Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo said he had a "blessed and busy" visit to Guinea-Bissau in West Africa in July.

"The Church of the Nazarene is indeed planted and is expanding and maturing in this nation," he said.

General Superintendent Eugénio R. Duarte was also in Guinea-Bissau during Chambo's trip. Duarte organized the first Nazarene churches in Guinea-Bissau: Coqueiro and Aeroporto. 

"The people's faces were radiant with amazing joy and beautiful smiles," Chambo said.

Following the organization, Duarte received new members and Africa Lusophone Field Strategy Coordinator Adérito Ferreira baptized 22 people.

Duarte preached on Nazarene Essentials — a document that help believers understand the heart of the Church of the Nazarene's beliefs — and dedicated a new church building constructed with Alabaster funds.

"I am thankful for a global and generous church," Chambo said. "This building will also be used as a child development center. In fact, we already have a Nazarene school for children in this community. The community has expressed appreciation to a church that cares about the poor. The community leader said that the church is making an amazing impact in the lives of the people."

Missionaries Mario and Irma Martinez established a center for literacy training for people who cannot read or write. A participant said, "I now know how to write my name, I can read my Bible, and other things because of this ministry. Thank you."

"The church is well and alive in Guinea-Bissau," Chambo said. "There is still work to be done. Some of the needs include theological education, discipleship, and resources for evangelism, discipleship, and compassionate ministry activities."
--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa