While visiting the north Indian slums of Patiala to minister to the local impoverished garbage-pickers, Sulochana Singh saw something that broke her heart: a small baby girl lying on a cot with thousands of bees swarming over her nearly lifeless, skeletal body.
The baby was malnourished to the point of death and covered in oozing bedsores. Sulochana watched as the child struggled to breathe.
Her heart broke for the child and she wanted to help her. At the same time, Sulochana recognized that it wasn’t her business and worried whether interfering was the right thing to do.“I heard a soft voice inside me saying, ‘What would you have done if she was your own baby?’" Sulochana said. "That voice touched me and I told my husband about the voice and got his consent to help the child.”
Sulochana and her husband, Pastor Akash Singh, found the baby’s parents and talked with them to find out why the baby had been left out on the cot. They learned the child had been so ill that doctors gave up hope for her, telling the parents that soon she would die. So the parents, not knowing what else they could do, had left the baby on the cot to die and prepared a grave for her.
Despite the others losing hope, Sulochana was persistent and asked if she and her husband could try to treat the baby in a government hospital. The father agreed and went with the Singhs to take the baby to the children’s ward of the government hospital. At first, they were met with more disappointment.
The doctor told them that because the baby was so close to death, they couldn’t even admit her for any treatment. But, after the Singhs pleaded with the doctor, his attitude changed and he decided to take a chance on the little girl.
He called his team in and they began treating the child. With some oxygen, she immediately began to improve.
Then, unexpectedly, the baby stopped breathing, and the staff thought she died.
Unwilling to give up, Sulochana and Akash went outside the hospital room, knelt down, and prayed to God for the baby’s life. Before they even finished praying, someone came out and told them the baby had begun breathing again. They rushed back into the room where doctors said they were going to run some tests and that they were optimistic for the baby’s life.
After all the tests, the baby was treated for 25 days. Sulochana and Akash were at her side day and night, doing everything they could to help. During the day, Akash stayed with the baby, and Sulochana stayed overnight.
“On the third day of the treatment, the baby opened her eyes and looked at me and smiled,” Sulochana said. “I went close to her, and in spite of having no strength in her hands, she still hugged me very tight and I told her, ‘Jesus loves you.’ The baby was almost a skeleton, and when she hugged me I could feel her bones. All her body pus got stuck to my dress. At that moment I felt that the Lord has given this baby to me. I praised God for a new life to the baby.”
After the little girl’s recovery, Sulochana talked with her husband and also with the father about the child’s future. If the parents were unable to care for her, would they be willing to let Sulochana and Akash raise her?
“We had already dug a grave for her in front of our house and had left the baby on the cot to die,” the father replied. “She was not eating anything and there was no hope for her. But you came in that time and the Lord has saved the baby through you. If we take the baby back, she would not survive. We have already decided to give the baby to you. You keep her.”
Sulochana and Akash were overjoyed with this blessing. Doctors and the medical team instructed them how to take good care of the girl.
Slowly, the child’s health improved, and she began putting on weight. The Singhs even renamed her.*
Over the following years, she started learning how to speak and began calling Sulachana and Akasha “Mom” and “Dad.”
“We had two sons (Enosh, 18 and Phillip, 17), and now the Lord had blessed us with a daughter,” Sulochana said.
Now, that baby is four years old and living a happy, healthy life.
“We love the baby very much," the Singhs said. "We want to see this baby become very educated and do great work for the Lord.”
*Name omitted for privacy (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
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ABC News reports the two were traveling west on FM-177, seven miles south of the city of Jacksonville. Upon entering a curve, their vehicle slid into the eastbound lane where it was struck by another vehicle.
Both Susan and Alyssa were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the accident.
Visitation will be at Cottle Funeral Home in Troup from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 23 April, and funeral services will be held 5 p.m. 24 April in the Troup High School Auditorium.
Prayer is requested for the Baker and the Martins Chapel church families.
More information will be posted as it is made available.
Jacksonville, Texas
Texas church mourns passing of pastor's wife, daughter
Pictured from left to right: David, Alyssa, and Susan Baker
Susan and Alyssa Baker, the wife and daughter, respectively, of Martins Chapel Church of the Nazarene Pastor David Baker, were killed in a car accident 20 April. Susan, 49, and Alyssa, 15, were residents of Troup, Texas.ABC News reports the two were traveling west on FM-177, seven miles south of the city of Jacksonville. Upon entering a curve, their vehicle slid into the eastbound lane where it was struck by another vehicle.
Both Susan and Alyssa were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the accident.
Visitation will be at Cottle Funeral Home in Troup from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 23 April, and funeral services will be held 5 p.m. 24 April in the Troup High School Auditorium.
Prayer is requested for the Baker and the Martins Chapel church families.
More information will be posted as it is made available.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Pastor Sean McPherson rememberedSean McPherson, lead pastor of Real Life Church of the Nazarene in Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away 26 April after battling cancer for more than a year. He was 47.
McPherson also served as a South Dakota state representative, a position he was elected to in 2016 where he served District 32.
Before becoming a pastor, McPherson was a U.S. Navy submariner for eight years, spent four years serving as a project manager at Intel Corporation, and spent two years as a field sales engineer for Sencore Corporation.
He started his journey into full-time ministry in 2003 as an associate pastor at New Hope Family Church of the Nazarene in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, (now known as Reach Church of the Nazarene) where he served for six years. In 2010, he accepted the lead pastor position at Real Life Church, and during this time McPherson taught high school Bible classes at Rapid City Christian School.
Many of McPherson's colleagues shared their confidence in his character, both professionally and personally.
"McPherson was a good legislator, but more importantly, he was a good man," said South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley tweeted about McPherson's passing.
"I am heart broken to learn my friend Representative Sean McPherson from Rapid City has lost his battle with cancer," Jackley said. "He is in a better place now and his legacy will not fade. He was a remarkable husband, father, public servant and friend to everyone. He will be deeply missed."
At the time of release, funeral arrangements have not been announced.
He is survived by his wife, Kris McPherson, and their four children, Wes, Jordon, Trinity, and Jason.
Prayer is requested for the McPherson and Real Life Church families.
The Church of the Nazarene’s Stories series shares how lives are being transformed through ministry efforts around the globe.
These stories are made possible thanks to the prayers, involvement, and support of Nazarenes worldwide through the World Evangelism Fund.
The Stories resource, formerly known as the World Mission DVD, is delivered three times a year through an e-newsletter. The videos are a collaborative effort between regional communications offices and Global Ministry Center communications personnel and are available to view or download online at nazarene.org/stories.
Click here for Volume 2 — 2018
Volume 2 - 2018
A New Heart
In the face of death and destruction, the powerful love of Christ breaks the hardened heart of High Chief Tuimalu Tai. Years later, Pastor Tai has now dedicated his life to the Lord by ministering to those who suffer from the addictions he once faced.
Changed By Love
Ron Smith's life was forever changed when he visited a food pantry for the first time at JaxNaz Church in Jackson, Michigan, USA.Ron Smith's life was forever changed when he visited a food pantry for the first time at JaxNaz Church in Jackson, Michigan, USA.
Discovering a Personable Christ
At first, they wanted nothing to do with the Nazarenes when they came to town. But now, faith in Jesus gives these youth soccer players a reason to pursue their dreams as their pastors facilitate discipleship in the community.
Haiti Water Project
Orangers, Haiti — once riddled with waterborne illnesses — is now experiencing transformation as Nazarenes reach out to the community in service and education through the Haiti Water Project.
Steadfast
After her parents’ divorce, Nargiza tried to commit suicide twice. It wasn’t until a friend invited her to church that she finally felt loved. After accepting Christ, the next challenge was witnessing to her family.
The Stories resource is delivered three times a year through an e-newsletter. The videos are a collaborative effort between regional communications offices and Global Ministry Center communications personnel.
Past Volumes
If an e-newsletter and downloading are not possible, DVDs are available free of charge.
Email stories@nazarene.org to request a DVD.
Questions? Please call (913) 577-2927 and leave a message or email us at stories@nazarene.org.
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Africa
Flags of the Nations: Nigeria
This week: Nigeria
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Nigeria in 1977.
Nigeria had a population of 190,632,261 in 2017. That same year, Nigeria reported 71 Churches of the Nazarene, 49 of which had been officially organized. Nigeria has 14,602 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Nigeria has two Phase 2 districts. 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.
The flag is a vertical 1:2 triband of green, white, green. The two green stripes represent Nigeria's natural wealth, while the white band represents peace.
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: Nigeria
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Nigeria in 1977.
Nigeria had a population of 190,632,261 in 2017. That same year, Nigeria reported 71 Churches of the Nazarene, 49 of which had been officially organized. Nigeria has 14,602 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Nigeria has two Phase 2 districts. 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.
Mesoamerica
Guatemala
Group plans for 10-15 new preaching points each year in Guatemala
A group of Missional Zone Planters (PZM) gathered at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Guatemala for a training workshop from 4 to 6 April.
During this time, the team worked through "The DNA of Missional Zone Planters," an adaptation of John Maxwell's book "The DNA of an Entrepreneur."
Mesoamerica Region Evangelism Coordinator Bernie Slingerland said the approach worked well for the team.
"With a Missional Zone, you need to know how to think creatively and freely," Slingerland said. "This is why it is appropriate to say that the DNA of an entrepreneur is equal to the DNA of a PZM!"
Noé Lobos, a church planter in Guatemala, organized seven new churches in 2017. On the first day of the workshop, he organized one more in San Antonio Cabañas on the Verapaz Oriental District. The church started with 53 members and is led by the Pastor Camilo Xuc.
Moving forward, the goal is for the team to establish 10 to 15 new preaching points each year, making disciples and forming new leaders in each area.
"You can never underestimate the heart of a church planter," Slingerland said. "It's like the world evangelist D. L. Moody says, 'You can never know what God will do with a man or a woman who is completely dedicated to God and his work!'" (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Group plans for 10-15 new preaching points each year in Guatemala
A group of Missional Zone Planters (PZM) gathered at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Guatemala for a training workshop from 4 to 6 April.
During this time, the team worked through "The DNA of Missional Zone Planters," an adaptation of John Maxwell's book "The DNA of an Entrepreneur."
Mesoamerica Region Evangelism Coordinator Bernie Slingerland said the approach worked well for the team.
"With a Missional Zone, you need to know how to think creatively and freely," Slingerland said. "This is why it is appropriate to say that the DNA of an entrepreneur is equal to the DNA of a PZM!"
Noé Lobos, a church planter in Guatemala, organized seven new churches in 2017. On the first day of the workshop, he organized one more in San Antonio Cabañas on the Verapaz Oriental District. The church started with 53 members and is led by the Pastor Camilo Xuc.
Moving forward, the goal is for the team to establish 10 to 15 new preaching points each year, making disciples and forming new leaders in each area.
"You can never underestimate the heart of a church planter," Slingerland said. "It's like the world evangelist D. L. Moody says, 'You can never know what God will do with a man or a woman who is completely dedicated to God and his work!'" (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
USA/Canada
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia District elects new superintendent
General Superintendent David A. Busic announced the election of Kerry W. Willis as superintendent of the Philadelphia District.
Elected 23 April on the first ballot, Willis replaces Newell Smith, who is retiring after serving 18 years in the position. Willis will begin his new assignment 28 May.
Willis is currently the lead pastor at Harrison First Church of the Nazarene in Virginia, a position he has held since 1994. Prior to this, Willis has served as an evangelist in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board from 2009 to 2013.
Kerry and his wife, Kim, currently reside in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Philadelphia District elects new superintendent
General Superintendent David A. Busic announced the election of Kerry W. Willis as superintendent of the Philadelphia District.
Elected 23 April on the first ballot, Willis replaces Newell Smith, who is retiring after serving 18 years in the position. Willis will begin his new assignment 28 May.
Willis is currently the lead pastor at Harrison First Church of the Nazarene in Virginia, a position he has held since 1994. Prior to this, Willis has served as an evangelist in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board from 2009 to 2013.
Kerry and his wife, Kim, currently reside in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Army chaplain leads soldiers in Stations of the Cross
While deployed in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Chaplain Micheal Anderson and the Task Force Brawler Unit Ministry Team (UMT) offered a special Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” experience 30 March during Holy Week.
For five hours, the UMT used the Task Force conference room to establish eight prayer stations, all focused on the crucifixion of Jesus. Participants could move freely and take time to reflect, guided by the instructions printed at each station. The stations were multisensory, including feeling a crown of thorns, hammering a nail, and tasting bitter vinegar. The use of red chem lights and audio/video presentations added to the dramatic feel of the event.
“[It is] difficult to put Jesus’ suffering into perspective," one participant said. "Yet, physically going through these stations provides a glimpse of what our Savior experienced on our behalf.”Additional participants said the biggest takeaway was acknowledging the need to set time aside for Christ, no matter where someone may be.
This drop-in service was a convenient way to allow busy soldiers to tend to their spiritual lives. Multisensory stations allowed for maximum impact for different personalities. This event, among other Holy Week events, helped to prepare these believers for the celebration of Easter Sunday."The Church of the Nazarene can be proud of this young chaplain," said Don Wilson, military chaplain endorser for the denomination. "He creatively used the materials that he could gather to make a significant place of worship for the soldiers on Good Friday."(NCN News submissions)
Stories to share? Send an email to news@nazarene.org.
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Mentoring turns struggling students into high school graduates
Columbus, Indiana
Nazarenes in the News(The Republic, 21 April) A program that helps local students meet graduation requirements continues to turn lives around.
The iGrad mentoring program was launched in 2012, supporting at-risk students in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp., Jennings County and Brownstown, said Laurie Dickerson, iGrad director.
The program is offered to start in eighth grade for BCSC students and beginning in high school for students in the other districts, she said.
Columbus East High School senior Marquis Green once had failing grades and struggled with attendance, but that changed after he became involved in iGrad during the 2013-14 school year.
For the rest of the story, click here.
A kind stranger helped her with her upset kids on the plane; she found him in Kansas
Lenexa, Kansas
(The Witchita Eagle, 17 April) When Jessica Rudeen boarded her flight with her two young children — one who was "screaming his head off" and the other who "lost her nerve" — she thought she was going to be kicked off her flight from Kansas City to North Carolina.
"So with two kids losing their minds, I was desperately trying to calm the situation," she posted on Facebook.
But it wasn't working.
That's when the stranger sitting next to her stepped in to help.
Click the above graphic to watch the video. For the accompanying text, click here.
But it wasn't working.
That's when the stranger sitting next to her stepped in to help.
Click the above graphic to watch the video. For the accompanying text, click here.
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 23-27 April 2018.
Sharon Akey, 71, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away 17 April. She was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband, retired minister Milton Akey, who served in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Missouri.
Edna Baker, 86, of Carlsbad, California, passed away 14 April. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and evangelist Carl Baker, who served in Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, California, and Ohio.
Susan Baker, 49, of Troup, Texas, passed away 20 April, along with her daughter, Alyssa Baker, 15. They are survived by David Baker, pastor of Martins Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Troup, Texas. (story)
Dwight Barnes, 66, of Atascosa, Texas, passed away 19 April. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Texas. He is survived by his wife, June Barnes.
Ruth Fisher, 90, of Auburn, Washington, passed away 22 April. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister and evangelist Vearl Fisher, who served in California, Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Vearl Fisher passed away in 2002.
Victor Fliegel, 80, of Ford, Washington, passed away 23 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Fliegel, in 2004.
Merle Forman, 85, of Ruby, South Carolina, passed away 21 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Virginia, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Forman.
Gary Jones, 82, of Deville, Louisiana, passed away 22 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Tennessee and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Jones.
Mary (Harting) Mann, 86, of Laguna Woods, California, passed away 8 April. She was a song evangelist, serving in Oklahoma and Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister and evangelist Lester Thurl Mann, who served in Illinois, Colorado, Indiana, Florida, and Oklahoma. Lester Thurl Mann passed away in 2013.
Sean McPherson, 47, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away 26 April. He was the lead pastor of Real Life Church of the Nazarene in Rapid City, South Dakota. He is survived by his wife, Kristin McPherson. (story)
Delmar Stalter, 94, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away 27 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Stalter.
Marilyn Ward, 91, of Nashport, Ohio, passed away 21 April. She was preceded in death by her second husband, retired minister Roger Ward, who served in Indiana and Ohio. Roger Ward passed away in 2010. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, William Poole.
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)
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
Administrative Assistant for District Journal Review (Temporary – full-time or part-time – 90 days)
General Secretary’s Office
Description: The person in this position will review information in district journals and supporting documents for the USA/Canada region, comparing to specialized database and making changes as necessary.
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and trainings. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Constituent Care Specialist (Temporary – 9 to 12 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: The person in this position will advance the customer service and communication excellence of the Stewardship Development department for the Funding the Mission website by assisting in expanding outstanding customer care support. This position works with all members of the Stewardship Development team to assist pastors and treasurers through helpful customer service and careful management of resources offered to them.
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
Nazarene Bible College
To 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
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.
Copyright © 2018 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
Material created and owned by Nazarene Communications Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
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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