Global Nazarene Communications Network Weekly News ~ Volume 1343 ~ Friday, 25 October 2013
The Sparks, Nevada, Church of the Nazarene held a special prayer service Thursday night for community members affected by this week's middle school shooting.
On Monday morning, a 12-year-old student at Sparks Middle School shot two classmates and a teacher before killing himself. The two students sustained non-life threatening injuries and the teacher was killed.
The middle school is located just three blocks from Sparks church. Lead Pastor Brad Dyrness also serves as a chaplain with the Sparks Police Department and was on the scene of Monday's tragic shooting.
"After police questioned students who witnessed the shooting, I and several others reunited them with their parents," Dyrness said. "I walked several students who attend our church back to their parents."
While many community gatherings took place in the wake of the shooting, the Sparks church event was the only prayer-focused outlet. More than 300 people attended the service, including the local mayor and members of other denominations and faiths.
Led by community youth leaders and students, participants prayed for the shooter, his family, the wounded students, and the teacher who lost his life.
Candles were an important part of the prayer service.
"The candles are a physical representation of a spiritual principle," Dyrness said. "The world is often a very dark place, but light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5)."
Three local pizza restaurants provided a free meal.
"The meal gave students the opportunity to talk, share life," Dyrness said. "Schools have been closed since Monday, so many of the students haven't seen each other since then."
Students were also given the opportunity to write prayers and messages of encouragement on a banner that will welcome the middle school back to classes this Monday.
Community pastors and counselors were available to talk with attendees after the service.
Continued prayer is requested for those affected by the shooting, as well as the Sparks church as it continues to be a light in its community.
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In the week after the October 15 earthquake in Cebu Province, Philippines, the disaster's death toll rose to more than 175. At least 50 Nazarene families' homes were damaged, and many not destroyed will need major repairs.
Families from two Nazarene churches in the cities of Sandingan and Baclayon were hit especially hard.
1"One of our pastors in the region had two children who were buried under the rubble, but were later rescued and hospitalized," said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific regional communications coordinator. "They have now been released and we are praising God. It is truly a miracle that none of our Nazarene members lost their lives."
Nazarene Disaster Response teams arrived in the area on October 17 to provide stress debriefings and relief supplies.
David Harris, Asia-Pacific regional coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and a representative from the Philippine Field Office will assist with the provision of relief supplies purchased by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
"We are planning to engage in providing shelter in the very near future," Aebischer said. Continued prayer is requested for Nazarene families in the Philippines.
For information about contributing financially, contact the regional communications and partnerships coordinator. --Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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More than 800 child advocates and child-focused ministry workers from 70 nations participated in the 4/14 Window Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, October 15 through 18. The summit's theme, Rooted and Released: Empowering the Body of Christ, emphasized the 4/14 Window goal to embrace children and youth as partners in mission.
"With 40 percent of the world's population under the age of 20, the Church continues to face the exciting opportunity but also pressing challenge of how it will fulfill its mandate for integrated mission and ministry, inclusive of children who are often undervalued and overlooked in our missional endeavors," said Dave Harris, Asia-Pacific regional coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. "Our prayer is that the Church will intentionally and creatively seek ways to ensure that children are radically transformed, discipled, rooted, and released for partnership in the mission of God."
Nazarene leaders from three regions and seven nations attended the summit, including Global Nazarene Youth International Director Gary Hartke, Seminario Nazarenos de las Americas (SENDAS) President Ruben Fernandez, Philippine-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Stephen Gualberto, Bangladesh District Superintendent Nathan Sukamal Biswas, and Dan Balayo, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Asia-Pacific's Holistic Child Development coordinator.
Hartke affirmed the value of the summit.
"There is much at stake when we think about strategy to reach and disciple children and youth," he said. "The 4 to 14 Window Summit was a reminder of the importance of ministry to this age group and a timely opportunity to meet with 800 other ministry leaders to share best practices, resources, and ideas. I leave better equipped to help lead ministry to this age group."
The summit featured plenary speakers from various ministries who highlighted principles and strategies that effectively empowered, equipped, and engaged children in God's mission, including Dan Brewster, compassion director for International Holistic Child Development ministries; Genevieve James, urban missiologist; and Luis Bush, former international director of the AD2000 and Beyond Movement who coined the terms 10/40 Window and 4/14 Window.
Delegates participated in one of eight track sessions designed for different ministry focuses — pastors; family; media; academic and theological transformation; missions and missiology; education; holistic child ministry in local church; and orphans and vulnerable children. Regional consultations also gave participants the opportunity to engage and network with others from their respective countries or regions.
Gualberto convened a session with Nazarene delegates at the end of each day to provide an opportunity for debriefing and reviewing strategy. Participants reflected on new insight, challenges, or posed questions about their personal and collective approach to ministry with and to children.
"Children and youth development is number one in the missional emphasis of the church in the Philippines," Gualberto said. "They are the church of today and the hope of the church. If we fail to minister to them, disciple them and equip them for leadership and service, then we set up our society for failure. The Bible regards highly the capacity of children to understand faith. We believe that children and youth are partners in mission. God can use them mightily to transform their communities."
Four years ago, Balayo made a meaningful contribution to a children's ministries task force that developed a significant statement concerning the value of children and youth. This statement was adopted at the 2009 General Assembly (Manual, 2009-2013 par.903.19). Balayo affirmed the courage and insight of the global church to make this defining statement regarding the value it places on children and young people.
"We genuinely desire to help the church act on its statement, its intentions," Balayo said. "The 4/14 Window movement is but one avenue through which the Church can be better informed and equipped and connected for implementation of its commitment to children's formation for a lifetime. We are not talking about structural or organizational change, necessarily, but each and every church embracing and discipling children and affirming their role in mission."--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Asia-Pacific
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The Board of General Superintendents announced it approved a request from the Nazarene Children's Leadership Network to designate the first Sunday of November as Orphan Sunday.
"There is a very special place in God's heart for children," said General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter. "When we love and care for a child, we are deeply touching the Lord's heart. Orphan Sunday is a way of honoring the children and the parents who are a family by choice. May the Lord strengthen the Church as we lovingly encourage and bless these families."
According to NCLN, many orphans live a life on their own, without an earthly mentor or guide and without the security or permanence that a family brings. Some live in abject poverty, begging daily for food, shelter, and clothing. Others wait for years in orphanages and foster care for their forever families.
"The orphan crisis is connected nearly every social issue, including systemic poverty, crime, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, human trafficking, and abortion," said Margie Schwarz of the NCLN Orphan Initiative.
Orphan Sunday is a worldwide-movement sponsored by the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Thousands of churches worldwide, including some Nazarene congregations, will lift up the cause of the orphan on November 3.
Participation can involve a Sunday School class, small group, or the entire church. Consider featuring the dedication of an adopted child, host a service project making blankets for children in foster care, or hold a time of prayer for children in an orphanage on the other side of the world. Other options include a fundraiser for a family in the church who has been called to adopt, or a sermon on Christians' adoption into God's family after accepting Jesus.
Visit orphansunday.org to find videos, lesson plans, prayer guides, service project ideas, and additional resources.
To brainstorm, ask questions, or discuss orphan ministry, contact Margie Schwarz at orphans@nazcln.org.
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Three Florida districts' Nazarene Missions International groups once again sponsored The Amazing Race:
3Mission Edition for youth and young adults. Kathy Mowry, intercultural/religion professor at Trevecca Nazarene University, and five of her students led activities and sessions.
The Amazing Race: Mission Edition—Take 2 took place October 18 through 20 at Lake Placid Camp & Conference Center in Lake Placid, Florida.
"I never expected to do what we did this weekend," said college junior Brandon Innis. "I learned how hard and how dedicated you must be to serve as a missionary."
The 76 students and youth/mission leaders attending the event were divided into four tribes. The Trevecca student leaders then created four different tracks that led the teams to a simulated overseas evangelical assignment in the "Land of Sheerala." Adult leaders served as village inhabitants, including the head of an orphanage, chief, sheriff, and witch doctor. The four teams were given a variety of preparatory training skills in theology, medicine, and survival before beginning their assignment.
Mowry spoke four times to the group, presenting Luke 4 as an example to follow in living and reaching others for Christ.
"I learned not to be so task-oriented when it comes to God's service," Innis said. "You have to build on personal relationships and put God and others first."
Mowry also met separately with adult leaders, providing background and information on teaching and working with the iGeneration (middle and high school students).
The event closed with an anointing service for students who desired to commission themselves to a life of service to God. Mowry anointed 14 students. --Southern Florida NMI via NCN News submissions
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Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Africa
Nazarene missionaries Irma and Mario Martinez shared about their work in one of the Church of the Nazarene's newest world areas, Guinea-Bissau.
The Martinezes recently started a children's club on Saturdays attended by more than 100 children, many of whom come from families of another faith background.
The couple holds another meeting in their home on Sundays with about 20 youth and adults. Some accepted Jesus as their savior at the first meeting.
"Irma also started adult literacy classes," Mario said. "A big surprise for us was that several of the students are men. In this, we see a big door of opportunity to reach them. We thank God for allowing us to be a part of the missionary work of the Church of the Nazarene."
Guinea-Bissau is a Portuguese-speaking country in northwest Africa. The Church of the Nazarene officially entered the country in 2004.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region
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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: Ethiopia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Ethiopia in 1992.
Ethiopia had a population of 91,195,675 in 2012. That same year, Ethiopia reported 890 Churches of the Nazarene, 383 of which had been officially organized. Ethiopia has 48,604 total members.
Ethiopia has four pioneer areas, five Phase 1 districts, and four Phase 2 districts. It is a part of the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:
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.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback ordered flags to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately in honor of Kansas Court of Appeals Chief Judge Richard D. Greene, who died Sunday. In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, flags will remain at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down until the interment of Chief Judge Greene.
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Asia-Pacific
More than 60 people from across the Asia-Pacific Region, southern Africa, India, and the U.S. came to Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary October 21 through 24 for the first Korean National District Mission Conference.
Korean missionaries gave reports presenting their victories, challenges, vision, and strategy for reaching the lost in their respective areas of service.
"Our hearts were heavy as we heard the stories of persecution experienced by many," said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific regional communications coordinator. "We also celebrated with our brothers and sisters as we heard of lives changed because of the power of our Lord. The entire conference was encouraged as special messages were brought by several of the visiting Korean Nazarene District leaders."
Global Mission Director Verne Ward gave devotions and lead the conference in a special time of communion. He emphasized that together as a global mission entity, the attendees could accomplish much for the Kingdom.
As the conference came to a close on Thursday, Korean District Superintendent Gi Dong Han presented a message that challenged those present to make a difference in their world, to live fully committed lives of service to Christ, and to put all else aside in pursuit of the goal of making Christlike disciples.
"The Korean Church was not ready for this in the past, but now is the time and we are ready," said Yang, Young Ho, Korean National Mission director.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Asia-Pacific Communications recently received the following report from a Creative Access Area:
We had driven through the countryside over surprisingly well-paved roads. The van stopped and the full load of smiling people jumped out and clomped muddy feet toward a home rising five feet on stilts. We used the wood stairs in the back to minimize the mud accumulated on feet after a typhoon had blown through the day before.
Sitting on the floor about 20 people began to share stories as a slowly growing crowd joined in. A mother began to tell about her daughter's healing.
"I believe in God because of my daughter," she began.
Her daughter had fallen sick at just two years old and was fading fast while the mother walked and prayed the distance to the doctor. On the way her daughter became very quiet; still the mother prayed and walked on. Reaching the doctor, he began to examine the girl.
"She's dead," he said.
The girl was already turning cold. Still the mother prayed. "Lord please heal my daughter," she pleaded knowing that others had been healed by Jesus.
Turning as she told the story, the mother called to her daughter. A very ordinary little four-year-old girl came and sat on her mother's lap while the story finished.
The doctor continued to examine the girl, said the mother, and then exclaimed "What are you doing to her? She is getting warmer!"
"Nothing," the mother replied.
The doctor continued to examine the girl. "Why she is getting warmer," he exclaimed. Suddenly the girl opened her eyes! She stretched and moved! She was back! God had answered the prayer of a mother.
"I will always believe in Jesus," said the mother with her daughter sitting in her lap.
Around the room the nods of many heads showed agreement. The story was well known. But there were many more. Person after person shared about the transforming power of Jesus in their lives. Several had been healed. One had come to Christ only two weeks before. Gathering together, the group wanted prayer for healing. One for a back, another for her eyes, another had a wounded leg. Faith was in their eyes as they bowed and asked their friend Jesus to heal them once again.
Prayer finished, the believers encouraged, we slipped on our muddy shoes and clomped down the steps. Loaded into the van we went on our way greatly encouraged! "I will always believe in Jesus!"--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Typhoon Nari (Santi) came ashore in the early morning hours of October 12, damaging many homes and thousands of acres of agricultural land in the Philippines.
In Nueva Ecija, 11 Nazarene families lost their homes and two more families' homes were destroyed in Pampanga.
Nazarene Disaster Response teams from local churches are providing assistance and rehabilitation, including food and temporary shelter for families who are now homeless.
"Part of the plan is to assist those impacted by the typhoon through home rebuilding and the rehabilitation of agricultural grounds," said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific regional communications coordinator. "We will be providing seedlings (coffee and vegetables) to help these families rehabilitate their livelihoods."--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Eurasia
When Pastor Tracey Day became senior pastor of Penycae Church of the Nazarene five years ago, the congregation broached the idea of adding "community" to the church name.
"We could really only change [the name] to Community Church if we were working in the community," Day said.
During this time, the village of Penycae and its 5,000 residents were declared "an area in need of regeneration" by the local council. Soon after, the village was deemed "deprived" by the Welsh government, along with nine other villages in the area.
"These are villages that are deprived in education, housing, employment, and things like that," Day said. "There is a need in schools and families to encourage healthy eating habits, more social interaction, numeracy, and literacy courses."
The Communities First program, created by the Welsh government to help combat poverty in Wales, was brought into the area. The program was the kind of opportunity the church needed to become involved in the community.
Day began speaking with the local council and other community groups, which led to a steering group within the village. They assessed the various needs of the community and laid out projects to help meet those needs. One of those projects — the Food CoOp — was launched 18 months ago.
The Food CoOp is designed to bring fresh, quality produce — fruits, vegetables, and more — to people in need at a discounted rate. Community members place their order from a list of produce at the church and pay for it. The orders range from two- and four-pound bags to a six-pound, family-size box. The church then places the order with two local suppliers who deliver the order in bulk to the church the following week. When it arrives, Stella Edwards, program leader and a 30-year member of the church, brings her church and community volunteers together to bag or box up the orders that were received.
4"A few years ago we were challenged," Edwards said. "(But now) if the church disappeared, would we be missed."
Edwards admitted that when they realized that they would not be missed, it challenged and encouraged them to do more and to make themselves known more in the Lord's work.
"We didn't just want to become a community center; we wanted to become a center for community," Day said.
The Food CoOp created other opportunities to serve the community. The church offers parenting classes, craft clubs, and "bring and take" exchanges, where individuals bring their unwanted items and others can take them for free. Through computer and Internet courses, community members can now access welfare and other government benefits. The church plans to launch literacy and numeracy courses in the beginning of the year.
The 35-member congregation volunteers their time and talents to help run these courses and work the Food CoOp program.
"At some point in the week, all of the people in the congregation are involved with members in the community," Day said.
The church's outreaches have led to the feeding of the soul as well. About a year ago, Barbara Richards was invited by a friend to the craft club. While she was there, Edwards told her all about the Food CoOp. She began to volunteer there and soon after began attending the church.
"I think it's absolutely brilliant how the church gets involved in the community... it's a family," Richards said. She was also impressed how the church doesn't force itself on people.
"They don't say you have to come to church in order to get food," Richards said. "They just serve the community with no strings attached."
At their last District Assembly, the Penycae Church of the Nazarene formally changed its name to The Penycae Neighborhood Church of the Nazarene.
"It's all about getting Jesus noticed through us," Edwards said.--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
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South America
The Center Church of the Nazarene in Comodoro Rivadavia recently hosted the first pastors' and spouses' meeting for the Argentina Patagonia Central District.
Eleven of the 12 pastoral couples on the district attended the October 4 through 6 event, traveling from Puerto Madryn, Rawson, Trelew, Esquel, Comodoro Rivadavia, and El Calafate.
Julio Felipe and his wife, Susana, from Neuquén served as the event's special speakers.
On Saturday morning, Pastor Felipe gave a study about the different mountains mentioned in the Bible and their spiritual and ministerial application. Participants attended an afternoon workshop on the Master's Plan and its application to have a healthy church. While the workshop was in session, Susana shared a devotional message and ministered to the pastors' wives. Pastor Felipe preached in the evening.
"It was a very good and necessary meeting to see each other again in order to chat about the advancement of our church in the Patagonia," said Lino Tejerina, Patagonia Central district superintendent. "Thanks be to God that we are moving forward in victory. These meetings are costly economically due to the great distances between each church, but were worth it because the blessing of our Father was greater."--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Contributors: Lino Tejerina, Germán Picavea; translated by Cindy Downey
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Friday, October 25, 2013
Argentina, South America Region
Argentina pastor Angel Amaya went to meet his Lord and Savior on October 12. He was 59.
Pastor Angel was the son of Angela Salguero and Guillermo Amaya. He was born in Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina, on July 4, 1954 and gave his life to the Lord at 26 years of age. He began his pastoral ministry at 42.
From the moment he met the Lord, he felt a profound call to serve Him. He began to preach, helping many to know the Lord through his testimony. He ministered through puppets and clowns, was a Sunday School teacher, and was president of Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries, among other responsibilities. At the time of his passing he was studying for an associate degree in theology.
Despite the cancer that suddenly affected him, Amaya served the Lord to his last day, preaching in a wheelchair and organizing a Mother's Day celebration.
Amaya married Pastor Mabel Belinda Fernandez on April 18, 1996. The two shared in his pastoral ministry. The couple had six children (Fabiana, David, Marcelo, Evelin, Katerina, Juan) and six grandchildren (Aldana, Lautaro, Santiago, Luciano, Bautista, Olivia).
Contributors: District Superintendent Raul Mariano Garay, Germán Picavea; translation by Cindy Downey
Descansa un obrero del Señor
El día 12 de octubre de 2013, el hermano pastor Ángel Amaya fue a encontrarse con su Señor y Salvador.
El pastor Ángel, era hijo de Ángela Salguero y Guillermo Amaya. Nació en Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina, el 4 de julio de 1954 y entregó su vida al Señor a los 26 años de edad y a los 42 entró al ministerio pastoral. Desde que tuvo su encuentro con el Señor sintió en su corazón un profundo llamado a servirle. Desde allí comenzó a predicar, ayudando a que muchos conocieran al Señor a través de su testimonio. Compartió títeres y payasos, fue maestro de Escuela Dominical y Presidente de MIEDD entre otras responsabilidades. Al momento de su fallecimiento estudiaba Bachiller en Teología.
A pesar del cáncer que lo afectaba, hasta el último día sirvió al Señor, predicando en una silla de ruedas y organizando la celebración para el día de las madres.
El pastor Amaya, estuvo casado con la pastora Mabel Belinda Fernández el 18 de abril de 1996, tuvieron seis hijos: Fabiana, David, Marcelo, Evelin, Katerina y Juan, quienes le dieron igual número de nietos: Aldana, Lautaro, Santiago, Luciano, Bautista y Olivia.
Fuente: Raúl Mariano Garay, superintendente de distrito.
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USA/Canada
Senior adults representing Nazarene churches in 23 states attended Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International's recent Prime Time Smoky Mountain Retreat at the Music Road Hotel, Inn, and Conference Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The retreat centered on the Apostle Paul's encouragement in I Corinthians 11:1, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
Each general session began with worship music led by Bob and Becky Gray. Speakers Michael Benson and Justine Knight then challenged the audience to actively use their gifts from God to share Christ with the unsaved in their neighborhoods. Retreat co-sponsor Brian Helstrom, director of JESUS Film Harvest Partners, shared methods used around the world to share the gospel, and an offering of $5,522 was received to assist with this ministry.
Workshops and special lunch presentations covered a variety of topics. President Ken Roney and Executive Vice President Mark Lail, representatives from event co-sponsor Church of the Nazarene Foundation, led group and one-on-one discussions regarding leaving a lasting legacy through planned giving. Director Don Walter of event co-sponsor Pensions and Benefits USA fielded questions from clergy. Most attendees spent an optional afternoon at the nearby Biblical Times Theatre for a concert and the musical drama Kings of Psalms. Many retreat participants also purchased resources from the Nazarene Publishing House and Cornerstone Audio and Video exhibits.
Attendees said event highlights included fellowship with people from other states and churches, God's presence, "soul food," and being with the family of God in the same general age group with similar life situations.
Collectively, attendees represented more than 9,000 years of following Christ. --Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International
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Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Nazarene chaplain helps with Illinois prison seminary
Danville, Illinois
(Chicago Tribune, October 18) Before the sun rose too high above the guard tower one recent morning, prisoner Juan Meneses finished his daily gardening routine, raced across campus and bounded into theology class 15 minutes late.
Meneses, 35, didn't have time to take his seat before the professor ordered him to the blackboard. Still out of breath, he peeled off his orange "Grounds Crew" T-shirt to reveal prison blues, picked up a piece of chalk and scrawled the Greek letters epsilon, rho, chi, omicron, mu, alpha, and iota — perfect Greek for "I come."
Here in this classroom, surrounded by chain-link fences, barbed wire and prison guards, the convicted murderer once known as "Sinister" by his fellow Latin Kings says he is trying to escape the name and live a more virtuous life.
He is one of 38 inmates at Danville Correctional Center taking classes such as Greek and the New Testament at the first seminary inside an Illinois state penitentiary.
Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary serves Illinois inmates seeking to become pastors, preachers or theologians when they're released. Since no corrections funds have been set aside to provide college courses for the state's prison population, the four-year, privately funded program is the only route inmates have to earn a bachelor's degree.
For the rest of this story involving ordained Nazarene minister and Danville Chaplain Christopher Easton, click here.
Massachusetts church supports community through prayer
Danvers, Massachusetts
Davers Church of the Nazarene opened its doors to the community after an area teacher was murdered.
The church was open for several hours Wednesday evening.
Day of Renewal to honor Wichita pastors
Wichita, Kansas
(NCN News submissions) Shepherds' Fold Ministries will once again honor pastors and their spouses with its 15th Annual Day of Renewal on Thursday, October 24. The full day of events will begin at 9 a.m. at First Evangelical Free Church at 1825 North Woodlawn.
Though the event is in its 15th year of existence, the Day of Renewal will be the first without beloved Pastor Gene Williams, who passed away earlier this year. His wife, Shepherds' Fold Ministries co-founder Joyce Williams, and newly-appointed director Brent Van Hook have ensured the Day of Renewal will continue the legacy and ministry left by Pastor Gene.
"It's just nice for a pastor to experience unconditional love," Van Hook said. "That's at the heart of shepherds' Fold Ministries and will continue to be the heart of Shepherds' Fold Ministries."
Ministering to ministers has long been the goal of Shepherds' Fold, which was started by Pastor Gene and Joyce after he retired from more than 25 years of full-time ministry at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene.
"He really wanted to find a vehicle or some way that he could help encourage pastors to truly love ministry realizing there would be hard times, difficult times," Joyce said.
Pastors and their spouses from across the country are invited to attend the one-day event. H.B. London is this year's guest speaker, and attendees will enjoy a free steak dinner from Outback Steakhouse starting at 4:30 at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene.
NNU contributes to study on blended learning
Nampa, Idaho
(Rock Hill Herald, October 23) The need for effective blended learning environments – the best of face-to-face and online learning, coupled with tools driving continuous assessment of progress and personalization of content – is on the rise throughout the United States. While the growth of blended learning programs is prevalent in urban and suburban centers, the need is no less great in rural areas.
Transforming K-12 Rural Education through Blended Learning, a new report published today by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), shares the findings of a joint research partnership between the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) and Northwest Nazarene University. In particular, this review of the impact of blended learning on students and teachers throughout Idaho highlights three key points:
The positive impact that blended learning has on those teachers who choose to incorporate emerging models of practice into their classroom environments
A correlation between the opportunity for self-pacing and the quality of a student's work and perseverance
The importance of comprehensive teacher training for blended and online learning environments
For the rest of the story, click here.
SNU student gets second chance at college football
Bethany, Oklahoma
(NewsOK, October 18) Brian Yenor was a football star at Perry High School, but few colleges showed interest. Now in his third year as an undergrad, Cochran is finally getting his shot — and making the most of it for Southern Nazarene.
Mike Cochran took the advice of a fellow football coach and watched old film of a speedy running back who once played at Perry High School.
"I had met this coach last spring on a mission trip to Serbia," said Cochran, the Southern Nazarene University coach. "He told me that he had a kid that I needed to look at, so we went through the whole process — something in my gut told me this was a guy we needed to have. I wanted to give him a chance."
The gut feeling was right. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Brian Yenor, a true freshman on the football field but a junior in the classroom, will start his third collegiate game when the Crimson Storm hosts Southern Arkansas in Bethany.
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 following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received October 21-25, 2013.
Angel Amaya, 59, of Argentina, passed away on October 12. He was a minister, serving in Argentina. He is survived by his wife, Mabel Belinda (Fernandez) Amaya. (story)
Robert Fowler, 91, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on October 19. He was a retired minister, serving in New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ontario, Maine, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Fowler.
Eldon Hotle, 85, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on October 17. He was a retired minister, serving in North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Hotle.
Wayne Hysong, 80, of Tavares, Florida, passed away on October 16. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in New Jersey and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Muriel Hysong.
Paul Moranville, 53, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 20. He was a minister, serving in Florida. He is survived by his wife, minister Lois Moranville.
Rena (Derryberry) Williams, 87, of Marshfield, Missouri, passed away on October 19. She was the widow of retired minister William Williams, who served in New York, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Missouri. William Williams passed away in 2006.
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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Resources
Two editors from Nazarene Publishing House, Duane Brush of WordAction and Gabrielle Udall of Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, will be featured at the Heart of America Christian Writers Network Pressing Toward the Mark Conference, held November 7 through 9 in Overland Park, Kansas.
Duane Brush, editor of Standard and Reflecting God, was a 30-year pastor and frequently published writer before joining WordAction. He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary.
Gabrielle Udall, consumer product development editor at Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, acquires books for the lay audience. She also worked in the BHP marketing department.
Both editors will be a vital part of the conference, teaching workshops on various elements of writing for publication and pleasure and meeting with individuals to help them with their writing skills and sales.
"We're thrilled that Duane and Gabrielle will be with us," said Jeanette Gardner Littleton, conference co-director. "Gabrielle has such passion and vision. And many writers who've attended the conference in the past have been published in Standard and Reflecting God after meeting with Ev Leadingham. So they're very excited about connecting with Duane Brush and learning from him. We're eager to see how God will use both of these outstanding professionals."
Also featured at the conference will be Mark Gilroy from Worthy Publishing, who previously served the Church of the Nazarene through NPH and Nazarene Youth International; McKenzie Howard of Thomas Nelson, who previously served at BHP; Troy Griepentrog of Focus on the Family publications; Sherri Langton of Bible Advocate, who serves in lay roles at Denver First Church of the Nazarene; and nearly two dozen additional editors and agents.
The conference features 60 workshops on logistics for most types of writing, times for writers to discuss their projects with editors, a writing contest, and other services for writers.
The sponsoring organization, Heart of America Christian Writers Network, has trained writers for 25 years.
For more information or a PDF brochure, visit HACWN.org, email HACWN@Earthlink.net, or call (816) 503-6841.--Heart of America Christian Writers Network via NCN News submissions
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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 honor, 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
This week Trevecca Nazarene University President Dan Boone announced construction plans for the Millard Reed Bell Tower, to be located in Trevecca's central campus.
Reed's longtime friends are funding the campus addition to express their appreciation for him.
Reed passed away in December 2012. He was elected president of Trevecca in 1991 and retired in 2005. He was instrumental in Trevecca's transition from a college to university, and Trevecca's School of Religion is named in his honor. He became Trevecca president following 17 years as pastor of Nashville First Church of the Nazarene from 1974 to 1991. Prior to coming to Nashville, Reed served in pastorates in Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
While desiring to remain anonymous, the bell tower donors explained their gift: "Because Dr. Reed was a good friend of ours, we wanted to honor him for what he has done for Trevecca. We thought that this bell tower — located where students and employees would use it daily — would be an appropriate way to remember his devotion to this university."
The bell tower will be 70 feet tall and rest on a stone base, designed in keeping with the campus's other historical buildings. The base will feature arches, and the tower's location will ensure that those arches will be used by students and others as they traverse the campus. The tower will have a chime system.
The addition of the bell tower will involve additional changes to the central campus. The asphalt of Hart Street will be removed. Area sidewalks will be replaced with a narrower, decorative pathway. The lawn bordered by Hart Street and the McClurkan, Wakefield, and Mackey Buildings will be reconfigured into a "great lawn" with the sidewalks and steps removed and replaced by an oval sidewalk around the perimeter. Completion of these changes will make this area more easily navigable by persons with disabilities.
"Because of the great respect for Dr. Millard Reed, the 10th president of Trevecca, and the legacy he imprinted on the university, close friends have made a significant gift to fund the design and construction of the Millard Reed Bell Tower," Boone said in his announcement. "As we have enhanced the beauty of the main campus quad, we have dreamed of a significant focal point for this area of the campus, the area where approximately 7,000 persons gather each May for commencement. Our students will soon pass under the Reed Bell Tower as they process for graduation. The music that plays each day from the tower will escort us to and from class, reminding us of our heritage of faith."
The total cost of the bell tower project (tower construction and changes to the lawn in the central campus) is estimated between $800,000 and $900,000. The project should be complete in time for Trevecca's Spring Commencement in May 2014. --Trevecca Nazarene University
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MidAmerica Nazarene University's new 18-month accelerated elementary education program is the only one of its kind in the Kansas City Metro area. The program will join MNU's other accelerated degree programs, which allow adults to continue working while completing a degree, in January 2014.
School of Education Dean Nancy Damron says the program is unique in several ways.
"No other program in this area allows students to earn their first bachelor's degree in elementary education in an accelerated manner," she said. "We also have a virtual attendance option that is convenient for students who live at least 45 miles from our Olathe campus."
According to Damron, students in the program will experience teaching and learning through methods designed for adult learners. These methods emphasize collaboration and real-time experiential learning whether one is in the virtual or physical classroom.
The curriculum also emphasizes high-tech resources in every course.
"The technology tools utilized in this program are next century tools, designed to prepare teacher candidates for next century teaching and learning," Damron said. "Our technology-rich classrooms were provided through the Preparing Educators for Rural Kansas grant, a $6.6 million Teacher Quality grant."
The program leads to either a bachelor's degree or licensure, depending on the students' needs. Students can continue working until they reach the student teaching portion of the program.
To qualify for admission, students should have an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, a bachelor's degree, or a minimum of 60 transferrable semester hours with all general education requirements fulfilled. For more information visit mnu.edu/aee.--MidAmerica Nazarene University
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Olivet Nazarene University announced its Missions In Action (M.I.A.) program was fully reviewed and accredited by The U.S. Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission (SOE), a division of the Alliance for Excellence in Short-Term Mission. In all areas evaluated, Olivet's program met or exceeded the highest best practice standards for quality and excellence established for short-term mission and demonstrated Christian and moral purpose.
The seven standards of excellence on which Olivet's program was evaluated were:
12God-centeredness — Seeking first God's glory and His kingdom Empowering partnerships — Establishing healthy, interdependent, ongoing relationships between sending and receiving partners Mutual design — Collaboratively planning each specific outreach Comprehensive administration — Exhibiting integrity through reliable set-up and thorough administration for all participants Qualified leadership — Screening, training, and developing leadership for all participants Appropriate training — Preparing and equipping all participants for a mutually designed outreach Thorough follow-up — Assuring debriefing and appropriate follow-up for all participants
Over a two-year period, the review and evaluation process included the completion of a rigorous peer review assessment. The culmination was an intensive, two-day interview with Jennifer McClellan, Olivet's director of missions and student ministries, who answered additional questions about the program. At the conclusion of the review, McClellan was asked to serve as a member of the SOE Steering Committee that plans and speaks at mission conferences and reviews other programs for SOE accreditation.
"The accreditation process was a time-consuming challenge, but very worth it in the end," McClellan said. "We can now say with confidence to our students, families, and partners that we are doing everything in our power to make each of our mission trips the best experience possible."
Olivet is only the fifth college or university to apply and be accepted as a full member of SOE. As a member, the university regularly provides documentation and submits to program evaluation by short-term mission experts.
Bill Bahr, now head coach of the Olivet women's soccer team, began the M.I.A. program in 1996 with the first university-sponsored mission trip to San Francisco, California. The first overseas mission trip was to Israel in 1998.
In the past eight years, a total of 91 M.I.A. trips gave more than 1,300 students the opportunity to serve others. During the 2012-2013 academic year, M.I.A. sponsored 14 mission trips to U.S. areas and overseas locations, including the first-ever college trip to Cuba. More than 200 students and faculty/staff leaders from Olivet served on these trips.
When doors opened in Cuba, Olivet sent the first college mission team. The university also sent the first-ever college team on a Team World Vision mission trip to Rwanda, which included running a half marathon. Olivet is the only university in the U.S. with an organized team running with Team World Vision to provide clean water for Africa's people.
Funding for these trips comes from a variety of sources, including churches, friends and families of volunteers, participants' savings and fundraising events, and supporters of Olivet's ministries.
"Olivet is a sending place, and M.I.A. helps give definition to what it means to go as a person of God's kingdom," said Mark Holcomb, university chaplain. "I believe in M.I.A., not only for what it does in places we serve, or for the sacrifices of those who go and serve, but in the way it shapes our Olivet community and our world." --Olivet Nazarene University
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Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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