Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
MNU alumnus hailed as hero after completing emergency landing
Tammie Jo Shults (second from the left) is pictured next to MNU President David Spittal (left) and the MNU Office of Alumni Relations in March 2017.
Tammie Jo Shults, a Southwest Airlines pilot and MidAmerica Nazarene University alumnus, is being called a "true American hero" by one passenger after she completed an emergency landing Tuesday when the plane's left engine blew.
Flight 1380 took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City, New York, bound for Dallas, Texas, but at 32,000 feet an engine blade broke off, causing the engine to blow and shatter one of the aircraft's windows, killing passenger Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and injuring seven others. Shults successfully landed the plane at Philadelphia International Airport with one engine. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, this event marks the first passenger fatality on a U.S. airline since 2009.
Several passengers praised Shults' calm demeanor during the dangerous descent after the accident.
"She had nerves of steel," Alfred Tumlinson told the Associated Press.
Another passenger, Eric Zilbert, described the situation to The Kansas City Star.
"The plane was steady as a rock after (the engine blew)," he said. "I didn't have any fear that it was out of control."
After the plane had landed safely, Shults took the time to meet with passengers.
"[She] came back to speak to each of us personally," passenger Diana McBride Self wrote on Facebook. "This is a true American Hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance, and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew."
Shults graduated from MNU in 1983 with degrees in biology and agribusiness.
"I'm extremely proud of her," said Cindy Foster, one of Shults' classmates. "She saved a lot of lives today."
"She had the tenacity to do something that excelled beyond the norm of what women were allowed or expected to do," said Kevin Garber, director of alumni relations. "She pushed the limits and became what she strived for."
Last spring, Shults spoke at a campus event about her time in the U.S. Navy, where she served as one of the first female fighter pilots.
Shults was a Navy lieutenant commander and instructor before joining Southwest in 1993.
According to the F-16 blog, Shults said sitting in the captain’s seat gives her “the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight.”
Prayer is requested for the Riordan family
Tammie Jo Shults (second from the left) is pictured next to MNU President David Spittal (left) and the MNU Office of Alumni Relations in March 2017.
Tammie Jo Shults, a Southwest Airlines pilot and MidAmerica Nazarene University alumnus, is being called a "true American hero" by one passenger after she completed an emergency landing Tuesday when the plane's left engine blew.
Flight 1380 took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City, New York, bound for Dallas, Texas, but at 32,000 feet an engine blade broke off, causing the engine to blow and shatter one of the aircraft's windows, killing passenger Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and injuring seven others. Shults successfully landed the plane at Philadelphia International Airport with one engine. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, this event marks the first passenger fatality on a U.S. airline since 2009.
Several passengers praised Shults' calm demeanor during the dangerous descent after the accident.
"She had nerves of steel," Alfred Tumlinson told the Associated Press.
Another passenger, Eric Zilbert, described the situation to The Kansas City Star.
"The plane was steady as a rock after (the engine blew)," he said. "I didn't have any fear that it was out of control."
After the plane had landed safely, Shults took the time to meet with passengers.
"[She] came back to speak to each of us personally," passenger Diana McBride Self wrote on Facebook. "This is a true American Hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance, and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew."
Shults graduated from MNU in 1983 with degrees in biology and agribusiness.
"I'm extremely proud of her," said Cindy Foster, one of Shults' classmates. "She saved a lot of lives today."
"She had the tenacity to do something that excelled beyond the norm of what women were allowed or expected to do," said Kevin Garber, director of alumni relations. "She pushed the limits and became what she strived for."
Last spring, Shults spoke at a campus event about her time in the U.S. Navy, where she served as one of the first female fighter pilots.
Shults was a Navy lieutenant commander and instructor before joining Southwest in 1993.
According to the F-16 blog, Shults said sitting in the captain’s seat gives her “the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight.”
Prayer is requested for the Riordan family
Glasgow, Scotland
UK church members help save lives through train ministry
Milliken Park is a small train station outside of Glasgow, Scotland, where trains frequently pass through at high speeds. Because of its small size and lack of staff, it’s a place where some attempt to take their own lives. In response, the local police and Network Rail are working with local churches and organizations to support distressed passengers through Rail Pastors.
Rail Pastors, an extension of the already established Street Pastors ministry, is a group of Christians who volunteer to be like chaplains at train platforms and carriages across the United Kingdom. They pray, make conversation, and look for people who might be especially troubled, distressed, or even considering suicide.
Cheryl and Roy Adair, members of the St. Mathews Church of the Nazarene in Paisley, Scotland, are both volunteers with Rail Pastors.
“The word 'pastor' involves caring,” Cheryl said. “Our motto is 'care, listen, help.' If we really see someone who is vulnerable or distressed, we would go up and ask them how they were tonight.”
Rail and Street Pastors go through more than 50 hours of training to prepare for the range of conversations that may take place on their patrols. In addition to the standard Street Pastor training, Rail Pastors undergo additional training from Samaritans, a UK-based suicide prevention organization.
Both the Rail and Street Pastors ministries are initiatives of a UK para-church organization called Ascension Trust, whose mission is to mobilize the Church to make a positive social impact on the community. Through these initiatives, they utilize the passions and skills of lay leaders to bring the presence of Christ to people right where they need it.
“The work of Street Pastors has been very powerful and effective in our cities for many years," said Jim Ritchie, superintendent of the British Isles North District. "And now, the Rail Pastors ministry is another ‘front line’ ministry reaching out with the gospel in places and at times when the church would not normally be engaging with others. I am very proud of Cheryl and Roy Adair as they serve Jesus and represent the Church of the Nazarene in this way, and pray for them as they continue in this ministry.”
One of their primary ongoing prayers in train stations is simply for peace. Especially in stations where local youth can sometimes cause problems, praying for peace makes a difference, and it’s noticeable to the railway staff. Rail Pastors has changed and saved lives, but it’s not just the down-and-out in train stations who are affected.
“Being out on the streets at night, we’re carrying Jesus Christ with us,” Cheryl said. “I totally believe that. We are engaging with people who would never come into a church, and we’re not there to Bible bash; we’re there to care, to listen, and to help. But the amazing thing is people ask why, and that gives us the opportunity to tell them why. Amazingly, the police, the council, Network Rail — they’ve all seen the merit of what Christians can do in the streets."
And often, it’s the beginning point of a longer conversation, one which is only possible when the church goes to the train station. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Milliken Park is a small train station outside of Glasgow, Scotland, where trains frequently pass through at high speeds. Because of its small size and lack of staff, it’s a place where some attempt to take their own lives. In response, the local police and Network Rail are working with local churches and organizations to support distressed passengers through Rail Pastors.
Rail Pastors, an extension of the already established Street Pastors ministry, is a group of Christians who volunteer to be like chaplains at train platforms and carriages across the United Kingdom. They pray, make conversation, and look for people who might be especially troubled, distressed, or even considering suicide.
Cheryl and Roy Adair, members of the St. Mathews Church of the Nazarene in Paisley, Scotland, are both volunteers with Rail Pastors.
“The word 'pastor' involves caring,” Cheryl said. “Our motto is 'care, listen, help.' If we really see someone who is vulnerable or distressed, we would go up and ask them how they were tonight.”
Rail and Street Pastors go through more than 50 hours of training to prepare for the range of conversations that may take place on their patrols. In addition to the standard Street Pastor training, Rail Pastors undergo additional training from Samaritans, a UK-based suicide prevention organization.
Both the Rail and Street Pastors ministries are initiatives of a UK para-church organization called Ascension Trust, whose mission is to mobilize the Church to make a positive social impact on the community. Through these initiatives, they utilize the passions and skills of lay leaders to bring the presence of Christ to people right where they need it.
“The work of Street Pastors has been very powerful and effective in our cities for many years," said Jim Ritchie, superintendent of the British Isles North District. "And now, the Rail Pastors ministry is another ‘front line’ ministry reaching out with the gospel in places and at times when the church would not normally be engaging with others. I am very proud of Cheryl and Roy Adair as they serve Jesus and represent the Church of the Nazarene in this way, and pray for them as they continue in this ministry.”
One of their primary ongoing prayers in train stations is simply for peace. Especially in stations where local youth can sometimes cause problems, praying for peace makes a difference, and it’s noticeable to the railway staff. Rail Pastors has changed and saved lives, but it’s not just the down-and-out in train stations who are affected.
“Being out on the streets at night, we’re carrying Jesus Christ with us,” Cheryl said. “I totally believe that. We are engaging with people who would never come into a church, and we’re not there to Bible bash; we’re there to care, to listen, and to help. But the amazing thing is people ask why, and that gives us the opportunity to tell them why. Amazingly, the police, the council, Network Rail — they’ve all seen the merit of what Christians can do in the streets."
And often, it’s the beginning point of a longer conversation, one which is only possible when the church goes to the train station. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Melbourne, Australia
Australia church starts worship service for refugees
Thornbury Community Church, a Church of the Nazarene in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, is learning what it means to welcome their neighbour and become a globally minded body of believers.
The church began reaching out to refugees in the community a few years ago, and the church has now opened a Farsi worship service.
“Our Farsi Bible study was getting too large to host in homes," Associate Pastor Britni Green said. "Now we use the Farsi worship service as a big Bible study to help new Iranian Christians learn about the basics and build their faith.”
One of the new believers recently shared their baptism testimony.
“I have accepted Jesus and come to Christ because this is the way that teaches me how to belong to others, how to forgive others, even if they have treated us badly, even if they think we are the enemies," the new believer said. "I will live in Jesus Christ and worship God as Jesus worshipped God.”
The church community can trace these signs of spiritual growth to the weekly work of ministering in places of greatest need. Their food bank continues to provide relief for immigrant families, and that outreach is run completely by Iranian volunteers. Job skill classes are growing, and this month 20 participants will take the church’s barista training course, joining 60 who have already graduated.
One particularly vital ministry unfolds weekly as a team of volunteers brings hope and friendship to asylum seekers who remain in local detention centers.
“We are still visiting detention centers every week [and] many of [the people] have been imprisoned for years just for being a refugee and fleeing danger," Green said. "Please keep those still in detention in your prayers. Since opening our doors and hearts to the refugees, we have been beyond blessed by their perseverance, determination, and strength in themselves, the community, and in their convictions of becoming Christ followers.” (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries)
Thornbury Community Church, a Church of the Nazarene in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, is learning what it means to welcome their neighbour and become a globally minded body of believers.
The church began reaching out to refugees in the community a few years ago, and the church has now opened a Farsi worship service.
“Our Farsi Bible study was getting too large to host in homes," Associate Pastor Britni Green said. "Now we use the Farsi worship service as a big Bible study to help new Iranian Christians learn about the basics and build their faith.”
One of the new believers recently shared their baptism testimony.
“I have accepted Jesus and come to Christ because this is the way that teaches me how to belong to others, how to forgive others, even if they have treated us badly, even if they think we are the enemies," the new believer said. "I will live in Jesus Christ and worship God as Jesus worshipped God.”
The church community can trace these signs of spiritual growth to the weekly work of ministering in places of greatest need. Their food bank continues to provide relief for immigrant families, and that outreach is run completely by Iranian volunteers. Job skill classes are growing, and this month 20 participants will take the church’s barista training course, joining 60 who have already graduated.
One particularly vital ministry unfolds weekly as a team of volunteers brings hope and friendship to asylum seekers who remain in local detention centers.
“We are still visiting detention centers every week [and] many of [the people] have been imprisoned for years just for being a refugee and fleeing danger," Green said. "Please keep those still in detention in your prayers. Since opening our doors and hearts to the refugees, we have been beyond blessed by their perseverance, determination, and strength in themselves, the community, and in their convictions of becoming Christ followers.” (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries)
Tonalá, Mexico
180 receive Christ at Mexico rehabilitation center
The church group holds pages from the Book Without Words.
Project Paul, a mission development and church planting strategy inspired by the Apostle Paul, is impacting communities across Mexico. Hilda, a woman who accepted Christ through a recent Project Paul, felt called to minister to patients at an addiction rehabilitation center where her son is being treated.
Hilda visited the center, which treats both youth and adults, to get permission for a group from her church to come share the gospel. Around 8:30 p.m., they gathered in a room where Hilda and her church shared the story of salvation through the Book Without Words, a technique for sharing the gospel through colors.
That night, 180 people received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Among them was Hilda's son. Everyone sang and praised as if they had heard the praises before. They danced, they cried, and they gave their lives with all their hearts to the Lord. The night culminated with the preaching of the Word of God.
The patients felt so moved by the night that they have asked those in charge of the group to come back and share more about the Story of God.
Now, Hilda's whole family are believers and are being discipled as they embrace their faith. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
The church group holds pages from the Book Without Words.
Project Paul, a mission development and church planting strategy inspired by the Apostle Paul, is impacting communities across Mexico. Hilda, a woman who accepted Christ through a recent Project Paul, felt called to minister to patients at an addiction rehabilitation center where her son is being treated.
Hilda visited the center, which treats both youth and adults, to get permission for a group from her church to come share the gospel. Around 8:30 p.m., they gathered in a room where Hilda and her church shared the story of salvation through the Book Without Words, a technique for sharing the gospel through colors.
That night, 180 people received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Among them was Hilda's son. Everyone sang and praised as if they had heard the praises before. They danced, they cried, and they gave their lives with all their hearts to the Lord. The night culminated with the preaching of the Word of God.
The patients felt so moved by the night that they have asked those in charge of the group to come back and share more about the Story of God.
Now, Hilda's whole family are believers and are being discipled as they embrace their faith. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Kansas City, MissouriM19 conference theme announced
The USA/Canada Region mid-quadrennial conference, Mission 2019 (M19), will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, from 11 to 13 February 2019. USA/Canada Director Bob Broadbooks shares that the theme of the conference will be "The Mission: Unleash the Gospel."
“At the Estes Park Theology Consultation last year, our Global Ministry Center research department shared results from a denomination-wide survey taken among our pastors on the USA/Canada Region," Broadbooks said. "As I saw these results, I frankly was surprised to see that among the lowest areas of clergy preparation and confidence on that survey was ‘Leading the Church in Evangelism.’ With this survey in mind, we have determined that the M19 theme will be focused on evangelism and its many related ministries.
“The M19 conference will provide training, motivation, and strategies to help local and district leaders feel confident to lead their congregations in sharing the gospel in word and deed in their communities," Broadbooks continued. "This conference could be life-changing in our region as we allow the Holy Spirit to ignite our hearts to reprioritize evangelism in our churches.”
M19 Conference Director Randy Cloud explained the event will build on positive aspects of the previous USA/Canada regional conference, M15, held 9-11 February 2015.
“We felt the M15 event was a truly historic conference in the history of our denomination with strong content in our keynote sessions, creative work in our pre-conference sessions and workshops, passionate worship and renewal, and a clear sense of optimism among our clergy and especially our millennial participants," Cloud said. "We know the M19 conference will continue with that depth of conversation and insight to further God’s kingdom.”
Details regarding keynote speakers, musicians, and workshops will be announced in the next few weeks. The M19 leadership team asks that the church pray with them as event preparations continue. (Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada)
Niger, Africa Region
Flags of the Nations: Niger
Although official sources are silent upon this, a common interpretation of the flag's design is that the upper orange band represents the northern regions of the Sahara Desert, the center white band represents purity, the lower green band represents both hope and the fertile regions of southern Niger, and the orange circle in the center band is said to represent the sun or independence.
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: Niger
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Niger in 2009.
Niger had a population of 19,245,344 in 2017. That same year, Niger reported one officially organized Church of the Nazarene. Niger has 132 total members.
Niger is part of the Benin/Togo District, a Phase 2 district on the Africa Region. 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.
Although official sources are silent upon this, a common interpretation of the flag's design is that the upper orange band represents the northern regions of the Sahara Desert, the center white band represents purity, the lower green band represents both hope and the fertile regions of southern Niger, and the orange circle in the center band is said to represent the sun or independence.
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: Niger
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Niger in 2009.
Niger had a population of 19,245,344 in 2017. That same year, Niger reported one officially organized Church of the Nazarene. Niger has 132 total members.
Niger is part of the Benin/Togo District, a Phase 2 district on the Africa Region. 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.
India
Maniram's Story
In a small village in central India, Maniram spent every day learning how to earn a living as a witch doctor.
One day he and his wife, Babita, visited Mithun, the son of a witch doctor, in the nearby city of Jalgaon.
Mithun and his wife, Radha, were very hospitable people. While talking with the couple, Maniram noticed a difference in their behavior and talk. He began observing and listening to them more carefully, curious to know what this change was all about.
In the evening after their dinner, Mithun and Radha gathered everyone in the household together for a prayer. Maniram thought it would be a witch ritual, but Mithun and Radha had become followers of Jesus Christ. They talked about Jesus and helped Maniram and Babita realize witchcraft was dangerous and wrong.
In a small village in central India, Maniram spent every day learning how to earn a living as a witch doctor.
One day he and his wife, Babita, visited Mithun, the son of a witch doctor, in the nearby city of Jalgaon.
Mithun and his wife, Radha, were very hospitable people. While talking with the couple, Maniram noticed a difference in their behavior and talk. He began observing and listening to them more carefully, curious to know what this change was all about.
In the evening after their dinner, Mithun and Radha gathered everyone in the household together for a prayer. Maniram thought it would be a witch ritual, but Mithun and Radha had become followers of Jesus Christ. They talked about Jesus and helped Maniram and Babita realize witchcraft was dangerous and wrong.
Maniram wanted to know more about this new way of thinking and asked many questions. The couple invited Maniram and his wife to go to the Nazarene church with them, and they agreed. At the church, they participated in singing worship songs, Scripture reading, and praying for various things. As Maniram and Babita listened to the gospel, Maniram was highly impressed. He had more questions, so after the service, he discussed it with Pastor Sudhir Chakre, who helped them understand Christ and prayed for them.
Later that evening, Mithun and Radha discussed the way of Jesus with Maniram and prayed with him again. He and his wife became fully convinced of their wrongdoings and gave their lives to Jesus Christ. They spent several more days in Jalgaon learning about Jesus Christ before returning to their village.
Maniram was a changed man and wouldn't go to the witch doctor or practice any of the old ways. The witch doctor was furious and started threatening Maniram’s life.
After Maniram refused to return to his apprenticeship, he cast spells on Maniram and his family, but they no longer had an effect on them.
Maniram had already started sharing about the Lord Jesus Christ to others in their village, and they were paying serious attention to him. Maniram would pray for them and their various needs, and people saw that God was answering their prayers.
One day people of the village came to Maniram and told him that a disease was turning all the cotton crops yellow. This was a big loss for them. Maniram told them they needed to pray to Jesus about it, so they held a whole night of prayer for the cotton fields. Maniram led them in prayer and asked God to heal their crops and turn them white again.
In the morning, they discovered the diseased crops were now white. There was no sign of any disease on the cotton. The families were overjoyed and gathered with Maniram to give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Maniram continued sharing Christ with them and helped them realize that Christ not only heals diseases of crops and of the human body but most importantly, Christ promises a cure for the disease of the human heart: sin.
Today, there are about 40 people in the village who believe in Jesus and regularly worship with Maniram.
Maniram and Babita were baptized and are successfully leading the congregation. They have three children: two daughters, ages 12 and 5, and a son, age 10. (Engage Magazine)
Trinidad and Tobago
Children's missionary camp hosted in Trinidad & Tobago
Around 60 children participated in a Children's Missionary Camp in Trinidad and Tobago on 10 April — a joint effort by Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International and Nazarene Missions International. The event was directed by District NMI President Leigh Hope and was facilitated by Caribbean Field NMI Coordinator Donnamie Ali.
Through interactive sessions, the children were taught about Jesus, His love for the world, needs in other countries, and Alabaster offerings. The children also made their own Alabaster jars out of water bottles, and they all prayed as a group for NMI's areas of focus as part of their purpose statement: education, prayer, giving, and engaging youth and children in missions.
The children participated enthusiastically in the activities and listened carefully to what was shared.
"We thank God for a fruitful time and our district council of SDMI for giving us the opportunity to impact this generation," Hope said. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Around 60 children participated in a Children's Missionary Camp in Trinidad and Tobago on 10 April — a joint effort by Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International and Nazarene Missions International. The event was directed by District NMI President Leigh Hope and was facilitated by Caribbean Field NMI Coordinator Donnamie Ali.
Through interactive sessions, the children were taught about Jesus, His love for the world, needs in other countries, and Alabaster offerings. The children also made their own Alabaster jars out of water bottles, and they all prayed as a group for NMI's areas of focus as part of their purpose statement: education, prayer, giving, and engaging youth and children in missions.
The children participated enthusiastically in the activities and listened carefully to what was shared.
"We thank God for a fruitful time and our district council of SDMI for giving us the opportunity to impact this generation," Hope said. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Vici, Oklahoma
Oklahoma church endures as wildfires spread
Several wildfires broke out across Western Oklahoma last week, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of land and several buildings. At least 19 people have been treated for smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries, one person has been treated for burns, and two people were killed.
Vici Church of the Nazarene has been hit especially hard.
"In recent days, wildfires have become a significant threat to the livelihood of our fellow Oklahomans and Nazarene peers in Western Oklahoma," Norman Community Church of the Nazarene wrote on its Facebook page. "The town of Vici has been under threat for over a week now. More than 250,000 acres have been lost, and more than 30 homes and countless other structures, livestock and property have been affected. Members of the Vici Church of the Nazarene have lost property and homes as well. The fires and hotspots are still active today, with no sign of relief from wind or drought conditions. People are tired, fearful, uncertain and some desperate."
The National Weather Service has marked the fires extremely critical, the worst classification the agency gives. In certain areas, the fire is spreading up to a mile every 8 to 12 minutes and is only around 15 percent contained.
"We've got historic conditions as far as fire," said Matt Lehenbauer, emergency management director for Woodward County, Oklahoma. "We haven't seen these kinds of conditions in a decade."
The communities are hoping for relief soon as local weather forecasts show rain and thunderstorm chances will increase starting this weekend.
"A storm system moving through Friday afternoon and into the evening is expected to bring beneficial rain to the area," NewsOK reported. "A high probability of precipitation is forecast for the area from Friday night through Sunday morning."
Prayer is requested for Vici Church of the Nazarene and other Oklahoma residents facing the wildfires.
Several wildfires broke out across Western Oklahoma last week, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of land and several buildings. At least 19 people have been treated for smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries, one person has been treated for burns, and two people were killed.
Vici Church of the Nazarene has been hit especially hard.
"In recent days, wildfires have become a significant threat to the livelihood of our fellow Oklahomans and Nazarene peers in Western Oklahoma," Norman Community Church of the Nazarene wrote on its Facebook page. "The town of Vici has been under threat for over a week now. More than 250,000 acres have been lost, and more than 30 homes and countless other structures, livestock and property have been affected. Members of the Vici Church of the Nazarene have lost property and homes as well. The fires and hotspots are still active today, with no sign of relief from wind or drought conditions. People are tired, fearful, uncertain and some desperate."
The National Weather Service has marked the fires extremely critical, the worst classification the agency gives. In certain areas, the fire is spreading up to a mile every 8 to 12 minutes and is only around 15 percent contained.
"We've got historic conditions as far as fire," said Matt Lehenbauer, emergency management director for Woodward County, Oklahoma. "We haven't seen these kinds of conditions in a decade."
The communities are hoping for relief soon as local weather forecasts show rain and thunderstorm chances will increase starting this weekend.
"A storm system moving through Friday afternoon and into the evening is expected to bring beneficial rain to the area," NewsOK reported. "A high probability of precipitation is forecast for the area from Friday night through Sunday morning."
Prayer is requested for Vici Church of the Nazarene and other Oklahoma residents facing the wildfires.
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 16-20 April 2018.
Flornell Coller, 106, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away 5 April. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister Charles Coller, who served in Pensylvania. Charles Coller passed away in 1985.
Nancy Coyle, 71, of Swansboro, North Carolina, passed away 16 April. She was a retired minister, serving in Colorado, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband, retired minister Charles Coyle, who served in Colorado, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Russell Downs, 80, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 16 April. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Illinois, West Virginia, and Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Donna Downs.
Richard Leffel, 82, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away 13 April. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Kansas, Texas, Alabama, the Panama Canal Zone, Illinois, Indiana, and Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Phylliss Leffel.
Lois Taylor, 88, of Franklin, Indiana, passed away 15 April. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister and evangelist G. Gordon Taylor, who served in Indiana. G. Gordon Taylor passed away in 2014.
Donald Washington, 65, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away 16 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Arlene Washington.
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)
Human Resources
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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Office Assistant/Tour & Hospitality Coordinator (Full-time)
Business Center
Description: This person is the first point of contact for those coming into the Business Center as well as the primary contact for Hospitality (catering) requests and Tours. In addition to these responsibilities, other duties include print, mail, correspondence, scheduling, inventory, and GMC kitchen oversight.
Video Production Manager (Full-time)
Global Nazarene Communications
Description: This person is responsible for video acquisition, shooting, editing, and all related responsibilities for productions of varying lengths. Additional responsibilities include knowledge of production-related software and equipment, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Office Assistant/Tour & Hospitality Coordinator (Full-time)
Business Center
Description: This person is the first point of contact for those coming into the Business Center as well as the primary contact for Hospitality (catering) requests and Tours. In addition to these responsibilities, other duties include print, mail, correspondence, scheduling, inventory, and GMC kitchen oversight.
Video Production Manager (Full-time)
Global Nazarene Communications
Description: This person is responsible for video acquisition, shooting, editing, and all related responsibilities for productions of varying lengths. Additional responsibilities include knowledge of production-related software and equipment, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at JFHP, see the following job openings. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Nazarene Bible CollegeTo learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All NTS positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus. 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, 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.
Olathe, Kansas
JFHP job openings
JESUS Film Harvest Partners is currently seeking applicants for four open positions: three full-time and one part-time.
Assistant field services coordinator (Full-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, works with the Field Services coordinator to manage and facilitate the operations of the JESUS Film ministry. It acts as a liaison to the Regional JESUS Film coordinators and works with various ministries to coordinate requests for support and reporting.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in business or communications. A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, excellent verbal and written communication skills are also required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who are bilingual in English and Spanish or French.
Development associate: Event specialist (Full-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, works in the Development Department, cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors through regular communication. It assists in the planning, execution, and follow-up of various fundraising events. Some travel within the U.S. will be required.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality. A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and excellent verbal and written communication skills are also required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative.
Development officer (Full-time)
This position is responsible for raising approximately US$1.5 million annually by building relationships with new high-capacity investors, growing existing donors, and re-engaging inactive donors. It is also responsible for organizing three World Challenge fundraising events per year with an emphasis on obtaining new donors/constituents.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree. Priority consideration is given to applicants who possess a master’s degree and/or CFRE/ACFRE certification. At least five years of relevant development experience preferred. They will have the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, a high degree of self-initiative, strong relationship-building skills, ability to host Partner Investment Trips to mission fields, and the ability to travel at least 50-percent of the year.
Receptionist (Part-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, facilitates the daily operations of the administrative director and assists by providing ministry support as needed. Primary tasks include reception duties, data management, and regular communication with constituents.
A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative.
Candidates for all four positions should also share the organization's conservative Christian values.
Please submit resumes to info@JFHP.org.
For more information about JESUS Film Harvest Partners, visit jfhp.org. (JESUS Film Harvest Partners)
JESUS Film Harvest Partners is currently seeking applicants for four open positions: three full-time and one part-time.
Assistant field services coordinator (Full-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, works with the Field Services coordinator to manage and facilitate the operations of the JESUS Film ministry. It acts as a liaison to the Regional JESUS Film coordinators and works with various ministries to coordinate requests for support and reporting.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in business or communications. A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, excellent verbal and written communication skills are also required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who are bilingual in English and Spanish or French.
Development associate: Event specialist (Full-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, works in the Development Department, cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors through regular communication. It assists in the planning, execution, and follow-up of various fundraising events. Some travel within the U.S. will be required.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality. A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and excellent verbal and written communication skills are also required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative.
Development officer (Full-time)
This position is responsible for raising approximately US$1.5 million annually by building relationships with new high-capacity investors, growing existing donors, and re-engaging inactive donors. It is also responsible for organizing three World Challenge fundraising events per year with an emphasis on obtaining new donors/constituents.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree. Priority consideration is given to applicants who possess a master’s degree and/or CFRE/ACFRE certification. At least five years of relevant development experience preferred. They will have the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, a high degree of self-initiative, strong relationship-building skills, ability to host Partner Investment Trips to mission fields, and the ability to travel at least 50-percent of the year.
Receptionist (Part-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, facilitates the daily operations of the administrative director and assists by providing ministry support as needed. Primary tasks include reception duties, data management, and regular communication with constituents.
A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative.
Candidates for all four positions should also share the organization's conservative Christian values.
Please submit resumes to info@JFHP.org.
For more information about JESUS Film Harvest Partners, visit jfhp.org. (JESUS Film Harvest Partners)
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ABOUT US
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 2.5 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
Phone: (913)577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
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