| NCN Global News Summary | Volume 1447 | Friday, 21 November 2014 |
Prayers answered, pastor released
Eastern Mediterranean Field
The Nazarene pastor on the Eastern Mediterranean Field who was kidnapped on Friday was released a day later.
Lindell Browning, strategy coordinator for the field, shared the following urgent prayer request on Friday:
"A Nazarene pastor from a sensitive access area has been kidnapped today and a heavy ransom is being demanded. Let's join his family and the Church of the Nazarene around the world to pray for his safety and quick release."
Nazarenes around the world prayed and shared the prayer request to friends, family, and congregations.
A day later, the good news was announced.
"Give thanks to the Lord," said a Nazarene field leader. "Because of your prayers, God opened the doors. God is always faithful. [The] pastor that was kidnapped is back home. Details of the nature of his release are not available.
"Please pray for security in sensitive areas of our world; we don’t want issues like this to make the believers and leaders leave the places where they live."
Browning rejoiced at the news.
"We are dancing ... holy dancing that is!!" he said. "God has responded to our prayers!"
Global Mission Director Verne Ward shared his joy.
"We are rejoicing in the grace of God!" Ward said. "We are thankful for the prayer of His people! Rejoicing in tears!"
Please continue to pray for the Church of the Nazarene around the world and its mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.--NCN News
Board of General Superintendents declares gratitude and hope as Nazarene Publishing House transitions
Global Ministry Center
As Nazarene Publishing House (NPH) prepares for its organizational transition December 2, the Board of General Superintendents expressed gratitude for the 102-year relationship with NPH in meeting the literature needs of the Church of the Nazarene extending into the future.
"Our partnership with NPH is integral to accomplishing the mission of the Church of the Nazarene: to make Christlike disciples in the nations," said David W. Graves, chairman of the Board of General Superintendents. "We are especially glad that through a transitioning of NPH, local churches will continue to be resourced without interruption."
The Board of General Superintendents declared Nazarene Publishing House in financial crisis on September 29. In conjunction with its Crisis Management Team and the NPH Board of Directors, efforts proceed in the transition of NPH for a sustainable publishing ministry beyond December 1.
The Board of General Superintendents identifies three priorities in this process. The first was the orderly, compassionate, and generous closing of the current business model. They express appreciation for the work of the NPH Board and the current management for their leadership in this first step. The second priority is to continue to serve local Nazarene churches and other constituents. NPH recently issued a statement offering assurance that this would be done. The third priority is to develop a sustainable business model for the long-term future in order to resource local churches with the message of Scriptural holiness to accomplish the church's mission.
"While the critical challenges facing NPH are still a reality, in partnership with the NPH Board and the Crisis Management Team, we move forward with faith and optimism about the future," the Board of General Superintendents declared.
According to NPH staff, uninterrupted production and distribution of essential literature will continue, including all imprints of WordAction Sunday School curricula for adults and children, WordAction programming materials, and Nazarene Missions International resources. Beacon Hill Press will continue to provide theological resources, including current book inventory and a forward focus on the New Beacon Bible Commentary and textbooks. Online and digital resources will also be available. Orders may be placed through NPH as usual.
"We invite Nazarenes everywhere to join us in prayer," Graves said.--Board of General Superintendents
Missouri District requests prayer following state of emergency
Bridgeton, Missouri
By Sarah Glass for NCN News
Missouri District Superintendent Mike Palmer requests prayer following Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's state of emergency declaration.
The declaration came after months of protests and unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, over the death of Michael Brown. A grand jury will soon announce its decision on whether to indite a police officer in Brown's death.
"We are requesting our church family's prayers for the Ferguson community and beyond as we await the grand jury decision regarding the Michael Brown incident," said Palmer, former pastor of the Ferguson Church of the Nazarene. "Although there are suggestions, rumors, and predictions of violence and significant unrest, we ask that you join us in praying for understanding, reconciliation, unity, and peace. Pray for our churches to be salt and light in a most difficult situation."
For more information on the case and the activity surrounding it, see your preferred U.S. news website.
Florida pastor had transformational impact on community
Monticello, Florida
By NCN News Staff
Clay Stephens, pastor of the Monticello, Florida, Church of the Nazarene, passed away unexpectedly November 19. He was 41.
Stephens told Monticello News he grew up in church but didn't live a lifestyle that reflected the Bible's teaching. When his first wife, to whom he was separated, became pregnant, 21-year-old Stephens wasn't sure if the baby was his and wanted no part in the child's life. A few days after the birth, she called him to meet his son. As he looked down at the baby, Stephens said he heard God say, "If you want this responsibility, it will never be taken away from you." That moment was a turning point for Stephens, and he chose to become a single father after the divorce.
Stephens later became a youth leader and felt a call to full-time ministry. He enrolled in Bible college and became an ordained minister. Stephens began leading the Monticello church as a bi-vocational pastor in June 2013.
According to the Florida District, Stephens was a "missional, visionary, and entrepreneurial-type pastor." In addition to the pastorate, he owned Lighthouse Automotive Repair, rehabilitating men by training them to be mechanics. His outreach to children, adults, the homeless, and anyone in need is having a transformation impact in the Monticello community.
Lighthouse Automotive Repair's mission reads: "Come because you need help. Come because you can help." In its description, the business page states it is "different because we are NEEDS based and not sales based. Our entire motivation is to SERVE yours, and our community needs, and not just sell something to make a profit. In return we ask you to pray for our ministry as we make a positive impact on the lives of people and the automotive repair industry."
Stephens is survived by his wife, Amanda, sons Dequon Simmons (21) and Caleb (20), and a daughter, Trinity (7 months).
Both of Clay's sons work at his automotive shop.
"We serve an awesome, loving and faithful God!" Amanda Stephens posted on Facebook. "My prayer is the ripple effect of this tragic loss brings countless souls to Jesus, brings restoration, brings unity to all my beloved touched directly or indirectly. Thank you for the continued payers. God is faithful and His Grace is sufficient!"
A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Monday, November 24, at Northwoods Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, with viewing one hour prior. Florida District Superintendent Larry Dennis will officiate. For an online guestbook, click here.
A cause of death has yet to be determined. Prayer is requested for the Stephens and Monticello church families.
MNU staff member documents Liberia's fight against Ebola
Olathe, Kansas
By Carol Best for NCN News
Blake Nelson, a residential educator and advisor for student media at MidAmerica Nazarene University, traveled to Liberia on a humanitarian trip for Heart to Heart International in October. His job was to document the creation of the organization's Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU), one of the first in the country.
Filmed at International Medical Corps' ETU, and other sites, Nelson's video shows the precautions taken as health care workers prepare to treat the ill. The whole experience was incredibly inspiring, he said.
"Imagine you are not only dealing with people getting sick all over themselves, but you are doing it through three layers of plastic suits," Nelson said. "It takes 20 to 25 minutes to suit up with multiple people helping."
Once they are in protective gear, Nelson said the doctors and nurses can only work 15 to 20 minutes at a time because there is no ventilation in the suits, and absolutely nothing can be exposed to the air. Once they acclimate to conditions and have some experience, they can work in the suits up to one hour.
"People are so dehydrated when they come out of the hot zone they have two people meet them in the decontamination area to talk them through the process of removing the suit," Nelson said. "Undressing is the most dangerous part. You can't just rip the suit off. I would say the removal process is just as rigid as an army changing of the guards."
Once out of the suits and showered, the workers must drink significant amounts of water to rehydrate. What Nelson found amazing is that there are so many volunteer health care professionals willing to help.
"They are coming from all over the world to help," he said. These doctors and nurses are running into this most miserable, depressing, soul-shattering situation willfully. It's very inspiring."
A large portion of the trip was spent with Heart to Heart staff preparing their ETU. Absolutely everything, from housing for doctors and nurses to hiring a cook for the ETU, had to be cared for in just a month's time. Nelson paraphrases comments from Heart to Heart CEO Jim Mitchum, boiling it down to this statement: "the task is like setting up a small business in one month, in another country, and you might die if you don't do it right." The details are so numerous that the advance team works at least 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nelson says no detail can be left undone because of the gravity of the situation.
Nelson explained that the on-ground staff stayed in Monrovia, the Liberian capital, but that Heart to Heart's ETU is about two hours away. Set to open in November, the ETU will take a few patients at a time, eventually having resources for up to 70 patients. Up to 300 people will need to be employed to care for the patients due to the strict precautionary protocol.
Nelson said he never feared for his own health and was only allowed in low-risk areas.
"I cannot emphasize enough how safe I felt," he said. "We've had the science behind this disease for decades. We've known the rules for a while. Our team wasn't touching anyone at all, not even each other, and we were monitoring our temperatures."
Even if there had been a danger, Nelson said he still would have gone on the trip.
"We have to decide as Christians and society how we want to react when catastrophe threatens us," he said. "We can ride out and meet it, or we can put up defensive walls."
While he thinks a free society has the right to decide not to put themselves in harms' way, a church does not have that luxury.
"We [Christians] have an explicit commandment in Matthew 25:35 that tells us, 'I'm the one who is sick. When you help one of them, you are helping me,'" Nelson said. "It's like Jesus is saying 'I'm in West Africa hemorrhaging; what are you going to do about it?'"
Nelson also thinks he didn't have to sacrifice much personally to go on the trip unlike his friend, Emergency Room nurse Zach Phillips, a 2010 MNU graduate, who is devoting five months to work in Heart to Heart's ETU.
Nelson gave a vivid analogy about the difference.
"It's like I was on the sidelines filming a football game with my headphones on and camera in hand while Zach is out on the field getting tackled," Nelson said. "My risk pales in comparison to what he is doing."
Although Nelson never felt at risk, his employer had to be a bit more cautious. Nelson and MNU President David Spittal agreed to a 21-day quarantine as an extra precaution because of the nature of his job in Uphaus residence hall, where Nelson oversees three resident assistants and 80 students. He used paid time off for the trip and the quarantine.
"It's like we got to have our cake and eat it too," Nelson said. "I got to go to Liberia and we got to keep everyone at MNU safe. Can you imagine if I had come back to work and gotten the flu? They would have had to evacuate Uphaus [residence hall]. Then where would all those students have stayed?"
Nelson is grateful to his co-workers, who took over his duties while he was gone.
"I have a constantly relational job — caring for students — and I abandoned it for a month," Nelson said. "I feel very supported by the university.
"I talk about how I use my storytelling to show others the things that matter. If I can't do this one thing, then all I have said before is meaningless."
Nelson wants to remind Americans that there are many ways to help the countries dealing with Ebola, from making a donation to helping organizations make connections to find skilled individuals and resources. Not everyone needs to travel to help. In fact, he said, it only makes sense for individuals with specific skills to go.
He is happy he was chosen to tell the story for Heart to Heart International and that he got to meet the Liberian people.
"The Liberians are so grateful for everyone's help," Nelson said. "They are thankful to the American soldiers and the volunteers from so many countries. They even thanked me for being there to tell the story."
Nelson is a 2009 graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University with a bachelor's degree in literature. He is a freelance videographer and journalist and enjoys storytelling with a purpose. He and his wife, Amy (Hamilton), reside in Olathe, Kansas, where they attend Christ Community Church of the Nazarene.
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 | Regional News |
ANU graduates largest class
Nairobi, Kenya
Africa Nazarene University celebrated its 17th Commencement with several days of activities, culminating in the graduation of 1,149 students.
On Wednesday, October 29, alumni and founders celebrated the 20th year since the university's charter was granted. Alumnus Edwin Wanyonyi emceed the special chapel. ANU Vice Chancellor Leah Marangu, speaking for herself and her husband, Professor John Marangu, related stories from the early days of the university. Founders Richard Zanner and Ted Esselsytn shared how the university surpassed early visions and predicted an even brighter future. Guest speaker Ratemo Michieka spoke of ANU's integrity in all of its dealings with the higher education commissioning boards in Kenya and the general high regard in which it is held nationally. After chapel, founders and leaders planted trees.
The next day, 21 young people were inducted into the Eta chapter of Phi Delta Lambda, the Nazarene honor society. Esselstyn, the longest standing member of the society present at the event, challenged the students to see the needs across the nations and make a difference. Africa Regional Education Coordinator Greg Crofford clarified the meaning of phi (love of wisdom), delta (righteousness), and lambda (service). ANU Lecturer Gift Mtukwa led the reception of new members and Deputy Vice Chancellor Rod Reed led the swearing-in.
Family and friends came together on graduation day to witness the university's largest class — 1,149 students — receive their degrees. The class of 2014 included 101 graduate students, 835 undergraduate students, and 213 diploma students.
This year's graduates included Kenya leaders Paul Kipchirchir Bii, member of parliament, Chepalangu Constituency; nominated Senator and Chief Whip Beatrice Elachi; and Masoud Mwinyi, administration police spokesman.
The ceremony, themed "20 Years of Transforming the World," began with Reed entering the graduation field carrying the mace. General Superintendent Eugenio R. Duarte gave the invocation.
Leah Marangu urged the graduates to seek innovative opportunities in Kenya and the world as she honored alumni whose contributions are directly impacting communities and transforming lives. She pressed the graduates to shun laxity and instead persevere, be persistent, and have determination. She honored the university's founding members — Richard Zanner, Ted Esselstyn, Harmon Schmelzenbach, John Marangu, and Jason Kimbui — affirming that their resilience and commitment to achieving the ANU dream spearheaded the university's success.
Zanner, the Commencement speaker, encouraged the graduates to embrace an education with values such as the one they received and to follow their calling, serving humanity and assuming their role as God's co-worker.
"We charge and encourage you, therefore, to live a life of hope and expectancy as Christians, but as the same time also a life of responsibility entrusted to you by God, by the Church, and through the level of education and knowledge you have acquired," he said. "Become a rock in society for many to lean and rest on and you will help to transform the world."
Several speakers expressed their appreciation for the university. Graduate Dickson Muli thanked Leah Marangu for her personal interest in his academic career and added, "I graduate with a second-class degree, but a first-class education." He was accepted into Harvard University in the U.S. for further studies.
Alumna and Forbes winner Lorna Rutto advised the graduates to transform the world through community projects irrespective of its magnitude.
2014 honorary degree recipient Ambrosie Bryant Orjiako, chairman of SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, commended the graduates, calling them to seek to change the world in their own way.
Global Mission Director Verne Ward gave the benediction.
The university congratulates the Class of 2014 and wishes them well in their future endeavors.--Information taken from Africa Nazarene University and the Africa regional newsletter, Out of Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
By Sarah Glass for NCN News
Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo announced the upcoming regional conference will be divided into three events to ensure maximum participation and include West Africa, an area to which many countries have closed their borders due to the Ebola virus.
The conference was originally scheduled for March 2015 at the Good News Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
"As we have planned and prepared for the conference, we realized there are several circumstances that could hinder the participation of representatives from all districts, fields, and institutions on the Africa Region," Chambo said. "When presented with the challenges, the Regional Advisory Council and field strategy coordinators developed and approved a plan to convene the regional conference in three different locations of the region on different dates."
Each of the three conferences will focus on specific fields. The original conference will be held as planned in March 2015 in South Africa for the Africa South Field, the Africa South-East Field, and the Africa Lusophone Field. The second conference will be held later that year in Nairobi, Kenya, and the third conference will be held on Africa West Field in 2016.
"This decision was taken after much prayer and consultation with several leaders across the region," Chambo said. "While this is not what we had originally planned, we recognize that sometimes unexpected circumstances necessitate extraordinary decisions. There are also wonderful benefits that come from this decision. One of the main benefits is that convening the regional conference in three locations will allow us to greatly increase the number of participants and district and institutional representatives in these gatherings."
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: Gabon
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Gabon in 1999.
Gabon had a population of 1,640,286 in 2013. Gabon has not yet reported any Churches of the Nazarene.
Gabon is on the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, 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
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.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries opens dorm for college students in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Asia-Pacific Region Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator John Watton was looking for compassionate Nazarenes.
Watton, who previously served on the Africa Region, took an initial tour of the Southeast Asia Field during the first week of November. In Phnom Penh, he found a newly opened dorm for young women traveling from the province to the city to attend college. The dorm safely houses them while they study and provides tutoring in computers and English. The students are an active part of the Phnom Penh church plant.
The need to provide safe housing for young people coming to the city for college was a desire and concern expressed by Cambodia District leadership. This desire and concern came together with the passion of Ko, Seong-Chul and his wife, Kim, Yoon-Jong, team members from Korea who are working to find creative ways to help young people in Cambodia. The dorm is modeled after similar dorms in Phnom Penh and a Creative Access Area.
"Through this Nazarene Compassionate Ministries project, young ladies are given a place of safety and training," said David Phillips, Southeast Asia field strategy coordinator. "In turn, they are taking the hope and peace that comes through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior to the streets, sharing stories from the Bible with the children of the neighborhood and leading a high school neighbor to Christ! That neighbor now attends the church plant in Phnom Penh!"--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Manila, Philippines
The World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific (WMC-AP) team entered into a new ministry partnership with Biblica to produce the New Testament Tagalog Translation in audio format.
"The WMC-AP team is truly humbled and honored to have been approached, reviewed, and accepted into partnership by Biblica," said Grace Tia, WMC-AP director.
Biblica East Asia Pacific Area Executive Director Richard Loh and Biblica East Asia Regional Director Bishop Leo Alconga met with Tia and WMC-AP Audio Department Supervisor Sean Tinio for final review and signing of the agreement.
"I expected to see a studio, but the team I have seen today is so much more," Loh said. "I need time to reflect, but I can see many possibilities of future partnerships."
WMC-AP will begin the audio recording of the New International Version of the New Testament in Filipino (standard register of the Tagalog language), the national language of the Philippines. This will make the gospel available in oral format to the 12th most populous country in the world, currently with a population of more than 100 million.
"Our principle focus is to find out where God is working and then join Him in it," said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific regional communications coordinator. "We daily pray that God will lead us to where we can make the greatest impact for His kingdom. We are not just joining in partnership, but in prayer with the Biblica team, that millions of lives would be impacted by this new gospel format."
Biblica dates back more than 200 years when the organization was founded by some of New York City's leading philanthropists, thinkers, and businessmen to reach the U.S.'s leading city — and ultimately the world — with the gospel.
First as the New York Bible Society, then as the International Bible Society, and today as Biblica, the organization pioneered new ways of accessing and experiencing the Bible:
In 1820, Biblica sponsored its first Bible translation, William Carey's Bengali Bible
Biblica first gave Bibles to soldiers during the War of 1812
Biblica was the first to put Bibles in hotel rooms
Biblica published the first Braille Bibles
In 1867, Biblica produced the first audio Bible
In 1978, Biblica published the New International Version, the world's leading contemporary English translation of Scripture
Since Biblica entered its third century of ministry in 2009, the organization has already provided more than 650 million Bibles and biblical resources to people around the world.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Longtime district superintendent Floyd Flemming remembered
Clearwater, Florida
By Sarah Glass for NCN News
Floyd Flemming, retired East Ohio District superintendent, passed away November 14. He was 88.
Flemming was born in New Brunswick, Canada. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Nazarene College, a Bachelor of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts from Boston University, and a Doctor of Divinity from Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University).
He pastored churches in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Florida and led the East Ohio District as superintendent for 21 years. Throughout his career, he served on various boards at higher education institutions, including MVNU, NTS, and Nazarene Bible College.
"Floyd Flemming was a special man: gracious, kind, faithful friendly, personable, sensitive, distinguished, dignified, and gentle," said John Nielson, associate professor of religion at MVNU. "He loved God and His kingdom. He served his Savior well."
Flemming is survived by two sons, Dean, a former Nazarene missionary who teaches at MidAmerica Nazarene University, and Scott, former head basketball coach and athletics director for MVNU and current coach of the India National Basketball Team, and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Flemming, in 2002. Barbara served as general Nazarene Missions International president for the Church of the Nazarene. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Helen Flemming, in February.
Funeral services for Floyd Flemming were November 17 at Clearwater, Florida, First Church of the Nazarene.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Floyd O. Flemming Memorial Scholarship Fund," benefitting ministerial students at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, c/o Church of the Nazarene Foundation, 17001 Prairie Star Pkwy Ste. 200, Lenexa, KS 66220 or at donate.nazarenefoundation.org.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a decision in Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Lew, concluding that the federal tax code provision that treats church-provided housing allowances to ministers as income tax-free must stand.
In doing so, the appeals court overturned a previous decision by a lower district court in favor of the atheist group, Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). The district court found the exclusion is an unconstitutional benefit in favor of religious groups.
Before the Seventh Circuit could analyze the constitutionality of the law, it first decided it had to dismiss the case on the procedural ground of standing. The court determined that FFRF and its leaders were not proper parties to challenge the law in federal court because they had not suffered any concrete, personal injury — a critical element to establish standing.
The plaintiffs here argue that they have standing because they were denied a benefit (a tax exemption for their employer-provided housing allowance) that is conditioned on religious affiliation. This argument fails, however, for a simple reason: the plaintiffs were never denied the parsonage exemption because they never asked for it. Without a request, there can be no denial. And absent any personal denial of a benefit, the plaintiffs' claim amounts to nothing more than a generalized grievance about § 107(2)'s unconstitutionality, which does not support standing.
The Seventh Circuit's full opinion is available for download here.http://www.ecfa.org/Documents/News/FFRF%20v.%20Lew,%2014-1152.pdf--Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability via Church of the Nazarene Pensions and Benefits USA
Related: "Denomination joins case to protect clergy housing exclusion
 | 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 November 17-21, 2014.
Juanita (Ingram) Adams, 91, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, passed away November 18. She was the widow of retired minister James Adams, who served in South Carolina and West Virginia. James Adams passed away in 1983.
Doris (Cowherd) Bull, 89, of Brantford, Ontario, passed away November 6. She was the widow of retired minister Weldon Bull, who served in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Weldon Bull passed away in 1995.
Mary Davis, 88, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away November 17. She was the widow of retired minister Leonard Davis, who served in Oklahoma and Missouri. Leonard Davis passed away in 1995.
Annie "Marie" (Adams) Geselle, 86, of Quincy, Massachusetts, passed away November 8. She was the widow of retired minister Willard Geselle, who served in Minnesota and Michigan. Willard Geselle passed away in 2000.
George Frasier, 76, of Coleman, Texas, passed away November 13. He was a retired minister and chaplain, serving in Texas. He is survived by his wife, Faye Frasier.
Raymond Johnson, 72, of Princeton, Illinois, passed away November 14. He was a lifelong member of New Hope Church of the Nazarene, where he served as a Sunday School superintendent and church board member. He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Lyles) Johnson.
Robert Miller, 84, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away November 17. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in California and Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Jane Miller.
Mildred "Millie" (Stockburger) Morrison, 91, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away November 18. She was the widow of retired minister C. William Morrison, who served in West Virginia, Ohio, Wyoming, Colorado, and Louisiana. C. William Morrison passed away in 1999.
Lois (Conrad) Santner, 91, of Houston, Texas, passed away November 7. She was the widow of retired minister Robert Santner, who served in Texas. Robert Santner passed away in 1998.
Clayton Stephens, 41, of Monticello, Florida, passed away November 19. He was a minister, serving at Monticello, Florida, Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Amanda Stephens. (story)
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
Several participants from the Global Ministry Center's Tell THE Story training agreed that though they came for a workshop, they found a spiritual retreat.
The group of pastors and lay leaders wept as they discovered insights while discussing Bible stories. Personalized spiritual applications were plentiful as they examined familiar Bible stories through simple open-ended questions.
"The levels of faith and intimacy in the room kept rising as one after another shared what the Spirit was revealing to them," said Ray Neu, lead trainer for Tell THE Story.
Throughout the three-day workshop, participants continued to share what they found in the Bible stories as they explored together. One pastor explained, through tears, that the healing he found in their midst because " ... we allowed the Spirit to be present in every part of the training."
During the story of the bent-over woman in Luke 13:10-17, one of the women in a small group suffered a sudden attack of celiac disease. The pain was the most intense she had ever experienced, causing her to double over. She excused herself from the room, and her ministry partner went to check on her. They prayed for a miraculous healing touch, and Jesus touched her just as he touched the woman in the Bible story. The women rejoined the small group to report what happened, and the entire group rejoiced over the demonstration of God's power.
While participants expected to learn a new method of teaching, they found themselves in the midst of divine encounters. One layman shared that he " ... just couldn't stop crying, and I'm not a crier, but this keeps touching something deep inside me."--Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International
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.
Pensions & Benefits USA — Compliance Specialist
This position will assist the benefits supervisor in educating staff and benefit participants on the multitude of laws and regulations that affect benefit plans to ensure that P&B staff, benefit participants, and benefit plans are compliant to avoid penalties/fees.
Pensions & Benefits USA — Technology Specialist
This position will assist the technology supervisor in coordinating the technology resources available to each department within the Pensions and Benefits USA office by making sure internal and external education/training efforts are meeting P&B requirements. This includes benefit plan system development, Web development, document storage/retrieval, and equipping staff with the necessary computer/phone equipment.
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, emailing bsikes@nazarene.org, 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 or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here.
 | Collegiate News |
Nashville, Tennessee
When the Trevecca Nazarene University Board of Trustees met for its annual fall meeting, one of the items of business on the agenda was the election of a new chairman. The term of current chair Charles Davis expired this fall and required the election of a new chair. Dwight Gunter, the board's current vice-chair, was elected to serve as the new chair for a term of three years.
Gunter is the lead pastor of Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, a position he has held since 2002. During his pastorate, the church has grown from 400 members to more than 900 and has initiated several ministry programs to serve the needs of inner city residents. He previously served Richardson, Texas, Church of the Nazarene; Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene in Aiken, South Carolina; and Spartanburg, South Carolina, First Church of the Nazarene. Gunter is member of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board and is president of the denomination's USA National Board.
"I am honored to have been elected to serve Trevecca in this role," Gunter said. "I have served on the Board of Trustees for many years. In fact, my mother, father, and grandfather all served on the Board of Trustees, and my father also served as chairman of the board from 1995 to 1998. My blood runs Trevecca purple. We have a great university which God has used to make this world different. I'm glad to serve in any capacity I can to help Trevecca continue down the road of missional effectiveness."
Charles Davis, chief judge of the Florida Second District Court of Appeals, was elected to Trevecca's Board of Trustees in 1979 and has served there except for three years, from 1982 to 1985. He is the current chair of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board. During his years on the Trevecca Board of Trustees, he served as vice-chair for one year and as the chair of the trustees a total of 12 years — three under former Trevecca President Millard Reed and three under current Trevecca President Dan Boone. At its 2013 commencement, the university awarded him the Lyla T. Mackey Diakonos Award for his extraordinary service to Trevecca and Christian higher education; he is the third person to be given this award.
"It has been a great privilege to serve on the Trevecca board these many years, serving with three presidents and many outstanding board members and administrators," Davis said. "I rejoice at God's blessings on the school during these past few years, the transformation of the campus, and the continued growth in academic excellence. And I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to serve in positions of leadership. Trevecca has such a special place in my life and the life of my family, and I am thankful to have had an opportunity to serve her in some small way."
"Charles Davis has served his alma mater with consummate dedication as board chair," Boone said. "His expertise in governance has been a significant part of the growth trajectory of Trevecca during his term. The university has set new records in freshmen enrollment, total enrollment, capital investments, endowments, and program development. Trevecca welcomes Dr. Gunter to serve in this role. As the author of the book Best Practices for Effective Boards, Dr. Gunter will, no doubt, provide effective leadership for Trevecca's continued growth, and his love for the university has been expressed through his service to Trevecca students and employees for more than a decade."
Two other officers elected were vice-chair Eddie Estep and secretary Julette Carter. Among other business conducted during the board meeting were the approval of the purchase of the Volunteer Express property; the naming of recipients of honorary doctorates for next May — two alumni, Faye Speer and Ben Speer, and Nashville eye surgeon and friend of Trevecca Ming Wang; and the name change of Walden Woods to Walden Grove.--Trevecca Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University officially opened the new engineering addition to Reed Hall of Science during the 2014 Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities. The first phase of this project, the Kenneth E. Johnson Technology Center, was introduced during last year's Homecoming and opened for students in spring 2014.
"This new facility, now complete, bears witness that the engineering program at Olivet continues to grow," said John C. Bowling, university president. "Our programs are gaining enhanced regional and national attention. I want to commend the members of the engineering faculty for their fine work and Dr. Shane Ritter for his leadership as department chair."
Enrollment for the Department of Engineering has nearly doubled since 2011.
Cutting the ribbon during Saturday's ceremony were Bowling; Shane Ritter; Joseph Schroeder, engineering professor; Jennifer Johnson, wife of the late Kenneth Johnson; and engineering students Kendra Maxon, Zane DeBeck, Sam Kleindienst, and Deirdre Gerke.
The 19,000-square-foot, three-story engineering addition opened for Olivet's fall 2014 semester. A spacious lobby area featuring a water sculpture and other environmentally friendly amenities greets those who enter the building each day. New facility capabilities for the engineering program include:
Eight offices for full-time and adjunct faculty, designed to accommodate current and anticipated growth of the department
Four research/hands-on laboratories (robotics, materials, and senior design)
Physics laboratory equipped for 32 students
Large student collaborative project area and Engineering Technology Center
Electrical engineering classroom/laboratory with 30 full workstations
Engineering design studio and computer lab with 30 new workstations
Industry collaboration conference room for program development meetings and project review meetings with industry sponsors
90-seat classroom to support growing enrollments in engineering and physics courses
"At Olivet, we seek to offer a value added education," Bowling said. "We believe higher education should have a higher purpose, and we work diligently to integrate faith, living, and learning. This is a deep commitment on the part of our engineering department and our university."
Also during the ceremony, Wes Gerbig was recognized as the recipient of the 2014 Engineering Alumni Excellence Award. Gerbig is the validation systems manager with Roche Diagnostics in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has been instrumental in the development and launch of the Master of Engineering Management degree program for Olivet's School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, and also serves as an adjunct professor. His career includes 12 years in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. He is a licensed professional engineer in Indiana.
Following the ceremony, students and faculty hosted visitors in several open house information centers located throughout the new engineering addition, including Society of Women Engineers, Missioneering, Alumni Connection, Robotics Club, 3D Printing, and SAE Baja Club.--Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University formally dedicated The David L. Elwood Center for Student Success during its recent Homecoming and Family Weekend activities. Present for the ribbon cutting ceremony were David L. Elwood — for whom the center is named — his wife, Ella; his son, Mike; and other family members and friends.
"A deep, heartfelt thank you to my sons, Mike, Mark, and John, for stimulating this idea," said David Elwood during the ceremony. "Never in my life did I have an impulse or a thought or a feeling of any kind that a building would be named in my honor."
To encourage success and leadership in the lives of Olivet's students, Elwood's family recently presented a significant gift to the university. The family designated its gift to expand and strengthen the Center for Student Success' programs; to coordinate and strengthen various leadership efforts in the new Elwood Leadership Program; to honor the university where Elwood's faith and values were firmly established; to recognize the life and legacy of Elwood, an Olivet alumnus; and to invest directly in future generations of Olivetians.
"We are seeing the difference that intentional preparation makes when we equip students to lead their peers," said Beth Olney, center director. "We thank the Elwood family for providing the resources needed to equip new generations of Olivetians to lead."
The center is home to career services, counseling services, health and wellness services, academic support, and leadership and relationship initiatives.
"The Elwood family story is a story of significance," said John C. Bowling, university president. "The David L. Elwood Center for Student Success touches the life of every student who comes on our campus."
To close the ceremony, Olivet's Concert Singers — directed by music professor Neal Woodruff — presented the first public performance of "O God Our Friend," written by Elwood.
Graduating from Olivet in 1955, Elwood earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He met and fell in love with his future wife, Ella (Anderson), at Olivet. He and Ella married in 1956. He later earned advanced degrees from two other universities. He enjoyed a career as a psychologist, and Ella was a top performer in her real estate career.
In 1980, David and his son Mark founded Elwood Staffing®, and David continues to serve as chairman of the board. The company operates in 250 service locations across the U.S. and Canada and employs nearly 1,000 while serving more than 6,000 clients and putting tens of thousands of people to work every day.
"This gift from the Elwood family is very significant for Olivet students," said Chelsea Risinger, student body president. "The Elwood family is investing in us. The Center for Student Success is helping students grow professionally, to take hold of who they are and what they've been given, and then pursue something greater."--Olivet Nazarene University
Nampa, Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University's campus was flooded with students, alumni, and friends coming home November 6 through 8 to celebrate the past year and their own time as students.
This year's Homecoming and Family Weekend included the opening of the new Leah Peterson Learning Commons, NNU's state-of-the-art library and learning technology facility. Visitors had the opportunity to tour the building and enjoy a beverage in The Bean, a new coffee shop named for NNU's historical coffee house and soda fountain of the 50s and 60s.
On the heels of NNU's Centennial Celebration last fall, representatives from various classes buried a new time capsule. The centennial also established a new tradition: the Pep Rally Dinner. This student-hosted 50s diner-style event also paid homage to The Bean and got fans excited for the men's basketball exhibition game against George Fox University.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the chapel and luncheon honoring the alumni award recipients. JoAnn Willis and Kathy Johnson received Distinguished Service Awards for their work in coordinating the yearlong Centennial Celebrations. Mark Kasinger, group lead for the Production, Integration and Control Office in the Mission Operations Directorate with NASA, was this year's Professional Achievement Award recipient. Jodi Lindley, southeast Asian regional advisor for Cooperative Threat Reduction with the Department of Defense, received the Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award.
The Alumnus of the Year Award went to Randy Newcomb, president and CEO of Humanity United. Established by the Omidyars, founders of eBay, Humanity United is one of the largest private donors in the field of international human rights, funding global efforts to achieve a more peaceful world. Under Newcomb's leadership, Humanity United is making a difference in developing countries such as Darfur, Sudan, and Liberia.
Read more about the achievements and global impact of the 2014 alumni award recipients, as well as reflections on homecoming by a current students and alum, at nnu.edu/homecoming.--Northwest Nazarene University
Calgary, Alberta
The large open area in front of the Ambrose University academic building was officially named Mahood Commons this week, as friends and relatives of the late Sam Mahood and his late sister Kitty Mahood gathered for the naming and dedication ceremony. The Mahood Commons preserves the legacy of the Mahood family, who owned the farmland where the Ambrose campus is now located.
After immigrating to Canada from Ireland in 1912, John and Sarah Mahood purchased 330 acres of land at the southwest corner of 69th Street and 17th Avenue. Here they established a dairy farm while raising their family of 10 children: Suzanne, Harriet, Joe, Gladys, Bertha, Kitty, Jenny, Sam, Bill, and Teddy. In the early 1950s, Sam, Harriet, and Kitty took over day–to–day operation of the farm and maintained the farming business until it was sold in 2003. As a result of this sale, Ambrose was able to move to its current location in southwest Calgary.
During their farming days, Sam, Harriet, and Kitty also started Valleyview Presbyterian Church in their home and later donated an acre of land for construction of the church building. All three were active in the church for many years, including Sunday School, boys and girls club, and as church pianist.
Throughout their lives, Sam and Kitty were humble, hospitable individuals. Both were interested in people and loved having people visit and stay for tea. Kitty, in particular, would regularly keep in touch with missionaries and others from around the world. Sam and Kitty cherished the idea of participating in God's work and tried to treat everyone as they would like to be treated. The siblings wanted to go about their business as they saw fit, but were always available to help anyone (family, friend, or stranger) who needed a helping hand.
Together, Sam and Kitty valued the role that post–secondary education plays in shaping and preparing students for a lifetime of service. Sam was an academic and enjoyed reading and studying languages. He also loved classical music. He supported all who wished to engage in post–secondary education, no matter what they chose to study.
Kitty was a nurse's aide and believed education was useful for those who were involved in Christian ministry. She also believed that every Christian is a minister and, therefore, should be encouraging everyone, regardless of their vocational calling, to be the best they can be in their area.
Neil (nephew) and Gail McPherson recounted the story of how one day Kitty, who was homebound at the time, wanted to know if there was anybody in the library at Ambrose. Gail drove past the library and reported to Kitty that it was full of students, which was news that Kitty received with great delight.
Sam and Kitty hoped that Ambrose would be instrumental in shaping students to live an exemplary life in whatever vocation they chose and become devoted disciples of Jesus who are dedicated to spreading the Good News of the gospel wherever they go.
In desiring to see these family goals achieved for many generations to come, Ambrose is pleased to honour the Mahood family with the naming of Mahood Commons on the Ambrose campus.
Ambrose University gratefully acknowledges Neil and Gail McPherson for their contributions to this story. --Ambrose University
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| Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass |  |
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