorious heritage to carry the message of Holiness to those in a sinful world until the time of our Lord’s return.

Ecuadorian church leaders planned and led the events of the entire weekend.  At each service, a praise team from a different church led the worship.  Two of the services were broadcast throughout Ecuador and parts of South America.  The Church of the Nazarene is alive and well in Ecuador, and we give God all the glory!  Amen!

This Semester's NILI Staff and Students

For the Fall Semester 2008, there are 6 NILI students.  We recently had them, their national roommates and the NILI staff and families over for dinner and games.  Even Mr. Snuggles is part of the group!

New Kids Club

Sherri is now helping at a newly formed Kids Club called "Children of Jesus."  The club is for children of Seminary staff and students.  The kids hear a story, sing songs, play games and make a craft.  It's a lot of fun!  In this picture, Kristen (one of our NILI students) is helping some children color their memory verse craft.