Friday, October 28, 2016

The Asia Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines' Around The Region News... New Typhoon / Refugee Naz Response Video, Work & Witness - Myanmar to Myanmar, Prayer Needed for Child in Papua New Guinea, Don't Miss latest Member Care Article, Prayer Praises, Requests, and Much More! Volume 4 / Issue Number 39 for Saturday, October 29, 2016

The Asia Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines' Around The Region News... New Typhoon / Refugee Naz Response Video, Work & Witness - Myanmar to Myanmar, Prayer Needed for Child in Papua New Guinea, Don't Miss latest Member Care Article, Prayer Praises, Requests, and Much More! Volume 4 / Issue Number 39 for Saturday, October 29, 2016 


(Bold Items - Latest News)
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Engage Magazine:

Interceding for leaders and churches and for the Holy Spirit to draw all people to Christ. This is what http://nmi.nazarene.org/ has on the front page.
What does that even mean?
How are you integrating prayer into your NMI Ministry?
We talk about prayer being one of the pillars of NMI, but what does that look like? How are we implementing prayer as part of what we do as NMI leaders?
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has ben tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
13 November 2016, is the International Day of Prayer. Let's really pray about how God wants each of us to pray personally and then to help educate our friends, families and churches on the importance and the privilege of interceding for leaders and churches and for the Holy Spirit to draw all people to Christ. It has to start with us.
Here are some resources to help you think about prayer and how we can bear the burdens of others:
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!
How Being Generous Makes Your Life Better
One of my favorite quotes comes from
The Diary of a Young Girl, the world-renowned book by Anne Frank. This young girl and her family hid from the Nazis for two years in a "secret annex" above her father's business. They were eventually discovered and sent to a concentration camp, where Anne died at the age of 15.
After the war, her diary was published and has been a source of hope and inspiration to millions. Anne wrote, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world!"
Imagine, living in hiding, uncertain what tomorrow might bring, this hopeful child believed in the possibility of positive change!
You may feel overwhelmed by your circumstances. We've all been there. But even now, there are simple things you can do to make a positive difference for yourself and others.
1. Smile.
When you smile, you feel better, your voice sounds happier, and you have an immediate, positive effect on others. Don't wait until you feel happy, and don't wait for others to smile at you. You smile first, and start a revolution of cheerfulness in your home or office.
2. Help someone.
Our world is facing some huge problems, there's no question about that. Thinking about terrorism, hunger, poverty, or other pressing issues can be overwhelming. The sheer scope of these problems can paralyze us.
You may not be able to bring world peace, but you can solve a problem for somebody somewhere today. Give someone a hand carrying groceries. Offer to run an errand for an over-stressed coworker. Go out of your way, just a little bit, and you will make the world a better place.
3. Listen.
We are more connected than ever, yet many people feel completely alone. Too much of the traffic on social media consists of shouting, with many people only pretending to listen while waiting for their turn to speak. You can brighten someone's day immeasurably by stopping what you are doing, looking them squarely in the eye, and listening to what they have to say.
4. Compliment others.
Everyone loves to hear something positive about them, and it costs absolutely nothing to do. Begin a meeting by saying, "You are the best coworkers ever. Thank you for being on my team." Tell your spouse, "I really appreciate what you do for our family. I'm glad I married you." Say something positive to another person, and it will absolutely transform their day.
5. Refuse to complain.
Negative speech is like mold. At first, you barely notice, but before long it covers everything with an icky appearance-and flavor! Resist the urge to complain, gripe, gossip, or use sarcasm. You'll feel better, and everyone around you will too.
Sometimes it's the littlest things that make the biggest difference. What little thing could you do today that could have a huge impact on your world? I'd love to hear your answer on Facebook or Twitter![Stan Toler]
Please continue to pray for Stan's battle with cancer - for more information click here.
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Share The Story!
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.READ: Typhoon Yolanda - strongest typhoon to make landfall in world history.
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)]
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:
  • The members of the royal family that are going through this time of sorrow.
  • The Christian community in Thailand to be a comfort to all of our Thai neighbors and a beacon of hope to them.
  • The government as they bring about a smoothe succession.
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 Cancer!
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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Church responds to typhoon victims, and Syrian refugees! See how your local church is part of a world changing, kingdom impacting, mission!

Great Missions Moment / Service Opener

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Member Care

lis·tenˈlis(ə)n/
verb
1. give one's attention to a sound.
2. make an effort to hear something; be alert and ready to hear something.
Have you ever been frustrated because someone wasn't "hearing" what you were saying? They just weren't LISTENING!!!
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a difficult conversation and while the other person was explaining their position, you were formulating your response...perhaps you weren't listening...
Listening is not talking... it's not interrupting... it's not solving...
So then what is listening? This could be one of the most powerful tools you could place into your ministry toolbox.
Don't miss this great article from our Asia-Pacific Region Member Care coordinator, Cindy Schmelzenbach. Read, reflect, respond... how well am I listening...
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Breathing Deep… Listen

lis·tenˈlis(ə)n/
verb
give one’s attention to a sound.
make an effort to hear something; be alert and ready to hear something.
What is it? I’ve heard that in Chinese, “to listen” is expressed using the characters that include not only the ears but also eyes, undivided attention and the heart.(Christian Coach Institute).
  • Listening is what I do when I completely step away from myself and with authenticity, enter the very life of the person to whom I am listening. I suspend my own opinions, responses, judgment and analysis; I choose to hold their perspective. It is probably the most significant thing I can do every day to genuinely express love; to genuinely honor another person. It is being present.
Sometimes we can gain clarity by looking at what something is not.
  • Listening is not talking. Well, that seems obvious, right? But real listening is really not talking- even inside my own head. Not.talking.at.all.
  • Listening is not interrupting, even to ‘help’ the other person articulate themselves.
  • Listening is not solving. Research shows that when we try to solve as we listen instead of after welisten, our analytical brain processes are activated instead of our human-connection brain processes. This limits our ability to truly listen from a relational perspective and we can sometimes tend to dehumanize the situation. However, if we really listen – without solving – first, then with compassion and understanding, we can access the creative processes of our brain and design solutions with much more success.
  • Listening is not passive. It isn’t just hearing. It’s very active, very intentional, and at first, it’s really hard, focused, work.
Why does it matter? Our relationships are why listening matters. It matters because of what happens when we are really listened to. It is a deeply significant experience; it’s a rare experience.
  • Listening builds trust. This is the most important thing we can do to build and nurture the relationships that are so important to us. The brain environment conducive to building trust is significantly triggered when we know we’ve been heard. In contrast, when we feel we’ve not been heard, our brain automatically feels it must be on guard and trust is inhibited.
Listening builds creativity. The neurological process set into motion when we truly feel listened to results in a mindset that is creative, open to seeking new solutions, vision- oriented and characterized by optimism.
  • Listening reduces conflict. Research indicates that most of us do not regularly feel listened to and that often just knowing we’ve been heard will de-escalate a tense situation or resolve a conflict, even if we don’t get what we want. We know this to be true. How often do we find ourselves saying, “I don’t feel heard.” When this happens, we can quickly become lonely, sad, frustrated, or even angry. This is one of the biggest contributors to conflict in our relationships and society as a whole. (The Emotion Machine). 
  • Listening is like Christ. Listening is being present… really here… like Immanuel – God is WITH us… he listens, he is present. And when I am really giving myself through the gift of listening, I am allowing this Immanuel-life to flow through me. And that matters a lot!Read: Breathing Deep - Stress - What You Need to Know!!!
What Can I Do About It? We can all identify with this drive, this longing to be heard – to be the listen-ee. And yet, few of us can also say this is true about our desire to be the listen-er. However, the most effective action I can take toward inviting another person to listen to me – – is for me to listen first … really listen.
  • Listening is a skill that can be developed and the first step is to simply be aware that good listening doesn’t always come naturally. Professional Christian coaches have identified four levels of listening for us to explore. What would it take to deepen our capacity for listening all the way through these levels?
  • Level I – Internal Listening. This is where 90% of listening happens. In this level, I am aware of myself. I am the main character. I listen through the filter of, “What does this mean to me?” or “How can I add to what I am hearing?” My thoughts, my feelings, my opinions, my reactions, my conclusions. At this level, I am mostly gathering information to meet my needs, or I am thinking about how my story compares, or I’m formulating how I will respond to what I’m hearing.
  • Level II – Focused Listening. At this level, you – the one I am listening to – are the main character. I am fully aware of you. I am listening to your words, your expressions, your emotions. I notice your energy and I’m curious to know more… about you. I want to understand exactly what you are saying so I reflect back to you what I hear and check for accuracy and understanding. I invite you to give further explanation. I don’t judge or argue or react. I am immersed in what you are saying. I am focused on you.
  • Level III – Big Picture Listening. This is advanced listening. At this level, I’m listening to more than what you are actually saying… I’m hearing your body language, I’m paying attention to your expressions, I’m aware of what you are not saying, I’m making a place for you to explore what you may be thinking or feeling; I’m allowing silence. I am completely committed to your safety.
  • Level IV – Listening to the Spirit. At this level, we are aware that God is a part of our conversation and we are intentionally making space for him there. We are listening to what he may be bringing to the conversation and we are sensitive to the solutions or ideas he may be inviting us to. There is complete safety as we explore together what God may be revealing or sharing with us. Creative solutions are discovered here. This is where visions are caught and we are inspired.
What would happen if we had a ‘Listening Revolution?’ What would it mean if we were known as ‘people who listen?’ What would we have to give up in order to be truly ‘present’ in our conversations? What conflicts might be diffused? What relationships might be restored? What creativity might be tapped?Read: More Member Care Articles and Resources
Resources for improving our Listening Skills:
[Submitted by: Cindy Schmelzenbach, Regional Member Care Coordinator]
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Southeast Asia Field

What's in your hands? When God asked Moses in Exodus 4:2, Moses was holding a staff, because he was a Shepherd. God would use Moses' obedience and the staff in his hands, to deliver the Children of Israel out of Egypt.
In Myanmar, they have been asking the same question. What's in our hands? And they have been answering! See how church members and students in Myanmar have been going on Work and Witness ministry trips within their own nation!
God is on the move! This is so very exciting to see how young and old are catching the vision to serve God with what He has placed in their hands. Work and Witness can truly be for everyone, regardless of age or nation!
SE Asia Nations – Sending Work and Witness Teams!

The library is completed and ready to become a vital resource center!
Myanmar, Southeast Asia: Excitement for Work and Witness is building! The first part of October, Myanmar District Work and Witness Coordinator, Mr. Dinga, led a group of five skilled carpenters to the Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC), Yangon Campus. The team’s mission… to help complete a library shelving project on the campus. And complete it they did! With the help of SEANBC students, financial partners who sacrificially gave to this project, and many prayer partners, the shelves are up and the library is ready to serve as a resource center for the equipping and empowering of new leaders in Myanmar.
At first glance one might miss the sacrifice it takes to complete a project like this…even when it is in your own country. These team members gave up 7 days of wages and travelled for 24 hours by bus to reach their destination!






And the story of Myanmar Work and Witness continues! Students from the SEANBC Yangon Campus, along with local church members, travelled with the Yangon Zone Coordinator, Rev. Jubilee Thanga, to the location of a new church building in Mon State, Myanmar. More than 20 members worked for three days to start the foundation of the building. Each night the team also led spiritual revival services for the church, seeing at least two individuals accept Christ as their personal Savior!! They even held a baptism!
Through these projects, we can clearly see the Spirit of the Lord at work! These teams and their work and witness, have become a means of grace that the Lord is using for Kingdom impact!
What is in your hands? Here on the Asia-Pacific Region we are empowered by the Spirit and commanded to go! Place into the hands of the Lord your gifts and skills, your talents and treasurers, and be prepared to see how God will use them to build His Church!!
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
Please continue to pray that others will catch the vision to use what God has paced in their hands for His purpose!
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Papua New Guinea
At first glance, Philistine looked like every other 11 month old, a cute smile, responding to his mom and dad's voices, dressed in a long sleeved sleeper.
As I went to examine him, that is when his differences became obvious. He had been born with only part of his left arm and right leg.
I tried to explain to his parents what the future might hold. Given his current condition, he won't walk in a land where you need to be able to be mobile. In a land where the concept, "handicapped accessible" doesn't exist. But there could be a very bright future...will you commit to pray?
A Bright Future… Please Pray!
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital – Papua New Guinea: At first glance, Philistine looked like every other 11 month old, a cute smile, responding to his mom and dad’s voices, dressed in a long sleeved sleeper. As I went to examine him, that is when his differences became obvious. He had been born with only part of his left arm and right leg.
His left arm was shortened, going down to about his elbow and then a very small forearm that was turned the opposite way. His right leg was also shortened, down to the knee, and then he had a little foot, that was also turned sideways. Despite that, Philistine was as normal as could be. And incredibly cute!Visit: Nazarene Health Ministries - see what is happening in the Highlands.
I tried to explain to his parents what the future might hold. Given his current condition, he won’t walk in a land where you need to be able to be mobile. In a land where the concept, “handicapped accessible” doesn’t exist. Here people need their legs to get them over the rivers, the mountains, the roads. Legs are needed to walk to school, to learn and equip yourself for future work to support yourself and your family.

The Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Being able to walk is a must.
For Philistine, many of these things aren’t going to happen, unless he is able to get to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon who can do significant reconstructive surgery for him. We don’t have a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery specialist here and I am not sure if there is even one in the country.
Please commit to pray for Philistine, for this cute little baby who seems to have a bright future, but lives in a very difficult land when you have disabilities.[Submitted: Dr. Erin Meier – Missionary Doctor – PNG]
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Preacher's Magazine - Paul Burton - New Zealand

The Call to vocational ministry... essential. Not... a place to get a job, to earn a salary, to pursue a lifestyle or to feel good about oneself through sacrificial service to others.
So then what is it? How do we recognize it?
Find out as shared by Rev. Paul Burton who has pastored a variety of churches in New Zealand: Church of the Nazarene, Presbyterian and Unite. Currently, he is lead pastor at Unite, Nelson, New Zealand.

The Call by Paul Burton

I believe the call to vocational ministry in the Church of Jesus Christ is essential. This is not the place to get a job, to earn a salary, to pursue a lifestyle, or feel good about oneself through sacrificial service of others. Vocational ministry is for the called. Whereas all Christians are called to seek first the Kingdom of God as partners in the gospel with Jesus Christ, some are called to vocational ministry whether paid or unpaid, and the focus of this call is preaching and leading the local church.
My call to preach had its first seed planted when at around 12 years of age my family attended a missionary meeting at the New Lynn Church of the Nazarene in Auckland. The missionary led an altar call for those willing to commit their lives to full-time service, and I responded. This is the first time I remember responding to an altar call. This meant little to me at the time but as I reflect I see the seed planted.
My Father was pastor of the Dominion Road, Auckland Church of the Nazarene. Even though our family life was saturated in church, as I went through my teenage years I found myself growing disconnected from God. I bought into the science culture of the 1970’s and remember arrogantly and foolishly stating “I will believe in God when He can be proved in a test tube”, the foolishness of my youth. Then at 16 at a youth camp I experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit calling me to surrender my life to Jesus Christ. After some internal resistance one night after the evening service while being prayed for by some ministers, I surrendered my heart to Jesus and at that point heard clearly and profoundly the call to preach. It caught me unawares, it was unwanted, but was so profound I could not deny it.
It was not long after the camp when I renegotiated this call with God. I could not see myself being a good Christian according the perspective I had then, and definitely not a preacher. So I told God, I am going to live life my way for a while, and we will re-visit this call in the future. I was thinking 30 or more years away. God had other ideas.
Over the next three years I graduated from High School, started work, and was only attending church and the youth camps from family culture not personal desire. As I recently told the youth in my church, I never once attended a youth camp for spiritual reasons. In January 1978, I again was at youth camp. One night at that camp there was demonic activity. It was so real I was completely shaken. I remember lying on my bunk in the guys dormitory thinking: the devil is real and I am sitting on a fence that doesn’t exist; I don’t want anything to do with this and I need to reconnect my life with Jesus. I got up and after walking around for a time, I joined a group praying outside the dormitory. It was there I prayed the prayer, “Father, not my will but your will be done in my life”. It was after midnight, I was 19, and yet I still remember clearly the deep peace and joy I experienced. The call to preach I had previously heard was again calling me. Within a month I was attending what is now the Nazarene Theological College in Brisbane, Australia.
This call has shaped every part of my life for the past 37 years. I could never be a preacher from good intentions, or for approval of other. It is only because of the call that I pastor today. And it has been tested! The call has given me confidence to step out when gripped by nerves and fear. The call has led me forward when everything else seemed to be screaming to give up. The call is in every sermon I preach, and every meeting I lead. I have learnt that this is not my call; I am a beloved son of my Father in heaven. But the call is how I partner with Jesus in the work if the gospel; which I see as the family business.
In these days as I pastor a small but effective church in Nelson, New Zealand, I am seeing the most significant fruit of my time in ministry. I have seen a church dreamed about a number of years ago become reality today. Knowing I was called not only to preach, but to this Church, was critical to the faithful perseverance needed to be in the fruitful place we are in today.
The calling is the appointment of God, and with the appointment comes the authority and anointing. I think it was Bresee who said; “without the unction there is no function”. I desperately need the unction of the Holy Spirit. I cannot rest on my education or experience but only on the name of Jesus and the presence of his Spirit within me, every Sunday when I prepare to stand and preach I am aware of my inadequacy and rest again on my call, his appointment, authority, and anointing and preach from that place. Intriguingly my dependence on the call and the Spirit has not reduced but grown over the years. I can testify today that I am less confident in myself than ever before, but more confident in my God than ever before.
Rev. Paul Burton has pastored a variety of churches in New Zealand: Church of the Nazarene, Presbyterian and Unite. Currently, he is lead pastor at Unite, Nelson, NZ
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Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Halil's* father was kidnapped in Syria. His mother fled to Lebanon to protect Halil and his brother. There, a Nazarene church reached out to his family and gave the boys a way to attend school. "I love my father, and I am missing him every day," Halil says. Still, he is working hard and says that the Nazarene school gives him hope.
Halil has also found hope in his newfound faith. "I know Jesus, and I took Him as a personal savior," he says.
Halil is one of the ones who have been reached...yet there are still many children who face an uncertain future.
What if more children like Halil could experience hope in the midst of loss?
This year, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) invites you to make a difference in the lives of these children, through their Christmas Project.
* Name has been changed.
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Resources

Excitement is growing as Nazarenes from around the world anticipate gathering for worship, fellowship, and business next summer in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, at the 2017 General Assembly and Conventions. Housing and event registration is now open.
The General Assembly is the "supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene" (Manual, 300). The General Assembly and auxiliary conventions (Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International) convene every four years, bringing together Nazarenes from around the globe.
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Australia

Manila, Philippines
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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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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!
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.
click here!
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Asia-Pacific

Do you remember seeing a particular story in one of our weekly newsletters?
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-------This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to:
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).
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