The Global Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 6 November 2015, Volume 1544 - Nazarene News: Arson suspected in church fire - This week in the Church of the Nazarene...

The Global Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 6 November 2015, Volume 1544 - Nazarene News: Arson suspected in church fire - This week in the Church of the Nazarene...
Midwest City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma church damaged in suspicious fire

Oklahoma District photo

Midwest City Community Church of the Nazarene in Midwest City, Oklahoma, was damaged by fire Friday. No one was injured.

Firefighters from three area departments responded to a call from a passing motorist around 2 a.m. Friday. The educational wing of the church was heavily damaged, including the classrooms and smaller sanctuary where children's services are held. The main sanctuary sustained only smoke damage, which senior pastor Nate Cook describes as a miracle.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Graffiti found spray-painted on church walls raised suspicions of arson, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating it as a possible crime scene.

The congregation will continue to meet for worship in the church’s Family Life Center during the rebuilding process. Church members and volunteers spent Saturday evening after the fire cleaning and reconfiguring the gymnasium for services Sunday, using equipment on loan from area supporters. Sunday’s service focused on the theme Beauty from Ashes, and the congregation colored glass from the shattered doors to create a mosaic of the church’s logo.

Oklahoma District photo

"We are thankful that no one was injured in this incident, and we know that we serve a God who brings beauty from ashes," leader's wrote on the church's Facebook page. "We also know that buildings are not what make up the church, but the people of God."

Prayer is requested for Midwest City Community's congregation as they move forward. The church is currently working with the insurance company to determine the next steps. Rebuilding efforts are estimated to take at least six months.For a video from KFOR, click here. Read more

Roseburg, Oregon

Pioneer missionary Earl Mosteller remembered

Earl and Gladys Mosteller

Retired missionary Earl E. Mosteller, Jr., passed away October 27. He was 97.

Mosteller and his wife, Gladys, both graduates of Northwest Nazarene College (now University), served as missionaries for 39 years in Cape Verde (now Cabo Verde), Brazil, Portugal, and the Azores.

General Superintendent Eugénio R. Duarte, a native of Cabo Verde, said Earl and Gladys served with a "great visionary and pioneer spirit."  

"[Dr. Mosteller] was instrumental for the expansion of the church in the Cape Verde islands as well as the establishment of the church in Brasil and Portugal," Duarte said. "His vision and passion for evangelism, church planting, theological education, and holiness literature contributed significant thrust to the establishment, growth multiplication in all of the above nations. The first generations of pastors and preachers on the above were mentored and trained by him. His influence and philosophy of mission reached far beyond those who worked directly with him. At one time as I attempted to get information from him on a particular accomplishment on the mission field that I know he invested so much of himself and of his resources, he talked about those who were members of his team and gave all credit to them — such was the greatness of his spirit.

"I do not know anyone who preached, thought, and lived the message of holiness better than Dr. Mosteller," Duarte said. "The last time I had the privilege of being on the phone with him was during last Christmas season. He directed the conversation to the passion of his heart, encouraging me to spread the message. I will never forget the way his gracious presence, simplicity, and love for the lost impacted me personally. Dr. Mosteller will be greatly missed. We are deeply grateful for his lasting impact on many lives through the way he lived and modeled commitment and obedience to God."

Mosteller is survived by Gladys (Parker), whom he married on June 12, 1941; three daughters, Kathleen Loeber, Virginia York, and Elizabeth Ott; and five grandchildren.  

A memorial service is being planned, and is expected to be held within 1-2 months.  More information will be posted as it is made available.

Anyone wishing to share memories, stories, or pictures may send them to the family by email to mosteller70th1941@gmail.com or mail to c/o Kathy (Mosteller) Loeber, P.O. Box 1727, Richland, WA  99352.

Prayer is requested for the Mosteller family. 

For more information on the Mosteller's story, see Engage magazine from November 2014.  Read more
Musiri, Tamil Nadu, India

India district superintendent passes away

Selvaraj Jayakumar, a pastor and superintendent of the India Tamil Nadu West District, passed away suddenly on November 2.

Jayakumar pastored the Musiri Church of the Nazarene for 31 years, beginning in 1984. He served as the district superintendent of India Tamil Nadu West from his appointment in 1994 until his passing. Additional ministerial roles included two years as pastor at Velur Church of the Nazarene (1980-1982), serving as the district superintendent of India Tamil Nadu East from 2003 to 2005, and helping as the assistant field strategy coordinator for South India for four years.

Jayakumar is survived by his wife, Chandra Meeha; two daughters, Gethsy, an ordained elder, and Neeta Sweety; and son Kingsley, pastor at Musiri and the India Nazarene Youth International field youth coordinator.

A funeral service was held November 3.

Prayer is requested for the Jayakumar and India Tamil Nadu West District families.  Read more
Brisbane, Australia

2 new leaders appointed in Australia

Two Church of the Nazarene districts in Australia are receiving new superintendents.
The Australia-New Zealand Field and Asia-Pacific Region recently announced the appointment of Roland Hearn as the missional superintendent of the Australia North and West District Church of the Nazarene, effective November 1, 2015. They also announced the appointment of Satish Manmothe as the fifth district superintendent of the Australia Southern District.

Roland and Emmy HearnHearn to lead Australia North & West District
Due to the geographic expansiveness of the Australia North and West District, there is a group of people sharing the responsibilities of the district superintendent. They are called missional superintendents. Hearn will serve as one of the missional superintendents on the district.
A member of the Church of the Nazarene since 1976, Hearn is the son of pioneer Australian Nazarenes Colin and Loy Hearn. In 1985, Hearn enrolled at Nazarene Theological College-Brisbane, where he met his wife, Emmy.
After graduating from NTC, the couple served as pastors in rural Queensland. Eventually, they 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 north side of Brisbane.
Roland 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 a thesis he hopes will become the basis for a future Ph.D.
In addition, Hearn serves as the dean of students at NTC, a position he’s held for nearly three years. He also serves as the founding director of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse programme at NTC. The programme 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, 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,” he said. “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.”
Australia-New Zealand Field Strategy Coordinator John Moore, who was one of 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,” Moore said. “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.”

Left to right: Manisha, Avidan, and Satish Manmothe
Manmothe appointed DS for Australia Southern District
Manmothe, the fifth district superintendent in the Australian Southern District’s history, completed his bachelor’s degree in India before moving to Manila, Philippines, to study at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. 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. Manmothe graduated Cum Laude with a master’s degree in divinity.
He traveled to Samoa and served as a lecturer for two years. During this time he was 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.
Manmothe’s 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 the Birrong church, Manmothe 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-Brisbane.
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.
Satish, who was appointed on October 20, will commence his role as DS on November 1.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region (Steve Walsh and Satish Manmothe contributed to this story)] Read more


New Nazarene school helps fill education gap in DRC




School in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) isn't free.
DRC schools can cost anywhere from US$5 to US$50 per month. The more expensive the school, the better the education.
“Imagine being the sixth or eighth child in a family of 10 children and hoping your parents will be able to afford for you to attend school,” wrote Nazarene DRC missionaries Gavin and Jill Fothergill.
The Church of the Nazarene’s South Katanga District in Southern DRC has seen this need and has a vision to build schools, giving quality education to families who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. One of these schools has officially opened in the neighborhood of Katuba, in Lubumbashi.
When construction on the school in Katuba began in July of 2014, children gathered around as the first bricks were laid and walls started to come up.
“When we would ask the children where they attend school, they would respond, ‘Here,’" the Fothergills said.
"No, where are you attending now?” they said. “This school isn't open yet. Again, their response was, ‘Here!’ That's when we realized so many children were waiting for a good education at an affordable price.”
On October 5, Complexe Scolaire du Nazaréen opened its doors to the community of Katuba, hosting kindergarten through fifth grade for US$6.50 per month. Currently, there are more than 100 students in attendance and more coming to enroll each day.
Students are learning French (most come from homes where only Swahili is spoken), math, science, and Bible.
“Quality education with a biblical foundation!” the Fothergills said.[Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa] Read more
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Africa
Accra, Ghana

Growing ministries in West Africa transform lives
Nazarene leaders gathered in Ghana last month for training and fellowship. (Photo from the Africa West Field.)
Leaders representing 12 countries in West Africa met in Accra, Ghana, October 4-8 for training, to share testimonies of God's faithfulness, pray, develop a common vision, and fellowship.
Highlights of the conference included the graduation of 12 pastors from Nazarene Theological Institute and an ordination service of three Ghanaian pastors, including the ordination of the first woman in Ghana.
General Superintendent Eugénio R. Duarte taught on Nazarene Essentials. Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo shared his desire to seek God's will and vision for the church in Africa, and regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Director Cosmos Mutowa emphasized the importance of Christ-like compassion. Africa West Field Director Daniel Gomis, district superintendents, country coordinators, and other ministry leaders from the field also presented.
The event also included leaders from Sierra Leone and Liberia who had not been able to attend field or regional events during the past year because of the Ebola epidemic. Stories of heroic faith and compassion were shared – of leaders who went by bike daily to deliver food to quarantined families, of NTI classes that were held and even grew despite the epidemic, and of orphans who were ministered to and counseled. The church in Liberia has partnered with organizations like Last Well and plans to build 10 wells in the coming year.
In Senegal and Niger, the church has also been involved in providing fresh water to communities through wells. Additional compassionate ministry projects were shared, such as a cattle project started by a church in Benin in which cattle were raised to send more than 300 children to school with all of their supplies. The church built the school in order to meet the need for a secondary school in the community.
In Burkina Faso, church familiars are caring for more than 100 orphans, and in Ghana, 10 girls from rural areas in the north have received nurse's training so they can go back to their village and work in a newly constructed medical clinic.
Additional ministry highlights included the attendance of more than 1,000 women at a women's convention in southeast Nigeria last year and the first women's clergy conference in Burkina Faso and Togo. The youth ministry (Nazarene Youth International), which is gearing up for its first regional conference in South Africa in December, continues to show dynamic growth.

Many new churches were planted this year, including in new ministry areas like Mali, Niger, and Guinea. The discipleship training associated with the JESUS Film made a positive impact and several powerful testimonies of transformed lives were given.
For example, a woman came to know the Lord through an all women's JESUS Film team. She came for four nights and on Sunday morning shared that she was the voodoo high priestess for the village and she and her assistant had made sacrifices for 20 years. Once a week they would steal a child and sacrifice him. That morning she burned all of her fetishes and turned her life over to Christ. She is still serving God in the church.
While there was much rejoicing at the conference there was also mourning and intercession through prayer. During the conference, District Superintendent William Grant received the news that his wife, Elisabeth, had died in Liberia. She had been sick for many years but through her suffering had remained a faithful servant of Christ. The group was also saddened to hear that a zone leader Anthony Goleh, also from Liberia, was in a tragic motorcycle accident.
Prayer is requested for the mourning families during this difficult time.
Through both tears and rejoicing, participants sensed God's close presence at the conference and could readily testify with the Psalmist that God's love, "reaches to the heavens, [His] faithfulness to the skies" (Psalm 36:5).[Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa] Read more


Flags of the Nations: Ethiopia
The Ethiopian flag was adopted on February 6, 1996. The red stripe represents power, faith, and blood; the yellow church, peace, natural wealth, and love; and the green land and hope. The star represents unity of the people that compose the nation, the five rays around it symbolize prosperity, and the blue circle represents peace.
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Ethiopia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Ethiopia in 1992.
Ethiopia had a population of 96,633,458 in 2014. That same year, Ethiopia reported 903 Churches of the Nazarene, 338 of which had been officially organized. Ethiopia has 48,630 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Ethiopia has four Phase 2 districts, five Phase 1 districts, and four pioneer areas. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = 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. Read more
Mesomerica
Panama City, Panama

Missionary kids participate in Panama's national parade

Missionary kids (MKs) Abby Slingerland and Joshua Lopez represented Panama in the national Independence Day parade November 3.

Abby, daughter of Bernie and Rhonda Slingerland, is a senior at Crossroads Christian Academy. She was selected to carry the Panamanian flag, an honor her older sister Hannah held two years ago.

Joshua, son of Edwin and Wendy Lopez, was a part of the drum line.

“It was an honor to participate in the parade and celebrate with all of Panama its independence,” Joshua said.[Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region] Read more

USA/Canada
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.

Nazarenes in the News
New York Times photo
At Officer Randolph Holder’s funeral, mayor says New York lost a ‘remarkable man’
Queens, New York
(New York Times, October 28) On a rain-splattered day in Jamaica, Queens, across the street from a hair salon and a mechanic, thousands of police officers gathered on Wednesday at a brick church to pay their respects to one of their own, shot and killed as he chased a fleeing gunman.
For the Caribbean family of Officer Randolph Holder, this was not the immigrant’s journey they wanted or expected, though it might have been the one that on many nights they feared. It began 12 years ago when Mr. Holder arrived in New York from Guyana to join his father. It ended last week, the officer mortally wounded in a confrontation in East Harlem.
Those who loved him said he charted his own course, one where bravery overcame fear. Mr. Holder, the police say, was killed while pursuing a wanted man in one of the more dangerous pockets of Manhattan.
For the rest of this story, click here. NOTE: Officer Holder's parents, Randolph Sr. and Princess Holder, attend the Far Rockaway, New York, Community Church of the Nazarene. The church's pastor, Les Mullings, officiated the memorial service. For more information on this story, see the Far Rockaway Community church's Facebook page.
Alabama church rebuilds after fire
Jasper, Alabama
(WIAT, October 25) There’s reason for worshippers in Jasper to celebrate this Sunday. More than two years after a fire destroyed a building at First Church of the Nazarene, church members are dedicating a new facility.
“To actually dedicate the building and have a sense of completion with the building is such a weight off the church,” said Greg Wood, pastor of First Church of Nazarene.
Church members gathered at the new education center, which has been under construction for about two years. The old building was struck by lightning in August 2012, sparking a fire that consumed the entire building.
For the rest of the story and a video, click here.
Tifton’s First Church of the Nazarene celebrates 70 years
Tifton, Georgia(Tifton Gazette, October 31) Tifton First Church of the Nazarene will celebrate its 70th anniversary Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Former pastor Tom Rash will be the guest speaker. The community is invited to take part in this great day of celebration at 3024 Tift Avenue.
Led by the Rev. Aubrey Ponce, a few people gathered to glorify the Lord in a small building on South Ridge Avenue on a brisk morning in January 1945. With an uplifted spirit and the guiding hand of the Lord, the First Church of the Nazarene was officially organized with seven charter members. Ponce led the small congregation until the fall of 1945, leaving his desires and efforts in the hands of a new pastor and a growing congregation. The church began to minister to the spiritual needs of the community.
For the rest of this story, click here.
Olivet Nazarene professor enjoys busy lifestyle
Bourbonnais, Illinois(Kankakee Daily Journal via The Washington Times, October 29) Swim team, Boy Scouts, church, taking care of three kids as well as a kitten and a puppy, and making a new home livable — all while mentoring and teaching journalism and public relations, developing the new public relations major and starting an on-campus chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America at Olivet Nazarene University.
Oh, she's also working on her doctorate degree. And, she took her oldest son to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia during the weekend. Elizabeth Kerns is a very busy lady.
For the rest of this story, click here.
Bob’s Red Mill founder at MNU
Olathe, Kansas(mnu.edu, November 3) Bob Moore, founder of Bob’s Red Mill, a leader in whole grain and gluten free products, was a guest speaker at MNU today. Meeting with business students in the morning and speaking at the MNU Tuesday Business Professionals Luncheon, Moore told his story of building his business, not once, but twice (after a fire destroyed his first mill). At age 81, Moore gifted his company to his employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Program.
Moore speaks openly of his faith in God and its impact on his business. MNU President David Spittal says Moore’s remarkable devotion is inspirational.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News[ Read more

Nairobi, Kenya

Africa Nazarene University celebrates 2015 graduation

Africa Nazarene University photo

Africa Nazarene University celebrated its 18th graduation ceremony on October 30. A record number of graduates received degrees.

During the ceremony, themed Shaping the Future through Innovation and Transformation, 1,289 graduands had their degrees conferred upon them in front of friends and family. Speakers included ANU’s Vice Chancellor Leah Marangu, former General Superintendent Nina G. Gunter, ANU alumnus Jeff Alondo, and graduating student Faith Ngogoyo.

Marangu urged graduands to transform the future of the African continent and the world through their acquired intellectual and innovative capabilities and skills by making relevant contributions of great social impact. Marangu further advised the graduands to “embrace transformational practices to produce positive development as opposed to idle practices that create a vacuum and negative thinking which lead to crisis in development.”

In her keynote message, guest speaker Gunter commended the graduates, counseling them to “take up the challenge and risk … risks that will define and enrich your legacy and that of your university. Your risks will innovate and transform you from survival to significance.”

Sam Owen, founder of Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast, The Men’s Gathering, and Africa Youth Forum of Leadership, was the recipient of the 2015 honorary degree.

Congratulations to the 2015 graduates. “What begins here transforms the world.”

For graduation photos, see the ANU Alumni Facebook page. [Africa Nazarene University] Read more

Nampa, Idaho

NNU administrator selected as University of Pikeville president

Burton Webb (center) with University of Pikeville students Fallon Tallman (left) and Collan McCoy (right). UPIKE photo.

The University of Pikeville Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., as the institution’s 21st president.

Webb, who currently serves as the vice president for Academic Affairs at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, will take office on January 1, 2016.

“We are very pleased to have Burton and his lovely wife Kay join the UPIKE family. The presidential search committee did an excellent job in identifying the 70 or so outstanding applicants. The person chosen by the search committee, the executive committee and the entire board of trustees will provide quality leadership and is the best candidate,” said Terry Dotson, chairman of the Board of Trustees.

“We are proud of our team at UPIKE. The improvements and growth that has been accomplished by many dedicated people makes this a very desirable university to lead,” added Dotson. “God continues to bless this institution. Bringing Dr. Webb and Kay is another blessing.”

NNU President Joel K. Pearsall echoed Dotson’s sentiments.

“I and the Northwest Nazarene University community extend our heartfelt congratulations to Burton on his election as the next president of the University of Pikeville," he said. “This is a bittersweet moment as we bid Burton farewell, for he has served NNU admirably since joining our University in July 2010. So, even as we mourn the loss of these trusted and valued colleagues, we wish both Burton and Kay well in this new assignment. UPIKE is fortunate to have Burton and Kay join its team and we wish the Webbs nothing but God's very best as they move into this new leadership position.”

One of three finalists following a nationwide search, Webb is an experienced administrator, scientist, and teacher-scholar. His accomplished career in higher education includes 16 years at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he served as associate dean for the School of Physical and Applied Sciences, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and interim dean for the College of the Arts and Sciences. Along the way, Dr. Webb spent 14 years teaching medical immunology to first-year medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine. 

“Kay and I are both thrilled and humbled to be joining the UPIKE family. It is our firm belief that we are called to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky at UPIKE,” Webb said. “The university is well-positioned to continue to fulfill its mission as the Leading University of Central Appalachia. We are passionate about that mission and looking forward to joining the Pikeville community.” 

Webb earned a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from Indiana University School of Medicine, a master’s degree in biology from Ball State University, and a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Olivet Nazarene University.

The Webbs share a passion for education. Kay’s educational background includes two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. For the last six years Kay Webb has been on the graduate faculty of NNU, where her research and teaching have focused on career counseling. 

The couple has two grown children, Kelsea (26) and Mason (24), who is married to Lauria (Green).[Northwest Nazarene University] Read more

San Diego, California

PLNU, University of San Diego release new study on sex trafficking

Point Loma Nazarene University photo 

The surprising findings of a three-year study on gang-involved sex trafficking, funded by the Department of Justice, were released at 11 a.m., Monday, October 26 at a press conference at the University of San Diego in the Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre.  The groundbreaking study, “Measuring the Nature and Extent of Gang Involvement in Sex Trafficking in San Diego,” led by University of San Diego (USD) Kroc School of Peace Studies Professor Ami C. Carpenter, Ph.D., in partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) Professor Jamie Gates, Ph.D., gathered and analyzed data from hundreds of current and former gang members, schools, law enforcement agencies, and victim service providers.  Sheriff Bill Gore, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Generate Hope Founder Susan Munsey, and San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten also participated in the press conference.

“This study is the first long-term, comprehensive collection of data on the Commercially Sexually Exploited People (CSEP) industry ever conducted in San Diego County,” said Carpenter.  “Our research combines the intelligence we gathered through hundreds of interviews with gang members, law enforcement representatives, school administrators, and other community members with critical information we collected by reviewing incident, arrest, and contact data provided by law enforcement agencies. The result is a report that accurately measures the various facets of San Diego’s growing human trafficking problem.”

Carpenter and Gates designed the study in collaboration with survivor service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, county schools, and other researchers. In addition to the comprehensive collaboration with the broader community, the partnership between both universities was no accident.  

“Our universities each have deep roots in the Christian traditions,” said Gates when discussing the motivation behind their work. “Both USD and PLNU have a deep concern for the poor and oppressed and a deep faith that societies are judged best by how they take care of the most vulnerable in their midst.”

According to the study, the underground sex economy in San Diego County represents an estimated $810 million in annual revenue and involves more than 100 area gangs. The study estimates the minimum number of CSEP at 1,766 per year with an average age of entry between 14 to 15 years old.

Other key findings included:

• Number of “prostitution” arrests which are actually cases of sex-trafficking;
• Proportion of CSEP victims who are U.S. citizens versus those trafficked from other countries;
• Cities & neighborhoods most at risk for commercial sexual exploitation
• The number of gangs in San Diego involved in sex-trafficking, and their characteristics;
• Demographics of traffickers and trafficked individuals (age, ethnicity, etc.);
• Key “hotspots” where sex-trafficking occurs;
• Recruitment tactics; and
• Recruitment activity within local public schools.

This collaborative research is a landmark study that is already shaping public action and policy. In response to the study’s comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore praised the authors, “The inter-agency collaborative nature of Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Gates’ work will be invaluable to San Diego’s law enforcement community.” All participants echoed the importance of the study’s data which will further inform their work across multiple platforms and jurisdictions.

Looking forward, the study highlights future trends, which include the need for cross-sector approaches to community problems and sustainable capital for nonprofits. In addition, the study provides victim service providers with the data needed to justify substantial improvements in the size and scope of support services.

This latest study builds upon years of work by Gates at PLNU through the Center for Justice and Reconciliation (CJR) at PLNU. The CJR’s mission is to “study poverty and oppression and teach Christian means of social engagement.” The contemporary global abolition movement is one specific arena where faculty and staff of PLNU have taken responsibility for getting involved.

“In the last year we have seen great strides in this effort against human trafficking at PLNU and in the broader San Diego region,” said Gates. “From the establishment of the Beauty for Ashes scholarship fund established to support the education of survivors of human trafficking at PLNU, to the communitywide resource abolishhumantrafficking.com, inertia continues to build around these efforts.”  

A product of the CJR, the Abolish Human Trafficking site is a contribution to the growing need to understand and engage locally, nationally, and internationally around the issues related to human trafficking. Monday’s presentation, key facts, and resources in San Diego’s fight against human trafficking can all be found here.

This project was supported by Award No. 2012-R2-CX-0028, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this study are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice. In addition, members of the San Diego County Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Advisory Council supported the study. [Point Loma Nazarene University] Read more

Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca announces new emphasis on songwriters
One of the first artists taking part in Trevecca Collective is Jake Neumar.Trevecca Nazarene University announced a new initiative called Trevecca Collective focused on developing the gifts and talents of student singer/songwriters. Trevecca Collective will draw together an elite group of student songwriters, creating community, fostering creativity, and inviting collaboration among them.
The initiative will also allow the university to partner with student singer/songwriters in a new way.
“This is an effort to help our student musicians succeed,” said Dan Boone, Trevecca president. “Trevecca is home to some incredibly talented singer/songwriters. There’s no better place to pursue music than the heart of Nashville.”
Trevecca Collective grew out of the university’s desire to nurture creativity among its students. The partnership between selected student songwriters and Trevecca will also allow the university to better connect students with industry professionals and appeal to a wider audience.
Trevecca's degree programs in music and music business, as well as the presence of the National Praise and Worship Institute on campus, all combine to create an atmosphere of creativity. The Music Department recently created a songwriter advisory board in preparation for a proposed songwriting certificate program.
“Great songs are born out of community and collaboration, making Nashville and Trevecca the perfect place to hone songwriting skills,” said Dean Diehl, senior vice president of Provident Label Group and director of Trevecca's Music Business program. “Trevecca Collective is one of many ways we are attempting to go beyond the classroom in providing meaningful experiences for our students.”
One of the first artists taking part in Trevecca Collective is Jake Neumar, a Trevecca senior majoring in organizational communications with a minor in music business. A native of Wayne, Pennsylvania, Neumar has been interested in music since he was 6 years old and has been writing songs since he was 9.
Neumar recently recorded and released his first music video, produced with the help of the Trevecca Collective. Watch it here.
“I chose Nashville because it seemed to be the best location for me to start making my dream a reality,” Neumar said. “Trevecca has provided the best personal attention from industry professionals.”
University officials are excited to begin partnering with more students. Another student video is in the planning stages, and a compilation CD featuring the best of Trevecca’s student singer/songwriters is already in the works.
“It’s an exciting time to be a singer/songwriter at Trevecca,” Boone said. “We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”[Trevecca Nazarene University] Read more


In Memoriam

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received November 2-6, 2015.

Selvaraj Jayakumar of Musiri, India, passed away November 2. He was a pastor and superintendent of the India Tamil Nadu West District. He is survived by his wife, Chandra Meeha. (story)

Ray Lewis, 88, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, passed away October 25. He was a retired minister, serving in Nova Scotia and Ontario. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Lewis, in 2009.

Emma "Irene" MacPherson, 88, of Alexandria Bay, New York, passed away October 29. She was a retired minister, serving in New York. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and educator Walter MacPherson Jr., who served in New York, Florida, North Carolina, Newfoundland and Labrador,  and Ontario.

George Neighbors, 83, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away November 4. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Neighbors.

George Reader, 109, of Chrisman, Illinois, passed away November 5. He was the oldest living elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He served 11 churches in Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude, in 1999. More information will be posted as it is made available.

S. Joy Smith, 92, of Markle, Indiana, passed away November 2. She was the wife of retired minister Robert Smith, who served in Maine, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. 

Marcella Warren, 98, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away October 31. She was the widow of retired minister J. Odis Warren, who served in Arkansas and Oklahoma. J. Odis Warren passed away in 2002.

For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section 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 news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News] Read more

Human Resources

GMC employment opportunities

People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 159 world areas. 

The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.

*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email bsikes@nazarene.org for details.

Employment Opportunities

Business Center — Tour/Hospitality Coordinator (Full-time)

Office: Financial Services

Ministry: Business Center

Title: Tour/Hospitality Coordinator

Description: The hospitality coordinator will be the primary contact for tours and caterings. Correspondence, scheduling, and organization are primary responsibilities of this position. The hospitality coordinator will also be trained to serve as a back-up at the Front Desk to help with receptionist coverage, as well as in the Business Center handling work orders as needed. (Full-time position)

Global Treasury Services — Accounts Payable Senior Accounting Technician (Full-time)

Office: Financial Services 

Ministry: Global Treasury Services

Title: AP Senior Accounting Technician

Description: The primary responsibility for this position is to process disbursements for the Global Ministry Center in a timely manner.  (Full-time position)

General Secretary's Office — Software Developer (Full-time)

Office: General Secretary 

Ministry: Information Technology

Title: Software Developer

Description: Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.  (Full-time position)

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator (Full-time)

Office: Global Mission

Ministry: Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Title: Computer Programming Coordinator

Description: Responsibilities for this position include leading NCM's development team in developing and maintaining NCM's Web applications, systems, and websites. (Full-time position)

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Donor Strategist (Full-time)

Office: Global Mission

Ministry: Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Title: Donor Strategist

Description: Under oversight of the director of development, this position is responsible for fundraising through building partnerships and donor/sponsor engagement and communication, including managing the research, design, content, and production of NCM materials for information, promotion, and education. (Full-time position)

Pensions and Benefits — Administrative Assistant (Full-time)

Office: Financial Services

Ministry: Pensions and Benefits

Title: Administrative Assistant

Description: Responsibilities for this position include leading/managing special and cyclical projects primarily within the Benefits Services Area (BSA), providing administrative assistance to the administrative director and other staff-level positions, coordinating the education/training priorities of internal staff as well as plan participants, ensuring that the appropriate resources and support are provided to complete assigned projects, and processing customer service inquiries as needed. (Full-time position)

To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.

Location of our Positions

The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.

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. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. 

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 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office. Read more



Board of General Superintendents invites support for upcoming Thank Offering

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 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.

We are blessed to be a part of His ministry, and He will continue to use us as we follow Him. Your gift to the World Evangelism Fund assists Nazarenes in “Developing the Future” by sharing the hope of Christ.

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 Read more
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