In late 2020, Timmeon Spencer was appointed Global Missions coordinator for the Caribbean Field. He faced immediate challenges in developing new missionaries due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place across various countries. 

Part of the answer came through a historic event: the first-ever virtual Cross-Cultural Orientation (CCO) in the Caribbean Field.  

A Cross-Cultural Orientation is a space for youth and adults in the local church to confirm their call to missions or find their place in the Body of Christ. The first virtual CCO on the Caribbean Field took place from 16 to 18 April 2021 and exceeded organizer’s expectations.

The weekend proved to be a challenge and also a blessing as organizers hosted 28 participants representing seven countries, including a woman from El Salvador. In previous years of in-person gatherings, the Caribbean Field had never before reached so many cultures and nations in one event. 

Despite the internet and technical challenges that occurred for some participants, God manifested Himself and moved throughout all the workshops and activities of the three days. Participants engaged with and were impacted by the presentations and activities during the event. 

One of the highlights from the CCO was the closing session and celebration service, which featured a powerful missional message that challenged the participants “to go.” More than half of the participants responded by saying “Yes, send me!”

“I registered by mistake for this CCO and was not intending to even attend,” said Chantal Fields, a participant from Barbados. “But, as we have now gone through these three days and as I reflect upon it, I sense strongly that God is nudging me to do more in missions. I know I would have had a calling to missions years ago, and I did what I was supposed to do back then, but I feel that God is saying to me that He is not finished with me and so I am willing and open to go where God would lead me.”

This story originally appeared on Transform the Globe, a blog from missionary Scott Armstrong. To view the original post, click here.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region