This week, we travel from the “Southern Cone” of South America to the islands of the South Pacific to highlight Uruguay and New Zealand.

Iglesia Metodista en el Uruguay (IMU)

The Methodist story in Uruguay is one of historic pioneering. In 1969, the IMU became the first Methodist church in Latin America to become autonomous. Today, under the leadership of President Raul Sosa, the church consists of approximately 1,000 members across 20 congregations.

In a nation often cited as the most secular in Latin America, the IMU is a courageous witness. They are widely respected for their “Integral Mission,” particularly through the Instituto Crandon, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. The church is a strong voice for human rights, environmental stewardship, and social justice, proving that even a small flock can be “leaven” for an entire nation.

The Methodist Church of New Zealand (Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa)

Across the ocean, the Methodist Church of New Zealand is a diverse and multicultural church shaped by both Māori and Pākehā (European) traditions, as well as Pacific and immigrant communities. Officially established in 1822, it is now led by President Rev. Peter Taylor and Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu. The church consists of approximately 12,000 members across 150 congregations.

The church is unique in its commitment to being a “Bicultural Church.” It operates under a “Bicultural Treaty” that honors the partnership between the Tangata Whenua (the indigenous Māori people) and Tauiwi (all other peoples). This commitment to reconciliation and justice is central to their identity, as they seek to be a “prophetic, inclusive, and compassionate” presence in a modern, diverse society.

World Methodist Evangelism was honored to have the Methodist Church of New Zealand join us in 2017 for our evangelism seminary hosted by the Wesleyan Methodist Church in New Zealand. Young adults from this Church also joined us in 2018 for Metanoia Global in Costa Rica.

A Prayer for Uruguay and New Zealand

Gracious God, we thank You for our brothers and sisters in Uruguay and New Zealand, for the pioneering spirit of the church in Uruguay and the reconciling heart of the church in New Zealand. In places where faith can feel fragile, strengthen their congregations to be bold witnesses of Your grace in secular and diverse cultures. May their witness be marked by love, justice, and hope. And remind us again that though we are scattered across the world, we are one in Christ. Your Spirit knows no borders and Your love speaks every language. Amen.

This week our prayer journey takes us to two very different regions of the globe — the vast Pacific islands of Fiji and the heart of South America in Paraguay — where Wesleyan Methodist communities are faithfully following Jesus and serving their neighbors.

Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma

The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination in the country, shaping the spiritual and cultural life of the nation. It grew out of the Wesleyan movement in Australia and became autonomous in 1964. The Church has held significant influence and is considered one of the three “pillars” of Fijian society, alongside the Vanua (traditional chiefly system) and the Matanitu (the state). With approximately 212,860 members worshiping in around 2,860 congregations served by 430 pastors, they have five main emphases: evangelism, education, economic development, ecological justice, and empowerment. 

Under the leadership of President Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, the church is currently focused on “elevating the standard” of its service to the people. From managing over 50 schools to addressing critical social issues like drug abuse and domestic violence, the Methodist Church is woven into the very fabric of Fijian life. This year, they are celebrating 190 years of Methodism in the islands, moving forward with a vision to “move Christ’s Church to another level.”

WME has a wonderful history of collaboration with the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. Most recently, we held an evangelism seminar in 2024 where over 1000 people gathered for in person training, and over 120,000 joined for the live stream.

Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay (CEMP)

In South America, the Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay represents a growing Methodist witness led by Bishop Eligio Genes Fernández. The Evangelical Methodist Church of Paraguay grew out of missionary work in the 1940’s, and the first Methodist worship gathering in Paraguay was held in 1988. Since then, the church as an autonomous body saw a significant new beginning in 1989 following the end of the national dictatorship. The church has grown into a community of roughly 1,025 baptized members, with a wider community reach of about 2,499 through ministries, congregations, and outreach efforts.

The CEMP focuses on holistic ministry that combines evangelism with other ministries such as education and health services. They are a “hands-on” church, known for their medical clinics and community kitchens (comedores) that serve children in the streets. Because a significant portion of the Church consists of youth and children, particularly young new believers, there is a strong emphasis on discipleship and leadership development. Like most Churches in our Wesleyan Methodist family, the CEMP follows the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition, emphasizing the authority of the Bible and a “holiness message” that focuses on the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Bishop Genes often speaks of the church’s current season as one of “re-learning” the doctrines of John Wesley — refocusing on the unique Methodist balance of personal piety and social action.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the many congregations in Fiji and in Paraguay. Though they are separated by the vast Pacific, they are united by the same “warmed heart.” Bless their leaders with wisdom and discernment. Encourage their congregations as they follow Your call to serve and love. May Your Spirit continue to guide them in discipleship, outreach, and justice and may their witness continue to transform their nations from the inside out. Unite us across continents as one global Wesleyan family, rooted in grace and sent in mission. Amen.

This week, our global prayer journey takes us to two nations defined by their coastlines and their deep commitment to “faith in action”: Panama and Australia.

Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Panamá (IEMP)

Methodist work in Panama was initiated by a laywoman “Madre Abel” between 1811 and 1821; however, the Church was officially established in 1906 through the work of missionaries from the United States. The Evangelical Methodist Church in Panama became autonomous in the early 1970’s. Today it is a small but faithful community of approximately 2,000 members across 18 congregations, carrying forward a Wesleyan commitment to discipleship, youth outreach, and service in both urban and rural areas. Although its size is modest, its impact is evident in youth ministries, educational initiatives, and its pastoral care for families throughout Panama.

The IEMP is perhaps most famous for the Instituto Panamericano (IPA), one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. Under the current leadership of Bishop Pedro Araúz Valdés, the church continues to emphasize that the Gospel must be lived out in the classroom, the clinic, and the community. As we pray for their congregations this week, we celebrate their dedication to raising a generation of leaders grounded in Christian values.

Uniting Church in Australia (UCA)

Across the Pacific, we highlight the Uniting Church in Australia. Formed in 1977 through the union of the Congregational Union in Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia, and the Presbyterian Church of Australia, the UCA is a uniquely Australian expression of the “Global Parish.” It is currently led by Rev. Charissa Suli, the youngest person and first person of color to serve as President of the Assembly, and includes more than 670,000 people in roughly 1,800 congregations and faith communities who worship in 45 languages.

The UCA is a “pilgrim people,” deeply committed to social justice, reconciliation with First Nations peoples, and multicultural ministry. With a presence in almost every local community in Australia, they are a powerful voice for the marginalized, operating one of the largest networks of community services in the country through UnitingCare.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the spirit of unity and service that defines our family in Panama and Australia. From the canal to the outback, Your grace is at work. Bless their leaders with wisdom and their members with a renewed passion for the Gospel. We lift up Bishop Pedro Araúz Valdés and the teachers at the Instituto Panamericano as they begin their 2026 school year. Bless their rural missions and church planting efforts. We also lift up President Charissa Suli and the 17th Assembly. Strengthen their multicultural fellowships and their bold witness for justice and environmental stewardship. May their light continue to shine brightly, bringing hope and healing to their nations. Amen.

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.

As we continue to pray for the worldwide Wesleyan Methodist family, this week our journey takes us to two very different, yet equally vibrant corners of the world: Chile and Australia, highlighting the Iglesia Metodista de Chile and the Chinese Methodist Church of Australia.

Praying for the Iglesia Metodista de Chile

Founded by missionaries from the United States, the Methodist Church in Chile became autonomous in 1969. Today, it consists of 9,882 members across 90 congregations. This church has a powerful legacy of “integral mission,” maintaining a strong focus on education, social justice, and service. Notably, a vibrant Pentecostal movement grew out of this Methodist witness beginning in 1909, and it continues to shape the spiritual landscape of the country today. In times of social and political change, Methodist congregations in Chile remain committed to sharing the gospel through compassionate and courageous ministry.

Interceding for the Chinese Methodist Church of Australia (CMCA)

Across the ocean, the Chinese Methodist Church of Australia (CMCA) is a beautiful example of a “missionary church.” It grew out of the dedicated work of Methodists from Singapore and Malaysia who established the first congregation in 1986. Today, the CMCA has 1,482 members in 26 congregations, featuring mainly Mandarin-speaking services alongside several English-speaking ones. We are especially grateful for our close ties here as we partner with two dedicated leaders from this church: our Regional Secretary, Bishop James Kwang, and Board member, Dr. Rob Lim.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the diverse ways Your Spirit moves – from the Pentecostal fires in Chile to the missionary heart of the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia. Bless their leaders, strengthen their congregations, and deepen their witness. May Your Spirit continue to guide them as they serve their communities and proclaim the gospel. May they continue to be bold witnesses of Your grace and love. Amen.