A Nazarene Medical Brigade (NMB) shared God’s love with others through healthcare services on Saturday, May 23, 2025, at the El Recreo Iglesia del Nazareno in Chiapas, Mexico. The brigade included a general practitioner, a dentist, and 20 volunteers.
During the event—organized by Jacob Ortiz, coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) for the Mexico Sierra Madre de Chiapas District, more than 130 people received medical care and heard the message of salvation.
Jacob’s team provided medical and dental consultations, medication distribution, vital sign monitoring, clothing distribution, and door-to-door evangelism activities. The event also featured children’s activities, including entertainment by clowns.
“My dream was always to wear the NCM vest,” said Shalma Hernández, a volunteer dentist. “Now, every opportunity I have to serve in my vocation, helping people without access to public health care, inspires me to continue forward with faith, love, and passion for God’s work.”
The community expressed deep gratitude, noting that past insecurity in the Sierra region had forced many local clinics to close and medical services have yet to be fully restored. In El Recreo, where the population is primarily engaged in growing coffee and corn, the Church of the Nazarene has an active membership of approximately 100 people.
Founded in 2017 in response to the earthquake in Juchitán, Oaxaca, the Nazarene Medical Brigade in Mexico has since provided nearly 350 brigades across the country, all led by volunteer healthcare professionals.
“Most of the health volunteers are young people who have recently graduated,” said Edi Montejo, NCM coordinator in Southern Mexico. “These volunteers are also actively involved in other areas of service, and NCM is a great opportunity for them to serve with purpose.”
The growth of the ministry has enabled NCM Mexico to strengthen its internal structure. Sister Shalma Hernández has been appointed as Medical Brigade coordinator in the southern territory, and another individual has been appointed to coordinate these efforts in the north of the country.
“It is a joy to serve others through our vocation,” Hernández said. “We invite others to join the NCM Mexico Nazarene Medical Brigade.”
–Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region