Why Nazarene Border Initiative Was Developed

In 2004, God placed a vision in the hearts of Louie Bustle, Marty Hoskins, and several other Nazarene pastors and leaders from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. Their shared goal was to find new ways to support the growth and development of existing churches, while also creating opportunities to establish new missions for the Church of the Nazarene. The idea was to make a lasting impact in local communities through acts of compassion, hands-on service, and by mentoring and training new leaders.

On May 16, 2006, the Border Initiative (BI) was officially launched in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. It was an alliance between the ministries of the U.S./Canada and Mexico, aimed at building connections and strengthening the Church in both countries. In 2007, the BI set up an office in El Paso, Texas, at the First Church of the Nazarene. This central location—right in the middle of the U.S./Mexico border—was chosen because it was an ideal hub for gathering people from all across the region. The office hosted a variety of events, including retreats, training for Nazarene ministries, and other church-related activities.

In 2009, the Border Initiative expanded by acquiring a property on Wenda Drive in El Paso, which included a house and about an acre of land. The building needed a lot of work, but thanks to the tireless efforts of ROAM volunteers, district teams, and many others, it was transformed into the Ministry Center. Today, this facility is home to the BI office and serves as a place for training, retreats, work and witness teams, and special church events. With four bunk rooms, a large kitchen, a dining and conference area, a cozy seating area, and a spacious backyard with a fire pit, the Ministry Center is a welcoming place where people come together to serve and grow in their faith.

Nazarene Missions Teams Coordinators

We connect teams looking for service opportunities, with needs from local churches along the US/Mexico border, such as:

  1. Construction and repair of Nazarene churches and parsonages
  2. Medical/dental clinics and disaster relief in Mexico
  3. Evangelistic outreach opportunities for local churches

Education and Training

We provide opportunities for pastors and laity to expand their knowledge and equip them for successful ministry in their local church, community, family and workplace.

Special Events

  1. We are available as special speakers for your next missions or Faith Promise event.
  2. We work alongside churches along the US/Mexico border, and provide an extra set of helping hands in their outreach events.
  3. We are available to consult with multi-cultural churches.

Our Missionaries

The Rodriguez family currently serves as Global Commissioned Missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene, assigned to the Nazarene Border Initiative based out of El Paso Texas.  

 

They began their service with NBI as Mission Corps Missionaries in February of 2012.  Robert and Rhesa are Work and Witness Coordinators for the US Mexico Border, where their responsibilities include organizing and hosting work and witness teams, encouraging and supporting current churches, both English and Spanish, on both sides of the US/Mexico border.  They manage the El Paso office as well as host retreats and seminars for local Nazarene churches.

Robert and Rhesa met at Southern Nazarene University, graduating in 2000 and were married in 2003.  Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Science in music then went on to complete his Masters in Christian Education from NNU. Rhesa graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and completed her Masters in Acute Care Pediatrics from University of Texas El Paso.  Together they seek God and desire more than anything to serve the Lord in Cross Cultural settings.

Roberto has served as a children’s pastor, worship leader, and Hispanic pastor at churches in Texas, Missouri, and Tennessee.  He has been a certified public school teacher and is an Ordained Elder with the Church of the Nazarene.

Rhesa is currently a Pediatric Critical Care Transport Nurse and has served as a nurse for over twenty years.

The Rodriguez’ have three children Ruthy, Josiah, and Mikayla.  As a family they have also served in Central Asia, speaking Russian, as volunteer missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene.

Support the Rodriguez Family

Who We Partner With

  • VOLUNTEERS

    We provide opportunities for short-term missionaries, RV’s On A Mission (ROAM), churches, and youth groups throughout the US, who are looking  to serve through Nazarene Missions Teams, on either side of the US/Mexico border.

  • LOCAL CHURCHES and NON-PROFITS

    We partner with and work alongside districts, superintendents, non-profits, and pastors along the US/Mexico border.

  • FUTURE MISSIONARIES

    God has placed a call and burden to raise up a new generation of bicultural missionaries.  We seek to find, encourage, and equip those young people whom God has called.

What We Do

  • Nazarene Missions Teams Coordinators

    We connect teams looking for service opportunities, with needs from our churches along the US/Mexico border such as:

    1. Construction and repair of Nazarene churches and parsonages.

    2. Medical/dental clinics and disaster relief in Mexico.

    3. Evangelistic needs of the churches.

  • Education and Training

    We provide opportunities for pastors and laity to expand their knowledge and equip them for successful ministry in their local church, community, family, and workplace.

  • Special Events

    1. We are available as special speakers for your next missions or Faith Promise event.

    2. We work alongside churches along the US/Mexico border, and provide and extra set of helping hands in their outreach events.

    3. We are available to consult with multicultural churches and ministries.