#Inspira17, the first national Church of the Nazarene youth event for Chile in 12 years, was held last month for 230 young people. Each day featured workshops on topics such as adolescents and marriage, as well as recreational activities and the first national Bible Quizzing competition with a team from each district.

Led by Nazarene Youth International Chile Coordinator Jaime Román Araya, a team began working on the event more than a year ago. The last national NYI event in February 2005 was attended by 150 young people from all over Chile, as well as youth from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.

"This is a new season for the NYI and the Church of the Nazarene in Chile," said Jimmy De Gouveia, regional NYI coordinator, on the first night of the conference.

Pastors and leaders from the region attended, including Anna Melva Chavez (Argentina), Adiel Teixeira (regional NYI president), Juan David Herrera (NYI Colombia coordinator), and Lucas Nunes (South America regional communications coordinator).

Bands from the Estación Central (Central District), Villa Cap (Bío Bío), and Altos del Pilar (Argentina) churches led worship for the event.

"It was five days where God—through the Holy Spirit—inspired, reconciled, healed, and called many of the young people who were present," said David Huanca, communications coordinator for Chile.

In a meeting with representatives from each district, leaders decided to make a second version called #Inspira19. The Bio Bio District will host and expects to double the number of attendees.

--Church of the Nazarene South America