When Dr. Eugenio Duarte became the 37th General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in Orlando, Florida, the ovation could not be stopped. Africans lifted him to their shoulders. When he got to the platform they sang. Why did they do that? Was it because he was from Cape Verde–the first general superintendent to be elected from outside the United States–or was it because of the man he is? His biography can be read online in several places, but who is the man behind the titles and honors?
When Dr. Eugenio Duarte was elected General Superintendent at the denomi-
nation's quadrennial assembly in Orlando, Florida, June 24-July 3, the delegates
from Africa surrounded him, and escorted him to the platform with singing. He
is the first person from outside the United States to be elected to this position.
Photo courtesy of NCN News.
According to World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle "Dr. Eugenio Duarte is one of the best qualified leaders in the Church of the Nazarene, and well qualified to be general superintendent. His excellent experience in administration and leadership will give him an edge in global understanding, and will help him guide the global church into the future. He is a humble servant leader with a great ability to make right decisions to move the church and leaders in the direction God wants. He has had success as a leader at every level of the church. He has a keen insight for following God and His plan for the church."
What are they saying in Africa?
Dr. Duarte is a humble man. Judith Kiprop, NMI president of Kenya Central District, remembers a day soon after his selection as Africa Regional Director.
“He was passing through town on a Sunday morning. He came in the back door of Central Church and put his suitcase near the wall somewhere. He then sat in the back of the church with the crowd. None of us knew he was going to be there. Once someone realized who he was, they asked if he would like to sit in a place of honor. He declined. He was there to worship with us. He asked for no honors or attention.”
Missionary Laurie Watton wrote that Dr. Duarte is real and not afraid to have fun. She remembers a visit he made to Nigeria when he was the Africa West Field strategy coordinator. It had been hot and humid. The rainy season had begun, but the clouds had held back the needed precipitation. Then one late afternoon, they heard the sound they had been yearning to hear. It was a downpour.
Dr. Eugenio Duarte joined the Watton family in celebrating rain after a
drought by standing in the downpour. Photo courtesy John Watton.
The Wattons have a tradition of going out in the rain and just getting drenched in God’s blessing. They enjoy it by laughing, playing, singing and thanking God. Dr. Duarte freely joined in the celebration. He told them that he had done the same thing in Cape Verde because the rain could be scarce there. She remarked that “one never keeps time of such unfettered moments.”
Chanshi Chanda, field strategy coordinator for French Equatorial Africa, said, “I met Dr. Duarte for the first time in Malawi at the Bible College for just two days. He had just been appointed field strategy coordinator for Central Africa Field. My first impression of him was that of a quiet man reflecting heavy wisdom.”
Later, Rev. Chanda worked closely with Dr. Duarte in several assignments. Looking back he writes, “Dr. Duarte is still a quiet man, listening more than talking. Many times I felt embarrassed that I talked too much and he talked very little. His wisdom is unique as is the way he helped me learn things through his graciousness. He has never failed me. He has always kept his word and fulfilled his promises. He is a uniquely gifted leader who believes and trusts the people he works with. He has also taught me servant leadership and humility; he is truly a servant. God has anointed him in such that you feel the pain of not being under him any longer as a mentor.”
Dr. Duarte, in a short reflection at the end of Global Theology Conference II in Amsterdam in 2007 said, “The church is about communion, community and compassion.”
Judith Kiprop said that talking with Dr. Duarte is like talking to your pastor. He listens and cares so much about what you are saying that you forget how important he is in the church. He puts people at ease.
Laurie Watton wrote, “He is always gracious… quick to listen, and slow to talk. We are truly honored to call him brother, and out of deep respect, Dr. Eugenio Duarte.”
Upon his election as a general superintendent, the African delegation sang his favorite song. According to Betty van den Berg, administrative officer for Helping Hands Africa/NPI - Africa Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, “Dr. Duarte has asked it to be sung at different occasions—often during devotions time at the regional offices. Just about all in Africa now know it. It is a good song for the rest of the world to know. I think it displays his passion.”
The chorus that Dr Eugenio loves could be used all over the world with a minor change:
If you believe and I believe, and we together pray,
The Holy Spirit will come down,
And Africa will be saved
And Africa will be saved
And Africa will be saved
The Holy Spirit will come down,
And Africa will be saved.
Why did the African delegates applaud and sing so enthusiastically? Rev. Chanshi Chanda sums up the answer, “We are glad he will serve the Church beyond Africa.”