Global Nazarene Communications Network Weekly News ~ Volume 1342 ~ Friday, 18 October 2013
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine Province of Cebu, about 570 kilometers (350 miles) south of Manila, Tuesday morning. The death toll reached 144 on Wednesday.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake struck five kilometers (three miles) east of Balilihan in the Bohol Region. According to the town's official website, the population of Balilihan is around 18,500.
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific received the following report from Philippine-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Stephen Gualberto:
I just had a phone call with District Superintendent Nilo Rosende of Central Visayas District, which covers Cebu and Bohol. He reported that they are conducting assessments now. There are affected churches and communities in Cebu.
The pastor of our church in Baclayon, Bohol, is presently on the island of Cebu. As a result he doesn't know what the situation currently is for our Nazarene families and churches in Bohol. He has been able to make text contact with some of the members in Bohol and they are reporting that many residents near the coastal area, including some Nazarenes, have evacuated to high places because of fear of a tsunami. They are also reporting several collapsed buildings in the city of Tagbilaran and totally destroyed historical places such as some century old cathedrals in Bohol [dating back more than 300 years to Spanish rule].
All flights to Bohol are cancelled because of the damaged runway. The Coast Guard has cancelled all boats traveling to Bohol today. They will re-assess the situation tomorrow to determine if they will allow the resumption of boat [traffic] to Bohol.
We will wait for further reports from Superintendent Nilo, who has already mobilized his young pastors who just attended crisis management training only five days ago. They are conducting initial assessment in Cebu. Once boats resume to Bohol, our pastors will be sent to the island.
For now we need prayers for Cebu and Bohol, for our Nazarene congregations and others.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a Pacific-wide tsunami threat. More information will be posted as it is made available.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Typhoon Whipa, a "once-in-a-decade" storm according to weather forecasters, reached the eastern shores of Japan on Wednesday morning with winds of 200 kph (125 mph) at its center and record rainfall.
Channel News Asia reported rainfall of 118.5 millimeters (4.7 inches) per hour on Izu Oshima Island, where there were numerous landslides. At least 19 people were killed and about 40 remain missing as of Thursday.
Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled, as well as dozens of bullet trains.
1The Church of the Nazarene's Japan District is home to 65 churches and more than 4,000 full members (2012 district statistics).
"So far as I know, there is no serious damage among our churches, yet there are serious damages in some areas and over 15 lives are lost and still 40 people or so are missing," District Superintendent Manabu Ishida said on Wednesday afternoon.
The typhoon caused leaks at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged by another typhoon in 2011.
Prayer is requested for Japan and the Pacific Rim, where there were typhoons and earthquakes over the past two weeks. --Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Trevecca Nazarene University is planning a new $13 million residential community near its campus off Murfreesboro Pike with single-family homes, rowhouses, and condos.
Last week, the university applied with the city's zoning appeals board for a rezoning of the 6.5 acres for the planned Walden Woods residential development.
David B. Caldwell, Trevecca’s executive vice president for finance and administration, sees the project meeting demand for housing in an area near downtown. “So many of our employees have said they would prefer living on campus versus driving so many miles on their commutes,” he said, citing alumni, retirees and others not connected to the school as other possible targets.
Having more residents near campus could also benefit the school in other ways, including providing more patrons for concerts, athletics and other events, he said.
For the rest of this copyrighted story and photos, see The Tennessean.
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Thirteen-year-old Wyatt walked into an Arkansas church one December evening. His aunt insisted that he go, but she wouldn't tell him why.
He looked around the room and saw kids decorating cookies, making bracelets, creating Christmas ornaments, and taking goofy pictures in the photo booth. Wyatt thought all these kids attended the church. He sat back and watched, too shy to introduce himself to anyone.
This was the first time that Greenbrier Church of the Nazarene hosted an Angel Tree® Christmas party, where local children and teens with a parent in prison could come to have fun, meet other kids in the same situation, and hear about Jesus' love for them. Children who attended the church played with the Angel Tree program children while some of their parents and other helpers led the party activities.
Volunteers invited Wyatt and the other kids to go through two Angel Tree stations. First, they shared the gospel with the kids, and then they handed out Christmas gifts on behalf of the children's incarcerated parents.
"You should have seen all the kids' faces," Wyatt said, recalling the excitement in the room.
Wyatt's dad has been incarcerated since Wyatt was 6 years old, and his mom had recently returned to prison. She signed Wyatt up to receive gifts through Angel Tree — a Nerf gun and an Arkansas Razorbacks T-shirt.
But that night, Wyatt gained much more than some presents; he grew closer to Jesus and met some people he would soon call family.
Kindling relationships
2Volunteers invited Wyatt to visit the letter-writing station, where kids could make Christmas cards for their incarcerated parents. Jake Stroman, a church volunteer, was standing behind the table when Wyatt walked up. It didn't take long to spark a conversation about their mutual love of football. Then they discovered that Jake was a teacher at the same school Wyatt attends.
Jake introduced Wyatt to his wife, Kristy, the church's creative director and volunteer Angel Tree coordinator.
The Stromans felt a natural connection with Wyatt, and they invited him to the church's youth service the next day.
Soon Wyatt was making friends, feeling comfortable at youth group, and attending church with Jake and Kristy. The Stromans began spending more and more time with Wyatt, inviting him over to watch football, helping him with his homework, and teaching him money-management skills like saving and tithing.
The Stromans' relationship with now 15-year-old Wyatt has become a valuable mentorship. Wyatt sees Jake and Kristy as his guides in life, and their daughter has become "like a cousin" to him.
"The connection has grown so much that he is now considered part of our family," Kristy said. "But if it weren't for the church taking part in the Angel Tree program, we would have never had the chance to establish the connection."
Sharing life
The Stromans keep busy with their jobs, church activities, and raising their daughter, but making Wyatt a part of their everyday life has felt natural. They've adjusted to leaving early to pick Wyatt up from his uncle's house on their way to events or on their way home. This school year, Jake requested to have Wyatt in his class, so Wyatt often stays after school to ride home with Jake.
"All it takes is including [him] in whatever [we] are already doing," Kristy said.
Through the Stromans and their church, Wyatt has gained a sense of family and community that he didn't get to experience before he attended the Angel Tree party. The Stromans have watched him become more self- confident, outgoing, and a better communicator. His grades have improved, too.
"I'm 100 percent confident now," Wyatt said. "It changed my life a lot."
In March, Wyatt accepted Christ into his heart, and he's gone on several church trips where he's gained more friends who are also following Jesus. Wyatt does tasks around the church to earn money toward the trips and mows the Stromans' yard to earn some extra money. This past summer, Angel Tree provided a scholarship to help Wyatt go to church camp in Missouri, where he grew closer to God and his friends.
Wyatt is thankful for the new family he has found in God, the church, and the Stromans.
"The Angel Tree program has brought a whole new section in my life and has brought Jesus closer to me," he said.
The Stromans' mentorship with Wyatt has not only benefited Wyatt; it has also blessed the Stromans.
"He's actually taught us a lot more about ourselves that we couldn't have learned if we had never met him," Jake said.
The Stromans encourage other families to look for kids in their communities that they can share their everyday lives with, too.
"You, as a believer, have been given the key to the door that leads to life," Kristy said. "Don't keep the key in your pocket because you are too busy to use it."
Learn how to serve children like Wyatt at angeltree.org. Churches can still register to participate in this Church of the Nazarene-supported program in 2013.--Prison Fellowship
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The Church of the Nazarene's USA/Canada Regional Office chose Justin Pickard to fill the region's new youth coordinator position after a search process that included district Nazarene Youth International presidents, the USA/Canada NYI Council, Global NYI Director Gary Hartke, and USA/Canada Regional Director Bob Broadbooks.
The regional youth coordinator is responsible for casting and implementing the vision for youth ministry in the U.S. and Canada and will serve as part of the regional office staff. Pickard will work with the regional youth coordinators who minister on the denomination's additional five world regions.
As coordinator, Pickard will team up with field youth coordinators who oversee youth ministry on the nine educational regions throughout the USA/Canada Region. Among his responsibilities will be Nazarene Youth Conference 2015, the National Bible Quiz Tournament, and the annual NYI Leadership Conference. Pickard will also work with Broadbooks to strategize on the unique challenges and needs facing youth ministry in the U.S. and Canada.
"I am thrilled to accept the role of USA/Canada regional youth coordinator," Pickard said. "NYI has a rich history of leading the way in the church, and I believe God has brought us together so that we can continue to build on this legacy. I look forward to partnering with pastors and youth leaders in leading NYI USA/Canada toward a bright and fulfilling future under God's direction!"
Pickard, an ordained elder, graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a bachelor's degree in Christian education and a master's degree in church leadership. He served as a youth pastor for 16 years, most recently at Dallas First Church of the Nazarene. He also has 14 years of experience in district and regional NYI leadership roles, including USA/Canada representative to the Global NYI Council.
"We are excited to have a voice for youth ministry in the USA/Canada Regional Office," Broadbooks said. "It signals an increased focus on reaching youth for Christ, and on pursuing our strategic priority for passionate missional outreach." --Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada Region
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Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Africa
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Equatorial Guinea The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Equatorial Guinea in 2002.
Equatorial Guinea had a population of 685,991 in 2012. Equatorial Guinea has not yet reported any official Churches of the Nazarene.
Equatorial Guinea is a part of the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:
Argentina Ethiopia Mali Aruba France Nicaragua Belize Gabon Niger
4Benin Guatemala Nigeria Bolivia Germany Paraguay Brazil Ghana Peru Burkina Faso Guam Senegal Cameroon Guinea Sierra Leone Canada Guinea-Bissau South Africa Cape Verde Guinea-Conakry Suriname Chile Guyana Swaziland Colombia Haiti Togo
Côte d'Ivoire Ireland United Kingdom Cuba Israel Uruguay Dominican Italy Venezuela Republic Liberia
Ecuador Madagascar Equatorial Guinea
NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
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Eurasia
Missionaries, local Nazarenes, and several visiting mission teams recently hosted a one-week basketball camp for about 350 youth ages 9 to 18 in Suhareka, Kosova.
The camp's objective was to introduce area youth to local believers, giving them a beginning point for relationship building and receiving the love of Jesus Christ, said visiting volunteer Brad Bergler from Spokane Valley, Washington, Church of the Nazarene.
The visiting American volunteers included two college students from Trevecca Nazarene University, a team of five students and leaders from Southern Nazarene University, and a team of two fathers and their respective children from Spokane Valley.
Each day of the camp was broken into four sessions — one in the morning for children, two sessions for high school students, and a final session for middle school students.
The missionaries led a similar basketball camp in 2011 attended by about 100 youth. They prayed for even more to attend this year, and those prayers were answered. The camp started small, with just a handful of youth in the first sessions, said missionary Gil Thibault. But word of mouth spread and by the second day there were around 100 youth. Every day the number of youth grew, culminating with 350 on the final day.
Each session involved basketball drills and competitions, as well as a short time of sharing led by one of the team members. The last day ended with an ice cream party, and all the youth heard about how Jesus had changed the lives of the team members.
"I was able to give my personal testimony about how Jesus has influenced my life and how my life has been shaped by His love and grace," said Rod Emerson from Spokane. "Our prayer is that we planted seeds of salvation in their hearts that God will cultivate in His time."
SNU volunteer Craig Shepperd told a story about one of the youth he met that week. "There was one student who was ridiculed by his family for hanging out with 'Christians.' This student
5happened to be related to one of our believers from another city. That believer made a special trip home to talk to his family. He informed his family who we were and how much he trusted us. After that conversation, the student was given permission not only to continue with basketball camp, but to participate in anything we were doing — even church."
Bergler said he got reacquainted with a number of youth who attended the 2011 basketball camp, which he'd been involved with. He had expected that his primary impact this summer would be with the youngest children, but as the week passed he developed the closest connections with the older students.
"It just hit me that maybe it was the older group that we were there to impact," he said. "They were at the age where they might have questions about Jesus and their faith. Now they know where they can go to have those conversations."
It wasn't just the youth who connected with the volunteers. Bergler and Emerson reconnected with a local coach who had been part of the basketball camp in 2011. He helped to lead the camp again this year. One missionary said that the coach spent time on the last day of camp talking with her, asking questions about Jesus and the testimony he heard given.
SNU volunteer Anita Shepperd also struck up a conversation with the manager of the gymnasium where the camp was held. The manager invited the volunteers to his home for tea and snacks, and to meet his daughters who are studying English.
"We went and had a delightful time," Craig said. "It was a chance just to love them and be recipients of their love towards us. The potential of that connection is so powerful and really is evidence of God's prevenient grace."
According to Thibault, about 40 youth from the basketball camp attended another youth gathering the church held later in the summer.--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
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Mesoamerica
A Work and Witness team from the Church of the Nazarene's West Virginia South District expected to work in Platon Anse Rouge, Haiti, but six weeks before construction was to start, the Lord changed the team to another location — Dispute, Haiti.
The team arrived at Nazarene Theological Seminary of Haiti and worked at the Work and Witness campus for a day. The next day the team began its 11-hour journey to Dispute.
The first three hours of the trip were on paved roads, but the next eight hours proved challenging.
"When we stopped in a small village to fix our third flat tire, [Teays Valley Church] Pastor Sonny shared the message of salvation with a young Haitian man, leading him to Christ right in front of a funeral home and casket-making shop," said Nazarene missionary Tonya Kucey.
Another team member got out of the truck and started to play a hopscotch game in the dirt. The local children all gathered around him and started to play hopscotch, too.
After about an hour, the team continued through the mountains and along the Caribbean Sea. For the next two days, they worked to transform an empty, gray building into a colorful house of worship. Improvements included painting, roofing, and assembling pews.
"We had a [building] dedication the second night where over 200 local members filled the church to overflowing," Kucey said. "They sang praises and worshiped until well after midnight."
On the third day the team headed back to Port au Prince. A few hours into the journey, the clutch went out on the team's truck.
6"We started to pray and within less than five minutes, a big Mack flatbed tow truck showed up and asked if we needed any help," Kucey said. "He loaded our truck on the back of his flatbed and off we went for the rest of the 12-hour journey back home. A couple hours later we were met with a torrential, hail-laden downpour [that] went on for almost an hour. This team was so amazing and all they could do was laugh as they all got soaked. I witnessed some of the male team members get up and block the opening in the truck so some of the ladies would not get as wet.
"All in all it was a fantastic trip and the Lord laid in on their hearts to come back next year and build a church in their original place in Platon Anse Rouge. We so look forward to seeing them again next year for another God- sized adventure."--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region
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South America
Pastor Saúl Mujica, age 90, passed away on October 6.
A native of Casanare, Venezuela, Saúl was born on June 4, 1923. He was married to María Valentina Sánchez for 15 years. He was widowed from his first wife in 1973. He had 16 children: Calixto, Berteberta, Kleidy, Nancy, Homero, Rosalba, María Elena, Luis, Pedro, Petra, Gloria, José, Zulma, Carlos, José, and María Soledad. The family grew, giving Saúl 47 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great- grandchildren.
Saúl met the Lord at 56 years of age and was baptized less than a year after his conversion. He clung to his faith in Christ and shared his testimony with his family, becoming a bridge so that many of them would also accept God in their lives.
He lived his last 34 years committed to the service of God and the Church of the Nazarene, serving primarily as a layman, trustee, steward, treasurer of the Barinas, Venezuela, Church of the Nazarene, and a member of his District Advisory Board.
At age 65, he began his pastoral ministry in Los Pozones, Venezuela, while at the same time preparing himself in theological studies. He was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 1994.
"How could one forget a valiant man, passionate in love for his family and the church, who dedicated his last 30 years to a very noble and special cause — the gospel — giving of his love, strength, money, time, knowledge, experience, and more," said Miguel Pradro, a young man who attended Los Pozones. "It was special to know him. I remember one of his expressions, 'I am prepared to go to the dwelling place like a rocket. I already have my ticket.'"
"In this time of pain and inevitable sadness, we remember that this is one of his goals fulfilled, to go to his eternal dwelling place with his Heavenly Father," said Pastor Carlos Cordero. "We need to cultivate the legacy that he left, so that we may continue giving marvelous fruit just as he gave to us; I encourage the family and the church to do this. The best way to honor Brother Saúl is not just remembering him, but following his example which is worthy of imitating. One of his passions was to see his family, church and friends live in holiness, to be saved... How can we forget his advice filled with encouragement and wisdom. Pastor, we will miss you! He is and will be in history a great man of God, a true legend!" --Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Contributors: Carlos Cordero, Susana Cabral, Evelyn Ovando
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USA/Canada
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Former actor follows higher calling to ordination
Peoria, Illinois
7(Albany Democrat Herald, October 11) Remember that 1994 episode on "Seinfeld" when Jerry talks George into posing as a marine biologist to impress a woman from their college days?
Former Lebanon resident Glen Weatherly sure does. That's Weatherly in the brown jacket in front of George, among the people gathered on the beach to view a stranded whale.
Weatherly, now 40, moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career after his 1991 graduation from Lebanon High School. These days, however, he's following a higher call: as associate pastor for the Peoria First Church of the Nazarene in Peoria, Ill.
Weatherly has been in the ministry for 16 years. This past April, with parents Gary and Gloria of Lebanon looking on, he received his full ordination.
It took three years of classes and study to receive the ordination, but Weatherly has been moving that direction for much longer.
For the rest of the story, click here. Saskatchewan church, city tackle area drug use
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
(Prince Albert Daily Herald, October 11) Confronted with rampant drug abuse, many residents would prefer to simply avert their eyes.
But for staff at the Church of the Nazarene, ignoring the problem is not an option.
The area behind the church -- a tree-covered valley adjacent to the Central Avenue viaduct -- has become a haven for drug addicts and alcoholics who dispose of syringes, bottles and other paraphernalia there.
...
To tackle the issue of drug abuse, the church and the city have pursued a number of strategies, both separately and in unison.
Each day, certified abuse counsellors at the Church of the Nazarene volunteer their time to provides free counselling.
At least five people per day take advantage of the service, with the average more than 10. The church also provides food and bedding to the needy.
For the rest of the story, click here. Ohio church celebrates 50 years
Grove City, Ohio
(NCN News submissions) Last year, as the Grove City Church of the Nazarene was approaching its 50th anniversary, Pastor Mark Fuller talked about the upcoming jubilee celebration. In Leviticus, the Lord told them they would celebrate in a way that would start a revival, which would allow a new beginning for the next 50 years.
It would also take a renewal that brought about new wineskins — wineskins that would cross generations. The older generation needed the passion of a younger generation committed to the will of God. The younger generation needed the wisdom of the older generation still committed, after many years, to that same will. The older generation needed to accept the ways of the younger generation. The younger generation needed to respect the ways of the older generation.
The planning and praying for this celebration began with an eye toward the next 50 years in new wineskins God was calling us to use, and that He promised to those who obeyed Him. This celebration would show honor and respect to God for sustaining us through the first 50 years, and seek His blessing to move forward into everlasting hope.
For the rest of the story, click here. MNU student, 82, honored by classmates as homecoming queen
Olathe, Kansas
(KCTV5, October 16) It's not unusual to hear about inspiring stories coming from homecoming royalty, but one homecoming queen is showing that success comes with age.
Granny Franny is remarkable for not only heading back to school at her age, a youthful 82, but also for inspiring all the young people she meets.
At her age, Frances Wood probably has more knowledge in years than she'll learn in a semester. Still, she packs her book bag for class.
"I thought, 'Is this really real? Am I really doing this?'" she said.
She enrolled at MidAmerica Nazarene University after her husband passed away. Heartbroken, she needed something that would bring her joy again.
"I was beginning to get just a little lonely and depressed. I needed something different to do and believe me, this is different," Wood said.
For the rest of the story, click here. MNU senior lands Disney job
Olathe, Kansas
(Olathe Edge, October 12) For MidAmerica Nazarene senior, Lindsay Crabtree, the Disney experience is more than just a dream, it's a reality. Lindsay has always loved all things Disney, so she found out about the Disney College program through contacts she had before coming to MNU.
"They knew how much I loved Disney, especially after I did a radio show featuring fun facts about Disney. They told me they knew some people who had done the program before and thought that I would be the perfect fit for Disney."
The Disney College program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in career development classes, and build many skills including teamwork, effective communication, and guest service. As a participant in the program, the participants will have the opportunity to advance their strengths and interests, as well as to meet guests and cast members from around the country. The Disney College program is truly a magical experience.
Lindsay said that first she had to apply online by submitting her resume and answering a few generic questions. After that step, she had to wait a couple days until Disney let her move on to the next step, an online interview/quiz. The online quiz consisted of two parts. The first part was mainly discussing her past experience and general information about Lindsay. The second part was a timed section where she had to answer 75 questions about how she would handle certain situations. After completing the online quiz, she was told it could be up to two weeks before hearing anything.
"I ended up hearing back the next day and they set up a phone interview to complete the final stage of interviews," said Lindsay.
For the rest of the story, click here. Injured SNU linebacker sets school record
Bethany, Oklahoma
(News OK, October 12) Michael Hicks wanted to play one last home game with his teammates before calling it quits for the season.
Southern Nazarene's star linebacker set the school record for career tackles Saturday, then said after a 31-14 loss to Southeastern State at SNU Field that he will have surgery this week to repair a torn Achilles. The junior will have a football season end early a second consecutive year; Hicks was sidelined late last season with a knee injury.
Hicks suffered the torn Achilles during an Oct. 5 loss at East Central. On Saturday, The Oklahoman's 2011 State College Defensive Player of the Year played with the painful injury without tape and still totaled 12 tackles and a fumble recovery. Afterward, the 6-foot-3, 229-pounder from Cushing was near tears knowing that Saturday's ballgame was his last until next August.
For the rest of the story, click here. Stories to share? Send them to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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Global Ministry Center News
The General Secretary's Office held its sixth annual District Personnel Workshop last week for 86 participants, including one representative from five of the Church of the Nazarene's regional offices.
Though it is typically held for USA/Canada Region district secretaries and office personnel, General Secretary David P. Wilson opened this year's training up to one staff member each from the Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Mesoamerica, and South America regions.
"The goal of this workshop is to increase communication and provide training between our office and the districts," Wilson said. "The ability to add regional office personnel to this year's meeting was a highlight for my team."
District secretaries' responsibilities include ministerial credentials, the yearly district journal and annual pastors' reports, district assemblies, and church tax statuses.
"This training will result in more accurate reports, which is advantageous for our office and districts around the world," said Susan Metcalf, administrative director for the General Secretary's Office.
The annual workshop features a half-day of in-depth instruction for new district secretaries and a full day for both new and experienced district secretaries and staff to review new policies and procedures.
Much of this year's training focused on the Online Church Directory, a new tool that allows district personnel to update existing records and add new information.
Another important portion of the workshop centered on amendments to the Church of the Nazarene Manual passed by the 2013 General Assembly in June. These amendments will now be ratified by 320 of the
denomination's districts.
"We are thankful for those that participated and hope to continue to build on the success of this annual workshop," Metcalf said.
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The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received October 14-18, 2013.
Leonard Adams Sr., 80, of Stafford, Texas, passed away on October 13. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Adams.
Vera (Jackson) Boone, 95, of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away on October 17. She was the widow of retired minister Carl Boone, who served in Mississippi. Carl Boone passed away in 2000.
Donald Davis, 77, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away on October 16. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Coralyn Davis.
Ralph Edwards, 89, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away on October 17. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, C. Janice Edwards, who passed away in 2000.
Harold Holmes, 79, of Pace, Florida, passed away on October 8. He was a retired minister and chaplain, serving in Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Williams) Holmes.
Gernot "Gernie" Iwersen, 82, of Eagle, Idaho, passed away on October 6. He was a retired minister, serving in Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Iwersen.
Saúl Mujica, 90, of Venezuela, passed away on October 6. He was a minister, serving in Venezuela. (story) J. E. Perryman Jr., 85, of Graham, Texas, passed away on October 10. He was a retired minister, serving in
Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and North Dakota. He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Krigbaum) Perryman.
Mary Frances (Atkinson) Roberts, 83, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, passed away on October 10. She was a former employee of Nazarene Publishing House and the International Headquarters of the Church of the Nazarene. She is survived by her husband, Bobbie Roberts.
Myron Tweed, 83, of San Diego, California, passed away on September 28. He was a professor of music at Point Loma Nazarene University.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Ecuador
"I give thanks to God for His love and grace," said a new believer in Ecuador. "He has made these qualities evident in my life. I am also thankful for the JESUS film, which allows me to share this joy with others."
JESUS Film - Peru
"As a teenager, I turned away from the ways of the Lord," said a viewer in Peru. "My father was a pastor, and I grew up in a Christian home. Yet I turned away from my upbringing and was sent to study in another town.
11There, I met a girl who took me to church. One day, God touched my heart and I gave my life to Christ. Now, I am the youth leader and hope to go to seminary to serve God as a servant in His work."
PRAYER REQUESTS
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital
Four men who previously caused problems with Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, Nazarene Hospital's hydroelectric project were recently arrested for stealing from the project. These men were soon released on bail and began to threaten the hospital and hydro project. Asia-Pacific regional and field leadership are following the situation closely and temporarily closed the hospital to ensure the safety of staff.
JESUS Film - Sri Lanka
"The area is always noisy because of the children," said a team member in Sri Lanka. "However, the little ones are always out at the playground or gather at one of the houses, and so it is a great witnessing opportunity. Please pray for the JESUS film ministry in this area."
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Bob Collins
Retired missionary Bob Collins was hospitalized and is battling cancer. His wife, Frances, says the family has been called in and Bob's situation is critical. Bob and Frances served in Brazil.
Cindy Downey
Missionary Cindy Downey requests prayer for her right eye vision. She is experiencing some loss of vision and is working with the doctor to determine the correct treatment. Downey serves in Argentina.
Lefa Mapesoane
Lefa Mapesoane, superintendent of the Free State District in South Africa, was hospitalized on October 1.
Penney Sidle
Missionary Penney Sidle had a large tumor on her ovary and was scheduled for surgery in Johannesburg, South Africa, last week. When doctors performed a final ultrasound test just prior to surgery, no cyst could be found. The doctor said to Penney, "Are you a con artist? I cannot do surgery on you, there is nothing there to remove." Penney replied, "Well, I know many people were praying for me and I know God has healed me." Penney, her husband, Gary, and their family serve as missionaries in Zambia.
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here.
To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
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Resources
October is traditionally recognized in various parts of the world as Clergy Appreciation Month. Church of the Nazarene congregations are encouraged to celebrate with their clergy, who sacrifice and faithfully serve the Lord and His church.
To assist congregations in the planning for Clergy Appreciation, helpful suggestions are available from ThrivingPastor.org. Planning guides, art work, and many other helpful resources are provided in English and Spanish.
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double
12honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV). Those who do the preaching and teaching in your congregation will be deeply honored through your expressions of grace. Celebrate those who have answered God's call and are serving with intentionality.
Remember, clergy include all those who serve pastorally, and this month of appreciation is for all of them. So gather a Sunday School class, home group, or engage the entire congregation. October is the time to say, "thank you."
For questions or comments regarding Clergy Appreciation resources, call or email Clergy Development at (800) 306-7651 or pastor@nazarene.org.--Church of the Nazarene Clergy Development
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Collegiate News
Northwest Nazarene University students, friends, and alumni gathered with Boise Valley businesses to celebrate at the NNU Centennial Gala on October 10.
The black-tie event at the Boise Centre showcased the university's history over the past 100 years by telling the stories of its people. Twenty-two of 100 Centennial Medallion honorees received their awards while their stories of service to the university and world were shared in the context of the university's four values — transformation, truth, community, and service.
More than 800 guests attended the event to celebrate NNU's contributions to and support from Idaho's Treasure Valley over the past century.
"The overwhelming turnout at this event really speaks to the mutual support between the university and Treasure Valley community," said Stacey Berggren, NNU vice president for Enrollment and Marketing.
The evening began with hors d'oeuvres in the grand lobby while guests perused historical displays and enjoyed music by NNU Jazz Revival. They were then served a three-course meal during a program that included live music, videos on three large screens, and a variety of speakers. The honored guests included scientists, philanthropists, civic leaders, business leaders, and an astronaut, among many others.
NNU President David Alexander made the first presentation of four Centennial Medallions to civic partners who represent the many whose generosity and vision helped the university take root and grow in the Boise Valley: John and Orah Brandt, Stan Olson, Ken Harward, and Harold and Phyllis Thomas. Vice President Joel Pearsall then presented the 2013 Eugene Emerson Award to the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce in gratitude for fostering a mutually beneficial spirit of cooperation between the Treasure Valley and the university.
The first of the four NNU values presented was transformation. Five Centennial Medallion recipients were honored as agents of transformation in the world: Kent Hill, senior vice president for World Vision's International Programs; Jeff Carr, chief operating officer of the Special Olympics World Games; Perla Aragon, who works with the Los Angeles Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development; Tom Dale, mayor of Nampa; and Richard Hagood, NNU president emeritus.
The dinner program included two performances by the NNU Crusader Choir and Orchestra, joined by choral alumni and directed by Philip Miller. The final piece, "How Great Thou Art," brought the crowd to its feet.
"I'm incredibly proud of this group of students and their accomplishment tonight," Miller said. "It was an honor for us to perform for this significant event in the university's centennial celebrations."
Vice President for Academic Affairs Burton Webb shared on the university value of truth. Alexander then awarded Centennial Medallions to four alumni accomplished in the areas of science and medicine: Rick Hieb, Christine Johns, Ken Watson, and LaDeana Hillier.
Next, Berggren presented on the NNU value of community. Alumni Dennis Johnson, Steve Walden, Jeff Kinneeveauk, and James Jackson were awarded Centennial Medallions as examples of NNU alumni who
13serve their communities, the world, and their alma mater by excelling in their business and charitable pursuits.
The final five Medallion recipients were awarded in the context of the university value of service as explained by Chairman of the Board of Trustees Randy Craker. These honorees are notable for their service to the kingdom of God through their sacrificial work and charitable giving: Jerry and Muriel Caven, Ralph Palmen, Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag, Monty and Anne Ortman, and Randy Newcomb.
While the stories of the 22 Centennial Medallion honorees were inspiring, the number and variety of the contributions of these individuals impressed upon the audience that the mission of NNU is shared by all of its alumni and partners.
"I am humbled to be ranked with individuals of such caliber and records of extraordinary service," said Nampa Mayor Tom Dale at the conclusion of the event.
The words of the concluding hymn, "How Great Thou Art," aptly described the focus of the university both at its inception and looking into its next century to be an unabashedly Christian institution crediting God for its achievements and serving the cause of Christ in the world by educating and equipping students.
To view a slideshow of the gala and read the full article about the event, click here.--Northwest Nazarene University
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Northwest Nazarene University was awarded a five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $2,250,000 for increasing educational access to students by means of online education. The grant will focus on developing and piloting online courses that apply toward a bachelor's degree.
"We sincerely appreciate our members of the Idaho Congressional Delegation, Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and Representatives Raul Labrador and Mike Simpson, for supporting NNU with this project," said NNU President David Alexander. "This grant will provide funds to increase the accessibility of an NNU education to students in rural locations, allowing us to more rapidly expand undergraduate general education course offerings online."
The grant was created to assist institutions in strengthening their academic quality and to build a framework that will support students in their endeavor to complete college.
Additional key initiatives within NNU's project include development and piloting of liberal arts general education courses online; enhancement of online student services while improving technology infrastructure; and, professional development of faculty in online pedagogy and effective use of online instructional tools.
"This award assists us in advancing campus technology and improving online learning systems that will allow us to better serve NNU students while increasing academic and support services that promote student success," said Eric Werth, NNU's Title III Project director.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded more than $20.1 million to 39 colleges and universities under SIP this year. See the full list of awarded higher education institutions here.--Northwest Nazarene University
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Olivet Nazarene University announced the official naming of the university's newest student facility as the Douglas E. Perry Student Life and Recreation Center.
The motion was made to name the building in honor of Olivet's vice president of Finance during the Board of Trustees' fall session, and was carried by unanimous vote. In response, Olivet President John C. Bowling remarked that he was "enthusiastically supportive" of this action.
14"It is not an overstatement to say that we would not have the Student Life and Recreation Center without Doug's leadership," Bowling said. "He was the first to catch the vision, and he did the initial research. It was Doug who identified and enlisted the architectural firm for the project and, perhaps most importantly, Doug created the financial plan to make it a reality."
Measuring approximately 168,000 square feet — roughly two-and-a-half times the size of Ludwig Student Center — the center opened on December 12, 2012. Features include an eight-lane, 200-meter running track with Mondo surface; two pools, including a 10-lane competition pool; a four-story rock climbing wall; a 72,000- square-foot field house with running track and four basketball courts; workout facilities; a large game area; a spacious central lounge; and several classrooms and offices.
Doug Perry grew up on the Olivet campus because his father, Ralph Perry, was a professor for many years. His grandfather and uncle both served as Olivet presidents. Doug's first job, at age 15, was with the buildings and grounds department, mowing grass and cleaning buildings. He attended Olivet and began a career after graduation as a mathematics teacher in the local school system.
Just a few years later, Olivet's business manager offered Doug a position in the finance department working with student accounts. Doug accepted the position and began what has now become a 40-year career with Olivet. He became a certified public accountant and then earned an executive Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois. He has been the chief financial officer for the university for the past 30 years.
"Doug is a quiet but very effective and efficient administrator whose service has contributed greatly to the growth and stability of the university," Bowling said. "He has an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep, personal faith."
Doug's wife, Sheila, and their two children, John and Lauren, are all Olivet graduates.--Olivet Nazarene University
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Anticipated increase in demand for nursing services and impending retirements of baby boomers indicates that the need for registered nurses will continue to grow. The U.S. Labor Department predicted there will be 712,000 new jobs for registered nurses between 2010 and 2020.
Olivet Nazarene University is taking a proactive approach to address this growing need. The university's School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS) recently announced partnerships with Illinois' Kankakee Community College (KCC) and Highland Community College (HCC) that will allow students to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
"We are very pleased to partner with KCC, HCC, and community colleges throughout the state who are looking to provide continuing education for their nursing students," said Jonathan Dela Cruz, SGCS director of community college partnerships.
Classes at KCC begin in the summer or fall of 2014. Prior to that time, KCC students are invited to take classes on Olivet's campus. Classes at HCC begin on November 6.
"We know that these partnerships will have tremendous impact on the Kankakee and Freeport communities," said Ryan Spittal, vice president for strategic expansion at Olivet.
According to the 2010 Institute of Medicine report, "The Future of Nursing," nurses with bachelor's degrees are becoming highly desired by hospitals and health care agencies. Classes for Olivet's Accelerated BSN degree program, which will allow those who have an associate's degree to continue their education, will be offered on both the KCC and HCC campuses. The goal is for students to complete the program in about 12 months of full-time study or to extend their studies part-time with completion in two and a half years.
"The healthcare environment is fast-paced and ever-changing," said Cynthia Russell, associate dean of
15nursing and health sciences at ONU. "Today's nurses need programs like Olivet's RN to BSN program that facilitate completion of the baccalaureate degree, enabling graduates to pursue career advancement opportunities and graduate studies."
For more information about degree programs offered by Olivet's SGCS, call (887) 886-3590 or visit graduate.olivet.edu.--Olivet Nazarene University
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For the eighth year in a row, Point Loma Nazarene University students and recent alumni won awards from the Metropolitan Opera National Council (MONC) Auditions, held Saturday, October 5 at Crill Performance Hall on PLNU's campus.
Soprano Christen Blair Horne (Class of 2012) and mezzo-soprano Alexandra Rodrick (Class of 2011) were named co-winners at the 55th Annual MONC Auditions for the Western Region, San Diego District. Both women were awarded $1,000 and will advance to the regional auditions held in Los Angeles on October 26 at the Colburn School of Music's Zipper Hall.
Horne, who won first place and advanced to the Regional Finals twice before, sang last in a program of 28 singers. She began her audition with a performance of Giuletta's aria "O quante volte" from Bellini's I Capuleti e i Montecchi. The panel of internationally recognized adjudicators then requested to hear Gretel's aria "Wo bin ich?" from Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel. For her performances, Horne also garnered the Lynne Friedmann and Eileen Chatterton Audience Choice Award of $200.
While at PLNU, Horne, 23, took first place in the Virginia Hawke Scholarship Competition and graduated with honors. She was a student of associate professor of music John Craig Johnson and continues to study with him and coach with Ines Irawati, the department's staff piano-vocal coach. Horne performed numerous productions and currently sings with the San Diego Opera Chorus and will appear there this year in Verdi's Requiem.
Joining Horne on the winners' podium was Rodrick, a classmate of Christen's who also served as her maid of honor in January 2012. Rodrick was the recipient of two previous MONC awards — the Robert Faulk Memorial Encouragement Award in 2012 and the Dorothy Haugh Greiner Encouragement Award in 2009.
Rodrick, singing ninth in the lineup of singers, began her audition with a performance of Rosina's aria "Una voce poco fa" from Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia. The adjudicators then requested to hear Octavian's aria, "Wie du warst" from Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. The adjudicators then asked for yet another piece, this time "What a movie!" from Bernstein's Trouble in Tahiti.
The 24-year-old also continues to study with Johnson and Irawati at PLNU. This spring she will return for her fourth season as an American Guild of Musical Artists chorus member with San Diego Opera's L'elisir d'amore, Un ballo in mashera, Don Quichotte, I Pagliacci, and Verdi's Requiem.
Horne's and Rodrick's wins mark the sixth first-place finish for PLNU alumni in the last eight years, in addition to 12 MONC encouragement awards given to current students or recent alumni. Four current PLNU undergraduate students competed in Saturday's competition — Michelle Law, Phillip Dannels, Jonathan Lacayo, and Kiana Bell.
Since 1954, MONC has held auditions to discover and help support upcoming opera singers. This year's adjudication panel was comprised of David Gately, Carol Kirkpatrick, and Harry Silverstein.--Point Loma Nazarene University
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Three groups of Trevecca Nazarene University faculty serve as higher education partners with John Overton High School (OHS) students through The Academies of Nashville, a program started by Metro Nashville Public
16Schools to expand classroom learning with real-life experiences and career opportunities.
Trevecca's Department of Music recently began working with the OHS Academy of Musical Performance. This spring OHS' academy will focus on a special project, a joint effort of the academy and the Nashville Symphony related to acoustics and Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Hall. Two Trevecca departments — music and science (physics area) — will assist students with background information on acoustics and hands-on demonstrations and performances.
In the four years since Trevecca's Skinner School of Business and Technology became a partner in the OHS Academy of Information Technology, its IT faculty have hosted OHS students at Trevecca for different kinds of
training. Earlier this year Trevecca's Department of Information Technology hosted 35 Overton IT academy students during the department's Virtual World Expo, a showcase of Trevecca IT students' programming, networking, and graphics design projects.
After attending the presentations, OHS students met one-on-one with Trevecca students to ask questions and to learn about university-level IT courses and requirements. This fall, Mike Leih, chair of Trevecca's Department of Information Technology, advised OHS juniors and seniors about different college programs and strategies they might use when applying for college.
Trevecca's Environmental Projects team works with the Urban Agriculture division of the OHS Academy of Engineering. This year OHS students attended the Trevecca Urban Farm Camp and learned about global and local issues related to food, farming, and justice while they learned how to plant a garden, build a compost pile, and plant trees. Students who completed the camp could apply for a paid summer internship, and those who earned an internship completed training on all aspects of Trevecca's urban farm. They also taught and led the groups of volunteers who visited the farm during the summer (several hundred volunteers).
Jason Adkins, Trevecca's director of environmental projects, explained one positive outcome of the academies.
"When five teachers came to the farm for a learning 'externship,' they expressed concern when they discovered that two 'trouble makers' were summer interns, but when those two interns conducted training for the teachers, those teachers could not believe the difference in those students when they were given a chance to learn with their bodies, follow their curiosities, and embrace leadership roles."
Since The Academies of Nashville were initiated in 2006, Metro Nashville Public Schools reports that The Academies have helped raise test scores and have increased the number of high school students who go on to college. Trevecca is pleased to be part of this effort to improve public education and the lives of students in Nashville.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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NCN Sports
The Trevecca Nazarene University Athletic Department re-launched its website, tnutrojans.com. The new design is a collaboration of the Trevecca Athletic and Marketing departments along with the creative
team at eSolution Architects.
The website is managed by Trevecca Director of Sports Information Gregory Ruff and Sports Information Assistant Clayton Coffman, with support from Trevecca's marketing office. Along with the unique look, Trevecca will see its athletics site upgraded to include all of SIDHelp's, eSolution Architects web design tool, and the latest technology and design features.
New features include:
iPhone/iPad app New XML stats display Mini-game boxscore in game recaps
17Centralized pop-down menu Videos in news stories and select game recaps Quick social media access Trojan (athlete/coach/alumni) spotlight New video section
"When we first partnered with eSolutions in 2007, we created a site that was innovative with some technology that was in the beta testing stage," Ruff said. "Move forward to 2013, and the site we are launching today will allow us to better tell the story of our Trevecca teams, coaches, and athletes. The new design includes features and technology that will help connect our teams with the Trojan fans, alumni, parents, and recruits."
The TNU athletic site is hosted and powered by eSolution Architects and its product SIDHelp.
SIDHelp is a content-management and Web-development system built specifically for college athletic departments. When Trevecca first partnered with eSolutions in 2007, there were approximately 20 conference and 50 institutional sites on board using its SIDHelp system. Today approximately 200 total sites are designed and maintained by SIDHelp.
"The Trevecca athletic and marketing departments have been great to work with on this re-design and upgrade," said Greg Black, eSolution Architects vice president of commercial development and SIDHelp creator. "Trevecca is one of our first clients, and it is great to re-launch its site, [which] will bring the Trojans to new level of integration of all the tools Trevecca uses to reach its audience. The site gives Trevecca an upper hand in recruiting and communicating to the public about its success."
Trevecca sponsors 15 intercollegiate athletic teams that play in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, an NCAA Division ll conference. Trevecca is in its Provisional Year, the third of a three-year transition period, of membership application with NCAA Division ll.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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