Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary, Volume 1444 for Friday, 31 October 2014

Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary	Volume 1444	Friday, 31 October 2014
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary, Volume 1444 for Friday, 31 October 2014 60,000 attend evangelistic event in Colombia  Santiago de Cali, Colombia The eighth Master's Plan International Convention was held September 24 through 27 with the theme "Renewing your Vision." The event was held at Casa de Oración (House of Prayer) Church of the Nazarene. It featured conferences with Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter, Casa de Oración Pastors Adalberto and Nineye Herrera, and Pastor Ruddy Gracia from Segadores de Vida Church in Florida, USA, a church with more than 6,000 members. Pastor Marcos Barrientos led the time of praise and worship, accompanied by Casa de Oración's worship team. The convention was attended by more than 1,800 people. Each year the convention closes with a large-scale evangelistic event. This year's A Smile for Cali event took place at Pan American Courts and featured two well-known comedians, Juan Lozano and José Ordoñez. Organizers asked attendees to bring a pound of non-perishable food to donate to the poor, and approximately 10 tons was collected from the 60,000 attendees. About 4,800 people responded positively to the gospel message, accepting the Lord as their Savior. Casa de Oración's follow-up process included a text, an email, a phone call, and if possible, a personal visit to the new converts during the following week. Casa de Oración currently holds six Sunday morning services, beginning at 6:30 a.m., in order to accommodate an average of 16,000 attendees each week. "Please pray for this church as they attempt to obtain the city permits to build a worship center," Porter said. "The city has not approved their request for an auditorium for 12,000 because of the congestion it will represent in the neighborhood. They are negotiating to see what seating capacity the city will approve. We praise the Lord for the vision, sacrifice, and fruitful ministry of this Nazarene church!" The church also holds a Saturday night service. "Every service is evangelistic with scores of persons finding the Lord in each service," Porter said. "Pastors Herrera insist that this church is healthy and growing because of their emphasis on personal and corporate prayer. They also emphasize intentional discipleship and spiritual encounter weekends where believers are led into the experience of entire sanctification."--Church of the Nazarene South America Region Peru Nazarenes celebrate centennial  Chiclayo, Peru The Church of the Nazarene will be honored Friday by Peru's Congreso de la República for 100 years of ministry in the country. The first Nazarene missionary to Peru, Roger Winans, arrived in the country in 1914. General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter travelled to the country to participate in the ceremony. This honor coincides with a National Pastors Retreat, where Porter addressed attendees on October 29. "Last night I challenged the 500 Peruvian Nazarene pastors to call every Nazarene to a covenant of prayer, consecration, evangelism, discipleship, and church multiplication," Porter said Thursday. "I challenged them to lead the church from 63,000 to 300,000 members. They have grown 100 percent during the last 10 years, from 30,000. Today, one in every 500 Peruvians is a Nazarene. When we reach 300,000, one in every 100 will be a Nazarene." Porter mentioned five options for the Peruvian Nazarene church as it celebrates its centennial: 1. Stop growing and begin to lose members each year 2. Maintain the current membership 3. Grow at the current numerical rate — reaching 300,000 in 100 years 4. Grow at the current percentage rate — reaching 300,000 in 30 years 5. Move to multiplication (each one win one each year and/or each one gather five disciples) and reach the 300,000 in three years "We took a quick poll and most said we could and should reach 300,000 in less than 15 years," Porter said. "Praise the Lord!" Korea Nazarene University holds 60th anniversary celebration  Chenoan City, South Korea Korea Nazarene University celebrated its 60th anniversary October 23 with current and former leaders from around the globe. KNU's founder and first president, General Superintendent Emeritus Donald Owens, had this to say during the celebration: "According to my diary, September 14, 1954, was the first full day of class for the seminal Bible school. Most of the students were pastors and the focus of the curriculum was on their ordination. We only had two books available for the students — a Japanese language version of John Wesley's Plain Account of Christian Perfection and a Salvation Army manual for potential students. "The library was composed of all of my books, written in English," Owens said. "Mrs. Owns taught Old Testament courses, and I taught New Testament, theology, and Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. Unfortunately, all teaching was done via a Korean translator. It was awkward, but it was a beginning. "As I view the magnificent facilities of KNU, and consider the large, well-educated faculty, the number of significant departments, and the large and beautiful student body, truly, the Lord has done great things among us. In the beginning, I could not imagine the miracle that is Korea Nazarene University today … this university has become a crown jewel among all of the Nazarene educational institutions." KNU, founded as Korea Nazarene Bible College, is a flagship for Nazarene education on the Asia-Pacific Region. It hosts 42 majors, a student body of more than 6,000, and is recognized throughout the region as the leader in human rehabilitation and social welfare, serving not only to educate leaders in its PhD program, but to educate and empower students with various disabilities. Current KNU President Min Gyoo Shin and all five previous presidents of KNU were in attendance for the celebration, as well as many of the missionaries who have served in South Korea over the past 60 years. General Superintendent David and Christi Busic and Global Missions Director Verne and Natalie Ward were also present. The celebration was a homecoming for many and included several dinners and a concert highlighting the students' musical talent. "The global Church of the Nazarene honors Korea Nazarene University for its great past, but depends upon this institution to continue its mission to produce Christian leaders, capable of faithful, dedicated service to this nation and all who occupy this planet," Donald Owens said.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region Board of General Superintendents: 'We give because we are thankful'  Global Ministry Center To Nazarenes around the world: Nazarenes around the world are coming together for our special Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund. This offering remains critical to funding the God-given mission of the Church of the Nazarene worldwide. Our global church unites Nazarenes in every land to share in this significant offering. We give because we are thankful! As we all give to the Lord's work from the depths of our hearts, we provide resources vital to continue the effectiveness of our shared mission "to make Christlike disciples in the nations." News reports come from around the globe on a daily basis reminding us of the hurt, pain, bondage, and suffering inflicted on individuals due to evil and sin. Our message of God's saving and sanctifying grace offers not only hope but also the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to bring real change. This change affects both individuals and entire communities as God works out His will in our lives. The Thanksgiving Offering assists in bringing God's work of transformation to our world — one life, one community at a time. Yes, we give because we are thankful. "Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.  And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy" (Psalm 107:21–22 NRSV). Across the globe we use funds from the Thanksgiving Offering to preach the gospel, to offer a drink of water in Jesus' name, and to alleviate human suffering. The Lord has generously blessed us in so many ways. As you stop to recount your blessings, please consider setting aside a special, unselfish gift for the Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund. Your contribution will be a powerful testimony to your personal faith in Christ and your commitment to our Lord's Great Commission — "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Working together we will make an eternal difference in people's lives. To give or to download resources in order to help promote this offering, visit nazarene.org/generosity. Gratefully yours in Christ, The Board of General Superintendents SNU makes donation to North Central Texas College softball family fund  By Heather Goodwin for Star Local Media Southern Nazarene University head softball coach Tere Webber now considers Van Hedrick her brother. The North Central Texas College athletic director and head softball coach has been in her thoughts and prayers every single day since Sept. 26. It was on that day that the NCTC softball team was at SNU in Bethany, Oklahoma, to scrimmage Webber's team. After the scrimmage ended, the two coaches shook hands and both teams met in the middle of the field to pray. What happened just a few hours after that changed everyone's life. The NCTC bus was hit by an 18-wheeler that crossed a grassy median in southern Oklahoma, killing four Lady Lion softball players and injuring a dozen others, including Hedrick. Killed in the crash were NCTC sophomores Brooke Deckard, Jaiden Pelton and Meagan Richardson, along with freshman Katelynn Woodlee. While the accident has resonated with people around the country, it hit close to home for Webber, who has been a coach at the school for almost two decades. She remembers the NCTC players she had seen play on that day. It was the first time that an NCTC team had played at SNU. Webber said she wanted to host NCTC because she knew that they were a good softball program that sent several players to four-year schools every year. When she heard about the accident, she immediately thought of the girls she had seen on her field just a few hours before. She also thought about their coach, who had driven the team up to Oklahoma for a scrimmage to help prepare them for the spring season and also give Webber and her assistant, Brian Madden, a chance to see NCTC players they might want to recruit. This past week, Webber and Madden made the trip from Bethany to Gainesville to visit with Hedrick and present NCTC president Brent Wallace a check for $20,000 to go to a family benefit fund the school set up in the days after the crash. "Southern Nazarene University and North Central Texas College will be forever linked," Wallace said. "We are overwhelmed by the generosity offered to our Lady Lions and their families by SNU, and would like to express our sincere appreciation for their gift." When Webber and Hedrick met at the NCTC softball field this past week, they passed on the usual handshake that coaches might give each other. Instead, they shared a hug, like brother and sister in a softball family. "It's just the softball world," she explained when asked why her team wanted to raise money for the NCTC families. "It had such a huge effect on everyone that you just want to support in some way, somehow to make it easier." It wasn't just the SNU softball team that made the donation possible. In fact, every athletic team at the school did their own fundraisers, and then the school itself matched what the athletic department raised. "We had a prayer vigil at our school the same night that (NCTC) had theirs and all the teams came out," Webber said. "We had so many more there than I expected. I even ran out of candles. It affected kids because they ride those buses. It affected them in realizing that they have no promises either. It kind of got their attention." The SNU coach knows that a donation, even a sizable one like the one her school made, won't take away the pain that everyone associated with NCTC softball is feeling, but she hopes it helps show, in some little way, that people really do care. Webber and Madden plan to return to Gainesville on November 15 to attend the NCTC softball alumni game that will raise money for the Angels in the Infield Scholarship Fund to honor the four players who were killed. Olympians Jennie Finch, Danielle Lawrie and Lauren Lappin will be in attendance, along with current Team USA member Taylor Hoagland.--Republished with permission from Star Local Media Regional News Africa Flags of the Nations: Equatorial Guinea 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: Equatorial Guinea The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Equatorial Guinea in 2002. Equatorial Guinea had a population of 704,001 in 2013. Equatorial Guinea has not yet reported any officially established Churches of the Nazarene. Equatorial Guinea is a part of the Africa Region. 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 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. Eurasia NTC-Manchester graduates students from 15 nations Manchester, England Nazarene Theological College-Manchester's 2014 graduating class included 46 members from 15 nations, reflecting the college's growing influence around the world. Dan Copp, Church of the Nazarene education commissioner, was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony on 18 October.  "Everywhere I go I'm running into people who are now teaching and training in our schools or in other ways on districts that did work at NTC-Manchester," Copp said. "It has global availability and global application that is unique among our 53 schools." The ceremony had 21 undergraduates, 20 master's-level graduates, and five doctoral graduates receiving awards. A total of 40 students have completed doctorates through the college in the past 10 years. All five in this year's group are teaching in Nazarene or Wesleyan institutions. Graduates hailed from Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Ireland, South Africa, Argentina, India, the U.S., Japan, Colombia, Ghana, Uganda, and Nigeria, as well as the nations of Great Britain. Recently developed postgraduate partnerships between NTC-Manchester and South Asia Nazarene Bible College (SANBC), as well as Nazarene Theological College-South Africa, have led to nine students from India and 10 from southern Africa attending postgraduate programs over the past few years. The partnerships with these sister institutions are a new addition to NTC-Manchester's increasingly global reach and influence. SANBC is a decentralized college serving students in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Six SANBC faculty graduated from the NTC-Manchester program last year, and three graduated this year, including Sunil Dandge, strategy coordinator for the India Field. The partnership with SANBC was sparked by leaders in India asking the college to help them develop the SANBC faculty team in order to raise training standards for its students — particularly those who will serve the church in the growing cities of South Asia. Faculty from NTC-Manchester traveled to India to teach three units, and the students then came to Manchester to complete their final, fourth unit. The partnership with NTC-South Africa quickly followed — an initiative instigated by Mark Louw, then regional education coordinator for Africa. By training and teaching the Indian and African cohorts, NTC-Manchester is fulfilling its mission to support people not just in scholarly research, but to train a new generation of pastors and leaders in local Nazarene churches in what it means to be a holiness people in the Wesleyan theological tradition, according to Peter Rae, dean at NTC-Manchester.  "The programs at NTC-South Africa and with the program in India, both of those are great examples of where [NTC-Manchester] are intentionally coming alongside people in different nations that otherwise would not have access to something like a master's from NTC-Manchester," Copp said. NTC-Manchester's growing global influence is partly a result of the college reviewing and revising its mission a decade ago to include being a resource for the global church, according to Rae. Leaders of the school have intentionally sought ways to assist and partner with other institutions of higher education outside of Great Britain, both within the global Church of the Nazarene and with other institutions in the Wesleyan tradition.--NTC-Manchester Nazarene church in Bulgaria opens small business start-up center Montana, Bulgaria Sergo Slavchov is the first member of his family in 10 generations to own land. And he has big dreams for his land on the outskirts of Montana in northwest Bulgaria. Slavchov and his wife, Daniella Evdokimova, are among the first participants in the Montana Church of the Nazarene's compassionate ministry center called New Opportunities. The center, which officially opened this month, will provide education, assistance, and opportunities for selected applicants to take advantage of Bulgarian and European Union grants and funds to start private businesses. In 2009, Bulgaria entered the European Union, which opened the doors wide for Bulgarians to emigrate to other more economically healthy places in Western Europe. But Montana, which was the birthplace of Communism in Bulgaria, is one of the poorest regions in the entire European Union. With widespread emigration, Montana's population has fallen sharply from 70,000 to the 40,000s, with mostly the elderly and children left behind. This only worsened the poverty and lack of jobs. Slavchov and Evdokimova are two of those who have remained. Roma by ethnicity, for the past five years they have attended the Montana Church of the Nazarene, where they became believers. The couple works six months out of the year for an Italian agricultural firm, picking berries and fruit when it is in season. That means during the remaining six months they are unemployed and must find odd jobs, such as gathering and selling walnuts.  For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine. South America Retired Venezuela district superintendent passes away Venezuela, South America Region Alberto Cordero, retired pastor and district superintendent, passed away September 30 after he went into kidney failure. Cordero was 62. Cordero's condition deteriorated over the last 14 months while he underwent dialysis three times a week and received treatment for blood pressure and diabetes. Born August 14, 1952, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Cordero's mother took him to church as a child even though she was not a Christian. The Lord healed him of a cough, and from that moment on he felt like he should become a Christian. Later, in his adolescence, he was given a New Testament. After several years, he was invited to a church service. On November 7, 1970, at age 18, he gave his life to Christ. At age 21 he began serving God, and for 41 years he shared the Word of God. Cordero earned degrees in social management and theology. He was a church planter, holiness preacher, professor of theological education by extension (ETED), president of the Jiraquito Camp Foundation, member of the Venezuela National Board, superintendent of the Centro Occidental District for 12 years, and pastor of the following churches: La Hermosa and Mizpa (both of which he founded) in Bolívar, San Felipe (instrumental in its founding), Jobito (founded together with the mother church, San Felipe) and Simón Bolívar, which he supported during its founding. During their 37 years of marriage, Cordero and his wife, Loida, instructed their family in the love of God and the church. Their four children, Loiberis, Mehir, Norvelis, and Mervin, serve the Lord in various church ministries along with their young grandchildren, Joseph, Yulio, Loirys, and Mehiris. Pastor Cordero left his footprint, fulfilling his desire as revealed in his favorite verse, Psalm 13:3, "Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death" (NIV).--Church of the Nazarene South America Region USA/Canada Forrest Whitlatch remembered Cedar Rapids, Iowa Forrest E. Whitlatch, retired Iowa district superintendent, passed away October 21. He was 90. Whitlatch began his ministry in Iowa after graduating from Olivet Nazarene College (now University). He pastored four churches in Iowa and was elected superintendent of the Iowa District in 1970, a position he held for 20 years. Under Whitlatch's leadership, the Iowa District had its most significant growth, and every church he pastored grew. Whitlatch was a member of the Mid America Nazarene College (now MidAmerica Nazarene University) Board of Trustees for 20 years and chairman for 14. He served on the Church of the Nazarene's General Board missions and finance committees. After his retirement, he served as interim D.S. and assisted Iowa district superintendents with pastoral reviews and interviews. He returned to pastor Cedar Rapids First Church of the Nazarene for the second time in his retirement. He was an Iowan through and through, spending his entire ministry in the Hawkeye State. He was an innovator, a "pastor to his pastors," and was instrumental in the planting of several churches while D.S. He also was the author of a book about the Church of the Nazarene in Iowa, On Good Soil, and was mentor to many. While in the pastorate, many young men and women were called into full-time Christian service.  A funeral was held at Cedar Rapids First Church with Gary Henecke, who was saved under Whitlatch's ministry, and Pastor Tim Carter officiating, assisted by current Iowa D.S. Kim Smith and Indiana Wesleyan University Professor Dave Arnold. Music was provided by Bill Green and Janelle Casey Miller, both of whom served as music/worship leaders under Whitlatch, and along with Arnold and Henecke were Cedar Rapids First church youth during his first pastorate there. General Superintendent Emeritus James H. Diehl, who pastored under Whitlatch, said, "A saint of God has been carried home. Long live the memory of the friend to all of us — Dr. Forrest Whitlatch."--NCN News submissions M15 features workshops on social, theological identity issues Kansas City, Missouri The USA/Canada Region's Mission 2015 Conference (M15) February 9 through 11, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri, will feature 180 workshops during six one-hour sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Workshops will be presented by a host of practitioners, subject-matter experts, church leaders, and theological educators on a variety of topics and ministry areas. The M15 planning team consulted both younger and established leaders for suggestions on workshop ideas and topics. "We trust that the M15 workshops will be a true reflection of the kinds of questions and conversations that are on your hearts and minds today," said Randy Cloud, M15 event director. "Most of the workshops will be recorded to maximize your access to these excellent resource sessions." Register for M15 at m15conference.org by October 31 to catch the early bird rate of $29 per person.  In addition to forums addressing key Nazarene programs and affinity groups, M15 will offer workshops on social issues such as: Immigration Multicultural congregations Sexual addictions Alcohol Homosexuality Biblical justice Post-modern families Adoption Technology Human trafficking Theological identity issues that lie at the heart of the Church of the Nazarene will also be addressed: Holiness Preaching Ecclesiology Hermeneutics and Scripture Ministerial burnout and stress The small church Prayer Worship and sacraments Trust and leadership Evangelism and missions Young leaders Financing the church Ministering to the "nones" Mega-workshops on young adult leadership strategies, ministry to non-traditional families, overcoming stress in the pastorate, and discussion on the denomination's holiness identity will punctuate the event schedule. The M15 planning team asks for prayer surrounding the event, where they hope that, by honoring the church's past, the Church of the Nazarene can shape a significant, Christ-honoring future.   "These three days could be a history-making event in the life of our church," said Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada regional director. "This denominational gathering is of great importance for the future of the region and we need everyone's support. Having just passed our 100-year anniversary, the Church of the Nazarene finds itself at a critical tipping point that all denominations face at this time in their respective histories. Would you commit to pray for and participate in M15? We need your support and we need your input; M15 will be the forum for that to take place. This is a family gathering of great importance and it won't be all it can and should be without strong involvement from family members like you." As an added feature, there will be a one-day pre-conference event, "Worship, Preaching, and the Mission of God," at the Kansas City Convention Center (same site as M15) on Monday, February 9, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pre-conference event will explore how God provides the gift of communal worship for the life of the Church and the redemption of the world and will address all aspects of worship, including the intersection of Scripture, song, prayer, preaching, sacrament, and mission.  Jointly sponsored by Northwest Nazarene University and Trevecca Nazarene University, the event will include plenary and workshop sessions on a variety of topics, as well as special music. T. Scott Daniels, who serves as senior pastor at Pasadena, California, First Church of the Nazarene and dean of the School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University, will serve as the main plenary speaker, and Karen Westerfield-Tucker, professor of worship at Boston University, will lead a special workshop on worship in the Wesleyan tradition for today's worship leader and planner.  Registration details are forthcoming. Questions on the worship pre-conference event may be directed via email to Brent Peterson (bdpeterson@nnu.edu) and Heather Daugherty (hdaugherty@trevecca.edu). All M15 participants are invited to register for this event. For more information about the M15 Conference, visit m15conference.org or contact M15 Logistics Coordinator Loretta Cloud at lcloud@nazarene.org.--Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada Region New SDMI USA/Canada district chairs gather for orientation Lake Placid, Florida The USA/Canada Region's 2014 New District Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International Chair Orientation was held at Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center. Attendees came from Alaska, Texas, California, and a number of states in between. In five sessions, the USA/Canada regional SDMI staff presented the numerous ministries and resources available through the SDMI office and affiliated ministry partners. Special speaker Greg Pressley, former South Carolina District chair and current district secretary, helped the newly elected chairs understand their responsibilities and pointed them to some of the best practices for ministry leadership. Additional speakers included Global SDMI Director Woodie Stevens, USA/Canada Regional Director Bob Broadbooks, Nazarene Publishing House Sales and Church Relations Director Eric Bryant, and Florida District Superintendent Larry Dennis. The success of the orientation is reflected in comments from the attendees. One stated, "I'm excited to let my district know about all the free resources we have through SDMI. I'm looking forward to meeting again at M15!" Another reflected, "This has been very beneficial to me as a new district SDMI chair. Thank you for putting this event together." The next SDMI USA/Canada event will be held in conjunction with the Mission 2015 Conference, February 9 through 11, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri. Click here to learn more.--SDMI USA/Canada 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 October 27-31, 2014.  Elizabeth "Betty" (Snow) Ault, 92, of Caro, Michigan, passed away October 24. She was a missionary, previously serving in Zambia and Guyana. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister and missionary Donald Ault Sr., who served in Indiana, Ohio, Zambia, and Guyana. Donald Ault Sr. passed away in 2007.  Virgil Borden, 89, of Gresham, Oregon, passed away October 22. He was a retired minister, serving in California, Idaho, Washington, Hawaii, Ohio, and Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Borden, in 2007.  Roma "Juanita" Cannon, 85, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away October 27. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist A. Durwood Cannon, who served in Alabama. A. Durwood Cannon passed away in 2008. Alberto Cordero, 62, of Venezuela passed away September 30. He was a retired minister who founded several Venezuela churches and led the Venezuela Centro Occidental District as superintendent. (story) Dorothy (Leonard) Dennis, 85, of Fairmont, West Virginia, passed away October 25. She was the widow of retired minister, evangelist, and district superintendent John Dennis, who served in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and led the Kentucky District. John Dennis passed away in 2006.  Lanita Meadows, 67, of East Brewton, Alabama, passed away October 27. She was the wife of James Meadows, who pastors the East Brewton, Alabama, Church of the Nazarene. George Rice, 90, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away October 26. He was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania and Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Rice, in 2013. 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 praise reports and prayer requests Global Ministry Center Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:  PRAISES JESUS Film - Argentina "The hand of God is blessing the church," said a team member in Argentina. "Every time we show the film, testimonies are shared and lives are transformed. Juan is one example. He was given to drinking. When he saw the JESUS film, he was moved and opened his heart. Now he attends church and brings his family to hear God's Word." JESUS Film - Benin "I thought I would be sick forever," said Tchanda in Benin. "I wanted to experience tranquility, but my mind was confused. I was without hope until I learned of God's mercy. I gave myself to the Lord and committed my life on earth to Him.  He has filled my heart and the source of my happiness comes from His hand. He brightens my life." JESUS Film - Philippines "When the sound starts, people come," said Dario in the Philippines. "We arrived late, but set up to show the film. We were concerned people would not come. People began to come from everywhere! We saw excitement in the eyes of the children as they watched the film. Trisikad (pedicab) drivers in the area stopped to watch. At the end as we shared, the Holy Spirit worked in one of the trisikad drivers. He started shouting he wanted to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior! With him, 30 people raised their hands willing to accept Christ. It was really a victorious night. God moved in a mighty way. Thank you Lord." PRAYER REQUESTS The Asia-Pacific Region received the following prayer request from a field strategy coordinator who oversees a Creative Access Area: "I need you to stand with us in prayer. Please pray for 'M.' He just received Christ as his personal savior last week and in the same week he led three of his friends to Christ. Now he is getting threats from some of his friends. They say that they are looking for him and will kill him when they find him." 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. 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: Business Center — Senior Mail Technician This position is responsible for processing incoming/outgoing mail, deliveries, and providing customer service to GMC employees. Additional tasks include maintaining the Business Center, assisting with other Business Center work orders as requested, working with vendors and USPS (including attending training and vendor seminars), as well as handling billing and related paperwork. 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. Pensions & Benefits USA — Technology Specialist This position will assist the technology supervisor in coordinating the technology resources available to each department within the Pensions and Benefits USA office by making sure internal and external education/training efforts are meeting P&B requirements. This includes benefit plan system development, Web development, document storage/retrieval, and equipping staff with the necessary computer/phone equipment. 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, emailing bsikes@nazarene.org, 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 or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office. For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here. Collegiate News Trevecca announces new director of alumni, church engagement Nashville, Tennessee Michael Johnson was appointed director of alumni and church engagement at Trevecca Nazarene University. Johnson recently served as the interim director of alumni engagement while continuing in his responsibilities for church relations and as public liaison for the Office of the President. In this new role, Johnson will develop and implement programs to foster long-term, symbiotic relationships among the university, its alumni, and church leaders. These initiatives will help fulfill the university mission of leadership and service. Enhanced engagement efforts among alumni and churches will include developing volunteer leaders, partnering on university priorities, networking alumni and students, mentoring current students, educating lifelong learners, and recognizing individuals who are living the university mission.  "Combining alumni and church engagement feels like a very natural for step for us," said Dan Boone, Trevecca president. "Many Nazarene pastors and church leaders on the Southeast Zone are already Trevecca alumni. Additionally, with Trevecca's offering of classes for the region's pastors this past summer, Trevecca is making an intentional effort to educate even more of them through educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate level." Johnson has extensive connections with Trevecca's alumni; he has served the university for the past 29 years in a variety of roles, including assistant dean of students, director of public information, assistant director of Admissions, and coach of women's softball and men's golf. Additionally, he has been the head coach of the women's golf team since 2002.  Johnson holds two degrees from Trevecca, a bachelor's in communication and human relations (1992) and a master's in educational leadership (2003). He is a member of the Church of the Nazarene General Board, the advisory board of the denomination's MidSouth District, and the Kiwanis Club of Nashville. He and his wife, Sarah, are active members of Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene in Nashville.--Trevecca Nazarene University Olivet to celebrate 25 years of nursing Bourbonnais, Illinois Olivet Nazarene University is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Kappa Sigma chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau international nursing honor society. To mark this milestone, the History in the Making gala event takes place November 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Christian Life Center at College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, Illinois. This event also celebrates Olivet's new School of Nursing and Health Sciences. All alumni, current students, faculty, staff, community leaders, and health care professionals are invited to attend. The evening will include a formal dinner, live music, and a silent auction to raise funds for an upcoming nursing mission trip. Guest speaker for the gala is Paul Dillinger, retired Olivet nursing professor and member of Olivet's first graduating class of nurses. Also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, he served as a staff and head nurse on several different mental health units, and later became the head nurse of a surgical unit in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. He taught at ONU from 1989 to 2013, and his specialty is mental health nursing. A a member of the Kappa Sigma chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society, he continues to mentor those who are preparing for nursing careers. Tickets for the gala event are $45 per person or $320 for a single reservation table of eight. Order tickets online at kappasigma.nursingsociety.org (click on the "Gala" tab) or by mail from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Attention: Dr. Rosalie Tuttle, Olivet Nazarene University, One University Ave., Box 6046, Bourbonnais, IL 60914.--Olivet Nazarene University

Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass

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Nazarene Communications Network
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