More than 800 women from Peru met in Chiclayo for the National Congress of Nazarene Women of Peru, held 28-30 June. The event was organized by the Ministry of Women with the motto "Renewed for the Race."

Delegations representing various areas, such as the mountains, the coast, and the jungle, paraded into the auditorium in a colorful display. A delegation from the districts of Awajun communities in the Amazonas region also performed in their native languages.

A worship team comprised of women from churches near the event location led the attendees in song.

Some of the topics covered in the plenary sessions and workshops were “Principles of Blessing,” “Pastors' Wives,” “My Mental Health and Myself,” “The Power of Forgiveness in my Life,” and “Stress in my Life and How to Overcome It,” among others.

In addition to the worship and workshop activities, medical professionals helped set up diabetes and blood pressure screening for women.

“It has been gratifying to see how women have decided to be stewards of their spiritual and physical health,” said Dr. Rosanna Serrano, a surgeon.

The congress concluded with the celebration of the Holy Communion followed by a time of testimony. The women shared what they learned and said it was worth the cost to be present, some of them having traveled several days since Peru is huge geographically and includes 16 districts.

“As women, there are often situations that can destabilize us or paralyze us, forgetting that God has placed something special in us, an invisible crown that often seems like it can fall from our heads,” Serrano said. “But we must take the time to stop and place the crown on our head, allowing God to renew our strength to continue the race ahead of us.”

“This congress has been a renewal for me as a woman, as a daughter of God, and as a professional,” Serrano continued. “I long expectantly to see how my sisters continue walking upright every day, renewing themselves in the strength of our Lord.”

Bety Espinoza, the national coordinator of Women’s Ministries, was grateful for the support they received from the Peru North Marcial Banda superintendent for the use of district facilities and many others who helped piece together the various parts of the congress.
“As a national leader, it has been a great and beautiful experience for me to see the hand of God at all times for the realization of this congress,” Espinoza said.

--Church of the Nazarene South America