In March, a team of 18 from the Northern Michigan District partnered with the Church of the Nazarene in Corigliano, Italy, for a two-week mission trip that left a lasting impact on both the community and the team members themselves.

The idea for this Nazarene Missions Team began when missionaries Yoan and Astrid Camacaro and their family visited Michigan on a deputation tour in 2024. During this time, the Northern Michigan District not only hosted them and helped them raise the necessary funds to start their work in Italy, but they also committed to going to Italy to serve alongside them. From March 19 to April 2, that commitment came to life.

Throughout their time in Italy, the team engaged in a variety of ministry projects designed to meet practical needs while creating opportunities to share the gospel.

One key project was the renovation of a local soccer school that Yoan and the Camacaro’s oldest son are involved with. The soccer school is a strategic location in a city with potential for future church planting. While improving the facility, the team also connected with children and parents, sharing the message of Jesus through creative evangelism tools provided through the church’s partnership with Jesus Film Harvest Partners.

The team also hosted a women’s outreach event in partnership with a local association where Astrid serves as a psychologist, welcoming around 50 women for a time of connection, encouragement, and support.

At the local Church of the Nazarene in Corigliano, the group helped construct a kitchen and complete needed repairs. This addition is especially meaningful, as the church itself was planted through shared meals with neighbors.

In addition, the team served at the local school of the Camacaro’s youngest son, where Astrid also serves, cleaning and restoring outdoor areas. Their work drew significant attention in the community, even being covered by local media, as many were moved by the team’s willingness to travel and serve voluntarily.

Through all of these activities, it is clear that God is at work in many ways. Yoan shared, “We reached around 120 people with the gospel message, extended the church’s reach to two different cities, and boosted the morale of the brothers and sisters who already attend church, showing them that the Christian life transcends the walls of the church and that the Church of the Nazarene is a missionary church.”

While the projects were impactful, many participants emphasized that the relationships formed were the true highlight.

One Northern Michigan team member shared that she arrived in Italy expecting God to use the team to bless the missionaries, the church, and the community. Instead, she reflected, “I never envisioned how much love I would receive and that I would be blessed much more than I felt I gave.” She added that the friendships formed will last a lifetime, and that the team is already looking forward to hosting the Camacaro family in Michigan again.

This mission experience stands as a powerful reminder: when we serve together across cultures, God works in ways that transform everyone involved.

-article by Kristin Burchfiel, Western Mediterranean Field