Welcome to the Africa Region – João and Mariza Melo
The Africa Region is delighted to announce that we have a new missionary family joining our region as we continue our mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations.
João and Mariza Melo are from Brazil and have been married since November 2019. By God’s grace, they have been serving together in missions since 2020. Their missionary journey began in their local Church of the Nazarene, where they faithfully served in a variety of ministries, including NMI, NYI, Nazarene Discipleship (Nazateen), worship, and communications. They also participated in several short-term mission trips. It was through these opportunities to serve that God called them to dedicate their lives fully to missionary service.
João Marcelo holds degrees in Theology, Missiology, and Classical Guitar. Mariza holds degrees in Theology, Missiology, and Computer Science. Both are licensed ministers in the Church of the Nazarene.
For nearly four years, João and Mariza served in Barranquilla, Colombia, where they were involved in church planting and coordinated theological education for the Colombia Coast District. During their time there, they taught at the seminary, provided leadership for Nazarene Youth International (NYI), and pastored Iglesia del Nazareno Bienvenido a Casa.
Within the South America Region, they also served on the Missions Mobilization Team. João coordinated the EXPLORE programs, while Mariza served as the Mobilization Coordinator for Colombia in 2025.
Please join us in warmly welcoming João and Mariza Melo to the Africa Region. Mariza will serve as the Missions Communications Specialist, and João will serve as The Cause Assistant.
We are confident that their passion for missions, ministry experience, and diverse gifts will be a tremendous blessing to the Church of the Nazarene throughout the Africa Region.
As they transition to a new region with many cultures, languages, and opportunities for ministry, we invite you to keep João and Mariza in your prayers. May God grant them wisdom, strength, and joy as they begin this new chapter of service.
Welcome to the Africa Region, João and Mariza!
