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.

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.

**Day 1: The Cross – The Foundation of Christian Life and Ministry**

Senior Pastor Simon Jang of Sean Church in Korea opened the training by focusing on the meaning of the cross. Drawing from Isaiah 53 and Acts 2, he spoke of Christ’s suffering as the Lamb led to the slaughter. Despite being sinless, Jesus bore the punishment for humanity’s sins. Pastor Jang emphasized that the crucifixion was not only a historical tragedy but also a personal matter for each believer, calling for deep repentance and humility. He challenged the leaders to adopt the mind of the cross, to live out humility and service, and to correct others not with condemnation but with love and a spirit of atonement.

**Day 2: Sanctification – Living a Life of Holiness in the Gospel**

Pastor Sofia Hong, Director of Olivet Seminary, led the second day with a message on sanctification. She taught that while believers are justified by faith, the journey of sanctification is a lifelong process of becoming holy through God’s Word, prayer, and community. She warned against legalism and emphasized the grace of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin. Pastor Hong also addressed the importance of unity in the church, referencing the divisions in the Corinthian church. True unity, she said, comes from each person being rooted in Christ, the vine. Church leaders were urged to be faithful stewards of God’s mysteries, using their time wisely, controlling their desires, and bearing each other’s burdens in love.

**Day 3: Resurrection – Hope in the Power of New Life**

On the third day, Pastor Mark Shin, Senior Pastor at Revival Church in Korea, delivered a powerful message about the resurrection. Through John 11 and Romans 6, he spoke of Jesus raising Lazarus and the deep spiritual significance of overcoming despair through resurrection faith. He reminded the leaders that resurrection is not just a doctrine but a source of power that enables believers to overcome hardship and live with hope. The faith of resurrection, he said, is key to missionary work—it fills us with courage, gratitude, and joy even in tribulation. In the second session, Pastor Shin highlighted the historical reality and unshakable truth of the resurrection, calling all believers to be witnesses of the risen Christ and to live with the hope of eternal life.

**Day 4: The Church – Living Biblically as One Body**

The final day featured two lectures from Pastor Sarah Yoon, Director of OAAP OLI. She outlined the biblical principles that guide the identity, practices, and traditions of the church community. Starting as a humble Bible study group, the church grew through love for the Word, early morning devotions, and a culture of offering the first hour of the day to God. Pastor Yoon explained how the community practices Kerygma (proclaiming the Word), Koinonia (fellowship), and Diakonia (service), emphasizing that faith must be expressed in action.

She stressed the church’s unity, rooted in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, where members work together like the body of Christ. Pastor Yoon also explained the concept of front-line and support-line ministries, where different parts of the church serve with mutual respect and purpose. She introduced the community’s vision for marriage and family—rooted in faith and lifelong care—emphasizing “Faith and Family” as a key to church stability.

In her second lecture, Pastor Yoon urged leaders to live out the gospel daily through relationships of love, sanctification in the church, and humility before one another. She emphasized the need for organized ministry, accountability, and complete dependence on the Word of God. Bible teachers must focus solely on the truth of the Bible, not worldly issues, she said. The Word must be preached as life-giving power, not just knowledge. Sanctification, she concluded, must be practiced together in community through prayer, material integrity, and Spirit-led living.

**Conclusion: A Renewed Vision for the Gospel in Latin America**

Throughout the four-day training, CAC leaders were deeply moved by the teachings and reaffirmed their calling to expand God’s kingdom in Latin America. They resolved to carry the message of the cross and resurrection, live holy lives of sanctification, and build churches grounded in the Bible and love. With renewed vision, they committed to planting the Word of God in their hearts, living by the power of the Holy Spirit, and delivering the gospel of life to the ends of the earth.

In recent weeks, the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) region has witnessed a remarkable spiritual movement, as leaders from Emanuel Presbyterian Churches in both the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua boldly carried out evangelism and Bible study outreach on university campuses. These missions are part of a growing wave of revival taking place among university students, many of whom are hearing the Word of God for the first time.

*Reaching Musicians and Future Leaders in Santo Domingo
On April 1st, leaders in the Dominican Republic launched an evangelistic effort at the Music Conservatory of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. With hearts set on sharing the Gospel, they reached out to young singers and invited them to join campus Bible study groups.

Their goal was clear: to find those who had a desire to study the Word and become part of a Christ-centered community. These young artists, many with a passion for worship and service, were encouraged to join the Jubilee ministry. The result was a new wave of participation and interest in spiritual growth among future worship leaders.

“We give thanks to God,” said a local leader, “for helping us reach students who are now seeking to live by the Word and be used for God’s kingdom.”

*Revival Sparks in Managua, Nicaragua
Just days later, on April 10th, CAC leaders in Managua carried out a vibrant campus outreach at the National University of Nicaragua. Armed with posters bearing biblical promises, candy giveaways, and most importantly, hearts on fire for the Gospel, the leaders drew in a multitude of students.

Within just one hour, 33 new contacts were made—students who expressed a genuine desire to study the Bible further. Despite being in the middle of exam season, students paused to receive words of hope and encouragement. One student shared, “We really needed this right now. These messages have been a strength to our hearts.”

Each day, the presence of the leaders has led to a visible shift in campus atmosphere. What once felt like spiritually barren ground is now being tilled by the Spirit for revival. Leaders testify that this may be the beginning of a great move of God among Nicaragua’s youth.

*A Shared Vision, A United Mission
Though taking place in different countries, both events reflect the same heart: to see young people encounter Christ, grow in faith, and carry the Gospel forward. Leaders in both Santo Domingo and Managua emphasized the importance of continued prayer for these students—that they would not only understand the Word but live it out with joy and purpose.

“We pray that their hearts will remain open,” said one CAC coordinator, “and that they will become strong pillars of faith in their communities.”

As the CAC region continues to invest in university evangelism, there is growing anticipation for greater revival. From music conservatories to university quads, the Spirit is moving—and a new generation is rising to carry the Word to the ends of the earth.

From April 18 to 20, 2025, churches across the Central America & Caribbean (CAC) region gathered for a special Easter retreat to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and proclaim the glorious message of His victory over death. Held in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, the retreat became a sacred moment for believers to deeply reflect on the suffering and resurrection of the Lord.

A 40-Day Journey to the Cross and the Empty Tomb

This retreat was not a standalone event but the culmination of a 40-day Lenten journey observed faithfully by churches in the region. Through this time of spiritual preparation, the churches walked the path of the cross, meditating on the profound truth that Jesus suffered for our sins, and that His resurrection was for our justification.

Through prayer, fasting, and reflection, a deeper awareness of Christ’s love and sacrifice took root in the hearts of many. The churches came to realize anew that His coming, His life, His suffering, and death—every moment—was an expression of His unwavering love for humanity.

An Outpouring of Grace Across Four Nations

To share the grace of the resurrection more widely, each nation invited many young people to the retreat. Leaders were selected to prepare and teach on key themes surrounding the passion and resurrection of Christ, and the three-day retreat unfolded with spiritual depth and heartfelt worship.

All who attended testified to a great outpouring of grace. On Easter Sunday, Holy Communion services were held in each country. Notably, in Nicaragua, a baptism ceremony was also conducted—an especially powerful symbol of the new life believers have in the Risen Christ.

The Resurrection: The Completion of the Gospel

One of the central messages of the retreat was the understanding that the cross alone is not the complete gospel—it is the cross and the resurrection together that make the message whole. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate assurance that all sin has been fully forgiven, and that those who believe are declared righteous and can now draw near to God with confidence.

Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus when He broke the bread, many young people experienced spiritual awakening through reflecting on the sacrifice and brokenness of the Lord. His life has now become our life, and through His resurrection, we receive eternal life.

Moving Forward with Boldness and Vision

The CAC churches are now preparing to move forward with new strategies to spread the message of resurrection across the region. There is a strong desire to train the new young attendees as future leaders of the church, ensuring the continuation of this work through the next generation.

The resurrection retreat was not just a moment of emotional impact, but a turning point for revival and spiritual inheritance. Just as the disciples who met the risen Lord became bold witnesses, the churches of Central America and the Caribbean are now determined to proclaim His resurrection with renewed strength.

“Feed my lambs,” said the risen Jesus. In obedience to this calling, the CAC churches will continue to feed the Lord’s flock—to the ends of the earth—until the day He returns.

Day 1: Experiencing God’s Glory and Love

The retreat began with a message from Missionary Ana based on Psalm 85:11: “Truth springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.” This verse highlighted the mystery of Christ’s incarnation—His humble birth and divine mission to redeem humanity. Reflecting on Mary’s purity and humility, participants were encouraged to cultivate clean hearts to welcome Christ into their lives, just as Mary did.

Leader Luis Perdomo followed with a study of Philippians 1:1-11, focusing on love that abounds in knowledge and discernment. Drawing from Apostle Paul’s exhortation, he emphasized that this love is not merely emotional but transformative, leading to lives that produce fruits of righteousness and glorify God. Participants were reminded that God, who began His good work in them, would bring it to completion.

The first day concluded with fellowship over a shared meal, where participants reflected on the grace received through the Word. Laughter, testimonies, and heartfelt conversations filled the room, reinforcing the unity of faith and the joy of Christmas.

Day 2: Proclaiming the Gospel and Embracing Sacrifice

The second day began with Leader Nayeli delivering a devotional message based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. She emphasized the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in all kingdom work, reminding attendees that only by His guidance can true mission work be accomplished. “God will perfect the good work He has started,” she encouraged, urging reliance on the Spirit for renewal and direction.

Leader Luis Perdomo then led a study on Philippians 2:1-5, highlighting three key themes:

1. Unity in the Spirit: Believers are called to live in harmony, driven by Christ’s love and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
2. Humility and Consideration: Paul exhorted believers to prioritize others’ needs above their own, reflecting Christ’s humility.
3. The Example of Christ: Jesus’ sacrificial love serves as the ultimate model, inspiring believers to live selflessly in their relationships and faith journeys.

The afternoon session featured Pastor Madelind Martinez, who delivered a Christological reflection on Philippians 2:5-11. She unpacked the profound humility and love of Christ, who, though fully divine, emptied Himself to become human and offer redemption through His sacrifice. This message called attendees to serve others with the same humility and devotion, echoing Christ’s example.

Leader Francisca Mayorga concluded the readings with Philippians 2:12-30, emphasizing obedience as the fruit of salvation, the importance of joyful attitudes, and the call to be shining examples of faith in a dark world. Her message encouraged attendees to maintain grace-filled lives and remember the deeper meaning of Christmas.

A Time of Prayer and Renewal

One of the most powerful moments of the retreat was the time of prayer, led by Pastor Madelind Martinez. She urged participants to pray with gratitude for the grace received and to intercede for one another, following Paul’s teaching to bear one another’s burdens. As hearts opened to the Holy Spirit, many experienced profound spiritual renewal. Pastor Madelind reflected, “God is bringing a new season. Just as trees undergo transformation to bear fruit or as childbirth brings suffering before new life, God is preparing us for a higher calling.”

Conclusion: A New Beginning in Christ

The 2023 Christmas Retreat was a transformative experience that reignited faith and hope among all participants. Through worship, the Word, and prayer, attendees were reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and their calling to live as diligent servants of Christ, reflecting His love and grace in the world.

As this retreat concludes, the CAC region prays for revival, trusting that the seeds planted during this time will bear lasting fruit. May the message of “love abounding in knowledge and discernment” continue to inspire each participant to glorify God in their lives and bring the light of the Gospel to the world.

The leaders are using the Book of Romans, where the Apostle Paul brilliantly explains the essence of salvation, as their primary tool for evangelism. They are focusing on spreading the gospel to many young people.

In particular, through online evangelism, dozens of young people are exposed to the gospel daily. Among them, some even decide to dedicate their lives to Christ.

With the Great Commission of Jesus Christ in their hearts — “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” — they aim to teach and raise many young people to become leaders.

They are praying daily and evangelizing with the goal of gaining 40 co-workers who will work together for the kingdom of God. hope for the Holy Spirit to bring about a great revival.

The assembly was a valuable time for CAC mission leaders to unite with ministers from around the world, share mission progress, and plan for the year ahead.
It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the grace God has bestowed on the CAC region and discuss mission strategies.

The mission department of the Assembly has found these reports to be indicative of the rising level of professionality that is being encountered throughout missions in the region.  OA South America encourages the leadership of each country to follow and adhere to the strategies implemented  in each of the countries that have achieved good and observable results.

The Assembly has been following a stat-driven approach to measure mission efforts and track the progress of each country. The main office encourages the missions in each country to remain focused and prayerful over their established goals and objectives and reach the daily, weekly and monthly statistical goals in order to present significant growth in 2024 and also produce abundant mission fruits for the Lord.

The Assembly plans to strengthen its network of churches in both Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries and has been actively requesting its membership to pray over this exciting and hopeful initiative.

Cities where these new churches will be planted mostly represent “number 2 cities”, meaning that the main church of the country (normally located in the capital) is now opening a second location for a new church. In the case of the countries of Brazil and Colombia however, despite planting churches in several cities already, the leadership of these countries remain active in training new missionaries in order to open new cities.

The main goal for the new churches is to speedily establish local membership from which candidates could be found that could be guided to receive formal training under Olivet Seminary. For meaningful growth, the Assembly has deemed it necessary for the missionaries in each city to raise local leadership (evangelists, intern pastors, deacons) that could eventually learn to take ownership over the church.

Progress reports for the efforts behind this initiative will be issued monthly and the missionaries’ efforts will be evaluated at the end of the quarter following the protocol for mission evaluation.