South America

The work of the Church of the Nazarene in South America began in 1909 in Argentina and has since expanded to include its dynamic presence across 10 countries in the region. Read the profiles of the many missionaries currently serving in South America here: Misioneros | Iglesia del Nazareno América del Sur samnaz

A Generation Awakens

A dream was born in the heart of God, and this dream began to beat in the hearts of South America’s leaders. NYI, NMI, Missions Mobilization, and evangelism coordinators started talking and dreaming together about how to engage young people in missions - not only to help them explore their calling but also to engage them in cross-cultural experiences, allowing them to experience mission trips firsthand. 

The amazing thing is that without having talked beforehand, these leaders discovered each of them carried that same burden in his or her heart. The Holy Spirit had been speaking to them individually, and when they came together, the confirmation was clear: it was time to act. This is how AVIVA (AWAKEN) was born. 

AVIVA is a year-long missionary mentoring project that seeks to accompany, inspire, and train young people who are passionate about missions. Mentors walk alongside groups of these young people, meeting bi-monthly for deep conversations about calling, connecting with missionaries, and learning about the 12 essential elements of the profile of a Church of the Nazarene missionary. Introductory sessions began in November 2024, and in May 2025, the program officially kicked off with 166 young participants from different South American countries! 

The testimonies have been inspiring: 

The mentoring time is very special because in each encounter, I receive answers from the Lord and direction to move forward. Hearing different experiences really blesses and encourages me. —Erika, Peru 

For me, this space means growth. I see it as a process in which the Lord is working on my maturity. I love sharing our experiences. —Gaby, Brazil 

In every encounter, I experience the love of the Body of Christ. Even though we are in different places and we don’t know each other in person, we feel close. I leave enriched, and the topics help me deepen my relationship with the Lord and His calling for my life. —Lesly, Peru 

The dream of the South America Region is that AVIVA (AWAKEN) will continue each year, forming new generations of missionaries. Leaders want every young person who feels a calling to find a space where he or she can be accompanied, affirmed, and equipped until that person has the opportunity to serve through the Church of the Nazarene. 

An army of missionaries is being prepared to transform the world with the love of Christ! 

(Thank you to Ruth Bravo, South America regional NMI coordinator, for this story.)