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| NCN Global News Summary | Volume 1445 | November 7, 2014 |
Working for you:
The greatest priority of the Nazarene Publishing House team is to continue meeting the literature needs of the Church of the Nazarene into the future without interruption. The emerging NPH business structure is not a closure but a new operation system. As details emerge, communication will be open and frequent.--Board of General SuperintendentsLiberia pastor's children released from quarantine
Monrovia, Liberia
By Sarah Glass for NCN News
All four Sonkpah children were released from quarantine after their parents, Nazarene pastor Joe and Hannah Sonkpah, passed away from the Ebola virus last month. "We want to thank the Africa West Field, the Africa Region, and the global Church for your prayers and support for the children of the late Joe and Hannah, and as well as for the church in Liberia during these difficult days," said Daniel Johnson, Liberia Monrovia District superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene.
Hannah contracted the virus while assisting a pregnant woman who could not receive medical attention due to hospital closures in the area. After her death on October 6, Joe and the children were placed under a 21-day quarantine. Joe passed away October 10, which restarted the 21-day quarantine for the children.
The children were released October 31.
"Some people have been in quarantine for months," said Amy Crofford, missionary in the Africa Regional Office. "We praise God that the Sonkpah orphans spent the minimum time possible and all were spared more cases of Ebola."
How to help
Africa West Field Strategy Coordinator Daniel Gomis suggests the following activities to support Ebola relief efforts:
Have a time of fasting and a time of prayer at least once a week
Pray for God to bind any fear and loose peace in the hearts of the people of West Africa
Pray for our district superintendents, pastors, leaders, and churches in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Conakry, that the Lord will use them powerfully as agents of hope and salt and light of Jesus in these difficult days
Pray for God's wisdom and protection over the medical doctors and health personnel in the Ebola-affected countries
Pray for God's wisdom for the head of nations and decision makers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea Conakry
Inform and educate by checking the World Health Organization and International SOS websites for updates
To contribute toward relief efforts through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, click here.
Funds contributed through the Africa Emergency Relief Fund will go toward Ebola education programs, prevention and hygiene supplies, and food and vitamins for individuals and families in affected communities.
New Mexico Bible study members save pinned man
Portales, New Mexico
By Joshua Lucero for the Portales News-Tribune
What started as an average Wednesday evening Bible study at the Church of the Nazarene turned into a heroic act. Church members rushed to the aid of a man trapped under a pickup, lifted the vehicle off of him, and pulled him to safety.John Reilly, 47, was in a Lubbock hospital on October 30, but is expected to recover, his wife Mary Reilly said.
John Reilly apparently became pinned face down under his Ford pickup after it popped into gear while he was making repairs at his house adjacent to the church at South Avenue H and University.
Alerted that Reilly had become trapped, Nazarene Pastor Johnny Pacheco said he rushed into the church to call for help from worshippers.
The first two people on the scene were Eastern New Mexico University football players Ben Langford, 21, and Chevrolet Mikaele, 21, who had come straight from practice.
Once Langford and Mikaele reached Reilly, they immediately began trying to lift the truck off of him.
"All I could think was that we need to get him out," said Langford. "We could see blood, so our main concern was getting him out."
Langford said other members of the church joined them and managed to lift the truck high enough off Reilly for Pacheco to pull him to safety.
"It was a moment of clarity. I knew we had to get him out and there was no time to get a jack," Pacheco said. "I knew we had guys so I ran in and called the men of the church."
Pacheco said about 10 men from the Bible study assisted in lifting the front of the truck.
"God gave the men the strength to lift the truck. They had to lift it nearly two feet off the ground to get him out," Pacheco said.
Mikaele said Reilly was unconscious and not breathing after he was pulled to safety.
"The first thing that went through my mind is that this guy is dead," Mikaele said.
But Mikaele said after Pacheco turned Reilly over, he began to breath again and regained consciousness after a couple of minutes.
"We just thanked God that he was breathing," Mikaele said.
Mikaele said the rescuers stayed with Reilly as they waited for an ambulance to arrive.
"Once the ambulance got there we backed off and let them do their job," Mikaele said.
Reilly was airlifted to Lubbock's Covenant Medical Center on October 29 and is in stable condition, according to Mary Reilly.
She said he suffered a broken back and bruising on his face and chest, but is expected to recover.
"I praise them for saving him," Mary Reilly said. "I praise God for the church. They have helped us out a lot."
Pacheco said he is staying in contact with Mary Reilly and keeping up with John Reilly's condition.
"Our whole church is praying for him," Pacheco said.--Republished with permission from the Portales News-Tribune
Albania sends short-term missionary to Philippines
Salcedo, Philippines
During the month Bledar prayed about being the first Albanian Nazarene to volunteer as a short-term mission worker in the Philippines, he realized he would not just be going there to help rebuild a Nazarene church that was destroyed in a recent typhoon.
"I feel God wanted to show me something there," he said. "It was not only me that feels this thing … many people said, 'Go there, because God is going to show you something.'"
Several evangelical churches in Albania, along with the Kombinat Church of the Nazarene, gave the funds to send Bledar as their representative to the Philippines. Bledar spent two months this summer using his construction skills and experience to work alongside Filipino Nazarenes in rebuilding the Salcedo Church of the Nazarene on the Eastern Visayas District. He was the only European worker on site.
Salcedo was completely destroyed by Super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. The church's 50th anniversary was coming up this year, and the congregation hoped to have a new building in time for the celebration. Nazarene Disaster Response is overseeing the project.
Bledar assisted in establishing the floor, roof, and walls, as well as laying steel into the foundation. Accustomed to machines completing the hard labor of digging and building, Bledar experienced how much more difficult building work is in the Philippines, where everything is done by hand.
"[Bledar] also taught the local workers other techniques in carpentry which some of them are now using," wrote Stephen Gualberto, field strategy coordinator for the Philippines. "It was an amazing experience for our local people to work with international volunteers. They realized how big the network of the Church of the Nazarene is around the globe."
The project ran out of funds and the church did not have enough materials and resources to complete the work, so they redirected Bledar's efforts into their food distribution program with children in the local schools.
"We had a van and we cooked the food for them and we shared the food to the children," Bledar said. "On the second day they were waiting for me in their classes in the school. When they saw me, they were screaming and were saying, 'The food came, the food came! We are hungry, hurry up.' My heart was exploding in that moment."
As the only European in the area and often the only English-speaker, Bledar sometimes felt alone.
"I missed my family and my beloved people," he said. "I was just walking around, and I [went] to the beach. I stayed there for three hours and I was praying and thinking. And I learned how to find God with nobody helping you … I was thinking to go back to Albania, but God didn't let me surrender. He said, 'I am here and I'm more than your family. I'm more than your beloved people. I will help you.'"
Enduring to the end of his planned trip, Bledar was rewarded with what he feels God wanted to show him. He always thought that he couldn't approach God unless he was happy. But there were times in the Philippines when he was lonely, overwhelmed, or sad.
"I started to have a really personal time with God," he said. "In that place I really understand I should go before God no matter how I'm feeling."
Satisfied with God's message to him, Bledar returned to Albania to talk about his experience in the Philippines with churches and anyone he meets.
"The one thing we would hope is it will help the rest of the Albanian church to get excited about missions and to look beyond the borders of Albania and to understand in the midst of all the suffering and the long history of suffering here in Albania, there are other areas of the world that are also suffering and we can be praying for those areas," said Steve Beiler, a Nazarene missionary in Albania. "We hope it would bring some more openness and willingness and desire to be praying for the church in the Philippines or the persecuted church in the Middle East or those in Africa."--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia RegionRelated: "Philippine churches continue rebuilding after Super Typhoon Haiyan"
Trevecca students sing with Carrie Underwood during CMA Awards
Nashville, Tennessee
The 2014 Country Music Association Awards was a big night for some fortunate Trevecca Nazarene University students.
When country superstar and CMA Award host Carrie Underwood took the stage to sing "Something in the Water" on November 5, 15 members of the Trevecca Gospel Choir were her back-up singers. Being part of the 48th CMA Awards show, performed live in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and televised on the ABC network, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Trevecca students.
According to David Diehl, chair of Trevecca's Department of Music, a CMA representative contacted him earlier this fall to ask if Trevecca had a music group to be the back-up group for Underwood. Members of the Trevecca Gospel Choir were thrilled to serve as that group.
Trevecca's student newspaper, the TrevEchoes, talked to students who sang with Underwood. Click here to read the story.
"My highlight was not only getting to sing behind Carrie Underwood, but being able to sing that particular song," said sophomore Laurabeth Winchester. "There was not a better song for us to sing."
By Friday morning, the YouTube video of Underwood's performance had already been viewed by more than 330,000 people and had been shared thousands of times.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/s_HLIOnfJNs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>--Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca gospel choir performs with Carrie Underwood at CMA Awards by Maci Shingleton
As Carrie Underwood performed tonight on the CMA Awards, the Trevecca Nazarane Univeristy gospel choir lent her their voices.Dressed in black and lined up behind the country music star, the students performed live on national television during the CMA Awards. The 48th annual awards show was aired live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville.
“My highlight was not only getting to sing behind Carrie Underwood, but being able to sing that particular song. There was not a better song for us to sing,” said sophomore Laurabeth Winchester.
Carrie Underwood hosted the show with Brad Paisley and had one of the most anticipated performances of the evening. Underwood performed her new gospel-themed single “Something in the Water” with the help of the Trevecca gospel choir.
Winchester tweeted a countdown leading up to tonight’s performance with Underwood.
She tweeted about her excitement and urged friends and family to tune into the awards show.
“It’s surreal. It doesn’t feel like real life. Just famous people walking around everywhere. We took selfies with celebrities and it’s like a nonstop whirl-wind and one thing after another. Like, did that just happen?” said Winchester immediately after the performance.
The opportunity for students to participate in something like the CMA awards show is related to the university being located in Nashville, said Matt Toy, Director of Marketing and Communications at Trevecca.
“I think something like this shows students how cool it is to go to school in Nashville. There’s so many other great universities but a huge asset Trevecca has is Nashville,” he said. “The ability for students to go sing with someone with the caliber of someone like Carrie Underwood is pretty incredible.”
Students loved the experience.
“When we walked out and started singing, everything that was nerve wracking turned into joy and excitement and that was so heart-warming. We were singing Amazing Grace behind a Christian country music star and it was so cool,” said freshman Devon Halliburton
“In the few years I’ve been here, this is one of the bigger opportunities for exposure for our students. So it’s exciting for sure,” Toy said.
Students wait to perform in a green room backstage
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This WeekRegional News
Africa
Swaziland South District receives new superintendent
Swaziland South District, Africa Region
Africa Communications recently received the following update from the Swaziland South District's new superintendent, Sipho Sikhumbuzo Ncongwane:My name is Sipho Sikhumbuzo Ncongwane. I was born in 1967 from an informal relationship in one of the Piggs Peak town locations in the Northern Hhohho Region of Swaziland. My father had traditionally wedded, which meant that when he dated my mum, he had already had a wife and children. This brought lots of troubles to both mum, dad, and me as well.
When I was born, I had no formal home, but was moved from place to place. My mother could not stay with me. I was told that I left her when I was a year and few months. She finally found me when I was 10 years old. I could not recognize her; I did not know her.
In 1978, I was taken to a Nazarene primary school in the Northern Hhohho of Swaziland, where I stayed with a family whose elderly woman was a Nazarene pastor of the Jutshwa Church of the Nazarene. I did grade 2 and 3 at Luhlangotsini Primary School, which was a community school. I did grade 4 to 7 primary education in Pigg's Peak Nazarene Primary School, where I got saved in a school revival, which was conducted by Rev. Juliet Ndzimandze (a Nazarene school evangelist) around June 1984.
When I accepted Christ, things changed. God took over my life and provided for my needs. The teachers in the Nazarene primary, including the head teacher, gave me support through job opportunities, food, clothes, and school fees. The principal of the school got a scholarship from a nongovernmental organization for me. The head teacher, Michael Dlamini, decided he would be my guardian parent, so I stayed with his family even after I finished my form five.
I was involved in many Christian activities. When I was in high school, I became a member of a school Christian choir. We presented music most chapel services. I fell in love with gospel music, such that I began to sing solos. I also began to enjoy the time of testimony that we had in services. The other students noticed something different in me every time I sang or testified. More opportunities were opened for me to present short sermons.
In 1991, I decided to join the Church of the Nazarene for three reasons:
1. I was born spiritually there.
2. I liked the Sunday School classes because we were taught with love.
3. Above all, the members of the Piggs Peak Church of the Nazarene would always say, "Remember you belong to us; come and be part of us. We love you."
At revival services later that year, the late Rev. Mnisi of Steki, baptized me. My calling was confirmed by members of the church. In 1994, I went to the Siteki Bible College.
I have pastored three churches and I was ordained as an elder on January 8, 2002, in Piggs Peak Church of the Nazarene.
I married Gabie Olivia Dlamini on September 4, 1999. We have four sons.
We strongly believe that the Lord who called us into His work, and who has been faithful in His promises over the years will sustain us in this assignment.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Regional office closes to pray for Ebola crisis
Johannesburg, South Africa
The Africa Regional Office closed October 22 for a time of prayer and fasting for those affected by the Ebola virus. The monthly theme for the regional office devotions was unity, and this day provided an opportunity for the employees to stand together.The day began with corporate praise and prayer. Regional Director Filimao Chambo gave a short devotional from Matthew 22:34-40.
He stated we are to have a wholehearted love for God.
"Through that love, we hear the call to love others," he said. "Through that love, we respect each other. Through that love, we know that a person's dignity comes from God and not anything we do ourselves. Through that love, we join together."
Africa West Field Strategy Coordinator Dany Gomis shared with staff members via Skype. After giving a short update, he shared words of hope and promise from Isaiah 60:1-3. Shireen Elliott then prayed for him and his field.
Later, staff members took part in a prayer walk around the regional office. The ministry coordinators and others set up stations with information about how Ebola affects people. The office quieted as people prayed and read the Bible individually and in small groups.
After praying at all the stations, the office personnel regrouped for a time of sharing. Africa Central Field Strategy Coordinator Stéphane Tibi read missionary Gavin Fothergill's recent blog (read it in Engage magazine) as an encouragement. Those gathered once again joined in prayer — some sitting, others kneeling or prostrate on the floor.
Peet Voges led a time of communion. Chambo concluded the time by thanking God and praying, "You don't just give us hope, You come to BE our hope."
Click here for Ebola Prayer Walk resources (located on the bottom right corner of the page).--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Related: "Liberia pastor's children released from quarantine"
Flags of the Nations: Ethiopia
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: Ethiopia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Ethiopia in 1992.
Ethiopia had a population of 93,877,025 in 2013. That same year, Ethiopia reported 903 Churches of the Nazarene, 383 of which had been officially organized. Ethiopia has 48,630 total members.
Ethiopia has four pioneer areas, five Phase 1 districts, and four Phase 2 districts. It is a part of the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:
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.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback ordered flags to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately in honor of Kansas Court of Appeals Chief Judge Richard D. Greene, who died Sunday. In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, flags will remain at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down until the interment of Chief Judge Greene.
Asia-Pacific
Philippine churches continue rebuilding after Super Typhoon Haiyan
Philippines, Asia-Pacific Region
Stephen Gualberto, field strategy coordinator for the Philippines, provided the following report on rebuilding after Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines:"To date, the Church of the Nazarene through the Nazarene Disaster Response is still involved in reconstruction. We have rebuilt four churches and [are] finishing eight more, a total of 12 completely destroyed church buildings. We have provided shelter kits to more than 1,500 families. We are also building fishing boats. Our commitment is to provide 80 fishing boats and fishing kits to fishermen affected by the disaster.
"We will start in October 2014 the rebuilding of two public classrooms.
"More than 500 least-served children have received school supplies and bags ... As a follow-through of that help, several local Nazarene volunteers are now teaching Christian values in four elementary schools, impacting more than 1,000 children with Christian values and the gospel of Christ. The program is called VOICE — Values Orientation in Classroom Education.
"Another group of volunteers have just started serving in the temporary housing for internally displaced people. They are serving more than 200 families with psychosocial and spiritual activities.
"In all of [these] activities, it is resulting [in] evangelism. People are coming to the Lord. They are also being discipled and opportunities for church planting in areas where the church is not yet is open."--Article courtesy of Where Worlds Meet
Eurasia
New book honors NTC-Manchester Principal Emeritus Herbert McGonigle
Manchester, England
A look of surprise and astonishment shone from Herbert McGonigle's face as David Rainey unveiled The Path of Holiness, a collection of theological essays on Wesleyan thought and holiness in McGonigle's honor, at the Nazarene Theological College-Manchester graduation ceremony 18 October.The book was a well-kept secret for more than two years as McGonigle's friends, former students, and colleagues submitted, selected, and compiled the 10 essays in a Festschrift, a collection of academic writings in honor of a beloved scholar. Some of these scholars were at the presentation, including Professor Ken Collins (Asbury Seminary, Kentucky, USA), Henry Rack (University of Manchester, U.K.), T. A. Noble (Nazarene Theological Seminary, Missouri, USA), alongside McGonigle's NTC-Manchester colleagues.
The Path of Holiness: Perspectives in Wesleyan Thought in Honor of Herbert B. McGonigle was inspired by the scholarly excellence and Christian life of McGonigle, NTC-Manchester principal emeritus and a former senior lecturer.
"He is recognized within the Church of the Nazarene as perhaps the best Wesley scholar the Church of the Nazarene has produced," said Rainey, a faculty member at NTC-Manchester who helped edit the book.
The ideas in the book are written to be accessible by both scholars and pastors. Chapters include a range of topics, from biblical studies and practical theology to systematic theology, historical analysis and inter-religious theology.
McGonigle, a native of County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, was appointed as the first director of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre in 2003, and director emeritus in 2010. He is principal emeritus and senior lecturer in church history and Wesley studies at NTC-Manchester. Joint founder and chair of The Wesley Fellowship, he was published in academic journals and church-related magazines, including The Herald of Holiness, Preacher's Magazine, and The Flame. McGonigle also published a range of booklets for the Wesley Fellowship, plus his well-known Sufficient Saving Grace: John Wesley's Evangelical Arminianism. He is an internationally known lecturer in Wesley studies.
The Manchester Wesley Research Centre promotes and supports research on the life and work of John and Charles Wesley, their contemporaries in the 18th century Evangelical Revival, their historical and theological antecedents, their successors in the Wesleyan tradition, and contemporary scholarship in the Wesleyan and evangelical tradition. This includes areas such as theology, history, biblical studies, education, ethics, literature, mission, philosophy, pastoral studies, practical theology, and social theology. The centre is a working partnership between a range of institutions.
The Path of Holiness is available for sale on amazon.com.--NTC-Manchester
Sabine Wielk turns over Eurasia NYI reins
Büsingen, Germany
By Jenny Ward, Eurasia Region Communications
Sabine Wielk is stepping down from her 10-year leadership role as Eurasia Region Nazarene Youth International coordinator to make room for a new generation. She also served three years as NYI chairperson. During Wielk's decade-plus NYI involvement, she helped shape Eurasia Region youth by being a fierce advocate, servant leader, encourager, and loyal friend. This month we say good-bye to Wielk as she retires – a woman who continues to devote her life to God's kingdom and His people.
She will continue serving in the area of finance for the Eurasia Region, based at the regional office in Büsingen, Germany.
Nazarene Youth International, the youth ministry of the Church of the Nazarene, has an integral part in equipping and empowering young people for a dynamic life in Christ and for present and future leadership in the Church of the Nazarene. Founded in 1908, NYI is currently active in each world region and continues to provide an encouraging environment for thousands of young people around the world.
The role of a regional coordinator ranges from "working with general church leadership and global events that have Eurasia participation" to "organizing, facilitating, teaching, encouraging, preaching, and helping the council and NYI around the region," Wielk said.
As Deirdre Brower Latz, former NYI leader, said, "The role [is] to coordinate other people's uniqueness" and "[Sabine] brought a diligence to it that drew people together."
Brower Latz, now the principal of Nazarene Theological College-Manchester, has been a close friend of Wielk's for almost 20 years, but feels like she's always known her.
"I've known [Sabine] since we were young women and had lots of vision and spice and enthusiasm and thought we could change the world," Brower Latz said with a chuckle.
Throughout Wielk's involvement with NYI, many strong bonds were formed with her council members, who were influenced in their own personal and spiritual growth by her example and character.
"It's not just the things she did directly, but it's all of the work and time she invested in people who have shaped NYI and the fields … there are so many jobs or tasks that are unknown that people maybe never even knew happened, but that she did and does all the time," said Tim Evans, 2005-2009 Eurasia Region NYI president.
Evans also worked closely with Wielk for the past 10 years.
"When I was 18 or 19 I was asked to join the Eurasia NYI Council … Sabine invested hugely in me and I feel the benefit of that where I am today, both personally and professionally," Evans said.
People and relationships are the heart of NYI, reflecting the organization's core belief that young people are significant in the kingdom of God. Michelle Robinson, British Isles South District NYI secretary and Northern Europe Field NYI representative, is a testament to Wielk's empowerment of young people.
"I wouldn't have had the opportunities I've had if she wasn't opening doors along the way," Robinson said. "I see how she's done that with others and it's incredible."
Christoph Nick, youth leader at Gelnhausen Church of the Nazarene, Germany, agrees.
"I still remember when she asked me to serve on the Regional NYI Council as interim co-vice president," Nick said. "I was just 18 … but she saw something in me, that I didn't see at that time and gave me the chance to grow, to make mistakes and experience."
Empowering young people by opening doors and providing opportunities plays a large role in NYI, but leading by example also has its merits.
"[Sabine's] a servant leader and has shown us the way … I'm not afraid to go somewhere because she's walked there before me or she's walked with me," Robinson said. "She is an advocate."
So what makes Wielk so unique?
"It's her German efficiency," Brower Latz, Robinson, Evans, and Nick said.
While the role of Eurasia regional NYI coordinator kept Wielk busy organizing various conferences and global events, it was rewarding as well. When asked what her favorite part of being coordinator was, she said: "Seeing young people develop their skills and gifts and grow in their faith and understanding of God's kingdom. To see a shy, 17-year-old wallflower blossom into becoming a national youth leader with international recognition. To see that and to speak and live into that somewhere between hugs, chocolates, and silly comments."
Wielk will continue to carry the reins of NYI until the new regional NYI leader is selected and announced.--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
Eurasia Region announces new NCM coordinator
Eurasia Region
Jörg Eich was selected as the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the Eurasia Region, effective February 2015. He will also serve as the NCM coordinator for the South Asia Field to succeed Hermann Gschwandtner, who is retiring next year. Eich previously served as a project coordinator with Helping Hands (NCM Germany), and coordinated major disaster response projects in various countries on the Eurasia Region. He also served as regional NCM coordinator for the Africa Region.
A German citizen, Eich studied at European Nazarene College. He and his wife have four children.--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
USA/Canada
Kansas City, Missouri
The USA/Canada Regional Office chose Woodie Stevens as the prayer emphasis leader for the Mission 2015 (M15) Conference February 9 through 11, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri."We are so pleased to have Woodie Stevens serve as our prayer emphasis leader for the M15 conference," said Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada regional director. "With his passion, humility, and heart for the Lord, I am confident that he will let God work through him in mighty ways to bless M15 and all who attend."
Woodie Stevens has served as the Global Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries International director for the Church of the Nazarene since the fall of 2006.
"I want to empower others who have this heart for prayer to be involved," Stevens said. "I see us creating multiple opportunities for engaging prayer through prayer rooms, lifting up special prayer requests, and other ways of inviting everyone to intercede on behalf of the church, her ministries, and her mission. This will be an invitation to approach M15 as an opportunity for spiritual advance, as we join to pray for a sacred assembly of pastors and people to renew their vision and seek the Lord."
The USA/Canada Regional Office also announced the early bird rate for the M15 conference was extended to November 15.
"Since we have had such a great response to early bird registration for M15 and want to keep costs at a minimum for people, we're excited to offer everyone more time to take advantage of this great promotional price," Broadbooks said.
Register before November 15 for the early bird rate of $29 per person. Starting November 16, the rate will be $39 per person.
Exhibitor forms are also available on the M15 website. To apply for exhibit space, complete the Exhibitor Application form by clicking here.
For more information, visit the website at m15conference.org or contact M15 Logistics Coordinator Loretta Cloud at m15@nazarene.org.--Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada Region
Retired district superintendent Jonathan Gassett passes away
Bethany, Oklahoma
By NCN News Staff
Jonathan Gassett, retired minister and district superintendent, passed away November 5. He was 99. Gassett was born October 22, 1915, to William and Helena (Peters) Gassett in Geary, Oklahoma. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in religion from Bresee College (now Southern Nazarene University).
After graduation, he pastored five Kansas churches: Ellinwood Church of the Nazarene, Woodbine Church of the Nazarene, Smith Center Church of the Nazarene, Salina First Church of the Nazarene, and Hutchinson Peniel Church of the Nazarene. Gassett moved to Oklahoma, where he served for two years at Bethany Eastside Church of the Nazarene before becoming Northwest Oklahoma district superintendent in 1952.
In 1965, he became director of Stewardship of Wills and Annuities (now Nazarene Foundation). Three years later Gassett began serving as superintendent of the Upstate New York District, a position he held for five years. Finally, he served as superintendent of the North Florida District until his retirement in 1986.
In addition to Gassett's pastoral and superintendent roles, he was a delegate to eight general assemblies was a member and secretary of the Boards of Trustees for Southern Nazarene University, Eastern Nazarene College, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Nazarene Bible College.
Gassett's alma mater, Southern Nazarene University, awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1964.
Survivors include his wife of 13 years, C. Angelina (Alger).
A viewing will be held November 9 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with family present from 3 to 5 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. The funeral will be November 10, 2 p.m. at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be in Forest Meadows Memorial Cemetery, Gainesville, Florida.
Nazarenes in the News
Global Ministry Center
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.Kansas church to open cafe ministry
Parsons, Kansas
(Fourstateshomepage.com, October 24) In two short weeks, the Remnant Cafe will open. The Parsons Church of the Nazarene owns the cafe as part of its outreach ministry.
"Anything that we do make, will go to help. We're gonna help fund a orphanage in Guatemala, and also help fund our local food pantry," said Mike Hull, Pastor.
The cafe is located downtown and will serve breakfast, lunch, and offer free Wi-Fi.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Texas students donate coats to refugee families
Cactus, Texas
(Crowley Star, November 5) It gets cold in Cactus, especially for refugee families from Africa, Central America, the Middle East and Southeastern Asia.
"Cactus is the furthest northwest corner of the Panhandle north of Amarillo. There is a large meat packing plant there that hires a lot of refugees, so Cactus has a large Burmese, African and Central American population," said Nancy Shonamon of the town of 3,000 which has no formal grocery store or healthcare.
To bring much-needed relief to some of Texas' most needy, the students of Nazarene Christian Academy and the Training Depot have collected 137 coats to send to the families of Cactus.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
Moving Ministers: October 2014
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, 2014.
To view the October report, click here.
Moving Ministers
from 10/1/2014 to 10/31/2014
Rev. Gregory L. Armstrong Pastor from Cabot Russell Chapel Cabot AR to Pastor on 11/23/2014 Jacksonville First Jacksonville AR Rev. James M. Bentley Pastoral Service from Waynesboro Community Fellowship Waynesboro VA to Pastor on 9/1/2014 Waco Family of Faith Waco TX
Rev. Kelvin L. Boone Pastoral Service from LifePointe Community
McComb MS to Pastoral Service on 11/2/2014 BridgePoint Brandon MS
Rev. Michael A. Clark Pastor from Portland First Portland IN to Pastor on 10/19/2014 Anderson Eastview Anderson IN
Rev. P. Scott Crenshaw Pastoral Service from Moscow Moscow ID to Pastoral Service on 8/20/2014 Clarksville Park Lane Clarksville TN
Rev. Lesly M. Ford Unassigned from Kentucky Louisville KY to
Pastoral Service on 11/2/2014 to LifePointe Community McComb MS
Rev. Michael N. Ford II Unassigned Kentucky Louisville KY to Pastor on 11/2/2014 LifePointe Community McComb MS
Rev. Eric M. Fritz Pastoral Service from Oro Valley Oro Valley AZ to Pastor on 11/16/2014 Hermiston First Hermiston OR
Rev. Keven Grigg Pastoral Service from Colorado Springs Northeast Community Colorado Springs CO to Pastor on 9/7/2014 Caney Caney KS
Rev. Gregory J. Hill Pastoral Service from Teays Valley Hurricane WV to Pastor on 10/1/2014 Charleston Loudendale Charleston WV
Rev. Scott A. Hollebrands Pastor from CapStone Community South Haven MI to Pastor on 11/16/2014 New Beginnings Community Fellowship South Bend IN
Rev. Padraic G. Ingle Pastoral Service from Cornerstone Wheelersburg OH to Pastor on 9/21/2014 Durango Faith Community Durango CO
Rev. Dean E. Jenkins Pastoral Service from Olympia Mountain View Tumwater WA to Pastoral Service on 8/1/2014 Olympia New Reign Community Lacey WA
Rev. Joseph J. McNulty Pastor from Dover First Dover TN to Pastor on 8/18/2014 Springfield First Springfield TN
Rev. Daniel Trent Medders Pastoral Service from Memphis Calvary Cordova TN to Pastor on 11/9/2014 Erin Erin TN
Rev. Joshua S. Myers Pastoral Service Dayton Parkview Dayton OH to Pastoral Service on 11/2/2014 Cincinnati Springdale Cincinnati OH
Rev. Kathleen A. Polk Pastoral Service from Venice Venice FL to Pastoral Service on 9/14/2014 Rogers First Rogers AR
Rev. Wallace "Bobby" Polk Pastoral Service from Venice Venice FL to Student on 10/6/2014 North Arkansas Conway AR
Rev. Caleb E. Reynolds Pastoral Service from Bluffton Bluffton IN to Pastor on 10/5/2014 North Vernon North Vernon IN
Rev. Deanna K. Stringer Unassigned from Colorado Thornton CO to Student on 10/14/2014 Mid-Atlantic Glen Burnie MD
Rev. Benjamin T. Umbel Pastoral Service from Bay Area North Bend OR to Pastor on 8/17/2014 Creswell Creswell OR
Rev. Robert W. Warren Pastor from Bowling Green Bowling Green MO to Pastor on 9/21/2014 Mattoon East Side Mattoon IL
Rev. J. Dale Wesley Pastor from Sterling Sterling CO to Pastor on 10/19/2014 Living Stones Community Clovis NM
Rev. Ryan A. Wolford Pastoral Service from Saginaw Valley Saginaw MI to Pastor on 11/16/2014 Battle Creek First Battle Creek MI
For previous reports, see nazarene.org.
Global Ministry Center NewsIn Memoriam
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 3-7, 2014.
Elsie Gardner, 87, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away October 24. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist John Gardner, who served
in Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, and Kansas. John Gardner passed away in 1999. Jonathan Gassett, 99, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away November 5. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in Kansas and Oklahoma and leading the Northwest Oklahoma, Upstate New York, and North Florida districts. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bernadine Ames, and is survived by his second wife, C. Angelina Gassett. (story)
Richard Hover, 77, of Jeffersonville, Vermont, passed away November 5. He was a retired minister, serving in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Hover, in 2002.
Mariah Marshall, 72, of Albany, Georgia, passed away November 1. She was the widow of retired minister D. S. Marshall, who served in West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kansas. D. S. Marshall passed away in 1993.
Roberto Moreno Sr., 92, of Ontario, California, passed away November 2. He was a retired minister who served at churches in Mexico and California and led the Mexico North, Mexico Central, and Mexico Northwest districts. He is survived by his wife, Noemi Moreno. (More information will be posted as it is made available.)
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
GMC employment opportunities
Global Ministry Center
By NCN News Staff
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:Business Center — Senior Mail Technician
This position is responsible for processing incoming/outgoing mail, deliveries, and providing customer service to GMC employees. Additional tasks include maintaining the Business Center, assisting with other Business Center work orders as requested, working with vendors and USPS (including attending training and vendor seminars), as well as handling billing and related paperwork.
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 — 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.
ResourcesBGS: 'We give because we are thankful'
Global Ministry Center
To Nazarenes around the world:
Nazarenes around the world are coming together for our special Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund. This offering remains critical to funding the God-given mission of the Church of the Nazarene worldwide. Our global church unites Nazarenes in every land to share in this significant offering. We give because we are thankful! As we all give to the Lord's work from the depths of our hearts, we provide resources vital to continue the effectiveness of our shared mission "to make Christlike disciples in the nations."News reports come from around the globe on a daily basis reminding us of the hurt, pain, bondage, and suffering inflicted on individuals due to evil and sin. Our message of God's saving and sanctifying grace offers not only hope but also the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to bring real change. This change affects both individuals and entire communities as God works out His will in our lives. The Thanksgiving Offering assists in bringing God's work of transformation to our world — one life, one community at a time.
Yes, we give because we are thankful. "Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy" (Psalm 107:21–22 NRSV). Across the globe we use funds from the Thanksgiving Offering to preach the gospel, to offer a drink of water in Jesus' name, and to alleviate human suffering.
The Lord has generously blessed us in so many ways. As you stop to recount your blessings, please consider setting aside a special, unselfish gift for the Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund. Your contribution will be a powerful testimony to your personal faith in Christ and your commitment to our Lord's Great Commission — "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Working together we will make an eternal difference in people's lives.
To give or to download resources in order to help promote this offering, visit nazarene.org/generosity.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
Collegiate NewsOlivet honors coach, pastor
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University's alumni association recently honored Ralph Hodge with the 2014 Lay "O" Award and Edward Heck with the 2014 Ministerial "O" Award. Begun in 1957, this is the highest honor the university gives to its alumni. The awards were presented as part of the 2014 Homecoming and Family Weekend activities. Both recipients are Bourbonnais residents.During the festivities, Hodge was also inducted into Olivet's Athletics Hall of Fame for his men's basketball coaching achievements. This honor makes him the first person to be inducted in two categories. In 1988, he was honored for his career as a Tiger basketball player.
Ralph Hodge
"Ralph Hodge has influenced not only hundreds of Tiger athletes and staff members, but also NAIA and CCAC coaches and teams, by his commitment to excellence and Christian character," said John C. Bowling, university president. "We are delighted to honor him for his contributions to Olivet and God's kingdom, as well as for his many career achievements."
For more than 35 seasons, Hodge — an alumnus who holds a bachelor's degree (1975) and a master's degree (1996) from Olivet — has manned the sidelines as the head coach of the Olivet men's basketball team. He led 16 Tiger teams to national tournament appearances, the most by any team from Illinois.
Hodge is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' 700-win club, one of only five other active NAIA coaches who have reached this career achievement. His induction as a member of the 2013-14 NAIA Hall of Fame class — along with Olivet alumnus Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Bay Rays — made him the first Tiger to receive this honor. This distinction recognizes service to intercollegiate athletics and is the highest individual honor that the NAIA bestows. For his achievements and success as a Tiger basketball guard, Olivet honored him by retiring his number 20 in 1975.
Edward H. Heck
"Dr. Ed Heck is one who lives out what it means to be an Olivetian and a minister of the gospel," Bowling said. "His service for our Lord in the global Church marks him as a good and faithful servant. This award is one small way to recognize the great impact of his dedicated service."
A 1976 Olivet graduate, Heck is in his 15th year as the senior pastor of Kankakee, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene. Broadly experienced in the ministry of the local church, he brings to the pulpit a heart sensitized by nearly 35 years of pastoral ministry.
Prior to his ministry at Kankakee First, Heck experienced great growth and spiritual vitality in each of his pastor assignments, including Morenci, Michigan, Church of the Nazarene; Flint, Michigan, First Church of the Nazarene; Vicksburg, Michigan, Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene; and Vandalia, Ohio, Church of the Nazarene.
He travels and speaks frequently for the Nazarene church. Heck served on the Future of the Church Commission for General Assembly, as well as on other boards and committees of the global Church of the Nazarene. Currently, he is the district secretary of the Chicago Central District and a mission area assistant to the district superintendent. At Olivet, Heck is an adjunct professor in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and also teaches courses for the new interdisciplinary minor in leadership.--Olivet Nazarene University
NNU professor chosen as foreign language teacher of the year
Nampa, Idaho
During its recent annual conference, the Idaho Association of Teachers of Languages and Cultures announced Northwest Nazarene University Professor Ben Earwicker as Idaho state foreign language teacher of the year. "Dr. Ben Earwicker was selected this year from among the nominees for several reasons: he consistently displays professionalism and support for the many concurrent enrollment programs that he oversees, he mentors the teachers of those programs and maintains communication with them through newsletters, and he consistently presents at our annual conference on academic topics that stretch the attendees' minds," said Craig Sheehy, vice president of the Pacific Northwest Council for Languages.
As part of Earwicker's new designation, he will represent the statewide organization to the Pacific Northwest Council For Languages. Earwicker will act as a candidate of the council when he attends the national organization, the American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages, national convention located in San Antonio, Texas, from November 21 to 23.
Earwicker was honored to receive the award.
"I am grateful to the Idaho Association of Teachers of Languages and Cultures for facilitating a collaborative teaching network across the state of Idaho for teachers of language and culture," he said. "It is a privilege to work alongside so many incredible secondary and post-secondary teachers in Idaho."
Earwicker also noted the university's role in helping him receive this award.
"The recognition also reflects NNU's community connections through the concurrent credit program and the Department of Language, Literature, and Culture," he said.
Earwicker serves as chair of the Department of Language, Literature and Culture and as chair of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice at NNU. His passion and work has led him to more than 25 countries, often while leading groups of NNU students.
An award presentation will be held during Community Chapel on Monday, November 10 at 10:10 a.m. in the Brandt Center on the NNU campus.--Northwest Nazarene University
Trevecca unveils new website
Nashville, Tennessee
Trevecca Nazarene University announced the launch of the new trevecca.edu. Users will notice the options for videos at the top of the homepage, but the addition of videos about Trevecca is only one change on the site. The new design is compatible with phones and tablets.Specifically designed to meet the needs of prospective students, the new trevecca.edu features several innovations. One new function is the "program chooser," which allows prospective students to find academic programs that match their interests. This function can help prospective students discover courses of study and careers that will allow them to utilize their interests and gifts.
For more information, see trevecca.edu.--Trevecca Nazarene University
NCN SportsOlivet adds Ben Zobrist to Hall of Fame
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University's Department of Athletics inducted Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Bay Rays into the Athletics Hall of Fame during the 2014 Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities. He was honored for his achievements as a Tiger baseball player.A three-year (2000 to 2003) letter winner with the Tigers, Zobrist helped lead Olivet to a 120-39-1 record, three CCAC Championships, and the program's first two NAIA World Series appearances in 2002 and 2003. He was an NAIA First Team All-American in 2003 and an Honorable Mention in 2002. He still holds the records for the longest hitting streak at 25 games and is second in saves in a season with six. He finished with a career batting average of .376 with 65 runs scored and 65 RBIs. He is the 2003 recipient of the NAIA's AO Duer Award, awarded annually to one male junior student-athlete who demonstrates character and citizenship. In 2014, he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Drafted by the Houston Astros in 2004, he just finished his ninth season with the Tampa Bay Rays.
An additional honor for Zobrist is the retiring of his Tiger number 12 and baseball jersey.
He is married to Julianna, a nationally acclaimed Christian alternative recording artist. The couple has two children and resides near Nashville, Tennessee, in the off-season. In nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, he has amassed 1,016 hits in 3,850 at-bats for a career batting average of .264. He is a two-time MLB All-Star (2009, 2013), played in the 2008 World Series, and was a member of Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
This year's honorees also include: Lauren (Chessum) McLain, softball; Hilary (Disch) Lochner, women's basketball; Michelle (McFadden) Schneider, volleyball; and Coach Ralph Hodge, men's basketball.
"Recognizing these outstanding representatives of Tiger athletics is one of the highlights of every year at Olivet," said Gary Newsome, director of athletics. "Lauren, Hilary, Michelle, Ben and Coach Hodge continue to uphold our standards of excellence in their careers and post-college activities."--Olivet Nazarene University
____________________________
Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
Nazarene Communications Network - News
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