On Saturday, September 6, 2014, the Puerto Rico West District held graduations and ordinations of a group of the Lord’s servants. It was held at the Yahweh Shalom Church of the Nazarene in Dominguito, Arecibo. These activities were dedicated to Rev. Maria Rodriguez, who has been Pastor for about 23 years and has contributed as a teacher and coordinator of the Study Center for about 10 years.

Dr. Gustavo Crocker, General Superintendent in jurisdiction, his wife Rachel Crocker; Dr. Carlos Saenz, Mesoamerica Region Director; Puerto Rico East District Superintendent, Rev. Olga Robles; Rev. Raul Puig, Rev. Juan Vázquez Pla, Rev. Helson Santa and Rev. Samuel Perez were present as special guests.

With an attendance of about 350 brothers, leaders and family; the graduation was led by the Rev. Carmelo Marrero, District Coordinator of Theological Education. The following students were recognized for completing their basic ministerial studies: Salvador Collazo, Hector Corraliza, Ricardo Gonzalez, Nancy Maldonado and Micah Torres.

This was followed by the ordination service where Dr. Crocker preached the Word of God and officiated the ordination ceremony of the 6 ministers, 4 elders: Juan Cardona, Elba Hernandez, Ricardo Gonzalez, Nancy Maldonado and 2 deacons: Helen Andujar and Juan González.

Rev. Ramon A. Sierra noted, “It was an emotional and blessed time together where we felt God’s presence as a Nazarene family… We left motivated to continue working together to fulfill our mission and make more realistic our slogan: Holiness, Live it and Share it! ”

Information provided by: Rev. Ramon Sierra, Puerto Rico West District Superintendent.