The Mission Support office of the US/Canada Region has appointed Rev. Junior Sorzano as the Coordinator for Multicultural Ministries in the US and Canada. There are 21 directors and coordinators whose responsibility it is to liaise with districts and churches, which yearn to implement strategies for either starting new ethnic-specific churches or transitioning from mono-cultural to multicultural congregations. Sorzano will continue as pastor of his Canadian London congregation but will be available for consultation. SEE THE OTHER DIRECTORS AND COORDINATORS HERE.

PROFILE:

Revs. Junior and Rosalita (Rose) Sorzano are Pastors of the London First Church of the Nazarene in London, Ontario. Junior, a native of Trinidad, and Rose, from Guyana, met while at Caribbean Nazarene College in Trinidad. They have served together in ministry over 28 years and have been at London First for just over fifteen years, after serving together in Trinidad, the USA and more recently, Toronto.

Ministry in London is just another part of this exciting ministry journey through which God had led them. The church exemplifies their ministry philosophy—with over 23 nationalities represented, people from every race, social strata, and spiritual background come together to worship and serve. Attendance and membership have doubled, moving the church into the top five groups on the Canada Central District. The church is in the process of planning for a second morning worship service.

Because of the open doors to all, Spanish services began with over 25 persons in attendance. There is a sense of excitement and purpose, as this church anticipates what God will do next in its ministry at the entrance to this city.

Junior began his ministry journey when he responded to an invitation to attend the Santa Cruz Nazarene church in 1975. His family belonged to the Roman Catholic Church, but as a teenager he was disenchanted with the RC religion and stopped attending church. It was through the persistent ministry of Missionary, Dr. Ruth Saxon, that Junior and his family began to attend the Santa Cruz church, eventually leading to his salvation. He was baptized and mentored by Rev. Aaron Blache. After initially resisting the call of God, he enrolled at Caribbean Nazarene Theological College. His heart's desire had been to be a pilot. Junior later testified, “I wanted to fly people around the world, but God called me to help fly souls to heaven.” His passion for the Lord was evident when he immediately led his sister (Beverly) and mother (Norma) to accept the Lord.

Sorzano served in different areas of ministry as District NYI President of Trinidad and Tobago and Pastor of Felicity, Cumuto, and Santa Cruz churches in Trinidad. In 1985, he joined the faculty and staff of CNTC and served as Director of Admissions, Academic Dean and Business Manager as was necessary. His passion and love for people is the focal point of his ministry. He serves on a variety of district boards and was elected to the District Advisory Board on the Canada Central district.

Rose grew up and was saved in the Pilgrim Holiness Church. While attending high school in Georgetown, she grew to know the Church of the Nazarene. Attracted by the love of the people and vibrancy of the ministry there, she became a member and immediately began to serve by teaching at Vacation Bible School. God audibly called her to full-time ministry while at youth camp. Through the encouragement and guidance of her pastors (Rev. & Mrs. Leon Dundas), she decided to attend a Christian College. God led her to Caribbean Nazarene College, where her passion for teaching and preparing others to teach was clarified.

This passion to communicate the Word of God through teaching, preaching, and music continues to guide her life and ministry. Rose now teaches others how they can teach the Word of God more effectively, while she continues to learn more about sharing God's Word. She has served as Registrar, Christian Education Director. and faculty member of CNC; faculty member of the CNC Extension campus in Toronto and is presently an adjunct faculty member of Emmanuel Bible College. She serves on a variety of District Boards and was elected in June to the Ambrose University College 's Board of Governors.

Both Junior and Rose received THB degrees in theology from CNC. Junior later went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Religion at Olivet, while Rose completed the Master of Arts in Elementary Education. It was because of Rose's desire to continue her studies that they went to Canada. where she attended OTS (now called Tydale Seminary), to pursue the Master of Divinity degree in Educational Ministries. Junior was ordained in 1988 and Rose in 1998 as elders in the Church of the Nazarene.

Junior and Rose are parents of: Rochelle (26), Jonathan (23), and Janelle (10), a surprise gift from God.

“We are as committed and excited to be in ministry today, as when we started this journey over 30 years ago. God has always been faithful. In the tough times, He's been faithful. Through failure, He remained faithful. Our service is a natural response to all that Christ has done in and for us—personally and as His two servants. It is our continual desire to attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.”

Contact Information:

Rev. Junior Sorzano – Multicultural Ministries Coordinator

Phone: 519-852-3906

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