Table of contents:
- Unite against modern slavery on Freedom Sunday
- World Mission Broadcast conducts radio training in DRC
- New systems will allow SANU to offer continuing education courses online
- New technology helps teachers in remote areas
- Engage magazine missionary profile: Carla and Russell Frazier
- Africa Regional Conference 2016 - Abidjan
- Prayer requests
Unite against modern slavery on Freedom Sunday-Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Modern slavery is real, and as the church, we are being called to say, "No more!" Today, there are millions of children, women, and men who are being forced to do unthinkable things through human trafficking, both around the world and in your backyard. As the church, we are called to take a stand and provide hopeful alternatives to this oppression.
On February 14, churches around the world are showing God's love by standing united against modern slavery by participating in Freedom Sunday, is a day to unite with other churches; participate through prayer and support of church-based anti-trafficking ministries; and celebrate what God is doing to set the captives free.
Whether you create an entire service or simply come together for a few minutes in prayer, let's join together on the first Sunday of Lent to focus on the fast God spoke of in Isaiah 58:6:
"Is this not 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."
Click here for downloadable resources from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
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World Mission Broadcast conducts radio programming training in the DRC
Nazarenes in the Democratic Republic of Congo are learning new radio broadcast skills to reach listeners across the country, according to a newsletter from missionaries Gavin and Jill Fothergill.
Peet Voges from World Mission Broadcast out of the Regional Office in Johannesburg, South Africa, recently visited the DRC to provide training on how to write, create, edit and produce quality programming.
"From five-minute devotional thoughts, to 30-minute shows highlighting music and discussing relevant topics, our possibilities are endless in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ!" the Fothergills wrote. "In Lubumbashi alone, we have 14 radio stations. Of those, about 5 will broadcast Christian music and messages. We are excited to see where the Lord leads and what opportunities present themselves."
Please keep this growing ministry in your prayers.
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New systems will allow SANU to offer continuing education courses online
Professionals from six Nazarene higher-education institutions from the U.S., Great Britain, Malawi and South Africa visited Southern Africa Nazarene University in Swaziland last month to implement Library and Student Management systems.
Prof. Winnie NhlengethwaThe university has dreamed of getting these two systems in place for more than 10 years, SANU Vice Chancellor of Southern Africa Nazarene University, Professor Winnie Nhlengethwa said. Once the systems are up and running, the university will be able to offer continuing education courses online.
The leader of the delegation was Dr. Tammy Condon, Program Coordinator for Strategic Projects at the International Board of Education. She provided oversight on the development of the student management system, assisted by Sharon Bull, Dean of Academic Services & Library Director at Northwest Nazarene University.
Dr. Tammy Condon (left) and Sharon Bull (far right) work with the team in the SANU Board Room in Manzini.In response to the demand for distance and part-time education, SANU is working on establishing a Continuing Education Centre (CEC). Dr. Karen Jones-Porter is joining SANU as Director for Continuing Education with her husband, Rev. John Porter. The couple forms a strategic team to drive the establishment and roll-out of the continuing education program. Rev. Porter will also assist in the establishment of the University Advancement and Church Relations Department in the University.
About Dr. Karen Jones-Porter and Rev. John Porter:
Dr. Karen Jones-Porter and Rev. John PorterKaren is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Northwest Nazarene University, teaching Master of Business Administration courses. She also teaches at Trevecca Nazarene University in the Masters of Organizational Leadership Program. Karen has also been a Director of Adult & Professional Programs at Northwest Nazarene University from 2009 to 2012. She holds a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Missiology, Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Cross-Cultural Communications. Karen brings with her extensive experience in teaching/facilitating of online courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
John was a Minister in the Church of the Nazarene for 47 years before retiring in 2015. He has served on the Trevecca Nazarene University Board, District Ministerial Credentials Board, District Advisory Board. He has been the District SDMI Chairman, Assistant to the District Superintendent as well as serving in many other community organizations.[Source: Southern Africa Nazarene University]
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New technology helps teachers in remote areas receive valuable resources by Sarah Wise, NCN News
In a global denomination with 2 million members, the Internet is an invaluable resource for connecting people around the world.
Despite all its usefulness, the Internet does have its limitations, and that's just if you can access it. As much as 60 percent of the world's population can't access the Internet.
"There are many places we cannot distribute resources via the Internet - either because of lack of access or security," said Tammy Condon, administrative director for the Church of the Nazarene's Global Education and Clergy Development Office (GECD).
Enter Library Box: a small, portable router that enables users to download files without an Internet connection or wires of any kind.
"It's super easy technology, which, when we think about some of the places it needs to go, that's exactly what we need," Condon said.
Users within a few feet can connect to the iPhone-sized device just like you would connect to a WiFi router. The device will then redirect the user from any web page to a Library Box page where files can be viewed and downloaded.
The GECD staff is currently focused on educational applications, such as allowing students to download reading material or homework, but the potential uses don't end there.
"It's helpful for any place that you want to update a whole class of people at once without having to trade flash drives back and forth," said Stephen Jones, a member of the Information Technology team at the denomination's Global Ministry Center.
"We've been able to make good use of it," Jones said. "It's great to see how this can benefit missionaries and others on the field."
The device has several security features that make it useful for missionaries and others serving in sensitive world areas. Because the Library Box simply references the files through an attached flash drive, the device itself is empty and non-functioning when they are separated.
"I think the possibilities for its use are tremendous, and not just in areas of the world where we have to be careful how we communicate and transfer information," said Scott Stargel, director of Global Nazarene Publications. Stargel recently conducted the device's first field test in Africa.
"The Library Box worked very well," Stargel said. "All our participants were able to connect to it, upload and download files. It fits in my shirt pocket, and the battery lasted about five hours."
Library Box made its official debut at a field strategy coordinators' meeting in September. Over the next six months, pastors and leaders are encouraged to submit proposals through the regional education coordinators about uses for the device.
In addition to the boxes, GECD is also distributing 500 tablets that were recently donated by two anonymous donors. Each tablet comes with a micro SD card filled with ordination, lifelong learning, and other church resources from the Wesleyan-Holiness Digital Library. The tablets can be set up in a number of languages, and WHDL resources are available in 58 languages.
Current tablet distribution is targeted to teachers who work away from their school's main campus, often in locations without Internet. These extension centers allow educators to reach students in remote areas who cannot travel to the main campus. Many of the educators receiving tablets are also pastors.
Find the full story at NCN News.
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Missionary profile: Russell and Carla Frazier by Engage magazine
Carla and Russell Frazier. Source: Engage magazineJ. Russell and Carla A. Frazier are missionaries serving at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya, where they began their work in January 2015. Russell is a senior lecturer, works in administration, and supervises post-graduate work. Carla serves in the finance office as an assistant to the finance director.
Previously, they lived in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, during their language studies, and also lived in Kigali, Rwanda, from 1999 to 2005, where they served not only the church in the Republic of Rwanda, but also Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, both of which were within traveling distance of Kigali.
They have two adult children: Seth (21) is a senior at Trevecca Nazarene University. Rachelle (26) is a student in the master's program in teaching English as a second language at Michigan State University in Grand Rapids; she is married to Joe Oh.
Engage: How did you first recognize God's call to be involved in missions?
Russell: During my studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, God began to speak to me about a broader ministry. I began to share with Carla my idea of serving as missionaries. At the time, she thought they were "hair-brained" ideas. As we began to explore God's will for our lives during a period when we were between assignments, we dropped into a worship service at a church. We knew nothing of the church's program, but it just "happened" to be on missions! God used that service to call us into full-time missionary service.
Engage: What is your favorite aspect of what you do in your present assignment?
Russell: Both Carla and I love people. So we really love the connection with the students. Whether it is helping a student who has a financial need or seeing a student freed from some bondage of a hurtful relationship through counseling or watching them grow in the faith, it gives us great joy to know that our children are "walking in the truth" (3 John 4).
Engage: What are some of the challenges that you face in carrying out your work?
Russell: One of the greatest difficulties is to see the needs that are greater than the supply. Many students want a good education but are not able to afford it.
Engage: Please share a story of a significant event or moment that has happened in your current assignment.
Russell: Graduation is always a significant event on the life of ANU. This year, the university witnessed the conferral of degrees to 1,289 graduates, a record first for the university.
Engage: How do you maintain a close relationship with God and your family in the midst of the demands of missionary service?
Russell: For me, the study of the Word of God is the best part of my day. I really enjoy, not just reading, but studying the Word. It has really come alive for me.
Engage: What are some aspects of the culture where you live that you have come to love or embrace?
Russell: Kenyans and Africans are generally a fun-loving people. They enjoy conversation on the level of banter - good humored, playful or teasing conversation. I do, too. We love the different foods and especially the fresh fruits.
Engage: What do you like to do for fun?
Russell: We enjoy traveling. We have travelled some around Kenya and different countries in Africa. I guess that is a good thing for missionaries.
Engage: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Russell: When I was a teenager, the youth group had a meal at a pizza buffet. Some of us decided to have a pizza eating contest. Guess who won the contest? Yep... that's right: I did. How many pieces of pizza did I have to eat? 36 pieces! I am now hoping for an appearance on "Man v. Food" (American TV show).
Engage: What advice would you have for others exploring a possible call to missions, or embarking on their first missionary assignment?
Russell: I would encourage them to read and re-read the Kenosis hymn in Philippians 2 and to follow the example of Christ. The missionary must empty themselves of trappings of their own culture and assume, as much as possible, the trappings of the receiving culture.
Engage: Other comments?
Russell: One of the highlights of our weekly routine is our Sunday evening Skype sessions with our children and son-in-law. We are grateful for technology that has made it possible!
Find more missionary profiles and stories from around the world at engagemagazine.com.
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Africa Regional Conference 2016 - Abidjan
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire will host those coming from across West Africa to the third Africa Regional Conference. This last conference will be another great celebration. A time of coming together and encouraging one another as the Lord calls us to "Prepare the Way." He has been seen preparing the way in the midst of many challenges and God continues to enable His people to prepare His way here on earth. The conference will be a time of coming together to be encouraged and sent out again emboldened to listen to God's voice and respond to His call.
- Africa Regional Conference - Abidjan - 30 March to 3 April, 2016
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PRAYER REQUESTS
- Please pray for the upcoming Africa Regional Conference in the West Africa Field, to be held at the end of March. This is the third and final event in the series of conferences across the continent.
- After a year of unusually low rainfall, the drought in Zimbabwe has become so severe that officials declared a state of disaster across much of the country, the BBC reported February 5. Additionally, Ethiopia is experiencing its worst drought in decades, with more than 10 million people needing emergency aid.
- Please pray for South African missionary Stephen Phillips as he begins ministry in West Africa. May the Lord bless him and enable him to share the love of Christ across cultures and languages.
ABOUT THE REGION
- The Nazarene Church is in 42 countries in Africa, with more than 600,000 members in six fields.
- What would you like to see in Out of Africa?
- Email us at news@africanazarene.org.
English / Français/ Português 
@NazAfrica ---------------------
Holly Beech, editor
17 Botes Street
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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