Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Nazarene Communication Network News Summary - Volume 1435 of The Global Church of the Nazarene for Friday, 29 August 2014
Roberto*, 15, fled his El Salvador hometown after local gang members gave him two clear-cut options: Join our gang or die.
His journey to the U.S. through Mexico took five long weeks and upon arrival, he found himself in a detention center overwhelmed by other unaccompanied minors. The number of these minors, primarily from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, has increased nearly 50 percent in less than a year.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries hopes to address the root cause by establishing at least 10 new child development centers in these three countries. The CDCs will address issues that send children over the border, such as extreme poverty, neglect, and exploitation.
NCM leaders are conducting field studies to determine the best locations for the centers. The ideal location is a low-income area with few opportunities for education, health care, and employment. Sites will also be selected near churches with members interested in working with local children, and NCM will provide the training and resources to do so.
In addition to education, nutrition, and health services, the CDCs will include vocational training centers where children and adults can learn valuable skills to improve their economic situation.
In the U.S., five Nazarene churches and camps in Texas, Florida, and New York are creating Centros de Refugio (Centers of Refuge) to provide shelter, food, protection, and spiritual care to unaccompanied minors, ages 13 to 17. Across the five sites, 145 youth can receive shelter at any time, with an expected 2,175 youth to gain temporary refuge over the course of 18 months.
"This is the time to say, 'We're the church and we're going to be hospitable,'" said Gabriel Salguero, who serves as both co-pastor of the Lamb's Church of the Nazarene in New York City and president of National Latino Evangelical Coalition.
How to help
"I am confident that our churches will respond appropriately," said David Busic, Church of the Nazarene general superintendent. "We will open our hearts to anyone who is in need. The Father of the fatherless urges us — He compels us — to respond to these children with care and compassion."
A federal grant will subsidize a large portion of the costs to run the Centers of Refuge, but it will not cover all the costs. The centers will need to provide items such as food, bedding, and backpacks, as well as ongoing staffing. However, due to hygiene requirements, the items must be purchased new. The best way to supply these items is through financial gifts. Click here to donate.
Monetary donations will also support the Central America CDCs.
To send donations by mail, make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put 123582 in the Memo area.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
*Name changed to protect child's safety
Wicklow, Ireland
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Ireland in 1987, but has only one organized church there today. Nazarene leaders recently began work in a second area, the low-income community of Wicklow, located about an hour south of Dublin.
Woodlands, Texas, Community Church of the Nazarene was invited to Wicklow to conduct a day camp for children at Ballyguile Broadlough Hillview Community Centre (BBH), August 6 through 14.
The team, made up of Ireland missionaries Stephen and Annette Morley, volunteer missionaries Ted and Sarah Voigt, intern Estella Reza, and 13 Woodlands church members, was instructed to refrain from using religious music, language, or presentations. Instead, the team prayed to be living examples of the love of Christ.
Each day, about 40 children attended the camp, which included a healthy lifestyle seminar, meal, and cowboy-themed activities.
"What a blessing to be used by God, for God, in an environment that wanted to exclude God," said Steve Vaughn, Woodlands church senior pastor.
The team, with the help of the community's children, also painted the centre's exterior. Deloris Dobbs, BBH community centre director, said she wanted the kids to take ownership.
The church was invited to return and hold additional camps.
"The help with the centre was amazing and [the team's] generosity and uplifting spirit was inspiring," said one man who worked with the team. "It's a pity more people could not see what I have seen in the last few days. It truly was brilliant and I will miss them and hope they come back next year."
Missionary Stephen Morley told the team in a follow-up email that the centre will never be the same.
"I can't wait to share how God will continue to use you and all you did in the days ahead," he said.--NCN News Staff, NCN News submissions
Nicaragua, Mesoamerica Region
The Casa Unida Foundation, an organization led by former Work & Witness Coordinator Bob Moore, delivered packages of basic items — including rice, beans, oil, and sugar — to 181 families in Rioja, Rodeo, Los Ranchos, Hermanos Martinez, and La Cruz following a severe drought this summer.
"This help is very good," said Martha Lucía Hernández, a single mother with three children from Los Ranchos. "It is a form of how God manifests to help poor people. This is a blessing that came right when we needed it, because we did not harvest this year."
Families in Somoto sectors 9 and 18 also received aid.
"This help is so welcomed because I have no fixed job and the harvest wasn't good," said Juan López Bautista. "My half a block of beans and corn was lost all because of the drought. I have four children. I am grateful to God and the Church of the Nazarene for this blessing."
The Casa Unida team visited Nicaragua August 4 to 13. The group also helped construct a parsonage in Rioja and taught the Bible to children, youth, and adults at churches in Radio Fronteras and Somoto Canal 21.
"We are very happy to come to Nicaragua and to help some of our brothers," said Monte Schmidt, group coordinator.
The Church of the Nazarene in the region's Northern Zone raised funds to help more families in other areas affected by the drought. It will also support microcredit for the planting season and continue to pray for rain.--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region
La Paz, Bolivia
Nolberto Vicuña Yujra, Bolivia's first elected district superintendent, passed away August 12. He was 92.
He was born in Corocoro on June 6, 1920. While serving in the military, Nolberto gave his heart to Jesus at age 19 in the barracks. Seven years later he entered local leadership. In 1947 at age 27, Nolberto took his first pastorate in General Pérez, on the Chilean border.
Nolberto was one of the first Bolivian pastors in the Church of the Nazarene. He was ordained in 1970 by General Superintendent George Coulter at Winchester Church of the Nazarene in La Paz. Nolberto planted six churches in La Paz and four in rural areas during his 52 years of ministry. He was a Sunday School teacher for five years later in life.
In addition to his ministry service, he was an interim school teacher and assistant nurse. Nolberto earned a Bachelor of Arts from Centros de Educación Media de Adultos.
Nolberto and his wife, Margarita Tarqui, celebrated 75 years of marriage before her death in July. Together, they had six children: María Antonieta, Enrique, Marcela, Arminda, Benjamín, and Abraham. Nolberto enjoyed his 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
The Church of the Nazarene in Bolivia thanks God for the life and ministry of Nolberto.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
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 Manila, Philippines
District superintendents from 16 districts across the Philippines, Micronesia, and southeast Asia met August 27 through 29 at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary for a leadership seminar.
The seminar, led by Asia-Pacific Regional Director Mark Louw, is an integral part of the region's strategy of intentional leadership development.
"We do a disservice to our district superintendents and other regional leaders when we appoint them to leadership positions and then fail to give them the tools necessary to be successful in those positions," Louw said. "Our vision is to equip the district leaders to be effective in their assignments, not just doing things the same way they have always been done, but to expose them to grassroots thinking, asking them to challenge the status quo and helping them to equip the church for growth like never before."
Southeast Asia Field Strategy Coordinator David Phillips attended the training with leaders from his field.
"This training has reoriented and refocused the district superintendents on the work that needs to be done and the possibilities that are at hand," Phillips said. "I have seen an increased passion among the leaders to move the church forward."
Edgar Longcop, who has served as a district superintendent for more than 14 years, attended the training for the second time.
"I'm not sure that if I had known ... the incredible responsibility and task of being a district superintendent that I would have accepted the call," Longcop said. "But I do know that these tools would have been so very helpful when I first started. They are definitely helping me in my leadership."
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific partnered with the region to make the training more readily available by filming the seminars. The videos will then be used to train newly appointed leaders.
"We are hoping that this training can be shared with other regions beyond Asia-Pacific," said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific regional communications coordinator.
Topics covered include: The DS as a Missional Leader, Personhood of the DS, Essentials of an Effective DS, Vision and Strategy, District Development and Church Growth, DS Relations, Ministerial Development, Discipline, Finances, District Boards, and Functions.
The training will be available for download on the Asia-Pacific Region's website, asiapacificnazarene.org, in the days ahead.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Additional NCNNews.com
Stories This Week
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: Cameroon
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Cameroon in 1999.
Cameroon had a population of 20,549,221 in 2013. The country has not yet reported any Churches of the Nazarene.
Cameroon is on the Africa Region. For more information, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:
Argentina
Aruba
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Guatemala
Germany
Ghana
Guam
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Conakry
Guyana
Haiti
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Liberia
Madagascar
Mali
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Paraguay
Peru
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Additional World Areas
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.
La Trinidad, Philippines
Philippine Nazarene College hosted more than 160 participants August 25 for a 4/14 Window conference titled "A Call to Action."
The 4/14 Window refers to the demographic group from age 4 to 14 years old when children are the most open and receptive to spiritual and developmental input.
Church of the Nazarene leaders in the Philippines are passionate that God is calling Christians to the 4/14 Window, a new missional focus to radically change the way children are viewed and to respond to their strategic importance and rightful place in His kingdom.
More than a dozen ministry partners came together to focus on this global initiative. La Trinidad Mayor Edna Tabanda was present and joined in the advocacy of reaching young children for Christ.
The conference included plenary sessions focusing on various topics ranging from how God wants Christians to see children, to God's purpose and design for maintaining integrity within the family.
One of the plenary speakers, Michelle Tolentino, shared that in Manila alone there are an estimated 100,000 child prostitutes. She challenged conference participants to be advocates, working toward building safe communities and continuously empowering children.
In addition to plenary sessions, the conference also included six specific tracks: family, Generation Y, education, holistic children's ministry, pastors and missions, and media.
"We must intentionally disciple children and continuously care for them," said Stephen Gualberto, Philippine Micronesia field strategy coordinator.
Those in attendance were encouraged and motivated to engage in the global 4/14 Window movement, starting at home in the Philippines.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Montevideo, Uruguay
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International held a training day for directors and teachers on the Uruguay Sur (South) District.
Under the supervision of National SDMI Coordinator Ligdana Carrero and District SDMI Board President Julio Laserre, a program was developed to stimulate local churches' work and train teachers.
In spite of the cold, rainy weather, 41 people representing 14 of the district's 17 churches attended the event. Four workshops on various topics were presented by different district speakers.
The topics presented were:
"Adults and Their Place in the Church" presented by Mabel Gadea
"Generalities and Things to Consider Regarding Youth and Adolescents from a Psychologist's Perspective" presented by Analía Ferrari
"Why is Biblical Education Necessary for Children?" presented by Andrea Vidarte
"Puppets as Instruments to Communicate Biblical Truths" presented by Julio Laserre
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the tools received, and many said their vision for ministry was renewed.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Córdoba, Argentina
Extreme Nazarene Missions approved five Argentine young adults to serve as church plant missionaries in Córdoba.
Between August 9 and 12, five Argentine young people from various parts of the country gathered in Pilar to participate in an extensive interview process. After two days of group activities, a formal interview, and an interview with a professional counselor, all five candidates were approved.
The group will travel to Quito, Ecuador, on January 8, 2015, to begin seminary training and meet their North American counterparts. They will study for four months in Quito, then travel to Cali, Colombia, for one month of Master's Plan training. The team will begin the church planting work in Córdoba in June 2015.
The five Argentine missionaries are Matias Quiroga from San Salvador de Jujuy; Romina Celeste Calderón and Juan Manuel Ricapito from Valle Hermoso, Córdoba; and Carolina and Silvana Galarza Caje from Formosa.
The missionaries are in the process of raising funds to participate in the program. Each is responsible to raise 2,500 Argentine pesos per month along with travel expenses for training.
Extreme Nazarene continues to look for an additional Argentine female to join the team. To donate or recommend a female candidate, contact cwheatley@extremenazarene.org.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Campinas, Brazil
"A Hora Nazarena," a radio program in Campinas, celebrated its first anniversary this month.
Southeast Paulista District Superintendent Fernando César, Pastor Geraldo Nunes, and other district pastors set out to proclaim the gospel and spread the Church of the Nazarene's message in August 2013. They began producing "A Hora Nazarena" (The Nazarene Hour) on Rede do Bem (The Network of Goodness), FM 105.5.
From 6 to 7 p.m. each day, César and other invited pastors spoke live with listeners about the theme of the day. The program also features music, a biblical reflection, and church activity announcements.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Torrential rain flooded the basement of Siloam Mission's Princess Street facility last week. About 26 inches of water infiltrated the boiler room, causing damage to mechanical systems. Some food and clothing supplies were destroyed, including vital winter clothing supplies.
"Storm drains were overwhelmed and water backed up into the basement," said Dan Maxson, director of Operations for the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries centre. "We are already preparing for winter, so we need to get this cleaned up quickly."
Frozen pipes caused significant flood damage to Siloam just two weeks before Christmas. In the months following, Boeing, Lowe Mechanical, and Rainbow International helped Siloam make necessary repairs and redesign basement storage, greatly limiting recent flood consequences.
"We are so blessed," Maxson said on Friday. "This storm hit our city hard and many people are waking up today to terrible damage. Our thoughts are with our neighbours and community."
Siloam is especially appreciative of donations at this time. Donations can be made online at siloam.ca, by mail to Siloam Mission, or by calling 204-956-4344.--Siloam Mission
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Global Ministry Center News
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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 August 25-29, 2014.
Walter Attig, 91, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away July 24. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Illinois and Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Martha Attig. (story)
Mozelle Chason, 81, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away August 25. She was the widow of retired minister and chaplain Robert Chason, who served in Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Robert Chason passed away in April.
Marvin Dennison, 71, of Tecumseh, Kansas, passed away August 21. He was a retired evangelist based on the Kansas City District. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Ashton) Dennison.
Daniel "Danny" Eiler, 30, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away August 25. He was a pastor in The Wesleyan Church, a sister denomination to the Church of the Nazarene. Eiler pastored The Springs Community Church in Ringgold. Eiler battled cancer for three years. (Story via The Wesleyan Church)
Young Wesleyan pastor meets Jesus after cancer battle
A Wesleyan pastor has lost his courageous three-year battle with cancer. by Tricia Rife
Daniel “Danny” Eiler, age 30, passed away on August 25, 2014, after battling leukemia. He served as senior pastor of The Springs Community Church in Ringgold, Ga., a role he’d had since 2010. Years prior, he served as an assistant pastor and then co-pastor.
Pastor Eiler was the husband to Cassie and the father to Cade, age 6, and Haddon, 8 months. Other survivors include his parents and a brother and his family.
Cassie posted some personal reflections on her Facebook page, honoring her late husband.
My 30-year-old husband was an amazing father, spiritual leader of our home, spiritual leader of our church, stubborn cancer patient, music nerd, silly, outgoing, fun-living, crowd pleasing, charming, and precious man of God.
Danny was not a victim of his disease . . . he was honored that God chose him to be the vessel for this testimony. Danny poured his heart, soul, and livelihood into doing his best to follow his calling and spread the gospel. He wanted nothing more than to be a husband who was the spiritual foundation for our family. He made sure to remind me of the woman of God that I was designed to be. He wanted to be the father that raised his children to love, worship, and serve God with their whole hearts and grow into faithful and fervent men of God.
“Pastor Danny Eiler was a church planter on the South Coastal District,” said Dr. Dan Berry, district superintendent. “Danny was known as an excellent teacher of the Word, a team builder, and a family man. Three years ago he contracted leukemia. During his long battle he had many twists and turns but he was always full of faith in God’s sovereign purpose for his illness. At the end of life, when death was looming, he boldly proclaimed, “I am not afraid!” He lived life like he died—fearless and victorious in Christ!”
To learn more, including how you can help the family, visit the South Coastal District website or call 770.922.7514.
Daniel Lynn "Danny" Eiler
January 24, 1984 - August 25, 2014
Obituary for Daniel Lynn "Danny" Eiler
Daniel Lynn Eiler, 30 of Ringgold, started His new Life in Eternity on Monday, August 25, 2014. He was a graduate of East Ridge High School and attended UTC where he played in the band. He grew up in South Seminole Baptist Church and accepted the call to Ministry while a member of the Youth Group. He served in the youth ministries at South Seminole Baptist Church, Church at Catoosa, Life Gate Church, and The Springs Church before becoming the Senior Pastor at the Springs Church.
He is survived by his parents: Stephen and Linda Eiler, East Ridge, and his wife: Cassie Camp Eiler; he was the proud father of two sons: Cade Daniel and Haddon Paul Eiler, all of Ringgold; one brother: Andy (Katherine) Eiler, Smyrna, Deleware, and a niece: Anabelle Grace Eiler.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share condolences with the family.
Memorial Services will be held at The Springs Church at the Catoosa County Colonnade on Sunday at 4:00 PM with Dr. Dan Berry, Pastor Skylar Jones, Pastor Jay Neal, and Rev. Ron Perry officiating, followed by a reception and Pot Luck Dinner.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Daniel Lynn "Danny" Eiler please visit our Sympathy Store.
Clyde Morris, 84, of Richland, Washington, passed away August 21. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Morris, and his second wife, R. Marie Morris.
Frances Rehfeldt, 98, of Kissee Mills, Missouri, passed away August 25. She was the widow of minister, district superintendent, and World Mission Executive Secretary Remiss Rehfeldt, who served in Iowa and led the Iowa and Indianapolis districts. Remiss Rehfeldt passed away in 1992.
Verla Sutton, 93, of West Carrollton, Ohio, passed away August 26. She was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Sutton, in 1996.
Ovid Young, 74, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away August 24. He was Olivet Nazarene University's artist-in-residence. He is survived by his wife, Laura (Rees) Young.
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
Global Ministry Center
By NCN News Staff
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Information Technology — Senior Software Developer
Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions. For the full job description, click here.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator
The person in this position will lead NCM's development team in developing and maintaining NCM's web applications, systems, and websites.
USA/Canada Regional Office — Office Assistant
This position provides assistance to the UCRO administrative coordinator with event planning, word processing, scheduling, website maintenance, and other tasks as needed.
About
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. To obtain additional information, please call (913) 577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office at the same address.
For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here.
Nashville, Tennessee
Trevecca Nazarene University announced the appointment of Tim Eades as its new associate provost for Graduate and Continuing Studies. In this new position, Eades will be responsible for the university's adult degree-completion program administrative services, including recruiting, admissions, marketing, and student support.
"I am honored to be returning to my alma mater and serve in leadership of the College of Lifelong Learning," Eades said. "I see great strengths and growth opportunities in Trevecca's programs for adult and graduate students. The CLL serves an incredible part of Trevecca's mission to train students in leadership and service with a distinctly Christian worldview."
Eades brings considerable experience to this role. Since 2009, he served as assistant provost and vice president for non-traditional education and development at Ohio Christian University (OCU). The school's adult and graduate programs grew from 790 students to 3,200 with more than 2,000 participating fully online during his tenure.
"Dr. Eades will be a valuable member of the Provost's Team," said Steve Pusey, Trevecca's provost. "Because approximately 60 percent of Trevecca's students are enrolled in an adult or graduate program, I am especially pleased to have him help Trevecca better serve these important student groups."
From 1994 to 1996, Eades was the assistant director of student recruitment at Mount Vernon Nazarene College before returning to a ministry position and later working as a financial advisor. He returned to MVNU in 2003 and served in three positions there: director of admissions and student recruitment, executive director of enrollment services and marketing, and associate vice president for adult and graduate studies enrollment management and marketing. He resigned in 2009 to accept the position at OCU.
A 1987 graduate of Trevecca, Eades earned a Master of Ministry from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a Doctor of Eduction in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.
Eades will begin his new position at Trevecca September 2 and will be accompanied by his wife, Kimberly, and their daughter, Grace.--Trevecca Nazarene University
San Diego, California
Nearly 700 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends gathered on Point Loma Nazarene University's main campus August 24 for the 3rd annual Pray for PLNU event. This year's event marked the first time incoming students and their families were also invited to participate ahead of this week's New Student Orientation.
"In three short years, the event has become a significant time for the entire PLNU community," said Jeff Bolster, PLNU dean of students. "This event provides a foundation for the business and excitement of NSO and the start of the new school year."
The evening began in Brown Chapel at 5 p.m. for a time of worship led by George Williamson, PLNU's director of Worship Ministries. PLNU President Bob Brower provided welcome remarks and shared his vision for the year ahead. After brief instructions from Bolster, participants spread out across the campus to pray.
As in previous years, special attention was given to the residence halls. All new and returning students' names were posted on each doorway, allowing them to be prayed for by name. Offices, classrooms, labs, and numerous other campus locations, including the off-campus sites such as the Liberty Station Conference Center and Colony Apartments, were covered in prayer. One place in particular was Brown Chapel. University Chaplain Tim Whetsone and San Diego First Church of the Nazarene Pastor Melissa Tucker led a group in prayer over each seat in preparation for chapel this coming year.
Sunday's event concluded in Brown with a time of worship and a devotional from Norm Shoemaker, founding director of the Center for Pastoral Leadership at PLNU. Ron Benefiel, dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry, brought the evening to a close with a time of prayer and anointing over President and Linda Brower.
Hosted by the Offices of Student Development, Spiritual Development, the School of Theology, the PLNU Alumni Association, and the Center for Pastoral Leadership, Pray for PLNU marked the beginning of another exciting year. For more information, visit PLNU's website.--Point Loma Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Ovid Young, Olivet Nazarene University's artist-in-residence and a university alumnus, passed away August 24. He was 74.
A world-renowned and versatile musician, he will be remembered by the entire Olivet community as a beloved mentor, teacher, inspiration, and friend.
"The university, and our community at large, has lost a great man," said John C. Bowling, Olivet president. "Although he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on, and his music will be performed for generations to come."
A pianist, organist, composer, and conductor, Young performed more than 7,000 times in major concert halls, churches, and colleges around the world. He performed for audiences in virtually every sizable city in the U.S., as well as in England, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Denmark, India, and several Caribbean countries. Millions more witnessed his performances on television throughout the U.S., Australia, Western Europe, and the former Soviet Union.
As an organist, Young played many of the largest and most interesting organs in the U.S., as well as numerous cathedral church organs in Europe. Because of his knowledge of and passion for the instrument, he played an integral role in acquiring the Ruffatti Pipe Organ for Olivet's Centennial Chapel. He took great joy in bringing it to life through university and community-wide concerts.
Young's orchestral appearances include the English Chamber Orchestra, English Symphony Orchestra, Seoul (Korea) Philharmonic, Bohuslav Martinu (Czech Republic) Philharmonic, Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Aarhus (Denmark) Symphony, Florida Philharmonic, and the symphonies of Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; and Nashville, Tennessee. He was the music director and conductor of the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra from 1974 to 1984.
He had many published compositions and arrangements, including orchestral scores for several feature-length films. Young is widely remembered as the pianist-arranger-conductor for the prominent operatic singing duo of Robert Hale and Dean Wilder and as one-half of the piano duo Nielson & Young.
Young was a 1962 graduate of Olivet. He served his beloved alma mater in numerous capacities, including his most recent appointment as artist-in-residence for the School of Music. In this role, he performed, taught, and oversaw Olivet concerts and recital series and acted as an ambassador-at-large for the music program.
For nearly four decades, Young was commissioned annually by the Olivet president — first by Leslie Parrott in 1976 and later by Bowling — to write an original arrangement of a hymn or gospel song for presentation by Orpheus Choir and instrumentalists at the conclusion of the Baccalaureate sermon. His latest composition of "How Deep the Father's Love" for the 2014 Baccalaureate Service was a fitting summary of Young's life and legacy. He did "not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom." Rather, he always pointed back to his first great love and the saving grace of his heavenly Father.
Young is survived by his wife, Laura (Rees), and two grown sons, Erik (Heather) and Kirk.--Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University received unanimous approval from the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board to begin offering a new undergraduate major in special education beginning spring 2015.
"Olivet is committed to providing students who are called by God to teach special education with the opportunity to pursue that calling," said Robert Hull, dean of the School of Education. "We've had many requests for this major from prospective students, special education professionals, and our local community. This major is designed to begin responding to that demand at the undergraduate level."
Olivet's special education major prepares teacher candidates to be reflective practitioners who pursue longevity and leadership in their careers. Courses are designed to train them to provide emotional support that goes beyond mere behavior management. As part of their coursework, candidates will complete 173 hours of clinical experience in both self-contained special education classrooms and inclusion settings. Olivet students who successfully complete the requirements for this major will receive the Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree.
This major is the culmination of a process that began four years ago with discussions among university faculty and staff, as well as discussions with Illinois state representatives. Brian Stipp, who joined Olivet's faculty in 2013, was tasked with leading the creation of curriculum for the major.
Stipp and his team conducted an intense evaluation of programs offered by five other higher education institutions and listened to input from top-rated consultants and area schools before beginning course design work.
"We included over 250 state and national standards in our courses," Stipp said. "We also had to adhere to state of Illinois requirements and, at the same time, maintain the spirit of the program as we envisioned it. We want our students to be prepared to carry out their vocation of caring for students with disabilities. And we want them to do that with excellence and for a long time. Ultimately, our program has been built to prepare our candidates in a way that honors the God-given dignity of their future students."
Ruth Reynolds will join Stipp in implementing and teaching the courses. Both are experienced special education teachers. Stipp taught students with a broad range of disabilities in grades one through eight in the Chicago Public Schools for 10 years. Reynolds brings 34 years of special education teaching experience in Bradley, Illinois.
Registration for courses related to this major will begin this October. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 815-939-5203.
Olivet's School of Education is currently listed among Top U.S. Colleges & Universities for Teaching Education by the online College Database. Colleges and universities included on this list offer their students the widest range of education program options.--Olivet Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University's Festival of Joy and Grandparent's Day will include worship music featuring Jonathan White, speaker Billy Huddleston, and the opportunity for grandparents to spend time with their MVNU student. The Festival of Joy will take place September 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ariel Arena. Dinner and a special evening program begin at 5:30.
The price per person for the Festival of Joy is $20, the price for Grandparent's Day is $13, and the price for the Grandchild Dinner is $10. The registration deadline is September 11.
For more information or to register, visit mvnu.edu/joy or call 1-888-470-0050. While students are not excused from classes to attend the event, grandparents may enjoy time with their grandchild in between the two scheduled events, as well as at the Grandchild Dinner in the evening.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
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