In This Issue:
- Nazarene News from Around the Globe.
- NMI Highlight...World Evangelism Fund (WEF)
- The Simplest Way to Reduce Stress
- Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests!
- Answered Prayer - Rain Falling in Papua New Guinea!
- New Missional Superintendent Appointed for Australia North & West District
- ANZ Field Appoints New DS for Australia Southern District!
- Team Members Leave the Field for Further Cancer Treatment- Please be in Prayer!
- The Aftermath of Typhoon Koppu
- The Power of the Sun in Sharing the Message of the Son- The Saga Continues!
- Board of General Superintendents Invites Support for Upcoming Thank Offering
- Upcoming Elections in Myanmar - Please Pray!
- Never Enough Socks
- Developing the Future
- Stories Volume 3 - 2015 Now Available.
- Global Compassion Conference Announced.
- APNTS Highlights!
- Nazarene News from Around the Globe
- Africa:
- Refugee family finds new home, church
- Gresham to preside at Southern Africa Nazarene University commencement
- Generating hope: Project Book Bag Assists Widows, Orphans in Kenya
- Eurasia:
- Church continues Nepal earthquake response
- Q&A: Missionary Talks Refugee Crisis in Croatia
- M+Power: Nazarenes Train in India for Mission
- Mesoamerica:
- Hurricane Patricia pounds Mexico; churches responding
- Dominican Republic Central district superintendent passes away
- American Bible Society Offering to Benefit Cuba
- South America:
- Master's Plan Convention attracts more than 1,000
- Chile Struck by 2015's Strongest Earthquake
- Peru Leaders Attend Conference on Nazarene Doctrine
- USA / Canada:
- Samoan Nazarene Conference a celebration of past, future
- SNU hosts equipping events for Clergy Appreciation Month
- Maryland church member nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year
- Pastor leads church to aid South Carolina flood victims
- Former Olivet Tiger advances to World Series
- Korean pastors gather for conference
- Refugee family finds new home, church
- Amazing Race: Mission Edition teaches Florida students about mission
- SNU announces new magazine
- MVNU, TNU former dean of students John Donoho passes away
- Trevecca alumnus leads church to aid South Carolina flood victims
- Illinois College Church celebrates 75 years
- Indianapolis District churches help establish Myanmar congregation
- NNU CubeSat design team receives third NASA Space Grant
- Olivet dedicates Walker School of Engineering
- Nazarenes in the News
- Pilot Point's enduring significance
- Changing the Face of Poverty
- Flood Damages South Carolina Churches
- Ambrose Seminary Hosts Chinese Theologian
- Celebrate pastors during Clergy Appreciation Month
- Stories Volume 3 - 2015 now available
- SNU Tulsa campus celebrates 25th anniversary
- Colton Dixon, Trip Lee among performers at MVNU's SonFest
- Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations
- Global Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
- GMC Employment Opportunities.
- Moving Ministers: September 2015
- In Memoriam
World Evangelism Fund
The World Evangelism Fund (WEF) is the essential foundation for all giving in Global Mission. In churches around the world, pastors, church boards, and NMI leaders network prayerfully and strategically to fulfill WEF giving goals.
No other church supports global mission more effectively than the Church of the Nazarene. No other funding plan invests more productively in life transformation than WEF giving. It is the most helpful way to invest in the Great Commission and Book-of Acts holiness mission movements. WEF is a key in global strategy to evangelize and disciple people with the love of Christ and the Gospel.
The World Evangelism Fund comes from the generosity of Nazarenes around the world. We challenge each church globally to contribute 5.5% of its current income. Many churches see the effectiveness of global mission and give well beyond that minimum.
To make Christlike Disciples in the Nations, WEF provides ministries in all nations and age groups in Global Mission, including the USA / Canada Region, NMI, NYI, SDMI, clergy development, education and administration.
Each church, regardless of size, has the opportunity to participate in global mission.
Just as individuals are blessed by God when they commit their resources for His kingdom, so churches are blessed when they give to help reach lost people around the world. For more info click here
Developing Leaders[Stan Toler]
The Simplest Way to Reduce Stress
How Slowing Down Will Actually Help You Speed Up
What's your strategy for facing a busy day, or a busy life season for that matter? If you're like most people, you instinctively speed up. If I can run a little faster, you think, I'll get caught up!
Not so.
Running faster only makes you more tired in terms of productivity. It doesn't make you more effective, and it certainly doesn't reduce your stress level.
Oddly, the best way to beat the stress of a busy schedule is to slow down.
Here are five ways to catch your breath, adjust your priorities, and ultimately get more done.
1. Plan Your Day the Night Before
At the end of a long day, you probably want to unwind and relax. The last thing you can think about is tomorrow's packed agenda. As a result, you begin the next day in the hole, taking 20 minutes to figure out what to do next. Or worse, you just dive in on a project.
2. Take 10 minutes this evening to slow down, take a deep breath, and write your top three priorities for tomorrow on an index card or your smart phone. Then stick to them. You'll be more relaxed and productive as a result.
A.
B.
C.
APNTS NOW OFFERS Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching Ministry! Follow This Link for Information.
APNTS Announces PhD Classes for November-December 2015.
(For PhD in HCD, PhD in Transformational Learning, and PhD in Transformational Development)
Follow this link for more information.
Nov. 2-6 Dr. Laura Sandidge Learners with Special Needs (for PhD & Masters)
Nov. 2-13 Dr. Fletcher Tink & Dr. Melba Maggay Culture, Context, and Worldview (for PhD only)
Nov. 16-27 Dr. Dick Eugenio & Prof. Larnie Sam Tabuena Philosophy and Theology of Transformation (for PhD Only)
Dec. 7-18 Dr. Joanna Soberano Spirituality and Transformational Learning for PhD Only) - to be confirmed.
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
Writer: Laurice Maggay
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
3. When you're especially busy, you'll be tempted either to skip lunch or to eat on the run. But going hungry or multitasking eating and email are both counterproductive. Take at least 15 minutes, preferably 30, to get out of the office, catch your breath, and eat slowly. And don't schedule too many lunch meetings-no more than two a week. You need a daily break.
4. Take a Nap
My longtime friend Thomas E. Hermiz lived to be nearly 90. He took a 10 minute nap every day at the office. So, take a cue from Tom and take a few minutes midday to close your eyes and drift off for a bit. If you keep it brief (10 to 20 minutes maximum), a catnap will refresh your mind and boost your energy. Odd, isn't it?
5. Multitasking is a terrible way to do anything. Rather than making you more productive, it simply means you do more things poorly. Close the laptop when you're on the phone. Turn off notifications when you're working on email. Do one thing at a time, take your time, and do it right.[Stan Toler[
Share The Story!
4. Take a Nap
My longtime friend Thomas E. Hermiz lived to be nearly 90. He took a 10 minute nap every day at the office. So, take a cue from Tom and take a few minutes midday to close your eyes and drift off for a bit. If you keep it brief (10 to 20 minutes maximum), a catnap will refresh your mind and boost your energy. Odd, isn't it?
5. Multitasking is a terrible way to do anything. Rather than making you more productive, it simply means you do more things poorly. Close the laptop when you're on the phone. Turn off notifications when you're working on email. Do one thing at a time, take your time, and do it right.[Stan Toler[
Share The Story!
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
Papua New Guinea
Asia-Pacific Region
- Team Members Leave the Field for Further Cancer Treatment- Please be in Prayer!
- Upcoming Elections in Myanmar- Please Pray!
- The Aftermath of Typhoon Koppu
- Daughters of Family in CAA Hit by Car, Crossing Street to School *** Update
- Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
Papua New Guinea
BLOG, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
ANSWERED PRAYER – RAIN FALLING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA!
Kudjip, Papua New Guinea: We are praising God this morning as social media messages began flowing out of Papua New Guinea around October 28th:
Read: Wells are dry, gardens have died, drought worsens in Papua New Guinea.
10-28: RAIN! Heavy at the moment–we’re just waiting to find out how long it lasts!
10-29: “Well, it’s raining! Second evening in a row, if you can call 2 a row. I went out this afternoon and placed a plastic foot locker under the overflow pipe on our rain tank….I feel like the author of some DIY web site. “How to catch and use water during a drought.”
10-30: “THUNDER! Will it be three nights in a row? It ended up raining most of the night last night!”
Thank you for your continued prayers for Papua New Guinea! The drought has been severe!
New Missional Superintendent Appointed for Australia North & West District
Australia
Rev. Roland Hearn with wife Emmy
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
NEW MISSIONAL SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED FOR AUSTRALIA NORTH & WEST DISTRICT
Australia: It is with great privilege that the Australia New Zealand Field and the Asia-Pacific Region announces the appointment of Rev. Roland Hearn as the Missional Superintendent of the Australia North and West District Church of the Nazarene, effective November 1, 2015.
A member of the Church of the Nazarene since 1976, Rev. Hearn is the son of pioneer Australian Nazarenes, Rev. Colin and Loy Hearn. He enrolled at Nazarene Theological College- Brisbane (NTC) in 1985, where he met his wife. They have four children.
After graduating from NTC, Rev. Hearn and Emmy served as pastors in rural Queensland. Eventually, the Hearns relocated to Frisco, Texas, where they planted the NewStart Church of the Nazarene. They also started the NewStart RiverCity Church of the Nazarene on the northside of Brisbane.
Australia
Rev. Roland Hearn with wife Emmy
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
NEW MISSIONAL SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED FOR AUSTRALIA NORTH & WEST DISTRICT
Australia: It is with great privilege that the Australia New Zealand Field and the Asia-Pacific Region announces the appointment of Rev. Roland Hearn as the Missional Superintendent of the Australia North and West District Church of the Nazarene, effective November 1, 2015.
A member of the Church of the Nazarene since 1976, Rev. Hearn is the son of pioneer Australian Nazarenes, Rev. Colin and Loy Hearn. He enrolled at Nazarene Theological College- Brisbane (NTC) in 1985, where he met his wife. They have four children.
After graduating from NTC, Rev. Hearn and Emmy served as pastors in rural Queensland. Eventually, the Hearns relocated to Frisco, Texas, where they planted the NewStart Church of the Nazarene. They also started the NewStart RiverCity Church of the Nazarene on the northside of Brisbane.
Rev. Hearn with wife Emmy
Rev. Hearn finished two Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Queensland (UQ). He is currently enrolled in the M.Phil. programme in Practical Theology at UQ where he is working on his thesis, which he hopes will become the basis for a future Ph.D.
Rev. Hearn has also been serving as the Dean of Students at NTC for almost three years. Additionally, Hearn is serving as the founding director of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) programme at NTC that offers an Australian accredited undergraduate degree to students located in geographically remote areas outside of Australia, who are also in financially challenging positions.
During the interview process, Rev. Hearn outlined his philosophy of ministry as based on the conviction that “God is love,” and that love is transformational, with holiness being the living out of that love.
“With all this in mind, I would invite the team on a journey of the discovery of love. Our future will not only be determined by our strategies, efforts, and capabilities, but by our capacity to live out this love that is at the heart of our denominational understanding of our identity. We must value others, seek genuine relationship with each other, and be genuinely transformational together.”[Rev. Roland Hearn]
Australia-New Zealand Field Strategy Coordinator, Dr. John Moore, who had been one of Rev. Hearn’s lecturers during his ministerial studies at NTC, responded to the announcement:
“I am confident that Roland will lead the district forward with grace and effectiveness in mission. Let’s all join together in the spirit of Christ and the unity He prayed for, to serve a broken world with the love of God.”
We are very happy that Rev. Hearn will assume this vitally important role on the Australia North and West District. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him as he leads the district, and may he exemplify Christlike leadership to our fellow Nazarenes.[Submitted by: Steve Walsh]
Rev. Hearn finished two Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Queensland (UQ). He is currently enrolled in the M.Phil. programme in Practical Theology at UQ where he is working on his thesis, which he hopes will become the basis for a future Ph.D.
Rev. Hearn has also been serving as the Dean of Students at NTC for almost three years. Additionally, Hearn is serving as the founding director of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) programme at NTC that offers an Australian accredited undergraduate degree to students located in geographically remote areas outside of Australia, who are also in financially challenging positions.
During the interview process, Rev. Hearn outlined his philosophy of ministry as based on the conviction that “God is love,” and that love is transformational, with holiness being the living out of that love.
“With all this in mind, I would invite the team on a journey of the discovery of love. Our future will not only be determined by our strategies, efforts, and capabilities, but by our capacity to live out this love that is at the heart of our denominational understanding of our identity. We must value others, seek genuine relationship with each other, and be genuinely transformational together.”[Rev. Roland Hearn]
Australia-New Zealand Field Strategy Coordinator, Dr. John Moore, who had been one of Rev. Hearn’s lecturers during his ministerial studies at NTC, responded to the announcement:
“I am confident that Roland will lead the district forward with grace and effectiveness in mission. Let’s all join together in the spirit of Christ and the unity He prayed for, to serve a broken world with the love of God.”
We are very happy that Rev. Hearn will assume this vitally important role on the Australia North and West District. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him as he leads the district, and may he exemplify Christlike leadership to our fellow Nazarenes.[Submitted by: Steve Walsh]
Australia New Zealand Field Appoints New DS for Australia Southern District!
Australia
Rev. Manmothe with his wife Manisha and son Avidan
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND FIELD APPOINTS NEW DS FOR AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN DISTRICT!
Australia: The Australia New Zealand Field and the Asia-Pacific Region are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Satish Manmothe as the 5th District Superintendent (DS) of the Australia Southern District.
Australia
Rev. Manmothe with his wife Manisha and son Avidan
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND FIELD APPOINTS NEW DS FOR AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN DISTRICT!
Australia: The Australia New Zealand Field and the Asia-Pacific Region are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Satish Manmothe as the 5th District Superintendent (DS) of the Australia Southern District.
Rev. Manmothe with his wife Manisha and son Avidan
Rev. Manmothe completed his bachelor’s degree in India and moved to Manila, Philippines to study at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS). While studying in APNTS, he became the student body president and a member of the pastoral team at the then Gethsemane Church of the Nazarene in Taytay. He graduated cum laude with a Master’s degree in Divinity.
Manmothe traveled to Samoa and served as a lecturer for two years. During this time he was also granted his first local minister’s license. He then moved to Sydney, Australia to enroll in the Master of Theology programme at the Australian College of Theology’s Morling College. While studying at Morling College, Manmothe served as associate pastor of the Birrong church of the Nazarene in Sydney under the leadership of Pastor Bruce Allder, later succeeding him as senior pastor in December 1998.
His passion in the ministry of teaching is evident, as he also functioned as an adjunct professor in systematic theology at APNTS, an adjunct lecturer in missiology and theology at Nazarene Theological College in Thornlands, Queensland, and as a lecturer at Morling Baptist Theological College in Sydney.
Aside from being the current senior pastor of Birrong Church, Satish is also a member of the District Advisory Board and Board of Ministry of the Australia Southern District. In January 2015, he was elected to the board of Nazarene Theological College (NTC) Brisbane.
Rev. Manmothe was born into a third generation Nazarene family in India. He is married to Manisha, who serves as the District Nazarene Missions International Secretary. They have one son, Avidan, aged 16.
Rev. Manmothe, who was appointed on October 20, will commence his role as DS on November 1. Let us all lift him in prayer as he assumes leadership, that he may unite and guide the people in Australia Southern District, that they may become even better disciples of Christ.[Submitted by: Steve Walsh/ Satish Manmothe]
Rev. Manmothe completed his bachelor’s degree in India and moved to Manila, Philippines to study at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS). While studying in APNTS, he became the student body president and a member of the pastoral team at the then Gethsemane Church of the Nazarene in Taytay. He graduated cum laude with a Master’s degree in Divinity.
Manmothe traveled to Samoa and served as a lecturer for two years. During this time he was also granted his first local minister’s license. He then moved to Sydney, Australia to enroll in the Master of Theology programme at the Australian College of Theology’s Morling College. While studying at Morling College, Manmothe served as associate pastor of the Birrong church of the Nazarene in Sydney under the leadership of Pastor Bruce Allder, later succeeding him as senior pastor in December 1998.
His passion in the ministry of teaching is evident, as he also functioned as an adjunct professor in systematic theology at APNTS, an adjunct lecturer in missiology and theology at Nazarene Theological College in Thornlands, Queensland, and as a lecturer at Morling Baptist Theological College in Sydney.
Aside from being the current senior pastor of Birrong Church, Satish is also a member of the District Advisory Board and Board of Ministry of the Australia Southern District. In January 2015, he was elected to the board of Nazarene Theological College (NTC) Brisbane.
Rev. Manmothe was born into a third generation Nazarene family in India. He is married to Manisha, who serves as the District Nazarene Missions International Secretary. They have one son, Avidan, aged 16.
Rev. Manmothe, who was appointed on October 20, will commence his role as DS on November 1. Let us all lift him in prayer as he assumes leadership, that he may unite and guide the people in Australia Southern District, that they may become even better disciples of Christ.[Submitted by: Steve Walsh/ Satish Manmothe]
Click here to know more about Rev. Manmothe and how blessed the Australia Southern District is to have him as the newly appointed DS!
Team Members Leave the Field for Further Cancer Treatment- Please be in Prayer!
Cambodia, Southeast Asia
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
TEAM MEMBERS LEAVE THE FIELD FOR FURTHER CANCER TREATMENT – PLEASE BE IN PRAYER!
Cambodia, Southeast Asia Field: Please pray for Ryan and Angie Ketchum and their girls as they make plans to leave Cambodia, a place where they have served for just over four years. Pray for God’s divine healing for Angie as she faces a new round of cancer treatment in the U.S..
For more information on how to pray for the Ketchums and to follow their journey, please visit their Caring Bridge Website.
Team Members Leave the Field for Further Cancer Treatment- Please be in Prayer!
Cambodia, Southeast Asia
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
TEAM MEMBERS LEAVE THE FIELD FOR FURTHER CANCER TREATMENT – PLEASE BE IN PRAYER!
Cambodia, Southeast Asia Field: Please pray for Ryan and Angie Ketchum and their girls as they make plans to leave Cambodia, a place where they have served for just over four years. Pray for God’s divine healing for Angie as she faces a new round of cancer treatment in the U.S..
For more information on how to pray for the Ketchums and to follow their journey, please visit their Caring Bridge Website.
The Aftermath of Typhoon Koppu
Philippines
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NAZARENE DISASTER RESPONSE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
THE AFTERMATH OF TYPHOON KOPPU
Philippines: Typhoon Koppu (local name: Lando) has already weakened from a tropical depression into a low-pressure area, but the aftermath of its devastation when it hit the country last weekend still lingers at present.Typhoon Koppu devastates the Philippines- Please Pray!
Rev. Crisanto Colorado, District Superintendent of Metropolitan Luzon District, shares the following update:
“All of the rivers and creeks in Cabanatuan city overflowed and flooded most of the barangays. Since October 17, we have been receiving text messages from our members, saying that their houses were already under water. There were over 10 families affected by the flood. Some roads are still not passable, but we heard that the families are okay. However, many of them lost their valuable possessions because the flood came too fast.
After going around Cabanatuan, we went to Camias, Laur. Most of the crops, especially palay (rice) were destroyed, if not wiped out by the strong winds. Rice fields are flooded and many trees were uprooted. Houses were damaged, with some needing major repair, while others, unfortunately, were completely destroyed. This included the small house we built for our housing and Sunday classroom for the kids. Affected families evacuated from their homes and took refuge in the two school classrooms in the community. The electric power is temporarily cut.”
We are still waiting to receive reports from the Philippine Luzon district, another area heavily affected by the typhoon. Let us continue to pray for the families, for their safety and recovery of homes and livelihood.
You too, could do your part to help! Visit the Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief fund and find out how.
Philippines
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NAZARENE DISASTER RESPONSE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
THE AFTERMATH OF TYPHOON KOPPU
Philippines: Typhoon Koppu (local name: Lando) has already weakened from a tropical depression into a low-pressure area, but the aftermath of its devastation when it hit the country last weekend still lingers at present.Typhoon Koppu devastates the Philippines- Please Pray!
Rev. Crisanto Colorado, District Superintendent of Metropolitan Luzon District, shares the following update:
“All of the rivers and creeks in Cabanatuan city overflowed and flooded most of the barangays. Since October 17, we have been receiving text messages from our members, saying that their houses were already under water. There were over 10 families affected by the flood. Some roads are still not passable, but we heard that the families are okay. However, many of them lost their valuable possessions because the flood came too fast.
After going around Cabanatuan, we went to Camias, Laur. Most of the crops, especially palay (rice) were destroyed, if not wiped out by the strong winds. Rice fields are flooded and many trees were uprooted. Houses were damaged, with some needing major repair, while others, unfortunately, were completely destroyed. This included the small house we built for our housing and Sunday classroom for the kids. Affected families evacuated from their homes and took refuge in the two school classrooms in the community. The electric power is temporarily cut.”
We are still waiting to receive reports from the Philippine Luzon district, another area heavily affected by the typhoon. Let us continue to pray for the families, for their safety and recovery of homes and livelihood.
You too, could do your part to help! Visit the Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief fund and find out how.
Follow the link for the rest of the story and what you can do to help our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.
The Power of the Sun in Sharing the Message of the Son- The Saga Continues!
Highlands of Papua New Guinea
BLOG, DISCIPLESHIP, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
THE POWER OF THE SUN IN SHARING THE MESSAGE OF THE SON – THE SAGA CONTINUES!
Highlands of Papua New Guinea: Just what are the team members of the Rural Health Division of the Nazarene Health Services feeling right now? The below quote helps to explain their feeling…
“ There’s a river of life flowing out of me, makes the lame to walk and the blind to see, open prison doors, sets the captives free. There’s a river of live flowing out from me.”Back in June 2015, we published an update on the first part of the solar panel installation in the area. Read on as the overflow of blessings continue, as the second leg of installing the solar panels was completed. Not only that, but opportunities for discipleship were victoriously carried out as well!
The Power of the Sun in Sharing the Message of the Son- The Saga Continues!
Highlands of Papua New Guinea
BLOG, DISCIPLESHIP, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTSTHE POWER OF THE SUN IN SHARING THE MESSAGE OF THE SON – THE SAGA CONTINUES!
Highlands of Papua New Guinea: Just what are the team members of the Rural Health Division of the Nazarene Health Services feeling right now? The below quote helps to explain their feeling…
“ There’s a river of life flowing out of me, makes the lame to walk and the blind to see, open prison doors, sets the captives free. There’s a river of live flowing out from me.”Back in June 2015, we published an update on the first part of the solar panel installation in the area. Read on as the overflow of blessings continue, as the second leg of installing the solar panels was completed. Not only that, but opportunities for discipleship were victoriously carried out as well!
READ: Update on the Power of the Sun in Sharing the Message of the Son!
Together with three national leaders, a team of five volunteers set out to Bana Nazarene Clinic located in the mountain range of Drekikier in the East Sepik province. The trip was for the installation of the solar system that will facilitate starting an immunization program, for volunteer doctors to help with clinical screening and treatment, and for a Community Based Health Care (CBHC) training and discipleship class for pastors and laypeople.
Trips like this are a rare opportunity, as it is a long journey (approximately 7 hours) to get there. The long travel was worth the wait though, as the team was warmly welcomed by the community. Excitement was evident among the people as they eagerly anticipated the changes in the coming days.
Each member of the team took on a particular task during their visit. Dr. Susan Myers, was busy all day with patients coming in from three government districts. They all flocked to the facility to see the doctor because there is no regular doctor available in that area. Others worked diligently on installing the solar panel system. The system will be used for various functions including powering the lights during night services and operating the vaccine refrigerator, which maintains the integrity of the vaccines that are used to treat all of the children in the area who have not been immunized over the years.
The rest of the team members did a tremendous job teaching pastors and lay people during the day and conducting fellowship and showing of The JESUS Film at night. The national leaders, on the other hand, spent their time on CBHC awareness and training. They began introductory training and made connections with ward councilors and community leaders who were in attendance. The councilors pledged their support of the program, and are eager to help bring real change in their respective communities.
“All of us felt the strong presence of God’s love and compassion during the trip,” said Gabriel Mahisu, director of Nazarene Rural Health Services. “I felt very privileged and inspired to have been part of the group who made a big difference in the lives of the community. It was indeed a very productive trip, and we thank everyone who made all of this possible. We praise God for his guidance, and for using us to open doors for the lost to see and receive Christ! There are still many challenges ahead, but we continue to be faithful in Him, as we pray for the transformation in the lives of 15,000 people in the community.”
The road to transformation and development doesn’t end here! If you wish to show your support to the work of Nazarene Rural Health Services, visit Rural Health Greatest need to find out how!
Together with three national leaders, a team of five volunteers set out to Bana Nazarene Clinic located in the mountain range of Drekikier in the East Sepik province. The trip was for the installation of the solar system that will facilitate starting an immunization program, for volunteer doctors to help with clinical screening and treatment, and for a Community Based Health Care (CBHC) training and discipleship class for pastors and laypeople.
Trips like this are a rare opportunity, as it is a long journey (approximately 7 hours) to get there. The long travel was worth the wait though, as the team was warmly welcomed by the community. Excitement was evident among the people as they eagerly anticipated the changes in the coming days.
Each member of the team took on a particular task during their visit. Dr. Susan Myers, was busy all day with patients coming in from three government districts. They all flocked to the facility to see the doctor because there is no regular doctor available in that area. Others worked diligently on installing the solar panel system. The system will be used for various functions including powering the lights during night services and operating the vaccine refrigerator, which maintains the integrity of the vaccines that are used to treat all of the children in the area who have not been immunized over the years.
The rest of the team members did a tremendous job teaching pastors and lay people during the day and conducting fellowship and showing of The JESUS Film at night. The national leaders, on the other hand, spent their time on CBHC awareness and training. They began introductory training and made connections with ward councilors and community leaders who were in attendance. The councilors pledged their support of the program, and are eager to help bring real change in their respective communities.
“All of us felt the strong presence of God’s love and compassion during the trip,” said Gabriel Mahisu, director of Nazarene Rural Health Services. “I felt very privileged and inspired to have been part of the group who made a big difference in the lives of the community. It was indeed a very productive trip, and we thank everyone who made all of this possible. We praise God for his guidance, and for using us to open doors for the lost to see and receive Christ! There are still many challenges ahead, but we continue to be faithful in Him, as we pray for the transformation in the lives of 15,000 people in the community.”
The road to transformation and development doesn’t end here! If you wish to show your support to the work of Nazarene Rural Health Services, visit Rural Health Greatest need to find out how!
Click here!
Board of General Superintendents Invites Support for Upcoming Thank Offering
Global Ministry Center
BLOG, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, WORLD EVANGELISM FUND
BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS INVITES SUPPORT FOR UPCOMING THANK OFFERING
Global Ministry Center: Nazarenes around the world are joining together for the 2015 Thanksgiving, or “Thank Offering” for the World Evangelism Fund. As we remember God’s goodness, we “sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:22). This offering plays a critical role in funding the mission of the Church of the Nazarene, to make Christlike disciples in the nations. With thankfulness and praise, we fulfill this mission together.
Because God works through us, people are hearing the gospel and their basic needs are being met. Whenever we give back to God with our time, prayers, and money, He uses our humble gifts, and we become participants in God’s plans for the future. The future that God has planned is greater than we could imagine. It goes on into eternity as the Holy Spirit works and people around the world join us in worshiping the one, true Savior.
Board of General Superintendents Invites Support for Upcoming Thank Offering
Global Ministry Center
BLOG, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, WORLD EVANGELISM FUNDBOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS INVITES SUPPORT FOR UPCOMING THANK OFFERING
Global Ministry Center: Nazarenes around the world are joining together for the 2015 Thanksgiving, or “Thank Offering” for the World Evangelism Fund. As we remember God’s goodness, we “sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:22). This offering plays a critical role in funding the mission of the Church of the Nazarene, to make Christlike disciples in the nations. With thankfulness and praise, we fulfill this mission together.
Because God works through us, people are hearing the gospel and their basic needs are being met. Whenever we give back to God with our time, prayers, and money, He uses our humble gifts, and we become participants in God’s plans for the future. The future that God has planned is greater than we could imagine. It goes on into eternity as the Holy Spirit works and people around the world join us in worshiping the one, true Savior.
This 2015, the World Evangelism Fund offering celebrates how our prayers, time, and donations help spread the gospel. Through language schools, church plants, mission hospitals, and many other ministries, God uses our gifts to do amazing things for His honor and glory. Here are some of the ways God has accomplished His mission through us in the last year:
- 1,417,397 people gathered every week to worship at Nazarene churches.
- 27,702 Nazarene clergy led people around the world.
- 50,998 students globally were enrolled in holiness education at 52 educational institutions.
The offering will be received on 22 November 2015. (Please note that not all areas will receive the offering on these dates, depending on the calendar of each field or district.)
To give or to download resources for this offering, visit nazarene.org/generosity.
Yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
To give or to download resources for this offering, visit nazarene.org/generosity.
Yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
Click here to see the impact that past Thank Offerings have made around the world!
Upcoming Elections in Myanmar- Please Pray!
Myanmar
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN MYANMAR- PLEASE PRAY!
Myanmar, Southeast Asia: Prayers for Myanmar are requested, as the country will hold its general elections on November 8.
Let us pray for a safe, peaceful and honest elections. May God protect the voters, and may they be guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing the right people to lead their country.
Upcoming Elections in Myanmar- Please Pray!
Myanmar
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTSUPCOMING ELECTIONS IN MYANMAR- PLEASE PRAY!
Myanmar, Southeast Asia: Prayers for Myanmar are requested, as the country will hold its general elections on November 8.
Let us pray for a safe, peaceful and honest elections. May God protect the voters, and may they be guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing the right people to lead their country.
Read the story on our website. Click here!
Never Enough Socks
Engage Magazine
Chris and Karen LewisChris and Karen Lewis volunteering on the Croatian border, assisting with Nazarene ministry to refugees as thousands of people from the Middle East are streaming through Croatia on their way to Germany and Austria. Chris shared the following update.
We spent another day in a hot white Red Cross tent sorting clothing. Piles and piles of donated shirts, jackets, shoes, jeans and other items of clothes. Except socks. We never have enough socks.
Every day anywhere from 600 to 5,000 refugees come through the large refugee camp at Opatovac in Croatia near the Serbian border. Volunteers work 24 hours a day trying to keep up with their needs. They usually arrive hungry, thirsty and often cold. That's why there is such a great need for socks as the cooler weather has come to the Balkans.
Row after row of large green military style tents cover the camp, with an occasional white tent like the one with the piles of clothes in it. Thousands of refugees fill the camp, many sitting or standing in the dirt paths between the tents and others attempting to sleep in the big tents. Some of the tents have cots lined up side by side for them to sleep in; others just have a white tarp for them to lie on with whatever blankets we can provide. The camp is surrounded by high fences and military guards.
Never Enough Socks
Engage Magazine
Chris and Karen LewisChris and Karen Lewis volunteering on the Croatian border, assisting with Nazarene ministry to refugees as thousands of people from the Middle East are streaming through Croatia on their way to Germany and Austria. Chris shared the following update.
We spent another day in a hot white Red Cross tent sorting clothing. Piles and piles of donated shirts, jackets, shoes, jeans and other items of clothes. Except socks. We never have enough socks.
Every day anywhere from 600 to 5,000 refugees come through the large refugee camp at Opatovac in Croatia near the Serbian border. Volunteers work 24 hours a day trying to keep up with their needs. They usually arrive hungry, thirsty and often cold. That's why there is such a great need for socks as the cooler weather has come to the Balkans.
Row after row of large green military style tents cover the camp, with an occasional white tent like the one with the piles of clothes in it. Thousands of refugees fill the camp, many sitting or standing in the dirt paths between the tents and others attempting to sleep in the big tents. Some of the tents have cots lined up side by side for them to sleep in; others just have a white tarp for them to lie on with whatever blankets we can provide. The camp is surrounded by high fences and military guards.
We managed to sort the clothes into boxes marked "men's pants," "men's coats," "women's boats," "children's coats," "kids' shirts," etc." just in time for the big line of refugees to come to the "shop" to get what they need to survive another cold night. Most of the donations come from caring individuals and organisations around the world. However, I am most touched by the donations given from within the camp. As the day goes on, refugees keep coming to us with extra clothes, shoes or blankets that they don't need so that we can give them to others who need them more.
The scene in the food tents is similar. Volunteers work as quickly as they can to prepare and distribute the food as long lines of hungry immigrants wait for something they and their families can eat. They are also kept busy giving out diapers and baby food as there are a great many young families and so many children.
I've seen statistics that say one of every four of the refugees is a child, and what I've seen with my eyes tends to confirm that statistic. It is sad to see so many children cold and hungry. However, everyone works as hard as they can to make them all as comfortable as possible in this difficult situation. As many scramble to provide food, clothing, blankets and diapers, from time to time you see someone blowing bubbles and making the children laugh. Those little moments of sheer humanity bring bursts of joy into a situation where the sense of people's human dignity is often nearly lost in the midst of the chaos.
The presence of the military and the police cannot be forgotten. They are everywhere. They control the camp, and none of us dares forget that we are there at their discretion. Fortunately, most of them are very helpful and seem to care about the refugees as much as we do. They just want to help them move on so they can find a new home. Still, as they march a new crowd of refugees into the camp or another one out of the camp onto waiting buses, one still cannot help but to think of similar images of concentration camps in another day.
The scene in the food tents is similar. Volunteers work as quickly as they can to prepare and distribute the food as long lines of hungry immigrants wait for something they and their families can eat. They are also kept busy giving out diapers and baby food as there are a great many young families and so many children.
I've seen statistics that say one of every four of the refugees is a child, and what I've seen with my eyes tends to confirm that statistic. It is sad to see so many children cold and hungry. However, everyone works as hard as they can to make them all as comfortable as possible in this difficult situation. As many scramble to provide food, clothing, blankets and diapers, from time to time you see someone blowing bubbles and making the children laugh. Those little moments of sheer humanity bring bursts of joy into a situation where the sense of people's human dignity is often nearly lost in the midst of the chaos.
The presence of the military and the police cannot be forgotten. They are everywhere. They control the camp, and none of us dares forget that we are there at their discretion. Fortunately, most of them are very helpful and seem to care about the refugees as much as we do. They just want to help them move on so they can find a new home. Still, as they march a new crowd of refugees into the camp or another one out of the camp onto waiting buses, one still cannot help but to think of similar images of concentration camps in another day.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) is blessed to be allowed in to help the people here. A lot of nonprofit organizations have been denied access, and there are not very many Christians among the volunteers who are allowed entry. The refugees can tell which ones of us are Christians, though, somehow. One Syrian man told me, "It's easy to see that there is some difference." He expressed gratitude, especially for the way followers of Jesus have helped him and others, and shown genuine compassion during their difficult journey.
We have spent a lot of time sorting clothing, but that is not all. There are three clothing tents in the camp, one in each section. When we arrived, there was a lot of clothes, but distribution was so disorganised that many times the tents had to be closed for hours to be reorganised and restocked before we were able to serve the people. This resulted in hundreds going without the coats and blankets they needed for the cold. A few days after our arrival, Karen and I were asked to coordinate the clothes tents so that distribution could happen in an organised and efficient manner. We are working on that now and believe we will have helped the camp develop a more consistent, self-sustaining system for providing clothing.
We also discovered soon that more clothing was needed and managed to arrange the delivery of 11 tons of clothing last weekend. This of course gives us even more clothes to sort! However, it ensures that thousands more will not go cold in the night.
In addition to clothing distribution, we are also looking at providing beds for the people. They need 3,000 more cots in order for everyone to have a comfortable place to sleep, and NCM is currently working on trying to provide them.
We've also provided emergency raincoats. When it rains, the refugees often have no shelter and have to stand in the rain for hours. As they come from a hot country, this is especially difficult and puts many of them at risk for pneumonia and other illnesses. This week alone we have provided 5,000 rain ponchos to prepare for the rainstorms that are coming this weekend, and we hope to provide more as the need continues.
Of course, another need that we are trying to meet is simply the need for the presence of Christ in the camp, through His people. As Christian workers are few here, we are blessed to be among the few allowed access to the people.
We've put together a small card in Arabic which we give out to Arabic speakers when we talk with them. It simply tells them that we are followers of Christ and that we are there because God loves them and we love them. It tells them we would like to pray for them and invites them to send us an email if they would like us to pray for them specifically.
We have spent a lot of time sorting clothing, but that is not all. There are three clothing tents in the camp, one in each section. When we arrived, there was a lot of clothes, but distribution was so disorganised that many times the tents had to be closed for hours to be reorganised and restocked before we were able to serve the people. This resulted in hundreds going without the coats and blankets they needed for the cold. A few days after our arrival, Karen and I were asked to coordinate the clothes tents so that distribution could happen in an organised and efficient manner. We are working on that now and believe we will have helped the camp develop a more consistent, self-sustaining system for providing clothing.
We also discovered soon that more clothing was needed and managed to arrange the delivery of 11 tons of clothing last weekend. This of course gives us even more clothes to sort! However, it ensures that thousands more will not go cold in the night.
In addition to clothing distribution, we are also looking at providing beds for the people. They need 3,000 more cots in order for everyone to have a comfortable place to sleep, and NCM is currently working on trying to provide them.
We've also provided emergency raincoats. When it rains, the refugees often have no shelter and have to stand in the rain for hours. As they come from a hot country, this is especially difficult and puts many of them at risk for pneumonia and other illnesses. This week alone we have provided 5,000 rain ponchos to prepare for the rainstorms that are coming this weekend, and we hope to provide more as the need continues.
Of course, another need that we are trying to meet is simply the need for the presence of Christ in the camp, through His people. As Christian workers are few here, we are blessed to be among the few allowed access to the people.
We've put together a small card in Arabic which we give out to Arabic speakers when we talk with them. It simply tells them that we are followers of Christ and that we are there because God loves them and we love them. It tells them we would like to pray for them and invites them to send us an email if they would like us to pray for them specifically.
This kind of personal touch has been very well received because so many times they are accustomed to being treated either like cattle or like criminals. They can see the difference instantly when someone takes time to stop and talk with them or to play with their children.
I met one Christian refugee yesterday who was incredibly grateful to meet another believer. We had a great talk and prayed together. He said, "You have made this day special. I have not been able to be in church for three weeks. This is a great day." He then took some of the Arabic cards and said he would share them with others.
We continue to pray and keep our eyes open for the needs of the people and could use your prayers both for guidance and strength as the team prepares for what looks likely to be a long-term crisis. We also pray that we can have more workers in the Balkan region so that we can maintain a continual presence for Christ among the refugees. [Chris Lewis is an ordained Nazarene minister, evangelist and church planter. He has led church plants in Scotland, Mexico and America and has helped launch dozens of churches and train other church planters in Africa and Argentina. He and his wife currently live in Scotland and have been volunteering with NCM in the Balkan region to help with the refugee crisis.]
I met one Christian refugee yesterday who was incredibly grateful to meet another believer. We had a great talk and prayed together. He said, "You have made this day special. I have not been able to be in church for three weeks. This is a great day." He then took some of the Arabic cards and said he would share them with others.
We continue to pray and keep our eyes open for the needs of the people and could use your prayers both for guidance and strength as the team prepares for what looks likely to be a long-term crisis. We also pray that we can have more workers in the Balkan region so that we can maintain a continual presence for Christ among the refugees. [Chris Lewis is an ordained Nazarene minister, evangelist and church planter. He has led church plants in Scotland, Mexico and America and has helped launch dozens of churches and train other church planters in Africa and Argentina. He and his wife currently live in Scotland and have been volunteering with NCM in the Balkan region to help with the refugee crisis.]
Click here to read this story of compassion and generosity!
Developing the Future
2015 Thank Offering
Distance Can't Stop a Mom
Dolores Banga of the Philippines was separated from her family, but hardship and faithful prayer led to their salvation and the formation of a new church in her hometown.
Click here...to go there!
Stories Volume 3 - 2015 Now Available
Global
The Church of the Nazarene's Stories DVD series connects churches around the world through the personal accounts of Nazarenes from diverse backgrounds.
This resource, formerly known as the World Mission DVD, is delivered three times a year through an email newsletter. The videos are a collaborative effort between regional communications offices and Global Ministry Center communications personnel and are available to view or download online at nazarene.org/stories.
Click here...to go there!
Global Compassion Conference Announced!
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries announces the Compassion Conference, to be held July 14-16, 2016, at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, USA.
We can no longer turn our heads in our communities. Compassion is the church in action. And the time is now to go deeper.
Follow this link to find out more, and how you can register!
Developing the Future
2015 Thank Offering
Distance Can't Stop a Mom
Dolores Banga of the Philippines was separated from her family, but hardship and faithful prayer led to their salvation and the formation of a new church in her hometown.
Click here...to go there!
Stories Volume 3 - 2015 Now Available
Global
The Church of the Nazarene's Stories DVD series connects churches around the world through the personal accounts of Nazarenes from diverse backgrounds.
This resource, formerly known as the World Mission DVD, is delivered three times a year through an email newsletter. The videos are a collaborative effort between regional communications offices and Global Ministry Center communications personnel and are available to view or download online at nazarene.org/stories.
Click here...to go there!
Global Compassion Conference Announced!
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries announces the Compassion Conference, to be held July 14-16, 2016, at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, USA.
We can no longer turn our heads in our communities. Compassion is the church in action. And the time is now to go deeper.
Follow this link to find out more, and how you can register!
APNTS NOW OFFERS Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching Ministry! Follow This Link for Information.
APNTS Announces PhD Classes for November-December 2015.
(For PhD in HCD, PhD in Transformational Learning, and PhD in Transformational Development)
Follow this link for more information.
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Nov. 2-13 Dr. Fletcher Tink & Dr. Melba Maggay Culture, Context, and Worldview (for PhD only)
Nov. 16-27 Dr. Dick Eugenio & Prof. Larnie Sam Tabuena Philosophy and Theology of Transformation (for PhD Only)
Dec. 7-18 Dr. Joanna Soberano Spirituality and Transformational Learning for PhD Only) - to be confirmed.
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
Writer: Laurice Maggay
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 1920, Philippines
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