Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Nazarene Communication Network News Summary - Volume 1434 of The Global Church of the Nazarene for Friday, 22 August 2014
West Africa
As the Ebola outbreak in West Africa worsens, Nazarene churches in the affected areas are asking for prayer and support.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the disease has killed 1,145 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria. Liberia, where the Church of the Nazarene has a large presence, has had more deaths caused by Ebola than the other countries in the affected area.
"People are deeply worried and engulfed with fear," said Daniel Johnson, Liberia district superintendent.
This Ebola outbreak is one of the largest in history, and is the first to take place in West Africa. The outbreak has affected both urban centers and remote, rural areas, making it hard to contain.
Johnson reports that the major hospitals in Monrovia, Liberia's capital city, are closed, resulting in additional deaths from otherwise treatable diseases, including malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Borders are closed to prevent further spread of the disease, causing food and medical supply scarcity for more than 1 million people in the affected region, according to United Nations health officials.
Nazarene churches are responding by providing health education in communities within the major Ebola hot spots. The education program teaches church and community members how to identify those at risk, how to spot symptoms of Ebola, and how to prevent the spread of the disease.
Churches are also working to provide supplies related to prevention and hygiene, including chlorine, disinfectants, soap, pump buckets, and gloves. In addition, they will provide food and vitamins to strengthen the health and immune systems of community members.
How to help
Nazarene churches are asking for prayer and support for those affected by this deadly disease.
To contribute toward relief efforts through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, click here.
Funds contributed through the Africa Emergency Relief Fund will go toward Ebola education programs, prevention and hygiene supplies, and food and vitamins for individuals and families in affected communities.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Papua New Guinea, Asia-Pacific Region
Taime Dirye, the first national district superintendent in Papua New Guinea, passed away July 9. He was one of the first graduates of Melanesia Bible College and a member of the first group of national pastors to be ordained.
The Church of the Nazarene in Papua New Guinea and the Asia-Pacific Region celebrated the life of this pioneer and hero of the faith on July 16.
"He was one of our finest church doctrine protectors and holiness-message preachers," said Yambe Sike, chairman of the National Board in PNG. "He was the most dynamic servant of Jesus Christ in our time. His life and ministry has greatly impacted the growth and development of the Church of Nazarene in PNG."
Dirye served in many roles during more than 30 years of ministry. He pastored several churches, including the Kudjip mission station church, and also served as the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital chaplain for more than 20 years.
"He had a burning passion for church planting and for evangelism," said Dr. Jim Radcliffe, longtime Kudjip Nazarene Hospital surgeon. "He was a gifted, inspirational, and anointed speaker of God's Word. He has been used of the Lord to help open many new Nazarene churches and to win many souls to Jesus. As people accepted the Lord Jesus as Savior at the hospital, we referred them back to the nearest church that they could attend. Sometimes when there was no evangelical church in their area they wanted Chaplain Taime to help them start one so that they could continue in the faith in their local village. Each year, Chaplain Taime started several new churches in this manner and we have had the privilege as doctors to then go and speak at these church plants."
Prayer is requested for the Dirye family and for continued growth of the Church of the Nazarene in Papua New Guinea and across the Melanesia South Pacific Field.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Chorrera, Panama
El Progreso Church of the Nazarene on the Panama Central District opened the Music Guitars academy July 20. The academy was a longtime dream for church and community members.
"The music academy is a project for underprivileged children, with the idea of offering a space for children after they return from their regular schools," said Yanina Galvez, regional communications coordinator for Mesoamerica. "Instead of being on the streets, they go to church and receive instruction in music and in general arts."
A Work & Witness team from Olivet Nazarene University in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and members of the Mesoamerica Communications team helped complete the academy. The group worked on painting and upgrading classrooms. They also donated a drum set, guitar, flute, and amplifier.
Panama Central District Superintendent Carlos de la Cruz spoke at a worship service Sunday morning before the academy officially opened. About 100 children, including many who do not attended church, visited the academy Monday through Wednesday.
In addition to the work at the academy, the team evangelized at Cinta Costera park, where 25 people accepted Jesus as their Savior. They also visited Playa Chiquita Church of the Nazarene and shared the gospel with community and school children, 20 of whom opened their hearts to the Lord.
The Work & Witness trip ended with a celebration in which local churches presented their customs, clothing, and culinary arts. Mesoamerica Regional Director Carlos Saenz presented a message from the Word of God.
The church and community members were excited to see all God did during the week and look forward to what He will continue doing.--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region
Kansas City, Missouri
Registration for the USA/Canada Region's Mission 2015 Conference is now open to all. The conference, to be held February 9 through 11, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri, will feature plenary services, workshops, exhibits, and music guided by the theme, "Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future."
Paulo Barros, worship ministries pastor at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, will serve as the music coordinator. Barros offers 25 years of experience as a music and worship leader and has coordinated many national worship conferences.
"We are pleased to have Paulo coordinate our music program, which will involve a wide variety of musical styles, instrumentation, and participants," said Randy Cloud, M15 event director. "The unique themes of each plenary session will be complemented by distinctive musical and worship presentations. Paulo is a creative planner who will bring a passionate and worshipful presence to our entire event."
Register for M15 before October 31 to receive the $29 early bird rate. To register and learn more, visit m15conference.org or contact M15 Logistics Coordinator Loretta Cloud at m15@nazarene.org.--Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada
Chanute, Kansas
Chanute Church of the Nazarene continued its renewal process this summer with two major outreach events. More than 50 people accepted Christ at a ham giveaway and a back to school event.
Senior Pastor Kevin McDonald said the church changed its focus from inward to outward over the past five months.
"We have really just tried to love on our community through serving our community," he said.
Both outreach events focused on giveaways, but not just material things.
"We gave away hams and school supplies, but we also gave away the gospel, and people responded," McDonald said.
During the most recent outreach weekend, more than 350 people were impacted with the gospel. Numerous people came forward for prayer, healing, restoration, and commitments to Christ.
"The Lord moved mightily and moved in people's hearts far more than I expected Him too," said Jeremiah Wood, student ministries pastor and worship leader.
Jennifer Barnett attended the ham giveaway to feed her family of six.
"I was very skeptical about going to a church who was giving away anything for free," she said. "I wouldn't say I was an unbeliever, but I definitely wasn't a practicing Christian. As we walked through the front door, my children and I were greeted by a smiling woman who treated us like we had known each other for years."
Before the giveaway, McDonald shared his testimony and prayed for Barnett and other attendees.
"My children and I attended church that next morning and have ever since," Barnett said. "I truly believe that the Holy Spirit was there that day at the ham giveaway, and has been with us every day since then."
McDonald explained the methodology behind the church's recent events.
"Our outreach/follow-up process is three-fold for each person," he said. "First, we give them the gospel in a very simple form at an event, then we get them engaged in the life of the church, then we plug them into our new small groups for discipleship."
In the past five months, Sunday morning attendance has increased from 60 to about 200.
"Everything the church is experiencing is all a credit to God," McDonald said. "He is worthy and deserving of all and complete credit. This is just a testament of God breathing new life into a church."--Chanute Church of the Nazarene via NCN News submissions
Related: "Kansas congregation continues renewal through church planting"
Additional NCNNews.com
Stories This Week
Muldersdrift, South Africa
More than 1,000 women from across the Africa South Field and Mozambique gathered for the 2014 Women's Extravaganza at Nazarene Theological College-South Africa.
The theme for the weekend events was "Make Every Effort to Grow." Pastor Phumzie Phago encouraged and challenged attendees to rise up, reflect God's glory, and be unified as the Body and Bride of Christ.
"Everything we need to reach out to the community around can be found in us," Phago said.
In addition to Phago's message, there were times of worship, healing, fellowship, and prayer.
"It was an amazing weekend where God's presence was apparent and lives were changed," said Beth Heath, missionary to South Africa.
Attendees were reluctant to leave but were reminded that the things that God did in them were not just for them, but also to change and transform their marriages, families, churches, workplaces, and communities. Samantha Chambo, wife of Regional Director Filimao Chambo, reminded those who attended that "when united as sisters anything can be done."
Linah Mathbula, a pastor on the South Africa RSA Northeast District, said the Women's Extravaganza helps her "to be stronger and [reminds] me that God is working and shows me the [importance] of unity."
Offerings received during the weekend were shared with NTC-South Africa Principal Cathy Lebese to build classrooms for a new degree program.
Preparations are already under way for next year's Women's Extravaganza.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Lenasia, South Africa
Lenasia Church of the Nazarene received the Nelson Mandela Community Award in the Cultural and Religious Leadership category for its Holiday Bible Club. More than 1,000 children attended this year's club, held 7 to 11 July.
The church typically registers between 500 and 600 children on the first day, but this year 1,100 children arrived. More than 150 volunteers assisted in teaching and supervising the children.
The club theme, "My Body Is the Temple of God," focused on respecting and taking care of one's body, both physically and spiritually. Biblical lessons were presented each day, and children were divided into groups for demonstrations on hygiene. The groups played games and engaged in various activities. After game time, the children were fed a meal provided various church families.
Team Milo came out one day and taught the children about healthy eating. Samples of Milo were given to the children.
On their way home, each child received a bag of hygiene products, including soap, toothpaste, roll-on (deodorant), a facecloth, and a toothbrush. Organizers estimate as many as 1,200 children attended.
"We thank God for His blessing, and that we were able to present the Word of God into the lives and hearts of these children," said Peter Naidoo, assistant pastor. "[We are thankful] that we were afforded the opportunity to teach them how to keep their bodies clean, as they are the temple of God."--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
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: Burkina Faso
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Burkina Faso in 1997.
Burkina Faso had a population of 17,812,961 in 2013. That same year, Burkina Faso reported 99 Churches of the Nazarene, 18 of which had been officially organized. Burkina Faso has 2,969 total members.
Burkina Faso is a Phase 1 district on the Africa Region. For more information on the Church of the Nazarene in Burkina Faso, 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
South Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Additional World Areas
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.
Glasgow, Scotland
Like many international sporting events, the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, disrupted everyday life in nearby towns with road closures and an influx of visitors from around the world.
Parkhead Church of the Nazarene decided to provide a diversion by holding a two-week celebration called the Parkhead Games.
"One of the key reasons for doing what we were doing is the Commonwealth Games was right on our doorstep," said pastor Ian Wills. "We were in the shadow of three of the main venues, but our community would [only] see the games passing by because they wouldn't have finance for tickets to go to the events."
The Commonweath Games are an Olympic-like event held every four years among more than 50 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations.
During the Parkhead Games, the church hosted up to 250 community members each day. The congregation, volunteers from other community organizations, and a team from the British Isles North District used both indoor and outdoor space at the church to host sport tasters and competitions, quizzes, street games, music performances, live broadcasts of the Commonwealth Games, kids clubs, youth events, and even a community service project in which they built a bike track on some nearby unused public land.
"There's so many relationships we made during that time we'll be able to follow up on," said associate pastor Shelley Kenny. "We connected with so many different families ... I had the opportunity to pray with people, with families."
Because of the new connections, the Parkhead church is starting a Wednesday night kids club. Kenny contacted 15 to 20 families she met at the games to follow up and invite them to the kids club.
One mother brought her children to the celebration. Her oldest connected closely with the Nazarene Youth International team and has been attending the church's youth group the past couple of weeks.
The games also led several people to the Lord.
"We'll get to baptize two men who are 18 and 30 — a dad and his son," Wills said. "They're both unemployed and came to some of the live music events and came to faith in the middle Sunday and ended up being there every day from the first day they came. They got to know people in the church and started to help out with things."
Congregation members were changed as well. Many felt more comfortable with their neighbours than they had before, Kenny said.
"It was amazing to see how God was opening their eyes to a new community and a new way of working with them. Maybe at points they've attended church but hadn't connected with the community in the way they did this week."
Neighbours also seem more comfortable entering the church building and talking with church attendees.
"They've sang and danced and played games in the church," Kenny said. "They feel very comfortable there now. I'm hoping they will see God's sacrificial love through our sacrifice for two weeks — all the money, time, and energy that went into it."--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
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Global Ministry Center News
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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 August 18-22, 2014.
Joyce (Stanton) Knepper, 83, of Morrisville, Vermont, passed away August 15. She was the wife of retired minister Ralph Knepper, who served in Maryland, New Mexico, Vermont, and Hawaii.
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
Global Ministry Center
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Burkina Faso
"I found a new reason to live," said 29-year-old Sawadogo in Burkina Faso. "All my life, I followed a religion which did not recognize Christ as Lord. I was not a very good follower. I was given to alcohol and strong drink. I was immersed in the world of violence, theft, rape, assault, and other evil. Seeing the life of Jesus tonight, I've realized this is not the kind of life God created me to live. I realized how unhappy I am in this miserable life. I have accepted forgiveness in Christ. Brothers, pray for me."
JESUS Film - Guatemala
"Thank you for coming here," said a community leader in Guatemala. "I feel very happy because I have received Christ in my heart. May God be blessed for you coming into our community. I encourage you to keep preaching the Word of God. I beg of you, brethren, to keep praying for my wife and children so God can make a miracle in our homes and in our community so they may receive Christ as their Lord and Savior."
JESUS Film - Philippines
"Thank God for His faithfulness," said a team member in the Philippines. "With His help, we hosted a film showing with about 200 in attendance. Many souls came to Christ. We have set up two adult Bible studies and one for youth!"
PRAYER REQUESTS
Confiscated equipment
JESUS Film, World Mission Broadcast, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and other ministries often receive equipment through team members as they enter a country. Recently, two JESUS Film Harvest Partners solar backpacks were confiscated at customs. The equipment was then sold and never made it to the waiting JFHP teams. Prayer is requested for the teams.
Guayaquil Sembrador church
Guayaquil Sembrador is one of the fastest growing Nazarene churches in Ecuador. The congregation is remodeling a building it rents in order to accommodate the growth. Eventually, the church would like to purchase the building, especially given the US$40,000 they are investing in the remodel.
Middle East conflicts
The Board of General Superintendent recently issued a call to prayer for peace in the Middle East.
Board of General Superintendents
We are appealing for Nazarenes to pray for an immediate end to violence in the Middle East.
Believing Jesus called us to be peacemakers, we must affirm the need for our church to work and pray for peace in the region.
Pray for peace in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, for a just and lasting solution that allows all people to live with dignity and respect in the absence of violence. Pray for the comfort of those who have lost family members and friends.
Pray for peace in Syria, for an immediate end to the conflict, and for protection of human life. More than 100,000 people have been killed; there are 6.5 million internally displaced people in Syria and 2.5 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. Pray for their many needs to be met and for hope in the face of long-term displacement.
Pray for the persecuted church across the region that is in danger because of faith in Christ, that those who are oppressed would know the strength and courage that comes from fellowship with God. Pray that people of different faiths could live in peace with one another.
Pray for the protection of children throughout the region and for all people who have experienced trauma.
Pray for local churches that are working in partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (and other ministries and agencies) to alleviate suffering as they care for the vulnerable in volatile, insecure conditions.
As followers of the risen Christ, we are called to love all people and recognize that they are precious and worthy of our concern and compassion.
If you would like to help the Church of the Nazarene respond to these needs through local congregations and church partners, you can give to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries:
Support Middle East Crisis Response to provide relief for those affected by conflict in the region by clicking here.
Respond to the needs of the Persecuted Church across the Middle East by clicking here.--Board of General Superintendents
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Fernando Cesar de Oliveira
Fernando Cesar de Oliveira was scheduled to have prostate cancer surgery on August 18. He is the superintendent of Sudeste Paulista District in Brazil.
Mitch Modine
Prayer is requested for missionary Mitch Modine, who will undergo surgery in August. Mitch and his wife, Marnie, live in Manila, Philippines, where Mitch is a professor at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary and Marnie works for the Asia-Pacific Regional Office.
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here.
To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
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. For the full job description, click here.
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.
USA/Canada Regional Office — Office Assistant
This position provides assistance to the UCRO administrative coordinator with event planning, word processing, scheduling, website maintenance, and other tasks as needed.
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.
For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here.
Kansas City, Missouri
Nazarene Theological Seminary appointed Hannah Beers as its new full-time director of Recruitment.
Beers is a 2014 graduate of the seminary's Master of Divinity program and a 2009 graduate of Northwest Nazarene University. She will lead a newly formed team of five recruiters, tripling the total size of the NTS recruitment staff. Among the team are graduates from six of the Church of the Nazarene's undergraduate institutions in North America.
"We are very excited about the appointment of Hannah Beers as our new director of Recruitment," said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. "She actually joined our staff in 2013 as a part-time recruiter for our 365m program, tasked with not only recruiting 365m students but also doing so in such a way as to ensure the program was sustainable. She was incredibly successful; 365m has seen a 400 percent increase in enrollment in the past year.
"In just the few weeks in which Ms. Beers has been in her new role, she has already made contact with several undergraduate institutions whom we have previously not served and they have been responsive, inviting us to recruit as well as asking Hannah to preach."
The increased focus on the seminary's recruitment efforts comes at the end of a summer term with the highest enrollment since 2008. In addition, NTS reports significant gains in overall giving through its annual Seminarian Offering and through giving to its scholarship and capital improvement funds.
"We are grateful to God for his provision for us through this last year of transition and are confident that with God, our best days are ahead," Sunberg said.--Nazarene Theological Seminary
Nashville, Tennessee
Trevecca Nazarene University completed a long list of campus improvements and renovations in preparation for the start of the new school year. At the top of the list was the construction of the Reed Memorial Bell Tower, in honor of former Trevecca president Millard Reed.
Other campus improvements include:
Touchscreen Windows 8 computer kiosks for the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service in the Bud Robinson Building.
New wireless access points that allow four times as many devices to be connected. The devices are located in Benson Hall; Bush, Redford, and Shingler apartments; the Arts Annex, and Johnson Hall.
Larger classrooms, labs, and a new lounge for physician assistant students on the third floor of the Greathouse Science Building. The primary instructional classroom is now the most high-tech classroom on campus with two 87" Dell Interactive Touch Boards that function as projectors, Smart Boards, and whiteboards. The lab is also equipped with a camera-connected computer at the teacher's station so the instructor can demonstrate a procedure at the front of the classroom while students watch on one of the overhead projection units.
New windows for the Greathouse Science Building.
A new glass vestibule for the Jernigan Student Center ground-level entrance. Seating in Apple Dining Room was reconfigured, adding 50 more seats.
Space in Waggoner Library was reconfigured, creating a new study space with new tables, chairs, and technology.
A redesign of the Martin Building second-floor lobby to make serving customers more convenient.
All laundry facilities in residence halls were replaced.
Renovated bathrooms in the Shingler Apartments, including new fixtures, new showers with glass doors, and new tile floors.
New windows and paint throughout Benson Hall for Men.
New floors for Trojan Fieldhouse and the racquetball courts in the Moore Physical Education Building. Space was reconfigured to create a new exercise science lab, offices, conference room, classrooms, and all-purpose room. The Wellness Center was expanded, and approximately 50 pieces of exercise equipment were installed. The laundry rooms for athletic teams were renovated, and larger, more efficient appliances were installed.
An on-campus practice facility so members of the golf teams can work on their chipping and short game.
A new batting pavilion adjacent to the softball field and improvements to the area behind the home dugout.
Freshmen move in Friday, followed by upperclassmen on Sunday. Classes begin the following Tuesday.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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