21 October 2026

Wind and Fire

Offering relief from the sweltering heat, a fresh wind blew through the open-air pavilion where over 500 gathered for a Nazarene Missions International training event. Much like that refreshing breeze, the Holy Spirit’s presence came with joy and an awareness of his power during the February 2026 conference held in Mérida, Yucatan. 

Each session began with lively worship and featured workshops led by global and regional leaders: Cheryl Crouch, Global NMI director; Ana María Crocker, regional coordinator of Mesoamerica; Erika Chaves Campos, regional coordinator of Missionary Mobilization; and Dr. Jorge Córdova, field strategy coordinator of Mexico. The teaching sessions empowered the church with key practical and theological tools through various missions-oriented themes. Superintendent Magdiel Morales was recognized, along with each Oriente District leader who demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm, and a willing heart for the work. 

Brother Carlos Vázquez Alfaro, Mexico’s NMI coordinator, organized the event which registered record attendance. Many young people helped by serving meals, coordinating media, and leading worship. Their energy enlivened the whole crowd.

The meeting more than fulfilled the purpose of instructing the church to expand the kingdom of God. Attendees were challenged to excellence, remembering that the constant preparation is a divine mandate: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

The Great Commission firmly united the members of the eight districts of the southern portion of Mexico and four additional districts. Delicious local cuisine made on site, beautiful palm trees surrounding the pavilion, vibrant cultural celebrations, and festive world flags and decorations added to the sense of celebration. For a grand finale, fireworks lit up the stage, creating an appropriate send-off for those who felt the Holy Spirit igniting a new flame for missions.

Thanks to Carlos Vázquez Alfaro for his help with this story.

In 1903, individuals from the United States who are members of the Texas Holiness Association moved to the south of Mexico. Samuel M. Stafford, who was on his way to to his assignment in Guatemala, stopped in Tonalá, Chiapas. Here he started preaching and teaching the biblical doctrine of holiness. In a span of seven years, these leaders established missions in several cities, including San Jerónimo, Oaxaca, (now Ciudad Ixtepec), Jalisco, Chiapas, (now Arriaga), Calera and Tonalá, Chiapas, and other places in the State of Guerrero.

In October 1908, when the unification and official organization of the Church of the Nazarene took place, the missionaries and the works they had started in Mexico became part of the new denomination. Today, there are six missionaries serving in Mexico and 20 active missionaries who have been deployed from Mexico.

Portions of this history were taken from a Didache paper by René Jiménez Guzmán 

Do you feel God is calling you to cross-cultural missions work? Click here for information on how to get involved: Send Me – Church of the Nazarene

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