Saturday, October 22, 2016

The Asia Pacific Region of the Global Church of the Nazarene from Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines for Saturday, October 22, 2016 Volume 4 / Issue Number 38 Around The Region News... Super Typhoon Update-Philippine Nazarenes Responding, Papua New Guinea...a Very Sacrificial Gift. A Janitor...A Missionary? Opening for English Teachers Announced, and Much More!

The Asia Pacific Region of the Global Church of the Nazarene from Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines for Saturday, October 22, 2016 Volume 4 / Issue Number 38
Around The Region News... Super Typhoon Update-Philippine Nazarenes Responding, Papua New Guinea...a Very Sacrificial Gift. A Janitor...A Missionary? Opening for English Teachers Announced, and Much More!
WEATHER BULLETIN
Typhoon Haima Forecast to Make Landfall Over China This Weekend.
(Bold Items - Latest News)
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Collegiate:
Resources:
Passings:
In Hebrews 13:3 we are told "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
Prayer is one of the main NMI objectives and this special day of Prayer on 13 November is a way to help our local congregations remember those in prison as Hebrews instructs us.
Imagine the impact of every Christian around the world praying for our brothers and sisters who are continually facing persecution for their faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Their struggle is real and you can be a part of encouraging them not only on 13 November, but right now, as you lift them to the Father.
You can find several resources to help you keep this in front of your congregations by clicking here.
Questions? Comments? Click here. I love to hear feedback!
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If you were facing a serious problem, would you rather have a thousand dollars or a thousand friends? Most of us can readily see that having a community of support is even more valuable than having money. When you are generous with others, you put "money" in the relational "bank" of friendship. When you give to others, you are indeed blessed.[Stan Toler]
Please continue to pray for Stan's battle with cancer - for more information click here.
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Asia-Pacific Region
Super Typhoon Haima (Lawin) Passes Over Philippines – Nazarene Churches Responding
Manila, Philippines: Typhoon Haima (locally known as Lawin) passed over the northern Philippines in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 20th, making it the twelfth typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
There was great concern that it would do damage similar to that which was done by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) back in November of 2013.
Early reports indicate that while there was damage, the extent of the damage has not been nearly as severe as Typhoon Yolanda. Local news agencies are reporting 4 fatalities at this point.Nazarene Disaster Response teams are conducting rapid assessments and reporting back as they are able, given the fact that electricity and communications have been disrupted in many of the areas impacted.
The latest summary is that 44 churches and 24 preaching points were impacted by the typhoon. Several of our local churches served as shelters for neighboring families.
Thanks to the partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and churches who have prepared Crisis Care Kits (which were previously shipped and warehoused here in Manila), relief goods and Crisis Care Kits are being moved into the affected areas.
Prayer:
Please continue to pray for those who have been and will be impacted by Typhoon Haima as it leaves the Philippines and heads toward southern China.
Pray for our Nazarene Disaster Response members who are conducting rapid assessments.[Feature Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)]
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Hurricane Matthew Hits Hard- The Church is Responding
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries:
On Monday night, Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti with maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour, causing devastation and chaos before pushing across the eastern tip of Cuba. Massive amounts of rain have affected other parts of the Caribbean, including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. As the hurricane continues, residents of the Bahamas as well as residents of eastern Florida and U.S. states along the coast up through North Carolina are bracing for the storm, and hundreds of thousands of people are evacuating.
In the aftermath of devastation, the church is responding.
The storm has made its way through the Caribbean, but it hit Haiti particularly hard. Many people in Haiti live in fragile houses or even temporary-shelters leftover from the devastating 2010 earthquake. Now, many of those homes have been destroyed, along with crops and livelihoods. Radio reports have described shoulder-high floodwaters roaring into homes
The floodwaters and a lack of clean water are expected to bring a second catastrophe to Haiti: a potential cholera outbreak. A cholera epidemic ravaged the country following the earthquake.
The Church of the Nazarene in Haiti comprises 11 districts and more than 500 local churches. Four districts are in the southern peninsula and the island of La Gonave, which were directly affected by the hurricane.
Urgent needs include water filters, food, shelter, and blankets. The Church of the Nazarene in Haiti is working to distribute a few hundred crisis care kits already on hand to provide for sanitation necessities, and the church also has a couple hundred tents and tarps available to distribute. Leaders are currently doing assessments to determine areas of greatest need.
Assessments are still underway to determine damage in Cuba and Jamaica and how Nazarene church communities have been affected.
Church leaders are requesting prayer for families and individuals who have been affected by Hurricane Matthew.
A man clears debris after Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, October 5, 2016. REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Pray
Please pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones. Pray for those who lost their homes and have no means to rebuild. Pray for protection of lives, especially from cholera. Pray for vulnerable children and senior adults. Pray that people would know God’s comfort and peace. And pray for churches working to care for their neighbors and meet urgent needs.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Hurricane Matthew Response Fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put ACM1198/F135 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put ACM1198/F135 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Hurricane Matthew Response.
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Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej Passes
Photo Credit: Inquirer.net
Bangkok, Thailand: Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday, October 13th, at the age of 88. King Adulyadej had been on the throne for 70 years.
“Indeed Thailand is in deep mourning,” shares team member, Sam Yangmi. “Everyone the TV is interviewing whether young or old is expressing bewilderment of not knowing how life can go on when 7 generations have lost the only Father figure they have ever known!”
A woman weeps after an announcement that Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died, at the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, October 13, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
According to Channel News Asia:
“Starting on Friday, flags will be flown at half mast at all government buildings and schools for 30 days, and Thai government officials will mourn the king for a year.
Thais have also been urged to refrain from festivities for the next 30 days and to wear black for a year.”
The sadness and grief felt by the Thai people is palpable as images of weeping and mourning circulate the internet.
Please pray for:
  1. The members of the royal family that are going through this time of sorrow.
  2. The Christian community in Thailand to be a comfort to all of our Thai neighbors and a beacon of hope to them.
  3. The government as they bring about a smoothe succession.
  4. Finally, the stability and tranquility in Thailand during this year of mourning the loss of Thailand’s beloved King. King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
[Feature Image Photo Credit: The Telegraph]
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Prayers for NHM Secretary and his battle against the Big C
Papua New Guinea: Baru Dirye is the National Health Secretary for Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM). He is not only a top administrator in the health care ministry, but he and his wife Christina, have led a hugely successful Nazarene church plant. What initially started as a simple house church a few years ago eventually led to the single biggest baptism in the church’s history in PNG- with 75 people baptized in one service!
Some months ago, Baru developed a limp. Later they found out that a bone cyst was causing the problem. The cyst was so large that it required a hip replacement, with the assistance of Dr. Jim Radcliffe and another missionary surgeon from another hospital. Sadly, the pathology came back and revealed that this growth was only a symptom of a bigger problem –cancer. Baru has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.
Baru was started on some treatment but the cancer has not responded so far. The best treatment is not available in Papua New Guinea and would be very expensive in a more developed country. NHM is trying to source other medicines as well. We trust God can do miracles in whatever way possible.
We ask for prayers from our brothers and sisters around the world – for God to touch and heal Baru physically, to give he and his wife and children peace and strength, to guide doctors and treatment, provide what is needed not only for his treatment but also for the running of the health care ministry.[Submitted by: Dr. Scott Dooley]
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Nazarene Disaster Response teams are conducting rapid assessments and reporting back as they are able, given the fact that electricity and communications have been disrupted in many of the areas impacted.
The latest summary is that 44 churches and 24 preaching points were impacted by the typhoon. Several of our local churches served as shelters for neighboring families.
Thanks to the partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and churches who have prepared Crisis Care Kits (which were previously shipped and warehoused here in Manila), relief goods and Crisis Care Kits are being moved into the affected areas.
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Kudjip Nazarene Hospital Papua New Guinea (PNG)
As I was walking back from placing my offering, I saw Kua start to move his crutches and I thought to myself, certainly, he is just moving his crutches out of the way so other's don't step on them, "he isn't going up, is he?" I walked by him and sat down in my chair two rows behind him, watching him the whole time. As I sat there, I realized that he wasn't moving his crutches out of the way, he was moving his crutches to get up.
Slowly but surely, he made his way from his seated position to standing with his crutches, his sister close behind him, and then he joined the line. Tears started streaming down my face as I watched this boy go up and give his offering to God.
Compared to Kua, all those who had gone before, were the rich in PNG - those with jobs, those who get fortnightly payment from the Hospital or the locals schools. They gave out of their wealth, but as I stood watching Kua, I knew he was giving out of his poverty. I don't know how much he gave, or if he gave everything like the widow did, but anything he gave was a sacrifice.
A “Widow’s Offering”…A Very Touching Story!!!
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital Papua New Guinea (PNG): Mark 12:41- 44 – is the story of the widow’s offering, where all the rich people put in large amounts of money, but Jesus sees a poor widow put in two small copper coins and calls his disciples over. He says, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.”
Recently, I witnessed a “widow’s offering” and I was blown away. It was the last day of the Crusade that Immanuel Church (the local Papua New Guinea station church) was having, ending a week of nighttime services with the theme of, “Say NO! To Sin.” This day was the day for the Thanksgiving offering. The altar area was lined with sugarcane, papaya, bananas, chickens, cabbage, onions and more. Outside of the offering from everyone’s gardens, there was a time to give into the offering plate that was placed in the center of the tent.
As the offertory song was playing, missionaries, nurses, nursing tutors, teachers, security guards, cleaners, chaplains and their kids stood up, formed some semblance of a line and made their way to the box to put their offering inside. Sitting just in front of me a bit was a young boy (maybe 10 yo) named Kua.
For the past three months, Kua’s home has been Nazarene Hospital. He was hit by a car and brought to our hospital and has lived here ever since. We initially weren’t sure how well he would do, since he sustained fractures of both legs and bad lacerations to his head and face, but three months later, he is improving and getting closer to going home. His fractures have healed, he is walking with crutches and every time I see him, he is smiling.
As I was walking back from placing my offering, I saw Kua start to move his crutches and I thought to myself, certainly, he is just moving his crutches out of the way so other’s don’t step on them, “he isn’t going up, is he?” I walked by him and sat down in my chair two rows behind him, watching him the whole time. As I sat there, I realized that he wasn’t moving his crutches out of the way, he was moving his crutches to get up. Slowly but surely, he made his way from his seated position to standing with his crutches, his sister close behind him, and then he joined the line. Tears started streaming down my face as I watched this boy go up and give his offering to God.
Compared to Kua, all those who had gone before, were the rich in PNG – those with jobs, those who get fortnightly payment from the Hospital or the locals schools. They gave out of their wealth, but as I stood watching Kua, I knew he was giving out of his poverty. I don’t know how much he gave, or if he gave everything like the widow did, but anything he gave was a sacrifice.
Kua’s family isn’t rich, they don’t have a regular paying job, they have found ways to keep Kua fed while he has been in the hospital, they have found ways to make sure he has clothes – but he is poor, very poor. Yet, despite the little he has, he gave. He gave out of his poverty, and seemingly joyfully and very happily and willingly.
Jim Radcliffe, who has served at Kudjip for over 31 yrs, was sitting next to me during the service and as folks were worshipping the Lord and the line was starting to form for the offering, he leaned over and said, “Doesn’t this make you glad you are a missionary?”
“I hadn’t thought about it before, but the reason we had a tent Crusade, that we had 100s of people at the service, that people were giving to Missions was because almost 60 years ago the first Nazarene Missionaries came to Kudjip and as a result of that the word of God has spread.”[Dr. Erin Meier]
I hadn’t thought about it before, but the reason we had a tent Crusade, that we had 100s of people at the service, that people were giving to Missions was because almost 60 years ago the first Nazarene Missionaries came to Kudjip and as a result of that the word of God has spread. There are 100s of churches in PNG, all of which started because years ago Sydney and Wanda Knox obeyed God and came to PNG as missionaries. The seeds they planted have born fruit over and over again, and kids like Kua and others are hearing about God’s love and giving what they have to help that continue, and I get to be a part of it. I get to try to continue to help share and show God’s word and love with those who come to the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital each day – what a privilege.
As Kua got up and gave his offering, and the tears were streaming down my face, I couldn’t help but ask God if I was being obedient to all God was asking of me with my money, my time, myself, my life, my career, my heart to Him, etc.
What we give to God and what God asks of us looks different for each of us and that is okay, but like the widow and Kua, we have to be willing to give it all, and be obedient to what He is asking of us. Are you?[Submitted: Dr. Erin Meier – Medical Missionary – Papua New Guinea]
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Engage Magazine
Last weekend, I was at a Work & Witness conference in Columbus, Ohio (U.S.). There, I was given a bracelet. It says: "What's In Your Hands? Passion and Purpose, Exodus 4:2." It refers to Moses. God asks him what is in his hands. It's a staff -- a shepherd's staff. With this staff, Moses shepherds an entire nation out of captivity and into freedom. That's a big, important thing to hold in your hands.
Me? I clean toilets right now. What's in my hand? A mop handle. A cleaning rag. A nasty toilet bowl wand.
I'm a missionary, too, but I'm not a superhero missionary. I'm brand new, with just a wisp of experience under my belt. I only do media. And, in this moment, I'm not even on the mission field. Right now, I'm a janitor. But I'm still a missionary. I still have things in my hands. God and I have been walking on this journey of discovery as to what exactly it means to be a missionary. Because, I'll be honest, I don't think you have to cross oceans to be a missionary.
My very best missionary stories aren't in the Philippines or Nairobi. I've never stood up in front of a crowd and delivered a heart-changing sermon. I've never planted a church. My best stories are here, in the United States, at work, with a mop in my hands. It's the moments when God whispers, "love this person, they need to hear from Me" and I do just that....(more)
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Asia-Pacific Region
Has God gifted you with a passion for teaching English? Has God also been touching your heart, perhaps calling you to experience taking your passion for English into a cross-cultural setting?
A school on the Asia-Pacific Region is now accepting applications for part-time and full-time English teachers for 2017 and 2018. Applicants must be native English speakers, have teaching experience, a university degree, and a love for teaching children!
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Tahan, Myanmar
Many think of Extension Courses as just being a means of taking theological education to those who are unable to come to the Bible college.
In this encouraging story from Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College - we see how God is using the Extension Courses as a means of grace to reach people who are yet unreached.
Lives are coming into the Kingdom, in addition to being prepared for service in the Kingdom.
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Churches partner with school in the Azores, Singapore church officially registered, Hurricane Matthew and more! Don't miss yet another great mission news video!
Great Missions Moment / Service Opener
Resources
Throughout the month of October, churches around the world will show their appreciation for clergy and pastoral staff members in a variety of ways. These men and women can be celebrated through personal notes or gifts, by groups like a Sunday school class, or in larger settings with the entire congregation.
We are very thankful the people who tirelessly minister, mentor, disciple and help out others for God's glory! Find out how you could show your appreciation for everything that they do!
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Manila, Philippines 
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is inviting leaders to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministry Symposium that will be held on November 30, 2016.
The focus of the symposium will be Contextual Ministry Among Traditional Peoples. APNTS has invited Dr. Darrell Whiteman as the event's guest speaker, where he will share his extensive experience in cross-cultural missions.
It will be an exciting day of worship, presentation and meaningful discussion!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best and connect with others who share the same interest!
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Nazarene Youth International
The countdown to the Global NYI Convention continues.... We are 10 months away! Each district NYI convention should be electing youth, lay, and ministerial delegates and alternates at this time. The deadline to elect NYI delegates is 31 March 2017.
Each month leading up to the Global NYI Convention, we are highlighting various aspects of the convention to help delegates prepare. The focus of this highlight is on resolutions.
Learn more about the 10 important things about resolutions, and access more information on the NYI website and Facebook page!
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Asia-Pacific Region
INITIAL PUBLIC LAUNCH!
Does engaging the Word of God truly lead to life transformation?
The Center for Bible Engagement has surveyed more than 200,000 people, ages 8-80, across 20 countries, 75 denominations and most major religions.

What did they find?
The Power of 4 Effect
APNaz Connect is the Asia-Pacific Region's Mobile Application to help you and those whom you are discipling, actively engage the Word! An included spiritual assessment will customize the app to deliver scriptures that speak to you personally. Sign up for a specialized devotional track on a topic of interest like Anger, Worry, When Life Hurts, Growing Spiritually, Engaging the Scriptures, and more.
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Regional Announcement
As General Assembly 2017 draws closer and planning increases by the day, the Church of the Nazarene's General Secretary's Office requests opinions from Nazarenes around the world on their expectations for the event.
The denomination's 29th General Assembly and Conventions are 21-30 June 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Asia-Pacific
Do you remember seeing a particular story in one of our weekly newsletters?
Are you wishing you could send a copy of a previous newsletter to a friend? Be sure to check out the Around The Region Weekly Newsletter Archive.
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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: Ingrid Kiper, Laurice Maggay
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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