A Venezuela church took a team of congregational leaders to Las Virtudes, the most difficult-to-reach church on the Llanos District, in order to help disciple and train leaders in that community.

The team from Iglesia del Nazareno Llano Alto began its journey on Thursday, 15 September, departing from the city of Barinas to the community of Llano Alto on the shores of the Masparro reservoir. The following day, the group left at 5 a.m. for a 40-minute motorcycle trip through roads, ravines, and streams.

During the final leg of the journey, the team walked for six hours through the jungle, mountains, and savannahs, while riding horses and mules occasionally to rest and catch their breath. At approximately 12 p.m., they arrived at the church in Las Virtudes and were received by Pastor Rufino Peña.

The team hosted four nights of services and preached the gospel to all who attended. On Saturday, brothers from the church went down to the waters to be baptized, believing in their hearts and confessing with their lips, “I die to the world and I live for Christ.”

On Sunday, there was a holiness service preached by Nazarene Missions International Field Coordinator Amalia de Torrealba. Communion was ministered by German Torrealba, who also offered a welcome to the new members of the church.

In the afternoon, a youth workshop was given by Michael and Pablo Torres, who shared the vision, mission, and working methods of the Llanos District Nazarene Youth International.

"The experience is unique,” Michael said. “It is amazing to see how the Church of the Nazarene has extended its borders and has reached places where it seemed that no one can reach.

“We observe the desire and love for the work of God in which brothers committed to Christ could get there, happy for the welcome and brotherly love shown by the brothers in Las Virtudes.”

Michael noted that their nearest neighbors in the community of Las Virtudes can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to travel to each other. However, the people of Las Virtudes are still active members that participate in their local congregation weekly.

“It was a wonderful experience that taught us that no matter how far, [the condition of] the weather or the roads, by all means one must serve Christ,” Michael said.

--Church of the Nazarene South America