Preparing for Easter
We received an indescribable gift when God sent His only Son to die for our sins. This Easter, we reflect on that precious gift of salvation and the joyful opportunity we have been given to share it with everyone, everywhere, in the hopes that Every Tongue will Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
"Go and make disciples" were Jesus' parting words as He sent His friends to join His mission in drawing all people to Him.
We understand His words as a mandate for believers to form deep friendships through which we help each other grow in Christlikeness. In the spiritual practice of discipling, we walk side-by-side along the faith journey, teaching, encouraging and loving one another.
As each believer disciples another believer, God's presence multiplies exponentially - a chain reaction of learning, growth, challenge and love that will transform our world.
In This Issue
Leadership - How to Face Unfinished Work.
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests!
Newly Appointed Global Missionaries.
Living out Compassion in the Kingdom of Tonga.
INTC Announces New Rector.
New NMI Global Director Announced.
The vision That Led to Peace - And Freedom.
Pray for Abducted Missionary from Nigeria.
Exciting Opportunity to Join the WMC-AP Team.
Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Retiring missionaries recognized at 92nd General Board
NPH Interim Board of Directors presents 'Situational Analysis Report' to 92nd General Board
India pastor passes away while preparing for JESUS film showing
JFHP seeks candidates for development officer position
Churches invited to participate in World Evangelism Fund Easter Offering.
General Board of Superintendents publishes Nazarene Essentials.
District Superintendent publishes Lenten devotional for churches.
Global praise reports and prayer requests.
GMC employment opportunities.
In Memoriam
Practically your whole life has been affected by the theme of finishing what you start.
If you're like me it started in childhood, at the breakfast table, "Finish your cereal." Maybe the "snap" and "crackle" were already reduced to a hum, but you finished it off and made your way to school. The teacher greeted you with a smile (or not). You settled at your desk, and before long you were faced with the question, "Class, how many of you have completed your reading assignment?" Guilty as charged!
You carried the guilt home with you and changed clothes to play outdoors but before you can make your escape, Mother asks, "Did you finish your homework?" And on and on, through college, into your career, you are faced with the same line of questioning.
In fact, right now you might be eye-balling something that either should have been done, or should be farther along on the assembly line. How do you deal with it? I think there are at least three principles that apply to unfinished work:
PRINCIPLE ONE: You can do SOME things better than EVERYTHING.If you push back from the desk, you might see that some of your work isn't an immediate necessity. It may look urgent. But unless it threatens the welfare of your employment or national security, it might be as viable an option for tomorrow as seems today.
PRINCIPLE TWO: Some of your work is rooted in perceived importance rather than real. In other words, your "work journey" might actually be a guilt trip. Your plate may have some "table scraps" from someone else's plate on it. You're doing work for a friend in need. You're doing work to impress another (or yourself). You're doing work for a perceived reward.
PRINCIPLE THREE: Unfinished work doesn't equal failed work. If it's unfinished, it's simply in the finishing stages. Tomorrow, you'll have a second chance to do what you intended to do today. Re-examine its priority in light of your vision. Change your setting. Think about the possibilities-and begin again.[Stan Toler]
Follow this link to Stan Toler's Leadership Website.
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Prayer Request Update - Nazarene Families on Sealands Field Defend Their Faith.
Pray for Free Methodist Missionary Abducted in Nigeria on February 23.
Pray for the ministry team across Southeast Asia!
Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
Congratulations to our Newly Appointed Global Missionaries.
Overland Park, Kansas
Pastor Stephen serves as the Field Strategy Coordinator for the Philippines and Micronesia as well as the President of Philippine Nazarene College. Theresa serves as the Philippine Field Office supervisor. The Gualbertos have been serving the Region on an intern contract since 2010.
You can read more about the Gualbertos and the other three couples by following the link. 2015 Global Missionary Candidates
Overland Park, Kansas
The Church of the Nazarene's Global Mission Office recommended the following missionaries for appointment. These individuals were recognized before the General Board on Monday, February 23.
Stephen and Theresa Gualberto have served on intern contract since July 2010 on the Asia-Pacific Region. Stephen serves as field strategy coordinator for the Philippines and Micronesia. Theresa serves as the Philippine Field Office supervisor. Stephen and Theresa have one child, Hadassah. Their home church is on the Philippines District. The Gualbertos are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to the Philippines and Micronesia Field.
Scott and Jennifer Rainey have served on intern contract since July 2012 on the Eurasia Region. Scott serves as field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States. Jennifer serves in Family Ministries and CIS team building support. Scott and Jennifer have two children, Rebekah and Sarah. Their home church is on the South Texas District. The Raineys are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to the CIS Field.
Wilmar and Jessica Rojas have served on intern contact since December 2013 on the South America Region. Wilmar serves as NCM national coordinator for Argentina. Jessica serves in Child Sponsorship, Finance, and as NMI national coordinator for Argentina. Wilmar and Jessica have two children, Israel and Caleb. Their home church is on the South Texas District. The Rojases are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to Argentina.
Stephen and Anne Sickel have served on specialized assignment contract since January 2011 on the Mesoamerica Region. Stephen and Anne have served as Work & Witness coordinators for Costa Rica and Panama and are transferring to Mexico. Stephen and Anne have three children, Micah, Levi, and Elizabeth. Their home church is on the Kansas City District. The Sickels are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to Mexico.[Global Mission]
Living Lives of Compassion in The Kingdom of Tonga...Local News Reports on Nazarene Ministry!
Kingdom of Tonga
'Amanaki and 'Ofa Kim from Korea, have been pouring our their hearts and lives to some of the most physically challenged children in the Kingdom of Tonga.
Read how this incredible couple serve their Lord by being the tangible hands and feet of Jesus.
You will be moved and challenged by their lives, ministry, and the impact that is being made for the Kingdom!BLOG, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NEWS
LIVING LIVES OF COMPASSION IN THE KINGDOM OF TONGA…LOCAL NEWS REPORTS ON NAZARENE MINISTRY!
Kingdom of Tonga: Twenty one degrees south of the equator, in the South Pacific Ocean, lies the Kingdom of Tonga, a small nation comprised of some 176 islands.
"Go and make disciples" were Jesus' parting words as He sent His friends to join His mission in drawing all people to Him.
We understand His words as a mandate for believers to form deep friendships through which we help each other grow in Christlikeness. In the spiritual practice of discipling, we walk side-by-side along the faith journey, teaching, encouraging and loving one another.
In This Issue
Leadership - How to Face Unfinished Work.
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests!
Newly Appointed Global Missionaries.
Living out Compassion in the Kingdom of Tonga.
INTC Announces New Rector.
New NMI Global Director Announced.
The vision That Led to Peace - And Freedom.
Pray for Abducted Missionary from Nigeria.
Exciting Opportunity to Join the WMC-AP Team.
Retiring missionaries recognized at 92nd General Board
NPH Interim Board of Directors presents 'Situational Analysis Report' to 92nd General Board
India pastor passes away while preparing for JESUS film showing
JFHP seeks candidates for development officer position
Churches invited to participate in World Evangelism Fund Easter Offering.
General Board of Superintendents publishes Nazarene Essentials.
District Superintendent publishes Lenten devotional for churches.
Global praise reports and prayer requests.
GMC employment opportunities.
In Memoriam
Leadership Moment with Dr. Stan Toler
HOW TO FACE UNFINISHED WORK Practically your whole life has been affected by the theme of finishing what you start.
If you're like me it started in childhood, at the breakfast table, "Finish your cereal." Maybe the "snap" and "crackle" were already reduced to a hum, but you finished it off and made your way to school. The teacher greeted you with a smile (or not). You settled at your desk, and before long you were faced with the question, "Class, how many of you have completed your reading assignment?" Guilty as charged!
You carried the guilt home with you and changed clothes to play outdoors but before you can make your escape, Mother asks, "Did you finish your homework?" And on and on, through college, into your career, you are faced with the same line of questioning.
In fact, right now you might be eye-balling something that either should have been done, or should be farther along on the assembly line. How do you deal with it? I think there are at least three principles that apply to unfinished work:
PRINCIPLE ONE: You can do SOME things better than EVERYTHING.If you push back from the desk, you might see that some of your work isn't an immediate necessity. It may look urgent. But unless it threatens the welfare of your employment or national security, it might be as viable an option for tomorrow as seems today.
PRINCIPLE TWO: Some of your work is rooted in perceived importance rather than real. In other words, your "work journey" might actually be a guilt trip. Your plate may have some "table scraps" from someone else's plate on it. You're doing work for a friend in need. You're doing work to impress another (or yourself). You're doing work for a perceived reward.
PRINCIPLE THREE: Unfinished work doesn't equal failed work. If it's unfinished, it's simply in the finishing stages. Tomorrow, you'll have a second chance to do what you intended to do today. Re-examine its priority in light of your vision. Change your setting. Think about the possibilities-and begin again.[Stan Toler]
Follow this link to Stan Toler's Leadership Website.
Sign Up to Receive this Newsletter in your Inbox
For Email Marketing you can trust
Share The Story!
Asia-Pacific Region
Prayer Requested for Nazarenes in serious situation in SE Asia.Prayer Request Update - Nazarene Families on Sealands Field Defend Their Faith.
Pray for Free Methodist Missionary Abducted in Nigeria on February 23.
Pray for the ministry team across Southeast Asia!
Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
Congratulations to our Newly Appointed Global Missionaries.
Overland Park, Kansas
The Asia-Pacific Region was proudly represented in the newly commissioned missionary candidates.
Our own Pastor Stephen and his wife Theresa Gualberto were one of the four candidate couples. Pastor Stephen serves as the Field Strategy Coordinator for the Philippines and Micronesia as well as the President of Philippine Nazarene College. Theresa serves as the Philippine Field Office supervisor. The Gualbertos have been serving the Region on an intern contract since 2010.
You can read more about the Gualbertos and the other three couples by following the link. 2015 Global Missionary Candidates
Overland Park, Kansas
The Church of the Nazarene's Global Mission Office recommended the following missionaries for appointment. These individuals were recognized before the General Board on Monday, February 23.
Stephen and Theresa Gualberto have served on intern contract since July 2010 on the Asia-Pacific Region. Stephen serves as field strategy coordinator for the Philippines and Micronesia. Theresa serves as the Philippine Field Office supervisor. Stephen and Theresa have one child, Hadassah. Their home church is on the Philippines District. The Gualbertos are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to the Philippines and Micronesia Field.
Scott and Jennifer Rainey have served on intern contract since July 2012 on the Eurasia Region. Scott serves as field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States. Jennifer serves in Family Ministries and CIS team building support. Scott and Jennifer have two children, Rebekah and Sarah. Their home church is on the South Texas District. The Raineys are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to the CIS Field.
Wilmar and Jessica Rojas have served on intern contact since December 2013 on the South America Region. Wilmar serves as NCM national coordinator for Argentina. Jessica serves in Child Sponsorship, Finance, and as NMI national coordinator for Argentina. Wilmar and Jessica have two children, Israel and Caleb. Their home church is on the South Texas District. The Rojases are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to Argentina.
Stephen and Anne Sickel have served on specialized assignment contract since January 2011 on the Mesoamerica Region. Stephen and Anne have served as Work & Witness coordinators for Costa Rica and Panama and are transferring to Mexico. Stephen and Anne have three children, Micah, Levi, and Elizabeth. Their home church is on the Kansas City District. The Sickels are being commissioned as missionaries on global contract to Mexico.[Global Mission]
Living Lives of Compassion in The Kingdom of Tonga...Local News Reports on Nazarene Ministry!
Kingdom of Tonga
'Amanaki "In-Kwon" Kim, makes a home visit to one of God's treasurers.
"Disabled children are my treasure," states 'Ofa. 'Amanaki and 'Ofa Kim from Korea, have been pouring our their hearts and lives to some of the most physically challenged children in the Kingdom of Tonga.
Read how this incredible couple serve their Lord by being the tangible hands and feet of Jesus.
You will be moved and challenged by their lives, ministry, and the impact that is being made for the Kingdom!BLOG, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NEWS
LIVING LIVES OF COMPASSION IN THE KINGDOM OF TONGA…LOCAL NEWS REPORTS ON NAZARENE MINISTRY!
Kingdom of Tonga: Twenty one degrees south of the equator, in the South Pacific Ocean, lies the Kingdom of Tonga, a small nation comprised of some 176 islands.
For many years, there was little hope for children with disabilities who were born in this area of the Pacific. But today, there is incredible hope thanks to the ministry of the Mango Tree Respite Center, and Nazarene missionaries ‘Amanaki In-Kwon Kim and his wife ‘Ofa Jeong-Seok Kim.
‘Amanaki and ‘Ofa have dedicated their lives to loving children with disabilities and it is making a huge impact. They work with epileptic children, those who are paralyzed, who suffer from cognitive dysfunction, and those who are blind and deaf.
“We help anyone who is disabled. We cannot refuse,” says ‘Ofa. “Disabled children are my treasure.”
“We help anyone who is disabled. We cannot refuse,” says ‘Ofa. “Disabled children are my treasure.”
Matangi, Tonga Online, (Finau Fonua) has just published a tremendous article about the Mango Tree Respite Center and their community impact. Follow this link for great pictures and much more detail about this exciting, impactful, and life changing ministry. Amanaki and 'Ofa give hope to Tonga’s most vulnerable
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Rev. ‘Amanaki and his wife have been running the centre since 2007. The staff of six care for over 100 Tongans with severe disabilities, including 40 children suffering from a crippling disease known as Cerebral Palsy. Many of the children come from poor families.
Rev. ‘Amanaki explained, “Our children are both physically and intellectually impaired.”
“They cannot sit properly, their legs are stiff like bamboo,” his wife ‘Ofa said.
The Mango Tree Centre is one of three centres that take care of handicapped Tongans, and it cares for the most severely disabled.
“We help anyone who is disabled. We cannot refuse,” said ‘Ofa.
Every day the Kims and their staff go through the difficult procedures of training disabled children how to walk. The therapy involves special chairs which are used to keep the child in a straight position. ‘Amanaki explained “the standing frame and the chair is specialised to keep him in a good balanced position.”
“When he is straight the back muscles can be developed. He has a tray with things to play with and is communicated with. His brain is busy so he is developed both physically and mentally. Our goal is to make them to walk.”
Apart from being crippled or immobile the children also suffer from a variety of impairments such as cognitive dysfunction, deafness, weak immune systems and epilepsy.
Most of the children have epilepsy and rely on available medication. Medications for epilepsy in Tonga are often limited to Carbamazepine and Epilim, as new medications are hard to come by.
Home visits
‘Amanaki and ‘Ofa also pay regular home visits to paraplegics or to those who are too crippled to visit the centre. They currently visit 12 people with spinal injuries.
‘Amanaki said, “They cannot come to our centre because they are paralyzed so we have to visit. They lost their mobility because of a diving accident, rugby or car accidents.“
“These patients we regularly visit even when we are busy. They need many things. We give them a customized wheelchair, urine bags and a specialized mattress to prevent bedsores. They need to change their position at least every two hours. We have to teach the families, if not then they will have bedsores, bladder problems and skin problems
“After they are discharged from hospital there is no more service, no social and medical service. We are helping them as much as we can. Our service is very limited so we can’t do everything we want…. Sometimes if they are very poor and the house is poor, whenever we have a building team from overseas we ask them to build a simple house for them. Already three houses we have built.”
“Disabled children are my treasure” his wife ‘Ofa added.
As a young man, Rev. ‘Amanaki worked as a caregiver for disabled children in Korea whilst his wife ‘Ofa worked as a counsellor. The couple served as missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene and lived in Kenya for four years, helping people infected with HIV in the slums of Nairobi. The couple then moved to Auckland to study theology before being asked to run the Mango Tree Centre in Tonga.
‘Amanaki explained, “While we were studying in New Zealand some missionaries invited us to survey disability in Tonga. We decided to stay.
“When we started we only had one disabled child who was five. We were not physiotherapists but he needed physio because he was lying all day long and no one was helping, so we decided to help him. Now he is 12 and he can walk. There was only one physiotherapist at Vaiola Hospital and because he was busy we could only get him once or twice a week. We just got more and more children.”
As the Mango Tree Centre received more patients, news of the centre’s service inspired donations and volunteers. Physiotherapists arrived from New Zealand and Australia to help the centre.
“Every year we have lots of therapists who come here because they know we need help here. They use their own holidays, they use their own money, but they love to come here,” said ‘Amanaki.
The centre regularly receives volunteers from Aus-Aid. The New Zealand, Korean and Japanese governments have also helped build new facilities for the centre
“One day a Korean pastor rang me and wanted to help me. I asked for a building team - and just like that, they came from Korea. Digicel helps our ministry with free internet. Westpac helped with our transportation. ASCO Motors provides us with free maintenance – it is a miracle!” exclaimed ‘Amanaki.
Blind
The centre also offers braille lessons for the blind and visually impaired. Braille is a touch-reading method for the blind. Tongan braille books had to be created as none existed.
‘Ofa explained “We teach braille for the blind people – we have braille class and also pre-braille class for the small kids who have low vision.”
“Most of the low-vision children will lose their eyesight in the future, but blind students can study like abled children if they know braille and English. There are no Tongan braille books so we had to make some braille story books. There are many English braille books. We started pre-braille classes for low-vision last year. Early intervention is important.”
“We want to help with the autistic children. Autism is a behaviorial problem but they can be changed if they are trained. Early intervention is important.
“Our goal is to make Mango Tree Centre the best rehabilitation centre in the South Pacific, for cerebral palsy children with Jesus’s help.”
“We care for the disabled children, not just them but also their families. Whenever they have problems, we visit and pray for them. In Tonga, many families are broken,” he said.
I admire the spirits and love of these people. The Kingdom should do a fundraising event once a year to help. The businesses have helped although it is limited. These are the people in need and they deserve special attention. Malo e ngaue lelei mo e 'ofa ki he to ki lalo. Sione Tu'itavake Fonua.
Yes, this is true
[Submitted by bsteele]
Yes, this is true Christianity in action....showing the love of God to others less fortunate. May we all be inspired by these kind people to care more for others and build a better Tonga and a better world. God bless this ministry.
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
‘Amanaki reads to paralyzed Talanoa and his mother Siosi, at their home. Photo MTC. by Finau Fonua
Two Korean missionaries have improved the quality of life for Tonga’s most severely crippled people. The couple Rev. ‘Amanaki In-Kwon Kim (57) and his wife ‘Ofa Jeong-Seok Kim (53) run the Mango Tree Centre, a rehabilitation centre at Houmakelikao in Nuku’alofa that provides free physiotherapy and counselling to disabled people and their families in Tonga.Rev. ‘Amanaki and his wife have been running the centre since 2007. The staff of six care for over 100 Tongans with severe disabilities, including 40 children suffering from a crippling disease known as Cerebral Palsy. Many of the children come from poor families.
Rev. ‘Amanaki explained, “Our children are both physically and intellectually impaired.”
“They cannot sit properly, their legs are stiff like bamboo,” his wife ‘Ofa said.
The Mango Tree Centre is one of three centres that take care of handicapped Tongans, and it cares for the most severely disabled.
“We help anyone who is disabled. We cannot refuse,” said ‘Ofa.
Every day the Kims and their staff go through the difficult procedures of training disabled children how to walk. The therapy involves special chairs which are used to keep the child in a straight position. ‘Amanaki explained “the standing frame and the chair is specialised to keep him in a good balanced position.”
“When he is straight the back muscles can be developed. He has a tray with things to play with and is communicated with. His brain is busy so he is developed both physically and mentally. Our goal is to make them to walk.”
Luva, an occupational therapist assistant, works with Kitione at the Mango Tree Centre.
EpilepsyApart from being crippled or immobile the children also suffer from a variety of impairments such as cognitive dysfunction, deafness, weak immune systems and epilepsy.
Most of the children have epilepsy and rely on available medication. Medications for epilepsy in Tonga are often limited to Carbamazepine and Epilim, as new medications are hard to come by.
Kitione (8), helped by his sister Ka, at the Mango Tree Centre.
Wheelchairs have to be customized for the children because of costs. ‘Ofa said, “Children’s wheelchairs are very expensive so we have to customize them. But every disabled child here has a wheelchair at home.”Home visits
‘Amanaki and ‘Ofa also pay regular home visits to paraplegics or to those who are too crippled to visit the centre. They currently visit 12 people with spinal injuries.
‘Amanaki said, “They cannot come to our centre because they are paralyzed so we have to visit. They lost their mobility because of a diving accident, rugby or car accidents.“
“These patients we regularly visit even when we are busy. They need many things. We give them a customized wheelchair, urine bags and a specialized mattress to prevent bedsores. They need to change their position at least every two hours. We have to teach the families, if not then they will have bedsores, bladder problems and skin problems
“After they are discharged from hospital there is no more service, no social and medical service. We are helping them as much as we can. Our service is very limited so we can’t do everything we want…. Sometimes if they are very poor and the house is poor, whenever we have a building team from overseas we ask them to build a simple house for them. Already three houses we have built.”
Rev. ‘Amanaki In-Kwon Kim
When asked why they came to Tonga. ‘Amanaki replied “God called us”“Disabled children are my treasure” his wife ‘Ofa added.
As a young man, Rev. ‘Amanaki worked as a caregiver for disabled children in Korea whilst his wife ‘Ofa worked as a counsellor. The couple served as missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene and lived in Kenya for four years, helping people infected with HIV in the slums of Nairobi. The couple then moved to Auckland to study theology before being asked to run the Mango Tree Centre in Tonga.
‘Amanaki explained, “While we were studying in New Zealand some missionaries invited us to survey disability in Tonga. We decided to stay.
“When we started we only had one disabled child who was five. We were not physiotherapists but he needed physio because he was lying all day long and no one was helping, so we decided to help him. Now he is 12 and he can walk. There was only one physiotherapist at Vaiola Hospital and because he was busy we could only get him once or twice a week. We just got more and more children.”
As the Mango Tree Centre received more patients, news of the centre’s service inspired donations and volunteers. Physiotherapists arrived from New Zealand and Australia to help the centre.
“Every year we have lots of therapists who come here because they know we need help here. They use their own holidays, they use their own money, but they love to come here,” said ‘Amanaki.
Victoria, an Australian volunteer occupational therapist, helps Latiume use a mobility aid at the Mango Tree Centre.
“One rehabilitation hospital in Seoul invited us last year and they trained us for two months – now we are qualified physiotherapists”.The centre regularly receives volunteers from Aus-Aid. The New Zealand, Korean and Japanese governments have also helped build new facilities for the centre
“One day a Korean pastor rang me and wanted to help me. I asked for a building team - and just like that, they came from Korea. Digicel helps our ministry with free internet. Westpac helped with our transportation. ASCO Motors provides us with free maintenance – it is a miracle!” exclaimed ‘Amanaki.
Blind
The centre also offers braille lessons for the blind and visually impaired. Braille is a touch-reading method for the blind. Tongan braille books had to be created as none existed.
‘Ofa explained “We teach braille for the blind people – we have braille class and also pre-braille class for the small kids who have low vision.”
“Most of the low-vision children will lose their eyesight in the future, but blind students can study like abled children if they know braille and English. There are no Tongan braille books so we had to make some braille story books. There are many English braille books. We started pre-braille classes for low-vision last year. Early intervention is important.”
Braille class at the Mango Tree Centre.
Rev. ‘Amanaki and his wife stated their ambitions to expand their operations.“We want to help with the autistic children. Autism is a behaviorial problem but they can be changed if they are trained. Early intervention is important.
“Our goal is to make Mango Tree Centre the best rehabilitation centre in the South Pacific, for cerebral palsy children with Jesus’s help.”
“We care for the disabled children, not just them but also their families. Whenever they have problems, we visit and pray for them. In Tonga, many families are broken,” he said.
Rev. ‘Amanaki Kim adjusts a mobility device for Mana, helped by her father Mateaki. 16 February 2015
[Submitted by fonua]I admire the spirits and love of these people. The Kingdom should do a fundraising event once a year to help. The businesses have helped although it is limited. These are the people in need and they deserve special attention. Malo e ngaue lelei mo e 'ofa ki he to ki lalo. Sione Tu'itavake Fonua.
Yes, this is true
[Submitted by bsteele]
Yes, this is true Christianity in action....showing the love of God to others less fortunate. May we all be inspired by these kind people to care more for others and build a better Tonga and a better world. God bless this ministry.
The Kims are daily living lives of compassion, serving as the literal hands and feet of Christ and sharing His love to some of those who are of greatest need.
Please continue to pray for the Kims, the ministry of the Mango Tree Respite Center, and for the lives they are touching for Christ.
Indonesia Nazarene Theological College Announces New Rector.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Please continue to pray for the Kims, the ministry of the Mango Tree Respite Center, and for the lives they are touching for Christ.
Indonesia Nazarene Theological College Announces New Rector.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
On February 20th, INTC announced the installation of a new rector for the college.
Dr. Stephanus Hartoyo, comes with a significant background and history
with the Church of the Nazarene in Indonesia.
Read about the exciting goals and advancements that will be part of Dr. Hartoyo's strategy as Rector.
BLOG, EDUCATION, FEATURE, NEWS, SEALANDS
INDONESIA NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW RECTOR.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia: On Friday, February 20th, 2015, Indonesia Nazarene Theological College (INTC), announced the installation of Dr. Stephanus Hartoyo, PhD, as their new rector.
Hartoyo has had a long history of fruitful service with the Church of the Nazarene and College. This has involved serving in several capacities to include: head of the Master’s Program since its inception, Director of Academic Affairs, resourcing the land on which the college currently resides, and serving for more than 30 years as the pastor of the Filadelfia Church of the Nazarene, Yogyakarta.
Dr. Hartoyo has been elected to serve a term of three years, during which time he will be pursuing some significant goals for INTC. These goals include: increasing the number of teachers to maintain governmental accreditation, expanding the influence of the school in Indonesia, mentoring and developing leadership at the school, and leading the efforts toward the school becoming financially self-sustaining.
INTC and the Sealands Field, would like to express their appreciation to Rev. Alexander Suranto, who resigned from the position of rector in order to focus fully on completion of a doctoral program.
Suranto served as rector for a period of two years, during which time the school achieved governmental accreditation in the Theology, Christian Education, and Master’s Programs. In addition, Alex oversaw the advancement of several teachers in the process toward governmental certification.
Under Suranto’s leadership, the school developed stronger bonds with the local churches and districts of Indonesia. Rev. Suranto will continue to serve as head of the Christian Education program.
Please keep Dr. Hartoyo as well as the rest of the INTC faculty, staff, and students, in your prayers as together, they strive to answer the call of training up Christlike disciples and educators who will in turn, make Christlike disciples!
Lola Brickey Elected Global NMI Director!
Overland Park, Kansas
The Asia-Pacific Region extends our congratulations to Lola Brickey, who is the newly elected Global NMI Director.
Brickey is very familiar with NMI, having served most recently as the Global Council Vice President. She has served in all levels of NMI leadership over the years.
Join us in lifting Brickey and her family in prayer as she makes the transition to this new position and accepts the tremendous responsibility of guiding the church toward the goal of mobilizing for mission!Lola Brickey elected global NMI director
Overland Park, Kansas
By Sarah Glass for NCN News
Lola Brickey, vice president for the Nazarene Missions International Global Council, was elected global NMI director Monday at the 92nd Session of the General Board.
She replaces Daniel Ketchum, who announced his resignation effective August 31, 2014, after nine years in the position.
Global Mission Director Verne Ward believes Brickey is a good fit for the position.
"Lola has the ability to lead NMI to be an effective resource for the local church in mobilizing people for mission," he said. "We want to help the local church by facilitating their vision and their passion for mission, both locally and globally. Lola understands our vast cultural and generational composition and will help us refocus on mobilizing a global church for a global mission."
Brickey became interested in missions during her formative years at her father's church.
"The church my father pastored for the first 13 years of my life in Springfield, Massachusetts, was the home church of Oscar and Marjorie Stockwell, missionaries to Mozambique," she said. "I was profoundly impacted by them and how our church prayed, loved, supported, and connected with them."
In 1985, Brickey was elected a local Nazarene World Mission Society (now NMI) president. In 2001, she was elected NMI president for the Eastern Kentucky District, a position she currently holds. Six years later she was elected to the Global NMI Council representing the East Central USA region and currently serves as vice president. Brickey is also the NMI representative to the General Board.
Having worked on all levels of NMI, she endeavors to guide mission leaders, helping them give structure to their passion in the current culture.
"The continuing challenge is how we integrate using 21st century tools, techniques, and methods without losing those who still prefer other methods," Brickey said.
In addition to her missions positions, Brickey has served as a systems engineer at Ashland Petroleum Company, as a college instructor at Ashland Community & Technical College, and in local volunteer positions.
Brickey received a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University. She and her husband, Frank, are the parents of two adult children.
The Vision That Led to Peace - And Freedom!
South Asian Country
It was 13 days that Rohan* languished in a hot jail cell, a case of mistaken identity.
An active evangelist in a South Asian country, he had been confused by the police with someone who was involved in political activism for an underground party.
On the 13th day, God gave Rohan a vision. What happened next for Rohan and the superintendent of police, are clear evidences that all authority comes from God. Romans 13:1.
This story will move you to pray with intentionality and expectation for what the Lord is going to accomplish. The vision that led to peace - and freedomBy Gina Grate Pottenger
It was 13 days that Rohan* languished in a hot jail cell, a case of mistaken identity. An active evangelist in a South Asian country, he had been confused by the police with someone who was involved in political activism for an underground party.
The police had dragged him to the station and over the next 13 days they interrogated him aggressively 39 times. They asked him, over and over, what is your name? where do you live? what are you doing? who are your friends? They accused him of murder. Confused, Rohan had done his best to answer their questions, but didn’t know what they were trying to find out. He told his interrogators that he was confident his God would be able to prove his innocence.
His church members prayed day and night for his release. Some of them brought him food or clothes when they were allowed to visit.
A fellow prisoner had been injured by a police officer and his hand was swelling up and infected. The man asked Rohan to pray for his healing, as he was denied medical treatment. Rohan touched the man’s infected hand, prayed for healing and wrapped his handkerchief around the wound. Quickly, the hand healed. Rohan sensed that his fellow prisoner was about to be released, and told him so. Within one week, the man was set free.
At night Rohan slept on the cement floor, rolling up his clothes to make a pillow, and wished he had a fan to give him relief from the still, stifling air.
Throughout his incarceration, he prayed and read his Bible, seeking strength and encouragement.
“During this time I prayed to God with tears; also my church members prayed to God with tears,” Rohan recalls.
On the 13th day, Rohan had fallen asleep praying. When he awoke, he was astonished to see a vision of rows and rows of the “Chi Rho” symbol, glowing in white light across the prison cell walls. The “Chi Rho” is a symbol that was also seen in a vision by a Christian emperor in the 4th century; it is a symbol formed by the overlaying of the first two Greek letters of the word “Christ.” Rohan had studied Greek, so he recognized it.
“That time I had peace in my heart.”
What he didn’t know was that the superintendent of police who had jailed him was also in prayer at that same time. The officer belonged to another religion, but while praying he heard God’s voice saying what he had done in jailing Rohan was wrong and that he should set the innocent man free. Three times he heard the voice.
Missionaries from another denomination who knew Rohan came to visit him at the jail. The officer, still stunned at having heard the voice of God, told them everything. He released Rohan immediately.
Before leaving, Rohan gave the officer a Bible and, although many years have now passed, he still prays for the man.
Dr. Stephanus Hartoyo, comes with a significant background and history
with the Church of the Nazarene in Indonesia.
Read about the exciting goals and advancements that will be part of Dr. Hartoyo's strategy as Rector.
BLOG, EDUCATION, FEATURE, NEWS, SEALANDS
INDONESIA NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW RECTOR.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia: On Friday, February 20th, 2015, Indonesia Nazarene Theological College (INTC), announced the installation of Dr. Stephanus Hartoyo, PhD, as their new rector.
Hartoyo has had a long history of fruitful service with the Church of the Nazarene and College. This has involved serving in several capacities to include: head of the Master’s Program since its inception, Director of Academic Affairs, resourcing the land on which the college currently resides, and serving for more than 30 years as the pastor of the Filadelfia Church of the Nazarene, Yogyakarta.
Dr. Hartoyo has been elected to serve a term of three years, during which time he will be pursuing some significant goals for INTC. These goals include: increasing the number of teachers to maintain governmental accreditation, expanding the influence of the school in Indonesia, mentoring and developing leadership at the school, and leading the efforts toward the school becoming financially self-sustaining.
INTC and the Sealands Field, would like to express their appreciation to Rev. Alexander Suranto, who resigned from the position of rector in order to focus fully on completion of a doctoral program.
Suranto served as rector for a period of two years, during which time the school achieved governmental accreditation in the Theology, Christian Education, and Master’s Programs. In addition, Alex oversaw the advancement of several teachers in the process toward governmental certification.
Under Suranto’s leadership, the school developed stronger bonds with the local churches and districts of Indonesia. Rev. Suranto will continue to serve as head of the Christian Education program.
Please keep Dr. Hartoyo as well as the rest of the INTC faculty, staff, and students, in your prayers as together, they strive to answer the call of training up Christlike disciples and educators who will in turn, make Christlike disciples!
Lola Brickey Elected Global NMI Director!
Overland Park, Kansas
Brickey is very familiar with NMI, having served most recently as the Global Council Vice President. She has served in all levels of NMI leadership over the years.
Join us in lifting Brickey and her family in prayer as she makes the transition to this new position and accepts the tremendous responsibility of guiding the church toward the goal of mobilizing for mission!Lola Brickey elected global NMI director
Overland Park, Kansas
By Sarah Glass for NCN News
Lola Brickey, vice president for the Nazarene Missions International Global Council, was elected global NMI director Monday at the 92nd Session of the General Board.
She replaces Daniel Ketchum, who announced his resignation effective August 31, 2014, after nine years in the position.
Global Mission Director Verne Ward believes Brickey is a good fit for the position.
"Lola has the ability to lead NMI to be an effective resource for the local church in mobilizing people for mission," he said. "We want to help the local church by facilitating their vision and their passion for mission, both locally and globally. Lola understands our vast cultural and generational composition and will help us refocus on mobilizing a global church for a global mission."
Brickey became interested in missions during her formative years at her father's church.
"The church my father pastored for the first 13 years of my life in Springfield, Massachusetts, was the home church of Oscar and Marjorie Stockwell, missionaries to Mozambique," she said. "I was profoundly impacted by them and how our church prayed, loved, supported, and connected with them."
In 1985, Brickey was elected a local Nazarene World Mission Society (now NMI) president. In 2001, she was elected NMI president for the Eastern Kentucky District, a position she currently holds. Six years later she was elected to the Global NMI Council representing the East Central USA region and currently serves as vice president. Brickey is also the NMI representative to the General Board.
Having worked on all levels of NMI, she endeavors to guide mission leaders, helping them give structure to their passion in the current culture.
"The continuing challenge is how we integrate using 21st century tools, techniques, and methods without losing those who still prefer other methods," Brickey said.
In addition to her missions positions, Brickey has served as a systems engineer at Ashland Petroleum Company, as a college instructor at Ashland Community & Technical College, and in local volunteer positions.
Brickey received a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University. She and her husband, Frank, are the parents of two adult children.
The Vision That Led to Peace - And Freedom!
South Asian Country
An active evangelist in a South Asian country, he had been confused by the police with someone who was involved in political activism for an underground party.
On the 13th day, God gave Rohan a vision. What happened next for Rohan and the superintendent of police, are clear evidences that all authority comes from God. Romans 13:1.
This story will move you to pray with intentionality and expectation for what the Lord is going to accomplish. The vision that led to peace - and freedomBy Gina Grate Pottenger
It was 13 days that Rohan* languished in a hot jail cell, a case of mistaken identity. An active evangelist in a South Asian country, he had been confused by the police with someone who was involved in political activism for an underground party.
The police had dragged him to the station and over the next 13 days they interrogated him aggressively 39 times. They asked him, over and over, what is your name? where do you live? what are you doing? who are your friends? They accused him of murder. Confused, Rohan had done his best to answer their questions, but didn’t know what they were trying to find out. He told his interrogators that he was confident his God would be able to prove his innocence.
His church members prayed day and night for his release. Some of them brought him food or clothes when they were allowed to visit.
A fellow prisoner had been injured by a police officer and his hand was swelling up and infected. The man asked Rohan to pray for his healing, as he was denied medical treatment. Rohan touched the man’s infected hand, prayed for healing and wrapped his handkerchief around the wound. Quickly, the hand healed. Rohan sensed that his fellow prisoner was about to be released, and told him so. Within one week, the man was set free.
At night Rohan slept on the cement floor, rolling up his clothes to make a pillow, and wished he had a fan to give him relief from the still, stifling air.
Throughout his incarceration, he prayed and read his Bible, seeking strength and encouragement.
“During this time I prayed to God with tears; also my church members prayed to God with tears,” Rohan recalls.
On the 13th day, Rohan had fallen asleep praying. When he awoke, he was astonished to see a vision of rows and rows of the “Chi Rho” symbol, glowing in white light across the prison cell walls. The “Chi Rho” is a symbol that was also seen in a vision by a Christian emperor in the 4th century; it is a symbol formed by the overlaying of the first two Greek letters of the word “Christ.” Rohan had studied Greek, so he recognized it.
“That time I had peace in my heart.”
What he didn’t know was that the superintendent of police who had jailed him was also in prayer at that same time. The officer belonged to another religion, but while praying he heard God’s voice saying what he had done in jailing Rohan was wrong and that he should set the innocent man free. Three times he heard the voice.
Missionaries from another denomination who knew Rohan came to visit him at the jail. The officer, still stunned at having heard the voice of God, told them everything. He released Rohan immediately.
Before leaving, Rohan gave the officer a Bible and, although many years have now passed, he still prays for the man.
In 2006, Rohan became a faculty member at South Asia Nazarene Bible College (SANBC), where he enjoyed teaching and training pastors in theology. Soon he was asked to oversee three learning centers in his country. Then he became the national education coordinator for his country, which has more than 130 students meeting in five learning centers.
The country has set the goal to have 40 graduates each year. And the school is focusing on teacher empowerment and course revision which incorporates the local instructor’s input on contextualized missiological approaches.
Rohan specializes in teaching homiletics, which is the art of writing and preaching sermons. He also loves to teach pastors how to conduct Bible studies and personal devotions, as well as teaching the New Testament and pastoral counseling. The goal of his work is “to build up students in faith and practice.”
He is most fulfilled “when I see students growing in their faith and applying what they learn to their own lives and church ministries; the joy of the students in Jesus.”
South Asia Nazarene Bible College (SANBC) serves five countries, where it has a combined 87 education centers and serves more than 1,500 students at any time, across 19 districts and in 17 major languages.
*Name changed for security purposes.
Pray for Abducted Missionary
Nigeria, West Africa
The country has set the goal to have 40 graduates each year. And the school is focusing on teacher empowerment and course revision which incorporates the local instructor’s input on contextualized missiological approaches.
Rohan specializes in teaching homiletics, which is the art of writing and preaching sermons. He also loves to teach pastors how to conduct Bible studies and personal devotions, as well as teaching the New Testament and pastoral counseling. The goal of his work is “to build up students in faith and practice.”
He is most fulfilled “when I see students growing in their faith and applying what they learn to their own lives and church ministries; the joy of the students in Jesus.”
South Asia Nazarene Bible College (SANBC) serves five countries, where it has a combined 87 education centers and serves more than 1,500 students at any time, across 19 districts and in 17 major languages.
*Name changed for security purposes.
Pray for Abducted Missionary
Nigeria, West Africa
When one of our Christian brothers or sisters suffers, we all suffer. This urgent prayer request has been received from the Free Methodist Church:
Please pray for the safety and speedy release of Rev. Phyllis Sortor, Free Methodist missionary in Nigeria, who was abducted by several people Monday, February 23, from the Hope Academy compound in Emi Woro, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Free Methodist Church leaders are actively working with appropriate authorities for her release. Also pray for the leaders of the FMC in Nigeria and staff and children of the Hope Academy ICCM school, as well as Phyllis' family.
(If communicating in any way - including social media - about this prayer concern, we ask you to share only the statements above. Any additional information may jeopardize Phyllis' safety.)
Exciting Opportunity to Join Multi-National Media Team!
Manila, Philippines
Do you have:
* Passion, training and expertise in the area of web and mobile application development?
* Passion for the Lord and for sharing the Gospel across borders, boundaries, and barriers?
* A dream of working with a multi-national media center producing media projects for clients around the world?
* Desire for a cross-cultural experience in one of the megacities of the world?
* Interest in checking out a short-term missions assignment?
Then click here to read more about the incredible opportunities that could await you.
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd
Please pray for the safety and speedy release of Rev. Phyllis Sortor, Free Methodist missionary in Nigeria, who was abducted by several people Monday, February 23, from the Hope Academy compound in Emi Woro, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Free Methodist Church leaders are actively working with appropriate authorities for her release. Also pray for the leaders of the FMC in Nigeria and staff and children of the Hope Academy ICCM school, as well as Phyllis' family.
(If communicating in any way - including social media - about this prayer concern, we ask you to share only the statements above. Any additional information may jeopardize Phyllis' safety.)
Exciting Opportunity to Join Multi-National Media Team!
Manila, Philippines
* Passion, training and expertise in the area of web and mobile application development?
* Passion for the Lord and for sharing the Gospel across borders, boundaries, and barriers?
* A dream of working with a multi-national media center producing media projects for clients around the world?
* Desire for a cross-cultural experience in one of the megacities of the world?
* Interest in checking out a short-term missions assignment?
Then click here to read more about the incredible opportunities that could await you.
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd
Ortigas Avenue Extension, Kaytikling
Taytay, Rizal
Manila
1920Philippines
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