Saturday, February 13, 2016

ATR News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, 13 February 2016 Volume 4/Issue 6... Urgent Cyber Security Alerts, APNTS President Transition, Compassion in Vanuatu, New Global Video News, Prayer Requests, Praises and More!

ATR News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, 13 February 2016 Volume 4/Issue 6... Urgent Cyber Security Alerts, APNTS President Transition, Compassion in Vanuatu, New Global Video News, Prayer Requests, Praises and More!



In This Issue:

Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Passings:
Alabaster
A Love Gift!

The Alabaster offering idea was developed in 1948, by Rev. Elizabeth Vennum, Global Council member, when she was asked to think and pray about a challenging project for NMI. Rev. Vennum knew if God wanted the project to take place, He would provide the plan. On the return trip from Kansas City, God gave her His plan of giving "love" gifts. It was modeled after the sacrifice of the woman who anointed Jesus' head with expensive perfume poured from an alabaster jar (Matthew 26:6-13).
At the Global NMI Council meeting in 1949, Mrs. Vennum told of the Alabaster plan God had given her. The Council unanimously adopted the plan, and the first offering was received in 1949.
The Board of General Superintendents approved the plan for Alabaster funds to be used exclusively for buildings and propert­ies in cross-cultural ministries.
Now, more than 60 years later, Alabaster is still strong, having provided more than 9,000 projects since 1949. Faithful Nazarenes around the world have given over $100 million dollars for this much-needed ministry.
Still today, the entire Alabaster Offering goes toward the purchase of land and construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes for missionaries and national workers.
You too can be a part of this great love gift!
For more info click Here

"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"Characteristics of Humble Leaders"
Six Positive Traits of Those Who Lead Well
Humility is one of the most needed-and least valued-traits of a great leader. We are far more likely to value the bold, even brash, leader who ruthlessly advances his or her agenda than to praise the milder leader who places the welfare of others first.
Humility is a hallmark of great leadership. It's also a highly attractive trait in others.
Here are six characteristics of humble leaders. Acquire these traits, and people will be drawn to you.
They Don't Take Themselves too Seriously
Humble people have a healthy sense of humor and generally don't mind poking a bit of fun at themselves. Humility allows a person to acknowledge their faults, admit their mistakes, and remain in a positive frame of mind.
They Avoid Taking Credit
Humble people genuinely don't want to be singled out as being more talented, more important, more successful than others. This isn't because they don't know their worth; they simply don't need to hear it repeated and are always mindful of how their honors will set them apart from others.
They Praise Others
Negative thinkers are stingy with compliments because they feel that if other people get noticed for talents or achievements, then they will somehow miss out on the thanks. Humble people are quick to point out what's good, especially in other people. They don't pass up an opportunity to give praise.
They Help Others Succeed
Few things attack the ego quite as much as helping others succeed. Pride hoards knowledge and resources; humility shares them. This may be the acid test of humility. Humble people are free to share information and opportunities. They are willing to put the needs-and sometimes even the desires-of other people ahead of themselves.
They Admit Their Mistakes
Nobody likes doing this, but humble people are quick to acknowledge their mistakes and shortcomings. They can do this because they don't fear the judgment of others. They already see themselves accurately, so they neither need praise nor shy away from criticism.
They Are Willing to Learn
Closely related to the ability to compliment others is the willingness to learn from them. Negative thinkers are seldom willing to admit that other people have good ideas or are worth listening too. Their defensiveness and protectiveness of their own ego makes them closed to the knowledge and experience that others could share with them.
A positive attitude toward the world has the happy byproduct of producing a positive view of oneself. As a result, positive-thinking people are able to be humble. They don't need to prove their worth by comparison to others. If anything, they are bent on helping others feel the same sense of blessing that they enjoy. That's a tremendously attractive way to live.
How have you seen humility enhance a leader's influence? I'd love to hear about it! Share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.[Stan Toler]
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Share The Story!


Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
WARNING - CYBER SECURITY ALERT FROM THE REGION - 2 ALERTS
Regional Announcement

ALERT 1:The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has issued a bulletin this week regarding a malicious code that is utilizing Skype in order to gain access to computers. The Asia-Pacific Resource Center, Global IT Team, and World Mission Communications team have spent a significant
amount of time researching this issue.
Click here for a summary of the research!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
WARNING – CYBER SECURITY ALERT FROM THE REGION – 2 ALERTS
Regional Announcement: ALERT 1: The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has issued a bulletin this week regarding a malicious code that is utilizing Skype in order to gain access to computers. The Asia-Pacific Resource Center, Global IT Team, and World Mission Communications team have spent a significant amount of time researching this issue. Following is a summary of our research:
Overview
Dubbed T9000
Currently targets all Windows platforms, (Not MAC at this time)
Once installed, the code is able to evade many popular antivirus systems including: Sophos, INCAInternet, DoctorWeb, Baidu, Comodo, TrustPort, GData, AVG, BitDefender, VirusChaser, McAfee, Panda, Trend Micro, Kingsoft, Norton, Micropoint, Filseclab, AhnLab, JiangMin, Tencent, Avira, Kaspersky, Rising and Qihoo 360.
Once installed the software can record Skype calls and upload them along with text chats, an can also take regular screenshots.
A computer with granted permissions could also have documents stolen, even on removable drives.
The victim must explicitly allow the malware to access Skype for this particular functionality to work. However, since a legitimate process is requesting access, the user may allow this access without realising what is actually happening.
How It Installs
The payload is hidden inside spearfishing emails with an infected .rtf document

While logged in and operating Skype, user receives a request for explorer.exe to access Skype. It looks legitimate BUT IT IS NOT! Do not allow this request!
If you are receiving the above notification, the malware has already been delivered to your computer.
Detecting as to whether your computer is infected:
The procedures for detecting infection are somewhat complex. Antivirus companies are working on resolutions at this time.
A Google search will reveal multiple sites with steps for removing the involved files. THIS SHOULD BE COMPLETED ONLY BY A COMPETENT COMPUTER TECHNICIAN. Errors here can cause significant damage to your operating system / computer.
Protection:
Maintain operating firewall and security settings.
Make sure that antivirus definitions are updated.
DO NOT open any emails with unsolicited file attachments. Clicking on fake emails and junk attachments can make your PC susceptible.
Install latest updates to the operating system.
Microsoft’s Response:
To further protect our customers, we’ve added detection for the malicious software known as T9000 to Windows Defender.
Customers that have installed security updates released in 2012 (MS12-060) and 2014 (MS14-033), either manually or by enabling automatic updates, will already be protected. Our recommendation is to enable automatic updates, which installs the latest security protections, and to use the latest version of Skype.
ALERT 2: A malicious email is circulating and has already infected at least three computers of personnel on the Asia-Pacific Region. The email will look legitimate because it has your friend’s name and the header shows that it is sent from the legitimate email account. The message will pass through filters undetected because it has all the security signatures of the originating mail server.
The email has the below signature / format:

DO NOT CLICK THE LINK “VIEW THE DOCUMENT.”
If you have received this email from a friend, send them an email immediately to the address that you have in your address book (do not simply hit reply) and advise them to change their email account password immediately.
Additional Information:
http://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/02/t9000-advanced-modular-backdoor-uses-complex-anti-analysis-techniques/
http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2446268/skype-users-warned-of-t9000-malware-threat-that-records-video-and-text-chats
http://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/44328/cyber-crime/t9000-backdoor-spy-skype.html
ALERT 2: A malicious email is circulating and has already infected at least three computers of personnel on the Asia-Pacific Region. The email will look legitimate because it has your friend's name and the header shows that it is sent from the legitimate email account. The message will pass through filters undetected because it has all the security signatures of the originating mail server.
Click here for a look at the signature / format!
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Deadly Earthquake Strikes Southern Taiwan
Taiwan

According to earthquaketrack.com a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern region of Taiwan at 3:57 am, local time (19:57 UTC) Saturday February 6th.
Reports from BBC News are that several buildings have been toppled and that rescue operations are underway.
Click here to read the most recent update on
our fellow Nazarenes in Taiwan and how you can help and pray for them.
BLOG, CHINESE MINISTRIES, CURRENT, FEATURE, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES,NAZARENE DISASTER RESPONSE, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
DEADLY EARTHQUAKE STRIKES SOUTHERN TAIWAN – SATURDAY PM UPDATE
Tainan, Taiwan: According to earthquaketrack.com a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern region of Taiwan at 3:57 am, local time (19:57 UTC).earthquaketrack.com
Early reports from BBC News are that several buildings have been toppled and that rescue operations are underway.
The earthquake was reported to have been felt in the capital city of Taipei, more than 300 km away.
We have been attempting contact with local leadership and will add updates on the status of our church members as information is received.
The Church of the Nazarene has 43 organized churches and more than 3,000 members in Taiwan.
Please pray for the people of Taiwan who have been impacted by this earthquake.
*** UPDATE – SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 6TH, 9PM LOCAL TIME
The District Superintendent as well as the District NYI Coordinator (who lives in a town nearby the epicenter of Tainan) have indicated that no Nazarenes were injured. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will keep updates coming as they are available.
Through generous donations previously made to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministry, Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief Fund, we have resources already on hand and are poised to respond as critical needs are identified.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Reuters.com
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See What's Happening Around the World with the Latest WMC News Release
Asia-Pacific
Did you realize that shoes are a major concern for refugees fleeing through the Balkans. They are walking hundreds of miles with insufficient or no shoes, in many cases through freezing mud. Watch the video to see how you can help.
This month's highlights include:
Prayer is requested for Taiwan after the earthquake that left at least 55 dead and many more still missing in the rubble.
The refugee crisis in Eurasia is a prominent concern.
320 Youth attend Consencrated 2016 in Argentina.
The JESUS Film being produced in the Cabécar Language in Costa Rica.


Click here to watch this video and for the download link - be sure to share!
APNTS President Elected to Serve as President of Korea Nazarene University
Manila, Philippines

On February 9, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, announced that current APNTS President, Dr. Im, Seung An, had been elected as the 7th president of Korea Nazarene University, and would be assuming the new role effective February 16, 2016.
Follow this link to read more about the announcement on our website!
APNTS, BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, FEATURE, KOREA DISTRICT, NEWS
APNTS PRESIDENT ELECTED TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF KOREA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
Manila, Philippines: On February 9, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, announced that current APNTS President, Dr. Im, Seung An, had been elected as the 7th president of Korea Nazarene University, and would be assuming the new role effective February 16, 2016.

Rev. Atty. Kafoa Muaror, Interim President of APNTS
Effective February 17th, APNTS Board of Trustees Chairman, Rev. Atty. Kafoa Muaror, will assume the role of interim President of APNTS.
Rev. Muaror, with the approval of the Board of Trustees, has appointed Engineer Shionel Blas Gesite as Officer in Charge, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school. These interim assignments will remain in place until such time as the Board of Trustees holds their next meeting in March of 2016, and the search for a new president is completed.

Engineer Shionel Blas Gesite, Interim OIC for APNTS
Dr. Im has served KNU in several capacities in the past, including president (2005-2012), vice president, director of the University Development Office, dean of theological seminary, academic dean, director of the Planning Office, chaplain, professor, and lecturer.
The Asia-Pacific Region would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Im for his dedicated service to APNTS, and would invite you to pray that the Lord will guide and direct his endeavors as President of KNU.
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The A-P Region Welcomes New MKs!
Asia-Pacific

Tabea Betsy
The Asia-Pacific Region welcomes two new MKs to the Missionary family. Tabea (Tuh-bay-uh) Betsy weighing 4 lbs 10 ozs and Naomi Katherine weighing 4 lbs 7 ozs, fraternal twins, made their entrance into the family of Dr. Ben and Katherine Radcliffe on February 8th, joining big brothers Simeon and Matthias. The girls' middle names are in honor of their two precious grandmas.

Naomi Katherine
Dr. Ben and his family have been serving at the Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip, PNG as a Surgeon alongside his father Dr. Jim Radcliffe for the past year, and were in the US for the delivery. See more of their story here.
The girls are in the NICU at the moment for minimal support. Please lift them in prayer for strength and stamina in the days ahead.
Follow this link here to read the story on our website!

BLOG, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
THE A-P REGION WELCOMES NEW MKS!

Tabea Betsy (pronounced Tuh-bay-uh)The Asia-Pacific Region welcomes two new MKs to the Missionary family. Tabea (Tuh-bay-uh) Betsy weighing 4 lbs 10 ozs and Naomi Katherine weighing 4 lbs 7 ozs, fraternal twins, made their entrance into the family of Dr. Ben and Katherine Radcliffe on February 8th, joining big brothers Simeon and Matthias. The girls’ middle names are in honor of their two precious grandmas.

Naomi KatherineDr. Ben and his family have been serving at the Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip, PNG as a Surgeon alongside his father Dr. Jim Radcliffe for the past year, and were in the US for the delivery. See more of their story here.
The girls are in the NICU at the moment for minimal support. Please lift them in prayer for strength and stamina in the days ahead.
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Vanuatu Churches Help Famine- Stricken Communities
David and Sylvia Potter (Engage Magazine)

A song has been in our hearts lately that is based on Psalm 103:8, "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love." Matthew 9:36 says that when Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them. One of the ways that we are to become like Christ is in His compassion toward others-to see others like Jesus sees them.
The small island nation of Vanuatu has for many years been the recipient of lots of outside aid, especially in times of disasters. Over time, this can engender an attitude of helplessness and dependency. It can also tend to make people think that compassionate care is someone else's responsibility. God is helping our local and district leaders begin to see through eyes of compassion. They are beginning to see the needs around them, and to think about what they can do to help...
Read more of this story of compassion and how NCM Vanuatu had reached out to the communities in need. Click here!
Vanuatu churches help famine-stricken communities by David and Sylvia PotterA song has been in our hearts lately that is based on Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love.” Matthew 9:36 says that when Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them. One of the ways that we are to become like Christ is in His compassion toward others—to see others like Jesus sees them.

The small island nation of Vanuatu has for many years been the recipient of lots of outside aid, especially in times of disasters. Over time, this can engender an attitude of helplessness and dependency. It can also tend to make people think that compassionate care is someone else’s responsibility. God is helping our local and district leaders begin to see through eyes of compassion. They are beginning to see the needs around them, and to think about what they can do to help.
Since last fall, the periodic weather phenomenon known as El Niño has brought heavy rain to some parts of the world, but drought and famine to others. This has been particularly devastating for areas used to frequent rainfall.
Among these hard hit are Papua New Guinea and a number of Pacific Island nations, including Vanuatu, a group of 85 small islands. According to OCHA(Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), 4.7 million people are affected by drought in 11 Pacific countries, and 40 percent of communities in Vanuatu are expected to run out of safe drinking water.
In response to the recent drought and famine, the newly formed Nazarene Compassionate Ministries--Vanuatu (NCM) team met to talk about how the Nazarene church in our local communities could help other people. They decided they would like to help their communities in two ways. First, the local churches in the island of Port Vila wanted to provide fresh water for their communities by building water tanks at their churches (photo above). Second, they decided that since the famine was more severe on the island of Tanna, they would like to distribute bags of rice and flour to some villages where they had contacts.
In December, two water tanks were built at Black Sand and Prima Churches with the support of NCM funding. Neither of these villages have a clean water source. In February the churches will finish the water tanks by attaching gutters to the church roofs.
One week before Christmas, a team of six pastors and church leaders took a boat to Tanna and distributed rice and flour to villages as well as buckets with water filters that can take unclean water and make it 99 percent pure for drinking. The Word of God was preached in all areas of the island where the team traveled. They reported that the people were more hungry for God’s Word than for anything else. Two young men in a village in the southwest part of Tanna committed to starting a church, and Pastor John from our Black Sand church is continuing to be in contact with them to encourage and mentor them.


Putting cement on the outside of the water tank.

Completed water tank.
NCM mission team to Tanna.
Water filter buckets
Praying for the sick.
Sharing rice and flour.[David and Sylvia Potter are pioneer missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene in the south Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. They were first appointed as medical missionaries to the Nazarene College of Nursing at Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, in 1992 and served there until they accepted the call to begin the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu in September 2003. Reprinted with permission from their newsletter.]
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Breathing Deep... Endurance for the Race...
Member Care

re·sil·ience \ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s\ :the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens. :the ability of something to return to its shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
What is it? Resilience is that amazing quality about a person... something deep within... that makes them able to withstand all the messes of life and ministry and the world... and they are not shaken.
It's the tree on a cliffside that has this root system that goes.... so.... deep...
and the wind blows....
and the storm comes...
and the tree bends to acknowledge the storm...
and when the storm is gone... the tree stands up tall...again.
I don't know about you, but I could use some of that!
Why does resilience matter? What can we do about it? Click here to read on!
BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, FEATURE, MEMBER CARE
BREATHING DEEP…ENDURANCE FOR THE RACE…
Member Care: re·sil·ience \ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s\ :the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens. :the ability of something to return to its shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
What is it? Resilience is that amazing quality about a person… something deep within… that makes them able to withstand all the messes of life and ministry and the world… and they are not shaken.
re·sil·ience \ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s\ :the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens. :the ability of something to return to its shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
It’s the tree on a cliffside that has this root system that goes…. so…. deep…
and the wind blows….
and the storm comes…
and the tree bends to acknowledge the storm…
and when the storm is gone… the tree stands up tall…again.
I don’t know about you, but I could use some of that!
Why does it matter? Without resilience we become rigid, fragile, stiff, inflexible. Our relationships suffer as we place more and more responsibility for our stability on other people, organizations or circumstances. Our mind suffers with the flooding of stress hormones and we lose our ability to think clearly and creatively. We may experience anxiety and depression (Buckwalter, 2011). Eventually, we become ineffective in our calling.
But we aren’t the only ones at stake. The world around us is full of people wondering if Jesus has anything real for them; they need to see in us this demonstration of wild hope that stays alive… No Matter What. They are desperate for a reason to believe in the possibility of recovery, restoration and triumph, in the pain and mess of life.
The concept of resilience is getting a lot of press lately. Even secular human-aid organizations have identified it as an essential quality for long-term sustainability. “Resilience determines how quickly we get back to our ‘steady state’ after the air has been knocked out of us, …when we must push through life circumstances that challenge our very being.” (Buckwalter, 2011)
These are compelling reasons to persevere in our quest for authentic resilience.
What can we do about it? Three core attributes have been identified as essential components of resilience: Strength, Purpose, and Pleasure. Strength is the general feeling that you are, “equipped to handle both daily life and those challenging moments when you have to dig deeper.” Purpose is the belief, “that you’re contributing to the world in a way that helps others, consistent with what is most important to you.” Pleasure means that you are able to, “deeply enjoy that which enriches and satisfies you. … having experiences that bring you a deep sense of pleasure is essential.”(Buckwalter, 2011)
The good news is that with intentionality and determination, we can take action to build our own resilience:
Relationships: Resilience dies in isolation, so let’s take a look at our relationships; let’s identify, and take specific steps, to build and improve trusting, healthy connections with co-workers, friends and family.
Exercise: Intentional exercise has obvious physical benefits that affect our sense of feeling equipped to face the challenges of life. But even more significant is the evidence that the neurological response to physical exercise actually changes the way our brain is shaped; it results in measurable growth of the areas in our brain where resilience lives. (Bosch, 2012)
Purpose: We can intentionally keep our calling in sight. We are all called by the Most High God into partnership with his purpose and plan for the healing of the world. Let’s speak about his calling on our lives; write about our purpose; and ask God to reveal his perspective to us and the difference we are making. Let’s find ways to keep our life purpose in front of us!
Pleasure: We can intentionally have fun! Healthy pleasure supports positive outlook and actually strengthens the physiological processes that result in improved resilience. Know what makes you laugh and do it J A merry heart doeth good like a medicine[Proverbs 17:22]
Source: Spend some time letting God remind us Who he is – our very source of resilience! “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed”. (II Corinthians 4:7-9) Sounds like resilience to me!
Member Care is one the Asia-Pacific Regional Priorities. Thank you to Cindy Schmelzenbach who submitted the above article.
More on resilience:
Bosch, Donald. PhD. (2014) Understanding allostatic load. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ9DzSzUpio
Bosch, Donald, PhD. (2012) Resilience is a discipline. Retrieved from http://www.headington-institute.org/files/resilience-is-a-discipline_edited_v2_73341.pdf
Buckwalter, Galen, PhD. (2011) My definition of resilience. Retrieved from http://www.headington-institute.org/files/resiliencedefinition_edited-copy_74370.pdf
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NTC 2016 Enrichment Courses
Brisbane, Australia

Click here to learn more!
JFHP Seeks Communications Coordinator
JESUS Film Harvest Partners

JESUS Film Harvest Partners currently has an opening for a communications coordinator. This position is responsible for developing and implementing consistent short-term and long-term communications strategies, as well as for ensuring consistent JESUS Film Harvest Partners branding in all communications, including the website, mobile apps, and promotional materials. This position will also develop and manage an effective social media presence for the organization.
This full-time position will be on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Follow this link for more information!
Churches Commit to Address Human Trafficking on Freedom Sunday
Global Ministry Center

On February 14, Nazarene congregations around the globe are committing to stand against human trafficking through participation in Freedom Sunday. Last year, more than 200 congregations worldwide participated in the event through prayer, worship, preaching, and support of church-based anti-trafficking ministries.
This is the third year the Church of the Nazarene will join other denominations within the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium to observe Freedom Sunday. In 2014, the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene endorsed the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium's Declaration for Freedom, a document drafted in part by Nazarene Theological Seminary President Carla Sunberg and other Nazarene leaders. The Wesleyan Holiness Consortium chose the first Sunday of Lent for Freedom Sunday as a way to focus on the fast spoken of in Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" (NIV)
Find out more about Freedom Sunday. Click here!
Schedule of Asia-Pacific Region District Assemblies
Asia-Pacific

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
March 2016
8 Sealands Java-Bali
8-9 Japan Japan
12-13
Sealands
Papua
Follow this link to see the rest of the schedule!

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, EVENTS, FEATURE, JAPAN DISTRICT, KOREA DISTRICT,MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SEALANDS, SOUTHEAST ASIA,TAIWAN DISTRICT

SCHEDULE OF ASIA-PACIFIC REGION DISTRICT ASSEMBLY DATES

  3 COMMENTS

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
November 2015
Field
District
7
ANZ
New Zealand
7-8
Melanesia
South Coast
8-9
Melanesia
Enga
9-10
Melanesia
Middle Ramu
9-10
Melanesia
Islands
12-13
Melanesia
Simbu/ EHD
13-14
Melanesia
Hagen
13-14
Melanesia
Western Highlands
14-15
Melanesia
East Sepik
15-16
Melanesia
Sandaun
19-20
Melanesia
Bromley Memorial
20-21
Melanesia
North Coast
20-21
Melanesia
Southern Highlands
24-25
South Pacific
Solomon Islands
26-27
South Pacific
Vanuatu
27-28
South Pacific
Samoa
29-30
South-Pacific
Fiji
December 2015
 Field
 District
30
Philippines
Bicol
January 2016
 Field
 District
2
Philippines
Southern Tagalog
8
Philippines
Mindanao East
9
ANZ
Australia North & West
13
 Philippines
 Mindanao West
16
Philippines
Metropolitan Luzon
16
Southeast Asia
Northern Thailand
19
Philippines
Negros
20 or 21
Philippines
Luzon
 20 Southeast Asia Cambodia
 23 ANZ Australia Southern
 23 Philippines Metro Manila
 23 Southeast Asia CAA #3
 26 Southeast Asia Thailand
 27 Southeast Asia CAA #1
 28Philippines Panay
 29 Philippines Eastern Visayas
 30 (Tentative) Philippines Central Visayas
 March 2016
 Field
 District
 8 Sealands Java-Bali
 8-9 Japan Japan
 12-13 Sealands Papua
 17 Sealands C. Kalimantan
 14-18 CMF Taiwan
 20 CMFHongkong
 22-23 Korea Korea National
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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!
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights

APNTS Announcing GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in Intercultural Studies!
The Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies (15 credits) is intended both for those preparing for cross-cultural service and for those already in cross-cultural ministry who would be helped by continuing education.
All subjects are offered for 3-hours graduate credit that may be transferred to other APNTS programs.
The Certificate program starts with the foundational course,
"The World Mission," which is offered on-line from
January 5 to March 31.
Don't delay in finding out more information, only 16 days left until the program starts.
Click here for the brochure and for contact information.
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ATR News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of the Global Church of the Nazarene of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, 6 February 2016 Volume 4/Issue Number 5... Prayers Answered on Medical Supply Shortage in PNG, New Pastors Ordained in Myanmar, A Special Piece on Resilience, Update on Harmon Senior, Prayer Requests, Praises and More!



In This Issue:

Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Passings:
with emphasis on the "I"!

On the 18th - 21st January 2016, NMI held the global council meetings in Orlando, Florida (to help ensure that representatives from across the world would not have flight delays or problems due to weather in the Kansas City area).
One important outcome of these meetings was a renewed commitment to emphasize the "I" in NMI. This was very exciting news to four of the Regional NMI Coordinators from across the globe who were in attendance. Talks have always been ongoing related to how to ensure that NMI takes into account the international church and her members, which is not an easy task. These meetings made great progress towards that goal, and ensured that more progress would be
made in the near future to provide global relevance.
The objectives continue, the mission the same, with a new and creative enhancement and emphasis on making NMI relevant across the globe.
Be looking for a revised website that will be more streamlined and up-to-date in the near future. As well as a very creative way to share ideas and information in this computerized world we live in.
For more info click Here

"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"4 Ways to Change Your Life by What You Think"
Proof for the Power of Positive Thinking
The correlation between positive thinking and positive results has been observed for centuries, but sociologist Robert K. Merton formalized the idea when he coined the term self-fulfilling prophecy. Merton wrote, "The self-fulfilling prophecy is, in the beginning, a false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the original false conception come true."
What Robert Merton identified is nothing more than the power of positive thinking. By choosing a positive attitude in every situation, you unleash a power in your life. You influence yourself and others in constructive ways. As a result, you shape your reality by the thoughts you think.
A Positive Attitude Creates a Positive Identity
A team of researchers who studied more than five thousand workers concluded that "people with a highly optimistic life orientation experience daily events in a more positive way and expect more positive outcomes than pessimists." They noted that "highly optimistic individuals appear to attract supportive social relationships, use adaptive coping strategies, and have different health habits than pessimists."
The research suggests that a positive outlook reduces the risk of health problems after experiencing a negative life event, and promotes faster recovery. You aren't imagining it; when you think more positively, you actually do feel better.
Choose to think positively about your circumstances.
A Positive Attitude Creates Possibilities
The self-fulfilling prophecy has a counterpart called a self-defeating prophecy. When you believe you will be defeated, you almost certainly will be. But when you believe that anything is possible, something probably will be.
Opportunities come to the person who looks for them, who believes that no situation is hopeless, and who expects some good result is bound to occur. When you adopt a positive outlook, you create your own possibilities.
Choose to think positively about your future.
A Positive Attitude Wins Friends
As the researchers in the study noted above and point out, optimistic people attract supporting social networks. That's scientific proof that happy people more easily win friends and influence people, as if we needed proof of that. Intuitively, you know this is true.
When you adopt a positive attitude, you will begin to gather like-minded people around you. You will find yourself surrounded by positive thinkers, doers, and high achievers; they will inspire, encourage, and help you, both with the problems you face in life and with the dreams you hope to fulfill. Adopting a positive attitude is the first step to building the momentum you need to move into the future you'd like to create for yourself.
All that said, a positive attitude without a positive faith will result in positive failure!
How has a positive attitude improved your life? I'd love to hear about it! Share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.[Stan Toler]
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Share The Story!

Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
Medical Supply Shortage in PNG- Prayers Answered!
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital

You may recall back on December 5th, of last year, when a story and prayer request was sent out regarding the shortage of supplies at the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea...
Well God has answered prayer! Dr. Erin Meier, medical missionary at Kudjip reported the arrival of not one, but two containers of supplies!
Follow the link to read on this story of pouring blessings!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS
MEDICAL SUPPLY SHORTAGE IN PNG – PRAYERS ANSWERED!
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital: You may recall back on December 5th, of last year, when a story and prayer request was sent out regarding the shortage of supplies at the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea…Supply Shortage at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital - Please Pray!

Sorting boxes in the PharmacyWell God has answered prayer! Dr. Erin Meier, medical missionary at Kudjip reported the arrival of not one, but two containers of supplies!
The urgent request for gauze and gloves has been answered, as well as a need for medicines that are difficult to obtain in-country.
When God opens the doors of blessings, the cups (or in this case storage rooms) runneth over! The team at Kudjip is diligently working to efficiently organize all of the supplies so that they can be placed into service in the coming days.
If 2016 is anything like 2015, where the hospital saw more than 57,500 outpatients, admitted 6,291, and delivered more than 2,200 babies, then these supplies will go quickly.

We are praising God for these answers to the prayers for supplies. But even more than supplies, we are praising God that each year, hundreds of people give their lives to Christ at the hospital, new churches are started, miracles happen, people grow in their faith, patients find comfort and some face death with new hope, and the good news of abundant life in Christ is lived and proclaimed!
For more information about Nazarene Health Ministries, visit this link.
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Six New Pastors Ordained in Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

Newly ordained pastors with GS Dr. David Graves and DS Dr. Bill KwonThere was a tremendous sense of excitement and energy in the air last Sunday, January 31, as six new pastors were ordained at the 32nd district assembly in Myanmar.
We are praising God at how the church is
moving forward in this once "closed" country.
Take a moment to read the full story!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA
SIX NEW PASTORS ORDAINED IN MYANMAR!
Myanmar (Burma) Southeast Asia: Over the weekend of January 30-31, 2016, the 32nd annual District Assembly was celebrated in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Six new pastors ordained on Sunday, January 31, in Myanmar.
Officiated by Dr. David Graves (General Superintendent) the highlight of the assembly was the ordination of six new pastors!
It was compelling to hear the vision and see the passion of the leaders as they shared what has been happening in this once “closed” nation. Myanmar’s campus of Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC) is growing, more new churches are being planted, and this year, there were (65 delegates to the assembly) a two-fold increase on the number from last year’s assembly!

From left to right, Lebron Fairbanks, Robin Seia, Bill Kwon.Dr. Robin Seia, founder of the Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar, was in attendance at the assembly and was able to pray over the new ordinands along with Dr. Graves.
Great things are happening in Myanmar. Please continue to pray for the work of the church in Myanmar.
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Praising God for Update on Harmon Schmelzenbach Senior!
Region

Harmon Schmelzenbach Sr.On January 16th, prayer was requested for the father of Field Strategy Coordinator, Harmon Schmelzenbach.
Harmon Schmelzenbach Senior, retired missionary, has been suffering with health complications.
The following update was received this week:
"These last few days have seen significant improvement with dad's situation and our family is deeply aware and appreciative of the great army of prayer warriors who have been lifting him before God's throne! Thank you so very much."
Leave a comment of encouragement for the Schmelzenbach Family
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Breathing Deep... Endurance for the Race...
Member Care

re·sil·ience \ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s\ :the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens. :the ability of something to return to its shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
What is it? Resilience is that amazing quality about a person... something deep within... that makes them able to withstand all the messes of life and ministry and the world... and they are not shaken.
It's the tree on a cliffside that has this root system that goes.... so.... deep...
and the wind blows....
and the storm comes...
and the tree bends to acknowledge the storm...
and when the storm is gone... the tree stands up tall...again.
I don't know about you, but I could use some of that!
Why does resilience matter? What can we do about it? Click here to read on!
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Prayer Request from Team Member in PNG
Papua New Guinea

Making Christlike disciples is never an easy feat. There are many obstacles along the way, one of which could be brought about by cultural differences.
Today we received a prayer request from one of the team members in Papua New Guinea, asking for strength, wisdom and guidance as the team carries out challenging tasks ahead.
Due to the sensitivities of the issue, we have decided to limit the details of the prayer request.
Your prayers are needed! Follow this link to know how you can pray!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAYER REQUEST FROM OUR MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC FIELD!
Papua New Guinea: Making Christlike disciples is never an easy feat. There are many obstacles along the way, one of which could be brought about by cultural differences.
Today we received a prayer request from our Melanesia Nazarene Teachers and Bible College in Papua New Guinea, asking for strength, wisdom and guidance for the days ahead.
Fervent prayer is being requested for the following:
  • Smooth transition of registration activities to complete the important tasks at hand in the midst of tribal and other significant challenges, and the ability to sustain the ministry project from start to finish.
  • Team unity, peace of mind, heart and body for all the people involved.
  • Integrity of everyone involved, that the team may stand firm, regardless of how huge the pressure might be to compromise.
  • Traveling mercies for some of the leaders as they travel for regional meetings in the coming weeks.
God knows the desires of our hearts. If we cry out to him, he will hear us and give us what we need in times of difficulty. May our team in Papua New Guinea continue their mission of exemplifying Christ within the context of the culture through maintaining a spirit of integrity and transparency in everything that they do.[Submitted by: Team Member in Papua New Guinea]
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SDMI- The Story Approach to Articles of Faith in Myanmar!
Yangon, Myanmar

Have you ever had someone ask you, "So what is it that the Church of the Nazarene believes?" Have you ever found yourself struggling to be able to answer this question?
If your answer to either of the above questions is yes, you are not alone! In fact, many people find that they struggle remembering the 16 Articles of Faith (AoF) that make up the core beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene. Core beliefs that don't just belong to the Nazarene church, but to those everywhere who identify themselves as Christians.
The Sunday School Discipleship Ministries International team from Myanmar (Burma) addressed these questions in a very tangible and impactful way!
Follow the link to read on, and how you can have access to excellent resources!

BLOG, CURRENT, DISCIPLESHIP, EDUCATION, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA
SDMI – THE STORY APPROACH TO ARTICLES OF FAITH IN MYANMAR!
Yangon, Myanmar: Have you ever had someone ask you, “So what is it that the Church of the Nazarene believes?” Have you ever found yourself struggling to be able to answer this question?
If your answer to either of the above questions is yes, you are not alone! In fact, many people find that they struggle remembering the 16 Articles of Faith (AoF) that make up the core beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene. Core beliefs that don’t just belong to the Nazarene church, but to those everywhere who identify themselves as Christians.

The Sunday School Discipleship Ministries International team from Myanmar (Burma) addressed these questions in a very tangible and impactful way! They invited Ray and Becky Neu, who have been working with global SDMI and Tell THE Story, to come and teach Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC) students and district pastors, how to teach the AoF through story!

January 26-28, nearly 40 people participated in the Tell THE Story, Articles of Faith Training, at the SEANBC main campus in Yangon, Myanmar. The creative and intuitive Articles of Faith Study Map, which focuses on aiding memorization through the use of picture association, was clearly effective in aiding participants to not only remember but understand the core beliefs of the Church.
The demonstrated recall and understanding of the AoF between the first and third day were clear evidence of the effectiveness of the training.

Perhaps most effective, were the several hours spent in “contextualizing” the Study Map. Ray challenged the participants to really consider the images on the map. Do they speak the same meaning to you in your culture? What might better define “church” in your context? How about, “atonement,” “justification?” At the end of the seminar, the students were given the chance to collectively, “refine” the study map to make it more impacting and meaningful for the people of Myanmar.
So how about you? Would you like to have a solid foundational answer for what it is that you believe? Could the members of your church or small group benefit from a refreshing review of the Core Beliefs of Christianity? Visit the following link http://www.studymaps.org
Resources that are available include:
Study maps in multiple languages
Guide for teaching the AoF using the Study Maps.
Other visual study maps for the Ten Commandments and the books of the Bible.

If there were ever a time to know what you believe – now is that time. Like the Myanmar church, take advantage of these great resources!

There is even an App for that! Get the Articles of Faith Study Maps mobile application for iOS or Android by following this link:
Play Store
App Store
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See What's Happening Around the World with the Latest WMC News Release
Asia-Pacific
Did you realize that Flint Michigan is in a federal state of emergency? Follow the link to learn more about this situation and more with this latest edition of WMC News!
This month's highlights include:
A moment to remember Pastor Vipul Kharat
A look at how the Church is being the hands and feet of Christ in Ukraine and Costa Rica
An appeal for help in Flint, Michigan


Click here to watch this video and for the download link - be sure to share!
NTC 2016 Enrichment Courses
Brisbane, Australia

Click here to learn more!
JFHP Seeks Communications Coordinator
JESUS Film Harvest Partners

JESUS Film Harvest Partners currently has an opening for a communications coordinator. This position is responsible for developing and implementing consistent short-term and long-term communications strategies, as well as for ensuring consistent JESUS Film Harvest Partners branding in all communications, including the website, mobile apps, and promotional materials. This position will also develop and manage an effective social media presence for the organization.
This full-time position will be on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Follow this link for more information!
Churches Commit to Address Human Trafficking on Freedom Sunday
Global Ministry Center

On February 14, Nazarene congregations around the globe are committing to stand against human trafficking through participation in Freedom Sunday. Last year, more than 200 congregations worldwide participated in the event through prayer, worship, preaching, and support of church-based anti-trafficking ministries.
This is the third year the Church of the Nazarene will join other denominations within the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium to observe Freedom Sunday. In 2014, the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene endorsed the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium's Declaration for Freedom, a document drafted in part by Nazarene Theological Seminary President Carla Sunberg and other Nazarene leaders. The Wesleyan Holiness Consortium chose the first Sunday of Lent for Freedom Sunday as a way to focus on the fast spoken of in Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" (NIV)
Find out more about Freedom Sunday. Click here!
Schedule of Asia-Pacific Region District Assemblies
Asia-Pacific

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
March 2016
8 Sealands Java-Bali
8-9 Japan Japan
12-13
Sealands
Papua
Follow this link to see the rest of the schedule!

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, EVENTS, FEATURE, JAPAN DISTRICT, KOREA DISTRICT,MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SEALANDS, SOUTHEAST ASIA,TAIWAN DISTRICT

SCHEDULE OF ASIA-PACIFIC REGION DISTRICT ASSEMBLY DATES

  3 COMMENTS

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
November 2015
Field
District
7
ANZ
New Zealand
7-8
Melanesia
South Coast
8-9
Melanesia
Enga
9-10
Melanesia
Middle Ramu
9-10
Melanesia
Islands
12-13
Melanesia
Simbu/ EHD
13-14
Melanesia
Hagen
13-14
Melanesia
Western Highlands
14-15
Melanesia
East Sepik
15-16
Melanesia
Sandaun
19-20
Melanesia
Bromley Memorial
20-21
Melanesia
North Coast
20-21
Melanesia
Southern Highlands
24-25
South Pacific
Solomon Islands
26-27
South Pacific
Vanuatu
27-28
South Pacific
Samoa
29-30
South-Pacific
Fiji
December 2015
 Field
 District
30
Philippines
Bicol
January 2016
 Field
 District
2
Philippines
Southern Tagalog
8
Philippines
Mindanao East
9
ANZ
Australia North & West
13
 Philippines
 Mindanao West
16
Philippines
Metropolitan Luzon
16
Southeast Asia
Northern Thailand
19
Philippines
Negros
20 or 21
Philippines
Luzon
 20 Southeast Asia Cambodia
 23 ANZ Australia Southern
 23 Philippines Metro Manila
 23 Southeast Asia CAA #3
 26 Southeast Asia Thailand
 27 Southeast Asia CAA #1
 28Philippines Panay
 29 Philippines Eastern Visayas
 30 (Tentative) Philippines Central Visayas
 March 2016
 Field
 District
 8 Sealands Java-Bali
 8-9 Japan Japan
 12-13 Sealands Papua
 17 Sealands C. Kalimantan
 14-18 CMF Taiwan
 20 CMFHongkong
 22-23 Korea Korea National
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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!
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights

APNTS Announcing GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in Intercultural Studies!
The Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies (15 credits) is intended both for those preparing for cross-cultural service and for those already in cross-cultural ministry who would be helped by continuing education.
All subjects are offered for 3-hours graduate credit that may be transferred to other APNTS programs.
The Certificate program starts with the foundational course,
"The World Mission," which is offered on-line from
January 5 to March 31.
Don't delay in finding out more information, only 16 days left until the program starts.
Click here for the brochure and for contact information.
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ATR News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, 23 January 2016 Volume 4/Issue Number 3 ...Dealing with Burnout, General Board Concert of Prayer, Fasting Spiritual Leaders, Prayer Requests, Praises and More!



In This Issue:

Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Passings:

Opportunities abound to be a volunteer in your church, in your community, on your district, or even in another country. As you step out in faith, seeking to be used by God in every aspect of your life, God will use you!
Talk to you Pastor or NMI President, as your local church is a great place to start! Then as you show yourself trustworthy, and useful, other opportunities to serve will become available to you.
If you are interested in cross- cultural ministry, check out this link.
The main thing is to step out and do something!
For more information click here.

"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"How to Shut Down Negative Talk"
"Three Ways to Turn Any Conversation Positive"
In ice hockey, a check is a defensive move aimed at disrupting an opponent who has the puck or by separating him from it entirely. There is the body check, and the hip check, and the cross check-fourteen checking techniques in all.
When people engage in negative talk in your presence-complaints, gossip, naysaying-you can check it using these three simple techniques.
As in hockey, each of these checks is a bit confrontational, but perfectly acceptable if done properly.
1. Call It
The first technique in countering negative speech in others is to call it out by putting a label on what is being said. You can do that simply by saying what the speech is, and adding, "I don't think we should do that."
When you identify negative speech for what it is, it's likely that the other party will stop or alter their tone. There's no need to be critical, judgmental, or self-righteous; simply say, "That focuses too much on the negative, and I think we should talk about something else."
2. Counter It
When you hear complaining, naysaying, or gossiping, simply respond with an alternative, more positive view. When you hear someone insult or disparage someone who is not present, say something positive about that person. If others start to complain, put your positivity bias to work by pointing out fresh possibilities. If others are naysaying or talking down an idea without giving it a fair hearing, say why you think it just might work.
A small fire won't turn into a blaze if you pour some water on it. And negative speech will not be contagious when you smother it by countering it with praise and possibilities.
3. Leave It
Some people love to gossip or complain, and there's simply no stopping them. You can't turn a dyed-in-the-wool naysayer into a optimist overnight. There are occasions when you simply have to excuse yourself and leave the room in order to stem the tide of negative talk.
It may seem rude, but it's worth it. Listening to a steady stream of complaints for fifteen minutes will drain your positive energy quicker than a day of hard labor. If you cannot prevent a negative conversation from harming others, you can at least check its impact upon yourself.
How do you respond when team members or associates engage in negative or destructive speech? I'd love to hear how you keep the conversation positive. Share your answer on Facebook or Twitter![Stan Toler]
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Share The Story!

Terrorist Attack in Jakarta
No Nazarenes Involved
Word has been received from the field that at this time, it appears that no Nazarene Church Members were injured in Thursday's Paris-styled attack on a Starbuck's store in Jakarta, Indonesia. Do pray for the families of the Canadian and Indonesian that were killed, as well as the 20 that were injured.

Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
Asia-Pacific Prayer Requests Submitted to "General Board Concert of Prayer!"
Regional Announcement

There is definitely power in prayer and as a church committed to making Christlike disciples in the nations, this will only be achieved as we seek God's hand, guidance, and power through prayer!
This years concert of prayer will touch on leadership transitions, spiritual breakthrough, new work, government relations, and member care.
Follow the link to read the prayer requests and join with our leaders in prayer!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
ASIA-PACIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS SUBMITTED TO “GENERAL BOARD CONCERT OF PRAYER!”
Asia-Pacific Region: There is definitely power in prayer and as a church committed to making Christlike disciples in the nations, this will only be achieved as we seek God’s hand, guidance, and power through prayer!
Please see the following Regional Prayer Requests that have been submitted to the General Board as they prepare to meet and commit to a “Concert of Prayer.”
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.[1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)]
Leadership Transitions:
Transition of two DSs on the ANZF, Satish Mamothe and Roland Hearn; Taiwan District Leadership alignment & TNTC choosing a new President; Search for District Superintendent in Southern Tagalog, and President for Visayan Nazarene Bible College; Restructuring of Asia-Pacific Resource Center & Asia-Pacific Regional Office; Appointment of Field NCM Coordinators; Korea National District Assembly Election of new DS and District leadership in March 2016
Spiritual breakthrough:
For spiritual breakthrough and outpouring of God’s Spirit that will bring increased unity, growth and fruitfulness — specifically district leadership across the region and in team and family relationships (especially with MK’s). Breakthrough in communication within the team in shared ministry with national leaders, local churches and districts to strengthen long-term fruitfulness despite difficult situations (such as health decisions, retirements, shortage of laborers, and persecution)– so together we will teach and disciple (with church planting) the next generation of leaders with joy!
New Work:
Re-start of the work in Republic of Palau in Micronesia; Church planting team which has been in the shaping and training for two years will be launched to enter a new large city (in a sensitive area) on Sealands Field in July (this large city has two major UPGs and 4 other smaller UPGs); Pray for Vision 2020 goals to be fulfilled for God’s glory and the planting and building up of His Church in new areas.
Government Relations:
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital faces a potential financial crisis with Papua New Guinea possibly reducing its government partnership funding by as much as 40% this year”; Korea Nazarene University is undergoing consultation with Government Ministry of Education; Pray for favor with local authorities in terms of registration of a local church on Sealands field, its process has been rather slow.
Member care:
Pray for team members, as they go on Home Assignment, that God will refresh & renew them as they share in the churches and re-connect with family, that God would use them to challenge the hearts of the people to answer the calling of God to be sent out as workers to His harvest fields; Pray for new personnel transitioning to AP region.
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See What's Happening Around the World with the Latest WMC News Release
Asia-Pacific
Does your church know what's happening around the world? Have you been wondering how the Nazarene Church has fared with the Ebola outbreak? Come and celebrate with Sierra Leone in this week's round-up! Follow the link and download the latest video from WMC News!
This month's highlights include:
A joyful update on the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone
A look at Korea Nazarene University's ministry trip in Iloilo
A creative solution to a space problem for churches in Haiti - enter the "Chapel Factory!"


Click here to watch this video and for the download link - be sure to share!
Reflecting Christ: Holism in Ministry
Howard Culbertson (Engage Magazine)

I had a friend who seemed fixated on "saving souls." I never heard him talk much about the people he encountered except for counting them if they got saved. The only thing that seemed to be on his "to do" list was making sure people had a ticket to heaven.
Do not misunderstand me: Being passionate about people going to heaven is not a bad thing . . . unless all you think about is making sure their "souls" are going to be saved.
As I read the gospels, I see Jesus concerned about more things than "saving souls."
Read the rest of this insightful story about holistic ministry by clicking here!
Reflecting Christ: Holism in ministry by Howard Culbertson
I had a friend who seemed fixated on “saving souls.” I never heard him talk much about the people he encountered except for counting them if they got saved. The only thing that seemed to be on his “to do” list was making sure people had a ticket to heaven.
Do not misunderstand me: Being passionate about people going to heaven is not a bad thing . . . unless all you think about is making sure their “souls” are going to be saved.

As I read the gospels, I see Jesus concerned about more things than “saving souls.” He did not separate people into bodies and souls and whatever else like my friend seemed to do. Jesus saw individuals as whole people, and He treated them as such. He spent time with them. He ate at their tables. He played with their children. He went to the synagogue with them. He laughed and cried with them. And, He announced: “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” (John 10:10, CEV).
Jesus did ministry in a holistic* way. Thus, He did not see people’s physical and emotional side as something totally separated from their spiritual side. He dispensed forgiveness at the same time he healed diseases. He helped people to spiritual wholeness at the same time He was feeding them fish sandwiches.
In Jesus’ holistic modus operandi, He saw people in the context of the society in which they lived. For that reason, He talked about ways to foster healthy relationships. Jesus’ response to a question about the “greatest commandment” reveals a holistic way of thinking. His response addressed our horizontal dimension (loving others) as well as our vertical one (loving God).
Across the years, the best world missions outreach has been been holistic like Jesus’ earthly ministry was. For instance, in the early 1800s British missionary William Carey set the pattern for Protestant missionary work. One reason Carey is called the “Father of the Modern Missionary Movement” is his holistic approach to missions.
To be sure, Carey did evangelistic outreach endeavors, including open-air preaching, but he also introduced economic development projects and literacy and medical ministries. He battled to give young women educational opportunities. He fought against the abhorrent practice of burning widows alive on the funeral pyres of their dead husbands.
If missionaries today want to really do ministy in the name of Jesus Christ, they must approach it in the holistic fashion of our Lord and Savior.
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*Some dictionaries say “wholistic” is a variant spelling of “holistic.” Others give slightly different nunaces to the two words.
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God Answers Prayers! Doctor Declares Nazarene Team Member in Total Remission!
Manila, Philippines

2015 was a very challenging year for the Halbrook family.
Ten months ago, Liza was diagnosed to have a significant mass in her abdominal region, and a month later, after tests and consultations, doctors confirmed the tumor as Stage 2, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Over the next months, prayers have been constantly and fervently requested for Liza and her family...
Follow the link to read the awesome and uplifting update on Lisa's condition!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS! DOCTOR DECLARES NAZARENE TEAM MEMBER IN TOTAL REMISSION!
Manila, Philippines: 2015 was a very challenging year for the Halbrook family.

Ten months ago, Liza was diagnosed with a significant mass in her abdominal region, and a month later, after tests and consultations, doctors confirmed the tumor as Stage 2, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.Read about the story here.

Over the next months, prayers have been constantly and fervently requested for Liza and her family. They cannot thank you enough as you showered them with prayers, words of encouragement and provision. Updates on Liza’s condition were constantly posted on her Facebook page, and we witnessed the highs and lows of her journey through the Big C.
Throughout the ordeal, we have seen nothing but an example of courage and faith in Liza, praising and thanking God despite what she and the family have been going through.
That is why our hearts are filled with so much joy as we received this most recent update from Liza:
Please join us in praising and thanking our awesome and magnificent God. I talked to my doctor today; I am in total remission. I will undergo a blood test in 2 months and a CT scan in 4 months. We are praying that the cancer will stay inactive for a very long time.[Liza Halbrook]
2016 is getting off to a great start for the Halbrooks! Your prayers and generosity have been such powerful instruments in helping Liza and her family. Thank you so much for believing in the power of prayer and for keeping the faith.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15 NIV)
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Do Spiritual Leaders Fast?
David A. Busic

Do spiritual leaders fast today? I am not trying to be provocative. I really don't know.
John Wesley believed that while God's grace cannot be earned, sanctified Christians are not to idly stand by to receive grace, but rather they are to actively engage in the means of grace. The means of grace are the various ways God works to give to His children daily strength, abiding peace, renewing faith, spiritual power, and a pure heart.
Historically, the means of grace can be divided into two categories: works of piety and works of mercy. Works of piety are primarily what we do to enhance our personal relationship with Christ. Works of mercy are what we do to engage God's ministry and mission in the world. Both works of piety and works of mercy have an individual component (what we can do alone) and communal component (what we must do with others)...
Click here to continue reading Dr. Busic's blog on fasting!

BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS
DO SPIRITUAL LEADERS FAST? by David A. Busic

Dr. David A. BusicDo spiritual leaders fast today? I am not trying to be provocative. I really don’t know.
John Wesley believed that while God’s grace cannot be earned, sanctified Christians are not to idly stand by to receive grace, but rather they are to actively engage in the means of grace. The means of grace are the various ways God works to give to His children daily strength, abiding peace, renewing faith, spiritual power, and a pure heart.
Historically, the means of grace can be divided into two categories: works of piety and works of mercy. Works of piety are primarily what we do to enhance our personal relationship with Christ. Works of mercy are what we do to engage God’s ministry and mission in the world. Both works of piety and works of mercy have an individual component (what we can do alone) and communal component (what we must do with others).
Individual works of piety include meditating on the scriptures, faithfully attending worship, sharing our faith with others, prayer, and fasting. Communal works of piety include participating in the sacraments, accountability to one another (also known as Christian conferencing), Bible study, and preaching.
I know that spiritual leaders meditate on the scriptures, share their faith, and pray. But do they still fast?
John Wesley believed fasting was so important that he fasted every Wednesday and Friday and urged his early Methodists to do the same. He even refused to ordain anyone to the Methodist ministry who would not fast on those two days.
Jesus regularly practiced both prayer and fasting. While I cannot find a place in the Scripture where Jesus explicitly commands fasting, the implicit assumption is that He expected His followers to practice it. For example, Jesus’ teaching on fasting in the Sermon on the Mount is in the context of giving and prayer. He seems to assume that giving, prayer, and fasting intertwine as a vital aspect of Christian practice and devotion. Therefore, to exclude fasting from our spiritual practice would be like excluding prayer and giving.
Like all the means of grace, fasting is not done for the sake of God. It is for us. I do not believe that fasting makes God want to help us one iota more than He already desires to do so. Rather, fasting places us in a posture of humility, with an increased sensitivity to the Spirit of God, where we can be open, honest, and more in tune with His will and purposes for our lives.
As a follower of Jesus, I no longer see fasting as something I must do to get God’s attention. I view it as an invitation for grace to flow.
I cannot speak for others’ works of piety. But as a spiritual leader, I will fast.
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The Antidote to Burnout
Carolyn Taketa
It's the day

of your small-group meeting. As you get ready for the meeting, you feel stressed, tired, disconnected, overwhelmed, and even a bit resentful. You wonder how many people will show up, when you'll have time to prepare, and how you'll summon the energy to listen to the "difficult" people. You wish you could just cancel the meeting and relax in front of the TV.
You're not alone.
Most small-group leaders will experience this at some point. For some, these feelings last only a short while, but for others, they can linger on for weeks, months, or even years. We often lose the joy of ministry and feel burned out because we focus on what we're doing rather than who we're doing it with. We pay more attention to the outcome than the process. We live in a culture where our value is often derived from what we do and how well we do it. This orientation can creep into our ministry where we get caught up in striving and producing. Our spiritual health, however, cannot depend on how many people come to group meetings, the number of curricula and service projects we complete, or even how much members are growing (or not growing) spiritually....
Click here for the rest of the article!
ARTICLE
The Antidote to Burnout
Abiding in Christ is our true responsibility.
Carolyn Taketa
Note: This article is excerpted from our resource Avoiding Burnout.
It's the day of your small-group meeting. As you get ready for the meeting, you feel stressed, tired, disconnected, overwhelmed, and even a bit resentful. You wonder how many people will show up, when you'll have time to prepare, and how you'll summon the energy to listen to the "difficult" people. You wish you could just cancel the meeting and relax in front of the TV.
You're not alone. Most small-group leaders will experience this at some point. For some, these feelings last only a short while, but for others, they can linger on for weeks, months, or even years.
We often lose the joy of ministry and feel burned out because we focus on what we're doing rather than who we're doing it with. We pay more attention to the outcome than the process. We live in a culture where our value is often derived from what we do and how well we do it. This orientation can creep into our ministry where we get caught up in striving and producing. Our spiritual health, however, cannot depend on how many people come to group meetings, the number of curricula and service projects we complete, or even how much members are growing (or not growing) spiritually. Instead of focusing on the tasks and goals, we must focus on abiding in Christ, inviting him into our daily activities, and following the Holy Spirit's guidance. Only when we focus our eyes on God, rather than our own achievements, will we be filled up and not in danger of burnout.
Are you in danger of burnout? Here are nine warning signs to consider:
  1. Your prayers for your group and its members are increasingly limited and/or superficial.
  2. You become more impatient and critical of people in your group.
  3. During meetings, you feel like you're just going through the motions.
  4. You make decisions based on what's easy, not what's best.
  5. Caring for people in your group is a stressful and unwelcome burden.
  6. You avoid contact with your small-group coach or pastor because you feel guilty.
  7. You have stopped expecting God to transform you or anyone else in the group.
  8. You rarely open your Bible except to prepare for the group study.
  9. Your ministry responsibilities seem to leave little time or energy for life with family or friends.
Of course there may be occasions or a season of ministry where you might experience some of the dynamics listed. However, if any of the above statements has become a repeated pattern in your life, you are at risk of ministry burnout. But there is an antidote.
Connected to the Vine
During Jesus' ministry on earth, he used a metaphor of a branch being connected to the vine to instruct the disciples to abide in him. John 15:4-5 (NKJV) says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." The word abide is also translated as: to remain, dwell, join, or live within. Jesus is exhorting us to engage in a life with God. Abiding is not a feeling but an action verb, requiring intentional movement on our part. Bruce Wilkinson in Secrets of the Vine states, "To abide means to remain, to stay closely connected, to settle in for the long term. With this picture Jesus is showing the disciples how an ongoing, vital connection with him will directly determine the amount of his supernatural power in their lives."
When we disengage from the vine, we are cut off from the ongoing nourishment of God's love, power, and grace. No wonder we become tired, discouraged and depleted. To paraphrase Parker Palmer in Let your Life Speak, burnout is not usually a result of trying to give too much; it is the result of trying to give what is not really within us. We are in spiritual danger when we rely more on our skills, gifts, experiences, and personality than guidance from the Holy Spirit. When you start to slip into a place of discouragement or stress about your group, honestly assess whether you have been leading your group with God or doing it on your own strength for God?
Your Responsibility, God's Responsibility
Your abiding relationship with God is not only critical for your own spiritual health, it's fundamental to your ministry as a small-group leader. Abiding enables us to live in the flow of God's Spirit, follow his lead, and draw from God's power in our ministry. We see this clearly throughout the New Testament. For example, Acts 4:13 says, "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus" (emphasis added). These regular people were able to do extraordinary things because they had been living life with Jesus. When we are hanging out with God throughout the day—paying attention to his presence, responding to his promptings, praying for our group, and asking God to transform us—he will do amazing things.
In addition, John 15 gives a wonderful promise for us personally and as ministry leaders: if we abide, we will see fruit. Yet, we are not responsible for bearing fruit. Our primary function is to be a good branch and stay closely connected to the vine. Fruit will grow as an inevitable result of a branch that is attached and being nourished by the vine. No matter how much we do or even how well we do it, we cannot produce spiritual fruit apart from God. Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 3:6 when he declares, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow." Whew! This takes the pressure off. Ultimately, we are not responsible for making people grow or producing successful groups. We are called only to abide in Christ, and engage in a slow, ongoing process of inviting him into every nook and cranny of our lives. This kind of life is incompatible with burnout because it does not depend on us, but on God.
God's goal for you is not that you will do more for him but simply that you will choose to be more with him. As disciples, we get to walk with God, availing ourselves of the ceaseless flow of his love pouring into every part of our hearts, which then spills over in loving service to our small groups. When we choose to abide, we experience the fruit of Christlike character being formed in us as well as the joy of partnering with God as he leads our small groups.[Carolyn Taketa is the Executive Director of Small Groups at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California, and an editorial advisor for SmallGroups.com; copyright 2013 by Christianity Today.]
Discuss:
  1. Have you been abiding in Christ or striving to grow fruit yourself?
  2. How might focusing on abiding take the pressure off and prevent burnout?
  3. What environments, spiritual practices, experiences, or people help you stay closely connected to the vine? How can you make more time for these things?

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Churches Commit to Address Human Trafficking on Freedom Sunday
Global Ministry Center

On February 14, Nazarene congregations around the globe are committing to stand against human trafficking through participation in Freedom Sunday. Last year, more than 200 congregations worldwide participated in the event through prayer, worship, preaching, and support of church-based anti-trafficking ministries.
This is the third year the Church of the Nazarene will join other denominations within the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium to observe Freedom Sunday. In 2014, the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene endorsed the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium's Declaration for Freedom, a document drafted in part by Nazarene Theological Seminary President Carla Sunberg and other Nazarene leaders. The Wesleyan Holiness Consortium chose the first Sunday of Lent for Freedom Sunday as a way to focus on the fast spoken of in Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" (NIV)
Find out more about Freedom Sunday. Click here!
A Short Gift of Time
Melanesia South Pacific

He was 18. He was a strong, muscular young man, who had his whole life in front of him. He developed a fever, and a few days later his eyes turned yellow and they brought him to the hospital.
I saw him the day after he was admitted, his skin was very warm with a fever, his eyes were bright yellow and he was so sick that he was not able to talk, eat, or drink. I looked at his labs and found that his liver and kidney were not working as they should. I knew his prognosis was bad and I was worried he wasn't going to make it through this illness. After finishing examining him, I looked up at his mom, who was very lovingly caring for him, trying to keep his fever down with cool sponges, putting a little water up to his mouth to wet his lips...
Click here to read the rest of this incredible story!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MEDICAL MINISTRY, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC
A SHORT GIFT OF TIME…
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital: He was 18. He was a strong, muscular young man, who had his whole life in front of him. He developed a fever, and a few days later his eyes turned yellow and they brought him to the hospital.
I saw him the day after he was admitted, his skin was very warm with a fever, his eyes were bright yellow and he was so sick that he was not able to talk, eat or drink. I looked at his labs and found that his liver and kidney were not working as they should. I knew his prognosis was bad, I was worried he wasn’t going to make it through this illness. After finishing examining him, I looked up at his mom, who was very lovingly caring for him, trying to keep his fever down with cool sponges, putting a little water up to his mouth to wet his lips. His mom was standing next to him, holding his hand and anxiously waiting for me to tell her good news, unfortunately, I didn’t have much to share.
Hepatorenal syndrome has a very high mortality rate. I was hoping that his youth would spare him, that his kidneys would start working soon with the IV fluid and the antibiotics we were giving him, but I had a lot of doubts. I shared, with as much hope as I thought was appropriate, that he was very very sick and may pass away. She seemed to understand and so we prayed and I hoped that the medicines would work.
Each day, he seemed to get worse and the chances of recovery were fading. His mom was joined by his brother and father at his bedside, all lovingly caring for this young man. I adjusted his meds each day, trying to give him the best chance at recovery and each day praying for him to get better. Finally, one morning, he woke up.
I was amazed as I was able to talk to him and he was answering my questions. The hope that had faded, was returning, he just might make it. I left that day, sharing the hope I had with his family, convinced he was going to be okay.
The next day, his condition deteriorated again, he was more short of breath, he wasn’t talking and the hope that had resurfaced the day before, was now gone. He was going to die. I did my best to try and help the family understand and tried some medicine adjustments to see if it would help, but a few hours later he passed and loud crying was heard as the family grieved.
As I thought back to the day before, I was thankful for the gift the family received of having him back for a short period of time. A time to talk, to say things you might not be able to say again, to recall memories and to say goodbye. Not everyone gets that window of time, many are taken from this earth without warning, without chances to say goodbye. The windows of time are not for me to give or determine their length, I am just thankful this family got one and hope they remember it in the days ahead.
We never know what day will be our last on this earth, make the most of each one and the time you have with those who love you.
Please continue to keep the medical teams and staff who are serving the people of Papua New Guinea in your prayers! For more information on the ministries on the Melanesia South Pacific Field, follow this link to their website.[Dr. Erin Meier – Medical Missionary – Kudjip Nazarene Hospital]
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Welcome to the World Darvin Tia!
Asia-Pacific

We here on the Asia-Pacific Region would like to welcome a newcomer to the WMC Office: Darvin Tia!
World Mission Communications Office Manager Grace Tia gave birth on January 19th. Both mother and baby are healthy and happy. Please join us in celebrating this handsome new addition to the Tia family!
Follow this link to see more pictures!

FEATURE, UNCATEGORIZED
WELCOME DAN ERVIN TIA!
We here on the Asia-Pacific Region would like to welcome a newcomer to the WMC Office: Dan Ervin Tia!

World Mission Communications Office Manager Grace Tia gave birth on January 19th. Both mother and baby are healthy and happy.
Please join us in celebrating this handsome new addition to the Tia family!


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Schedule of Asia-Pacific Region District Assemblies
Asia-Pacific

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
December 2015
30
Philippines
Bicol
January 2016
2 Philippines Southern Tagalog
8 Philippines Mindanao East
9
ANZ
Australia North & West
13 Philippines Mindanao West
16 Philippines Metropolitan Luzon
16 Southeast Asia Northern Thailand
19 Philippines Negros
20 or 21 Philippines Luzon
Follow this link to see the rest of the schedule!

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, EVENTS, FEATURE, JAPAN DISTRICT, KOREA DISTRICT,MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SEALANDS, SOUTHEAST ASIA,TAIWAN DISTRICT

SCHEDULE OF ASIA-PACIFIC REGION DISTRICT ASSEMBLY DATES

  3 COMMENTS

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
November 2015
Field
District
7
ANZ
New Zealand
7-8
Melanesia
South Coast
8-9
Melanesia
Enga
9-10
Melanesia
Middle Ramu
9-10
Melanesia
Islands
12-13
Melanesia
Simbu/ EHD
13-14
Melanesia
Hagen
13-14
Melanesia
Western Highlands
14-15
Melanesia
East Sepik
15-16
Melanesia
Sandaun
19-20
Melanesia
Bromley Memorial
20-21
Melanesia
North Coast
20-21
Melanesia
Southern Highlands
24-25
South Pacific
Solomon Islands
26-27
South Pacific
Vanuatu
27-28
South Pacific
Samoa
29-30
South-Pacific
Fiji
December 2015
 Field
 District
30
Philippines
Bicol
January 2016
 Field
 District
2
Philippines
Southern Tagalog
8
Philippines
Mindanao East
9
ANZ
Australia North & West
13
 Philippines
 Mindanao West
16
Philippines
Metropolitan Luzon
16
Southeast Asia
Northern Thailand
19
Philippines
Negros
20 or 21
Philippines
Luzon
 20 Southeast Asia Cambodia
 23 ANZ Australia Southern
 23 Philippines Metro Manila
 23 Southeast Asia CAA #3
 26 Southeast Asia Thailand
 27 Southeast Asia CAA #1
 28Philippines Panay
 29 Philippines Eastern Visayas
 30 (Tentative) Philippines Central Visayas
 March 2016
 Field
 District
 8 Sealands Java-Bali
 8-9 Japan Japan
 12-13 Sealands Papua
 17 Sealands C. Kalimantan
 14-18 CMF Taiwan
 20 CMFHongkong
 22-23 Korea Korea National
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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!
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights

APNTS Announcing GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in Intercultural Studies!
The Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies (15 credits) is intended both for those preparing for cross-cultural service and for those already in cross-cultural ministry who would be helped by continuing education.
All subjects are offered for 3-hours graduate credit that may be transferred to other APNTS programs.
The Certificate program starts with the foundational course,
"The World Mission," which is offered on-line from
January 5 to March 31.
Don't delay in finding out more information, only 16 days left until the program starts.
Click here for the brochure and for contact information.
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ATR News Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, 30 January 2016 Volume 4/Issue Number 4...The Tragic Death of Vipul Kharat, The Latest WMC News, The Global NYI Meeting, Prayer Requests, Praises and More!



In This Issue:

Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Passings:

Opportunities abound to be a volunteer in your church, in your community, on your district, or even in another country. As you step out in faith, seeking to be used by God in every aspect of your life, God will use you!
Talk to you Pastor or NMI President, as your local church is a great place to start! Then as you show yourself trustworthy, and useful, other opportunities to serve will become available to you.
If you are interested in cross- cultural ministry, check out this link.
The main thing is to step out and do something!
For more information click here.
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"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"Jump Start Right Thinking with a Media Fast"
Your consumption of mass media and social media has a tremendous impact on your thinking, whether you realize it or not. You simply cannot break the patterns of negative thinking in your mind unless and until you address your consumption of negative words, sounds, and images through mass media, the Internet, and social media.
To jumpstart a positive outlook, declare a total fast from the media for a period of time. I recommend thirty days, but even a few days will be enough to show you how great a volume of negative thought you receive through these channels, and how much better you feel without them.
Here's how it works.
1. Set a Time to Unplug.
Don't be afraid to make this challenging. If you think you can't last longer than a day, set it for a week. Make your goal longer than you think you can tolerate. That's the first step in breaking this pattern.
2. Plan for Necessary Communication.
Consider the minimum communication you must have in order to function in your various roles-in your family, as a student, an employee, or a boss. If you need to be available by phone, keep your phone on; just disable or hide the communications apps. If you need to use the Internet for work, do so. Just be sure that your use is for legitimate work purposes only.
3. Pull the Plug.
This will take a bit of time and planning, because these communication tools are woven so tightly into our lives. Shut off the alerts on your phone, and don't carry it with you every moment. You may want to move the television out of your bedroom or living room to break the habit of switching it on each day.
4. Replace the Media with Positive Activities.
Rather than surfing the Internet, read an uplifting book. During your commute, spend time planning your day rather than listening to talk radio. Conversation, recreation, exercise, napping, work around the house: all these are positive alternatives to soaking up the negative thoughts and energy you would otherwise receive through the media.
5. Reflect on the Experience
What aspects of the media did you miss? Why is it so difficult to unplug? What are you learning about yourself? What do you notice in others, now that you're not constantly wired? What will you want your media experience to look like moving forward?
6. Plan Your Reentry.
A media fast is not intended to be permanent. You will return to media consumption at some point, so plan what you'd like your media use to look like. How will you limit the time spent on social media? What will you do to limit or counter the negativity you'll hear each day through the news? What permanent deletions will you make from your media consumption?
As a warning, your first time consuming media after a fast will be jarring. You'll realize that you'd been soaking up a lot of negativity-complaints, insults, overbearing advertising, angry rhetoric, and the like. That jarring experience will be a confirmation that you've taken positive steps to break the patterns of negative thought in your life.
How do you guard your positive attitude amid all the constant flow of negative media? I'd love to hear about it. Share your answer on Facebook or Twitter![Stan Toler]
Share The Story!

Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
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Prominent New Zealand Pastor Passes- Please Commit to Pray
Auckland, New Zealand

The New Zealand District and the Asia-Pacific Region are grieving the sudden death of one of its outstanding pastors on Sunday, January 24th, 2016. Pastor Vipul Kharat was on holiday in his home town of Buldana, India, when he suffered severe back pain. His brother, Moses, a medical doctor, rushed him to the hospital, but he suffered a second heart attack and passed away almost instantly. He is survived by his wife Suzanne and his 12 year old son Sameer.
Born on 30 November 1963, in Buldhana बुलढाणा, Vipul was a 3rd generation Nazarene, being a grandson of Rev. Waman H. Kharat, one of the first Indians to be ordained an elder in the church of the Nazarene in November 1937, by General Superintendent Dr. J.B. Chapman. Vipul was a younger son of former Nazarene District Superintendent and Bible Training School principal Rev. D.M. and Vishranti Kharat.
Pastor Vipul's passing is indeed a great loss to the Church of the Nazarene. Please continue to pray for his family and church, that they may find peace during this difficult time.
Click here to read Pastor Vipul's 
contributions to the church and service schedules.
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROMINENT NEW ZEALAND PASTOR PASSES – PLEASE COMMIT TO PRAY
Auckland, New Zealand: The New Zealand District and the Asia-Pacific Region are grieving the sudden death of one of its outstanding pastors on Sunday, January 24th, 2016. Pastor Vipul Kharat was on holiday in his home town of Buldana, India, when he suffered severe back pain. His brother, Moses, a medical doctor, rushed him to the hospital, but he suffered a second heart attack and passed away almost instantly. He is survived by his wife Suzanne and his 12 year old son Sameer.
Born on 30 November 1963, in Buldhana बुलढाणा, Vipul was a 3rd generation Nazarene, being a grandson of Rev. Waman H. Kharat, one of the first Indians to be ordained an elder in the church of the Nazarene in November 1937, by General Superintendent Dr. J.B. Chapman. Vipul was a younger son of former Nazarene District Superintendent and Bible Training School principal Rev. D.M. and Vishranti Kharat.

Vipul, Suzanne, and SameerVipul has been the pastor of the All Nations Church of the Nazarene in Auckland, New Zealand, for the past 23 years. When he went there as a newly married 28-year-old pastor, it was a small, elderly, mostly caucasian congregation. During the years that followed the church was transformed into a vibrant, multicultural congregation, which in turn has given birth to several other language-driven congregations.
Pastor Vipul was a dynamic preacher with a great love for people. He touched the lives of all classes of society from homeless people to scientists with PhDs. He was in demand as a speaker and teacher especially in the area of contextualisation and how to reach people of other faiths with the transforming grace of God. Vipul was a graduate of the Nazarene Theological College in Brisbane, Australia.
Service Schedules are as follows:
The All Nations Church will be open for viewing on Friday Morning, January 29th, from 11 am onwards throughout the afternoon.
There will be a “Family Service” at All Nations on Friday evening starting at 7 pm.

Life Church – Venue for Funeral Service
The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 30th, at 1 pm at Life Church, 60 Rockfield Road, Penrose. This is a large venue that can seat over 400 people. (Click on this link for Directions)
After the service there will be a cup of tea and light refreshments. Vipul’s body will then be taken for burial.
Please commit to keep the Kharat Family, the Church Family, and all of those impacted by Vipul’s sudden passing, in your prayers.[Submitted: Neville Bartle NZ District, John Moore ANZ Field Strategy Coordinator]
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Global NYI Council Meeting in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan

For the first time in history, the Global NYI Council met in Tokyo, Japan. It is such a blessing to be a part of a church that has members from all over the world.
The Global NYI Council met January 15-19, 2016, at the Japan District Headquarters to talk about how the young people of this generation can join God's mission in making Christlike disciples in the nations...
Follow the link to read the rest of the story 
and view photos of the enriching and blessed event!
AP-NYI, FEATURE, NYI
GLOBAL NYI COUNCIL MEETING IN TOKYO, JAPAN
Tokyo, Japan: For the first time, the Global NYI Council met in Tokyo, Japan. It is such a blessing to be a part of a church that has members from all over the world.
The Global NYI Council met January 15-19, 2016, at the Japan District Headquarters, to talk about how the young people of this generation can join God’s mission in making Christlike disciples in the nations.

The highlight of the weekend was the opportunity that the council members had to visit and preach at the different churches in the Kanto Area:
Diego Lopez (Regional Youth Coordinator from Eurasia), and Shannon Greene (from the Global NYI Office) visited Gakuen Church:

Justin Pickard (Regional Youth Coordinator from USA/Canada) and Brooklyn Lindsey (Justice Movement Advocate) went to Aobadai Church:

Ronald Miller (Regional Youth Coordinator from Africa) and Erin Knocke (from the Global NYI Office) went to Koiwa Church:

Milton Gay (Regional Youth Coordinator from Mesoamerica) and Lisa Aparicio (from the Global NYI Office) went to Sangenjaya Church:

Jimmy de Gouveia (Regional Youth Coordinator from South America) and David Gonzales (Global NYI Chair) went to Shimo-kitazawa church:

Ánderson and Janary Godoy (Regional Youth Coordinator from Asia-Pacific) went to Oyamadai Church:

In the afternoon of Sunday, January 17th, an NYI Rally was held, led by the Japan NYI District President Shouei Abe Sensei at the Meguro Church where Gary Hartke (Global NYI Director) preached that morning:

It was truly exciting for all of the participants to share together with brothers and sisters from Japan and to experience the way they worship the Lord Jesus. An amazing fellowship was had Sunday evening over temaki sushi.
We are also very grateful for the help of the interpreters that have used their gifts and talents to help share God’s word and build connections with the people in Japan.

We invite you to pray for the work of the youth all over the world, and also for the church in Japan; that the Lord would continue to work in and through all of us as we find new and dynamic ways in reaching out to this generation for Him.
Happy New Year!
“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”[Isaiah 43:19]
[Submitted: Janary Godoy – Asia-Pacific NYI Coordinator]
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See What's Happening Around the World with the Latest WMC News Release
Asia-Pacific
Did you realize that Flint Michigan is in a federal state of emergency? Follow the link to learn more about this situation and more with this latest edition of WMC News!
This month's highlights include:
A moment to remember Pastor Vipul Kharat
A look at how the Church is being the hands and feet of Christ in Ukraine and Costa Rica
An appeal for help in Flint, Michigan


Click here to watch this video and for the download link - be sure to share!
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SDMI- The Story Approach to Articles of Faith in Myanmar!
Yangon, Myanmar

Have you ever had someone ask you, "So what is it that the Church of the Nazarene believes?" Have you ever found yourself struggling to be able to answer this question?
If your answer to either of the above questions is yes, you are not alone! In fact, many people find that they struggle remembering the 16 Articles of Faith (AoF) that make up the core beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene. Core beliefs that don't just belong to the Nazarene church, but to those everywhere who identify themselves as Christians.
The Sunday School Discipleship Ministries International team from Myanmar (Burma) addressed these questions in a very tangible and impactful way! 
Follow the link to read on, and how you can have access to excellent resources!
BLOG, CURRENT, DISCIPLESHIP, EDUCATION, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA
SDMI – THE STORY APPROACH TO ARTICLES OF FAITH IN MYANMAR!
Yangon, Myanmar: Have you ever had someone ask you, “So what is it that the Church of the Nazarene believes?” Have you ever found yourself struggling to be able to answer this question?
If your answer to either of the above questions is yes, you are not alone! In fact, many people find that they struggle remembering the 16 Articles of Faith (AoF) that make up the core beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene. Core beliefs that don’t just belong to the Nazarene church, but to those everywhere who identify themselves as Christians.

The Sunday School Discipleship Ministries International team from Myanmar (Burma) addressed these questions in a very tangible and impactful way! They invited Ray and Becky Neu, who have been working with global SDMI and Tell THE Story, to come and teach Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC) students and district pastors, how to teach the AoF through story!

January 26-28, nearly 40 people participated in the Tell THE Story, Articles of Faith Training, at the SEANBC main campus in Yangon, Myanmar. The creative and intuitive Articles of Faith Study Map, which focuses on aiding memorization through the use of picture association, was clearly effective in aiding participants to not only remember but understand the core beliefs of the Church.
The demonstrated recall and understanding of the AoF between the first and third day were clear evidence of the effectiveness of the training.

Perhaps most effective, were the several hours spent in “contextualizing” the Study Map. Ray challenged the participants to really consider the images on the map. Do they speak the same meaning to you in your culture? What might better define “church” in your context? How about, “atonement,” “justification?” At the end of the seminar, the students were given the chance to collectively, “refine” the study map to make it more impacting and meaningful for the people of Myanmar.
So how about you? Would you like to have a solid foundational answer for what it is that you believe? Could the members of your church or small group benefit from a refreshing review of the Core Beliefs of Christianity? Visit the following link http://www.studymaps.org
Resources that are available include:
Study maps in multiple languages
Guide for teaching the AoF using the Study Maps.
Other visual study maps for the Ten Commandments and the books of the Bible.

If there were ever a time to know what you believe – now is that time. Like the Myanmar church, take advantage of these great resources!

There is even an App for that! Get the Articles of Faith Study Maps mobile application for iOS or Android by following this link:
Play Store
App Store
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How to Lead People Older Than You
Laura Holland (Christianity Today)
Three Tips for Setting Up a Great Relationship

As we prepare for the next semester of small groups, I'm meeting with all of our new leaders to set them up for success. I serve as a small-group pastor, and many leaders are my peers or in a life stage or two behind me, making them ideal candidates for discipleship throughout the semester.
There are several leaders, however, who are older than me, which can make me feel insecure. I have to remind myself that as their small-group director, I'm in a position to lead and care for them-even disciple them. This is where the insecurities creep in.
What if they don't respect me? What if they don't think I'm experienced enough to lead? What experience do I have that they don't?! What if they refuse to listen to what I have to say? What if I don't have the necessary experience to care for them?
Click here to read the rest of this interesting and helpful article!
ARTICLE
How to Lead People Older Than You
Three tips for setting up a great relationship
Laura Holland
As we prepare for the next semester of small groups, I’m meeting with all of our new leaders to set them up for success. I serve as a small-group pastor, and many leaders are my peers or in a life stage or two behind me, making them ideal candidates for discipleship throughout the semester.
There are several leaders, however, who are older than me, which can make me feel insecure. I have to remind myself that as their small-group director, I’m in a position to lead and care for them—even disciple them. This is where the insecurities creep in.
What if they don’t respect me? What if they don’t think I’m experienced enough to lead? What experience do I have that they don’t?! What if they refuse to listen to what I have to say? What if I don’t have the necessary experience to care for them?
Thoughts start running rampant if I’m not careful. To combat this, I remind myself of several truths:
  • I’m in a position to lead for a reason.
  • I have wisdom to offer.
  • They have experience from which I’d love to learn.
  • We’re all on the same team.
Once I’ve allowed these truths in, I’m reminded of another: You’ve done this before! Through trial, error, and godly feedback, I’ve discovered a few key practices for leading and caring for those who are older than me.
  • Admit What You Don’t Know
Prior to working on staff at a church, I worked for the Department of Defense and regularly briefed high-level officials. We were taught to “acknowledge what you know, what you don’t know, and what you think.” Taken from an adage of General Powell when he was Secretary of Defense, it’s a great rule of thumb to follow when working with people.
Essentially what this means is that you’re in a position to lead for a reason and have experience and knowledge to share, so do it! We gain others’ confidence when we offer our insights. You don’t know everything, however, so don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” Better yet, say “If you have an idea, I’d love to hear it!” We earn respect by being honest, humble, and open to accepting others’ ideas.
As for the last piece of Powell’s adage, when appropriate, share with others what you think. Opinions are helpful, and when reached through prayer, time in the Word, and godly counsel, they can be important to share—especially with people we’re coaching. It’s equally important, however, to acknowledge the difference between fact and opinion. We must have the maturity to admit when our thoughts are simply an opinion.
To continue developing in this area of leadership, I have asked a select number of trusted small-group leaders to be my “report team.” I regularly ask them the following questions:
  • What am I doing well?
  • What could I be doing better?
  • What am I not doing that I should be?
Many of those whom I’ve asked to provide these checks and balances are wiser, more experienced leaders who appreciate that I respect their insights and opinions. It’s a win-win.
As a leader, I want to position myself to learn from those who have experience in the areas I don’t. Further, when I know a leader has expertise in a particular area, I’m going to pick his or her brain to gain any knowledge I can! The lead pastor at my church regularly shares that when he was a young leader, he was a voracious reader, learning from the experience of others to make up for any lack of experience he had simply by virtue of age. I want to learn from his example.
  • Ask Good Questions
Too often when in a position to lead, we’re caught in the trap of believing we must have all the answers. This trap can be heightened when leading those who are older because we don’t want to seem inexperienced or incapable of leading. Good leaders don’t need all of the answers—they just need to know where to find them.
There’s such freedom in realizing that each person we lead has life experience to share and wisdom from which we can learn. Not everyone will freely offer their opinions, but when we let our leaders know we value them and their experience, they’re much more willing and honored to share. We just need to put ourselves in a posture to learn, having the humility to believe that sometimes it’s the right questions—not the right answers—that make us great leaders.
My husband and I recently led a small group that attracted many people who were new to our church. We had a wide range of ages, which led to conversations that were robust and insightful. One young woman who was just out of college was uniquely gifted in asking questions. She paid close attention to whomever was speaking and picked up on nuances and subtleties many others missed. Then she would press for clarity in important areas. She was candid and curious and not afraid to dig a little deeper. She was also able to bridge age and experience gaps in conversation and ensure that everyone was included, simply by asking the right questions.
I occasionally had trouble figuring out how to include the oldest couple in our small group in our conversations, so I looked to her for help. She would remember comments from previous weeks and incorporate those shared experiences into direct questions to effectively loop them in. They went from being outside of the group to frequently sharing incredible wisdom and insights all because of her willingness to ask others to share their experience.
When Jesus was 12, he stayed behind at the temple after Passover. We read in Luke 2:40 that he was “filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” When sitting at the feet of elders, we’re told he listened and asked questions while everyone else was amazed at his understanding of what was taught (Luke 2:46–47).
If Jesus, filled with wisdom and supernatural understanding, can learn from his elders, we can too. It’s wonderful to read that it wasn’t his single-handed understanding of the law, but his questions that amazed everyone. Let’s follow his example and remember to ask and listen.
  • Walk in Confidence
In 1 Timothy 4, Paul instructs Timothy, a young leader, on leading elders in the church. Paul tells him to command and teach the law while living a life that sets an example for others. He further instructs Timothy, “Do not neglect the gift you have which was given you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you” (vs. 14). Remember that you were prayerfully selected for a position of leadership and the care of others. Don’t neglect the gift you have been given. It’s important that our leadership is marked by humility, but it’s equally important to have confidence in our appointed role.
In college I served as the Middle School Intern at my childhood church. In this position I co-led our middle-school ministry, discipling several of our middle-school students through a crazy period of transition in their lives. They looked to me for life experience and reassurance that things would get easier. The foundation of the guidance I provided them, though peppered with stories from my own life, was grounded in biblical truth.
When I started in my current position, I was fearful that I wouldn’t be able to lead and care for our small-group leaders because I didn’t have an extra ten years of experience on them from which I could draw. What I failed to recognize was that sharing God’s truth transcends barriers of age and life experience. I pray before each meeting that the Holy Spirit will give me the ears to truly hear what is being communicated, the correct words to reach the other person’s heart, and the obedience to follow his promptings. When the Holy Spirit is leading our meetings, they always go better!
When looking at the instructions Paul gives Timothy, it would be shortsighted to ignore those on conduct. All leaders, but especially young leaders, must remember to behave in a way that makes others want to follow them. We all make mistakes—leaders included—but how you react to the hard times can be an example or a distraction to those paying attention.
Further, respect is not automatically granted, so we must behave in a way that earns it. I work regularly with an older couple who once made a comment that they feel disrespected when people are late to meetings. You had better believe I have several Google alerts set before each of my meetings with them to ensure I’m on time. They’ve told me a way they feel respected, so the least I can do is act in a way that honors them.
Leading and caring for people is an honor, especially when those who are a few steps ahead in life allow us to serve them. If we walk in humble confidence, remembering we have a unique perspective to offer, asking questions, and admitting when we’re in over our heads, we’ll be able to serve our small-group leaders well—no matter the age difference.[Laura Holland is Small Group Pastor at National Community Church in Washington, D.C.]
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NTC 2016 Enrichment Courses
Brisbane, Australia

Click here to learn more!
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JFHP Seeks Communications Coordinator
JESUS Film Harvest Partners

JESUS Film Harvest Partners currently has an opening for a communications coordinator. This position is responsible for developing and implementing consistent short-term and long-term communications strategies, as well as for ensuring consistent JESUS Film Harvest Partners branding in all communications, including the website, mobile apps, and promotional materials. This position will also develop and manage an effective social media presence for the organization.
This full-time position will be on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Follow this link for more information!
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Churches Commit to Address Human Trafficking on Freedom Sunday
Global Ministry Center

On February 14, Nazarene congregations around the globe are committing to stand against human trafficking through participation in Freedom Sunday. Last year, more than 200 congregations worldwide participated in the event through prayer, worship, preaching, and support of church-based anti-trafficking ministries.
This is the third year the Church of the Nazarene will join other denominations within the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium to observe Freedom Sunday. In 2014, the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene endorsed the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium's Declaration for Freedom, a document drafted in part by Nazarene Theological Seminary President Carla Sunberg and other Nazarene leaders. The Wesleyan Holiness Consortium chose the first Sunday of Lent for Freedom Sunday as a way to focus on the fast spoken of in Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" (NIV)
Find out more about Freedom Sunday. Click here!
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Schedule of Asia-Pacific Region District Assemblies
Asia-Pacific

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
January 2016
30 (Tentative)
Philippines
Central Visayas
March 2016
8 Sealands Java-Bali
8-9 Japan Japan
12-13
Sealands
Papua
Follow this link to see the rest of the schedule!
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, EVENTS, FEATURE, JAPAN DISTRICT, KOREA DISTRICT,MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SEALANDS, SOUTHEAST ASIA,TAIWAN DISTRICT

SCHEDULE OF ASIA-PACIFIC REGION DISTRICT ASSEMBLY DATES

  3 COMMENTS

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
November 2015
Field
District
7
ANZ
New Zealand
7-8
Melanesia
South Coast
8-9
Melanesia
Enga
9-10
Melanesia
Middle Ramu
9-10
Melanesia
Islands
12-13
Melanesia
Simbu/ EHD
13-14
Melanesia
Hagen
13-14
Melanesia
Western Highlands
14-15
Melanesia
East Sepik
15-16
Melanesia
Sandaun
19-20
Melanesia
Bromley Memorial
20-21
Melanesia
North Coast
20-21
Melanesia
Southern Highlands
24-25
South Pacific
Solomon Islands
26-27
South Pacific
Vanuatu
27-28
South Pacific
Samoa
29-30
South-Pacific
Fiji
December 2015
 Field
 District
30
Philippines
Bicol
January 2016
 Field
 District
2
Philippines
Southern Tagalog
8
Philippines
Mindanao East
9
ANZ
Australia North & West
13
 Philippines
 Mindanao West
16
Philippines
Metropolitan Luzon
16
Southeast Asia
Northern Thailand
19
Philippines
Negros
20 or 21
Philippines
Luzon
 20 Southeast Asia Cambodia
 23 ANZ Australia Southern
 23 Philippines Metro Manila
 23 Southeast Asia CAA #3
 26 Southeast Asia Thailand
 27 Southeast Asia CAA #1
 28Philippines Panay
 29 Philippines Eastern Visayas
 30 (Tentative) Philippines Central Visayas
 March 2016
 Field
 District
 8 Sealands Java-Bali
 8-9 Japan Japan
 12-13 Sealands Papua
 17 Sealands C. Kalimantan
 14-18 CMF Taiwan
 20 CMFHongkong
 22-23 Korea Korea National
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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!
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Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights

APNTS Announcing GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in Intercultural Studies!
The Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies (15 credits) is intended both for those preparing for cross-cultural service and for those already in cross-cultural ministry who would be helped by continuing education.
All subjects are offered for 3-hours graduate credit that may be transferred to other APNTS programs.
The Certificate program starts with the foundational course,
"The World Mission," which is offered on-line from
January 5 to March 31.
Don't delay in finding out more information, only 16 days left until the program starts.
Click here for the brochure and for contact information.
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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
Writers: Laurice Maggay, Rebecca Moisio
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 ph
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