- Find out how people 55 years and older are considering or pursuing cross-cultural mission service;
- Hear from a missionary kid about the great things and hard things of being a missionary kid;
- Learn more about a Sri Lankan leader who was recognized with a national humanitarian award;
- Celebrate the 30 new believers and the 300 youth who are passionately following Christ in Bangladesh.
© 2017 Eurasia Region, All rights reserveda
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Mega NYI
Thirty young people
in Bangladesh gave
their hearts to Christ
during the Mega NYI
Conference, attended
by 300 youth.
Humanitarian award
Rev. V.K. Daniel, district superintendent of
Sri Lanka, was recognized for his excellence
in service to his country.
‘We’ll do it together!’
A missionary kid in Ukraine shares about the
fun things -- and the hard things -- of being
an MK.
Letter from the Regional Director
Turning intent to action
There your heart will be… (Matthew 6:21)The applications took me by surprise: three couples of 55 years and
over would be part of this M+Power mission orientation. So far, in
all but one of the cross-cultural mission training events that we have held around the Eurasia Region, all volunteers were 35 years and younger. But this time was different. Here were six people well
established in life and in their careers, desiring to serve in mission in another culture than their own.
At a small table, one of the three couples clarified their desire to go out annually, for three months at a time. They smiled and added, “Not more often because we would miss the grandchildren too much.”
But in earnest they explained to me how they were planning to radically change their lifestyle in order to be able to go.
“I will have to leave my job and become self-employed. We will
probably sell our house and move to a smaller unit in order to be able to take care of our own expenses.
We felt that the Lord asked us to be serious and to turn our intentions into practical actions.”
Listening to them and others, my heart overflowed with thanksgiving.
God’s Spirit spoke so clearly: missions cannot be real without people making radical changes and sacrifices. How many people
will benefit from these people’s Christian and professional experience? What a difference it will make for the Church that they bring maturity to their ministry tasks.
I left that weekend with six examples of the surrendered and sanctified life – and the conviction that the holiness message
is still lived out in the Church of the Nazarene.
Arthur Snijders, Eurasia Region Director
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M+Power is the volunteerism program that enables Nazarenes from the Eurasia Region who want to go into the mission field to do so, whether it is for three months or up to two years. The clarion call that our churches, where ever they are, are meant to be sending churches, has been sounded. For volunteers from the USA, Globalserve is the pathway, with regular mission orientations in the US. For Eurasia volunteers, Eurasia Mission Orientations are held several times a year in different locations of the region. For more information, visit: eurasiaregion.org/volunteers
To: Arthur Snijders, Director; District Superintendents and Leaders; Eurasia Region
Second career volunteers
From the USA, Dan and Janet Reinhart are retirees who have made a “second career” of volunteering for the Nazarene church in different countries, on assignments lasting between 6 weeks to 2 years. Dan serves on the global Internet Technology team, including working with phone systems, wireless networks and upgrading equipment. Janet draws on her experience in bookkeeping and office management to assist in administrative and financial work. They are currently serving the Eurasia Regional Office in Büsingen, Germany.
G.S. Crocker ends two years with region
Note: Every two years, each of the six Church of the Nazarene denomination’s general superintendents has jurisdiction over the church in one of its six world regions. At the end of the two years, these leaders are assigned to a new world area. This year, Dr. Gustavo Crocker transitions to another region, and Eurasia welcomes Dr. Eugenio Duarte as the new jurisdictional general superintendent. To: Arthur Snijders, Director; District Superintendents and Leaders; Eurasia Region
Dear Friends: How quickly the past two years have gone by. I want to thank you for the hospitality, generosity, and support you expressed to Rachel and me during my two years as your jurisdictional general superintendent. It has been a privilege to serve with you, to renew long friendships and make new ones, to get to know your heart for God’s people, and to appreciate the faithful work you do. As my jurisdiction transitions, be assured of our continued prayers. Regular contact with you will be missed, but I will carry with me a deep appreciation of the challenges you face and the grace and strength with which you meet them. Dr. Eugénio Duarte became your jurisdictional general superintendent on August 1. He and his lovely wife, Maria Amélia, will be a delight to you. Dr. Duarte is a wise and gifted leader. You will enjoy working with them, and I am confident that you will extend to them the same hospitality you gave to me. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5–6 NIV)
Blessings and grace,
Gustavo A. Crocker
GAC:jb
G.S. Duarte introduces himself to Eurasia
Note: As this is Dr. Eugenio Duarte’s first time to serve over the Eurasia Region, Where Worlds Meet asked that he share more about himself with us.
WWM: What would you like Nazarenes in Eurasia to know about you?
Duarte: I grew up in a Nazarene community on Brava Island, which is a part of the archipelago of Cabo Verde on the Central Atlantic Ocean, about 300 miles off the westernmost cape of the continent of Africa. I am an island boy and proud of my heritage.
• I was saved and called to ministry at the age of 12. I have been a church member since the age of 15, and was sanctified at the age 17.
• I miss being a pastor. I have enjoyed all I have done in ministry.
• Prior to entering the ministry, I worked for a private business and for the Portuguese government.
• I take time to observe before making a decision that may have lasting implications.
• Changing good decisions already made can be frustrating to me.
• I generally trust people. I am a listener. I start learning by listening and accomplish learning by doing. I believe there are times when people need see suggestions and instructions and other times when their greatest need is to be listened to.
• I enjoy investing in the lives of others and I rejoice in seeing their success.
• I enjoy problem solving but I do not invite myself into a situation without clarity of expectations.
• One of the personality tests that I have taken scored me as 11 percent introvert, 25 percent intuition, 38 percent feeling, and 67 percent judging.
• According to Strengths Finder my top five strengths are (1) Belief (2) Responsibility (3) Learner (4) Arranger (5) Connectedness.
WWM: Do you have a vision or some goals you hope to communicate to Eurasian Nazarenes during the next two years?
Duarte: I will state it as a prayer: That steadfast to our mission, (To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations) and our message (Scriptural Holiness), the pragmatism of our flexibility in methodologies and systems will never compromise the character of our commitment to take every opportunity to present Jesus to everyone in every corner of our communities.
WWM: What do you enjoy and look forward to about working with one region, specifically, for two years?
Duarte: I enjoy and look forward to the permission that individuals give me to make a contribution to their personal growth and development as followers of Jesus. In the process, I also enjoy my personal growth. I love the beauty of communities formed by such individuals and the diversity that they add to the body of Christ. The variety of perspectives, cultures, and worldviews that I have the blessing of interacting with make me a better Christian and a better Nazarene, and always they prepare me for the next step in ministry. I am so grateful! One of the beauties of our global church is that the global leaders are not global leaders by virtue of their election or appointment, but as a result of their being exposed to the global nature of a church that is essentially the same everywhere, yet philosophically and practically not expressed the same everywhere. Eurasia is the only Nazarene World Region that I have not had the blessing of interacting with and ministering to as general superintendent in jurisdiction. I am looking forward it.
WWM: What are some challenges regarding the assignment?
Duarte:
• My inability to meet all the expectations.
• The overwhelming spiritual, social, and economic needs of the people.
• The limitations of time and other resources to minister to all who need and expect the service of the general superintendent.
• The stress of being away from home.
• The stress of concerns with safety.
WWM: What do you hope to learn or experience about Eurasia and its Nazarenes in the next two years?
Duarte: Most of all, how the fascinating history of the church on this continent is impacting today’s mission, and how the missional model of church growth and development in Eurasia influences the worldwide denomination.
WWM: Do you have a specific message you would like to share with the Eurasian Church before you come?
Duarte: These are days of great opportunities for the church everywhere. Let us not miss the opportunity God is placing before us —individually and collectively. Please help me serve you well. Your prayers will be invaluable to Maria and me, and to our children (Sérgio, Francisco, and Richard) and grandchildren (Gabriel and Ben Amar).
“The variety of perspectives, cultures, and worldviews that I have the blessing of interacting with make me a better Christian and a better Nazarene.”
Bangladesh youth accept Christ, baptized at
Mega NYI Conference by Bangladesh NYI
Attendees at the Mega NYI Conference in Bangladesh, 14 to 22 years old, were encouraged to serve in their local churches.
More than 300 young people gathered from across Bangladesh, 22 to 25 September, for a mega youth conference at which 16 accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and were baptized on Sunday morning. Another 14 accepted Christ that evening and will be baptized soon.
“In Bangladesh, youth … motivate the local church members and encourage them to lead their life following the biblical principles,” wrote the South District NYI president*. “We believe the youths are the driving force of the local churches. They will work together with the local church pastors to advance the Kingdom of God through proclaiming the gospel of God and making disciples.”
The organizers wanted the 14- to 22-year-olds who attended to develop spiritually, and be motivated to serve in their local churches. The theme was based on Philippians 1:27: “Only let your manner of life to be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Some of the Nazarene youth invited friends, including those who had never heard about Jesus before.
Attendees at the Mega NYI Conference in Bangladesh, 14 to 22 years old, were encouraged to serve in their local churches.
One of the new believers, Bitan*, said, “Before I took part in the conference, I used to worship [other] gods and goddesses. I got an opportunity to join this Mega NYI Conference through one of my Christian friends. After attending the NYI conference, I listened to the preaching of the gospel of the Holy Bible. [The superintendent] of the South District preached on faithfulness and salvation, and I heard it attentively. While I was listening to the preaching, I felt if I do not accept Jesus, I will never get salvation. So I accepted Jesus Christ in the conference in front of every participant.”
“I did not know about Jesus Christ before I attended in the NYI conference,” said 14-year-old Bahulya*. “Joining in this NYI conference, I have come to learn about Jesus Christ. Now I know, Jesus is light and He can set me free from sin. I asked myself, ‘I am leading a life in the darkness. It seems to me, where there is not Jesus there is no light. In addition, I understand Jesus is the source of light and the only way to get salvation.’ Then I accepted Jesus as my savior. Please pray for me so that I can lead my life with HIS mercy, love, affection and compassion.” *Names omitted or changed for security
Three hundred youth from two districts met in September; 30 accepted Christ and 16 were baptized.
“Now I know, Jesus is light and He can set me free from sin.”
“We’ll do it together!” A look inside the missionary kid life by Bekah Rainey
I am an MK (missionary kid) in Ukraine. Living in another country is fun and exciting on most days, while some days it’s not. I wanted to share with you some fun things about being an MK, and some things that are difficult. I hope in sharing these things with you, you will understand MKs better.
No one understands the meaning of the word “travel” until you’ve been stuck in a tiny airport for eight hours, near the ARCTIC CIRCLE. I’m not kidding, it happened to me! Traveling is fun because you can see a lot of different places in the world. I enjoy hearing all the different languages. Once we were at a birthday party and we sang “Happy Birthday” in Russian, Spanish, Dutch, English and Armenian!
MKs get to try a lot of different foods. Sometimes this is great, and sometimes it isn’t. I’ve tried a lot of foods. My favorite is vareniki from Ukraine; my least favorite is buckwheat. I’ve learned to not ask what is in the food. If I like it, I don’t need to know what is in it.
When you are an MK, you have friends all over the world, which is really neat. You hear a lot of stories, and you know a lot of people you can trust. Somehow, even though you know so many people, it gets lonely. Maybe it is because you have a language barrier, or maybe it is because you travel a lot. Whatever it is, sometimes MKs feel lonely.
Though there are many awesome things about being an MK, it is a hard life, too. Most people ask MKs about all their experiences, and remark at how lucky they are. I often feel misunderstood. Everyone thinks I have a “crazy-cool” life. While I do have a remarkable life, it’s tough.
I have moved twice. Even though in our first move we moved from America to Kiev, Ukraine, it wasn’t hard because I was 7. I was too young to have deep friendships. Our second move was to L’viv, Ukraine. I had gone to a school in Kiev for three years. I made a great friend there, but then we had to leave. When other kids say, “goodbye,” they will only be separated by a few miles. But when MKs say “goodbye” there are a lot more miles in between them and their friends.
I wanted to tell you that God gave me a new friend in L’viv. He gave me a friend who was my age, an MK, and spoke English! She even liked the same kinds of things I did. God is good! When I had to leave one friend, He gave me another friend.
About a month ago, we were going to leave my grandparents’ house to go back to Ukraine. I told God I didn’t want to leave my family, but God told me, “We’ll do it together.” I’ve never forgotten that. Even if I have to say goodbye to lots of friends, I’ll never have to say goodbye to Jesus. Whatever I do, Jesus will do it with me.
“While I do have a remarkable life, it’s tough.”
Sri Lankan leader receives human rights award
Rev. V.K. Daniel, Sri Lanka district superintendent, in July was honoured by the Human Rights Organization of Sri Lanka with the “International Excellency” award and gold medal. The award was given in recognition for his commitment and service for community development.
In response to receiving the award, he said, “This is a good appreciation from a well-recognized body and our government for our work with the community. This also gives me encouragement to share the love of our Saviour with many people who are in need.”
Faithful obedience
Born into another faith, Daniel became a follower of Christ at a youth camp. Two years later, he felt God’s call into ministry.
“I came to the decision that until the end of my life I should serve Jesus.”
At the time he didn’t want to join any denomination, as he feared that would interfere with his vision. So he decided to start and run a church independently.
But he quickly hit an obstacle. The family’s landlord threatened to turn his family out on the streets unless he took over his father’s job in the tea estate. Daniel knew he couldn’t work the long hours his father had done and still be fully engaged in his ministry. Despite his family’s pleas, he chose to stay on the path that God was setting out for him. His calling was affirmed when God provided.
“God listened to my prayers and gave an answer. Our family got a house and I had no problems to continue my ministry. In all the difficulties I have faced since, Jesus was with me. He encourages me and shows me how to get through any troubles.”
An historic meeting
Daniel was 24 years old when he started ministry. He began in a simple but effective way: by building relationships, first with the people in his village, then in other villages. People began coming to his church, and the congregation grew.
While studying at a small, independent theological college, Daniel made an acquaintance who radically changed the extent of his ministry. The director of the Bible college had been contacted by a German missionary who was looking for a way to start Nazarene ministry in Sri Lanka. On 22 November 1999, Dr. Hermann Gschwandtner, at that time Eurasia Region NCM Coordinator and Coordinator for New Church Development, together with the Indian pastor C.S. Dhas, who had agreed to serve as missionary district superintendent for Sri Lanka, met with Daniel at the Bible college.
Despite his initial hesitation to join a denomination, Daniel had also started to feel that it would be good to work under good leadership. So he studied the Manual and read about the Church of the Nazarene.
“I felt like this was what I needed. The vision of the church was very similar to mine. When I talked with Dr. Hermann, I finally realized that God had opened a door for my future ministry.”
Together, Hermann, Dhas and Daniel decided to start two JESUS Film teams in the Badulla area. Less than a year later, on 22 October 2000, the first Nazarene church in Sri Lanka was organized in Hali-Ela: the “Shalom Church of the Nazarene.” In 2004, Sri Lanka was organized as a district of the Church of the Nazarene, and in January 2009, Daniel became the first indigenous district superintendent of Sri Lanka.
Nazarene church in Sri Lanka today
Today, the Church of the Nazarene in Sri Lanka has spread across the island and has grown to 237 organized churches plus 773 mission churches with 13,140 members. These are served by 22 ordained elders, 27 licensed ministers and 42 lay pastors, with an additional 89 students learning to become ministers through South Asia Nazarene Bible College. (All stats as reported at last district assembly) The JESUS Film ministry currently is driven by 34 teams who share the story of Christ in hundreds of villages every month.
This growth is partly due to Daniel’s vision, which he has shared with others, who have multiplied his ministry in many ways. He is an exceptional example of raising up, discipling, and equipping young leaders. A lot of young people from his church, both men and women, were already pastoring churches and leading prayer groups before they even started theological training through SANBC. It is Daniel’s special gift to mentor and encourage these young people.
Many of the Nazarenes in Sri Lanka today are involved with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries development projects, such as the 36 child development centres that are serving a total of 3,821 children across the island, as well as larger relief efforts like after the 2004 tsunami and the civil war refugee crisis in 2009.
In addition to his responsibilities in the church, Daniel also partners with the local government departments in the region, participates in the Early Childhood Development Authority office of the region for the development of preschools and teachers, and works with government schools and the Regional Education Department for Educational Development. It was partly for this commitment for the development of the community that Daniel was selected to be honoured, together with other individuals from across the country, at the 23rd anniversary event of the Human Rights Organization of Sri Lanka held on 30 July 2017 in Wennappuwa, Sri Lanka.
Daniel says, “My wife Vadani helps very much to do ministry. We have four sons, who are wonderful gifts from God. My whole family supports me in my ministry.”
-- Information drawn from Kingdom Advance in South Asia and India, by Dorli Gschwandtner and Sarah Dandge, published by Nazarene Publishing House.
Daniel began ministry in a simple but effective way: by building relationships, first with people in his village, then in other villages.
Thank offering 2017 for mission
Every October and November, Nazarene churches around the world show their gratitude to God for His abundant gifts by supporting the global mission of the church through offerings.
We must fix our sight on places where the church is not yet, engaging in intercessory prayer, sacrificial giving, and physically going to and mobilizing others to go to these places. Each time we give to the World Evangelism Fund, we send the message of the gospel into areas where “the church is not yet.”
This year the suggested date for the offering is 19 November.
To promote this offering in your church, a video, print and digital resources have been made available at http://nazarene.org/generosity
“This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6)
Prayer requests
Please pray for Dr. Gustavo Crocker and Dr. Eugenio Duarte, general superintendents, as they transition into leadership over new areas of the world for the Church of the Nazarene. Ask God to bless them and their families with good health, intimacy with the Spirit, anointing in the work, and wisdom and discernment for leadership.
Pray for the youth of Bangladesh who recently gathered to grow deeper in their walk with Jesus, as well as to be equipped for local church service. Ask that they would grow more in their love for and commitment to Jesus. Pray especially for those who accepted Christ, that their new faith would only grow deeper and more firm.
Pray for Bekah Rainey and the many other missionary kids (MKs) serving on the Eurasia Region. Ask God to provide them with all they need to grow in their love for God and others, and to navigate the challenges and sacrifices of being MKs.
Pray for Rev. V.K. Daniel, DS of Sri Lanka, as he continues to lead the church there. Ask God to bless him, his family, and the other leaders and churches. Pray for God’s favor and anointing as they share His love with their country.
Where Worlds Meet
is the monthly newsletter for the Eurasia Region of the Church of the Nazarene.
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email: communications@eurasiaregion.org
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Eurasia Regional Office
Postfach 12178207
Schaffhausen
Switzerland
phone: (+49) 7734 93050
email: communications@eurasiaregion.org
Visit our website for more information:
www.eurasiaregion.org
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