First Iberoamerican Wesleyan Women Conference
News, Costa Rica
The first Iberoamerican Wesleyan Women’s Conference was held February 1-3 in San Jose, Costa Rica. Over 200 women from 13 different countries attended this event including two women from Spain and four women from Equatorial Guinea, Africa This event was history in the making as being the first Wesleyan Women’s conference in Iberoamerica as well as the first event with representation from Spain and Equatorial Guinea, Africa! The largest delegation, aside from Costa Rica, was from Panama, with an attendance of 25. Martha Blackburn, President of Wesleyan Women, was a keynote speaker, encouraging the ladies to be a “Light to the Nations,” which was also the theme of the conference. Each night the conference closed with praise and worship. Reverend Zulay de Azofeifa was appointed as Director of Wesleyan Women of Iberoamerica. A committee of seven women, from six different countries, was appointed to plan the future ministry of the Wesleyan Women of Latin America. The committee is made up of: Graciela de Torres, Mexico; Estela de Ortega, Spain; Alba Rodríguez, Puerto Rico; Angélica de Martinez, Chile; Merce Vargas, USA (North Carolina); Glaydis de Chacon, USA (California); and Mariquel de McKella, Panama.
Over four years ago, two pastors in Argentina began a fraternal relationship with Global Partners-Latin America through a ministerial relationship of The Wesleyan Church in Chile, South America. Recently, Pastors Ivan Shilling and Daniel Soaire and the 15 congregations they represent were awarded 
On October 25, 2006 at 1:00 pm, the president of the Dominican Republic and the President of the United States met in the Oval Office of the White House. The purpose of this meeting was to put finishing touches on a commercial agreement between the two countries. On October 17, 2006, at the Hotel Awuarius in the city of Bonao at 9:00 pm, Rev. Douglas Morley presented leaders of The Wesleyan Church of the Dominican Republic with a document establishing a partnership with the Chesapeake District of The Wesleyan Church of North America for the purpose of strengthening and establishing The Wesleyan Church of the Dominican Republic and helping to consolidate the Hispanic Church of the Chesapeake District.
The first “Inside Out Film Workshop” held in Auckland, New Zealand, in October 2006 was a huge success. Twelve youth worked for six days with a group of four instructors, six mentors/leaders and seven support people. A crew of volunteers put together a Film Festival to cap off the week. The teens told their personal stories in groups, selected one story to film, wrote the script, chose actors, shot and edited the films. Over 150 people gathered for the closing Film Festival where the films were shown and judged. Films covered topics such as alcoholism in the home, the fine line between discipline and abuse, and the “invisible” feeling of a child whose parents fight and separate. The at-risk youth involved came away with closer ties to The Wesleyan Church who sponsored the event as well as to each other. Follow-up plans include meeting with each youth to give specific feedback on observed strengths and gifting as well as to map out next steps for the Inside Out program.![IMG_5090.0[1].jpg](http://icwesleyan.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/IMG_5090.0[1].thumbnail.jpg "IMG_5090.0[1].jpg")
Many young people committed their lives to Christ during the recent Youth Conference in Kampong Cham. Others rededicated their lives to the Lord, asking for strength and wisdom as they share Jesus with others. Dr. Bob Bickert was the featured speaker for the event. Following the event, seven new believers were baptized in the river south of Phnom Penh.
The House of Peace Church, led by Rev. Samuel Orteg, was able to find a church home for about 200 people. This church is focusing on reaching professionals and people in the upper-middle class group. Pastor Samuel Ortega is achieving a renewed emphasis on a life of Holiness, Passion and Purpose. Dedication ceremonies for the new facilities were held this month. Rev. Benjamin Galarce, Superitendent of The Wesleyan Church of Puerto Rico, was a special guest for the occasion.
The biennial National Conference was held in 
Pastor Robert Barrantes, Pastor, “Brazos de Amor” (Arms of Love) Wesleyan Church, reports a blessed Friend Day held on July 8, 2006. Around 400 people were present inside the church while volunteers were in charge of activities for more than 150 children outside! Fifty-four people accepted Christ!