Prayer Mobilization Line: The following are praise reports and prayer requests from Nazarene Missions International for June 11, 2014"May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you."(Psalm 67:5, NLT)
PRAISES:
Love Works Team
Praise God for the Point Loma Nazarene University Love Works team that ministered in Ecuador during May. Pray for the team as they return home and incorporate all they experienced into their daily lives. Pray for the children they ministered to, may the seeds of God's love planted, grow and bloom fully in lives that are sold out for Christ.
PRAY FOR:
GLOBAL MINISTRY REQUESTS
June Missionary Prayer Focus
Thank you for keeping Nazarene missionaries in your prayers. The following requests have been received from missionaries who are part of the June Prayer Focus:
Miguel and Irene Garita, serving in Costa Rica
Our biggest request is that God will give us grace and wisdom and new strength to be of help to those families who are going through some spiritual or emotional crisis on our region.
Aaron and Brittany Bolerjack, serving in the United Kingdom
Please pray for wisdom and perseverance as we near important milestones in our post-grad education! Brit will submit her master's thesis for an MA in Theology from Nazarene Theological College in August, and Aaron will complete his theology studies for ordination through Mount Vernon Nazarene University in December.
Please pray for insight and energy as we work in coffeehouse ministries in several locations in the United Kingdom this summer, and with the youth group at Ashton-under-Lyne Church of the Nazarene. God is at work here and we want to be a faithful part of what is happening in the lives of these young people (as well as their friends and families)!
Please pray for wisdom and patience as we begin to think about "what's next" after we return to the States this fall. Aaron will be teaching at Southern Nazarene University and we will be co-pastoring the College & Community group at Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene. We are trusting God to provide our housing and transportation.
Get to know the Bolerjacks better by reading their story in Engage magazine.
Missionary profile: Aaron and Brittany BolerjackFor the past two years, Aaron and Brittany Bolerjack have served as Mission Corps missionaries in the Church of the Nazarene's Sweet Surrender coffeehouse ministry. Since July 2011 they have been with the coffeehouse in Krakow, Poland. Previously, they worked with the coffeehouse in Poznan, Poland.
They have also consulted on coffee ministry projects in Gdansk, Poland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Manchester, UK, and London, UK.
Aaron helps manage business functions like advertising, marketing, and accounting; Brittany oversees coffee education, barista hiring and training, equipment selection andmaintenance, and vendor relationships. They both participate extensively in the related ministry, which includes leading Sunday worship services, organizing prayer meetings, Bible studies and book clubs, and scheduling special events to help connect coffeehouse customers more directly with the church.
Prior to serving with the coffeehouse ministry, Aaron served on a number of short-term missions projects in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Brittany also served on short-term mission trips in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and spent one summer as a volunteer with the Church of the Nazarene's Youth in Mission program in Benin and Togo, West Africa.
Engage: How did you first recognize God’s call to be involved in missions?
We both attended Southern Nazarene University. Aaron studied history, was the Nazarene Youth International president at his local church, and worked his way through school as the manager of a small business. Brittany majored in ministry and theology, served as a ministry intern and youth volunteer, and worked as a manager at a local coffeehouse.
As a couple, we have always been committed to following God's will (whether living in the United States or abroad), and in early 2009, we began to realize that God might have overseas missions in mind for us.
In June 2009 we discovered the opportunity for coffeehouse ministry in Poland. Rev. Ev and Rhonda Tustin, founders of the Sweet Surrender coffeehouses, spoke at the Severn, Maryland, Grace Pointe Community Church of the Nazarene pastored by Aaron's parents, Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Bolerjack.
Ev and Rhonda explained that their new ministry locations needed volunteers with ministry experience, business management skills, and/or coffee expertise. Aaron’s mom, Roseanne, immediately e-mailed us to say how wonderful Ev and Rhonda were and how the coffeehouses they were creating sounded exactly right for our passions and skills.
At first we were a bit confused: we knew God had been calling us to go somewhere, but Poland had not been on our radar! Nonetheless, after a few weeks of prayer and consideration, we knew God was specifically calling us to commit two years of our lives to these projects.
Engage: What is your favorite aspect of what you do in your present assignment?
The way God has used our individual skills and passions outside of traditional ministry contexts here is amazing. Brittany has formed incredible relationships through knitting and volunteering at a homeless shelter (in Poznan), as well as through specialty coffee and vegetarianism (in Krakow). In Poland, these last two communities especially need to hear the Good News, and Brit is so grateful for the opportunity to be a light there.
Similarly, Aaron has always had a passion for playing, watching, and attending soccer matches. In both Poznan and Krakow, Aaron has had the opportunity to play weekly soccer games through secular venues, hold viewing parties for important matches, and attend live games at local stadiums. Through this, he has been able to form close friendships with university students from many different countries and religious backgrounds.
Engage: What are some of the challenges that you face in carrying out your work? Learning the language has been our biggest challenge. It is especially difficult to manage a non-profit organization in a second language! But God has been so faithful to us in this area as well. Although we often feel like our Polish is inadequate, native speakers often compliment us on our progress and willingness to continue learning a (very difficult) new language.
Engage: Please share a story of a significant event or moment that has happened in your current assignment.
Every four to six weeks we host a gospel music worship service in our Krakow coffeehouse location. At our most recent service, Brittany was the guest speaker. For weeks she struggled with the message God might want her to bring. Finally, it was clear: she should simply and boldly preach the gospel. God’s presence that night was obvious! Afterwards, many people came to talk with her, and she had the privilege of praying with two college students (a big step for normally reserved Poles). Since that night, God continues to call our fellow volunteers and church members to boldness! Every time we have taken a step in faith, he has been faithful to show up in mighty ways.
Engage: How do you maintain a close relationship with God (and your family, if applicable) in the midst of the demands of missionary service?
We are very careful to honor our daily time with God. No matter how busy the day, we (separately) strive to spend at least twenty minutes alone with God. We are also careful to set aside at least one night each week as a “date night” alone together. Some weeks are harder than others, but God has richly blessed our time spent with Him (and each other).
Engage: What are the rewards of what you do?Watching in amazement as the Holy Spirit continues to work here in Poland. Clearly, God is faithful to work in and through us if we ask Him! Seeing people come to Christ or grow closer to Him is such a privilege. As with any ministry, we are amazed at the ways God continues to accomplish what we could never do on our own.
Engage: What are some aspects of the culture where you live that you have come to love or embrace?
Food, friends, and football! Polish food is delightful (though heavy at times). Polish people truly cherish their times with family or friends around the table and are known to stay for a couple hours chatting after the meal—it’s such a wonderful time together. And Aaron is always up for a game of football (soccer)!
Engage: What do you like to do for fun?
We are both avid readers; we devour books, blogs, and online magazines in our free time. Brittany's reading usually focuses on food or the environment; Aaron loves to read about history and sports. We also enjoy watch movies together in our apartment, and we especially love having guests over (even though our flat is less than 300 square feet)!
Engage: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
It may surprise some people to know that despite (or perhaps because of) our time in Europe, we are still in love with Oklahoma! Even though we have not lived there for almost two years, we continue to dream about the people, the places, the ministries, and the food that we left behind there.
Although God continues to call us to Europe (until at least the end of 2013), we still look forward to the day that he will call us back home to Oklahoma! We love Europe, but it is Oklahoma that has taken up permanent residence in our hearts. This passion surprises even us sometimes!
Engage: What advice would you have for others exploring a possible call to missions, or embarking on their first missionary assignment?
First, actively seek God's will through prayer, Scripture, outside reading, and conversation with friends and family members. Second, try to discern out where God is calling you to serve through reading, research, and dialogue with missions organizations. Third, learn all you can—about the culture, the language, and the specific ministry assignment—BEFORE you leave. Fourth, make the decision where and when to go...and then GO!
Finally, never stop learning. Make studying the language and your cultural surroundings a personal assignment...and then stick to it! God has opened many relational and ministerial doors for us simply because we have taken the time to learn more about the cultural history of our local community, city, and country.
Engage: Other comments?
Cross-cultural ministry is both very challenging and very rewarding. Volunteer ministry is especially challenging, particularly in a longer-term context; it's certainly not for the finicky or the faint of heart! :) But we serve where God has called us: in a beautiful city in an amazing culture. And God is faithful; he continues to complete the works he has begun in and through us. How could we ask for more?
Emman and Jade Chapman, serving in Australia
The Mission. We are answering a call to rebuild the kingdom, repair broken walls, and restore the streets with dwellings through mission to others out of a love and gratitude for God (Isaiah 58:6-12). So here we are... please pray that we continue prayerfully as we look and listen for the particular work God is doing and calling us into in Brisbane. Pray that we allow God to guide us to the people and places He intends for us to be in relationship with and gather around His mission for this city.
We are looking for a place to reside. We want it to be in a location within or near the areas of the city God is calling us to so that we can connect daily with people and build relationships. Please pray that we have ears to hear and eyes to see God's direction in this. Ideally we need to find a place in the next few weeks.
Jade has narcolepsy and needs ongoing treatment and medication. She has an appointment with a specialist the beginning of July. Please pray for healing in this situation. We understand that God's version of healing is sometimes not our own, but whether that means healing the narcolepsy or healing the need of treatment and medication by providing a way for it, we are thankful for His faithfulness.
Our kids, Caleb (8) and Savanna Zoe (6, pronounced "zoh-ee"), are struggling a bit with missing friends, family, and everything being different and uncomfortable. Please pray for them to feel God's comfort and peace in this time and that God would show His faithfulness in tangible ways that the minds of children can recognize and receive.
I (Emman) am starting school (M.Div.) at Nazarene Theological College, helping lead this mission, and be a present and loving father and husband. Please pray for peace, discernment, and grace in this very full plate. I want to be able to prioritize in a Holy way without neglecting my call to my family and the mission.
Felix and Liliana Vargas, serving in Paraguay
May God grant that I (Felix) be granted a Visa to enter the United States.
May God continue to open doors for more invitations for evangelistic tours.
Pray that my wife, my children, and I go forward in God's call without fail despite the difficulties and obstacles that appear along the way.
Pray for our children to achieve the education and careers they desire.
Read more about the Vargas family by clicking here for the Engage magazine article.
Glenn and Nancy Culbertson, serving in Saipan
Please pray for:
The Lord to provide protection over us, in our work, personal lives, and as we travel.
That we will remain clothed in the full armor of God.
That the Lord of the harvest would call laborers to join in the harvest in Saipan. Specifically, we are praying for workers to help in our children’s ministry and the youth and children’s retreats (VBS).
That the Lord would guide us to persons and homes of peace where we can share the message of Christ.
That the Lord would enable us to lead at least a few people to faith in Jesus and learning to follow Him.
That my (Glenn’s) sermon/lesson series on “Great Prayers of the Bible” would result in growth to greater maturity among the believers.
Trinity Nazarene Fire
Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, Tennessee, was destroyed on June 5 when it was struck by lightning. Pray for the members of the church and their leaders as they relocate, at least for now, to continue services. Read more in the NCN News article.
District Superintendents
Over the next several months, NMI will publish the names and place of ministry for Nazarene district superintendents. Please join us in praying for these individuals who God has called to shepherd pastors and churches around the world.
Today’s district superintendents are from countries on the Africa Region:
Manuel Afonso, Mozambique Mocuba
Zeca Pedro, Mozambique Morrumbala
Gervasio Raimundo, Mozambique Nampula East
Albino Noventa, Mozambique Nampula Mecuburi
Jose Amise, Mozambique Nampula South
Gervasio Raimundo, Mozambique Nampula West, Nampula Central, and Niassa
May the Lord add His blessing to the work of these district superintendents.
Conventions
NMI is starting something new, asking for prayers for upcoming NMI conventions and the NMI leader of that convention. We hope to include dates and names for global NMI conventions throughout the year. We begin today with the following nine districts. Please pray for those who will gather to hear God’s story that is playing out through Nazarene missions and for the leaders of each meeting:
Kentucky District, June 16, Peggy Hatter
South Arkansas District, June 16, Tim Evans
Canada West District, June 18-, Carolyn Herbert
Los Angeles District, June 18-19, Debra Hamrick
Colorado District, June 19-21, Wayla Murrow
Pittsburgh, June 20-21, Sandy Greenlee
Lord, encourage the people who attend these NMI conventions, be present and work in mighty ways among them, for your glory.
Board of General Superintendents
Please pray for the ministry and safety of the general superintendents as they travel this month:
Jerry D. Porter
J. K. Warrick
Eugénio Duarte
David W.Graves
David A. Busic
Gustavo A. Crocker
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Jim Radcliffe
Please pray for Jim Radcliffe (missionary surgeon at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea) and his family during this time. Jim is being evaluated and treated for some recent heart problems.
Thank you for praying.
Holiness is another of the attributes of the almighty, all-wise God. He is infinitely distant from every touch of evil. He "is light; and in him is no darkness at all." He is a God of unblemished justice and truth, but above all is his mercy.(John Wesley, The Quotable Wesley)
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