More than 60 missionaries and their families serving on the Mesoamerican Region gathered in Panama for a retreat titled “Pure in Heart,” held 26-29 September. During the retreat, the missionaries enjoyed praise and worship, sermons from God's Word, training, fellowship, and rest.

The retreat began with a devotional shared by the regional director, Carlos Sáenz. The field strategy coordinators and some regional ministry coordinators shared presentations. In addition, the missionaries heard from global leaders, such as Jim Ritchie, director of Global Missions; Brent Hulett, director of Missions Mobilization; and Marty Hoskins, Global Missions personnel coordinator.

“It is a privilege for me to organize events like this after praying, planning, and organizing every detail that God put in our hearts so that each participant could come and enjoy,” said Doña Rosa de Sáenz, the event organizer. “It was a beautiful time when the Holy Spirit renewed the life of each family that we serve in this region. We thank God!”

The group celebration of the birthdays of all the missionaries was a special moment at the gathering. The children enjoyed a time of exciting activities, laughter, applause, cake, and even a piñata.

Another highlight was when missionaries Miguel and Irene Garita, regional coordinators of the Family Care ministry, received recognition for their distinguished service in the Mesoamerica Region.

The Garitas have served for 14 years in the region, ministering primarily to pastoral couples, superintendents, and local churches through talks, counseling, and retreats. They have also participated in retreats for women superintendents, among other things.

The Garitas have provided counseling during disasters, worked to train new counselors, helped orphans psychologically, and participated in the selection and monitoring of candidates for Genesis. In addition, the Garitas produced a book of 12 lessons for married couples and a book for superintendents, among other things. 

“We are very grateful to the Lord for the privilege of being able to serve him. Glory be to God!” Irene said.

Thanks was also expressed to missionary, Carol Rittenhouse, who served the region for nine years at the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas (SENDAS) in Costa Rica. Since she arrived in 2015, she has collaborated in the field of theological education as an administrator and professor. She also supervised a Spanish teaching program called CALL (Christian Academy of Language and Learning). Rittenhouse has collaborated with “Reflecting God,” among other publications.

Beginning in January 2025, Carol will return to her home country of the United States, where she will work with Spanish-speaking students to help them learn English. She will also be able to work with their families and with the Spanish-speaking community as a teacher. 

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve with SENDAS in the Mesoamerica Region. In my nine years of service, I have experienced the grace of our region’s leadership and have valued their guidance,” Rittenhouse said. “God’s call on my life to be a missionary has not been abandoned. Rather, God has opened a new missions field for me. God willing, I will continue to volunteer in this wonderful region. May God’s will be fulfilled in all of our lives!”

--Mesoamerica Region Church of the Nazarene