Guinea Bissau receives land donation for first Nazarene school
Nazarene missionary Mario Martínez recently received one hectare of land for the construction of the first Nazarene school in Guinea Bissau.
The donation was made by various chiefs of tabankas (villages). The property is in the Uabe village, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the capital, Bissau.
Leaders plan to build a multifunctional church building. Monday through Friday it will serve as classrooms divided by mobile partitions, and on Saturdays and Sundays it will be used for services. It will also house a literacy program for adults, among other community programs.
Since the project is a partnership program between the church and community, members of the community will find materials such as sand, rock, lumber, and labor, among other things. The day of the donation, women and
children began to find and store up sand.
"When I saw some of the children finding sand for the construction of the school, I couldn't hold back the tears," Martínez said. "I can't wait for a school close by and to not have to walk many kilometers! At that moment I told God in my heart to increase our faith and vision that we may see beyond our limitations and lack of resources."
Leaders are creating a program called Sponsor a Teacher. Martínez dreams of a network of schools in the rural areas where children walk five to 10 kilometers to attend school or are unable to attend because of the lack of schools.
For more information on how to pray or to become part of the project, contact Mario Martínez at igrejadonazarenoguineabissau@gmail.com.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
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Missouri churches form new congregation
Following an exhaustive due diligence process and with the overwhelming support of church members and leadership, two Springfield churches are partnering to become one church. Effective April 1, Springfield First Church of the Nazarene and Springfield Community Church of the Nazarene will combine to become One Life Church of the Nazarene.
Last summer, Springfield Community church was approached by an outside group about selling the church's property at 2616 East Battlefield in Springfield. Deciding it was the right time to make a move, the church members voted unanimously to sell the property, which is now home to The Venues.
"God provided a buyer for our property when we weren't actively looking for one," said Jeremy Henderson, lead pastor at Springfield Community church. "The sale of our property opened doors to an exciting new future,
although that future was completely unknown by us at the time."
The sale of the property meant changes for the church-operated Grace Towne Preschool & Daycare, as the new church location could not facilitate childcare operations.
While Springfield Community church was working through the process of selling their property, Springfield First church was putting the finishing touches on a new Children's Ministry Center, designed from the initial plans to
be able to operate as a daycare and preschool.
"Knowing about our new facility, Pastor Jeremy approached me and asked if we would be interested in assuming operation of their daycare," said Brandin Melton, lead pastor at Springfield First church. "The timing of this conversation was huge for the ministry we believe God has called us to in providing high quality, Christ-centered early childhood education."
Under the leadership of Springfield First church and through the generosity of Springfield Community church, Kids-Connection Preschool & Daycare officially opened on January 2 with the entire Grace Towne staff and many of the students making the transition to the current location of 3245 South Kansas Avenue.
As leadership from each church worked together to make the daycare transition a success, an even greater vision of partnership began to emerge.
"It quickly became clear that both churches share a heartbeat for loving and serving the people of Springfield and the surrounding communities," Melton said.
The churches began exploring a partnership beyond the daycare.
"We began to wonder if we could accomplish what God wants us to do in our city more effectively together than we could as separate churches," Henderson said. "As we continued to explore and pray, the answer became clear that we would be better together."
Following unanimous votes from each leadership board to move forward, the plan to merge as One Life Church became official on March 9 with a more than 90 percent favorable vote by members from each church.
Both churches have been building a reputation of service within the Ozarks that will not be changed by this partnership.
"We want people to see One Life Church as a group of Jesus followers who are actively loving our neighbors and making a difference in our communities," Henderson said. "Whether it is our ongoing Be the Church Nights or SFN's annual free garage sale, we see this partnership as an opportunity to greatly increase our service to the community."
The combining of membership, staff, and resources charts a new course for the Church of the Nazarene in Springfield, with a history that dates back to 1928.
"With the staff and leadership team that will result from this partnership and the mission-minded members of each congregation, I believe this is just the beginning of some extremely exciting days ahead," Melton said.
One Life Church will celebrate its first service at 10:05 a.m. on April 6 at 3245 South Kansas Avenue with the community invited to attend. More information about One Life Church can be found at 417onelife.com or (417)882-5992.--NCN News submissions via One Life Church
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Southern Africa Nazarene University honours Jerry Lambert
Southern Africa Nazarene University, in collaboration with Strategic Applications International, held an event to honour former Church of the Nazarene Education Commissioner Jerry Lambert for his contribution to the
establishment of the university.
This event took place at university's Manzini campus in the Faculty of Health Sciences Auditorium. Local and international Church of the Nazarene leaders along with SANU administration, faculty, and staff attended the event. Dean of Theology Collen Magagula opened the event with a devotion and prayer, noting exciting developments that occurred since Lambert became involved with the school. The Faculty of Education and Faculty of Theology students provided music.3
Special guests included Elliot Shongwe, a former principal of the Nazarene Teacher Training College; Dr. Samuel Hynd, former minister of Health, and his daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Hynd; Cranmer M. Magagula, former
Nazarene schools manager; F. L. Mabundza, schools manager; Stephenson Ngubane, Swaziland Railways managing director; Leonard Dlamini, Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital administrator; Dr. Bitchong, RFM Hospital chief medical officer; and Timothy T. Dlamini, National Board deputy chairman.
E. Ndwandwe, chairman of the Board of Governors, welcomed all those who attended the function.
Speaking through Pro Vice Chancellor for Administration Bonga Nkosi, Ndwandwe noted that the function was an appreciation of teamwork and long-standing collaboration, including developments in the RFM Hospital,
from before the Nazarene Higher Education Consortium launch (2007), through the SANU launch (2010) to date.
Representing Strategic Applications International was Colleen Copple. SAI, founded by James and Colleen Copple, enables organizations and institutions around the world to realize their mission by building their capacity or mobilising resources.
Colleen said SAI was grateful to Lambert for linking the organization with SANU. In response, SANU Vice Chancellor Winnie Nhlengethwa noted that Lambert, leading a six member team of experts, came to Swaziland to hear about the SANU vision from the local church leaders.
"Dr Lambert, during this dialogue, listened to all our needs, and then went across the globe to link us with individuals and institutions within the church to support the vision," she said.
She continued by explaining that since then, resources have been pouring in to the school. The resources Lambert helped the university obtain have multiplied to benefit the RFM Hospital and Nazarene and government clinics. Nhlengethwa said local Nazarene churches and neighbouring communities have also benefited through the Swaziland Partnership and Coca-Cola Foundation. She said this kind gesture provided the communities access to clean water and quality health care services. Lastly, Nhlengethwa said SANU is now fully established and growing on all fronts, and has become an internationally renowned university. The
vice chancellor closed the occasion by presenting a gift to Lambert on behalf of SANU.
In his acceptance speech, Lambert noted his appreciation of the gesture and emphasised that to succeed, the church needed to work in unity. He further noted that God has magnificent future plans for the university and urged the church to work together to support the university. To the students, he emphasised the importance of hard work and focus in taking advantage of the opportunity to study in a Christian environment. He then
challenged the students, as future leaders, to look at what the leaders of their university and the church are modelling, as they will be the ones who take over in the future.
The function was closed in prayer led by Rickson Nkhata, head of the theology degree programmes.
Lambert is the current chancellor of Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya, and is originally from Oklahoma.--Southern Africa Nazarene University
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MNU's run ends in Fab Four
No. 8-seed Emmanuel College (Georgia) held off MidAmerica Nazarene University, 76-72, Monday evening in the semifinal round of the 2014 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium.
The Lions (33-3) advanced to their first-ever national championship game after losing in the first round of the team’s previous three tournament appearances. The Pioneers (26-11) lost in the Fab Four for the second time, falling to Columbia (Missouri) in the 2009 semifinal round, 60-56. MNU won the national championship as a Division II competitor in 2007 and finished as a Division II finalist in 2001.4 Patrick McCrary hit three of four free throws in the final 14 seconds to hold off a second-half charge by the Pioneers. The Lions held a 67-59 lead with 5:20 to play, but MNU evened the score at 70-70 on a lay-up by
Nick Syrie with 2:27 remaining.
McCrary put Emmanuel back on top with a putback on the next possession, followed by a free throw by Adrian Justice after an offensive foul was called on the Pioneers’ Nick Syrie. Conner Langrehr missed a three-pointer on the next possession, but Michael Stanley turned the ball over with 1:02 to play. MNU cut it to one with 15 seconds to play on a bucket by Nate Launius, prompting a foul on McCrary.
MNU had a chance to go ahead trailing by two after McCrary made one of his two attempts at the line, but Langrehr missed a three-pointer and McCrary put the game away with two more free throws.
"I’m sorry someone had to lose tonight," said Emmanuel head coach TJ Rosene. "Their fans were so good.
Their guys are so classy. I’m glad that we won, but sorry that they had to lose. But, we’re excited to be (in the national championship game)."
The Emmanuel defense was the story in the first half, limiting MNU to 10 of 29 shooting (.345) and forcing nine turnovers. The Pioneers missed their first eight field goal attempts and were unable to connect from the field until David Clark recorded a successful putback at the 14:48 mark.
The Lions scored 12 points off turnovers in the opening twenty minutes, including a steal by Adrian Justice that set up a lay-up by Michael Stanley for a 27-19 lead with 4:47 to go until halftime. Emmanuel would hold a 10-
point cushion with 1:32 until intermission, but David Clark and Nick Syrie scored on the final two possessions of the half for MNU, respectively, for a six-point margin.
Michael Stanley led all scorers with 20 points to go along with nine rebounds and four steals for Emmanuel, hitting 10 of 13 free throws to spearhead a 24 of 30 effort (.800) at the line for the Lions. McCrary finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, Justice chipped in with 12 points, and Johan Pennerat added 10 points.
"I’m so proud of my seniors," said MNU head coach Rocky Lamar, who coached in his sixth Fab Four game with four of those games coming when the Pioneers competed in NAIA Division II. "Luke Thomas didn’t want it to end, and Conner Langrehr… I thought that last shot was in. We knew he’d shoot it if he touched it and
we’ll take that chance every time."
Syrie finished with 17 points and seven assists for MNU, which shot 58.6 percent (17 of 29) from the field in the second half. Luke Thomas recorded 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Langrehr and David Clark each chipped in with 11 points. Brandon Newton scored all 10 of his points at the free throw line for the Pioneers.
The Lions lost to No. 6-seeded Vanguard (California) in the championship game on Tuesday, 70-65.
Game notes:
MidAmerica Nazarene–Luke Thomas recorded his NAIA-leading 30th double-double of the season, posting a double-double in all four tournament games and 11-straight games to finish the season … The Pioneers fell to 8-4 all-time in the Division I national championship in four appearances after posting a 23-12 mark in 13 trips to the NAIA Division II National Championship … MNU finished the season winning 17 of its final 21 games after starting the season 9-7 … Thomas finished his career with averages of 16.0 points and 11.9 rebounds in eight games in the national championship.--NAIA Video Highlights
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National Association of Evangelicals holds spring meeting at Global Ministry Center
The National Association of Evangelicals recently held its spring meeting at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center.
"It was a tremendous privilege for us to host the NAE Board of Director meetings," said David P. Wilson, general secretary for the Church of the Nazarene. "We work very closely on issues relative to the evangelical5
church."
The NAE represents more than 45,000 churches from 40 denominations and serves a constituency of millions.
The Church of the Nazarene is the second largest denomination in the association.
"Historically, the Church of the Nazarene has played a significant role in the association," Wilson said. "People at the GMC put their best foot forward. The members that attended were impressed with the hospitality and with the facility."
Olathe, Kansas, College Church of the Nazarene hosted a plenary session that was too large to hold at the GMC.
"Our thanks to College Church and their staff for their assistance," Wilson said.
During the meeting, Wilson gave an overview of the denomination. He was elected as a member-at-large and a member of the Executive Committee. As the current chair of the Board of General Superintendents, David W. Graves serves as the denominational representative.
Since 1942, the NAE has spoken as a united voice for millions of U.S. evangelicals who take the Bible seriously and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. According to the NAE website, the group brings together Calvinist, Arminian, Wesleyan, Anabaptist, and Charismatic traditions and holds "a commitment to dynamic unity that works toward a vision of all things made new, of all God's people reconciled, and of a lost world saved."
The Church of the Nazarene has been an NAE member since 1984.--General Secretary's Office
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Additional NCNNews.com Stories This WeekRegional News
Africa
Ask the missionary: What are the don'ts for missionaries?
Rachelle "Shelly" Miller is a missionary who serves with her husband, Ronald, on the Africa Region. She recently spoke with Global Mission's Engage magazine about her experience as a missionary in a new culture.
Question: What are some things that we shouldn't do as missionaries? -- Jimmy Claros
This question sort of makes me cringe. I must answer it very carefully as you do not want to offend past missionaries, but I think that anyone who does not learn from the mistakes of the past is, perhaps, committing one of the "don'ts."
I was in a really great position for my first four years on the mission field. I was very young (fresh out of college) and I was a volunteer, which afforded me some freedoms that perhaps a contracted missionary family does not have. I have said this before and I will say it again: if you can, volunteer for a long-term project in a world area that pulls at your heart strings. Being a volunteer is wonderful, rewarding, and so educational for you. But I digress... Being a volunteer for four years, I had the opportunity to observe a lot of missionaries. I have also been in Africa and around missionaries for over 13 years. I have seen a lot of missionaries come and go and have, thus, observed some things that may or may not contribute to longevity on the field as well as happiness on the field.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
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GMC Flags of the Nations: Nigeria
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 174,507,539 in 2013. That same year, Nigeria reported 65 Churches of the Nazarene, 48 of which had been officially organized. Nigeria has 7,777 total members.
Nigeria is on the Africa Region. It has two Phase 2 districts.
For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:
Argentina
Aruba
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Guatemala
Germany
Ghana
Guam
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Conakry
Guyana
Haiti
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Liberia
Madagascar Mali
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Paraguay
Peru
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = 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.
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Asia-Pacific
Metro Manila District pledges 10 boats for Typhoon Haiyan relief Super Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, struck the central Philippines on November 8, leaving an
unprecedented path of destruction. Many Nazarenes who rely on fishing for income found their boats destroyed and their livelihoods gone.
During a visit to the typhoon zone, members of the Metro Manila District witnessed the need for livelihood restoration and pledged their support. Bobet Cruz, a layman from Antipolo First Church of the Nazarene, a suburb of Manila, conceptualized and resourced a simple motorized boat. The project was presented to the district and funds were raised for 10 boats. The Japan District partnered to provide additional boats.
A group of men from three churches on the Metro Manila District gathered this month for test runs of the first prototype. The boat performed well and some minor adjustments were made. Large scale boat building began at the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary campus and upon completion, the boats will be shipped down to those hardest-hit areas of the central Philippines.
To watch a video on this story and others, visit the World Mission Communications News Channel.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific team attends media conference
Six members of the World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific team took part in the Eurasia Media Distribution Consultation Conference this week.
The conference, which was held in Thailand, brought together more than 300 people involved in media ministry from around the world.
"Not only is this an exciting opportunity to participate in cutting edge media training, but it is also an opportunity to network with others who are passionate about sharing the gospel through media," said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific regional communications coordinator.
The team members participated in training tracks and seminars that include orality; culturally relevant media; video and Web design; mobile application design; effective story telling through art, film, and animation; digital publishing and the global paradigm shift; and using technology securely in an insecure world.
"Our hope is that as we develop field communications personnel across the region, the annual EMDC conference will become an integral part of the intentional development of media leaders within the church," Aebischer said.
Prayer is requested for the team members as they travel to and from Thailand.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Eurasia
NTC-Manchester launches Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam
Nazarene Theological College-Manchester celebrated the launch of the Manchester Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam this month, after years of dreaming, praying, and planning. The Centre will be an essential resource for the Church as it responds to the changing global landscape, encountering Islam in new ways and in many forms.
The Centre’s work will be on several levels. At the grassroots, it will engage people and churches, raising awareness of the need for Christians to seek out encounters with Muslims in their own communities. It will develop specialist classes and programmes to more firmly and deeply root Christians in the tenets of their biblical faith while at the same time preparing them for participating in informed, respectful dialogue with6 Muslims.
The Centre will conduct research, too, helping to endow the global Church with specialists. The resources for the Centre have been made possible by generous donors, and include scholarship support for student bursaries.
As part of this initiative, NTC-Manchester is offering a new postgraduate degree in this area (full or part-time) beginning in September 2014. This will be an essential resource for anyone working at the nexus of
Christianity and Islam.
It is deliberately designed to work at Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, and Master of Arts (MA) levels. Some practitioners will not want or need the full MA, but could take a Postgraduate Certificate as “continuing
professional development,” according to Dr. Peter Rae, academic dean. The MA will be available for distance learning, but with a residential component.
"The development of the postgraduate programme came out of a recognition that there were few opportunities to think rigorously about these issues, and that such a programme was urgently needed," Rae said.
The programme is modelled on other successful MA programmes developed by NTC-Manchester, in
partnership with The University of Manchester.
The directors of the Centre are Dwight Swanson and Canon Phil Rawlings. Swanson has served NTC-Manchester for well over a decade as an Old Testament and Ancient Near East specialist. His role as director builds on his long-term research in the Abrahamic faiths and on his own experience of Nazarene ministry in
Asia and in a multi-faith area of Manchester. Rawlings is completing doctoral studies in the area of Christian engagement with Islam.
"As we have begun this project we have been encouraged by the welcome from both church leaders and members who express their appreciation for the resources that this centre will be able to make available to the
Church," Swanson said.
For more information on the Centre, or to submit questions, click here.
To learn more about the postgraduate courses, click here.--NTC-Manchester
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MesoamericaMagdalena Young remembered
Magdalena Young, 95, passed away on March 24. She was the wife of Alvin Young, who served as the first national superintendent of the Belize District.
Alvin, a Belize native, returned to the country in 1957 with his wife, Magdalena. Alvin served as a pastor and assistant district superintendent for several years before becoming superintendent of the Belize District in 1970. He served in the position for seven years.
Magdalena and her daughter, Oileen, attended the Belize District's 2011 assembly to witness the district's largest ordination class.
During the same trip, the Youngs also attended a ceremony to rename a Nazarene high school in Belize City as the Alvin L. Young Nazarene High School.
Alvin passed away in 2005. Magdalena is survived by her children, Alvin Jr. of Quincy, Florida; Oileen Roberts of Nashville, Tennessee; and Benjamin of Miami, Florida; and three stepsons, Owen of Venezuela and Carlton and Wilfred, both of Belize.
A funeral service will be held at Belmopan, Belize, Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, April 2 at 2 p.m.
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South America
Chile ministry to disabled begins youth program Look of Love, a ministry of Valparaíso Church of the Nazarene for the handicapped, celebrated its new academic year with the Youth Life Program kickoff.
The program, designed for 15 young adults ages 17 to 28 who have finished their studies in special state-run schools, includes four hours of instruction, five days per week on social, cognitive, spiritual, and employment
skills. Christian life educator Lorena Noe and Jacqueline Paredes, who assists with the Arts department, will lead the classes.
In addition, there will be art, writing, cooking, photography, and theatre workshops on Saturdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for the students and classes from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for 25 youth in the Nazarene Youth International Look of
Love Young Life Program. Simultaneously, there will be motor skills workshops for children ages 4 to 9. A dozen volunteers assist Pastor René Noé and his wife, Lorena, with the workshops.
The parents of those in the Look of Love program also attend a discipleship group three times a month on Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Every second Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. they receive psychological help from Christian specialist Bárbara Huequelef.
The parents also receive judicial assistance on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from a lawyer who specializes in matters related to the handicapped. Occupational therapy is given Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both specialists offer their services at no cost.7
Sundays from 12 to 1 p.m. Sunday School is offered to the children and youth from the Look of Love program.
Look of Love recently reached its maximum capacity due to lack of funds and adequate space. There are 20 families with young adults and children on the waiting list.
For more information, visit the Look of Love Facebook page.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
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USA/CanadaNazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Former SNU basketball coach bests Duke in NCAA tournament
Kansas City, Missouri
(The Oklahoman, March 22) Bob Hoffman, by his own testimony, is a psycho. What he really means is, he's passionate. All in, no matter the cause.
That's what makes Hoffman a successful coach. Not just strategy. Not just X's and O's. Not just recruiting. All those things are important.
NAIA National basketball tournament at Reynolds Center on Tulsa University campus. Oklahoma Baptist vs The Master's College. OBU coach Bob Hoffman tries some body english to coax in a three pointer.
But working. Caring. Getting your players to work and care. That's how you produce a quality team. That's how you take down Duke.
Great coaches can be found all over. Some live in the spotlight. Others never get there. Some enter, then depart quickly. Some seize the opportunity when it comes.
Hoffman seized the opportunity Friday, when America discovered what Oklahomans have known for a while. Hoffman is a great coach. Men or women. Small college or major college. Doesn't matter. Hoffman can coach.
For the rest of the story about the former Southern Nazarene University coach's trip to the NCAA tournament, click here.
Illinois church doubles with new addition
Pekin, Illinois
(Pekin Journal Star, March 23) The Pekin First Church of the Nazarene hasn't held a Sunday service like the one this Sunday.
The church, in the southeast outskirts of Pekin, intertwined a dedication ceremony with the normal service Sunday morning to commemorate the new addition that doubled the size of the church. The new space covers 35,200 square feet and will further establish the church's motto as a "church for everyone."
"We say that we're a church for everyone, and we use that phrase because we have everyone here," said the Rev. Lloyd Brock, senior pastor at Pekin First Nazarene. "We have babies, children, teenagers, young adults going all the way up to senior adults. We have the whole family come here, so this building was built with that in mind."
Equipped with a worship space for children, the addition includes a multiple rooms for the two Sunday school programs for children on Sundays along with other recreation-style rooms for use throughout the week. Other new features include new offices for the church's pastors, a kitchen, a coffee shop and two multipurpose rooms for gatherings.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Indiana Nazarenes stay close through birthday card tradition
Selma, Indiana
(The Star Press, March 20) Let's face it, $2.25 was a pretty hefty sum to pay for a birthday card nine years ago, but nobody can say the seven Barrett siblings haven't gotten the most out of their investment.
They've been sending that same card to each other since 2005, which was also the year that family matriarch Mary Barrett died.
"I thought we needed something to give us a pick-me-up," recalled Jill Bartle, who is one of those Barrett siblings, who range in age from 55 to 75. "I just thought it was time for something different to do."
As Jill spoke, she was sitting at her dining room table, upon which a bounty of baked goods was placed, along with a variety of coffee mugs. Within reach of each mug sat a sibling or in-law, including Jill's husband, Dave; her sister, Mary Jane James; her sister-in-law, Jaunita Barrett; her brother, Carroll Barrett; another sister-in-law, Sandy Barrett; her brother, Ronnie Barrett, and her sister, Beth Smith.
Missing were her sister, Karen Dodd, and her husband, Bob; her sister, Jackie Stephens, and her husband, Jay, and Mary Jane’s husband, Randy.
For the rest of the story, including an account of the card's trip to Africa for missionary Mary Jane's birthday, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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Global Ministry Center News
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received March 24-28, 2014.
Mack Armstrong, 69, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away on March 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Martha Armstrong.
Horace McCants, 92, of Gardendale, Alabama, passed away on March 27. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Texas, California, Mississippi, and Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn McCants.
Richard Osborne, 68, of Hersey, Michigan, passed away on March 22. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Indiana, and Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Osborne.
Doris (Bobst) Robinson, 77, of Nashport, Ohio, passed away on March 27. She was the wife of retired minister A. Scott Robinson, who served in Ohio and West Virginia.
John Shipman, 78, of Selma, Alabama, passed away on March 26. He was a retired minister, serving in Nebraska and Alabama. He is survived by his wife, Waulene Shipman.
Magdalena Young, 95, of Quincy, Florida, passed away on March 24. She was the wife of retired minister and district superintendent Alvin Young, who served as the first national superintendent of the Belize District. Alvin Young passed away in 2005.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with 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 submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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Resources
Church of the Nazarene on social media
The Church of the Nazarene can be found all over the world, and the social media world is no different. The following is a list of Nazarene entities, schools, and select individuals to follow online:
Facebook:
Church of the Nazarene (Official)
Global Ministry Center publications:
NCN News
Holiness Today
Engage magazine
Grace and Peace
Preacher's Magazine
World Mission Broadcast
Global Ministry Center entities:
Board of General Superintendents
Church of the Nazarene Foundation
International Board of Education
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Nazarene Disaster Response
Nazarene Missions International
Prayer Mobilization Line
Nazarene Youth International
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
Nazarene Archives
Research Services
SDMI
Children's Quizzing
Kids Reaching Kids
Nazarene Women's Network
The Discipleship Place
Stewardship Ministries
Pensions and Benefits USA
Work and Witness
Regional entities:
Africa Region
Helping Hands Africa
Asia-Pacific Region
Eurasia Region
Mesoamerica Region
South America Region
USA/Canada NYI
Resources:
Nazarene Publishing House
Barefoot Ministries
Beacon Hill Press
The House Studio
Lillenas Publishing Company
Wesleyan-Holiness Digital Library
Events:
USA/Canada M15 Conference
Colleges and universities:
Africa Nazarene University
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Ambrose University College
Caribbean Nazarene College
Eastern Nazarene College
Korea Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Nazarene Bible College
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Northwest Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University
Southern Africa Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University
Twitter:
Church of the Nazarene (Official) - @Nazarene
General superintendents:
Board of General Superintendents - @WayofHoliness
David A. Busic - @DavidBusic
Eugénio R. Duarte - @EugenioDuarte2
J. K. Warrick - @jkwarrick
Global Ministry Center publications:
NCN News - @NCNNews
Holiness Today - @HolinessToday
Engage magazine - @Engagemagazine
Preacher's Magazine - @PreachersMag
Global Ministry Center entities:
International Board of Education - @NazareneIBOE
Dan Copp, Education Commissioner - @DanCopp
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries - @nazcompassion
Nazarene Missions International - @NMIHQ
Daniel Ketchum, NMI Director - @ddketchum
Nazarene Youth International - @GlobalNYI
USA/Canada NYI - @USACanadaNYI
JESUS Film Harvest Partners - @JESUSFilmHP
Research Services - @NazResearch
Stewardship Ministries - @nazstewardship
Pensions & Benefits USA - @PBUSAnazarene
Resources:
Nazarene Publishing House - @NazPublishing
Gerald Smith, NPH President - @GeraldSmith
Barefoot Ministries - @BFMinistries
Beacon Hill Press - @BeaconHillPress
The House Studio - @housestudio
Lillenas Publishing Company - @Lillenas
WordAction - @WordAction
Wesleyan-Holiness Digital Library - @WHDLibrary
Regions:
Global Mission Director - Verne Ward, @VerneWard
Africa Region - @NazAfrica
Filimao Chambo, Africa Regional Director - @fchambo
Asia-Pacific Region - @APNazRegion
Mark Louw, A-P Regional Director - @marklouw
Eurasia Region - @EurasiaRegion
Peru NYI - @jni_Lima
Colleges and universities:
Africa Nazarene University - @africanazarene
Ambrose University College - @ambroseUC
Ambrose Seminary - @AmbroseSeminary
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary - @APNTS
Eastern Nazarene College - @EasternNazarene
MidAmerica Nazarene University - @followMNU
Mount Vernon Nazarene University - @MVNUNews
Nazarene Bible College - @NazBibleCollege
Nazarene Theological College-Manchester - @NTC_Manchester
Deirdre Brower Latz, NTC-Manchester President - @BRWLTZ
Nazarene Theological Seminary - @NazSeminary
Carla Sunberg, NTS President - @CarlaSun
Northwest Nazarene University - @nwnazarene
Olivet Nazarene University - @OlivetNazareneU
Point Loma Nazarene University - @PLNU
Bob Brower, PLNU President - @PresBobbyB
Southern Nazarene University - @followSNU
Loren Gresham, SNU President - @SNUPrezzy
Trevecca Nazarene University - @Trevecca
Dan Boone, Trevecca President - @DanBooneTNU
Nazarene churches and additional non-Global Ministry Center entities: Click here
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Collegiate News
Trevecca Board of Trustees approves plans for 2014-2015
During its spring meeting, the Trevecca Nazarene University Board of Trustees affirmed the university is taking appropriate steps to fulfill its mission and vision by approving several actions.
Trustees unanimously approved new leadership for the Office of Admissions. Holly Whitby is now Trevecca's dean of Enrollment Management. Whitby, who served as Trevecca's director of Admissions in 2011 and 2012, is a 1995 graduate of Trevecca and a past president of the Trevecca Associated Student Body. She majored in business and communications at Trevecca and earned a Master of Business Administration from Belmont University.
Prior to her employment at Trevecca, Whitby worked in product presentation and sales for 12 years at ePartners, a Microsoft company. During that time, she was the company's leading salesperson, demonstrating strong people management skills, aggressive sales success, and the ability to lead and motivate team members to top performance. Whitby has served at Trevecca as a consultant for two large campus events and as an adjunct instructor in marketing for the Skinner School of Business and Technology since 2012. She has
a passion for marketing Trevecca to prospective students.
The Board of Trustees also approved the administration's financial plans for the 2014-2015 school year.
Reducing operating expenses was a goal for the campus community, and its success in that effort kept the university on track to complete the current fiscal year in the black. The board approved administration's plans
to maintain Trevecca's commitment to funding student financial aid and to reduce expenditures in other areas to enable the university to maintain a balanced budget without sacrificing student financial aid. Additionally, the board was pleased with the increase in Trevecca's endowment.
The board approved the design and budget for a new campus construction project. Following Commencement in May, construction will begin on the Millard Reed Bell Tower, a $700,000 campus improvement. This 71-foot structure, made possible by a private gift, will become a signature icon for the campus and its center quad.
Trustees were pleased by the report of spring enrollment numbers. Trevecca's undergraduate enrollment for the current semester is the highest in the history of the institution, and its campus housing occupancy is a record high.
"A positive spirit characterized the spring meeting of the Trevecca Board of Trustees, and I am excited by the board's actions because they indicate incredible opportunities for Trevecca's future," said Dan Boone, president of Trevecca. "In this ninth year of my service as president of Trevecca, I remain committed to ensuring the longevity and strength of this institution. I believe that the campus community, the Board, and Trevecca's administrative team are working with me to achieve that goal."--Trevecca Nazarene University
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Bowling delivers 'State of the University' address to Olivet community New construction, enhanced programming, and leadership appointments were highlighted in Olivet Nazarene University President John C. Bowling's annual "State of the University" address to the university faculty and
staff on March 25.
"We are not looking back, we are not looking down, nor are we looking around wringing our hands," Bowling said. "Today, we are looking up, and we are looking forward with a strong sense of promise and purpose, and8 a record of fine achievement — even during these days of recession."
Bowling outlined the university's strategic plan known as "Vision 2022."
"I believe this plan will help us preserve the past, manage the present, and map and secure the future for the purposes of sustaining our mission, strengthening our value proposition and equipping our students to engage the world in transformational ways," he said.
Bowling highlighted four major construction projects that will take place on Olivet's campus in the near future.
These include a second addition to Reed Hall of Science, expansions to Wisner Hall of Nursing and the Larsen Fine Arts Center, and the construction of a new resident hall for freshman women. These are in addition to
numerous improvements scheduled throughout the campus, including significant upgrades to outdoor athletic facilities. New graduate and continuing studies regional centers are opening soon in Indianapolis, Indiana, and
Lansing, Michigan, and a new location is being planned for the northwest Chicago suburbs.
Bowling also announced changes to the academic structure in preparation for continued growth and quality enhancement, including the establishment of two new schools within the university: a School of Music and a School of Nursing and Health Sciences. He formally announced the appointment of Robert Hull as the dean of the School of Education, Shane Ritter as the chair for the Department of Engineering, and Jim Upchurch as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Started in the spring of 2009, Bowling's inaugural State of the University address was scheduled, in part, to discuss the economic challenges evident across the landscape of higher education. Since then, the gatherings
have become an annual tradition, offering faculty and staff an overview of the university's current state of affairs, and the opportunity to hear directly from the president regarding his vision for the future.
"In these past few years, as colleges and universities of nearly every stripe have struggled, you have held steady," Bowling told the Olivet community. "You have done more with less, and God has blessed your efforts.
He has taken our loaves and fish, blessed and multiplied them, and fed thousands of students. God has helped us."--Olivet Nazarene University
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MVNU students earn NRB Media Production awardsFour Mount Vernon Nazarene University students were recently honored by the intercollegiate branch of the National Religious Broadcasters for placing in the organization's 2014 student production contest. The awards were handed out February 24 at the NRB's annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rachel Held, a junior video and radio broadcasting major from Sandusky, Ohio, placed first in the Radio Imaging/Branding category. Her piece, a 60-second production for WNZR called The Power of Christian Radio, also received the 2014 Radio Award of Excellence, the second consecutive year that an MVNU student production earned this honor.
Zach Roys, a senior video and radio broadcasting major from Hilliard, Ohio, placed first in the Radio PSA/Commercial category for his work on a 60-second announcement for a Stephen Curtis Chapman concert and second in the Imaging/Branding category for a promo he created for NGEN radio in Houston, Texas.
Andrew Yoder, a junior broadcasting major from Millersburg, Ohio, placed second for his PSA on the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
Emily Blazek, a sophomore broadcasting major from Auburn, Ohio, placed second in the Video PSA/Commercial category with her 60 second promo for WNZR's The Morning Thing.
While at the convention, Roys, Yoder, and Josh Pollock, a senior broadcasting major from Mansfield, Ohio, also competed in a national digital audio competition called "The 36DA Challenge." All teams had 36 hours to produce three pieces on the value of Christian higher education, with MVNU finishing first out of the five teams competing.
"I was excited to hear the name MVNU announced at the awards ceremony," Roys said. "Our hard work really paid off in a very tight competition. I was glad to participate again this year."
This is the eighth consecutive year that MVNU students placed nationally in either radio or video. Upperclassmen students taking radio and video classes at MVNU this fall submitted projects following the NRB guidelines. The top projects were then evaluated and entered into the contest.
"NRB is an outstanding experience for our students," said Joe Rinehart, assistant professor of communication and director of Broadcasting. "The connections they make are valuable for their future, and the work they do is judged by some of the top communication professionals in the country. We were thrilled that Rachel received the radio award of excellence and excited to see our team's work in the 36-hour challenge rewarded."
"Our successes in the NRB competition are significant and encouraging," added Dean Abbott, assistant professor of communication. "They are significant because we have seen that our students are able to create media products that earn the respect of professionals in the larger industry. They encourage us to continue pursuing the track we are on knowing that we are moving in the right direction."
The intercollegiate branch of NRB is committed to promoting excellence and integrity, and providing a forum for student and faculty members to network and share ideas and goals. For more information on the National Religious Broadcasters, visit nrb.org.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
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SNU education alumni receive honors
A number of Southern Nazarene University School of Education graduates recently received recognition and honors for the 2013-2014 school year:
Marilyn Peters (Class of 2004) – Council Grove Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Western Heights Schools
Elizabeth Taylor ('86) – Bethany Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Bethany Public Schools
Amber Elder ('01) – Putnam City District Teacher of the Year
Tiffani Patrick ('92) – Deer Creek District Teacher of the Year
Rob Miller ('02) – Oklahoma Middle School Principal of the Year – Jenks Schools
Allison Metcalf ('12) – Voted Best School Teacher, "Best of Mustang – Reader's Choice Awards," – Mustang Schools
Shane Cowherd ('99) – National Recognition: USA TODAY'S "Best Boys Basketball Coach 2014" – Edmond (Oklahoma) Memorial High School
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits the Teacher Education program at Southern Nazarene University. All programs are approved by the State Board of Education for the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation.--Southern Nazarene University
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NCN Sports
NCN Sports Update
Final won-lost records and rankings for Nazarene colleges and universities competing in NCAA and NAIA athletics this year. Records and rankings as of March 27, 2014.
Season Results:
Record Key: Overall Wins-Losses-Ties (Conference Wins-Losses-Ties), national ranking.
Eastern Nazarene College Lions
Quincy, Massachusetts
NCAA Division III, The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC)
Men's Baseball: 5-3 (0-0)
Men's Golf: Results
Women's Softball: 6-6 (2-0)
Men's Tennis: 3-5 (0-0)
Men's Basketball: 19-6 (13-5)
Women's Basketball: 9-16 (5-13)
Men's Cross Country: Results
Women's Cross Country: Results
Men's Soccer: 3-14 (1-8)
Women's Soccer: 11-8-1 (4-4-1)
Women's Tennis: 1-10 (0-8)
Women's Volleyball: 14-15 (2-5)
MidAmerica Nazarene University Pioneers
Olathe, Kansas
NAIA Division I, Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)
Men's Baseball: 12-9 (5-3)
Men's Basketball: 26-11 (11-6). Lost 76-72 to Emmanuel (Georgia) in national semifinals.
Women's Basketball: 28-4 (15-2), NAIA No. 14. Lost 65-56 to Westminster College (Utah) in second round of national tournament.
Women's Softball: 8-5 (1-0)
Football: 5-5 (5-4)
Men's Soccer: 14-5-3 (5-1-1), NAIA No. 6
Women's Soccer: 12-4-4 (3-2-2)
Women's Volleyball: 27-3 (9-0), NAIA No. 8. HAAC champs.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University Cougars
Mount Vernon, Ohio
NAIA Division II, Crossroads League (formerly Mid-Central College Conference)
Men's Baseball: 16-3 (6-0), NAIA receiving votes (89)
Men's Golf: Results
Women's Golf: Results
Women's Softball: 8-6 (4-2)
Men's Basketball: 7-22 (4-14)
Women's Basketball: 5-22 (4-14)
Men's Cross Country: Results
Women's Cross Country: Results
Men's Soccer: 7-10-1 (2-6-1)
Women's Soccer: 10-9-2 (5-3-1)
Women's Volleyball: 14-19 (8-10)
Northwest Nazarene University Crusaders
Nampa, Idaho
NCAA Division II, Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)
Men's Baseball: 10-15 (6-6)
Men's Golf: Results
Women's Golf: Results
Women's Softball: 8-17 (2-5)
Men's Track: Results
Women's Track: Results
Men's Basketball: 7-18 (5-12)
Women's Basketball: 14-11 (7-10)
Men's Cross Country: Results
Women's Cross Country: Results
Men's Soccer: 5-7-5 (5-6-3)
Women's Soccer: 2-12-3 (1-10-3)
Women's Volleyball: 18-6 (14-4)
Olivet Nazarene University Tigers
Bourbonnais, Illinois
NAIA Division II, Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC)
Men's Baseball: 8-13 (2-0)
Men's Golf: Results
Women's Golf: Results
Women's Softball: 12-2 (0-0), NAIA No. 11
Men's Track: Results
Women's Track: Results
Men's Basketball: 16-13 (14-5)
Women's Basketball: 21-9 (12-4)
Men's Cross Country: NAIA No. 6, Results. CCAC champs.
Women's Cross Country: NAIA No. 5, Results. CCAC champs.
Football: 3-8 (1-5)
Men's Soccer: 15-5-2 (8-3-0). CCAC champs.
Women's Soccer: NAIA No. 14, 17-4-2 (9-1-1). CCAC champs.
Men's Swimming: NAIA No. 2. Results National Runner-up.
Women's Swimming: NAIA No. 3. Results Finished third at nationals.
Men's Tennis: 1-1 (0-0)
Women's Tennis: 1-0 (0-0)
Women's Volleyball: 21-21 (13-5)
Point Loma Nazarene University Sea Lions
San Diego, California
NCAA Division II, Pacific West Conference (PacWest)
Men's Baseball: 14-13 (6-6)
Women's Golf: Results
Men's Tennis: 4-11
Women's Tennis: 9-8
Men's Basketball: 15-11 (10-10)
Women's Basketball: 17-9 (13-7)
Women's Cross Country: Results
Women's Golf: Results
Men's Soccer: 7-8-3 (5-4-3)
Women's Soccer: 12-7-1 (7-4-1)
Women's Volleyball: 30-7 (16-4). NCCAA national champs.
Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm
Bethany, Oklahoma
NCAA Division II, Great American Conference (GAC)
Men's Baseball: 11-18 (3-15)
Men's Golf: Results
Women's Golf: Results
Women's Softball: 11-20 (5-13)
Women's Tennis: 5-2 (3-1)
Men's Track: Results
Women's Track: Results
Men's Basketball: 18-13 (12-8) NCCAA Regional Champs.
Women's Basketball: 12-14 (9-11)
Men's Cross Country: Results
Women's Cross Country: Results
Football: 0-11 (0-10)
Men's Soccer: 2-16-0 (1-8-0)
Women's Soccer: 9-9-0 (5-5-0)
Women's Volleyball: 27-12 (12-2).
Trevecca Nazarene University Trojans
Nashville, Tennessee
NCAA Division II, Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC)
Men's Baseball: 18-8 (2-2)
Men's Golf: Results
Women's Golf: Results
Women's Softball: 17-5 (4-0)
Men's Track: Results
Women's Track: Results
Men's Basketball: 7-18 (4-10)
Women's Basketball: 16-8 (13-2)
Men's Cross Country: Results
Women's Cross Country: Results
Men's Soccer: 8-9-1 (5-3-0)
Women's Soccer: 6-10-2 (4-4-2)
Women's Volleyball: 17-15 (6-8)
Key:
Record = Wins-Losses-Ties
NAIA - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
NCAA - National Collegiate Athletic Association
NCCAA - National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association
NAIA Coaches' Poll used
Previous NCN Sports Updates:
2012-2013 Nazarene Athletics Review
2011-2012 Nazarene Athletics Review
2010-2011 Nazarene Athletics Review
2009-2010 Nazarene Athletics Review
2008-2009 Nazarene Athletics Review
2007-2008 Nazarene Athletics Review
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Tigers finish as NAIA national runner-up in Men's Swimming
With just one race to go earlier this month, the Olivet Nazarene University men's swim team found themselves barely holding onto second place at the 2014 NAIA National Championships. Actually, the Tigers had just regained second place after holding it most of the championship thanks to senior Aaron Buchanan. The Beavercreek, Ohio, native captured the 200-yard butterfly title to put the Tigers back in second place with 451 points, knocking Savannah College of Art and Design down to third with 448. Now, it came down to which 400-yard freestyle relay team would touch the pads first - the Tigers or the Bees.
The foursome of junior Josh Lercel, sophomore Jake Anderson, junior Ty Jacobs, and junior Simon Pheasant finished with a time of 2:58.41 to take silver in the event and clinch the Tiger’s first NAIA hardware in its short, 2-year program history.
The Tigers finished the meet with 485.0 points, just five points ahead of Savannah. Two-time defending national champion Oklahoma Baptist University easily captured its third title, finishing with 900.0 points. Rounding out the top five were Concordia University–Irvine with 436.0 and St. Andrews University (North Carolina) with 273.0.
Sophomore Sam Borgman got things started for the Tigers, taking silver in the 1650-yard freestyle. Borgman finished at 15:56.05, dropping 43.48 from this time. Defending national champion sophomore and South African Andrew Fischer finished sixth at 16:26.58.
Pheasant captured the silver in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing at 43.96, with Lercel not far behind at 44:89 in fifth place.
After the 200-yard breaststroke, the Tigers had lost their grip on second place in the team standings, but Buchanan posted a 1:47.68 to easily capture the title in the 200-yard fly, touching 3.35 ahead of the next competitor.
Olivet’s head coach, Scott Teeters, was named NAIA Men’s Coach of the Year at the trophy ceremony.
In all, the Tigers returned home with two individual national champions: Anderson in the 200 Individual Medley and Buchanan in the 200-yard butterfly; 28 All-American performances: Anderson (7-time), Fischer (2-time), Buchanan (3-time), Lercel (3-time), Jacobs (4-time), Mat Prasser, Calvin Price, Pheasant (6-time) and Borgman; the programs first NAIA trophy and the Coach of the Year.
The Olivet women's team finished third. They were led by Sydney Harris, who captured gold in the 200-yard breaststroke. (Story)--Olivet Athletics
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Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Editorial Assistant: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us:
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Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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