The Northern District of Costa Rica, El Distrito Norte, held a historic training event in Muelle, San Carlos, where more than 70 participants, including leaders from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI), Nazarene Missions International (NMI), Nazarene Youth International (NYI), pastors, and the district superintendent gathered to strengthen the call to missions through integrated ministry work.

"Typically, when we provide training to leaders, it focuses on a single ministry," said Ana María Crocker, NMI regional coordinator, who led this event. "But what happened in the Costa Rica North District was very special because, for the first time, all the ministries came together to be equipped. This integrated model strengthens vision and teamwork."

The meeting was convened by Fabiola Castro, the district NMI president. District Superintendent Alexander Loría opened the meeting with a pastoral reflection, emphasizing the importance of carrying out the church's mission in unity. 

The regional NMI Coordinator then shared a workshop titled "What We Do, How We Do It, and Why We Do It," which reinforced the identity, purpose, and passion of the missions ministry.

One of the key moments was when prayers were offered specifically for the young people and children present—for their protection, discernment, and dedication to God's service. The church gratefully recognized that youth are not only the future but the living present of the Body of Christ. 

Erika Chaves, regional missionary mobilization coordinator, also shared a powerful message, encouraging all ministries to "Find, Train, and Send" those who feel divinely called to serve not only in traditional missions but also in the many ministry areas within and outside the Mesoamerica Region.

The testimony of Jeimy Navarro, a young woman from the Central District of Costa Rica, inspired those in attendance as she shared her upcoming assignment as a sponsored missionary with the Genesis Initiative. She will serve as a pioneer planter in Antigua and Barbuda, testifying to the desirable outcomes when a church decides to invest in its youth and its missionary vocation.

For Superintendent Loría, these types of events are part of a clear strategy: "It is key that all ministries work together and carry out the mission in an integrated manner." He also noted that NCM will be the next ministry to arrive in the Northern District to offer training as part of the commitment to continue advancing together in the mission.

Crocker believes the meeting reaffirms that when the church unites under the vision of making Christlike disciples in the nations, it becomes a thriving community that answers the call from Acts 1:8—to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.