Colombia’s first national communications conference was held at the Casa de Oración church in the Pasoancho neighborhood of Cali from 16-17 August. Participants learned about creativity, graphic design, social networks, audiovisual production, and online broadcasts.

The event was attended by 52 participants from five districts of the country, as well as the communications coordinator of Ecuador, Luis Fernando Quishpi; the strategy coordinator of the Andean North Field, Juan Soto; and the Colombia Sur-Occidental District Superintendent Jerrison Ambuila, who warmly welcomed to the attendees.

Among the speakers was Jeremy Matheus, national communications coordinator for Colombia; Rony Cabarcas, social media administrator for the Church of the Nazarene in South America; Milton Matheus, holistic ministry coordinator for Colombia; Juan Esteban Castro, production coordinator for the Casa de Oración church; Alexander Romero, communications coordinator for the South American Region; and Julián Matallana, digital marketing advisor for the Casa de Oración church.

During the event, people participated in interactive workshops. Dyanna, one of the participants, said she attended a workshop on managing social media effectively. She says the workshop taught her how to create engaging content and connect with her community through digital platforms.

 “I learned techniques to take striking photos and record videos that can capture people’s attention and convey our message of faith in a more powerful way,” she said Dyanna. “I am eager to implement strategies to improve our online presence and share God’s love in a way that resonates with our local community. I am ready to put everything I have learned into practice and lead my church into new outreach and connection opportunities.”

Néstor Tirado from the North Central District of Bogotá said he was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Church of the Nazarene’s communications needs and how to get involved at a regional and local level.

Jazmin Soto said her experience was beautiful, as the workshop strengthened her knowledge and expanded her skills.

“In this way, we will be able to expand the message of God through the media,” she said. “This congress planted in each of us the commitment and vision to use our skills to bring the message of hope and love to more people. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to see and experience everything coming for the Church of the Nazarene in Colombia from the communications perspective.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America