On July 2 and July 16, the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Regional Mission Department held two significant virtual mission meetings with pastors and leaders. Led by Pastor Madelind, director of the regional mission department, these gatherings aimed to strengthen evangelistic efforts and renew commitment to God’s calling through practical teachings and spiritual exhortation.

1. Biblical Reflection and Spiritual Challenge

On July 2, Pastor Madelind shared a message based on 2 Timothy 2:1–6, highlighting how the Apostle Paul continually exhorted Timothy not to be discouraged but to remain strong in his calling. She emphasized that just as Paul encouraged Timothy to be diligent, today’s leaders must also persevere in evangelism, knowing that God is faithful and always with them.

On July 16, Pastor Madelind taught from Psalm 126:5, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” She reminded the leaders that their sacrifices, tears, and diligence in evangelism are not in vain. Every effort made for the Kingdom will yield fruit. She urged them to see responsibility, accountability, and time management as expressions of their faithfulness to God’s calling.

2. Practical Evangelism Training

During the July 16 meeting, Pastor Jhanet gave a practical presentation on online evangelism, sharing a simple but effective method that has produced notable results. She stressed that beyond the method, what truly brings results is perseverance, dedication, and wise use of time. Her session offered clear, actionable strategies that inspired many leaders.

3. Leadership Formation and Personal Commitment

Pastor Madelind also explained the difference between volunteers, registered members, and committed members. This distinction helped each leader assess their level of involvement and make a more conscious, responsible decision in their evangelistic work. It served as a call to go beyond participation and live as truly devoted servants of the Gospel.

4. June Evangelism Statistics Report

Throughout June, CAC regional leaders submitted daily reports of their outreach activities, which were recorded in a centralized statistics spreadsheet. This tool allowed for organized tracking and assessment of each nation’s growth—both numerically and spiritually.

Country Highlights:

• Guatemala:
  42 hours of evangelism, 1,049 new contacts, 39 new students, 13 Bible studies. The team is still searching for a church location. Regional leaders and Pastor Andrea from Colombia are expected to assist with the mission efforts.
• Nicaragua:
  90 hours of evangelism, 1,092 contacts, 78 new students, and 108 Bible studies. A registered member was officially added to the ministry team.
• Mexico:
  112 hours of evangelism, 1,817 contacts, 64 new students, and 83 Bible studies.
• Dominican Republic:
  236 hours of evangelism, 6,430 contacts, 302 new students, 528 Bible studies. Two registered members were also signed.

5. Announcement: CAC Summer Retreat

Pastor Madelind enthusiastically announced that the CAC Regional Summer Retreat will be held on August 1, 2, and 3. The retreat will be conducted both virtually and in-person, providing broader access and participation for students and leaders across the region.

6. Prayer and Spiritual Renewal

Both meetings concluded with a time of prayer led by Pastor Lucía Moon, director of Elim CAC.

• On July 2, she shared Romans 12:2, encouraging leaders to renew their minds through God’s Word and not conform to the world but pursue God’s will with diligence during the second half of 2025.
• On July 16, she shared Romans 8:28–30, reminding everyone that those who love God are called according to His purpose, and that God’s plan is to conform them to the image of His Son. It was a moment of deep spiritual renewal and recommitment to their mission.

These two mission meetings provided both practical strategy and spiritual refreshment. Leaders left with renewed zeal and a firm commitment to evangelize with responsibility, passion, and enduring hope in God’s promises.

When I was younger, in my local church, I remember crying before God all the time, even fasting, because the idea instilled in me was that if I didn’t speak in tongues, it was because I didn’t have the Holy Spirit; therefore, I wasn’t saved. I cried a lot and asked God with unspeakable groans to give me the gift of tongues. But when I saw that I wasn’t receiving it, I grew resentful and wondered: what was I doing wrong? I simply resigned myself to not having it and to thinking that I didn’t have the Holy Spirit.

But as I matured further in my faith, and as I read and understood this passage from Corinthians, I realized that if my motivation wasn’t right in the end, what was the point of having the gift? Later, I was able to meditate deeply on the fact that the Holy Spirit is with us from the moment we repent of all our wicked ways. I understood that not everyone has speaking in tongues, but it is a gift-a gift that requires close attention because it is special-primarily for the edification of the body. When we speak in tongues, we are directly connected to God, and this edifies our spirit. It is also a way in which God speaks to the church.

Paul mentioned all the problems that can arise when speaking in tongues, but despite everything, he commands us to speak in tongues because this is a precious gift. Therefore, we should also long to have it.

Speaking in tongues is that direct communion with God in a spiritual language, as Romans 8:26a teaches us: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.”

If we meditate on the reasons why speaking in tongues is important, we could say that communicating with God directly and for long periods of time is very important. When we pray in tongues, we can last a long time, and when we finish, we feel invigorated, feeling as if it was less time than it actually was. This is also a good tool to be able to take our prayers directly to God without the enemy hearing what we ask and putting up obstacles.

Therefore, we should earnestly pursue speaking in tongues, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t have it; just pray to God and He will help you.

The first session, held on July 4, centered on James 5:17–18. Pastor Jo emphasized the powerful role of national representatives, likening their influence to that of the prophet Elijah, whose prayer brought both drought and rain. He reminded the leaders that God has established them as spiritual representatives whose prayers have the authority to shape the future of their nations. Like Moses, whose intercession determined the fate of Israel, today’s leaders must fulfill their spiritual roles with fear, hope, and unwavering daily commitment.

A detailed evaluation of the June mission performance followed, including data on evangelism hours, number of contacts, new Bible study students, total studies, prospective members, and those progressing beyond Romans chapter 4. Pastor Jo explained that the purpose of this evaluation is not comparison or competition, but to foster growth, highlight strengths, and develop more effective strategies for advancing the mission.

The second meeting on July 11 focused on Joshua 14:12 and the example of Caleb. Pastor Jo urged CAC leaders to embody the same faith and determination Caleb had when he asked the Lord for the promised mountain. He declared that church planting requires this boldness, as the church is the gate of heaven that must be opened in many cities. Although the region may face challenges and limitations, Pastor Jo emphasized that what matters most is to maintain the same heart and hope that Caleb possessed: “If God is with us, all things are possible.”

He stressed the importance of having the right spiritual posture and urged every leader to pray daily with the faith of Caleb and a heart full of longing for revival. He reminded everyone that it is not too late to accomplish the vision that God has given.

The headquarters has begun implementing the strategic vision of planting churches in 1,000 cities. The first step is to reopen churches without current ministers in the CAC region, followed by the establishment of new churches in unreached cities. The July focus is on restoring churches in five key cities—San Marcos (Guatemala), Santiago (Dominican Republic), San Salvador and San Miguel (El Salvador), and Tegucigalpa (Honduras). August will mark the beginning of new church planting efforts.

Throughout both meetings, Pastor Madelind Martínez, Director of Missions, presented ongoing country reports and progress toward the 2025 General Assembly goals. She also shared prayer requests for raising future leaders in each country. Pastor Miriam Vázquez, Director of Education, reported that Latin American education leaders are reviewing the new doctrinal textbook materials and confirmed that the education website is now operational. Full-time deaconess Pastor Thalita also presented a detailed report on her mission area.

The July Mission Meeting concluded with a unified call to move forward in faith, diligence, and spiritual discipline. Just as Caleb claimed the mountain God had promised, CAC leaders are encouraged to walk each day with conviction—believing that what God has promised can still be fulfilled.

On the first day, Pastor Miriam Vázquez delivered the opening message based on Matthew 5:1–4, reflecting on the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. She emphasized the significance of Jesus choosing a mountain to teach, drawing a parallel to Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. Here, Jesus introduces the “new law” — the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” teaches spiritual humility. To be poor in spirit is to possess a heart like Jesus — meek and lowly, empty and yearning for the truth (Amos 8:11). Only a humble heart can truly thirst for God and receive His Word. Jesus modeled this humility by emptying Himself, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:5–8), and in doing so, was exalted by the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).

The second beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn,” speaks of a deep and meaningful sorrow — not despair, but a weeping over the sin of the world and personal repentance. This sorrow flows from a contrite heart that recognizes its faults before God. It is closely tied to the first beatitude: true spiritual poverty leads to genuine mourning, and those who mourn are comforted by God.

After the message, leaders reflected together, sharing the grace they had received. Pastor Jhanet shared, “During the message, I remembered the hope the Lord gave us through the Sermon on the Mount, and I realized I need a heart that seeks deeper into the Kingdom of God.”

On the second day, the retreat continued with three readings focused on the remaining beatitudes (Matthew 5:5–12).

Pastor Jhanet Lomar began by sharing the third and fourth beatitudes. “Blessed are the meek” teaches that, unlike the world’s view that power and aggression bring success, it is meekness that inherits the earth. Jesus, described as a lamb, is the supreme example of this. To be part of God’s Kingdom, we must eliminate anger and cultivate a gentle heart.
The fourth beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” calls us to desire the Kingdom of God above all else. Those who long for God’s righteousness will be truly satisfied.

The second reading, shared by Leader Hans Riveros, focused on the fifth and sixth beatitudes. “Blessed are the merciful” teaches us that mercy—compassion and forgiveness—is central to divine love. Having received God’s mercy, we are called to extend it to others.
“Blessed are the pure in heart” reminds us that purity is achieved through faith in Jesus, who forgives and renews. This beatitude highlights the freedom found in God’s grace, which cleanses and transforms us.

Pastor Miriam Vázquez then spoke on the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peacemakers are those who actively promote peace and unity, resisting the lies and divisions of the enemy. Just as Jesus reconciled humanity with God, we are called to pursue peace and be known as God’s children.

Finally, Pastor Jan Lu shared the eighth beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” She reminded the attendees that working for God’s Kingdom often leads to rejection and suffering in the world, but this should be cause for joy—not sorrow—as it confirms our identity as God’s people and brings great reward in heaven.

The retreat ended with a time of earnest prayer, where leaders asked the Holy Spirit to help each person become truly blessed by embodying the heart of Christ. Through the Beatitudes, they were invited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus — humble, merciful, pure, and faithful, even in the face of hardship.

This Summer Retreat of Merida was not merely an event, but a journey into the very heart of the Gospel. The messages illuminated that the truly blessed are not the strong by worldly standards, but the meek, the brokenhearted, and those who live to bring peace. Strengthened by grace and renewed in their mission, the leaders left prepared to continue building the Kingdom of God with faith, humility, and love.

On July 15, the leaders of the Dominican Republic OA carried out campus evangelism at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), reaching out to students with passion and purpose. They prepared a special box filled with Bible verses and personalized tracts, allowing students to draw a word that would speak directly to their hearts. This simple yet thoughtful approach attracted many curious hearts—some confessed that the verse they received was “exactly what I needed right now.” In various spots, small groups formed organically, creating opportunities to share the love of God with several students at once. Despite a few closed hearts, God’s grace was evident, and the leaders remained faithful and patient. As a result, approximately 20 students expressed interest in continuing with Bible studies, marking a meaningful harvest from this joyful and Spirit-led mission.

On July 14 in Belize’s capital, leader Jamie Santos responded obediently to God’s call and went out for personal evangelism. Without seeking platforms or applause, she walked the streets with a heart full of compassion and a message of transformation. Sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, Jamie approached individuals personally, offering free Bible studies to anyone desiring to know more about God. Her evangelism was intimate and loving—rooted in the belief that the Kingdom of God advances one person at a time. Her mission was clear: to meet people where they are, regardless of status or background, and to show them the redeeming love of Christ through words and presence. Jamie’s steps echoed the heart of Jesus: quiet, sincere, and filled with hope.

On July 12, in one of the public squares of Managua, Nicaragua, leader Francisca and a student stepped out in faith to share the gospel with those facing emotional or spiritual struggles. They centered their outreach around a relatable and heartfelt question: “How do you overcome gray days?” Using creative flyers that featured Psalm 34:18, Francisca explained how brokenness, emptiness, and discouragement often weigh down the human heart—but that restoration is found in Jesus Christ. The message was clear: only in Him can we find light in the midst of darkness and comfort in the midst of pain.

Their message resonated. Many people stopped to listen, moved by the idea that God was speaking to their situation. Some were emotional, others asked thoughtful questions, and several gratefully accepted the materials. One of the most encouraging outcomes was a young woman who expressed sincere interest in learning more about God and agreed to begin Bible studies—evidence that the Spirit had begun a new work in her heart.

Across all three nations, the theme was consistent: true evangelism begins with one soul at a time. These leaders didn’t rely on large crowds or grand events but embraced the power of personal, Spirit-led encounters. In each case, hearts were touched, seeds were planted, and faith was ignited.

Though not every encounter ended with a commitment, the gospel was faithfully shared, and God’s love was revealed. We thank the Lord for each step taken, each conversation had, and each life touched. We continue to pray for every person reached—that the Holy Spirit would remind them of the message they heard, soften their hearts, and draw them near to the One who gives eternal hope. May these humble acts of obedience bear eternal fruit in God’s perfect time.

From June 6 to June 8, 2025, churches across Central America and Caribbean (CAC) held a multi-day Pentecost retreat, culminating in a wave of spiritual renewal and commitment to the Great Commission. The retreat was held simultaneously in key locations including Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Managua (Nicaragua), and Mexico City (Mexico), and was marked by deep biblical teachings, heartfelt prayer, and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The central focus throughout was the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, based on the first chapters of the Book of Acts.

In Santo Domingo, Pastor Madelind Martinez delivered the final message based on Acts 1:17, reminding the congregation that Pentecost was historically a day of thanksgiving for the firstfruits. In the New Testament, this symbolizes Christ as the firstfruit of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20), and the 120 disciples in Acts 1:15 as the lastfruits. She emphasized that to truly understand the descent of the Holy Spirit, one must understand the Book of Acts in depth. She raised thought-provoking questions: Why must the Holy Spirit come? Why does He come? Pastor Madelind answered by explaining that although Christ is no longer physically present, the Holy Spirit came to ensure that believers would never be left as orphans. The Spirit, she said, is the continual evidence of God’s love and care for each person.

She also reminded those present of human weakness—that we are truly incompetent and always fall—but the Spirit lifts us up, grants grace, and teaches us daily. The Holy Spirit heals, strengthens, and renews those who seek Him. As the Spirit produces fruit in the lives of believers, they are again called to sow and reap—continually engaged in the mission of sharing the gospel. Pastor Madelind concluded by urging the church to be bold, beautiful witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth, and to embrace their calling with courage and commitment.

Meanwhile, in Managua, Pastor Thalita preached from Acts 1:8, focusing on the empowering nature of the Holy Spirit to make believers into witnesses. “God always pours out an anointing with a mission,” she declared. She explained that the Spirit’s coming is not merely a spiritual experience but a divine empowerment to proclaim salvation. Drawing from Romans 5 and 8, she emphasized that the Holy Spirit is a gift of the Father’s love, bringing peace, helping believers overcome the flesh, and interceding in prayer. Pastor Thalita compared believers to good soil, which receives the word and bears fruit through the Spirit’s nourishment. At the end of the message, she lovingly guided the congregation to partake in the Lord’s Supper with reverence, reminding them of the importance of self-examination and thankfulness for Christ’s redemptive work.

Mexico City hosted a series of lectures and prayer gatherings over the course of the retreat. On the second day, pastors Miriam Vázquez and Jhanet Lomar, along with leader Hans Riveros, shared deep insights into Peter’s sermon in Acts 2. They reflected on how Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed Jesus as Lord, fulfilling Joel’s prophecy and marking the dawn of a new spiritual era. They reminded the attendees that the gospel’s power is not rooted in human effort, but in God’s will and providence. Salvation is achieved not by merit but through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Another strong theme across all locations was the necessity of true repentance. Leaders such as Francisca Mayorga and Nayeli Martinez emphasized that repentance is not simply about regretting personal sins, but about acknowledging the gravity of rejecting Christ, the Son of God, who was sent to save the world. Pastor Madelind elaborated on this in her earlier message as well, stating that real repentance must lead to a transformed heart and a new life that glorifies God.

The services also highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming ordinary people—once fearful and weak—into courageous witnesses of Christ. Drawing from Acts 2 and Joel’s prophecy, the speakers declared that the Spirit is now poured out on all flesh, regardless of background or status, and that believers today are called to embrace this empowerment to fulfill God’s mission.

As the retreat concluded in each city, the congregations gathered for the Lord’s Supper. In Santo Domingo, after the closing message, each member gave thanks to God for the grace received. In Managua and Mexico City, leaders led heartfelt prayers for ongoing spiritual renewal, asking the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and fill them afresh.

Across the region, the Pentecost retreat served as a profound reminder that while believers are weak on their own, the Holy Spirit lifts them up, heals them, and enables them to live lives of mission and power. The same Spirit who empowered the early Church continues to call today’s believers to proclaim Christ boldly, sow seeds of truth, and bear fruit that will last. The retreat closed with hearts full of gratitude, leaders renewed in their calling, and congregations united in their desire to walk faithfully in the Spirit to the ends of the earth.