The Global Church of Nazarene News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States: Friday, 19 May 2017 "Nazarenes 'on the verge of starvation'" The Global Nazarene Communication Network News "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..."
The Global Church of Nazarene News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States: Friday, 19 May 2017 "Nazarenes 'on the verge of starvation'" The Global Nazarene Communication Network News "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..."
Extreme hunger crisis continues in east Africa An extreme hunger crisis continues in east Africa. Famine has been declared in parts of the region, and other areas are facing severe food shortages that could easily turn into famine. Millions of people are in need of emergency food relief. This crisis is directly affecting Nazarene families in east Africa. Nazarenes in South Sudan are experiencing food shortages due to drought and violent conflict; many have fled to neighboring countries to seek food and protection from violence. Church communities in neighboring countries are also being affected by severe hunger. In one area, church leaders report that more than 30 Nazarene church members — mostly children — have died as a result of drought and hunger. “One of the latest victims, a 1-year-old girl, was very dear to the local Nazarenes,” one church leader said. “When she was born, she was touted as the first fourth-generation Nazarene in her country.” In another area, hunger has taken the lives of nine other Nazarenes. Many Nazarene families are “on the verge of starvation,” according to a local church leader. “Some Nazarenes are so desperate for food, they are eating leaves and grass not suitable for human consumption,” said a district superintendent in an affected area. Church leaders in east Africa say that without food assistance, more people are in danger of starvation. Local churches are faithfully collecting food and money to provide for those in need, but local resources are limited in already impoverished communities. However, through the support of the global Church of the Nazarene, churches have been able to purchase food staples for those in need. Nazarene churches in affected communities are currently targeting more than 5,750 vulnerable individuals to receive food aid. These include both Nazarene church members and others in their communities who are experiencing hunger. The relief efforts are prioritizing households caring for orphaned children; those who have been displaced; households headed by senior adults, single mothers, or orphaned children; and others who are most at risk. Church leaders continue to request prayer and support as they seek to assist those in need. How to help Pray Please pray for the people affected by this hunger emergency, especially children. Pray for rain to help relieve drought. Pray for the local churches in the affected areas as they offer a tangible expression of Jesus’ love to their neighbors. Give You can support the emergency relief efforts of local churches in East Africa by giving to the Africa Disaster Relief — Famine Response. To send donations by mail: In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to: Global Treasury Services The Global Church of the Nazarene P.O. Box 843116 Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116, United States Be sure to write 127362 in the Memo area. In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to: The Global Church of the Nazarene Canada 20 Regan Road, Unit 9 Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3, Canada Be sure to write 127362 in the Memo area. For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Africa Disaster Relief — Famine Response. [Nazarene Compassionate Ministries] Read more
Randfontein, South Africa
South African church finds home after 43-year search Eunice Sedith (left) prepares to cut the ribbon.After 43 years of temporary locations — including 28 in a two-car garage — the Toekomsrus Church of the Nazarene has a new home strategically placed to impact their community for Christ. For many years, the congregation met in a classroom at a local school. Twenty-eight years ago, Pastor Saul Sedith built a garage to accommodate the church before he even built a house to accommodate his young family. Eventually, the church took over the pastor's home and yard as the church was bursting at the seams of the garage. Since 1980, the church has been asking the local municipality for land that could be zoned for a church. Many other churches and religious organizations have been looking for a place to call home, but the municipality has never allowed land to be used for church purposes. Today, Toekomsrus is pastored by Eunice Sedith, a young pastor who has a passion for reaching her community for Christ — a community damaged by poverty, unemployment, crime, drugs, alcohol, teenage pregnancies, and high school dropouts. She has a passion for children, youth, and young adults — those who are most vulnerable in her community.
The new building is packed for the dedication service.
In February 2017, former pastor Saul Sedith noticed a "for sale" sign at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, not far from where the church had met for decades. Eunice, who has led the church for 12 years, contacted the Church of the Nazarene's Africa South Field, along with the help of another pastor, to find out about securing Alabaster funds to aid in the purchase of the building. The Alabaster funds covered about 1/6 of the total price of the church, and the congregation is working hard to raise the rest of the money. With the help of an interest-free loan and a generous donation from another church on the district, they are nearing their goal. After just one month in their new church building, they have experienced unprecedented growth. Eunice said that every time their doors are open — whether for youth service, worship practice, or church cleaning — people arrive in tears, asking for prayer. "I just sit in the back of the church and wait to see what God will do," Eunice said. "I just wait to deal with the walk-ins." Prayer is requested for this church as they raise the remaining money to pay off the building. [Church of the Nazarene Africa via Out of Africa] Read more
Global Ministry Center
GA resolutions now available
General Secretary David P. Wilson announced that the 2017 General Assembly resolutions are now available to view electronically at nazarene.org/ga. Select Resources, and then click on Resolutions. No special invitation or password is necessary to view these documents, which are available in English, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. There are a total of 187 resolutions. Resolutions are organized into folders with the name of the corresponding legislative committee. Late resolutions will be accepted through 1 June 2017 and added to the website in June. Details on the submission process are listed in Manualparagraph 902.7. [General Secretary's Office] Read more
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Cebu City, Philippines
Philippine children selected for leadership summit More than 130 children gathered at Visayan Nazarene Bible College for iLEAD, a 5-day children’s leadership summit. iLEAD aims to introduce selected emerging leaders to leadership principles and equip them to lead, share the gospel, and disciple other children and youth.The event was organized by Philippine-Micronesia Field Office in partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and led by Jasmine Eugenio, field Children’s Ministries coordinator. The event also included Asia-Pacific Regional Director Mark Louw and all field strategy coordinators on the Asia-Pacific Region. Summit participants chosen from child development centers attended plenary sessions on Self-Identity and Our Influence in the Community, Transforming Community through Children and Youth, and Child Participation – Mission with Children and Youth. Evening services featured messages from Dan Balayo on holiness, Jackson Natividad on being Christian, and Louw on mission. Workshops were also offered on topics such as “Healthy Youth Leader” by Rhonda Ackerman, “Personality Development and Interpersonal Communication in Leadership” by Regil Michael Pallan, “Children Discipling Children” by Jackson Natividad, and “Responsible Use of Media and Technology” by Hadassah Gualberto. During cultural night, the children presented dances and songs while getting to know each other better. They also had a chance to fellowship on final day of the summit during a tour of Cebu City. The summit concluded when the participants came up with their own ideas on how to be part of God’s greater plan, which led to the creation of the iLEAD Covenant:
We, the delegates of the iLEAD Children’s Leadership Summit 2017, commit to do the following for God’s glory in the next five years: EVANGELISM To share the gospel of Christ to all people by means of sports, technology, stories and testimonies, and other Christlike means deemed necessary to win people for Christ. DISCIPLESHIP To nurture the younger generation to be Christlike disciples and be equipped also to intentionally make Christlike disciples, by rooting them in God’s Word – an intentional person to person interaction to reach out the lost, love the least and lead the last. CHURCHMANSHIP To fully commit ourselves to God, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to lead children and youth in the work of compassion and justice, and other ministries of the Church of the Nazarene in expanding God’s kingdom. ADVOCACY To be an advocate in protecting the rights of a child, and at the same time teaching children and youth about their biblical responsibilities, thus, instilling love, humility, courage, and respect in the hearts of children and adults alike.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific]
The South Sudan flag consists of three horizontal stripes — black, red, and green. On the left side of the flag is a horizontal blue triangle pointing toward the middle with a golden star in the center. Black represents African skin; the red is for the blood that was shed by the liberation struggle martyrs; green symbolizes the country's natural resources and verdant land; white indicates the peace attained after many years of the liberation struggle; blue signifies the waters of the Nile River, a source of life for the country, and yellow indicates the unity of the states making up South Sudan.Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country. This week: South Sudan The Church of the Nazarene officially entered South Sudan in 2012. South Sudan had a population of 12,530,717 in 2016. That same year, South Sudan reported 499 Churches of the Nazarene, 25 of which had been officially organized. South Sudan has 9,250 total members. Located on the Africa Region, South Sudan has one Phase 1 district and one Phase 2 district. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org. * = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole. The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene. Read more
Italy church embraces Nigerian, Chinese immigrants Simon Criswick shares how the Chiesa del Nazareno di Mugello is reaching out to a group of Nigerian and Chinese immigrants.
In the town of Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy, in a valley area near Florence, our Florence congregation discovered that there was an all-female group of 10 Nigerian and Chinese immigrants, aged 17 to 30, who were Christian. Yet, they live in an area without an evangelical church presence. In December, we were put in touch with the owner of the facility where the young women had been given lodging for their first year in Italy, along with medical assistance and language learning. We invited them to a Christmas meal and worship in our church, Chiesa del Nazareno di Mugello, which is a new congregation planted by the Florence Church of the Nazarene. These believers come with many different stories and testimonies of what God has done along the way. Some have fled China due to persecution and arrests by the state to seek asylum in Europe. Others left Nigeria because of serious problems within their families caused by religious, cultural, and personal issues. In some cases the local ancestral religions require children to be set aside for the ancestral spirits in a ceremony, and opposing this can lead to being ostracised from the family and the community. The stories of their journeys to Europe are full of both traumatic episodes and examples of God’s grace. Some almost died on boat crossings. Others, who were lapsed believers, found new faith through the witness of Nigerian Christians travelling with them, or as a result of answered prayer for safety while crossing dangerous seas. We have been visiting these young women, eating together, and trying to involve them as much as possible in our meetings and activities. In the first few days, one woman lost her 2-year-old daughter back home and was devastated. She was not even able to learn the full facts of what happened, or grieve, being so far away and powerless. We were able to pray with her and point her towards the Lord as her strength in extreme weakness. It is a blessing for a Christian to travel to a faraway land and find believers there who know your Lord Jesus, too. We have been meeting with these immigrants now for four months and there have been difficulties. The house is isolated and hard to get to, so transporting the girls 25 minutes to our church has been a challenge. We are praying for funding for a minibus, which could provide more regular transport, and make it possible for them to attend all our church activities. They are learning Italian, and in the meantime, we have been translating our meetings into English — but we are a small group, with few resources. We need faith, courage, and strength to believe that God will multiply, knowing that He has brought us in contact with these young women for a reason — that He might bless His Church and that His Church might be a blessing. [Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]
JFHP team premieres film in new language A JESUS Film Harvest Partners team recently traveled to one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica to premiere the JESUS film to the Cabécar people, a group who only in the last 24 years has had the New Testament translated in their language. The film was a two-year effort. Villagers of all ages attended the JESUS film showings. One couple, just passing through, decided to stay when they heard about the film showing. As a result, they both accepted Christ, along with 123 others. Rosemary Medina Alvarado, the principal of a local school, explained how the film in Cabécar brought both cultural and deeper linguistic meaning for their community. Some Cabécar people also speak Spanish but understand things better in their native language. “Showing the film in Cabécar is very important for the students," she said. "They feel there is an effort to reach them in their mother tongue. The film also feels like an effort to identify with their culture; to be more interested in who they are as a people." One girl was watching the film with Nazarene District Superintendent Sirlene Bustos, and told her “Jesus speaks Cabécar! I feel something in my heart.” Bustos said in response: “Wow, I was not able to do anything more than hug her and tell her, ‘Yes, Jesus speaks, understands, and listens to you in Cabécar!’” Giselle, another Cabécar woman, considered herself a Christian most of her life, but everything changed when she saw the JESUS film in Cabécar. She realized the seriousness of the message as well as learned a new way to communicate with God. “It was great, what the pastors said about prayer being not only in Spanish but rather in our own language," she said. "I never prayed in Cabécar because I hadn’t been taught that. So today I tried ... and I really liked it." One trip participant, Caleb Mingus, was impressed by the church’s preparedness to take in new believers in remote areas. “There’s a system in place for people to become a part of a church and become discipled,” Mingus said. He said it will be shown to "all the different tribes in the area." JFHP Assistant Field Services Coordinator Daniel Herrera explained this discipleship plan. “Before, the Cabécar people had the New Testament to help them disciple new believers," he said. "Now, the Cabécar church members will be able to use the JESUS film as another tool. There is potential for more intentional evangelism and discipleship." Sofonias, a Cabécar school teacher, has already made plans to share the JESUS film with his schools and in many more communities, even if it means walking hours to reach them. “It’s important to have Christ in our lives," Sofonias said. "After people see how much our Lord suffered for us through the film and with an explanation, they will understand how important this is. And being in Cabécar, they will be able to understand it even better. Thank you very much." [JESUS Film Harvest Partners]Read more
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet announces new executive vice president
Olivet Nazarene University’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of David Pickering as the university’s executive vice president for Administration and Human Resources, effective immediately. “Dr. Pickering is an outstanding administrator with a breadth of higher education experience,” said John Bowling, Olivet President. “His role as executive vice president will significantly strengthen the work of the university.” Pickering provides additional senior administrative support and leadership and assists the university president and administrative team. He provides senior leadership to the Office of Human Resources and many of the administrative areas of the university. “I have been blessed to be a part of Olivet for 28 years,” Pickering said. “I have had the opportunity to work half of my time directly with students and half of my time directly with employees. In both scenarios, the focus is on improving the educational experience that our students encounter.” Pickering previously served as Olivet’s director of Business and Human Resources for 12 years and director of student accounts and business services for 15 years. The university has been recognized as a Best Christian Workplace every year during Pickering’s tenure in Human Resources. He received his doctorate in business administration in 2016 from Northcentral University. His master's in business administration (Finance and Financial Management Services) and Bachelor of Arts (Finance) are from Olivet. Pickering is a member of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges, and is Olivet’s 1995 Staff Member of the Year. Pickering leads a weekly teenage basketball Bible club in his community, is active in his local church, and takes regular mission trips to Nigeria. [Olivet Nazarene University]
S. Bradley Shaw was chosen as vice president for Academic Affairs.
Northwest Nazarene University announced the hiring of two vice presidents. S. Bradley Shaw will assume the role of vice president for Academic Affairs 1 July and Mark Wheeler assumed the role of vice president for External Affairs 1 May. “NNU is fortunate that Dr. Shaw and Mr. Wheeler have agreed to fill these vice president roles," said Joel Pearsall, NNU president. "Each brings significant experience and training to these roles and we look forward to their leadership among us.” Shaw comes to NNU from Greenville College, where he has served since 1991 as professor, coordinator of new faculty development, and as interim vice president for Academic Affairs from 2012 to 2014. Shaw holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and religion, a Master of Arts in English, and a Doctor of Philosophy in American literature. He was a Fulbright scholar and later a Fulbright professor of American literature at the University of Bergen, Norway. “I’m excited about my new role at NNU," Shaw said. "I look forward to joining a dynamic university that has established a broad range of strong undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The faculty’s deep commitment to helping students engage the relationship between their education, vocation, and faith gives NNU a distinctive place in Idaho’s higher education landscape.” Shaw is married to Georgann Kurtz-Shaw, the current interim director of library services at Greenville College. They have a high school daughter, Mathea.
Mark Wheeler is vice president for external affairs.
Mark Wheeler now oversees all external relations departments of the university. Wheeler just completed 10 years of service at NNU, having served since 2012 as the associate vice president of development and served as director of major donor relations from 2002 to 2007. He brings an extensive background in fundraising, sales and marketing, and community and international relations. Wheeler is a 1994 and 2005 NNU alumnus with a Bachelor of Biological Science and a Master of Business Administration, respectively. “These are extremely exciting days in the life of NNU," Wheeler said. "The future before us as an institution is very bright I am honored and humbled to serve in this new role." Wheeler is married to Susan (Ross), also an NNU alumnus. The Wheelers have two college-aged children, Amy and Marshall. [Northwest Nazarene University]
In Memoriam HUMAN RESOURCES The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 15-19 May 2017. Paul Hatter, 90, of Prattville, Alabama, passed away 12 May. He was a retired minister, serving in Georgia and Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bess Hatter, in 2012. Stanley Storey, 90, of Frisco, Texas, passed away 18 May. He was a retired minister and missionary, serving in California, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. He is survived by his wife, Norma Storey. More information will be posted as it is made available. Jerry Tull, 75, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away 12 May. He was a retired minister, serving in Texas, California, and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Tull. For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here. Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org. [Compiled by NCN News]
NBC, GMC employment opportunities People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 162 world areas. The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs. *Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full time) Pensions & Benefits USA Description: This position will lead/manage special and cyclical projects, provide administrative assistance to the administrative director, coordinate education/training of internal staff and plan participants, ensure that appropriate resources and support are provided to complete projects, process customer services inquiries, and assist with monitoring and posting items to P&B USA social media outlets (Facebook/Twitter). Spanish Translation Specialist (Full time) Nazarene Communications/Global Nazarene Publications Description: This position will serve as the in-house Spanish translator for Web pages and digital content for a growing global digital audience. Additionally, this person will provide editorial assistance for Global Nazarene Publications, including both print and digital content, along with other duties as assigned. To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Nazarene Bible College
The following positions are available at the NBC Administrative Offices located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas:
Academic Advisor
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Admissions Counselor
Controller
Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Finance
Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management
Institutional Research and Financial Aid Assistant
Payroll Specialist
For information on NBC positions, visit nbc.edu/jobs. Location of Global Ministry Center Positions The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 162 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location. Our Non-Discrimination Policy The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer. Our Faith-Based Organization We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces. Application Processing Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted. An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Applying for Employment with the GMC Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
news@nazarene.org Material created and owned by The Global Nazarene Communications Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas. Address: The Global Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa, Kansas, United States 66220 Phone: 913-577-0500 Email: info@nazarene.org Department directory Terms of Use — ECFA Member -------
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