The Asia Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene in Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines with Around The Region News... APNTS Welcomes new President, New family coming to AP Region, Dr. Fairbanks' latest book, Top Tips for preaching with an interpreter, Stress; lowering Cultural Intelligence, prayer praises, requests, and more! for Saturday, November 5, 2016 with Volume 4 / Issue Number 40
(Bold Items - Latest News)
Africa:
Eurasia:
- Women Celebrate their Dreams at Portugal-Azores Retreat
- Nazarene Schools in Middle East Teach Refugee Children to Hope
- Mesoamerica Region Develops Haiti Recovery Plan
- Mexico Field, Healing Waters International Partner for Clean Water Initiative
USA / Canada:
- USA/ Canada Chinese Pastors, Spouses Meet for Annual Retreat
- Hispanic Master's Plan Committee Discusses Material, Implementation
- Moving Ministers: September 2016
- Nazarenes in the News: October 28, 2016
- MNU Announces Largest Capital Campaign
- Trevecca Announces Master's Degree In Instructional Design And Technology
Passings:
Engage Magazine:
Prayer is a place of solidarity. Just as Jesus bore our burdens on His cross, we can bear the burdens of others, laying them before the Father in prayer. Prayer is not only for ourselves-prayer is unselfish, allowing the body of Christ to join in one voice of praise, thanksgiving, or petition to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christians from around the world will be joining together in prayer for the persecuted church and those suffering for their Christian faith specifically on 13 November 2016.
You can find several links to information and ideas along with resources to promote this special day of prayer in your local church here.
Questions? Comments? Click here. I love to hear feedback!
4 Benefits of an Active Prayer Life
If you had a super power, what would you want it to be? I love to ask people that question. The responses are always interesting.
Flying tops the list. Others will say teleportation, invisibility, or x-ray vision. It's fun to speculate about the good thing we might do if we had some unusual ability- or the adventures we might have!
That's all fantasy, of course, but there really is a super power available to you, and to everyone. It isn't so much a power we possess as a way to access the ultimate source of power. I'm talking about prayer.
When we pray, we have access to the presence of God himself, and his incredible power is available to us. As the apostle James put it, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
Here are four ways that we can tap into God's power when we pray.
1. God's resources become available.
Jesus said, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." That's not a platinum card to take to the shopping mall. It's a promise that God will respond to provide for those who ask in faith.
When we have a need, we often try everything but prayer to meet it. Begin where the power is. Begin by calling out to God.
2. You experience a supernatural calm.
The apostle Paul said after you have prayed, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" (Phil.4:7). I don't know about you, but I think freedom from anxiety would be a great super power to have! That can be yours when you pray in faith.
3. You make the past disappear.
John wrote, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). A sincere prayer of confession releases God's forgiveness, washing away guilt, shame, and regret. While you may live with some consequences of past action, your prayer heard in heaven will make the guilt disappear.
4. You unleash God's healing.
God is merciful, and he often releases his healing power to those who humbly ask. James wrote, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well" (James 5:14). Is that a guarantee that every prayer for healing will be answered in the way we desire? No, but it does indicate the relationship between prayer and healing. We often miss out on God's power because we simply don't ask to receive it.
It would be a shame to have the super power of flying yet travel everywhere on foot, or to have super strength but allow yourself to be oppressed by others. And it's unfortunate that many of us fail to use the truly amazing gift that we have available to us everyday- prayer.
How active is your prayer life? What would you do today, even now, to take advantage of this awesome power?
How have you seen the power of God at work in response to your prayers?
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.
Share The Story!
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
A Bright Future... Please 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]Super Typhoon Haima (Lawin) Passes Over Philippines - Nazarene Churches Responding
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
Hurricane Matthew Hits Hard- The Church is RespondingNazarene 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
PrayPlease 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.
GiveChurches 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.Prayers for NHM Secretary and his Battle Against the Big C
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!
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
Hurricane Matthew Hits Hard- The Church is RespondingNazarene 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
PrayPlease 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.
GiveChurches 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.Prayers for NHM Secretary and his Battle Against the Big C
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]Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Welcomes the Oldhams!
Manila, Philippines
It was a day of celebration as Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) informally welcomed Drs. Bruce and Peggy Oldham during a special chapel service.This day was very much anticipated and prayed for! And many people were there to witness and join in the celebration, including representatives from each entity that has an office on the APNTS Campus.
We congratulate Dr. Bruce once again as he assumes his role as APNTS president, effective November 1. Let us include him and his wife Dr. Peggy in our prayers, as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Welcomes the Oldhams!
Manila, Philippines: It was a day of celebration as Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) informally welcomed Drs. Bruce and Peggy Oldham Thursday morning, November 3, 2016, during a special chapel service.In case you missed it: Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Announces New PresidentStudents, faculty and staff of APNTS were present to give a warm welcome to their new president and his wife. Representatives from different entities such as Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), Philippine-Micronesia Field Office (PMFO), World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific (WMC-AP) and Asia-Pacific Resource Center (APRC) were also in attendance. Apart from joining the festivities, the event also provided the leaders of these departments with a chance to introduce their teams and what they do for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Dr. Bruce flew to Manila a month after he was elected president for a week-long visit, as a way of “getting his feet wet” and familiarizing himself with the campus. His wife Dr. Peggy now joins him in this new adventure that God has laid out for them!
Dr. Peggy had never been to APNTS, but had visited the Philippines several years ago. Stepping on campus for the first time, she and Dr. Bruce said they feel truly blessed to be part of the APNTS family. Dr. Peggy thanked everyone for their patience and prayers.Faculty, students and staff also took the opportunity to thank Atty. Kafoa Muaror, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) who also served as interim president of APNTS, and Engineer Shionel Blas Gesite, Interim OIC for APNTS, for their assistance during the transition period. Atty. Kafoa recalls how the BOT spent a year of praying, waiting and searching for the right person to fill the position, and how God has answered their prayers through the Oldhams. Atty. Kafoa also encouraged the faculty, students and staff to be authentic and genuine when sought for their insights and opinions – this is the right way to show love and support to their leaders.
“The Board of Trustees is committed to supporting you (Dr. Bruce) and I ask the faculty, students and staff to do likewise. May God continue to bless and guide you and your family in the years to come.”- Atty. Kafoa Muaror
Dr. Bruce is very excited to serve alongside everyone on campus and he is looking forward for days to come. He thanks everyone by saying, “We are so glad to be accepted into your hearts and you in ours.” He ended his message by characterizing his leadership as SERVICE.“Brothers and sisters, will you let me serve you?” – Dr. Bruce Oldham
Dr. Bruce assumed presidency effective November 1. The date for the official installation service will be announced in the near future.
The Asia-Pacific Region is very delighted to welcome Drs. Bruce and Peggy to the team. Please continue to pray for them as they embark on this God-ordained adventure. May Dr. Bruce be always filled with God’s Spirit as he leads the institution in developing Christlike disciples through the students, faculty and staff.[Photos courtesy of Enoch Tee]
Follow the link for more photos and details of the festivities!Asia-Pacific Region Welcomes New Team Members!
Asia-Pacific Region
Molly, Ariana, Isabella and Luke Cole
The Asia-Pacific team is very excited to be welcoming a new family to the Region!
This upcoming February 2017, Rev. Lucas (Luke) and Molly Cole, along with their two daughters, Isabella and Ariana, will be leaving their current home and ministries in Wisconsin, and making their new home in Asia.
Molly will be serving at the Regional Office, assisting with personnel and mobilization, while Luke will be working alongside the Church Plant Facilitator, coaching and training to further the development and expansion of the Church of the Nazarene.
Please join us in welcoming the Coles to the Asia-Pacific Region. Please also commit to praying for them as they travel, speak, and prepare for this new chapter in their lives!
Asia-Pacific Region Welcomes New Team Members!
Asia-Pacific Region
Molly, Ariana, Isabella and Luke ColeThe Asia-Pacific team is very excited to be welcoming a new family to the Region!
This upcoming February 2017, Rev. Lucas (Luke) and Molly Cole, along with their two daughters, Isabella and Ariana, will be leaving their current home and ministries in Wisconsin, and making their new home in Asia.
Molly will be serving at the Regional Office, assisting with personnel and mobilization, while Luke will be working alongside the Church Plant Facilitator, coaching and training to further the development and expansion of the Church of the Nazarene.
Please join us in welcoming the Coles to the Asia-Pacific Region. Please also commit to praying for them as they travel, speak, and prepare for this new chapter in their lives!
Asia-Pacific Region Welcomes New Team Members!
Asia-Pacific Region: The Asia-Pacific team is very excited to be welcoming a new family to the Region!This upcoming February 2017, Rev. Lucas (Luke) and Molly Cole, along with their two daughters, Isabella and Ariana, will be leaving their current home and ministries in Wisconsin, and making their new home in Asia.
Molly will be serving at the Regional Office, assisting with personnel and mobilization, while Luke will be working alongside the Church Plant Facilitator, coaching and training to further the development and expansion of the Church of the Nazarene.
While new to the Region, Luke and Molly are definitely not new to ministry and missions. Molly has been serving in the mobilization department of Global Mission since 2007, in the role of Deputation Ministries Coordinator. She has worked diligently in handling deputation service scheduling as well as missionary deputation funds. Luke, an Ordained Elder, has been in pastoral ministry since 2010, serving as an Executive Pastor, co-leading a church plant in the Kansas City area for Arabic-speaking Christians, and most recently, serving as the Lead Pastor of Cross Point Church of the Nazarene on the Wisconsin District.
Luke and Molly are both alumni of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. In 2012, Luke graduated from Nazarene Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity.
Please join us in welcoming the Coles to the Asia-Pacific Region. Please also commit to praying for them as they travel, speak, and prepare for this new chapter in their lives!Click here for more information about our new team members!
APNTS President Emeritus, Dr. LeBron Fairbanks, Releases New Book!
Asia-Pacific Region
Dr. LeBron Fairbanks (Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary [APNTS] President 1984-1989) has just released his latest book, "Leading Decisively! Leading Faithfully! Reflections and Markers.""This book could well last for the next fifty years as a vital tool for Christian ministry. Its truth is timeless, and its approach engaging. I commend it to you as a resource you will grow to treasure. ... In this book is the distilled wisdom of decades of effective leadership. This is not mere theory. This is a vision for leadership that reflects a life of selfless service and vision. While there are practices and skills that are absolutely essential in the work of leadership in Christian ministry, behind the skills and practices is the foundation of spiritual maturity and reflective thinking. Here is hope and help for Christian leaders in the confusing and sometimes frightening environment in which we find ourselves today. The world is rapidly changing. Christian leaders need help that is timeless and true. I believe you will find this resource one of the most helpful."[General Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf]
APNTS President Emeritus, Dr. LeBron Fairbanks, Releases New Book!Asia-Pacific Region: Dr. LeBron Fairbanks (Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary [APNTS] President 1984-1989) has just released his latest book, “Leading Decisively! Leading Faithfully! Reflections and Markers.”
“This book could well last for the next fifty years as a vital tool for Christian ministry. Its truth is timeless, and its approach engaging. I commend it to you as a resource you will grow to treasure. … In this book is the distilled wisdom of decades of effective leadership. This is not mere theory. This is a vision for leadership that reflects a life of selfless service and vision. While there are practices and skills that are absolutely essential in the work of leadership in Christian ministry, behind the skills and practices is the foundation of spiritual maturity and reflective thinking. Here is hope and help for Christian leaders in the confusing and sometimes frightening environment in which we find ourselves today. The world is rapidly changing. Christian leaders need help that is timeless and true. I believe you will find this resource one of the most helpful.”[General Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf]In addition to being the 2nd president of APNTS, Dr Fairbanks served for 18 years as as president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio, USA, and as the leader of the International Board of Education and as Commissioner of Education for the Church of the Nazarene. Since his official retirement, Dr Fairbanks has been the founding chairman of boardserve.org, and has been serving the Lord in Lakeland, Florida, USA and as the interim pastor of the Tampa First Church of the Nazarene in Florida since 14 February 2016. Married to Anne Fairbanks at the First Church of the Nazarene in Gainesville, Georgia, USA on 22 June 1962, they have one son, Stephen (born 24 March 1975).
The book is now available on Amazon.com by following this link.“Intended to serve as a multi-lingual, cross-cultural, and baccalaureate-level text on leading decisively and faithfully in Christian communities, it reflects convictions to which we as decisive and faithful leaders remain captive, as we live and lead as maturing disciples of Jesus Christ.”
The book is summarized in the Boardserve blog. Click here for more information about the Author and the book!
Are You Preaching Through an Interpreter - Here Are Some Great Points!
Preacher's Magazine
Those of us who have been involved, for some time, in translating and interpreting as a science and as a job, are acutely aware of how complex, at times, this may be. But you do not have to be an expert in order to preach effectively through an interpreter!
This article has several great "Do's and Don'ts." Check your grade! How many of them are you doing or not doing so that you are clearly articulating your message across languages / cultures?
Preaching through an Interpreter?
Preaching through an interpreter? by Juan Vázquez Pla
Those of us who have been involved, for some time, in translating and interpreting as a science and as a job, are acutely aware of how complex, at times, this may be. But you do not have to be an expert in order to preach effectively through an interpreter, if need be. The following do’s and don’ts will help you to fare rather well when opportunity arises.
Do’s1. Spend some time with the person who is going to interpret for you in order to share with him or her your topic, how you have organized your sermon material, how the Scriptures to be used compare in both languages, and briefly review your sermon illustrations if any. This time together beforehand also allows for the two of you to become acquainted, and for the interpreter to get used to your language speech, tempo and pattern.
2. At the moment of preaching – use short sentences, and allow the interpreter to translate them into the recipients’ language – preferably each sentence at a time. Long sentences, or too many sentences put together, for the interpreter, will most likely result in the interpreter doing quite a bit of “summarizing” for you.
3. Plan on covering your preaching material in half the amount of time that has been made available to you. A 15-minute sermon, when interpreted, will become a 30-minute sermon – not including the altar call. If the language of the preacher is synthetical in nature (English, for example), and that of the interpreter is analytical (Spanish, for example), make that probably a 35 or 40-minute presentation!
Don’ts1. Avoid sermon illustrations that are too culturally related to your own culture, especially if you come from a developed or industrial country and you are addressing a congregation from a developing country (credit cards, bank accounts, GPS, etc.). Even if the interpreter manages to translate the illustration, it may not resonate well with the audience.
2. Avoid the use of poetic language, riddles, and idiomatic expressions. Metaphoric language does not translate well.
3. Avoid, at all cost, jokes or humor that is reflective primarily of your own culture. Jokes of such kind are almost impossible to interpret in such a way that will generate the reaction that it would have generated in a congregation of your own culture, education level, etc.
These do’s and don’ts apply mostly to preachers travelling abroad, especially if you are going extremely cross-cultural (a Western world preacher preaching to an Asian world congregation, etc.), yet, some of them are also applicable to the increasing number of preachers who are being simultaneously translated into other language in any Sunday morning service because of the bilingual nature of their congregation.
If you are writing sermon material, or any other Christian literature that may be translated into another language at some point in the future, these do’s and don’ts are also to be considered.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Proverbs 25:11, ESV).Check it out...more effectively communicate the message!
How Stress Can Lower Your Cultural Intelligence
Feature- Cultural Intelligence Center
This article from Cultural Intelligence Center is a great must-read for our mission team members on the Asia-Pacifc and around the world!
It is already difficult to be out of your comfort zone and live in a place where everything is different from what you're used to, but what if stress and burnout decide to enter the picture?
How do you effectively function in culturally diverse situations in the midst of burnout?
How Stress Can Lower Your Cultural Intelligence
Feature: Below is a great read for our mission team members from Asia-Pacific and all over the world! In this article from Cultural Intelligence Center, David Livermore, PhD, discusses how working with people from differing backgrounds could become even more challenging when stress comes into play. Read his recommended steps to take in order to effectively work in culturally diverse situations in the midst of burnout:
Working with people from highly diverse backgrounds is rewarding but tough. Even those of us who are energized by cross-cultural work have to work harder when we work with people who have a different way of thinking and behaving than we do. And the more you’re under stress, the harder the work becomes. What begins as simply an interesting consideration of how different cultures approach queuing in a line or expressing an emotion, suddenly becomes irritating.
Even the most culturally intelligent among us may see our CQ Drive plummet when stressed. CQ Drive is your level of interest and motivation for working and relating with people from diverse backgrounds.
Try these 5 steps to build your CQ Drive in the midst of stress and fatigue:
1. Be aware of your triggers
The first step lies in being honest with ourselves. Grandiose, politically correct statements about being colorblind or viewing everyone the same do little to improve cultural intelligence. Instead, we need to be aware of the behaviors that are most likely to trigger our frustration and consider which cultures we most often associate with those behaviors. For example, how do you feel when you encounter these behaviors?
- Someone speaking too fast/slow
- Use of profanity
- Cutting in line
- Multi-tasking in a meeting
- Never speaking up on a global call
- Introducing one’s self with a formal title (or not doing so)
2. Recognize your limits
Working on a project with a group of diverse colleagues requires more emotional and cognitive effort than doing so as part of a homogenous team. You have to adapt the way you present your ideas and accommodate the preferences of others. And that adaptation demands a different degree of self-regulation and willpower.
The more we must adapt to the perspectives and styles of others, the more it depletes our energy. This is one of the reasons why underrepresented groups find such great relief in coming together through employee resource groups or settings that are uniquely theirs (e.g., a Polynesian-American worship service). At last, they’re in a space where they can let down their guard and reduce the amount of filtering and code switching they have to do.
In the very same way a rigorous, physical workout uses up some of our physical energy, the same is true for the emotional and mental energy that’s used for working and relating cross-culturally.
3. Don’t eat the second donut
The good news is, the more you exercise the self-control required for intercultural situations, the more you’ll strengthen those muscles for future encounters. One of the most highly regarded researchers studying self-regulation is Roy Baumeiester, who notes that willpower is like a muscle. The willpower muscle gets tired after being used for an extended period of time. However, regular and increased use over time also increases the strength and endurance of your ability to regulate your thinking and behavior.
One of the most encouraging findings from Baumeister’s research is that exercising the willpower muscle in one area appears to carry over to other areas. So when you exercise willpower by doing your morning workout, or resisting the second donut, or staying off email all evening, that same willpower will help you persevere through cross-cultural challenges in the midst of stress.
4. Recharge
Next, be aware of what builds up your motivational reserves and what depletes them. My initial research related to cultural intelligence was focused on the experience of short-term, itinerant travelers—including study abroad students, business travelers, and short-term missionaries. I used to urge North Americans to stay away from McDonalds when traveling abroad and instead, only eat at local establishments so they could truly experience the culture. However, over the years, I’ve observed how a familiar meal can do wonders for helping a traveler reboot.
Figure out what’s most important for you in recharging your batteries physically, emotionally, and mentally—whether it’s a familiar food, planning some alone time, or ensuring you get some time with people more similar to yourself. And recognize the importance of building up your reserve for the perseverance required to relate and adapt effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
5. Plan ahead
Finally, be proactive by anticipating the kinds of encounters and responsibilities that will be most draining for you. When I go overseas, I try to build in an extra day at the front end to get acclimated to the time zone and my surroundings before having to jump into whatever I’m there to do. One of my colleagues prefers to do the opposite. She builds in a day at the back end of work trips and by doing so, it helps her persevere through some of the hard work by knowing what she has to look forward to at the end. If you’re going to be teaching a class with a diverse group of students and know you will need to significantly adapt your typical teaching style, plan ahead for how to build in additional time to refill your emotional tank.
Sometimes, diversity and global management professionals take our CQ Assessment and they’re surprised to see they didn’t score higher on CQ Drive, the indication of their interest and motivation for relating and working cross-culturally. After all, this is a crucial part of their jobs! But after additional reflection, these individuals often recognize that while they’re deeply committed to the value and importance of intercultural relationships and work, they may have underestimated how taxing the work has been on them, particularly if they continually experience resistance from others.
Your emotional and physical health plays a critical role in your cultural intelligence. Create a plan for how to do strength training for working and relating cross-culturally. And be gentle with yourself when you find you’re more irritated than usual from seemingly minor differences. Take a deep breath, go for a walk, or curl up for a nap, all in the name of improving your CQ!You wouldn't want to miss this! Click here to know more!
Stewardship Ministries to Present Webinar on Generosity
Resources
Stewardship Ministries will host a free School of Stewardship webinar, "Generosity Fever: It's Contagious," November 15 at 2PM.
Committed givers have the power to pass along generosity throughout their church family, creating a church culture that is immune to consumerism and nurtures generosity and tithing. Mark Lail will teach attendees to steward God's most beloved resource: His people.
Time will be reserved at the end for attendee questions. All eligible persons will receive one lifelong learning hour.
Don't miss this learning opportunity! Click here to find out how you can register!
Latest WMC News Video - October 28th Edition
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
Download now - click here
What If...? Be Part of NCM's Christmas Project 2016!
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.
Learn more about NCM's Christmas Project 2016 and how you could do your part to help. Click here!
Registration, Housing Now Open for General Assembly 2017
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.
Excited for this event? We sure are! Find out more details on registration and housing by following this link!
NTC 2016 Celebration Service
Australia
Visit the NTC website!
Donate Blood- Save Lives APNTS Program
Manila, Philippines
Opportunity to Take Your Passion For English to a School on the Asia-Pacific Region!
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!
Click on this link for more details!
You're Invited to the Asia-Pacific Ministry Symposium in November!
Manila, Philippines
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!
Get more information about the even and how you can register! Click here!
24th Global Nazarene Youth International Convention- Deadline Approaching!
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!
Follow the link for further details and be in-the-know!
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.
Take a moment and find out what the Power of 4 Effect is and how to download the app by clicking here!
General Assembly Just One Year Away. Will You Help Us? We Need to Hear from You!
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.
To submit your thoughts and ideas
click here!
Around the Region News Archive
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.
Click here to find out more about the 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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