Camino de Santidad Iglesia del Nazareno celebrated the baptism of 27 people. The pastors of the church, Wendy and Plinio Urizar and Cesar and Elsa Ayala, said this celebration is the result of the evangelistic work that the church carried out during the pandemic.

The church, also known as “Mi CaSa,” is located in the center of Guatemala City, Guatemala. More than 250 adults and children attended the celebration held at Mount Sion Camp on April 27. 

The church reopened when COVID-19 restrictions began in late November 2021. Plinio Urizar said this was a challenge for the leadership, but they decided to put their trust in God. After they reopened, they held 2 celebrations, seeing growth in numbers as well as spiritual fervor among congregants. “This growth brought families in need of God, and as a church we are focused on making Christ-like disciples,” Urizar said.

Freddy Velásquez, a young man discipled through the youth video cells, was one of those baptized along with his mother and sister who have been attending church with him. Freddy testified:

“I am 24 years old. I suffer from a disability that limits my movements and makes it difficult for me to speak. I came to 'Mi Casa' through a great friend. I had distanced myself from God due to family circumstances that had a negative effect on me, I fell into a deep depression and came to have very dark thoughts. I told a friend about it and she invited me to the video calls. 

At first, I didn't think it was that important, but then God began to give me answers through the teachings, and He made me free from depression! For several years, I [battled] a strong sin and I remember that one day in a teaching about Jonah, God [freed] me from that sin.

I confronted God about my disability; I asked him why he allowed it? But today, I understand that I am a reflection of God's love, [and] I have a smile that proves it.

God loves you and has a purpose with every circumstance that he allows you to go through, but you must allow him into your life and let him act. God restored a broken heart and my whole being through my leaders.

Today I thank God for “Mi CaSa” since they accepted me without knowing me and they loved me. Today I make the decision to be baptized together with my mother and sister, and now my desire is to serve God.”

“Together with the pastors of 'Mi Casa', we give all the glory to God for the transformation we are seeing in the lives of the people who attend the temple Sunday after Sunday,” Urizar said.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region