Global Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary -
Volume 1401 - Friday, January 2014 - Most popular stories of 2013 - Happy New
Year!
Before we begin stories for 2014, here's a look back at 2013's
most-clicked stories on ncnnews.com:
1. Busic elected 40th general superintendent (June 25)
David Busic, president of Nazarene Theological Seminary in
Kansas City, Missouri, was elected as the 40th general superintendent of the
Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, June 25. He was elected on the 21st ballot
at the 28th General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Busic accepted the position.
"My brothers and sisters, I find myself experiencing two
different emotions at once – incredible gratitude to the church and to
God," he said. ‘Without the grace of God I have nothing and am nothing,
and apart from the church I am given nothing. The other emotion I have is
amazing humility that the church would extend this honor to me. I’ve never felt
adequate for the call that God has placed on my life, but I have always known
His power to help me to do what He has called me to do."
Busic then told a story of a young, homeless boy named Bobby
living in a Nebraska haystack who, as a physically challenged teenager, found
God through the Church of the Nazarene and later gave his life to the church.
When Bobby passed away at age 50, people packed the church to remember and
honor him.
"The reason that story means so much to me is that Bobby
was my dad," he said. "And now you know why I love this church so
much.
"I am committed to this church," he continued. "I
have submitted to the will of the church and I trust the Lord and the church.
And with great humility I accept your affirmation. And I commit to be the kind
of leader who continues to lead us into our best days as a Christian church, as
a holiness church and as a missional church. Thank you for your prayers. We
love you, and we are servants to you. Thank you."
Busic accepted his election as NTS president on September 4,
2011.
He is the fourth NTS president elected general superintendent,
following , Hugh C. Benner, Eugene Stowe, and William M. Greathouse.
Previously, Busic served as senior pastor at Bethany, Oklahoma,
First Church of the Nazarene for seven years. He was also senior pastor at
Lenexa, Kansas, Central Church of the Nazarene and Livermore, California,
Vineyard Community Church of the Nazarene. He was on staff at Shawnee, Kansas,
Church of the Nazarene.
During his time at Bethany First Church, Busic helped initiate
and establish the Swaziland Partnership in 2007 to help reduce the HIV/AIDS
rate and to assist vulnerable children in Swaziland, Africa.
Busic has been a member of the Church of the Nazarene's General
Board, including serving as president of the USA National Board. He is a
graduate of Southern Nazarene University (BA in religion, honorary doctorate)
and Nazarene Theological Seminary (MDiv). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of
Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
From 2005 to the present, Busic has served as a member of the
Board of General Superintendents’ Thought Partners, a think tank for critical
issues facing the Church of the Nazarene.
Busic has published numerous articles, co-authored two books, A
Pastor’s Guide to Effective Preaching and Sharing My Faith, and was co-editor
of Preacher’s Magazine: A Preaching Resource in the Wesleyan Tradition from
2000 to 2007. His most recent book, Perfectly Imperfect: Character Sketches
from the Old Testament, is due for release soon. His preaching is widely
respected throughout the church, making him a sought after speaker and
leadership advisor.
He and his wife, Christi, have three children: Megan, Ben, and
Madison; and one granddaughter, Kennedy.
More information on Busic’s election and General Assembly
proceedings will be released in a special e-news edition on Wednesday morning.
To read/view Busic's speech to the assembly, click here.
-------
2. Missing Florida pastor
found alive in field (September 10)
Paul Alexandre Metellus, pastor of Belle Glade, Florida,
Evangelical Church of the Nazarene, was found alive Tuesday morning after he went
missing on Sunday.
Metellus' family first noticed something was wrong when the
pastor didn't arrive for the church's Sunday morning service.
According to WPTV, when Harly Metellus called his father, all
Paul Alexandre, 64, would say was he was in a sugar cane field.
"My dad does not have a history of mental illness, but when
I heard him on the phone he was acting crazy," Harly told the news
station.
Members of the congregation prayed and searched a nearby sugar
cane field for their pastor. Southern Florida District Superintendent David
Nixon arrived to join the effort.
"We were just shocked so we had to come and see what we
could find out," Nixon told WPTV during the search. "We will just
wait and see. A lot of people are praying. We've mobilized people to pray that
we at least find him."
Members of the congregation vowed to continue the search until
he was found.
While searchers located his van near a field, Paul Alexandre
remained missing. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office continued their search
on Monday, using a helicopter and dogs.
WFLX reported Paul Alexandre was found wandering in a cane field
by two farmers on Tuesday morning. He was transported to Lake Side Medical
Center for observation.
Prayer is requested for the pastor.
For related video, see WPTV.
-------
3. General Superintendents
reaffirm denomination's position on biblical marriage (June 27)
On Thursday, June 27, at the 28th General Assembly, the Board of
General Superintendents responded to a request from a member of the Bangladesh
delegation.
"I humbly request you to please let us raise our Nazarene
voice against the United States Supreme Court verdict on gay marriage,"
the delegate wrote. "This is totally against our holiness stand."
General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf was chairing the
meeting at the time of the statement.
"Many nations are being affected by similar government and
court decisions," he said. "There is no question that we are living
in a challenging time, both morally and spiritually. Nonetheless, we wish to
reaffirm our denomination’s position on biblical marriage.
"While our Rules of Order prohibit us from taking any
action on new business, it is in order to restate a portion of the position of
the Board of General Superintendents on human sexuality, which is as follows:
We further wish to reemphasize our call to Nazarenes around the
globe to recommit themselves to a life of holiness, characterized by holy love
and expressed through the most rigorous and consistent lifestyle of sexual
purity. We stand firmly on the belief that the biblical concept of marriage,
always between one man and one woman in a committed, lifelong relationship, is
the only relationship within which the gift of sexual intimacy is properly
expressed.
"As a visual expression of our support of the sanctity of
marriage," Middendorf continued, "please stand for a moment of silent
prayer, asking God to watch over and protect His Church and the people called
Nazarenes."
-------
4. Crocker elected GS
after record number of ballots (June 26)
Gustavo A. Crocker, Eurasia regional director, was elected the
41st general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene Wednesday, June 26.
He was elected on the 53rd ballot at the 28th General Assembly in Indianapolis,
Indiana.
"Your vote is a demonstration that grace exists,"
Crocker said after arriving at the podium.
A native of San Jeronimo, Guatemala, Crocker is the second
general superintendent elected while residing outside the USA/Canada Region,
following Eugenio R. Duarte (Cape Verde, Africa) in 2009.
"It's an expression of our being global and the values that
we have in the Church of the Nazarene in the world," Duarte said following
Crocker's election. "In this way the church has acknowledged the fact that
those values are great and that we should use the blessings that God has given
us. He has equipped the church with people like Dr. Crocker who love God and
love the church and have been in the church and with the church in good and bad
times.
"I think the church has done the right thing."
If good things come to those who wait, the church has received a
good thing.
The 53 ballots it took to elect Crocker is a record in the
Church of the Nazarene, surpassing the 51 ballots it took to elect Stan Toler
in 2009.
After Ballot 46, Olivet Nazarene University President John
Bowling suggested that delegates do three things: 1. Step across aisle to get
to know someone to help promote unity, which he felt was fading, 2. Kneel in
prayer, 3. Hit the "re-start button" on voting intentions, trying to
re-establish authenticity if it was missing. The chair agreed and after the
prayer, a feeling of Spirit-given peace filled the room.
Before the next ballot was taken, Trevecca Nazarene University
President Dan Boone, who was surging in votes at the time, announced that he
was withdrawing his name as he felt peace and purpose staying at Trevecca.
Prayer was not limited to the Indiana Convention Center as many
following the proceedings on Twitter and 1,900 watching on nazarene.org/galive
knelt in prayer, too. Tweets began pouring in with Nazarenes saying what state
or country they were from and that they were praying.
Crocker was elected shortly thereafter.
In his speech, Crocker said his mother considered an abortion
when she was pregnant with him, but thanks to the teachings of the Church of
the Nazarene and her respect for the sanctity of life, she chose to have her
eighth child.
He said he talked to God like Gideon did, asking him what he,
"the youngest of this poor family of the weakest clan of Guatemala,"
can do for the Kingdom?
Crocker continued: "And He said, 'You can do nothing..
unless I am with you.'"
After asking the assembly to pray for him, he confessed that
earlier he thought about what his answer would be if he was elected.
"It was not until tonight as we went on our knees that both
my wife and I – sitting in different sides of this auditorium – received the
very same message from the Lord: 'Give it all and serve all for me.'
"I don't want to ask you to go through the night with the
agony of what I'm going to say tomorrow, for I promised the Lord on my knees
that whatever the church was going to say, I would say 'yes,' for I am a
churchman."
The assembly erupted in applause.
"I am Nazarene by choice, Guatemalan by birth, global by
ministry," Crocker said. "May the Lord be with you."
Crocker will take a seat on the Board of General Superintendents
after serving as Eurasia regional director since 2004. Prior to his assignment
on the Eurasia Region, he served as senior vice-president of World Relief
Corporation, an entity of the National Association of Evangelicals, of which
the Church of the Nazarene is a member. He also served as program coordinator
of the Stockholm, Sweden-based Global Alliance of Christian Ministries. From
1999 to 2001, Crocker served as field manager for Compassion International and
from 1994 to 1999 as director of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries under the
World Mission Department. He served as regional coordinator of Nazarene
Compassionate Ministries in South America.
He is a graduate of Mariano Galvez University (Bachelor of Arts
in architecture), University of Cincinnati (Fulbright Scholar, master's degree
in community planning), Regent University (Doctorate of Philosophy in
organizational leadership), and Harvard Kennedy School.
Crocker speaks English, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. He and
his wife, Rachel, have two daughters, Raquel and Elizabeth.
The 40th general superintendent, David A. Busic, will be
installed along with Crocker on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The event will be
live streamed at nazarene.org/galive.
-------
5. Nazarenes demonstrate generosity, commitment through GA
Offering (July 11)
At the first General Assembly worship service, the Board of
General Superintendents announced a US$300,000 goal for the total General
Assembly Offering, with 10 percent given to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
By the end of the final worship service on Sunday afternoon, the total offering
was about $209,000.
That number grew incrementally through online donations until
the following Thursday morning plenary session when General Superintendent
Jerry D. Porter read a note from a pastor who pledged $1,000 on behalf of his
church. The note challenged other churches to follow suit.
"I think if you challenge our churches, there might be 99
other churches that would give $1,000," the pastor's note read.
Porter thanked him for the donation.
"We all love General Assembly; we love to come," Porter
said. "But we do need the resources to cover these expenses, and if you
feel impressed, district superintendent or pastor, that you might be willing to
send us a pledge… we would be glad to receive those."
The actual cost of producing a General Assembly is well above
$300,000.
After 30 minutes, Porter announced $33,509 more was pledged.
Additionally, an individual from the Arizona District offered to match pledges
until the assembly's next break in 20 minutes, up to $25,000.
Later that afternoon, General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf
revealed the identity of the matching gift donor.
"Christine Jones of Phoenix, Arizona," he said.
"Christine found Jesus at Denver First Church of the Nazarene when she
rode the bus to church for a Sunday School contest," Middendorf said.
"She's watching online at home. She loves the Lord and her church. I think
we owe her a great debt of gratitude for her generosity."
After the applause for Jones died down, Middendorf read a note
from the Oklahoma District, which requested that any funds raised beyond
$300,000 goal be donated to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for disaster
relief. The district was recently a recipient of NCM's help following deadly
tornadoes in May.
"I will refer this to our Board of General
Superintendents... and will ask them, in consultation with our general
secretary and our general treasurer, to make that determination,"
Middendorf said. "It sounds like a wonderful thing to consider."
In total, an additional $101,278.10 was pledged by more than 75
districts, the Board of General Superintendents, and several churches and
individuals. Together with the matching gift, $126,278.10 was raised Thursday,
bringing the grand offering total to $335,990.15, easily surpassing the
original $300,000 goal.
This year's offering was unique in regard to giving methods. Not
only could worship service attendees put cash or checks into the offering
buckets passed by ushers, they could also give online at nazarene.org/give.
Many service attendees did so on their smartphones and tablets during services,
but the feature also allowed live stream viewers to contribute as well,
accounting for about 10 percent of the total given.
Online giving opened during the offering portion of each service
and was available until the next service's offering was taken (about 24 hours
with the exception of Sunday's two services).
Totals for each service are listed below:
Thursday Evening $21,551.05
Friday Evening
$25,823.00
Saturday Evening $37,559.00
Sunday Communion $106,873.00
Sunday Afternoon
$17,906.00
Total
$209,712.05
-------
6. PLNU hires new university chaplain (February 8)
Point Loma Nazarene University announced that after a yearlong
search process it has hired Tim Whetstone to serve as university chaplain.
Whetstone is an ordained minister and most recently served as pastor of New
Start Church of the Nazarene in the south hills of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh
District).
Born in Los Angeles, Whetstone grew up in Queens, New York. He
is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological
Seminary, and has degrees in philosophy, Christian education, and intercultural
studies. He has extensive training in family life education, leadership
development, and emergency disaster response.
In addition to serving in various ministry opportunities,
Whetstone spent several years in overseas missions as a missionary in Italy and
the Asia-Pacific Region. He has an innate love for learning about places and
feels blessed by the opportunity to dive into the culture of San Diego.
"God is working on PLNU’s campus and has a brilliant new
season awaiting the community," he said. "I am humbled to play a
small role in something as big as God’s plans."
Whetstone will begin serving as chaplain of PLNU in late
February. Bob Brower serves as president of the school.--Point Loma Nazarene
University
-------
7. Heart attack claims
life of Olivet professor during biking event (November 4)
Olivet Nazarene University mourns the loss of Kenneth Johnson,
chair of its Department of Engineering. He was a valuable leader, mentor,
teacher, and friend.
"We are heartbroken this morning as we process the loss of
a dear friend," said John C. Bowling, Olivet president. "Ken was
deeply faith-driven and a tremendous professor who inspired greatness from his
students and everyone around him. He was respected and loved by all who knew
him."
Johnson, 43, joined the Olivet faculty in 2012. A 1993 graduate
of Olivet, he passed away following an apparent heart attack while competing in
a bicycle race in northern Michigan. He was husband to Jennifer (Alberts),
Class of 1993, and father of four children: Sydney, Erick, Luke, and Bethany.
Under Johnson's leadership, Olivet's engineering department
experienced an unparalleled spike in student enrollment. The number of students
majoring in engineering went from 105 in 2011 to 150 this fall — 71 of whom are
first-time freshmen or transfers.
Johnson taught his students that their gifts and talents could
be leveraged for a greater purpose, often referring to them as
"missioneers." In a recent interview, he summarized a belief he
regularly stated in his classes.
"Christian engineers have tremendous potential to transform
the world for Christ," he said. "Whether they go on to work for
Boeing, Caterpillar, serve on the mission field or wherever, our students can
be a powerful force for achieving Christ's mandate to help those in need and
spread the hope of the Gospel around the world."
To that end, Johnson led multiple engineering service projects,
including taking a team of students to Swaziland in spring 2013, where they
installed a water irrigation system they had designed to help improve crop
production and provide food to a community ravaged by HIV/AIDS.
He was also excited about a project he and his students were
working on together — making use of a new lightweight metal alloy for
missionary bicycles in world areas where transportation is difficult. As
project manager, he led Olivet's work in additive manufacturing and 3D printing
projects with Nexus LCM, a leading developer of advanced 3D printing solutions.
Johnson came to Olivet at the peak of his career in engineering.
As the senior researcher and president of Solidica, Inc., he led a $20 million
product development expansion, culminating in new product launches in both
advanced intermetallic materials and next generation vehicle telematics. During
his tenure, the company significantly expanded its customer base to a wide
variety of Fortune 500 companies.
Prior to his work with Solidica, he served as commercialization
executive for Delphi Corporation in Troy, Michigan. He was also executive
director for Technology Research Corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan; advanced
technology program manager for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences;
and a principal investigator for several research and development programs
sponsored through federal and state government agencies, including the National
Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and Department of Transportation.
Johnson held two patents, was the recipient of numerous industry
awards, regularly presented at international conferences and expositions, and
published articles in multiple scholarly and industry journals.
"By the world's standards, I had achieved success in every
sense of the word, but I knew in my heart there had to be more," Johnson
said in an interview shortly after joining Olivet's faculty. "I want to
help unlock the potential of technology, engineering, and innovation for a
greater, Christian purpose."
To everyone who knew him, it was clear he did just that. The
impact of Johnson's life on his students, family, colleagues and friends will
only be measured in eternity.
Note: For Johnson's obituary, click here.--Olivet Nazarene
University
-------
8. Porter, Warrick to conclude time in office at 2017 General
Assembly (December 13)
The Board of General Superintendents announced this week that
general superintendents Jerry D. Porter and J. K. Warrick will retire at the
29th General Assembly in June 2017. Warrick is term limited per Manual
paragraph 305.2, which states that a general superintendent cannot be reelected
if he or she is 68 years of age or older.
Porter was elected to the Church of the Nazarene's highest
office in 1997 at the 24th General Assembly in San Antonio, Texas, USA. He
could serve another term, but has chosen not to continue in office.
"My 68th birthday is just six weeks after the 2017 General
Assembly," Porter said in a letter to the BGS. "I feel led to retire
at that time in order for [wife] Toni and me to dedicate ourselves to
preaching, writing, and teaching. Additionally, this will give us more time to
spend with our family.
"We decided to announce our intention now so we can make
reference to this 'final lap' as general superintendent in our preaching and
teaching before retirement. Making the announcement now also allows the Board
of General Superintendents and the global church to plan ahead."
BGS Chair Eugénio R. Duarte said the BGS accepted Porter's
decision "with regret" but understood his reasons for making the
announcement at this time.
"Both Dr. Porter and Dr. Warrick have made and will
continue to make important contributions to the denomination," Duarte
said.
At the time of Warrick's election as general superintendent at
the 26th General Assembly, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, in 2005, he was
pastoring College Church of the Nazarene, Olathe, Kansas, USA, where he had
served for nearly 12 years. He is recognized for his gifted preaching ministry
and his heart for church planting, world evangelization, and compassionate
ministry.
"Patty and I look forward to these last three years of
global ministry in this assignment," Warrick said. "We will continue
to give our best in service to God through the international Church of the
Nazarene."--Board of General Superintendents
-------
9. Tennessee church
destroyed in fire (January 15)
A two-alarm fire destroyed the Bell Road Church of the Nazarene
in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday, January 13. There was no one in the
building at the time of the fire.
This is the second time the church has burned. The original
church building was destroyed and then rebuilt in 1977.
On Sunday, Pastor Brian Russell closed the church building and
returned to the parsonage next door after the congregation's 10:45 a.m.
service. A neighbor reported the fire just after 1 p.m.
Assistant Tennessee District Superintendent Jeffrey Sexton said
the Nashville Fire Department determined the building would be a total loss
soon after arriving on the scene.
Sexton said some materials and equipment were recovered from the
church, including the cross from the front of the building.
"Several of our Nazarene churches and a neighborhood
Presbyterian church have all offered the Bell Road congregation a temporary
worship home," Sexton said.
The fire, which caused the building's roof to collapse, is still
under investigation, reported The Tennessean. No foul play is suspected.
"Members of the community, several other Nazarene pastors
and parishioners, the City Council woman, and Tennessee District personnel
gathered to support and pray for the pastor and for the Bell Road congregation,"
Sexton said.
Russell is working with the church's insurance company and is
optimistic regarding coverage.
The church, which has a congregation of about 50 people, had a
prayer meeting on Wednesday night at the parsonage, which was not damaged.
-------
10. Cause of death determined for Olivet senior (April 10)
Miley Kalyn Reed, an Olivet Nazarene University senior, from
Danville, Illinois, passed away on March 14 in her sleep. An autopsy showed she
suffered from cardiac arrhythmia.
The beloved daughter of Rick and Beccy (Winkler) Reed, Miley
Reed was born on December 2, 1990. A 2009 graduate of Bismarck Henning High
School in Bismarck, Illinois, she was a member of the Second Church of Christ
in Danville.
The education major had just passed her Illinois Teachers
Certification exam and was completing her student teaching at Mark Twain
Primary School in Kankakee. She was looking forward to teaching early childhood
education after graduation.
"Miley had such a way with children," said Melinda
Jones, an Olivet senior. "I think she connected so well with them because
she possessed a childlike faith — not in an immature sense, but in a way that
was completely reliant on her Jesus. I can just picture the way she would
squeeze her fists and shake them next to her head in delight. She radiated joy
that was contagious, and her hugs easily make my list of 'top 5 best
huggers.'"
An avid Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals fan, Miley enjoyed
running 5Ks for charity — especially The Color Run and The Santa Hustle in
Chicago. She played flag football in Olivet's intramural sports program for
four years.
"Miley was the real deal — smiley, bubbly, on fire for
Jesus, didn't know a stranger," said education professor Kelly Brown.
"I remember stepping out of the elevator in Weber Center one day and
hearing an excited scream behind me. I turned around to see Miley. She was
yelling, 'We're Vera sisters!' We had identical Vera Bradley bags. You couldn't
help being drawn to her. I can still see her in class, sitting in the third row
by the windows, smiling at me."
Miley Reed loved the color pink and everything Disney. She
always had a smile on her face, and she never slowed down.
"When I think of Miley, I think of unconditional
love," said Ashley Hall, a fellow senior at Olivet. "She truly loved
like crazy each and every day of her life. She was confident in the woman
Christ made her to be. I am forever grateful for Miley's impact on my
life."
A Celebration of Life service was held at her home church in
Danville on March 18.
"There are no answers for this, no explanation for what has
happened," said Olivet Chaplain Mark Holcomb. "It's in times like
this that we lean in and trust that the peace and presence of our loving God is
with us."
Join the Reed family in sharing videos, photos, and memories on
her tribute wall here.
For more on the cause of death, see the Kankakee Daily Journal.--Olivet
Nazarene University
-------
Most-shared stories of 2013 (excluding titles from the list
above):
1. BGS Vote Tracker
The following is a list of ballot results as the 28th General
Assembly elects two new general superintendents. Additional updates on
twitter.com/ncnnews. Follow the (unmoderated) conversation at
tagboard.com/ga2013. The sessions are being streamed at nazarene.org/galive.
For previously posted resolutions, see gar.nazarene.org. Graphics courtesy of Nazarene
Research.
Two general superintendents are being elected due to the
retirements of Jesse C. Middendorf and Stan A. Toler. (story)
(Note: This is set up like a live blog, updating events of the
day.)
Monday, June 24
8:45 AM - Eugenio Duarte opens the first business session.
Delegates gather in groups to pray for all action to follow.
9:00 AM - Note: Nominating Committee met beside our office last
night. They were still meeting an hour after the session was supposed to be
over.
9:05 AM - There are 1,208 delegates from 314 districts
registered. They are praying now, specifically, for purity in their actions
today.
9:20 AM - Praying now for wisdom and discernment, asking God for
direction and a spirit of unity. (photo)
9:27 AM - Praying now for all delegates, that they will be
encourage and support one another.
9:33 AM - Praying now for those in our church family who are not
represented here - the persecuted church, and Nazarene martyrs.
10:35 AM - Dr. Duarte begins Quadrennial Address. Voting on
incumbent superintendents to follow (per the schedule). No new BGS ballots yet.
11:56 AM - Adopted a report calling for the ballots taken at the
regional caucuses to be accepted as the first GS ballot for the two vacancies.
Results yet to be announced.
12:13 PM - All four general superintendents re-elected. Porter:
Yes 892 No 77, Warrick: Yes 867 No 73, Duarte: Yes 897 No 36, Graves: Yes 926
No 53.
12:20 PM - BGS Ballot 1 results: 802 needed; Carla Sunberg 140,
Gustavo Crocker 112, Bob Broadbooks 93, Christian Sarmiento 80, Filimao Chambo
69
12:37 PM - Morning session over. Next main session starts at 4
PM. Committee meetings 2 - 3:45.
4:15 PM - BGS Ballot 2 results: Votes needed: 655; Sunberg 161,
Crocker 130, Chambo 88, Broadbooks 84, Sarmiento 60.
4:22 PM - Adopted: General Superintendent Emeritus status for
retiring GS Jesse C. Middendorf. Middendorf recognized before the Assembly,
which gives him a standing ovation. Middendorf and his family receive items of
tribute and recognition.
4:35 PM - BGS Ballot 3 results: Votes needed: 621; Sunberg 207,
Crocker 172, Chambo 99, Broadbooks 88, Sarmiento 69. Ballot 3 graphic from
Nazarene Research's Facebook page.
4:40 PM - Adopted: General Superintendent Emeritus status for
retiring GS Stan A. Toler. Toler recognized before the Assembly, which gives
him a standing ovation. He also receives items of tribute and recognition.
4:52 PM - Ballot 4: 645
needed; Sunberg 256, Crocker 229, Chambo 110, Broadbooks 98, Sarmiento 54.
Ballot 4 graphic.
5:00 PM - Session is over. We will reconvene at 7:30 this
evening.
7:30 PM - Evening session begins.
7:36 PM - Ballot 5: 658
needed; Sunberg 275, Crocker 266, Chambo 118, Broadbooks 101, A. Valvassoura
59, Sarmiento 40. Ballot 5 graphic.
8:31 PM - Ballot 6: 616 needed; Crocker 286, Sunberg 249, Chambo
106, Broadbooks 100, A. Valvassoura 47. Ballot 6 graphic.
8:45 PM - Ballot 7: 635 needed; Crocker 368, Sunberg 232,
Broadbooks 98, Chambo 89, A. Valvassoura 49. Ballot 7 graphic.
9:01 PM - Ballot 8: 638 needed; Crocker 441, Sunberg 205,
Broadbooks 82, Chambo 80, A. Valvassoura 36. Ballot 8 graphic.
9:04 PM - Filimao Chambo, Africa Region director, withdraws his
name, citing his call to Africa and his young kids at home there.
9:09 PM - Ballot 9: 644
needed; Crocker 525, Sunberg 207, Broadbooks 81, A. Valvassoura 31, Busic 30.
Ballot 9 graphic.
9:15 PM - Ballot 10: 649 needed; Crocker 559, Sunberg 189,
Broadbooks 60, Busic 56, A. Valvassoura 30. Ballot 10 graphic.
9:35 PM - Ballot 11: 648 needed; Crocker 577, Sunberg 147, Busic
108, Broadbooks 37, A. Valvassoura 29. Ballot 11 graphic.
9:37 PM - Ballot 12 cast.
9:40 PM - Meeting adjourned. No election tonight. Session 4
begins at 10 AM tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 25
10 AM - Morning session begins with devotions by General
Superintendent Emeritus Jim Diehl, talking about God's peace and the need for redeeming
relationships in our lives above anything else.
10:34 AM - Ballot 12 (taken last night): 644 needed; Crocker
565, Busic 181, Sunberg 119, A. Valvassoura 26, Broadbooks 15. Ballot 12
graphic.
10:43 AM - Indiana Governor Mike Pence joins the BGS on stage
and greets the crowd. "I came to say 'welcome,' but I also came to say
'thanks.' Thank you for your testimony in our community."
10:50 AM - Ballot 13: 657 needed; Crocker 542, Busic 252,
Sunberg 101, A. Valvassoura 24, Boone 10. Ballot 13 graphic.
11:00 AM - Ballot 14: 649 needed; Crocker 495, Busic 316,
Sunberg 75, A. Valvassoura 25, Boone 15. Ballot 14 graphic.
11:03 AM - 5 minute break. Lots of buzz in the room.
11:20 AM - Lots of discussion about Manual Section 37,
resolution CA-703 regarding the language of our position on sexual immorality
and same-sex marriage, etc. JK Warrick clarifies that the church's position on
the matter is "unwavering," it is merely the language of the
statement that is in question.
11:37 AM - Ballot 15: 654 needed; Crocker 436, Busic 382,
Sunberg 54, Valvassoura 27, Boone 23. Ballot 15 graphic.
12:13 PM - No new ballot results. Meeting adjourned. They will
reconvene at 2 PM.
2:05 PM - Ballot 16: 659 needed; Busic 417, Crocker 404, Sunberg
41, Valvassoura 32, Boone 31. Ballot 16 graphic.
2:08 PM - Memorial Service happening, remembering leaders who
passed on this quadrennium, including William Greathouse, William Prince, B.
Edgar Johnson, and Paul Skiles.
2: 53 PM - Ballot 17: 585 needed; Busic 425, Crocker 323,
Sunberg 36, Boone 25, Valvassoura 23. Ballot 17 graphic. (First ballot taken
after lunch, which may account for the smaller total.)
3:00 PM - Ballot 18: 639 needed; Busic 515, Crocker 300, Sunberg
34, Valvassoura 31, Boone 25.
3:05 PM - Ballot 19: 640 needed; Busic 581, Crocker 253,
Valvassoura 30, Sunberg 28, Boone 21.
3:10 PM - Scripture Study Report delivered by Nazarene Bible
College professor and committee chair, Tom King. (click here to read the
report)
3:29 PM - Ballot 20: 640 needed; Busic 632, Crocker 220,
Valvassoura 29, Sunberg 21, Boone 17.
3:33 PM - ELECTION. David Busic, NTS president, elected 40th
general superintendent. Ballot 21: 648
needed; Busic 722, Crocker 166, Sunberg 22, Valvassoura 21, Ketchum 12.
3:45 PM - Meeting adjourned. Will reconvene at 7 PM.
7:02 PM - Session underway. Voting resumes with Ballot 22 for
GS.
7:15 PM - Ballot 22: 539 needed; Crocker 317, Sunberg 165,
Valvassoura 55, Broadbooks 49, Boone 31.
7:42 PM - Ballot 23: 593 needed; Crocker 390, Sunberg 188,
Broadbooks 73, Valvassoura 72, Boone 44.
8:01 PM - Ballot 24: 574 needed; Crocker 394, Sunberg 178,
Broadbooks 88, Valvassoura 76, Boone 44.
8:23 PM - Ballot 25: 645 needed; Crocker 451, Sunberg 168,
Broadbooks 134, Valvassoura 88, Boone 44.
8:29 PM - Delegates vote to extend session 30 minutes.
8:30 PM - Ballot 26: 650 needed; Crocker 498, Broadbooks 188,
Sunberg 107, Valvassoura 93, Boone 31.
8:51 PM - Ballot 27: 632 needed; Crocker 493, Broadbooks 235,
Valvassoura 107, Sunberg 46, Boone 18.
8:55 PM - Last ballot taken, the results of which won't be
announced until morning. First session is at 8:30 AM.
9:00 PM - Meeting adjourned.
Wednesday, June 26
8:25 AM - Offering totals released. Total raised at General
Assembly: US$209,712.05. Goal was $300,000.
8:32 AM - General Superintendent Emerita Nina G. Gunter brings a
devotional.
9:00 AM - Ballot 28 (taken last night): 656 needed; Crocker 472,
Broadbooks 285, Valvassoura 124, Sunberg 32, Boone 17.
9:10 AM - Lots of continued discussion on CA-709 (Manual
903.16). Note: This is about the language, not the stance. The denomination's
stance on the use of alcohol isn't changing.
9:24 AM - Ballot 29 (taken this morning): 634 needed; Crocker
444, Broadbooks 276, Valvassoura 107, Sunberg 47, Boone 16.
10:19 AM - Lots of talk about GA-323, which was eventually
adopted. Then a 10-minute break.
10:36 AM - Ballot 30: 648 needed; Crocker 420, Broadbooks 259,
Sunberg 107, Valvassoura 88, Boone 16.
10:58 AM - Ballot 31: 626 needed; Crocker 400, Broadbooks 198,
Sunberg 191, Valvassoura 67, Sarmiento 20.
11:15 AM - Ballot 32: 642 needed; Crocker 309, Sunberg 292,
Broadbooks 133, Valvassoura 59, Sarmiento 25.
11:22 AM - Ballot 33: 630 needed; Sunberg 390, Crocker 334,
Broadbooks 85, Sarmiento 44, Valvassoura 40.
11:26 AM - Ballot 34: 633 needed; Sunberg 463, Crocker 269,
Sarmiento 73, Broadbooks 46, Valvassoura 38.
11:31 AM - Ballot 35: 640 needed; Sunberg 510, Crocker 213,
Sarmiento 131, Broadbooks 24, Valvassoura 21.
11:36 AM - Ballot 36: 638 needed; Sunberg 515, Sarmiento 217,
Crocker 147, I. Fitzpatrick 18, Broadbooks 16.
12:00 PM - Ballot 37: 641 needed; Sunberg 483, Sarmiento 318,
Crocker 96, Fitzpatrick 18, Broadbooks 11.
12:03 PM - Lunch break. Will reconvene at 2 PM.
2:05 PM - Jesse C. Middendorf comments briefly on today's U.S.
Supreme Court decision, saying, "Frankly, I am not surprised. The church
is still the church. We still have work to do. We must be the salt &
light."
2:06 PM - Ballot 38: 641 needed; Sarmiento 420, Sunberg 392,
Crocker 79, Boone 18, Broadbooks 13.
2:15 PM - Ballot 39: 590 needed; Sarmiento 476, Sunberg 242 ,
Crocker 62, Boone 33, Ward 19.
2:29 PM - Ballot 40: 612 needed; Sarmiento 531, Sunberg 191,
Boone 67, Crocker 42, Ward 40.
2:42 PM - Ballot 41: 616 needed; Sarmiento 556, Sunberg 130,
Boone 115, Ward 46, Crocker 38.
2:43 PM - Middendorf stops to pray for the church and its
proceedings. The record for most ballots is up for debate, though it took 51
ballots until Stan Toler was elected in 2009. He was the fourth GS elected that
year, counting John Bowling, who declined a day after his election.
2:47 PM - Ballot 42: 630 needed; Sarmiento 575, Boone 182,
Sunberg 95, Ward 39, Crocker 32.
2:51 PM - Ballot 43: 631 needed; Sarmiento 572, Boone 259,
Sunberg 54, Ward 25, Crocker 16.
3:01 PM - Ballot 44: 631 needed; Sarmiento 565, Boone 288,
Sunberg 49, Crocker 18, Ward 11. (Some buzz in the room)
3:24 PM - Ballot 45: 629 needed; Sarmiento 531, Boone 300,
Sunberg 47, Crocker 32, Ward 8.
3:28 PM - Meeting adjourned. Installation service scheduled for
tonight was pushed back to Thursday evening. The assembly will meet tonight
from 7-8:30.
7:04 PM - Ballot 46 (last ballot before dinner/supper break):
629 needed; Sarmiento 480, Boone 302, Crocker 79, Sunberg 53.
7:10 PM - Olivet President John Bowling suggests delegates do
three things: 1. Step across aisle to get to know someone to help promote
unity, which he felt was fading, 2. Kneel in prayer, 3. Hit "re-start
button" on voting intentions, stating that some may be voting against a
candidate rather than for a candidate they feel is best. It was all delivered
and met well. Trying to re-establish authenticity if it was missing. BGS
agrees. This was followed by a prayer from G.S. Emeritus Paul Cunningham.
7:21 PM - Trevecca President Dan Boone removes his name as a
candidate. Cites peace and purpose at Trevecca.
7:38 PM - Ballot 47: 580 needed; Sarmiento 417, Crocker 183,
Sunberg 154, Broadbooks 33, Vassel 20.
7:46 PM - Ballot 48: 602 needed; Sarmiento 368, Crocker 213,
Sunberg 200, Broadbooks 40, Vassel 18.
7:52 PM - Ballot 49: 605 needed; Crocker 264, Sarmiento 256,
Sunberg 255, Broadbooks 51, J. Seaman 21.
8:09 PM - Ballot 50: 608 needed; Crocker 338, Sunberg 288,
Sarmiento 159, Broadbooks 54, J. Seaman 25.
8:13 PM - Ballot 51: 610 needed; Crocker 442, Sunberg 290,
Sarmiento 81, Broadbooks 41, J. Seaman 24.
8:25 PM - Ballot 52: 613 needed; Crocker 551, Sunberg 253,
Sarmiento 40, Broadbooks 28, J. Seaman 13.
8:28 PM - After voting to extend session until an election is
reached, it is capped at 10 PM if needed. Previous motion failed to - if no
election tonight - in the morning candidates would be narrowed down to five,
three, then two on each ballot. Again, that failed because a 2/3 vote wasn't
reached. It was close to 50/50.
8:53 PM - Ballot 53: ELECTION. Gustavo Crocker elected the 41st
general superintendent. 630 needed; Crocker 636, Sunberg 253, Sarmiento 40,
Broadbooks 28.
9:06 PM - Meeting adjourned. Installation service at 7 p.m.
Thursday evening.
For the final ballot results graph, click here.
-------
2. Kenya mall attack affects Nazarene families
A Somali terrorist group armed with guns and grenades attacked
the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, taking dozens of
hostages. Kenya security forces regained control of the building on Monday
afternoon and the conflict officially ended Tuesday evening, four days after it
began.
Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Tuesday 61 civilians, six
security officers, and five terrorists were killed. According to the Red Cross,
175 people were injured as of Tuesday and 59 were missing as of Friday. Dozens
more bodies are believed to be buried under the mall's three floors that
collapsed Tuesday.
Don Gardner, Church of the Nazarene Africa East Field strategy
coordinator, gave the following update:
Our hearts are heavy during the ongoing crisis in Nairobi. Heavy
for Kenya, those who have lost loved ones, and for the way this event will
change the way we perceive life and security in Kenya. We grieve with those who
have lost loved ones. We are praying for the survivors.
We have learned that two members of our church have lost loved
ones. Although the situation is very difficult and tense, Kenyans are strong
and are determined this won't slow them down. Thousands are donating blood at
various hospitals and Red Cross centers all over Kenya. Spontaneous volunteers
are on site cooking breakfast and tea for the soldiers, police, and journalists
who are faithfully holding their positions.
All Nazarene nationals and missionaries are safe. Several have
given blood, according to their posts on Facebook and Twitter.
Prayer is requested for those affected. Additional information
will be posted as it is made available.
-------
3. Nazarene heads to Super Bowl
Billy Bajema, a member of Oklahoma City Trinity Church of the
Nazarene, will play in Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday,
February 3.
"It is a dream come true," he said in an interview
with Scout.com. "It's the stuff you dream about when you are a little kid
playing in the back yard."
Bajema, a 30-year-old blocking tight end, joined the Ravens in
August 2012 after spending three season with the St. Louis Rams. A product of
Oklahoma State University, Bajema was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the
seventh round of the 2005 draft. He played the first four years of his career
with the 49ers before moving to the Rams in 2009.
He played in eight games for the Ravens this season and was on
the active roster for their win over New England in the AFC Championship Game.
His role in the offense is to provide blocking help for Baltimore's running
game. While that means he doesn't accumulate offensive stats, he is helping the
team through his unique role.
"To actually be there after my first seven years, never
being on a team that was anywhere close, and coming out here, kind of last
minute in training camp, it has been an exciting ride," he said.
The Ravens will face off against Bajema's former team, the San
Francisco 49ers, in the Super Bowl — one of the world's most-watch sporting
events.
"It is a special feeling to go against one of your old
teams," he told Scout.com. "A lot of guys making plays for them are
guys that I started out with."
Bajema, who wears No. 86, is active in community service and
recently co-authored a book with Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent
Stan A. Toler. The book, Minute Motivators for Athletes, is a part of Toler's
Minute Motivators series.
-------
4. Nazarene logo download information
General Assembly participants witnessed the unveiling of the
first official logo for the Church of the Nazarene on June 20. Since that time,
numerous emails inquiring about download information were received.
The logo is available in multiple languages at
nazarene.org/logo. A usage guide is available, as are additional downloads such
as desktop wallpapers, Facebook cover photos, and now priority card files.
Also, while the response has been largely positive, some
questions about the logo were received via Twitter and Facebook. Three are
addressed below.
1. I thought the seal was the official logo of the Church of the
Nazarene.
The seal is a part of the corporate identity of the Church of
the Nazarene. Former General Secretary B. Edgar Johnson knew the denomination
needed an emblem to identify Church of the Nazarene documents, and his creation
is perhaps the most visually recognizable mark of the Church of the Nazarene.
2. What is the difference between the seal and the logo?
The new logo is more about identifying the "brand" of
the Church of the Nazarene. The elements of the logo, save for the cross, were
all taken from the seal. The Bible, the flame, and the dove are iconic
representations of the denomination’s theological identity.
The Bible is the authority for all matters pertaining to
Christian life.
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and points to Nazarenes’
appreciation for the third person of the Trinity.
The flame represents the cleansing, transforming power of the Spirit
in a believer’s life.
3. Why isn't "Holiness Unto The Lord" on the new logo?
There is a difference between a logo and a corporate seal. The
seal captures the official characteristics of the denomination and will
continue to be used widely.
On the other hand, logos visually express the central elements
of a brand. A logo does not communicate every single detail associated with the
institution. This is one of the reasons the seal is not being replaced.
When the Church of the Nazarene is represented, leaders believe
it is important for the world to know that the denomination holds to the
authority of Scripture, the efficacy of the cross of Christ, and the promise
and potential inherent in the flame of Pentecost through the ministry of the
Holy Spirit.
To download the logo and/or introductory video, go to
nazarene.org/logo.
http://nazarene.org/identity
-------
5. Tornado rips through Oklahoma City; Nazarenes respond
Several tornadoes touched down in the U.S. Midwest this week,
causing considerable, and in some cases catastrophic damage. The most severely
affected area is Moore, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City.
An EF-5 tornado struck Moore on Monday afternoon, leaving a
trail of destruction 1.3 miles wide and 17 miles long. Oklahoma Emergency
Management reports the tornado obliterated or damaged 2,400 homes and directly
affected about 10,000 people.
Authorities believe the death toll will stand at 24, citing the
16-minute warning time for the relatively low count.
Two area elementary schools, Plaza Towers and Briarwood,
sustained significant damage. At least seven children were killed.
Moore Church of the Nazarene, located about two miles from the
destruction zone, sustained some roof damage and the steeple was blown off into
the church yard.
Approximately 10 Nazarene families lost their homes, including
three from Norman Community Church of the Nazarene. Three other Nazarene
families' homes are now uninhabitable.
The Fallwells, a family from Calvary Church of the Nazarene,
shared their survival story with the CBS Evening News. (Click here for their
story.)
Southern Nazarene University, located in the Oklahoma City
suburb of Bethany, reported several families with university ties lost their
homes and possessions.
Nazarene response
Churches and individuals throughout the denomination continue to
make monetary and physical item donations to tornado relief efforts.
"Our churches, as we have expected, have responded
overwhelmingly... both in manpower and resources," said Oklahoma District
Superintendent Terry Rowland. "We have been receiving calls from Maryland
to California, literally."
Oklahoma City Trinity Church of the Nazarene is the designated
relief resource center for the denomination's Southwest Oklahoma and Oklahoma
districts. The church currently serves as an emergency shelter.
Among the many churches responding to the disaster, churches in
Arizona donated more than 800 Crisis Care Kits, the Chicago Central District
delivered 60 boxes of kits, and an additional 135 boxes were donated by the
Oklahoma District, West Texas District, and Oklahoma City First Church of the
Nazarene.
ThornCreek Church of the Nazarene in Thornton, Colorado, is
accepting furniture and monetary donations through May 29. American Furniture
Warehouse, the largest furniture store in Colorado, is providing a semitruck,
driver, and gas to take the furniture load to Moore on May 30.
Through the support of Nazarenes around the world, repairs began
early at the Moore church. Volunteers are working so the church can hold
services this Sunday.
Leaders continue to hear stories of individuals sacrificing for
the sake of others. A medic from OKC Trinity church helped pull children from
the rubble at Plaza Towers Elementary School. A Nazarene pastor's wife
sustained injuries as she shielded children at an elementary school. She is now
recovering at home.
"It is so heartening to have people who will put aside all
kinds of things and join together because they believe that people
matter," said Southwest Oklahoma District Superintendent Jim Cooper.
"They are motivated by this deep down longing to see the church be
valuable in society and to be seen as the people we truly are, people who are
accepting and really care."
General Superintendent Stan A. Toler, a longtime resident of and
former pastor in Oklahoma City, traveled to the area on Tuesday with a Nazarene
Compassionate Ministries team. (Click here for a related video, click here for
photo slideshow.)
<iframe
src="http://medialibrary.nazarene.org/media/oklahoma-city-tornado-2013/embed_player?iframe=True"
mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen"
webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"
allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="225"
scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Heart to Heart International dispatched its Mobile Medical Unit
to Moore on Monday. Click here to read about two MidAmerica Nazarene University
alumni's efforts with Heart to Heart.
Southern Nazarene University is collecting plastic storage tubs
for salvaged belongings and gift cards in small amounts to companies such as
Visa, Target, and Walmart, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University's WNZR 90.9 FM
held a fundraiser on Friday.
Abbey Felter, a member of Olathe College Church of the Nazarene,
collected three box trucks of supplies through the Olathe loves Oklahoma
Facebook page.
Additional efforts are centered on the affected cities of Carney
and Shawnee, Oklahoma.
"We have focused in on helping Carney and Shawnee a great
deal because those are areas we can address," Rowland said. "We are
going in and cleaning up debris, cutting down trees, getting everything ready
to start to rebuild, and to clean everything out for them."
How to help
Persons and churches wishing to make a monetary donation can do
so online through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org.
Checks can be marked "ACM1041" and mailed to:
Global Treasury Services
PO Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184
In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Crisis Care Kits sent before May 28 should be shipped to:
Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene
Attn: Tamara Hewes
4400 NW Expessway
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116
After May 28, Crisis Care Kits should be sent to NCM's CCK
warehouses. For more information, click here.
To volunteer your time for relief efforts, visit
serve.nazarene.org. Teams are not allowed in the area at this time, but will be
provided with more instructions in the coming days.
-------
6. Heaviest rains on record hit Philippines
After four days of monsoon rains exacerbated by Tropical Storm
Maring (Trami), Nazarene Disaster Response personnel from the Philippine Field
Office and district leaders assessed flood damage on Wednesday evening.
This week's rainfall exceeded any previous storm on record for
the Philippines. Approximately 600 millimeters of rain (about 23 inches) fell
on Sunday, the first day. Previously, the heaviest rainfall on record was in
2009 when Typhoon Ketsana dropped 455 mm of rain (about 18 inches) in 24 hours.
During the storm's highpoint, about 60 percent of the capitol,
Manila, was submerged. Reynaldo Balido, a spokesman for the National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Council, reported on Thursday that at least 18
people died and nearly 600,000 were displaced.
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is situated on higher
ground to the east of Manila and was spared significant flooding.
A Nazarene pastor in a barangay (town) of Bacao, Cavite
Province, said an entire neighborhood with more than 30 Nazarene families was
particularly devastated. Many of their homes were destroyed as flood waters
rose to above shoulder level.
The Nazarene Disaster Response Team in coordination with
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and GMA and Bagong Bayan Church of the
Nazarene members arrived in the town with bags of relief supplies and fresh
drinking water. The team also shared the gospel and addressed emotional and
spiritual needs.
Team members arrived on scene Thursday morning. Children
gathered together for a time of singing and sharing of the gospel. Response
team youth divided the children into groups and helped them work through a
prepared packet that involved coloring pictures of how they felt before the
flood and how they felt after the flood. The children found comfort in new
friends who wanted to hear their story.
Meanwhile, Pastor Johnrey, a recent graduate of Asia-Pacific
Nazarene Theological Seminary who pastors an organized church and two church
plants, met with the parents of the children. He explained why the team was
there and that it was because of the love of Christ that others would come and
share with them. More than 60 families received relief supplies.
"This will be a good impact to our community, to help bring
the gospel," Johnrey said. "We are building a bridge to the community."
Johnrey coordinated relief efforts with barangay leaders, who
were appreciative of the involvement and concern of the Church of the Nazarene,
not just in bringing relief supplies, but in meeting the emotional needs of the
children.
Southern Tagalog District churches partnered to provide school
supplies to children who lost everything in the flood. The churches will assist
with the reconstruction of the well in Bacao that was destroyed, impacting at
least 1,500 affected families who live in that community.
Later in the day, the response team assessed other damaged areas
of the barangay. The team will return on Saturday with members of several local
Nazarene churches to help the families clean up and rebuild their homes and
lives.
The flooding comes on the heels of Typhoon Labuyo, which made
landfall in the northern Philippines on August 12. Nazarene Disaster Response,
in partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, provided relief supplies
to Nazarene families impacted by that storm.
Prayer is requested for the people of the Philippines and for
the Nazarene families impacted. More information will be posted as it is made
available.
How to help
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can do so online
through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org.
To send donations by mail, make checks payable to "General
Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put ACM1637 – Philippine Flood Relief in the Memo
area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene
Canada" and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put ACM1637 – Philippine Flood Relief in the Memo area.--Church
of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Contributors: Mark and Jasmin Eugenio
-------
7. Nazarene missionary physician receives American Medical
Association award
Dr. Becky Morsch, director of Nazarene Health Ministry's
Community Based Health Care program in Papua New Guinea, was recently honored
by the American Medical Association (AMA). Morsch is the recipient of the Dr.
Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine, which "recognizes physicians
whose influence reach the international patient population and change the
future of their medical care," according to a notification letter from the
AMA.
Morsch will be honored at an awards dinner on February 11 in
Washington, D.C., and the Community Based Health Care program will receive a
grant of $2,500.
"When I realized this was for real, I felt shocked,
honored, humbled, and unworthy, for I knew that every doctor at Kudjip Nazarene
Hospital was more worthy of the award than I was," Morsch said. "Now
I feel that this award is for everyone that makes CBHC happen and keeps me on
the field, but mostly an acknowledgement of what happens when God uses ordinary
people."
Missionary Carolyn Myatt started CBHC first in India and then in
Papua New Guinea. The program was designed to meet proper hygiene and basic
medical care needs for remote villages, where hospitals could not reach.
The program trains local villagers - particularly women, to
address their own health care needs through disease prevention, low-risk birth
practices, and the use of prenatal care, as well as improving environmental
contributions to illness.
Morsch first began her work with CBHC as a short-term volunteer
in Washim, India, at Reynolds Memorial Hospital, assisting Myatt. It was
through this experience that Morsch realized her call to medical missions.
Engage magazine worked with the Church of the Nazarene's
Asia-Pacific Region communications team to talk with Morsch about her reaction
to this honor, and how she came to be involved as a missionary physician with
CBHC. Click here to read more.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Related: A Doctor's Dream
-------
8. Africa leaders past, present reflect on Mandela's legacy
The Church of the Nazarene mourns with those in South Africa and
around the world upon the passing of former South Africa President Nelson
Mandela on Thursday.
Filimao M. Chambo, Eugenio R. Duarte, and J. Fred Huff, all of
whom have served as Africa Region directors for the Church of the Nazarene,
gave their thoughts on the passing of Mandela. Directors for the denomination's
Africa Region are based in the Johannesburg, South Africa, regional office.
Chambo, a native of Mozambique and the current Africa Region
director, learned about Mandela as a student.
"When I was in grade 10, my history teacher said, 'Nelson
Mandela is a prisoner for the right cause.' He added, 'Mandela is fighting for
justice and the freedom of African people. One day, someday, the Lord will hear
our prayers and we will know what it means to live in freedom.' My history
teacher influenced me to read about Mandela. To date, I read a lot about
Mandela. My special interest has been on his leadership style. I strive to
follow a lot of Mandela's leadership principles.
"The greatest influence of Nelson Mandela in my life has
been on the issue of forgiveness. After 27 years of imprisonment, he chose not
to retaliate. He has helped me have a better understanding of what it means to
forgive one's enemies. Mandela did not only forgive but he influenced the
nation of South Africa and the world to embrace one another and value other
people independently of their background and race.
"I salute President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. One of the
greatest leaders I have ever known. A life well lived. A man who lived and
demonstrated what forgiveness should look like.
"While the news of his passing saddens me, I celebrate his
life and positive influence. It is my prayer that Africans will emulate Mandela
and strive to live in peace with one another.
"May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
his family, the South African nation, and the world as we mourn the passing of
one of the greatest son's of Africa," Chambo said.
Duarte, the first African (Cape Verde) general superintendent
for the Church of the Nazarene, was Africa regional director from 2006 to 2009
before being elected to the denomination's highest office.
"Mandela's life portrayed excellence in balancing courage
with wisdom and in blending justice with peace," Duarte said. "Our
world could be a better place if more of us would learn from his humble and yet
solid ways.
"The passing of Mandela makes me try to imagine this world
with a few more born or made Mandela-type change agents in the hands of our
holy, loving God!"
Huff, current district superintendent for New Mexico, USA, and
Africa regional director from 2000 to 2006, had the opportunity to meet
Mandela.
"On a speaking trip away from South Africa, the Huffs
(myself, [wife] Dinah, [son] Shane, and [daughter] Jaime) were privileged to
meet then President Nelson Mandela," Fred said. "We were able to tell
him about the work of the Church of the Nazarene on the continent of Africa and
to assure him of the prayers of Nazarenes for him and the country of South
Africa. I was saddened to learn of his passing."
For more information on the Church of the Nazarene in Africa,
see africanazarene.org.
-------
9. Illinois pastor experiences 'healing miracle' after receiving
third-degree burns
Pastor Steve Cecil of the Decatur, Illinois, West Side Church of
the Nazarene got more than he bargained for while attempting to light his gas
fireplace on a cold November day.
"During the cooler months, I begin my day at the fireplace
where I have my personal prayer time," Cecil said. "[On November 2],
the fireplace malfunctioned and would not ignite. I could hear the gas flowing
and heard the fireplace trying to ignite, but nothing was happening. I adjusted
the gas flow several times, but still there was no flame. After several
minutes, I decided to forget it. As I reached in to turn off the gas, it
ignited."
A large ball of fire emerged, and flames struck Cecil in the
face, neck, chest, and arms.
"I was in some of the most intense pain I have ever
experienced," he said.
His wife, Peggy, heard the ignition and ran downstairs. She
rushed Cecil to the emergency room, where staff wrapped his burns in a wet
compress. After about five hours, doctors determined Cecil needed further
treatment at a burn center in Springfield, located about 45 minutes from the
emergency room.
"Although I was given heavy-duty medication for pain, I was
still hurting greatly when they loaded me into the ambulance for the trip to
Springfield," he said. "By the time I was transferred to the burn
center, a lot of people had been notified of my situation and were
praying."
Cecil also prayed, but not for his recovery.
"In the ambulance, I was praying for God to somehow use
this situation for His glory and affirmed to Him that no matter how this turned
out, I am totally His," Cecil said. "In the back of that ambulance,
God gave me a peace that defies description and I knew He was riding with me."
Upon arrival in Springfield, doctors removed Cecil's bandages
and were surprised by what they found.
"Instead of third-degree burns, an extended stay in the
burn center, and all the trauma that accompanies such an ordeal, the plastic
surgeon who took care of me in Springfield said I have first-degree burns, gave
me medication, showed Peggy how to care for my wounds, and sent us home,"
Cecil said. "My wife shared that shortly before I was loaded into the
ambulance, while adjusting the bandages on my face, she saw large blisters on
my bright red face. Having seen this added to her shock when they unwrapped my
wounds in Springfield and my face was only slightly red and nearly all the
blisters were gone."
At his second burn center appointment this week, Cecil's doctors
were amazed at his progress.
"My wounds have totally healed," he said. "They
no longer need to see me. Nearly two weeks after the accident, I have several
scars from the ordeal, yet most who know what happened are stunned when they
see me. I was in church this past Sunday morning and heard many comments that
you cannot tell I was ever in a fire."
Cecil is confident his improvement was only possible through
divine intervention.
"I experienced a healing miracle from God," he said.
"I praise Jesus Christ for His powerful, healing touch. It has escalated
my faith and reminded me there is nothing too hard for my God. I am humbled and
in awe that God would touch and heal me in this way. I can hardly wait to see
what He has in store for us in the days ahead!"
The fireplace is being repaired and Cecil will continue holding
his morning prayer times there.
-------
10. 'I am a churchman' (Gustavo Crocker's GS acceptance speech)
Gustavo A. Crocker, Eurasia regional director, was elected the
41st general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene.
Crocker addressed the assembly.
Your vote is a demonstration that grace exists. I could give you
a list of reasons why I am the most unlikely person to fill the office of
general superintendency for the Church of the Nazarene. I could give you a
list. In fact, that list could become part of my resume one day of the reasons
why not.
A boy, from the small town of San Jeronimo in Guatemala was a
candidate to be aborted because of poverty, but his mother chose to keep the
eighth child. And because this woman believed, thanks to the teachings of the
Church of the Nazarene, and the sanctity of life, I was carried through.
I'm very delighted because my journey has not been the most fine
path that any person could have in the journey to leadership in the church.
As I was meditating with the Lord, I gave the Lord my list of
reasons and he said to me that I was right.
[Laughter]
And I said to Him like Gideon once, what can the youngest of
this poor family of the weakest clan of Guatemala do for the Kingdom? And he
said, "You can do nothing – unless I am with you."
And all I can do is ask you to pray that the Lord who called me
as I was threshing wheat in the winepress to keep it from the Midianites, that
that God is going to protect me, anoint me, and give me the wisdom to serve Him
and all I can say to you is that I have made mine the mission statement of our
Lord. For the Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to
preach the good news to the poor; to proclaim Jesus, our Jubilee.
A week ago there were rumors about a potential election and
knowing that I had bought my tickets twice for a roller coaster season called
General Assembly, I did not know and I did not prepare a speech.
I was wondering what my answer was going to be. It was not until
tonight as we went on our knees that both my wife and I – sitting in different
sides of this auditorium – received the very same message from the Lord:
"Give it all and serve all for me."
I don't want to ask you to go through the night with the agony
of what I'm going to say tomorrow, for I promised the Lord on my knees that
whatever the church was going to say, I would say "yes," for I am a
churchman.
[Applause]
Nazarene by choice, Guatemalan by birth, global by ministry.
May the Lord be with you.
[Applause]
The NCN Global News Summary contains the latest Nazarene news
and is delivered to inboxes every Friday. For your complimentary subscription,
go to ncnnews.com/subscribe.
-------
Contact us:
Nazarene Communications Network
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66220 United States
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment