Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia

This week, our prayer journey takes us to two nations known for their natural beauty and their deep-seated faith: Costa Rica and Australia.

Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica

The Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s Protestant history. Founded in 1917 by missionaries who arrived on horseback from Panama, the church grew out of the work of Methodist missionaries from the United States and has been an autonomous church since 1973. Today, it is a vibrant community of 16,000 members across 103 congregations.

They are widely respected for their “holistic” approach to ministry. Beyond their local chapels, they operate the renowned Methodist School, a university, a seminary, and even a children’s home. In Costa Rica, being Methodist means caring for the mind, body, and spirit of the next generation. Their witness reflects the warmth, joy, and relational strength that characterize the Wesleyan tradition in Latin America.

World Methodist Evangelism has a wonderful history of partnership with the Methodist Church of Costa Rica. Our Regional Secretary, Bishop Fernando Palomo, leads this church, and in 2018 they graciously hosted Metanoia Global, our international young adult gathering — a powerful expression of global Wesleyan unity.

Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia (WMCA)

While we previously highlighted the Chinese Methodist family in Australia, this week we focus on the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia (WMCA). This movement was officially formed in Melbourne in 1946 after a local leader, Kingsley Ridgway, met an American serviceman and felt a call to bring the Wesleyan holiness tradition to the Australian people.

The WMCA is an autonomous church that grew out of the Methodist Holiness movement and is connected to the larger Wesleyan Church. Today, under the leadership of National Superintendent Dr. Lex Akers, the WMCA consists of 2,452 members across 95 churches.

They are a deeply missional church, focusing heavily on church planting and raising up new leaders through Kingsley College to reach a modern, secular Australia with a simple, practical faith. Their vision is clear and compelling: that every disciple will make a disciple, and the church will multiply itself until the transforming presence of Jesus Christ impacts every community throughout Australia.

We are excited about the growing opportunities for collaboration between WME and the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia — and especially grateful that members of this church will be joining us in March for the United States gathering of the Order of the FLAME.

A Prayer

Father, we thank You for the diverse ways the Wesleyan flame burns. Whether in the mountains of Costa Rica or the cities of Australia, Your Word remains constant. Bless these two churches today. Strengthen their leaders, encourage their congregations, and bless their outreach. Pour out Your Spirit in fresh ways — bringing renewal, unity, and boldness in witness. Remind us that though we are oceans apart, we are one in Your love. May Your love be made known through them, and may Your Church flourish for Your glory. Amen.