Recently, the South America Region launched the CONECTA project to prepare bilingual volunteers to serve in ministerial contexts within the Church of the Nazarene. 

This program trains interpreters to serve in their local churches at events and worship services, and at the AME25 Regional Conference, scheduled for October 2025. The training will focus on biblical terminology, Wesleyan doctrine, and the Nazarene language and terminology. 

This project addresses a specific need in the region: the high demand for qualified interpreters and translators. It also seeks specific preparation for language services during the AME25 Regional Conference.

The project's vision is to become a center of excellence in the region for training Nazarene interpreters and translators and to promote educational and evangelistic projects in various languages.

The project team is comprised of Caroline de Araujo Neves, coordinator and jurisdictional secretary for the South America Region; Angela Domroes, a professional interpreter certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia (U.S.), and a sponsored missionary in Curaçao. The project is strategically supported by the South American Communications Ministry.

Twenty-two people from diverse backgrounds and professions participated in this first phase of training, including pastors, missionaries, doctors, dentists, English teachers, and other professionals. The training is delivered through five virtual sessions each month, which focus on practical experience and direct interaction.

The project's name, CONECTA, expresses the essence of the interpreting ministry: connect people, messages, cultures, and hearts through language. Interpreting is not just about translating words but also about facilitating encounters, conveying visions, and promoting unity amid diversity. Under this vision, the acrostic CONECTA guides the participants' formation, integrating calling, spiritual growth, and missions:

• Connect people to Christ (John 15:5)
• Obey His voice (John 10:27)
• Nurture fellowship and understanding (Nehemiah 8:8)
• Faithfully express the message received (1 Corinthians 14:9)
• Clarify the message for the listener in their language (Exodus 4:14-16)
• Translate with excellence and reverence (2 Corinthians 5:20)
• Accompany the message with the attitude of a servant (Mark 10:45)

After the first class, participants' testimonials reflect the project's positive impact. Betania Conce, from Chile, expressed: "I am extremely grateful for your support and leadership in this beautiful meeting. It was a blessing to participate. The pastor's tips encouraged me to keep practicing!" 

--Church of the Nazarene South America