Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The Asia Pacific Region of the Global Church of the Nazarene in Manila, Philippines Around The Region News... SEANBC reopens, 8 ways to "feel-good," Free Webinar info, and prayer requests from Around the Region! for Saturday, May 14, 2016 Volume 4 / Issue Number 17

The Asia Pacific Region of the Global Church of the Nazarene in Manila, Philippines Around The Region News... SEANBC reopens, 8 ways to "feel-good," Free Webinar info, and prayer requests from Around the Region! for Saturday, May 14, 2016 Volume 4 / Issue Number 17




Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Collegiate:
Passings:

We are pleased to share that you may load the MP3 files of the NMI missions books to your church or district NMI website. This will allow more individuals to listen and will make it easier to download.
In 2015, Nazarenes around the worlds gave euros, francs, kwanzas, birrs, cedis, shillings, maloti, kwachas, meticais, rand, pounds, riels, yen, kinas, won, baht, lekë, taka, rupees, shekels, rubles, colones, pesos, quetzals, gourdes, lempiras, córdobas, bolivianos, reais, guaraníes, soles, bolívares, dollars, and more, to make Christlike disciples in the nations. To view the 2015 global giving report by district, click here. Thank you for your participation in the World Evangelism Fund.

"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler "What Your Team Needs Most from Its Leader"
Why Character Trumps Vision, Passion, and Strategy.
Vision, passion, and strategy are buzz words among leaders. For years we've been drilled on the importance of each one.
Vision sets the destination. It's the answer to the question "What are we doing?" Every team needs a strong vision, and that comes from the leader.
Passion is the fuel that runs the engine. It answers the question "Why are we doing this?" Passion springs from the inner motivation of the leader, and it's contagious.
Strategy is the grid that holds our effort together. It answers the question "How will we get this done?" You cannot hope to see results without a solid strategy.
Yet there is one thing more important than any of these: Character.
Solomon, who knew a thing or two about leadership, said exactly that: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1).
The character of a leader is the glue that holds any movement together. A leader who lacks integrity invariably disappoints the team and crashes the train. A leader with strong character calls forth the best from every team member, helping them become the contributor-and person-they are capable of being.
Good character wins over skeptics. Criticism never sticks to a leader of high integrity. The leader with a solid reputation is a source of strength and stability for others. And it is the most important characteristic of good leadership.
As a leader, you undoubtedly spend a great deal of time sharpening your vision, fueling your passion, and refining your strategy. How much time do you spend improving your character?
Take the advice of the apostle Paul to an up-and-coming leader named Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).[Stan Toler]
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Asia-Pacific Region

BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
MISSIONARY’S MOTHER PASSES…PLEASE PRAY FOR FAMILY
Asia-Pacific Region: Mrs. Tai Hirahara, mother of Tomo Hirahara, passed away in Japan on May 11 at the age of 92. Please pray for Tomo and Ceny Hirahara, missionaries serving in Thailand, as they mourn the passing of Tomo’s mother. Tomo is traveling to Japan to be with family and relatives and to attend his mother’s funeral. Ceny will not be able to accompany him due to visa challenges.
Tomo and Ceny Hirahara
The Hiraharas are celebrating that Tai was a born-again believer, baptized by Rev. Ishida Manabu and a member of the Oyama Church of the Nazarene.[Download Missionary's Mother Passes...Please Pray for Family as PDF]
Missionary's Mother Passes...Please Pray for Family by Todd A - Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene - http://www.asiapacificnazarene.org
passes-please-pray-for-family/
Asia-Pacific Region: Mrs. Tai Hirahara, mother of Tomo Hirahara, passed away in Japan on May 11 at
the age of 92. Please pray for Tomo and Ceny Hirahara, missionaries serving in Thailand, as they mourn
the passing of Tomo’s mother. Tomo is traveling to Japan to be with family and relatives and to attend
his mother’s funeral. Ceny will not be able to accompany him due to visa challenges.
Tomo and Ceny Hirahara
The Hiraharas are celebrating that Tai was a born-again believer, baptized by Rev. Ishida Manabu and a
member of the Oyama Church of the Nazarene. 

CURRENT, FEATURE, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAYER REQUESTED FOR HEALING…SON OF MISSIONARIES TIMOTHY & LYDIA KIM
Prayer is requested for YongGee Kim, the 20 year old son of missionaries Rev. Timothy and Lydia Kim. YongGee, in his second year at HanDong University (South Korea) injured his right thigh while playing in March. After medical treatment and physical therapy, he is still having difficulty bending his right knee. Pray that he will completely recover from this injury. The Kims are currently in the Philippines but preparing to relocate to serve in Church Development in the Federated States of Micronesia.[Download Prayer Requested for Healing...Son of Missionaries Timothy & Lydia Kim as PDF]

CURRENT, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
** UPDATE – PRAYER REQUESTED FOR NAZARENE LEADER IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
*** Update Below – Please pray for Mr. Baru Dirye, the Nazarene Health Secretary for Papua New Guinea at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. He is having a biopsy of a bone growth to find out if it is cancerous or not. If it is not cancerous, he will need hip surgery but this could possibly be done in the country. If it is cancerous, he would need care outside of Papua New Guinea depending on the type of cancer. Please pray for God’s healing touch on Baru and God’s peace and direction for him and his family.
*** Update, Saturday 05/14/2016
With the Lord’s help, Baru Dirye had a successful hip replacement surgery and removal of his mass. Please continue to pray for Baru, Christina and their family, as they wait for the pathology report, and then knowing what the next steps would be depending on if it is cancer or not.[Download ** Update - Prayer Requested for Nazarene Leader in Papua New Guinea as PDF]

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, FEATURE, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAY FOR SOUTH SUDAN – NAZARENES MISSING
Australia: The pastor of our South Sudan Church of the Nazarene at Mount Waverley, Melbourne, Australia, (Pastor Stephen) has recently returned from a trip to South Sudan.
Pastor Stephen found that as many as 208 family members and friends of members of the South Sudan congregation in Mount Waverly have been killed in South Sudan. Additionally, another 102 are still missing, feared dead, in the ongoing civil unrest that has plagued the nation of South Sudan since its independence in 2011.
“Our request is that you may join in our prayers, even in your own time. Pray that the killing be stopped and that those missing may be found, alive and safe,” Pastor Stephen.
According to news reports from South Sudan, there are at least 7 different armed groups in 9 of the 10 states, with tens of thousands displaced. Additionally, Inter-ethnic warfare that in some cases predates the war of independence is widespread.
Please join with the South Sudan CotN in Mount Waverly, as they pray for this nation, for the leaders of the nation, and for their families and friends who have been so severely impacted by this ongoing unrest.[Feature Photo Credit: http://www.ctvnews.ca]
Melanesia South Pacific Field

Mr. Baru Dirye Nazarene Health Secretary for PNG
Please pray for Mr. Baru Dirye, the Nazarene Health Secretary for Papua New Guinea at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. He is having a biopsy of a bone growth to find out if it is cancerous or not. If it is not cancerous, he will need hip surgery and this could possibly be done in the country. If it is cancerous, he would need care outside of Papua New Guinea depending on the type of cancer. Please pray for God's healing touch on Baru and God's peace and direction for him and his family.
Philippine Micronesia Field

The Kim Family
Prayer is requested for YongGee Kim, the 20 year old son of missionaries Rev. Timothy and Lydia Kim. YongGee, in his second year at HanDong University (South Korea) injured his right thigh while playing in March. After medical treatment and physical therapy, he is still having difficulty bending his right knee. Pray that he will completely recover from this injury. The Kims are currently in the Philippines but preparing to relocate to serve in Church Development in the Federated States of Micronesia.
South East Asia Field

Tomo, Ceny, and Tomo's Mother Tai Hirahara
Mrs. Tai Hirahara, mother of Tomo Hirahara, passed away in Japan on May 11 at the age of 92. Please pray for Tomo and Ceny Hirahara, missionaries serving in Thailand, as they mourn the passing of Tomo's mother.
Tomo is traveling to Japan to be with family and relatives and to attend his mother's funeral. Ceny will not be able to accompany him due to visa challenges.
The Hiraharas are celebrating that Tai was a born-again believer, baptized by Rev. Ishida Manabu and a member of the Oyama Church of the Nazarene.
Member Care

"My own journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been a significant part of my life. Approximately 8 years ago I spiraled downward into an intense battle with acute anxiety. This dark night of the soul lasted approximately four months, and I was unsure how to escape the emotional, mental, and spiritual anguish. Sleeping an average of 3 hours a night, I would find myself calling my spiritual mentor in the middle of the night to help me work through panic attacks. Questions plagued my mind. How could an ordained minister be battling this kind of issue? What does this say about my walk with God? Did this make me unfit for ministry? Feeling like "damaged goods," I began to learn some things that reshaped my understanding about intimacy with God, the role of shame, and the way forward in navigating what transformation looks like." Rev. John Comstock
Emotional Wounding and Spiritual Healing on Friday, June 24th at 12:00 p.m. CDT. This webinar, led by Rev. John Comstock, will take a look at the biblical narrative of shame and its impact on intimacy with God. As a part of the biblical narrative, the webinar will take a cursory look at the role of family in shaping our understanding of the relational aspect of the Trinity. We will conclude with a practical way to help people who are stuck in emotional wounding.
Member Care

After our basic needs are met, research suggests, more money doesn't bring us more happiness. Perhaps that's why, in general, people who prioritize material things over other values are much less happy, and comparing ourselves with people who have more is a particular source of unhappiness.
In this post, there are several suggested activities for cultivating happiness that are all science-based and affirm what Christ has been saying all along. From things like building relationships to practicing kindness, you will find an explanation of how this can help boost your happiness.

BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MEMBER CARE
BREATHING DEEP…ENDURANCE FOR THE RACE… FEELING GOOD!
Feeling–good verb \ˈfēling-ˌgu̇d\ :producing good or happy feelings
What is it? Oh we know what this is! This is that morning when we wake up and just feel in our soul that the world is in its place… that life is worth living, that there is space and time for something good to happen. We like this feeling. And though we may hear that nagging voice, somewhere in our head, reminding us that not everything is as it should be… still, we choose to linger, just for a moment, breathing in this… goodness. It seems to land on us by surprise in unexpected moments, and then it seems to leave, just as unannounced.
Feeling Good is the emotional component of happiness, defined by Sonja Lyubomirsky as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.” This definition captures the fleeting positive emotions that come with happiness – the feeling good component – along with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life—(Greater Good Science Center, Berkeley) Feeling good is the emotional indicator that we are happy!
Why does it matter?
Happiness is very important for Harmon and me. Even in the midst of grief or challenging circumstances, we monitor our ability to feel moments of happiness along the way as a strong indicator of our holistic health. When the experience of happiness is too far away, for too long, it gets our attention. In her groundbreaking research on positivity, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that:
  • Positive emotions “broaden our thinking in ways that make us more flexible, more able to see the big picture, and more creative.” Throughout our marriage and even in the messiness of life, we’ve found that we are most able to explore solutions, strategize creatively and be effective when our ‘happiness meters’ are healthy.
  • Positive emotions “accumulate and compound over time, transforming us for the better by building the resources—strength, wisdom, friendship, and resilience—we need to truly thrive.”
  • Positive emotions “are the most important ingredient in determining a person’s resilience in hard times.” Happiness is our way of saving health for a rainy day.
  • Positive emotions “help both our bodies and our minds cope with stress, challenge, and negative feelings.” Neuroscience has proven that positive emotions chemically change the environment in our brain… it’s one of the best ways to manage stress.
In addition, GGSC Berkely research indicates that happy people:
  • Are healthier, live longer and less likely to get sick.
  • Are more likely to have fulfilling marriages.
  • Have more friends.
  • Are more productive at work.
  • Are more generous – more likely to give to others.
  • Cope better with stress and trauma.
  • Are more creative and are better able to see the big picture.
What Can I Do About It?
So, does God want me to feel happy? Good question! As I read through the following, science-based activities for cultivating happiness from the Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley, I find it fascinating that every one of these are key components of Jesus’ teachings (challenge: find a Bible verse that supports each of these principles). Isn’t it amazing when Science affirms what Christ has been saying all along?
  • Build relationships: Perhaps the dominant finding from happiness research is that social connections are key to happiness. Studies show that close relationships, including romantic relationships, are especially important, suggesting we should make time for those closest to us—people in whom we can confide and who’ll support us when we’re down.
  • Give thanks: People who keep “gratitude journals” feel more optimism and greater satisfaction with their lives. Research shows that writing a “gratitude letter” to someone you’ve never properly thanked brings a major boost of happiness.
  • Practice kindness: People report greater happiness when they spend money on others than when they spend it on themselves, even though they initially think the opposite would be true. Similarly, neuroscience research shows that when we do nice things for others, our brains light up in areas associated with pleasure and reward.
  • Give up grudges: Groundbreaking studies show that when we forgive those who have wronged us, we feel better about ourselves, experience more positive emotions, and feel closer to others.
  • Get physical: Studies show that regular physical activity increases happiness and self-esteem, reduces anxiety and stress, and can even lift symptoms of depression. “Exercise may very well be the most effective instant happiness booster of all activities.” (Lyubomirsky)
  • Get rest: Research has consistently linked lower sleep to lower happiness. What’s more, a study of more than 900 women, found that getting just one more hour of sleep each night might have a greater effect on happiness than a $60,000 raise.
  • Pay attention: Studies show that people who practice mindfulness—the moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and external circumstances—are more likely to be happy and enjoy greater life satisfaction, and they are less likely to be hostile or anxious.
  • Don’t focus on material wealth: After our basic needs are met, research suggests, more money doesn’t bring us more happiness. Perhaps that’s why, in general, people who prioritize material things over other values are much less happy, and comparing ourselves with people who have more is a particular source of unhappiness.
As a follower of Christ, living in the freedom of forgiveness and the reality of daily dynamic relationship with him, I have every reason to celebrate this life and cultivate happiness! I love this video of 13 year old Carly Rose Sonenclar as she sings with abandon, “Feeling Good,” and it inspires me to see that “it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life”… every day and that’s a great reason to Feel Good!![Cindy Schmelzenbach – Regional Member Care Coordinator]
Be sure to check out the link at the bottom of the post to view the video for a feel good song!
South East Asia Field

Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC), Maetang Center, has reopened with 19 students enrolled in the Course of Study in Northern Thailand.
To celebrate this reopening, SEANBC Chancellor, Dr. (Rev.) Bill Kwon brought a message to set the tone as they train up new leaders, entrusting to them the mission of making Christlike disciples.
People from many churches, some traveling great distances, came together for the celebration each with a choir team.
BLOG, EDUCATION, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA
SOUTHEAST ASIA NAZARENE BIBLE COLLEGE CELEBRATES REOPENING IN NORTHERN THAILAND!
Northern Thailand: More than 100 people from six different churches, some traveling great distances, arrived in Northern Thailand to celebrate the reopening of the Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC), Maetang Center on May 10th.
Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College – Maetang Center
At least a dozen pastors were in attendance, each with a choir team. There were also a total of 19 students who are taking part in the next Pastoral Course of Study class being taught this week by Thailand District Superintendent, Rev. Tanongsak Pong-oodta.
SEANBC Chancellor, Dr. (Rev.) Bill Kwon was present for the celebration and brought a message from 2 Timothy 2:2, “entrusting to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” This truly “set the tone” for the reopening of the center, as its mission is to train up new leaders, entrusting to them the mission of making Christlike disciples from this generation to the generations to come.
“I’m enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of the church in Thailand, specifically in this instance in Northern Thailand as a result of the reopening of the teaching center,” Dr. Mark Louw, Asia-Pacific Regional Director.
More than 100 came to celebrate the re-opening.
19 Students are participating in the Course of Study this week!
The SEANBC Maetang Center reopens!Thanks to each one who has coveted to pray and support this advancing work and historic event on the Northern Thailand District.[Submitted: Rev. Samuel Yangmi]
Manila, Philippines

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) is pleased to invite applications for the position of President of APNTS with a primary campus in Manila Philippines.
Please follow the below link to see the listing of qualifications that the BOT is seeking for the applicants.

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.
Don't delay in finding out more information!
Asia-Pacific

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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
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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).
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