Global Nazarene Communications Network Weekly News ~ Volume 1344 ~ Friday, 1 November 2013
NCN News
Top Stories for the week of November 01, 2013
To Nazarenes around the world:
Our special Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) is crucial to funding the God-given mission of the Church of the Nazarene worldwide. The global church joins in this beautiful expression of thanks to God for His countless blessings and embraces the spirit of Generosity Unlimited. Our combined offering provides resources vital to the effectiveness of our shared mission "to make Christlike disciples in the nations."
The need around the globe for a vibrant holiness witness is unprecedented. Our message of God's saving, sanctifying grace is the key to personal and societal transformation! The Thanksgiving Offering helps keep our missionaries on the front lines as they pursue evangelism and discipleship in 159 world areas.
As never before, Christians in many nations are facing intense, violent persecution. Brutality against believers is increasing. The Thanksgiving Offering gives us resources to lovingly serve and encourage persecuted followers of Christ who daily risk their lives for the sake of the gospel.
From preaching the gospel to offering a cup of cold water in Jesus' name to rescuing a teen from human trafficking, the Church of the Nazarene is serving a dark, dangerous, hurting world. Your investment in WEF through the Thanksgiving Offering is urgently needed.
Whatever your regular giving may be, would you please consider a special "above-and-beyond" gift through the Thanksgiving Offering? Your "Generosity Unlimited" contribution will be a powerful declaration of your faith in Christ and your commitment to our Lord's Great Commission mandate. Together, in partnership with Christ, our generous giving will make a difference of eternal significance.
To give, or to download resources to help promote this offering, visit nazarene.org/generosity. Gratefully yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
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The Board of General Superintendents announced Crawford M. Howe was appointed interim superintendent for the Mississippi and Louisiana districts.
The appointment was made by general superintendents David A. Busic and Gustavo A. Crocker. Howe will serve until a replacement is named for Gregory D. Mason, who was recently elected superintendent of the North Carolina District.
Howe retired in April 2012 after more than 18 years as superintendent of the Northwestern Illinois District. He also led the Kentucky District for five years.
Previously, Howe served at pastorates in Mishawaka, Indiana; Crawfordsville, Indiana; Gary, Indiana; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Port Huron, Michigan; Hammond, Indiana; and Pompano Beach, Florida.
1He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (Bachelor of Arts, Doctor of Divinity) and Trevecca Nazarene University (Master of Arts).
Howe and his wife, Sylvia, reside in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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Gilbert Bakasa passed away on October 28 at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, after an extended illness. He was 45.
Bakasa served the Church of the Nazarene in several capacities at the local, district, and field levels. He was the pastor of the Chaisa (Power of Change) Church of the Nazarene in Lusaka. Since the church's beginning in 2009, it has grown in attendance to more than 400 on Sunday mornings and has planted at least five other churches or preaching points.
For the past 10 years, Bakasa served as the Africa Central Field Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator. In addition to representing NCM at various conferences in the U.S. and other locations, he oversaw several U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) projects. He was involved in Nazarene community schools, child development centers, and medical, medical training, agriculture, and community development projects.
Bakasa worked for the Zambia Ministry of Finance for several years, receiving training in the area of finance. During that time, he felt a call to ministry and became a lay pastor. He was one of the first students to enroll in the Lusaka Centre of Extension education program for ministerial training offered through the Nazarene Theological College-Central Africa and was one of the first graduates with a Diploma in Theology. He recently received his Bachelor of Theology through Nazarene Theological College-South Africa's online distance learning program.
In June, he attended the 28th General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, as a delegate from Zambia.
Prayer is requested Bakasa's wife, Fredah, and their four children, the church family, and other ministries impacted by this loss. --Church of the Nazarene Africa Region
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Mesquite, Texas
Dale Cozby, pastor of Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Mesquite, Texas, passed away on October 24. He was 50.
Cozby was diagnosed with cancer in late May. He immediately underwent surgery to remove his right kidney and part of a nearby muscle.
He received a bachelor's degree in business management from Southern Nazarene University in 1985. Eight years later he became pastor of the Crossroads church, where he served for 22 years. He was also involved in KAIROS Prison Ministry in Palestine, Texas.
Cozby is survived by his wife, Teryl; sons James, Daniel, and Jonathan; and father David Cozby, all of Rockwall, Texas; brother David (Liz) Cozby of Grapevine, Texas; sisters Marilyn (Bill) Spence of The Colony, Texas, and Darla (Chris) Beckley of Denver, Colorado; and aunt Muriel Ingle of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Adalene Cozby, and son, Glenn Wesley Cozby.
Continued prayer is requested for the Cozby family and the Crossroads church.
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Janary Suyat was recently affirmed by the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Council as the newly appointed Nazarene Youth International regional ministry coordinator.
Suyat was selected and appointed after the current NYI regional coordinator, Brian Woolery, requested release from the leadership position to focus on his ministry in Japan.
"We are very enthusiastic about the leadership and passion that Janary brings to the future of the NYI ministry here on the Asia-Pacific Region," said Mark Louw, regional director.
She recently graduated from Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, where she received a Master of Divinity. Suyat earned a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Faith Bible College in 2007.
Suyat presently serves as youth pastor at Taytay, Philippines, First Church of the Nazarene. She will celebrate her marriage to Anderson Godoy on November 2. --Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Asia-Pacific
ust days after a 7.1 earthquake rocked Bohol Island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, a relief team of young adults was already at work, distributing food and food relief vouchers and using puppets to
2facilitate stress-debriefing for the island's children.
The young people, mostly Bible college students, have been an essential part of the Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR) team's relief efforts following the initial quake on October 15 and its more than 3,000 aftershocks (only 68 of which have been felt).
The NDR assessment team, headed by Central Visayas District Superintendent Nilo Rosende, arrived onsite October 17. The NDR team arrived October 22 and began food distribution to members of the local church immediately. The team received a warm welcome in each of the island's four villages, and later reflected that though they were overwhelmed with what they saw, they were excited to be involved in work that offered a chance to be the hands and feet of Christ to those impacted by the disaster.
"It gives me such hope that our young people continue to express their faith and love for Christ so passionately and practically," said David Harris, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Region. "Their active engagement in missions through disaster response and other community-based endeavors will contribute vitally to the church's effective missional efforts."
One team member is 25-year-old Pastor Michael Casusi, a recent graduate who helped facilitate the church's disaster response in February 2012 after a 5.2 quake hit the island of Guihulgnan. Casusi now pastors a church in Cebu, which was also affected by the recent quake.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's Thursday report, the death toll has risen to 222 with 796 injured and more than 360,000 displaced.
The team has worked hard to collaborate with local and national relief agencies.
Shelter assessments were recently undertaken in three evacuation centers with relief workers from Save the Children, Philippines Red Cross, and the Municipal Office of Health. NDR will partner with Adventist Development and Relief Agency Philippines and a Canadian relief agency to deliver 3,000 shelter kits to quake victims. Samaritan's Purse will help NDR provide water, sanitation, and hygiene support for 1,000 families.
Support has come from unexpected sources, including a former high school classmate of NCM Asia-Pacific's Holistic Child Development Coordinator Dan Balayo. The classmate, now an elementary school principal, is helping NDR by liaising with relevant relief agencies and other networks. She has requested that NDR facilitate trauma counseling training for 40 teachers before school begins in November.
"It's amazing how God uses people, crossing their paths so that friendships are fostered not just for the sake of friendship, but for solidarity and to work together in loving God and our neighbors as ourselves," she said.
As the relief effort continues in earnest, the Philippines churches and NDR invite the prayerful and practical support of the global church. In the midst of yet another trauma on the Asia-Pacific Region, the church remains committed to taking the opportunity to practically express the love of Christ to those impacted by this disaster.
To support disaster response in the Philippines, click here. For related stories and photos, visit the Asia-Pacific Region website.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
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The Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Council met at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary this week for its annual meeting.
The RAC works in conjunction with the regional director and field strategy coordinators to develop and approve strategies for the region. General Superintendent J. K. Warrick and Global Mission Director Verne Ward visited and participated in this year's RAC meeting.
On the first morning, Warrick shared a devotional. One of the RAC members challenged the Council to put aside all matters of business and dedicate a significant amount of the morning to focused prayer, asking God for His divine leadership and guidance. Participants focused on the fact that doing Christ's will with Christ's power is the best formula for abundant living and purposeful ministry.
"Witness is not something we are to do, but something we are to be," Warrick said as he challenged the Council to live out its faith.
Part of the RAC meeting involved the review of a survey that was sent out to regional leaders, including field strategy coordinators, missionaries, and district superintendents. Important insight was obtained and the results of the survey are being used to help in future strategy development.
Upon completion of the RAC meetings, field strategy coordinators continued meeting with regional director Mark Louw, Warrick, and Ward. Leaders left enthusiastic and excited about the future of the Church of the Nazarene on the region. --Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Eurasia
With representation from around the world, 37 students graduated from Nazarene Theological College- Manchester this October with a range of degrees and specialties.
Particularly noteworthy were the postgraduate degrees received by graduates from NTC-Manchester's India learning center partnerships. NTC-Manchester also graduated two students with their doctoral degrees, representing the highest level of learning and continuing NTC-Manchester's research pedigree. The range of degrees, prospects, and people graduating captures only a part of the larger stories behind these degrees.
This year NTC-Manchester featured Calvin Samuel, director of the Wesley Centre at Durham University, as its guest speaker. Samuel spoke to his fellow NTC-Manchester alumni about one's calling.
"Graduation is a wonderful mix of ceremony and worship, formal occasion and joyful celebration," said Deirdre Brower Latz, NTC-Manchester principal. "It was a delight to hear former student Calvin Samuel preach to us a wonderful sermon based on hearing one's own name in God's call based on Isaiah 43. I wish I had time to name and tell all of the stories of our students, but in the room there was a genuine awareness that many of our students had triumphed over adversity, challenge, trial, and tribulation — and it was a joy to award their degrees."
With each graduating year, NTC-Manchester continues to look to serve the global Church of the Nazarene in the preparation of pastors and leaders, both for the church and its educational institutions. NTC-Manchester remains committed to providing research-driven education of the highest standard to serve the global denomination.--NTC-Manchester
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Global Ministry Center
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: France
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered France in 1977.
France had a population of 65,630,692 in 2012. That same year, France reported eight Churches of the Nazarene, six of which were officially organized. France has 373 total members.
France is a Phase 1 district on the Eurasia Region.
For more information about the Eurasia Region, click here.
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.
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South America
The ninth National Leaders with Purpose Training Retreat was held from October 11 to 13 in the Uruguay North District's Conference Center in Tacuarembó.
About 80 national leaders shared a time of fellowship, remembering and recognizing that the Church of the Nazarene in Uruguay has proposed the goal of healthy churches and of multiplication.
Speakers and workshop leaders such as John Hall, academic director for the Brazilian Institute of Intercultural Studies, participated and shared on how to have a healthy church. Pastor Amadeo Teixeira from Brazil brought messages of direction. His wife also shared workshops for pastoral families, such as How to Face Struggles as a Couple. David Acosta, regional coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and additional local speakers also shared.
At the conclusion of the activity on Sunday, participants expressed their desire to and excitement about continuing to hold similar retreats for training and reflection.
4--Church of the Nazarene South America Region Contributor: Adhemar Charlin, Uruguay communications coordinator
~~~
USA/Canada
El Reno, Oklahoma by Sarah Glass for NCN News
Retired Nazarene missionary and minister Jimmy Armstrong passed away on October 24. He was 72.
Armstrong was born in Caney, Oklahoma, in 1941. He attended Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. He went on to earn a Master of Religious Education from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1978 and a Master of Ministry from SNU in 1989.
While attending NTS, he served at Kansas City, Missouri, Southwood Church of the Nazarene. After graduation, he became pastor of Camden, Arkansas, First Church of the Nazarene; Wister, Oklahoma, Church of the Nazarene; and Harrah, Oklahoma, Church of the Nazarene.
From 1990 to 1991, Armstrong and his wife, Patsy, served in the Republic of Suriname as Nazarenes in Volunteer Service (now Mission Corps). They went on to serve on a specialized assignment in Suriname from 1991 through 1995 where they were instrumental in beginning the English-speaking church in Paramaribo, Suriname.
After returning to the U.S., the Armstrongs served at Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Church of the Nazarene; Robeline, Louisiana, Friendship Church of the Nazarene; Mena, Arkansas, Church of the Nazarene; and El Reno, Oklahoma, First Church of the Nazarene.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy, in 2006. Survivors include his son, Don Armstrong, of Yukon, Oklahoma; daughter, Traci Bradley and husband, Brian, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; sister, Geneva Evans; brother, Harold Armstrong; and three grandchildren, Austin, Maci, and Braelyn.
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Howell, Michigan by Sarah Glass for NCN News
Neil Morse, a retired Nazarene chaplain and missionary, passed away on October 13.
He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 24, 1929, to Oren and Lucy (Tanner) Morse. Neil received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree from what is now Point Loma Nazarene University. He later received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Neil served at Ventura, California, Church of the Nazarene for a year before becoming a medical missionary. He served two years in Swaziland and three years in South Africa. Neil returned to Michigan, where he served as a chaplain on the Eastern Michigan District.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Morse, who passed away in February. He is survived by their three children: Greg (Lynette) Morse of Orange, California; David (Muriel) Morse of Tustin, California; and Sheryl (Todd Keech) Simpson of Howell; one sister Ellen Greeniaus of Banning, California; six grandchildren: Carlton, Evan, Nathan, Stephanie, Julia, and Kristen, and great-grandson, Gabriel.
A memorial service will be held at Hardy United Methodist Church, 6510 East Highland Rd, Howell, Michigan, on Saturday, November 2 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Forgotten Man Ministries.
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Global Ministry Center
Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received from October 1 to October 31, 2013.
To view the October report, click here.
Rev. Jeff D. Ackenback Student Pastoral
Southwest Indiana Service
Bedford IN on 8/27/2013
Tri-County
Hamilton OH
Rev. Andrew J. Albright Pastor Pastor on 9/22/2013
La Junta First Newport Newport OR
La Junta CO
Rev. Kevin N. Atkinson Pastoral Service Pastor on 10/6/2013
Harvest Conway AR Danville Grace Chapel
Danville AR
Rev. Kathryn H. Bennett Pastoral Service Pastoral Service on
Anderson First 9/1/2013 Richardson
Anderson IN Richardson TX
Rev. Jon M. Bray Pastoral Service Pastoral Service on
Escondido First 10/22/2013
Escondido CA The Glory Barn
Wildomar CA
Rev. Christopher L. Breeden Unassigned Pastor on
Illinois 10/10/2013
Alton IL New Hope
Fort Branch IN
Rev. Joshua S. Brickey Pastoral Service Pastor on 9/15/2013
Bay Area Myrtle Point
North Bend OR Myrtle Point OR
Rev. David M. Cadle Unassigned Pastor on 10/6/2013
Michigan ` Anchor of Hope
Grand Ledge MI North Muskegon MI
Rev. Edward E. Darling Pastoral Service Pastoral Service on
Coshocton 9/1/2013 Auburn
Coshocton OH Auburn NY
Rev. Stacy R. Dickt Pastor Pastoral Service on
Ryot Alum Bank 10/14/2013
PAAs of: 10/30/2013 St. Charles LifeStream
Waldorf MD
Rev. Craig A. Dusek Pastoral Service Pastor on
Piqua Piqua OH 9/30/2013
Union City
Union City IN
Rev. Bradley E. Edgbert Pastor Pastor on
Petaluma Hillside 2/9/2014 Olympia
Petaluma CA New Reign Community Olympia, WA
Rev. David I. Gossett Pastoral Service Pastor on
Susanville 9/29/2013 Arlington
Susanville CA Arlington OR
Rev. Terry L. Graham Pastor Pastor on
Butte Butte MT 10/20/2013 Poplar
Poplar MT
Rev. Brent J. Herren Pastor Pastor on
Sligo Sligo PA 10/13/2013
Nanty Glo
Nanty Glo PA
Rev. Jason D. Hoffer Unassigned Pastoral Service
Southwest Indiana on 8/1/2013
Bedford IN Kokomo First
Kokomo IN
Rev. James E. Hudson Pastoral Service Pastor on
Calvary Community 10/4/2013 Edinburgh
Fellowship Edinburgh IN
Columbus IN
Rev. Jason K. McPherson Pastoral Service Pastor on 10/6/2013
Independence Escondido First
Fort Osage Escondido CA
Independence MO
Rev. Becky Pape Pastoral Service Pastor on 9/22/2013
Richmond Southside Journey Church
Chesterfield VA Derry NH
Rev. Soon Park Torrance Community Pastor on 9/29/2013
Torrance CA Hawaii Korean
Ewa Beach HI
Rev. Michael S. Percell Pastoral Service Pastor on
Cornerstone 11/10/2013
Wheelersburg OH New Boston First
New Boston OH
Rev. Michael D. Perkins Pastor Pastor on
LightWay 10/20/2013
Natchitoches LA Corpus Christi
Trinity
Corpus Christi TX
Rev. Bryan B. Rosenberg Pastor Pastor on 9/1/2013 Wilkes-Barre Bethlehem Promised
Mountain View Land
Wyoming PA Bethlehem PA
Rev. John A. Shearer Pastor Pastor on 9/15/2013
Weaverville Antioch Family
Weaverville CA Antioch CA
Rev. Douglas B. Smith Pastor Pastoral Service
St. Louis Trinity on 9/15/2013
Florissant MO Hope Point
Yuba City CA
Rev. Carlos D. Sol Unassigned Pastor on 9/1/2013
Northeastern Bethel Heights
Indiana Iglesia del
Marion IN Nazareno
Bethel Heights, AR
Rev. Fred B. Toomey Jr. Unassigned Pastor on 10/6/2013
Joplin Nixa Organic
Carthage MO Nixa MO
Rev. Chad Parker Townsley Pastoral Service Pastor on 9/15/2013
Lantana Community Borger Trinity
Fellowship Borger TX
Bartonville TX
Rev. Jacy L. Townsley Pastoral Service Pastoral Service
Lantana Community on 9/15/2013
Fellowship Borger Trinity
Bartonville TX Borger TX
Rev. Alex M. Williams Pastoral Service Pastoral Service
Riverton First on 9/4/2013
Riverton WY Annandale Calvary
Annandale VA
Rev. Patrick M. Williams Pastoral Service Student on
Darby Creek 10/20/2013
Darbydale Campus South Central
Grove City OH Ohio
Grove City OH
Rev. Paul D. Willis Pastor Pastor on 10/6/2013
Farmville Walla Walla
Generations Amazing Grace
Wingina VA Walla Walla WA
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Global Ministry Center News
Global Ministry Center
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received October 28-November 1, 2013.
Jimmy Armstrong, 72, of El Reno, Oklahoma, passed away on October 24. He was a retired minister, chaplain, educator, and missionary, serving in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Suriname. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Armstrong, who passed away in 2006. (story)
Gilbert Bakasa, 45, of Lusaka, Zambia, passed away on October 28. He was a minister and church planter, serving in Zambia. He also served as Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the Africa Central Field. He is survived by his wife, Fredah Tembo Bakasa. (story)
Charles Cloud, 78, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on October 28. He was a retired minister, serving in Florida. He is survived by his wife, Doris Cloud.
Dale Cozby, 50, of Rockwell, Texas, passed away on October 24. He was a minister, serving at Mesquite, Texas, Crossroads Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Teryl Cozby. (story)
C. William Ellwanger, 91, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away on October 31. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Twylah Ellwanger.
Dorothy Evans, 80, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away on October 30. She was a missionary, serving in Swaziland and the Philippines. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and missionary Art Evans, who served in Illinois, Oklahoma, Swaziland, and the Philippines. (More information will be posted as it is made available.)
Donna (Engle) Fink, 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on October 16. She was the widow of retired minister Ralph Fink, who served in Mississippi, Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, and Florida. Ralph Fink passed away in 1989.
Tamara Gay, 42, of Pixley, California, passed away on October 24. She was the wife of minister Aaron Gay, who serves at Pixley, California, Church of the Nazarene.
Beulah Oliver, 97, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away on October 29. She was the widow of retired minister, educator, and district superintendent L. S. Oliver, who served in Nebraska, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Illinois, and led the Alabama and Illinois districts. L. S. Oliver passed away in 2000.
A. Deloris Pike, 91, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away on October 22. She was the widow of minister Robert Hungate, who served in Indiana. Robert Hungate passed away in 1972. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Alexander Pike, who passed away in 1996.
Neil Morse, 84, of Howell, Michigan, passed away on October 13. He was a retired minister, chaplain, and missionary, serving in California, Michigan, Swaziland, and South Africa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Morse, who passed away in February. (story)
Margaret (Kamoda) Vandiver, 92, of Havertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 20. She was the widow of retired minister Elwood Vandiver, who served in Pennsylvania and Florida. Elwood Vandiver passed away in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Milio Careatti, who passed away in 1986.
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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Global Ministry Center
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Benin
"I had stopped going to church," said Koura in Benin. "But the JESUS film has given me an opportunity to restart my life in the Lord. I have discovered who Jesus Christ is, and I have decided to give my life to Him. I now know He is the only One capable of saving me."
JESUS Film - Nicaragua
"Today, I give testimony of what God has done in my life," said a woman in Nicaragua. "I was raised as an atheist, but God has transformed me into a new creature. Doctors had discovered a cyst and scheduled an operation when my neighbor invited me to see the JESUS film. After, I prayed, 'Jesus, if you exist, please heal me and I will believe in you.' A week later, I went in for my operation and the doctor told me the cyst was completely gone! Today, I attend church regularly and eagerly learn more about my Healer and my God."
JESUS Film - Philippines
"Even though we encountered obstacles, we were able to push through our film showing," said a team member in the Philippines. "God is in control of everything. The DVD of the JESUS film was misplaced, and we had trouble starting the generator. Despite these set-backs, the film was shown with a positive response."
PRAYER REQUESTS
Mozambique
The Africa Region requested prayer for Mozambique, where tension have risen since government forces occupied the base of the opposition party Renamo, following an attack on the Defense and Security forces. Citizens in Mozambique and neighboring countries are concerned about where the current situation will lead.
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Ina Kanis
Retired missionary Ina Kanis is scheduled to undergo surgery for breast cancer on October 29. Ina and her husband, Jaap, served in South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique and currently reside at Casa Robles Nazarene Missionary Retirement Center in California.
Graeme and Pauline Sheppard
Pauline recently underwent hand surgery and is recovering. Graeme had major surgery on October 23 after tests revealed a malignancy in the pancreas and common bile duct. He is making good progress in his recovery and the doctor is confident he was able to get all the cancer out. Pauline is the NMI regional coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Region. Graeme is a former member of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board.
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
Nazarene Missions International is producing two new video series to engage and mobilize local churches in World Evangelism Fund (WEF) giving. Both series are available in the Nazarene Media Library at medialibrary. nazarene.org.
One series includes 10 videos, each with a missionary relating a simple story from the field and noting how the WEF made this story possible. In the other series, NMI will release one video each month focused on one of the various ways that the WEF is meeting global needs.
The videos are short enough for Sunday morning viewing and some are available in various languages.
NMI welcomes comments for resource improvement and more effective ways to engage local churches in WEF giving. --Nazarene Missions International
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Collegiate News
Three Nazarene university alumni recently won Emmys at the Mid-America Regional Emmy Gala on October 5 in St. Louis.
Greg Sheffer, a 1993 graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University; Bryan Rich, MNU Class of 2006, and Lee Rudeen, Northwest Nazarene College (now University) Class of 1990, collaborated on several films for the documentary series Olathe — The City Beautifu.l Sheffer won Emmys in the historical documentary, cinematography, and writing categories. Rich and Rudeen, former Church of the Nazarene Global Mission Communications videographers, each won Emmys for cinematography. Rich received an additional Emmy in the historical documentary category.
Each five- to 10-minute film in the series tells the stories of people, places, and events in the city of Olathe, Kansas' history. The project began in 2005 when Sheffer approached the Olathe Historical Society with the idea for a film series. The series' first volume, completed in 2011, contained three films and won Emmys in the historical documentary, cinematography, and writing categories.
Rich and Rudeen received Emmys for a film on the third volume. Titled A Foundation to Build Upon, the duo's film documents the childhood of Kansas City, Missouri, urban developer J. C. Nichols, who grew up in Olathe.
The series' second and third volumes won a total of eight Emmys at the 2013 regional gala.
According to the Mid-America chapter's website, it is one of 19 regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the standard-bearers for excellence in the television broadcasting industry and the gatekeepers of the prestigious regional EMMY® Awards.
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MidAmerica Nazarene University announced the creation of an endowment honoring Frank and Sue Moore at the university's October 11 Homecoming Banquet.
Both professors at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, Frank Moore was recently elected general editor for the Church of the Nazarene.
The endowment will provide annual financial support for MNU's Passion to Serve projects for generations to come. Initiated by Allen and Madeline Tollefson, longtime supporters of MNU and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the endowment creates a lasting legacy for the Moores at MNU.
5Vice President for University Advancement Jon North says the Moores helped create a culture of service at the university.
"Frank and Sue Moore started and sustained mission trips at MNU more than 20 years ago," North said. "It's accurate to say we might not be as service oriented as we are at MNU if not for their leadership."
While at MNU, Frank, a 1973 alumnus, was vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of religion. Sue, a 1975 alumna, was a professor of education and director of the Kresge Center from 1985 to 2008. During this time, the Moores began organizing Work and Witness trips through a Church of the Nazarene initiative called College and University Students Serving and Enabling (CAUSE). Organizing and taking 20 trips in 20 years, Frank obtained visas, ran job sites, and raised money for the projects. Sue assisted in many aspects and accompanied him on trips. The Tollefsons traveled and worked on 18 of the 20 trips, also funding many aspects of the projects.
In addition to beginning the endowment with a gift of US$25,000, the Tollefsons are underwriting a portion of the first-ever international MNU alumni mission trip to Haiti this May. Held in partnership with MNU's 2014 Passion to Serve student service project, the Moores and Tollefsons will host a group of alumni and friends serving for a week in Cascade Pichon, Haiti, where they will help build a school for the remote mountain community. A construction contractor, Allen Tollefson is well qualified to assist with project management and has served in that capacity for 18 previous MNU mission trips.
In addition to honoring the Moores at Homecoming, MNU produced a video chronicling the influence of Frank and Sue Moore on MNU's culture of service.
Donations are being accepted for the Moore's endowment at mnu.edu/giving by designating Moore Endowment. For additional information, contact the Office of University Advancement at (913) 971-3600. --MidAmerica Nazarene University
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Mount Vernon, Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University will celebrate the inauguration of its seventh president, Henry W. Spaulding II, on November 8 at 10 a.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. A public reception in honor of Spaulding will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Foster Hall inside Ariel Arena.
Henry W. Spaulding II has served as MVNU's seventh president since November 2, 2012. Before his election, Spaulding briefly served as interim president. He first came to MVNU to serve as provost and chief academic officer in 2009.
During his more than 30 years in higher education, Spaulding held a variety of roles and positions, including chair of the Division of Religion at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts; dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee; and director of the Master of Divinity Program at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
He also served in numerous church roles, including senior pastor of Woodbridge, Virginia, First Church of the Nazarene and senior pastor at Thomasville, Georgia, First Church of the Nazarene. He served the general Church of the Nazarene from 1985 to 1989 as chairperson of the Commission on the Doctrine of the Church for the denomination's 22nd General Assembly. The commission was responsible for recommending the addition of Article XI - The Church into the Manual, Church of the Nazarene.
Spaulding recently published We Believe: Engaging the Doctrinal Heritage of the Church of the Nazarene. He is currently working on a book titled What Does Aldersgate Have to do with Athens?: The Case for a Holiness University in the Twenty-First Century. Spaulding is a current member of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board.
Additionally, his research interests have been in exploring the impact of the intersection of postmodern philosophy on Wesleyan-Holiness theology. He has published four articles in the Wesleyan Theological Journal addressing this intersection.
Spaulding received his undergraduate degree in history and religion from Trevecca Nazarene University. He went on to Nazarene Theological Seminary to earn a Master of Divinity degree with an emphasis in systematic theology. His doctoral work was done at Florida State University in religion and the humanities.
Henry and Sharon have been married for 40 years and they have three adult children — Shelly, Megan, and Henry III. Shelly is married to Matthew and they have two children, Hunter and Isabella. Megan is married to Kyle. Henry III is a doctoral student at Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
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Mount Vernon, Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University will unveil its brand-new Ariel Arena during a Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication Ceremony on November 8 at 5 p.m., followed by a reception at 5:30 p.m. inside the arena. Both events are free and open to the public.
Ariel Arena is MVNU's brand-new, state-of-the-art athletic center that will become the new home of Cougar Athletics. It will provide the community with fitness and recreation facilities and will seat up to 3,000 for concerts and events, and 1,800 for basketball and volleyball games.
Ariel Arena will feature:
Three full-sized athletic courts
Center court with "horseshoe" seating
Spacious lobby with arena overlook
Cougar Sports Associates stadium seating and gathering space
Re-designed 586 Cafe and two concession areas
Special Event banquet hall (accommodating 225)
Cardio fitness and weight rooms
Athletic training center
Faculty and coaches offices
Three classrooms
Locker rooms
For more information about Ariel Arena, visit mvnu.edu/arena.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
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Bethany, Oklahoma
Southern Nazarene University announced it is the first school to receive an Exemplary Review from The Sloan Consortium, an organization that assesses the quality of online education programs.
Sloan-C offers a Quality Scorecard Review process and certification for member institutions such as SNU. When the university began developing its first online programs, SNU administrators wanted to ensure the programs met national standards.
Gwen Rodgers, director of the Online Resource Center at SNU, said the review process enabled leaders to look at the programs through a different lens.
"The reviewers gave us detailed feedback that highlighted areas where we could improve and validated what we were doing well," she said.
Program administrators are pleased with the review's outcome.
"It has increased our credibility both internally and externally, and we've received great feedback from accreditors," Rodger said. "Our institution has been strengthened as a result of participation in the scorecard process."
For more information on Sloan-C Quality Scorecard, visit The Sloan Consortium.--Southern Nazarene University
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Nashville, Tennessee
This year Trevecca Nazarene University is a partner with Operation Christmas Child (OCC), serving as its relay center for downtown Nashville. Churches, schools, organizations, and individuals can drop off shoebox gifts for a child in need at Trevecca from November 18 to 25.
Trevecca's kick-off event for OCC took place during the Monday evening chapel service with guest speaker Oksana Nelson. As a child, Nelson lived in an orphanage in Russia and received a gift shoebox through Operation Christmas Child. She told listeners how much that gift meant to her, how it brought her hope. Now a graduate student in Nashville, Nelson volunteers with OCC because her gifts from OCC meant so much to her.
Following the chapel service, Jennifer Neely, Trevecca's on-campus coordinator for the OCC collection, distributed more than 100 shoeboxes to students who will fill them with Christmas gifts for a child.
"I feel certain that many in the Trevecca family will participate in this effort," Neely said. "Leaders of several campus organizations have already told me that they are planning packing parties during which their members will fill shoeboxes for OCC. Participating in this effort certainly makes my Christmas more meaningful. I love knowing that my small gifts will make some child happy, and I am so happy that Trevecca is helping OCC."
Operation Christmas Child is a part of the international relief agency Samaritan's Purse, founded by Franklin Graham. Last year OCC distributed its 100,000,000th box and it hopes to reach one million children for its 20th anniversary this year.
In addition to the gifts that others place in the shoeboxes, OCC will add to each box printed materials about Christ and an invitation for the recipient to enroll in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson follow-up program. The Greatest Journey teaches children how to become faithful followers of Jesus Christ and encourages them to grow in their faith.
For more information about Operation Christmas Child, click here.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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NCN Sports
Global Ministry Center
Final won-lost records and rankings for Nazarene colleges and universities competing in NCAA and NAIA athletics this year. Records and rankings as of October 31, 2013.
Season Results:
Record Key: Overall Wins-Losses-Ties (Conference Wins-Losses-Ties), national ranking.
Quincy, Massachusetts
NCAA Division III, The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC)
Men's Cross Country: Results.
Women's Cross Country: Results.
Men's Soccer: 3-14 (1-8)
Women's Soccer: 11-6-1 (4-4-1)
Men's Tennis: 2-0 (0-0)
Women's Tennis: 1-10 (0-8)
Women's Volleyball: 14-15 (2-5)
Olathe, Kansas
NAIA Division I, Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)
Men's Basketball: 1-0 (0-0)
Football: 2-5 (2-4)
Men's Soccer: NAIA No. 7, 13-3-2 (5-1-1)
Women's Soccer: 12-3-3 (3-2-2)
Women's Volleyball: NAIA No. 6, 22-2 (8-0)
Mount Vernon, Ohio
NAIA Division II, Crossroads League (formerly Mid-Central College Conference)
Women's Basketball: 1-0 (0-0)
Men's Cross Country: Results.
Women's Cross Country: Results.
Men's Golf: Results.
Men's Soccer: 7-10-1 (2-6-1)
Women's Soccer: 9-8-2 (5-3-1)
Women's Volleyball: 14-18 (8-10)
Nampa, Idaho
NCAA Division II, Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)
Men's Cross Country: Results.
Women's Cross Country: Results.
Men's Golf: Results.
Women's Golf: Results.
Men's Soccer: 3-7-5 (3-6-3)
Women's Soccer: 2-11-3 (1-9-3)
Women's Volleyball: 13-5 (9-3)
Bourbonnais, Illinois
NAIA Division II, Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC)
Men's Cross Country: NAIA No. 4, Results. (won three meets)
Women's Cross Country: NAIA No. 8, Results.
Football: 2-6 (0-3)
Men's Golf: Results.
Women's Golf: Results.
Men's Soccer: 11-4-1 (7-2-0)
Women's Soccer: NAIA No. 14, 12-3-1 (7-1-1)
Men's Tennis: 1-1 (0-0)
Women's Tennis: 1-0 (0-0)
Women's Volleyball: 19-18 (12-4)
San Diego, California
NCAA Division II, Pacific West Conference (PacWest)
Women's Cross Country: Results.
Women's Golf: Results.
Men's Soccer: 7-6-3 (5-3-3)
Women's Soccer: 8-6-1 (6-3-1)
Men's Tennis: 8-17 (0-0)
Women's Tennis: 10-16 (0-0)
Women's Volleyball: 19-6 (12-3)
Bethany, Oklahoma
NCAA Division II, Great American Conference (GAC)
Men's Cross Country: Results.
Women's Cross Country: Results.
Football: 0-8 (0-8)
Men's Golf: Results.
Women's Golf: Results.
Men's Soccer: 2-15-0 (1-7-0)
Women's Soccer: 9-7-0 (5-3-0)
Women's Tennis: 11-9 (5-1)
Women's Volleyball: 19-7 (9-1)
Nashville, Tennessee
NCAA Division II, Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC)
Men's Cross Country: Results.
Women's Cross Country: Results.
Men's Golf: Results.
Women's Golf: Results.
Men's Soccer: 8-8-1 (5-3-0)
Women's Soccer: 6-9-2 (4-4-2)
Women's Volleyball: 14-9 (5-4)
Key:
Record = Wins-Losses-Ties
NAIA - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
NCAA - National Collegiate Athletic Association
NCCAA - National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association
NAIA Coaches' Poll used
Previous NCN Sports Updates:
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Contact us:
Nazarene Communications Network
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66220 USA
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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