The Church of the Nazarene celebrated 100 years of ministry in Argentina 19 October at the Bruno Radi Convention Center in Pilar, Buenos Aires.

At five o’clock in the afternoon, buses from every part of Buenos Aires started to arrive for the celebration with members of different congregations. By six o’clock, 1,500 people had joined. Among them were superintendents, pastors, leaders, and laypeople.

The service began under the leadership of Marcelo Correa, superintendent of the Central District. The story was told of how God worked to give birth to the Church of the Nazarene in Argentina. Then, the Monte Grande Church of the Nazarene led a time of praise and worship. Alessandro Polonio was presented as the recently appointed field strategy coordinator for the Southern Cone Field, replacing Juan Jose Zani.

It was a special service celebrating the anniversary of the church, and 19 candidates were ordained as elders in the Church of the Nazarene. General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker led the ordination service and brought scriptural a message for the church.

Crocker told the story of the Church of the Nazarene in the 100 years of its history. He emphasized the hard work it took for the church to become what it is today in Argentina. Crocker reminded the congregation that they have been enjoying the fruits of the labor of those who worked hard in the past and encouraged them to commit to serving the Lord like Joshua. He focused on four points: God saves us, we are sanctified, we are called, and we must commit.

The service was closed with the singing of the doxology for the Church of the Nazarene.

“It was a moment filled with emotion and brotherhood among those present," said Carlos Juarez, a celebration attendee. "Everyone remembered and was aware of all that God has done, is doing, and will do with the church, the embassy of the Kingdom on earth.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America