MAC Region Celebrates Máxima Misión’s 5th Anniversary
By Scott and Emily Armstrong, MAC Region Missionaries
January 3, 2008

Five years ago, the first Máxima Misión event was celebrated in Cobán, Guatemala, with 70 participants engaged in evangelism, community development through painting and cleaning, as well as children’s and compassionate ministry. It was the beginning of a movement of missions in the Mexico and Central America (MAC) Region.

After much preparation and hard work, 193 young adults arrived at the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Guatemala City on December 2, 2007, to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Máxima Misión.

The focus of the first day was training the group to be evangelistic ministers and to move them to a consecrated life so God would work through them within communities.

This objective was obtained with the help of Regional Director Luis Carlos Saenz and Regional Coordinator of Evangelism in South America Carlos Radi—who also helped develop the vision of this ministry.

These men gave messages two different days challenging the Youth to be the hands and feet of God in the world. Many felt the Holy Spirit during the two services and the training day. Following this time, the team went to 10 different communities to impact the world for Christ.

From December 4-6, the group was divided into 10 teams; half stayed and served at the Southwest District for 3 days, and the other half went to different places within the Central District.

The Youth served the communities through different activities such as Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, evangelism, Work and Witness, Vacation Bible School, the JESUS Film, painting schools, and a medical team. Many lives, both on the team and in the communities, were transformed.  The 10 groups report a total of 2,385 participants, with 289 adults and 578 children making decisions for Christ.

All the Youth returned Thursday afternoon, December 6, to participate in a service of celebration. They were also challenged to begin new Churches in their own communities.

Field Leader Milton Gay’s message made a significant impact as 26 young people responded to the call to start small groups in their respective homes and communities. Follow-up with these young people began, and they will receive training in the near future.

Friday was a day of rest and sightseeing in Antigua. In the evening, the teams enjoyed different games, competitions, and a time of prayer for missionary Vanessa Cruz from Nicaragua. She received her visa to Spain just two weeks before the event. She shared her testimony and the Youth demonstrated their love and support by collecting an offering of $250.00 (U.S.) for her.

Saturday, December 8—the last day of the event—the Youth showed their thanks to the District Center’s Raúl Sosa for the discount he gave the team during their week’s stay.  All morning and into the afternoon, they worked painting and cleaning around the campus. When evening approached, the World Mission Mobilization Coordinator and missionary serving with the Nazarene Border Initiative, Joel Tooley, gave a message, and the Regional Nazarene Youth International Coordinator, Benjamin Soria, led an altar call.  Twelve young participants accepted Jesus and have already begun a follow-up with their mentor from the Local Church and District.

Fifty-four volunteers helped plan this event including the worship team, communication team, art set workers, registration workers, site coordinators, and more.

Used by permission.  NCN News, January 3, 2008.