Education and Missions in Times of Crisis

By: Dr. Gustavo Crocker and Karen Cruz

A few weeks ago, NMI (Nazarene Missions International) of the Mesoamerica Region produced and broadcast a series of messages and workshops from various global and regional leaders. The hope is that these videos would spark conversation in our churches and help equip us for today’s mission. After watching each video, a young Nazarene from Mexico City, Karen Cruz, has written several reflections on the issues. Today Karen shares with us her thoughts on “Education and Missions in Times of Crisis” shared by Dr. Gustavo Crocker, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene.

If you want to see the full video, click here.

Perhaps you have asked yourself, why has God allowed the current situation we’re living in to transpire? Why should we be locked in our homes for so long, unable to see those loved ones we miss so much? Personally, I miss those times when I could greet and see my NYI young people, the NMI ladies, and the pastor and his family. I miss playing and having fun with the little ones in their Sunday School classes.

We all have left unfinished many activities that we had originally planned. But, surprisingly, God has allowed us to work in different ways and receive training despite this time of crisis. God never stands still, and this has been a time that we’ve used and exploited in the best way to continue fulfilling our mission.

It has been difficult for me to adapt to this new situation; however, I have discovered things that I did not know I was capable of. I thank God that I’ve been able to strengthen relationships with some of the young people in the church through doing missions where I am. As I listened to brother Gustavo Crocker, it made me identify with the Apostle Paul when he was imprisoned but using all the resources he had at his disposal.

Many technologies can be strong tools that we should begin to embrace. Admittedly, I often lock myself in the fear of not knowing how to use them. But in these days I have had to adapt so as to relate to our young people, pastors, or missionaries and, thus, encourage them during this very complicated pandemic.

It is our responsibility as Christians and church leaders to be able to renew and innovate the ways in which we share God with all those who do not know him, and also believers as well.

The key is daring to take the first step to begin to better educate more people in times of crisis. Let’s put our fears aside. Let’s change our mentality, because this is our new reality. As Dr. Crocker says, let’s learn to use the tools at our fingertips in the most appropriate way. Our goal will always be to participate in mission through teaching in more and more creative ways.