Eurasia Region
Lindell and Kay Browning are nearing retirement after serving the Eurasia Region in leadership for more than 35 years. For 22 years Lindell has led the Eastern Mediterranean Field as field strategy coordinator. This year he is turning over that role to Khalil Halaseh, a pastor in Jordan.
The Eastern Mediterranean Field is currently made up of six countries: Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as two additional areas. There are 30 organized churches and a membership of more than 2,000 people (2012 statistics).
After studying Arabic for two years in Jordan, the Brownings began their work by pastoring a church in Nazareth for six years. From the very beginning, their intent was to raise up national leaders who could take over ministry at the local, district, and field levels.
"We have 33 pastors, now," Lindell said. "We don't have any churches pastored by non-Arabs now. That was significant because that was our intention when we went — to identify indigenous leaders."
In 1985, while they were pastoring, the Church of the Nazarene across the field experienced a revival, and out of that movement came today's pastors and the district superintendent in Israel. As a result, the field relaunched Eastern Mediterranean Bible College, where many of them trained for ministry. The college, which first opened in the 1950s, ceased operations in 1960s due to regional conflict.
The Intifadah in Israel between 1988 and 1994 also prompted the church to become involved in ministry in the West Bank through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
Another significant moment came when the Brownings were first able to re-establish contact with the leader of the church in Lebanon, Abdo Khanashat. The Lebanese churches and a primary school had been cut off from the rest of the field and the region from 1975 to 1991 due to Lebanon's civil war.
"Our first trip back to Beirut, meeting our leaders there, Abdo wept and said 'We've been so cut off from our church; we're so glad you came back and reconnected us with our church,'" Lindell said.
Through the reconnection, the region was able to send support to the churches and the school, which helped boost and expand their ministry to their communities, even in the midst of turmoil.
A renewed commitment to the field for the family came during the first Gulf War in 1991. They had been serving in the Middle East for 10 years.
"That was a very stressful time, and we were told we would have to leave if it got bad," Kay said. "Our kids were in school so it was difficult to think about disrupting their lives. We were torn between doing what we were told to do and wanting as a parent to keep our kids safe and also be sensitive to how traumatic this was. When we finally decided to go to Cyprus, we stayed there six weeks."
While they were in Cyprus they realized how much they longed to go back and felt a fresh sense of commitment to the field. Thankfully, they were able to return.
Lindell and Kay love the beauty and diversity across the Eastern Mediterranean Field and are grateful that all four of their children, who are now adults, have a love for the Middle East and consider it their home.
"I think of a rich culture, a diverse culture, a fun-loving culture," Kay said. "All the cultures are really family-oriented. They love children and they loved our kids. A lot of preconceived ideas are wrapped around the Middle East. [We have] the opportunity to dispel some of the preconceived ideas and judgments in that part of the world."
Lindell said that he is most proud of the indigenous leadership that has been developed, including the milestone of turning over his job to a local leader.
Halaseh is grateful for Lindell's years of leadership and mentoring as he grew up in the church and answered a call to pastoral ministry.
"Pastor Lindell has the heart of father and heart of shepherd," Halaseh said. "He cared for me all the time and I believe he loves and respects me."
The two first met in 1989 when Halaseh visited a relative in Jerusalem. As a new believer of just two weeks, he visited the Church of the Nazarene where Lindell was the pastor. Lindell took time to encourage the young man. Years later, when Halaseh was a leader in his Nazarene church in Jordan, Lindell was named field strategy coordinator and Halaseh remembered their encounter and his humility as a pastor. Over the years, Lindell continued to counsel and encourage Halaseh as he grew in his leadership and took on more responsibility in Jordan and the Middle East.
"I feel very positive about the future," Lindell said. "I think there are going to be some adjustments for a new FSC, but I think he'll do very well and the indigenous church is really now driving the ministry. I think our leadership are determined to stay and I think we're going to see some great things."--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
Hermann Gschwandtner looks back on service 
Eurasia Region
Hermann Gschwandtner is retiring from his role as field strategy coordinator for the South Asia Field, a position he has held since 2010. But his leadership on the Eurasia Region goes back decades.
In his native country of Germany, Gschwandtner was running a parachurch organization that dealt with literature evangelism. He became acquainted with the Church of the Nazarene when he met Richard Zanner, who was district superintendent of the church in Germany at the time. They met to discuss Sunday School materials and would talk late into the night about theology.
"He said to me, 'Well, you are really a Nazarene,' and asked me whether I would want to come and work for the Church of the Nazarene, and we developed a pretty good friendship," Gschwandtner recalls.
Through that connection, he eventually became the pastor of Frankfurt First Church of the Nazarene.
Yet, he had always been involved directly or indirectly in missions, and thus emphasized missions at Frankfurt First. When he had General Superintendent Jerald D. Johnson come to speak for his church, Johnson suggested that Gschwandtner lead the denomination's efforts in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union as Gschwandtner had experience and contacts in Eastern Europe through his previous work.
Gschwandtner soon realized that it was extremely difficult to register the church without other efforts. Therefore, entering new countries through compassionate ministries became the strategy. This allowed the work of the church to begin legally and it opened the hearts of people to eventually hear the gospel when they first felt loved and cared for regarding their physical and material needs, such as clothing, food, and education.
Eventually, he added the responsibility of running compassionate ministries in India, South Asia, and the Eurasia Region, including starting the work of the church in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In several of these countries he had contacts through his earlier ministry.
In 2000, Gschwandtner was asked to run the JESUS Film Ministry in India and South Asia, and a year later to help part-time with the work of JESUS Film Harvest Partners (JFHP), a U.S.-based Nazarene ministry that built a bridge between the U.S.-based parachurch organization Campus Crusade for Christ and the Nazarene denomination. JFHP raises funds to send ministry teams around the world who conduct evangelism and discipleship, as well as plant churches, using the JESUS film and spin-off films about the story of Jesus. Gschwandtner turned over his compassionate ministries work, except for in South Asia and India, and worked for JFHP for a couple of years. Then he and his wife, Brigitte, returned to Germany to pastor part-time and continue running compassionate ministries and church planting (JESUS Film) in South Asia and India.
In 2010, he took over as field strategy coordinator for the South Asia Field, building on work done by those who held the role before him, which included Arlen Jakobitz and Ron Gilbert.
Gschwandtner credits many of the accomplishments in South Asia to Sukamal Biswas, who served as district superintendent of Bangladesh and developed the strategy to make every church self-supporting from its birth, combined with planting churches holistically through compassionate ministries and the JESUS film. Biswas will be taking over as field strategy coordinator when Gschwandtner retires.
The two have worked together for 21 years.
"One thing I have learned is if you want to have the impossible as a result you have to dare the impossible," Gschwandtner said. "We did things that were just absolutely contrary to everything that is being done in missions. We refused to work in villages or places where other denominations were already working. In one of the five poorest countries of the world we built over 4,000 churches, of which not even one ever received one cent of subsidy."
When he first became involved in South Asia there were five church plants. At the end of 2014, there were more than 161,000 members with nearly 3,300 organized churches. There are more than 1,000 licensed ministers and 261 ordained elders. In 2014, the field raised $100,000 for the work of the church.
Today, the Church of the Nazarene is the largest Protestant denomination in Bangladesh, quite a feat considering that some denominations had been working there for more than 200 years and the Nazarene church only entered the country about 20 years ago, he said. Even in countries with a small population like Nepal and Sri Lanka, about 10,000 people or more belong to "the people called Nazarenes."
"When I look back, I am filled with gratefulness to the Lord who performs the impossible and who opens closed doors and who gives a great harvest that is truly plentiful and who provides the leaders and people and who truly builds His church," he said.
"He is not only a leader," Sukamal said. "Brigitte and Gschwandtner are like parents to me. Twenty years is not a short journey. Always I find he is along with me."--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
University students design campus water campaigns 
When Nazarene Compassionate Ministries issued a challenge to Nazarene universities to address the global water crisis, students around the world responded.
The contest challenged university students to design and implement a Water Challenge campaign with three goals: to educate about the scarcity of clean water worldwide; to embody spiritual practices and acts of service; and to raise funds for clean water projects in communities where water is scarce. Student teams from Africa Nazarene University, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Northwest Nazarene University, Philippine Nazarene College, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Trevecca Nazarene University submitted proposals. The top three proposals received awards that include implementation grants and a financial award for the university, and the fourth-place proposal received an implementation grant.
First place went to the Drop by Drop campaign proposed by Trevecca Nazarene University. According to Stephens Hiland, a communications/mass media major who served on Trevecca's five-student team, the proposal process was an opportunity for students to apply their studies to an issue of significance.
"Often in college, we learn about social justice issues and we learn about our majors, and it's very rare that those things overlap," Hiland said. "In the end, we want Trevecca students to be empowered to make a difference both in our backyard and globally, not for our own sake, but for the glory of God."
Jamie Casler, who directs the J. V. Morsch Center for Social Justice at Trevecca, notes that Hiland is not alone in the desire for practical ways to live out faith.
"Students at Trevecca are asking how they can connect their major toward creating a more just world," he said. "The Water Challenge campaign … will allow students to apply their academic learning and skills to create awareness while generating funding for clean water projects."
Casler also believes it is important for students to see "how the Church is responding to today's social justice issues."
The "Drop by Drop" campaign will take place over a few weeks, first by partnering with different offices and programs on campus to build awareness of the issues surrounding water around the world. Hiland notes that they want to "give the issue a face" by telling the stories of people who have been affected by water scarcity.
The student leadership team will then organize various activities, including a water relay in which teams have to fill up a large barrel with water by hauling buckets to a water source and back. Different teams will represent different regions of the world, each with unique requirements. For example, a group representing the average American would have to haul more water to represent the larger consumption in the U.S., while a group representing Mexico would not need to haul as much water, but they would have to travel farther to get it.
The goal is to "make the water crisis personal and tangible for those participating," Hiland said.
Throughout the campaign, several students will also carry 5-gallon jerry cans around campus. The containers will have the Drop by Drop logo and information about water issue.
"This will prompt questions and allow students to really engage in a discussion about the global water crisis," Hiland said.
The "Drop by Drop" campaign, which will take place during the Lenten season, will also ask students to give up drinking coffee, soda, or any beverage other than water and then to give the money they would have spent on those drinks toward clean water projects.
Dan Boone, Trevecca president, sees the Drop by Drop campaign as integral to the mission of the university.
"Trevecca is all about two things: the formation of Christlike character and the development of real world relevance," he said. "By serving the health of our fellow humans, we do both. We want students to have hands-on experience in being the hands and feet of Jesus through the development of their capacity to address human need."
Point Loma Nazarene University's "Hello Friends!" campaign earned second place in the NCM Water Challenge. The campaign is designed to bring together students, faculty, and staff across academic disciplines and to build on an existing relationship with a Nazarene church in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The campaign, which begins February 9, will use technology and media to focus on inter-personal connections. An interactive space on campus, in conjunction with a website that includes an "impact dashboard," will highlight the effect of the water crisis on specific communities in DRC. The interactive space will also allow students to interact directly with Pastor Celestin Chishibanji, who serves as a pastor and NCM coordinator in DRC, through video chat. The student proposal explains, "While listening and learning from the community in the DRC, our campaign seeks to educate and inform the college community about global poverty, clean water obstacles, and hygiene/sanitation challenges experienced by our friends living in another part of the world."
The one-week campaign will also include soap making in collaboration with the science and business departments, collecting toothbrushes that will be delivered to DRC through one of PLNU's LoveWorks summer missions teams, and a beach clean-up day to be held in coordination with an activity focused on sanitation in a Congolese community.
The students hope to raise at least $6,000 to build a water well at a school in DRC through "Hello Friends!"
Rob Gailey, who directs PLNU's Center for International Development, emphasized the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to the campaign.
"We've been committed to getting students aware of poverty issues through the center for international development—understanding global poverty and how to respond," he said. "Clean water is one of the issues that a lot of students care about. If we can join across multiple disciplines, we'll have a greater impact."
Gailey explained the focus on relationships is crucial.
"I hope we'll set a standard that there is a way of connecting with churches in other places," he said.
Taylor Cate, a PLNU nursing major with a minor in nonprofit management, would like to see the project go beyond the PLNU community.
"To see the campaign implemented at Nazarene churches across the state would be promising," she said. "Even if 50 students went to their home church and said, 'Let's raise $6,000 to build a well,' imagine how many lives would be changed.
"I can't wait for the second week of February. We hope Point Loma's students raise enough money to build a well at a school in Congo. This could be life-changing."
The third-place challenge award went to Northwest Nazarene University for its "Ripple Effect" campaign, which is designed to raise awareness and then implement a water project at a school for children with special needs in Haiti; and fourth place went to Mount Vernon Nazarene University for its Belize Clean Water Coalition, which will focus on a partnership with rural communities in Belize to create access to clean water. Other entries included a proposal to implement clean water resources in schools in Olosirkon, Kenya, from Africa Nazarene University (ANU); a proposal to provide clean water in Nalseb, Philippines, from Philippines Nazarene College (PNC); and a proposal from Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) for the "Bridging Christ Through WASH" project, which focuses on an ongoing relationship with a low-income neighborhood called Rowenas.
The NCM Water Challenge awards were designated to mobilize seminary, college, and university student bodies around advocacy and awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene needs around the globe. The participants from ANU, APNTS, and PNC developed fully integrated proposals that involved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene projects to benefit water-scarce communities near their campuses. Each of these schools will have the opportunity to work alongside NCM staff to further develop their proposals to implement an NCM-supported water project in these communities. This opportunity is unique for college and seminary students and one that NCM hopes to continue to develop with other Nazarene educational institutions.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Sierra Leone native chosen to replace mentor as DS 
Sierra Leone, Africa Region
General Superintendent Eugénio R. Duarte appointed Vidal Cole superintendent of the Sierra Leone District. He replaces his mentor, Paul Martin.
Paul and Sharon Martin served as missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene in Sierra Leone from 2004 to 2013. They mentored Vidal and Marie Cole and many others to build a strong holiness foundation in the country. The Martins now serve in Accra, Ghana, in pastoral training and education for the Africa West Field.
Vidal Cole serves as senior pastor of the Overcomers Assembly Church of the Nazarene near downtown Freetown, Sierra Leone. A lifelong resident of Freetown, Vidal was raised in an Anglican family; his father was a high-level manager and career banker.
After graduation from Albert Academy Secondary School, Vidal pursued accounting and worked in banking for several years. Following his conversion as a young man, he felt called to full-time ministry. In 1995, he founded the Overcomers Assembly Church.
In 2005, through the invitation of a friend, he attended pastoral training classes offered by the Church of the Nazarene. Through new awareness he pursued and experienced the grace of entire sanctification. As he continued Nazarene ministerial studies, he led his independent church into official organization in the Church of the Nazarene (Centennial Sunday, 5 October 2008).
Cole has continued his biblical and theological studies. He is a graduate of Nazarene Theological Institute (2009, diploma), Nazarene Theological College-South Africa (2012, Bachelor of Theology), and is completing his master's degree through Africa Nazarene University. Cole was ordained in March 2011.
He served as administrative assistant to the district superintendent from 2010 to 2012 and as assistant district superintendent from 2012 to 2014, carrying many district leadership responsibilities. As a minister and teacher, he is a strong advocate of "holiness of heart and life."--Church of the Nazarene Africa West Field
Australia North & West District holds first assembly simultaneously through video conferencing 
Australia, Asia-Pacific Region
The Australia Northern Pacific and Western Australia districts came together this month in a historic district assembly to form the Australia North and West District.
To celebrate this inaugural event and encourage new relationships across the newly merged district, a Pastors, Spouses, and Leaders Conference was held with General Superintendent David A. Busic. During the event, held January 6 through 9 in Mooliabeenee, Busic challenged participants to build up and support the new district by embracing the missional roots of the Church of the Nazarene.
Australia New Zealand Field Strategy Coordinator John Moore and newly elected Missional Superintendent Bruce Allder encouraged attendees by addressing the benefits and synergy that could be gained through this merger.
On Saturday, January 10, the Australia North and West District Assembly was conducted simultaneously at Dianella Church of the Nazarene in Perth, chaired by Busic, and at Nazarene Theological College-Brisbane, facilitated by Moore. Leaders used video conferencing to span the more than 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) between the two locations.
Busic opened the event with a devotional message, inspiring churches to trust God's abundance when ministry seems overwhelming. New members at the district assembly were recognized, including the youngest attendee, Sovereign Aleki Livingston Kaivelata, the 4-day-old son of Sonia Po Ching Kaivelata.
Leaders who weren't able to attend sent greetings from Nazarene Youth International's Third Wave Global Youth Leadership Conference in Costa Rica.
The assembly also served as a forum to introduce the missional superintendency team. Allder will serve as the missional superintendent, Tim Burton as the missional team facilitator, Emmy Hearn as the pastor/church coordinator, and Steve Walsh as the district business administrator.
The historic weekend finished with a January 11 ordination service at the Dianella church. Ordinands were Hoonmoon Lee, associate pastor of the Pearsall Church of the Nazarene, and WoongiGi "Peter" Seong, associate pastor of Dianella Church of the Nazarene and pastor of Perth City Station Mission. District minister's licenses were also granted to 10 others, including seven for the first time, from Australia, the USA, Korea, and New Zealand.
"The spirit of Christ and of warm fellowship among His people are extremely evident in this historic event," said Bob Woodruff, coordinator of Educational Development for the Church of the Nazarene. "This is truly an exciting chapter in the life of the church and we are bathed in an atmosphere of joy. Praise be to God!"--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Africa
NTC-South Africa principal shares testimony, dreams for NTC
When Catherine Lebese was 17, someone gave her a tract that was misprinted so that it was blank on the inside, and on the outside it had only a picture and the address for a Nazarene church. She was curious about the Christian faith, so she wrote to the address. The Mothotlung Church of the Nazarene, in an area of Johannesburg, South Africa, sent their new pastor to her home to speak to her about Christ, but Lebese was reluctant to make a commitment. She was familiar with the gospel, yet was skeptical about its truth.
In Democratic Republic of the Congo, Alabaster offerings have provided a long-awaited answer to prayer. In November, the donations were used to buy land for a future Nazarene district center in Lubumbashi on the South Katanga District.
Longtime Sunday School teacher passes away
Kamal "Kamalbai" Surendra Nade, a longtime, beloved Sunday School teacher at the Buldana Church of the Nazarene in India, passed away recently after serving the church for nearly 50 years.
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: IrelandThe Church of theNazarene officially entered Ireland in 1987.
Ireland had a population of 4,832,765 in 2014. That same year, Ireland reported one Church of the Nazarene that had been officially organized. Ireland has 122 total members.
Ireland is a Pioneer Area district on theEurasia Region.
For more information about the Church of the Nazarene in Ireland, click here.
Previous flags featured:NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
Mesoamerica
Genesis initiative brings social transformation to DR community
In the community of Haina, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, most cohabiting adult couples are not married. Many have been together for years and have children. Yet, as 21 of these individuals have begun to regularly attend a new Nazarene church plant and give their lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit has been gently speaking to them about their need to be married — an elementary doctrinal belief in the Christian faith.
Argentina reggae band shares gospel through concerts, music video
Good Medicine, the discipleship and evangelistic reggae music ministry of the Church of the Nazarene in Monte Grande, Argentina, closed 2014 by recording its first music video and performing a concert.
Cristian Stoppiello and Joel Lescano, the group's co-founders, came to know Christ through reggae music and felt that the genre had potential to spread the Good News. In 2009, the group formed with Celeste and Priscila, who lead the choruses; Alan, a bass player; Ignacio, keyboards; Pablo, a drummer; Federico, a guitarist; and Pablenke, who plays the tenor sax.
After five years playing in schools, bars, cultural centers, and churches, Good Medication premiered its firstprofessional video , "The Solution," last month. It is the first single from the band's 2013 album, Patience.
The video was filmed and produced by the South America Region production team in Pilar.
"It is going around onsocial networks since December 25 with immediate results and looks to be a great evangelistic tool because of its lyrical clarity and depth, musical harmony, and beauty through visual creativity," Stoppiello said.
Three days after the video premiered, the band closed the year with an open-air concert in a low-income neighborhood in Monte Grande called "the triumph." It was the last stop on a four-day tour organized by Manos a la Obra (Get to Work) and the Catholic Pastoral University of Lomas de Zamora.
"The neighborhood was impacted by the message of the love of Christ that our brothers communicated, proof that together we can do more," said Andrés Ávalos, priest and coordinator for the event.
To find out more about the ministry of Good Medication Reggae, follow the band on Facebook, listen to their music on SoundCloud, and watch their videos on YouTube.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Bolivia pastors attended church planting training
A team of speakers offered Dynamic Church Planting International's "Essentials of Church Planting" in two Bolivia locations this month.
Indiana church carries on late missionary's legacy through donation
Less than one year ago, former missionary Janelle Fosnaugh passed away in an automobile accident. Janelle and her husband, Lane, served as missionaries for more than 18 years in Haiti and Papua New Guinea.
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.
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received February 2-6, 2015.
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Africa
NTC-South Africa principal shares testimony, dreams for NTC
Muldersdrift, South Africa
When Catherine Lebese was 17, someone gave her a tract that was misprinted so that it was blank on the inside, and on the outside it had only a picture and the address for a Nazarene church. She was curious about the Christian faith, so she wrote to the address. The Mothotlung Church of the Nazarene, in an area of Johannesburg, South Africa, sent their new pastor to her home to speak to her about Christ, but Lebese was reluctant to make a commitment. She was familiar with the gospel, yet was skeptical about its truth.
"After he left, in the evening, [I thought] I've heard that so many times, I don't even know if it's true. Let's try this and see if it works. I prayed, 'Lord, if this is true what these people say about salvation, save me.' Something changed immediately, I felt the change and I knew it was real and that’s when my walk with Christ started."
The pastor had left her with the first lesson of the Basic Bible Studies and a Bible. Out of curiosity she decided to visit his church.
"The moment I stepped into the church, something deep inside told me this is home and I decided to stay, and I invited my friends and we started going. We became the first youth group in that church."
For the rest of the story about the new principal of Nazarene Theological College-South Africa, see Engage magazine.
Alabaster provides land for new district center in DRC
Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
In Democratic Republic of the Congo, Alabaster offerings have provided a long-awaited answer to prayer. In November, the donations were used to buy land for a future Nazarene district center in Lubumbashi on the South Katanga District.
"This involved many years of praying and waiting on the Lord to open the door for this wonderful site," said Chishibanji Célestin, the district superintendent and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries field coordinator.
Célestin praised God for the provision and thanked church members for their faithfulness in giving.
"We believe that God is the controller of time and circumstances," he said.
The new center will be used for training, meetings, and assemblies. Until the new facility can be built, pastors are farming the land. They've planted sweet potatoes and soya beans, which will be ready to harvest in April and May.
"We thank all the leaders who are mobilizing the church members to give for the Alabaster funds in February and September," Célestin said. "You have blessed many communities and contributed to the salvation of many souls ... Praise be to God!"
For more information on Alabaster, click here.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region
EurasiaLongtime Sunday School teacher passes away
India, Eurasia Region
Kamal "Kamalbai" Surendra Nade, a longtime, beloved Sunday School teacher at the Buldana Church of the Nazarene in India, passed away recently after serving the church for nearly 50 years.
"She was my inspiration," said Orpah Battase, the Nazarene Missions International president at the Buldana church. "She was an evangelist; she would never miss the NMI meeting and in every meeting, she would take detailed notes of whatever I taught or preached. She was a woman of sincere prayers. I am going to miss her a lot."
Kamalbai began teaching Sunday School, especially reaching out to non-Christian children at her former church in Jalgaon Jamod, in 1979. She herself had come to Christ as a child in Sunday School. When her family moved to Buldana, they began to attend the Nazarene church in 1989, and she continued Sunday School ministry there. Kamalbai also led Vacation Bible School for children in the community.
She taught through Christian songs, a flannel board, Scripture memorization, and showing children how to pray. Kamalbai also led small skits and dramas. There were typically about 50 children in her classes at any one time.
Her daughter-in-law said, "I grew up in faith in God and learned to trust in the Lord for everything in my life. I also learned to fast and pray through her. I have been blessed by her teaching and have experienced the power of the same in my personal life over and over."
Kamalbai was also known as a prayerful woman.
"I experienced a huge prayer support from her," said Rajiv Yangad, superintendent of the Central Maharashtra District. "She would personally come to me and clearly state how and what the Lord has spoken to her from the preaching and would assure her and her family's daily prayer support without fail. She was a great Christian influence to her own children, church children, youth, women, and several members as well."
Kamalbai was preceded in death by her husband, Surendra, and their son, Sachin. They have two surviving children, Kiran and Leena.--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
Flags of the Nations: Ireland
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 This week: IrelandThe Church of the
Ireland had a population of 4,832,765 in 2014. That same year, Ireland reported one Church of the Nazarene that had been officially organized. Ireland has 122 total members.
Ireland is a Pioneer Area district on the
For more information about the Church of the Nazarene in Ireland, click here.
Previous flags featured:NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
Genesis initiative brings social transformation to DR community
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
In the community of Haina, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, most cohabiting adult couples are not married. Many have been together for years and have children. Yet, as 21 of these individuals have begun to regularly attend a new Nazarene church plant and give their lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit has been gently speaking to them about their need to be married — an elementary doctrinal belief in the Christian faith.
This is the ministry reality faced by Luz Jiménez and Zabdi Jessica Delgado, two missionaries with the Mesoamerica Genesis initiative, which sent them to plant a church in Haina earlier last year. Several attenders of the church plant came to Christ in April, when the missionaries-in-training conducted a Maximum Mission evangelism event in Haina.
Afterward, three new believers — Félix and his partner Jacqueline, and a woman named Martiza — began meeting with Jiménez and Delgado for discipleship and prayer and, excited about their new faith, brought friends and family members with them to the gatherings. So the congregation grew.
The idea of church was such a novel concept to the people that at first when it was time for the services, Jiménez and Delgado had to go find the people and remind them that it was time to gather.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
South AmericaArgentina reggae band shares gospel through concerts, music video
Monte Grande, Argentina
Good Medicine, the Cristian Stoppiello and Joel Lescano, the group's co-founders, came to know Christ through reggae music and felt that the genre had potential to spread the Good News. In 2009, the group formed with Celeste and Priscila, who lead the choruses; Alan, a bass player; Ignacio, keyboards; Pablo, a drummer; Federico, a guitarist; and Pablenke, who plays the tenor sax.
After five years playing in schools, bars, cultural centers, and churches, Good Medication premiered its first
"It is going around on
Three days after the video premiered, the band closed the year with an open-air concert in a low-income neighborhood in Monte Grande called "the triumph." It was the last stop on a four-day tour organized by Manos a la Obra (Get to Work) and the Catholic Pastoral University of Lomas de Zamora.
"The neighborhood was impacted by the message of the love of Christ that our brothers communicated, proof that together we can do more," said Andrés Ávalos, priest and coordinator for the event.
To find out more about the ministry of Good Medication Reggae, follow the band on Facebook, listen to their music on SoundCloud, and watch their videos on YouTube.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Bolivia, South America Region
A team of speakers offered Dynamic Church Planting International's "Essentials of Church Planting" in two Bolivia locations this month.
Speakers Barry Carney, Carlos Fernandez, Freddy Zapata, Macedonio Daza, and Napoleón Guerrero first visited Central Area Nazarene Seminary January 15 through 17 to offer the training to 40 pastors representing the La Paz, Alto Northwest, and South Oruro districts.
Later, the speakers traveled to Cochabamba to give the same training to 20 pastors and district leaders. This took place the 19 through 21 in the Cliza Church of the Nazarene.
"These days were intense and very blessed," said Napoleón Guerrero, regional evangelism coordinator. "The 60 participants left motivated and with new projects to carry out.
"Different places on the SAM Region have asked for the same training. They understand that DCPI gives tools and guidance toward a clear vision of what God is asking each church."
Plans are underway to offer the same training in Venezuela at the end of March and in Paraguay and Brazil in April.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
USA/CanadaIndiana church carries on late missionary's legacy through donation
Less than one year ago, former missionary Janelle Fosnaugh passed away in an automobile accident. Janelle and her husband, Lane, served as missionaries for more than 18 years in Haiti and Papua New Guinea.
Janelle had a passion for sharing the gospel cross-culturally. Huntington, Indiana, Church of the Nazarene decided to carry on Janelle's legacy by raising money to support radio ministry in Papua New Guinea.
The following note was recently received from Janelle's mother, Carol:
"As you know, my church adopted this project [Krai Bilong Ol Meri (Cry of the Women)] in memory of my daughter, Janelle Zurcher Fosnaugh … Janelle would be so happy if she knew and Lane is very happy about it. May God bless and multiply [the funds raised] as you use it for His kingdom in getting that radio program out to as many folks as possible. Blessings on you and your great work for God there in PNG! You are in my prayers."
While the Huntington church family had set a goal of raising $1,500, they were excited to announce that they had exceeded their goal and were sending in $1,720 to partner in sharing the gospel message to women across Papua New Guinea.
Daniel Eka, radio director and national communications coordinator for PNG, responded:
"I just returned from three days of radio training with one of our major Christian radio stations in the country. The management and staff of Wantok Radio Light made great comments concerning the Krai Bilong Ol Meri program. Their comments are positive. KBOM is touching the lives of many souls."
Krai Bilong Ol Meri is currently airing on 16 radio stations in 17 of the 22 provinces of PNG.
The Asia-Pacific Region and the Melanesia South Pacific Field wish to personally thank Huntington Church of the Nazarene. Their dream of carrying on Janelle's legacy through the highlands of Papua New Guinea will make an eternal impact.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Moving Ministers: January 2015
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 January 1 to January 31, 2015.
To view the January report, click here.
For previous reports, see nazarene.org. As of: Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Moving Ministers from 1/1/2015 to 1/31/2015
Rev. Tomás Alvarez from Pastor Medford First Medford OR to Pastor
Moving Ministers from 1/1/2015 to 1/31/2015
Rev. Tomás Alvarez from Pastor Medford First Medford OR to Pastor
on 12/21/2014 Medford First - Latino Congregation Medford OR
Rev. Andrew W. Arp from Pastoral Service Flint Central Flint MI to Pastor on 1/1/2015 Odessa First Odessa TX
Rev. James Bradford Bellomy from Pastoral Service Columbia First Columbia SC to Pastor on 1/4/2015 San Antonio New Vision Community San Antonio TX
Rev. Jonathan D. Burkey from Pastoral Service Kankakee College to Pastoral Service on 12/1/2014 Lima Community Lima OH
Rev. Jeff C. Canfield from Unassigned Kentucky Ashland KY to Pastor
on 12/7/2014 Eastern Durbin Catlettsburg KY
Rev. Kenneth M. Dove from Pastor Nashville Grace Nashville TN to Pastor on 11/9/2014 Gracepointe Loganville GA
Rev. Stephen Dudash from Pastoral Service Denton Willowwood Denton TX to Pastoral Service on 1/1/2015 Clear Lake Webster TX
Rev. John J. Farley from Pastoral Service Colorado Springs First Colorado Springs CO to Pastoral Service on 1/1/2015 York Stillmeadow York PA
Rev. Cheryl D. Gosnell from Pastoral Service NorthGate Phoenix AZ to Pastoral Service on 11/23/2014 Hope Community Surprise AZ
Rev. T. Jay Gosnell from Pastoral Service NorthGate Phoenix AZ to Pastoral Service on 11/23/2014 Hope Community Surprise AZ
Rev. Ricky Joel Graves from Pastor Lewisburg First Lewisburg TN to Pastor on 2/1/2015 Muscle Shoals Muscle Shoals AL
Rev. Doug Gunsalus II fom Pastor Duncan Heritage Oaks Duncan OK to Pastor on 1/4/2015 Buena Park First Buena Park CA
Rev. Jaime L Hampton from Pastoral Service The Plains-Athens Community The Plains OH to Pastoral Service on 1/26/2015 Circleville First Circleville OH
Rev. Sean M. Hampton from Pastor The Plains-Athens Community Pastoral Service The Plains OH to on 1/26/2015 Circleville First Circleville OH
Rev. Jennifer D. Hendersonfrom Pastoral Service Ashland City Faith Community Ashland City TN to Pastoral Service on 11/30/2014 Dickson Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Dickson TN
Rev. Jack R. Holt from Unassigned South Texas Cypress TX to Pastor
on 12/1/2014 Vidor Vidor TX
Rev. Paul Horn Jr. from Pastoral Service Colorado Springs Eastborough Colorado Springs CO to Pastor on 1/12/2015 Grand Ledge Grand Ledge MI
Rev. Bradley R. Keeter Jr. from Pastoral Service Ponca City St. Luke's Ponca City OK to Pastor on 12/29/2014 Van Buren First Van Buren AR
Rev. Kevin G. Lambert from Pastor Elgin Harvester's Elgin OR to Pastor on 3/1/2015 Layton Rosewood Lane Layton UT
Rev. Steve Leppert from Unassigned Kansas City Overland Park KS to Pastor on 12/28/2014 Cordova Cordova AK
Rev. Grace C. Mantarian from Pastoral Service Rochester Church Radiant Rochester NY to Pastoral Service on 1/1/2015 Denver ThornCreek Thornton CO
Rev. Michele S. McConnell from Pastoral Service Rocky Butte Brewster WA to Pastoral Service on 11/16/2014 Living Faith Girard KS
Rev. Larry G. Moser from Pastor Vidor Vidor TX to Pastoral Service
on 1/1/2015 Northpoint Community Beaumont TX
Rev. Barbara L. Perkins from Pastoral Service Newell First Newell WV to Pastoral Service on 1/4/2015 Rantoul Rantoul IL
Rev. Vernon D. Perkins from Pastor Newell First Newell WV to Pastor
on 1/4/2015 Rantoul Rantoul IL
Rev. James W. Planck from Pastor Okemos Okemos MI Pastor on 2/1/2015 Reading Reading MI
Rev. Scott Pryor from Student Northern California Concord CA to Pastoral Service on 11/1/2014 Chico East Avenue Community Chico CA
Rev. Nichole M. Rech from Student Intermountain Nampa ID to Pastoral Service on 1/5/2015 Medford First Medford OR
Rev. Heather G. Roberts from Pastoral Service Royersford Royersford PA to Pastoral Service on 1/1/2015 Nacogdoches First Nacogdoches TX
Rev. Joshua W. R. Roebuck from Pastoral Service Lawton First Lawton OK to Pastoral Service on 1/19/2015 Northpoint Community Beaumont TX
Global Ministry Center News
In 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 February 2-6, 2015.
Geraldine (Hinkson) Allen, 94, of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away January 28. She was the widow of retired minister, chaplain, and educator E. Drell Allen, who served in Michigan, Alberta, Minnesota, and Tennessee. E. Drell Allen passed away January 11.
Patricia Bailey, 72, of Temple, Texas, passed away January 28. She was the widow of retired minister Harvey Bailey, who served in Texas. Harvey Bailey passed away in 2006.
Esther Isenberg, 99, of Hull, Massachusetts, passed away January 28. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist Donald Isenberg, who served in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington, and Illinois. Donald Isenberg passed away in 1992.
Richard Law, 93, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away February 5. He was a retired chaplain and evangelist, serving in Missouri and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, retired chaplain and evangelist Lucille Law.
Kamal "Kamalbai" Surendra Nade of Buldana, India, passed away recently. She was a longtime Sunday School teacher. (story)
Ivor Radnuz, 91, of Capalaba, Australia, passed away January 18. He was a longtime member of Capalaba Church of the Nazarene, serving as a Board of Trustees member and greeter for several decades. (story)
Elmer Schrag, 93, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away January 11. He was a retired minister and chaplain, serving in Ontario, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, and Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Schrag, in September.
Raymond "R. L." Thompson, 89, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away February 3. He was a retired minister and Nazarene Publishing House employee, serving in Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Marceliene Thompson.
Darrell Zumalt, 67, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away January 31. He was a retired minister, serving in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Texas, and Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife, Berta Zumalt, in 2013.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Global Ministry Center
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Argentina
"Ariel attended church for many years," said an Argentinian team leader. "Yet after watching the JESUS film, he realized the gospel was for everyone, not just him. He has since formed a group for youth from different social and economic backgrounds so they might find the Lord. From this group, several have already accepted Christ."
JESUS Film - Benin
"I heard God calling me," Kowa from Benin said. "I did not hesitate to answer His call. When I gave my life to God, I became filled with joy and hope. I place all my life before Him."
JESUS Film - Cuba
"A man I played soccer with shared the gospel with me," said a viewer in Cuba. "It was a long time ago, and I didn't react to it. When I saw the JESUS film for the first time, I felt a tug in my heart to accept Christ. Now I am going to win my family and friends for Christ."
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Troutman Request
Philip and Paula Troutman, missionaries serving in Angola, ask for prayer for their son and his wife who serve as volunteers in a creative access country. The son has been hospitalized and is being treated for insomnia and fibromyalgia. Pray for the son’s healing, wisdom for the doctors treating him; strength, peace and rest for both the son and his wife; support from their local teammates; and for financial provision.
Tarrant Sister
Pray for Christine, the sister of Paul and Dorothy Tarrant, who fell critically ill while visiting Dorothy in Romania over Christmas. Christine is hospitalized in a coma. Please pray for her recovery and for the hospital staff in Romania who are treating her. Pray also that Paul will be able to arrange medical evacuation to Scotland for further treatment; this is a challenge as there is a shortage of hospital beds in Scotland at the moment. Paul and his wife, Cathy, are Nazarene leaders in the United Kingdom and the Eurasia Region; Cathy is a representative for Eurasia on the Global NMI Council, and Dorothy is a missionary in Romania.
GLOBAL CONCERNS
Increase in Persecution
According to Open Doors, the year 2014 will go down in history for having the highest level of global persecution of Christians in the modern era. Current conditions suggest the worst is yet to come. Open Doors 2015 World Watch List says the Middle East remains the most violent area for Christians, and Africa is seeing the largest increase in persecution of believers. Click here to read more from Open Doors ministry.
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here.
To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
GMC employment opportunities
Friday, January 23, 2015
Global Ministry Center
By NCN News Staff
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Global Education and Clergy Development — Senior Program Assistant
This position assists the Global Clergy Development director and administrative director fulfill ministry objectives.
Financial Services — Administrative Assistant
This position works under the direction of the general treasurer, primarily providing administrative and clerical support. This position also provides administrative and clerical support to the Donor Services manager and Global Treasury Services controller as needed.
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.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Inc — Mentoring Coordinator
The person in this position is responsible for the NCMI Compassion Kids Mentoring Initiative and will support the expansion of mentoring and youth development activities across the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries network. For a full description of the position, click here. Applicants should send a resume or CV to ncmi@ncmi.org.
About
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. To obtain additional information, please call (913) 577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, emailing bsikes@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here.
Collegiate News
Trevecca announces new associate vice president
Trevecca Nazarene University announced Heidi R. Frederick accepted the role of associate vice president for Graduate and Continuing Studies. In this role, Frederick will provide leadership for faculty, curricula, and academic efforts for nontraditional adult learners in site-based and online programs. Frederick holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Regent University and a Master of Business Administration and bachelor's degree in music from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us:
Nazarene Communications Network
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66220
USA
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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Trevecca announces new associate vice president
Nashville, Tennessee
Trevecca Nazarene University announced Heidi R. Frederick accepted the role of associate vice president for Graduate and Continuing Studies. In this role, Frederick will provide leadership for faculty, curricula, and academic efforts for nontraditional adult learners in site-based and online programs. Frederick holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Regent University and a Master of Business Administration and bachelor's degree in music from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
"Trevecca has exciting and innovative plans for graduate and continuing studies," said Tim Eades, associate provost. "The addition of someone with the experience and expertise of Dr. Frederick is key. We are thrilled Heidi is joining the team!"
Frederick has taught or written courses in business, leadership, management, and interdisciplinary studies. Her research interests include higher education accreditation, adult student experience, faculty engagement, accountability, authentic leadership, and Biblical exegetical study of leadership theory and praxis. Frederick has presented at various conferences, including the Conclave for Leadership Research & Analysis, the Annual Conference for the Center for Research in Adult Learning, the Annual Meeting for the Higher Learning Commission, and the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. She has served on the Ohio Board of Regent's Prior Learning Assessment Working Group and the Association for Biblical Higher Education Standards for Accreditation Review Task Force. Frederick was a 2010 Fellow in Indiana Wesleyan University's Leadership Development for Women initiative and was recognized as the 2010 Administrator of the Year at Ohio Christian University.
She previously served at Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio, first in institutional effectiveness and then as assistant vice president and dean for the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. Prior to that, she served at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Trevecca offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at five Tennessee locations and online. To request information on these programs, visit trevecca.edu/inquire or call 1-800-818-4256.--Trevecca Nazarene University
Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us:
Nazarene Communications Network
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66220
USA
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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