Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary - Volume 1427 for Thursday, 3 July 3, 2014

Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary - Volume 1427 for Thursday, 3 July 3, 2014
Tennessee, Mississippi districts merge to form MidSouth 

Memphis, Tennessee
The 103rd Tennessee District Assembly recently finalized a six-month journey when it voted 93 percent in favor of merging with the Mississippi District Church of the Nazarene on June 26. The MidSouth District Church of the Nazarene comes into being following the December 2013 approval of the Board of General Superintendents to allow merger discussion between the two districts. 
Jurisdictional General Superintendent Gustavo A. Crocker presented an outline for the process, and Mississippi Interim District Superintendent Crawford Howe and Tennessee District Superintendent Larry Leonard formed a Merger Commission with six subcommittees to prepare a rationale for merger, an implementation plan, and a communication strategy. Following unanimous approval of the rationale and the implementation plan by both Mississippi and Tennessee District Advisory Boards, the Mississippi District Assembly voted 96 percent in favor of the merger on April 10. 
The transition to the MidSouth District will culminate with a celebration assembly at Camp Garner Creek Retreat Center May 31 through June 1, 2015.
"We celebrate this historic moment when God's people agreed to come together for the sake of the last, the least, and the lost," Crocker said. "The Mississippi and Tennessee Nazarenes decided to unite their efforts, resources, and vision with the purpose of making Christlike disciples in the mid-south of the United States and beyond. I consider it a blessing and privilege to work with these committed believers who are willing to modify their present boundaries and structure so that the movement of God can take place in their midst.
"The Board of General Superintendents is thankful for the leadership that Drs. Crawford and Leonard provided to the process so that the case for a merger 'with mission in mind' was well received by their respective assemblies."--MidSouth District
NMI director resigns 

Global Ministry Center
Nazarene Missions International Director Daniel Ketchum announced his resignation effective 31 August. Ketchum and his wife, Carol, experienced an increasing pull to return to active missionary service over the past year.
Ketchum served in this role since late 2005, alongside former Global Mission Director Louie Bustle and current director Verne Ward, and Global NMI presidents Eunice Brubaker, Jennifer Brown, and Philip Weatherill. It was under Ketchum's leadership that the Global NMI Convention initiated the use of simultaneous sites worldwide.
"We pray God's blessings for Daniel, and we thank him for his commitment to NMI over the past nine years," Ward said. "We also thank Carol, who has served with Daniel and supported him in ministry."
While the Ketchums have a clear call to a specific people, discussions as to their exact future are still ongoing. A further communication will be sent once the Ketchums' future is decided.
"Having served with Daniel for a total of five years, I have known him as a person passionate in prayer and with a heart for others," Weatherill said. "The Global NMI Council prays for God's continued leadership and guidance in Daniel's and Carol's lives."--Global Mission
U.S. districts rehab Russia orphanage through NMI anniversary project 

Moscow, Russia
Members of Moscow First Church of the Nazarene often serve at the Neznaika house, a facility that houses single mothers with children, immigrants, and others experiencing difficult life situations. Sometimes members offer free hands and time or small donations. Last summer, the church brought three young people from Neznaika to youth camp and one accepted Christ as their Savior.
The organization's financial needs are met only through outside donors. The building was in need of renovations, so Moscow First Church proposed a Nazarene Missions International 100th Anniversary project to be completed in three phases. They hoped for three districts to each adopt a phase of the renovations, knowing that the funds would likely not be sent until the anniversary date of October 2015. The projects would also not meet all of the financial needs for the renovations.
Recently, the Neznaika house was informed by the government that the building would be temporarily closed for 80 days. In order to be reopened, renovations were required. This significantly heightened the need.
At the same time, pastor and project coordinator Tanya Cantarella was notified that two renovation phases were adopted by two U.S. districts. The situation's urgency was shared with the district NMI presidents and they were asked to send whatever money was raised as soon as it came in instead of waiting for the full amount.
The Philadelphia District NMI Council met and responded, saying the full amount of their project phase had been given and they were sending it that week. Along with it was the amount for the second phase given from an individual donor.
The second district, Georgia, responded the next week. They wanted to share the need with their district NMI convention in the coming weeks. After the convention, the district NMI president wrote that they had given four times the project goal, allowing more of the orphanage renovation needs to be addressed.
"Only God's hand could have brought all of these needs, people and resources together at just the right time," said Heidi Bowes, Eurasia Region NMI coordinator. "Contact your district NMI president to find out how your church can be part of the NMI 100th Anniversary celebration, too."--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
Bible quizzing spreads across South America 

Brazil, South America Region
For more than 50 years, the Church of the Nazarene has used Bible quizzing as an incentive for youth and adolescents to study and learn more about the Word of God.
South America Bible Quizzing Coordinator Edson Moura and his team — Rafael Lion, Erica Gomes, Ricardo Peressinoti, Daiane Lion, and Lucas Rodrigueiro — worked hard in their native country, Brazil, to spread this tool, which attracts, trains, and impacts the lives of those who participate.
Their new challenge is to take this program to all districts on the South American Region and train youth leaders in the local churches and on the districts. Edson and his team are exploring strategies that would allow the project to be self-sustaining. They have completed two tutorial videos in Spanish and Portuguese for pastors and leaders of the South America Region and a Facebook page to communicate with anyone interested.
In January, they visited four districts in Venezuela and are projected to continue with Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
APNTS students continue ministry to street children 

Manila, Philippines
Several months ago, students and faculty at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary began a ministry to street children. Led by Tobias Ferdinand, associate student body vice president, students soon realized that while these children had unmet physical needs, what they really needed was Jesus. In spite of their efforts, without the life transformation of Christ, the children would just keep going back to their bad habits.
"Only Jesus can change their hearts and transform them," Ferdinand said. "Last month, one of the children who accepted Jesus Christ said to me that she wanted to go to school along with her three siblings. She is 13 years old and only completed 1st grade. I asked the Lord to grant her desire.
"The Lord provided above and beyond this request. An anonymous donor provided funds for a school uniform and school supplies, as well as housing for one year for her family of eight. As new believers in Christ, they are experiencing God's faithfulness. They are seeing God's hand reaching out to them to save them from a life of poverty and using vessels like you and me to be a channel of blessing to them."
Since its beginning, the ministry has attracted partners both locally and abroad. Generous hearts have already sent several donations to sustain the needs of the ministry. Just recently, a donor sent money to buy school supplies and another donor sent funds requesting that the team treat the children to Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain in the Philippines.
"These are the true riches, that as Christians, we witness Christ transforming the lives of these children and see our simple acts of kindness leaving an everlasting impact," said Terence Davila Lustaña, an APNTS student. "May this inspire and challenge us to seek and help those who are greatly in need and to exercise our faith by placing compassion into action."--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Asia-Pacific
Kudjip, Papua New Guinea
Dr. Jim Radcliffe, chief surgeon at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea, was informed he is a good candidate for surgery following recent heart issues. The surgery date has been set for August 4. 
Jim and his wife, Kathy, are asking for focused prayer as multiple tests need to be completed and preparations made in advance of the surgery. 
"We are praying for a quick recovery, the ability to complete our home-assignment speaking, and to return to PNG in January," Jim said. "Please also pray for the Lord to use this time and to guide us in all the changes of schedules and plans we need to make. We are resting in the arms of Jesus and trusting Him for His healing, in His time and way."
Jim and Kathy have served in Papua New Guinea since 1985. The Radcliffes have six children between the ages of 33 and 15.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
New media coordinators announced for Australia/New Zealand
Sydney, Australia
Australia/New Zealand Field Strategy Coordinator John Moore announced the appointment of Diler and Akeela Barazinch as the new field media coordinators.
Diler and Akeela, who live in Sydney, are not new to the media profession. Over the past several years, with the partnership of the Australia Southern District, they converted their garage into a radio and TV studio, producing and broadcasting the gospel message in Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish languages.
The Barazinchs accepted Christ while living in Kirkuk, Iraq, and operated a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center in the country before flying to Jordan and finally receiving political asylum in Australia.
The Asia-Pacific Region and World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific celebrate with Diler and Akeela as they accept this new role and the responsibility of reaching the nations for Christ through media.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Eurasia
Lebanon church partners with groups for clinic to refugees
Beirut, Lebanon
The Sin il Fil Church of the Nazarene in Beirut, Lebanon, recently opened a clinic to provide care for Syrian refugee families and Lebanese families in need of low-cost health care. 
The church also sponsors a school, which houses the clinic four hours a day, three days a week. The Sin il Fil church is reaching out to 300 Syrian families in the immediate neighborhood with food and household assistance. Now the clinic is available for any of the Syrian families' medical needs, as well as Lebanese families in need.
The clinic is a partnership between the Nazarene church and school, H.O.M.E. (Health Outreach to the Middle East), the Korean Embassy, and the American University of Beirut Medical School. H.O.M.E. and the Korean government are providing the equipment, the university is providing the doctors, and the Nazarene church is providing the facilities in a neighborhood crowded with Syrian families seeking refuge.
"Our outreach with Syrian families just added an important component," said Andrew Salameh, Lebanon district superintendent. "We are already providing spiritual support, food, a Christian-based education for 50 Syrian children, and friendship support. Now we can play a part in bringing much needed health care services to Syrian refugees in the neighborhood."
The war in Syria continues to destroy the lives of tens of millions of people. The death toll has reached 150,000, and two million refugees have fled to Jordan and Lebanon. Nazarene churches in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon are reaching out to nearly 6,000 families with love, care, and support. As one pastor recently said, "The situation is difficult, dangerous and heart-breaking but God is with us and our faith is at the top."--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
NTC-Manchester hosts George Whitefield at 300 Conference
Oxford, England
An international group of scholars came together June 25 through 27 for the George Whitefield at 300 Conference. Co-organized and sponsored by the Manchester Wesley Research Centre at Nazarene Theological College-Manchester, The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University, the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History, and Aberystwyth University, the conference was aimed at reassessing the life, context, and legacy of the great transatlantic revivalist of the eighteenth century. 
The conference met at Whitefield's alma mater, Pembroke College, where as a student he developed a lifelong friendship with John and Charles Wesley. Together with the Wesley brothers, Whitefield, as a pioneering itinerant evangelist, was a co-founder of the Methodist movement. He preached throughout the British Isles and crossed the Atlantic seven times, preaching in nearly every town on the U.S. eastern seaboard. 
On the 300th anniversary of Whitefield's birth, 60 scholars came together to share and discuss the fruits of their research on Whitefield's life, context, and legacy. More than 40 papers were presented by scholars from the United Kingdom, Germany, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. 
Several scholars from the Church of the Nazarene presented papers, including Geordan Hammond (Nazarene Theological College-Manchester), Harold Raser and his wife, Joy (Nazarene Theological Seminary), Rebecca Laird (Point Loma Nazarene University), and Mark Olson and Kelly Yates (doctoral students at Nazarene Theological College/University of Manchester).  
Several publications will appear over the next few years to disseminate the results of this recent research on Whitefield and the transatlantic revivals. 
For more information about the conference, visit the Manchester Wesley Research Centre website.--Manchester Wesley Research Centre
South America
Flags of the Nations: Venezuela
Global Ministry Center
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: Venezuela
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Venezuela in 1982.
Venezuela had a population of 28,459,085 in 2013. That same year, Venezuela reported 83 Churches of the Nazarene, all of which had been officially organized. Venezuela has 7,349 total members.
Venezuela has one Phase Three district, three Phase Two districts, and one Phase One district. It is a part of the South America Region. For more information, visit samnaz.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
South Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Additional World Areas
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.
USA/Canada
Kansas congregation continues renewal through church planting
Chanute, Kansas
Four months ago, Chanute Church of the Nazarene began its church renewal process. The congregation jumped from an average of 60 to more 130 on Sunday mornings. One of the biggest aspects of the renewal is the addition of church planting. 
Senior Pastor Kevin McDonald, who is a master trainer through Dynamic Church Planting International, felt God was giving the church a vision to plant a new Hispanic church in Chanute, an area with no Protestant Hispanic churches. 
The Chanute church board recently voted Nelson Borror as the representative on church planting. 
"Nelson has an incredible heart for seeing lost people come to know the Lord," McDonald said. 
The church hopes to continue planting long term. 
Ten students from MidAmerica Nazarene University and more than 20 Hispanics from across the Joplin District arrived the week of June 23 to help get the new church off the ground. Borror, Chanute Youth Pastor Jeremiah Wood, Pastor Samuel Cordova from the Joplin District, and his wife, Sandra, a Hispanic pastor in Neosho, Missouri, each led teams into the community to spread the word about the new church, which will meet on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. 
"This was a new concept, to bring 30 church planters to town to help us get our new church plant off the ground, but it seems to be highly effective," McDonald said. 
The workers were split into six homes to stay during the week. 
"The families of our church really helped make this possible," McDonald said. "They housed, feed and prayed for the workers. We are truly blessed.
"Our purpose is to make disciples and one of the most effective ways to make this happen is through church planting and this is being accomplished."--Chanute Church of the Nazarene via NCN News submissions
Charles Anderson remembered
Silver City, New Mexico
Charles Anderson, pastor of the Mountainview Church of the Nazarene in Silver City, New Mexico, passed away on June 25. He was 74.
Anderson was born January 8, 1940, to Howard and Clara (Harp) Anderson in Arcola, Illinois.
Following a career in construction, Anderson received Christ as his Savior. He served at two churches in New Mexico, Artesia and El Paso Open Gate, before being ordained by General Superintendent Nina G. Gunter on the New Mexico District in 2006. That same year, Anderson accepted a pastorate at Silver City, New Mexico, Mountain View Church of the Nazarene.
He is survived by his wife, Augusta "Gussie" (Zink) Anderson, in addition to children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sister, Anita (John) Kenneman.
A funeral service will be held July 6 at the Mountain View church. 
Prayer is requested for the Anderson and Mountain View church families.
MVNU professor emeritus David Cubie passes away
Mount Vernon, Ohio
David L. Cubie, professor emeritus of religion at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, died June 29 at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital in Westerville, Ohio. He was 86.
Cubie served at MVNU from 1971 to 2002 and was much loved by the university community, his church family, and a host of former students across the globe. His gentle manner, teacher's heart, and love for Jesus will be greatly missed.
As professor, Cubie's teaching responsibilities included various courses in biblical, historical, and systematic theology. He also served as chairperson of the Division of Religion and Philosophy from 1971 to 1994. Working with then-President John A. Knight, Cubie was a chief architect of the Adult Studies program (now known as the Certificate of Ministry Preparation Program), a program to help bi-vocational pastors on the region complete the educational requirements for ordination. Even after his retirement, he continued to teach courses in the undergraduate and Certificate of Ministry Preparation programs. Cubie was a consummate churchman, active in Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene as Sunday School teacher and a consultant to the North Central District Church of the Nazarene and its Ministerial Studies Board.
Cubie authored a number of Beacon Dictionary of Theology articles and also penned a series of Sunday School lessons on the Gospel of Luke. He presented scholarly papers at a number of theological conferences. His love of the church afforded him the opportunity to provide preaching for a number of churches in Massachusetts and Kentucky. Cubie held various offices in the Wesleyan Theological Society, including president. He was awarded the President's Award for Excellence in teaching from MVNU in 1979 and again in 1991.
Born in Perth, Scotland, to the family of a Nazarene minister, Cubie earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Nazarene College in 1951, the Bachelor of Divinity (now Master of Divinity) degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1954, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Boston University in 1965. Cubie was also awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from MVNU in 2006. 
Prior to his teaching assignments at Eastern Nazarene College, Canadian Nazarene College (now Ambrose University College), and MVNU, he held pastoral positions in West Newberry and Malden, Massachusetts, and in Erlanger and Corbin, Kentucky. He married Genevieve Cubie, who taught English at MVNU from 1971 until 1990. Their four grown children are all graduates of Nazarene institutions.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Global Ministry Center News
In Memoriam
Global Ministry Center
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received June 30-July 4, 2014. 
Charles Anderson, 74, of Silver City, New Mexico, passed away June 25. He was a minister, serving at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene in Silver City, New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Augusta Anderson. (story)
David Cubie, 86, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away June 29. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve Cubie, who passed away in 2011. (story)
William Doan, 78, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away June 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Doan.
Eri Hopseker, 96, of East Greenville, Pennsylvania, passed away June 25. He was a retired minister, serving in Philadelphia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Haas) Hopseker, who passed away in 2009.
Ruth (Clark) Miller, 91, of Spencerville, Ohio, passed away June 30. She was the widow of retired minister Lowell Miller, who served in Ohio. Lowell Miller passed away in June.
Ralph Perdew, 80, of Grove City, Ohio, passed away June 26. He was a retired minister, serving in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Eileen (Beirau-Humes) Perdew.
Paul Simpson, 84, of Temecula, California, passed away June 23. He was a retired minister, serving in California and Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Simpson.
Christina (Thomack) Windoffer, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away June 30. She was the wife of minister Benjamin Windoffer, who serves at New Albany, Ohio, First Church of the Nazarene.
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
GMC employment opportunities
Global Ministry Center
By NCN News Staff
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Information Technology — Senior Software Developer
Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator
The person in this position will lead NCM's development team in developing and maintaining NCM's web applications, systems, and websites. 
About
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. To obtain additional information, please call (913) 577-0500 and ask for Human Resources
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office at the same address.
Collegiate News
MVNU launches new computer science-software development program
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University announced the launch of a new computer science-software development program based out of its New Albany campus.
This bachelor's degree completion program focuses on software development and design of computer systems with an emphasis on software design and implementation using current object-oriented methods and programming languages (including Java and C++). Courses will develop competence in the rapidly growing areas of software development, such as Web application programming and client/server applications database systems.
The program includes a balance of theory and practice where each student completes a software application project with guidance from experienced faculty. Significant underlying concepts are taught to prepare students to continue learning the next generation of software systems. A Christian perspective is included to prepare students to address professional/ethical issues with integrity.
Classes are offered at the university's recently opened New Albany campus, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
For more information on the program, visit mvnu.edu.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
SonFest features Grammy-nominated artist Gungor
Mount Vernon, Ohio
SonFest, Mount Vernon Nazarene University's annual outdoor Christian music festival, will take place Saturday, October 4 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Grove of the MVNU campus. Doors open at noon. Gungor will headline the event with multiple bands on two stages throughout the day.
Tickets are on sale now through iTickets.com or at the MVNU Cougar Corner Bookstore, Gospel Supply Shop of Mount Vernon, Columbus West LifeWay Christian Store, Reynoldsburg LifeWay Christian Store, Columbus North LifeWay Christian Store, Berean Christian Stores in Canton and Copely, and The Bookery in Mansfield. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $12 each for a group of 15 or more. VIP tickets will also be available for $40 online. Tickets will be $20 at the gate.
The following bands have been announced:
Gungor
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
The Orphan, The Poet
Wolves At The Gate
A list of the complete line-up will be available soon on the event's website, sonfest.mvnu.edu.
Gungor released its first album, Beautiful Things, in 2010, which was nominated for the Grammy Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album. The band currently has four albums, as well as three earlier albums released under its former name, The Michael Gungor Band, which formed in 2003. The band's most recent album was released in September under the title I Am Mountain.
Wolves at the Gate's album VxV is currently No. 6 on Billboard's Top 25 Christian Albums. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the formation of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and the band will release its new album, 4, on July 4.
The all-day event also includes inflatable games for all ages, food trucks, and a variety of giveaways. SonFest is held rain or shine.--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
NNU receives biomed grant renewal from INBRE Program
Nampa, Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University announced the renewal of the INBRE grant for a total of $3.2 million over the next five years in partnership with other universities in Idaho to support biomedical research. 
The grant comes through the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Program. The INBRE Program is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Institutional Development Award (IDeA).
NNU has a long history of faculty-student research through which students work closely with faculty members on projects in chemistry, physics, and engineering, as well as biomedical research. These funds will help continue that tradition of research and real-world experience for undergraduate students.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of the INBRE Program," said Dan Nogales, dean of NNU's College of Arts and Sciences. "It will continue to enhance the already active research happening at NNU and give us opportunities to expand research capabilities for our students and faculty over the next five years."
The aim of the INBRE Program and focus of the grant is to strengthen the biomedical research landscape in Idaho and to provide a pipeline for students and faculty to promote biomedical research professionals. The INBRE Program funds research through educational institutions throughout the state. Boise State University, Idaho State University, and College of Idaho researchers will work in collaboration with NNU researchers on the funded projects.
One of the lead researchers at NNU is chemistry professor Jerry Harris. His research will expand into the environmental toxicology and human health implications of nanoparticles, in collaboration with professors Josh Pak, Jean Pfau, and Michael Thomas at Idaho State University. The collaboration seeks to explore how the chemistry of small particles (nanomaterials) impacts the toxicity (toxicology) of the materials and how the toxicology is manifested in gene expression. In this project, Harris will partner with Pak to make the materials. The goal is to identify chemical formulations that contribute to biological reactivity and to determine how size, shape, and method of preparation influence the effects caused by exposures to nanomaterials. 
"Nanomaterials prepared will be exposed to simulated environments such as physiological pH, heat, and humidity," Harris said. "Samples will also be studied in terms of their decomposition and byproducts. Data will be collected to establish a baseline for cell culture studies. This project is significant because it is the first step in a series of research that is expected to lead to development of synthetic methods that will allow control over nanomaterial toxicity properties. It is anticipated that this project will lead to the development of nanomaterial properties essential for industrial applications, while minimizing environmental impact and human health concerns."
In addition to the INBRE grant, NNU professors obtained funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, NASA, and the Idaho Space Grant. This funding supports 35 undergraduate students who work directly with faculty on original research projects. Examples of these projects include testing materials and electronics for space flight, synthesizing self-assembling molecules capable of encapsulating smaller molecules, using remote sensing to evaluate crop health, and researching the causes for illness such as MRSA bacterial infections, Alzheimer's disease, and the effect of alcohol on fetal development.
"We are thrilled about the research opportunities these projects will provide for our undergraduate students and look forward to the expanded opportunities for our students now and in the future," Nogales said.--Northwest Nazarene University
Trevecca welcomes summer visitors
Nashville, Tennessee
Trevecca Nazarene University welcomed many visitors to its campus this summer. The groups began arriving only days after the spring semester ended.
Students in the School of Education's Intensive Summer Learning Experience (ISLE) came to campus May 9 through 11 for the first of three ISLE weekends. The 153 students in the program returned for classes June 5 through 8 and 26 through 29. 
From May 12 to 16, 220 officers of The Salvation Army Southern Territory were on campus for their annual week of summer continuing education classes. Also during that week, the Millard Reed School of Theology and Christian Ministry welcomed graduate religion students for a week of classes.
During the week of June 16, the Youth Equipped to Serve (YES) Conference was held for 75 teens and chaperones from the Southeast Region. The conference gave teens the opportunity to explore their call to ministry. Another group of teens and chaperones arrived on July 23 for Mission: Nashville. During their week at Trevecca, they engaged in mission service with community agencies and churches during the days and participated in worship services at night.
This week, Trevecca welcomed 746 Bible quizzers to campus for the Q2014 Conference. These winners of regional Bible quizzing contests competed against each other to be the top Bible quiz team of the Church of the Nazarene in the U.S.
Two groups will visit Trevecca next week. On July 9, Camp Electric returns to Trevecca for a week of Christian music training and experience. A total of 910 musician-campers will attend classes and seminars, have music lessons, and will listen to Christian artists. Nazarene Theological Seminary will also conduct a graduate class at Trevecca.  
Trevecca staff were pleased to provide southern hospitality to the the groups.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore 
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr 
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us: 
Nazarene Communications Network 
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