USA/Canada Region

United States

The work of the Church of the Nazarene began officially in the United States in 1887, although the formal organization of the denomination occurred in 1908 with the merger of several like-minded holiness groups. Today, Nazarenes gather in local churches in every state in the US. There is a renewed emphasis on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, engaging all ages in the mission of God. Youth are taking their place as leaders and missions workers, crossing borders beyond their comfort zones, to share the good news of Jesus. The message of scriptural holiness is more relevant than ever, and it embraces and challenges all ages.

Southwest Indiana NMI: Teen C.A.R.E. Corps

In 1976, a spark was ignited within the Southwest Indiana District NMI—to reach the world through young people. This led to the creation of Teen C.A.R.E. Corps (Care About Reaching Everyone), giving teens their first opportunity to engage in God's mission across the globe. With minimal adult sponsors, groups of 15–30 teens discovered that stepping outside their comfort zones had a profoundly transformative effect on their hearts and lives.

Occurring every other year, these missions trips, initially organized by NMI and NYI, have been promoted solely by Southwest Indiana NMI since 2014. SW Indiana NMI emphasizes that the trips are more than just vacations or summer camps—they are missions with an eternal impact. Teens share testimonies, are interviewed, and face challenges as they learn the importance of selfless service and resilience, often without modern comforts like running water or air conditioning. During the year before the trip, they build teamwork, plan VBS and outreach projects, raise funds, and prepare spiritually with devotion books and a sending service.

Traveling to places like Honduras, Belize, and Alaska, many teens experience firsthand God's movement and return inspired to pursue full-time ministry. In 2026, the focus will shift to junior high students, encouraging high schoolers to participate in the USA/Canada NYC event.

Christy Boes, Southwest Indiana NMI District president and a 1988 teen trip participant, reflects: “Today’s youth are passionate and eager. Our mission is to engage, empower, and inspire them to carry the torch of missions work into the future, surpassing even our dreams for God’s kingdom.”