Around the Region of The Asia Pacific Region of the Global Church of the Nazarene for Saturday, 31 January 2015 Volume 3 / Issue Number 5

Saturday, 31 January 2015 Volume 3 / Issue Number 5

What does God's call look like for you?

The Nazarene Mission International focus for the month of January is "Volunteerism." God is calling each of us to make a difference in our families, neighborhoods, communities, and world! In this edition of the Around The Region News, we are featuring some stories of those who have answered the call to go! May the Holy Spirit speak to you as you consider how you might answer the call.
In This Issue
Leadership Column
Nazarene News from Around the Globe.
Survey Results - You Spoke - We Listened!
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests!
Doctors Needed Now! Will You Answer the Call?
Stepping Out of the Boat in Faith...
Rendezvous 2015, Your Partnership Made the Difference!
Australian Hero of the Faith Passes.
Historic Australia District Assembly Held Simultaneously Across 3,600 Kilometers!

Leadership Moment with Dr. Stan Toler
4 Ingredients For Having A Good Day!
Not everyone can have a great day. The sun doesn't always shine.
Factually, the customer isn't always right. The traffic lights aren't always in sync. BUT, EVERYONE CAN HAVE A GOOD DAY. Let me give you 4 ingredients for having a good day.
DO SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO DO.
Nothing puts a cloud over a sunny day any more than mind-wrestling a To-Do list. Go ahead and get crankin' on that to-do item staring at you like a mean dog. At least start on it. Take a small step, it may prompt another. Doing all or part of something that needs to be done is a push toward the finish.
DO SOMETHING YOU LIKE TO DO.
Your day isn't complete until you've done something for yourself. That's not selfish, it's actually generous. When you reward yourself for doing something you like to do, you'll be in a better condition to serve others. Take yourself out for breakfast or lunch. Grab a book and go to a secluded spot, without looking around or back. Time for yourself will give you a boost for giving time to others. The "break" in "breakthrough" is like a musical Rest before the Crescendo.
PLAN SOMETHING YOU NEED TO DO.
I don't know what there is about a plan, but when it starts coming together it's like washing down an energy bar with an Espresso. (Or if you're from West Virginia like me, it's like washing down a Moon Pie with an RC Cola.) A visionary, well-crafted development plan has legs. You may not get past the planning stage today, but you'll be farther along than yesterday!
LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING YOU'VE WANTED TO DO.
Some people can learn in four minutes online what it takes forever in a classroom to learn. You can go tuition free to the "University of the Internet." Plug a how-to in your day. There are multiplied thousands of crash courses online that won't necessarily make your computer crash. Guard your mind and your time while surfing, but go ahead and learn how to ride the crest of the new wave.
You don't have to make a day out of these four ingredients, but take a taste of each and you'll have a better day. "Annie" was right "tomorrow is only a day away."[Stan Toler]
Follow this link to Stan Toler's Leadership Website.

Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Deadly floods overwhelm communities and churches in Malawi.
Churches to stand united against human trafficking on Freedom Sunday.
Churches invited to participate in World Evangelism Fund Easter Offering.
Leaders provide update on Ebola response.
MNU students help revive Missouri Church.
Missionaries from Extreme Nazarene arrive in Ecuador for training.
District superintendent publishes Lenten devotional for churches.
Global praise reports and prayer requests.
GMC employment opportunities.
Church of the Nazarene on Social Media
Retired missionary Eunice Bryant passes away.
In Memoriam
NTS sends newest 365M cohort.

You Spoke
We Listened!
During the last quarter of 2014, we ran a survey, asking our readers what we could do better with our newsletter. Many of you shared, THANK YOU!
We are incorporating many of your thoughts!
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Team member blogs.
Praise and prayer more prominently featured.
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Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
Praise report - God moves mountains for the Riggins family. They are safely in the U.S.
Praise for continued healing for Pastor Larry Cornett, Guam First Church, after stroke in October!
Pray for the ministry team across Southeast Asia!
Persecuted Church prayer request
Doctors Desperately Needed in Papua New Guinea ... Could This Be Your Call?
Nazarene Health Ministries

Click on the Image to see a short 1 minute video on Medical Ministry in Papua New Guinea!
Deep in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, 6 full-time doctors have together, served more than 88 years with Nazarene Health Ministries.
Unfortunately, time is a respecter of no person and three of these medical missionaries will be retiring within the next few years. Who will pick up their batons and continue the ministry?

Is God calling you or perhaps someone you know, to become a medical missionary? 

Through the gifts, skills, and talents of medicine, innumerable lives are being healed, not just physically, but spiritually as they are introduced to the Great Physician.
Please share this call for medical missionaries with your families, friends, and churches!
In Faith...She Stepped Out of the Boat and into Cross-Cultural Kingdom Impact?
Asia-Pacific Region

What does stepping out of the boat look like in today's world? How might God use you for Kingdom impact if you took that first step of faith?
"From the two Bible studies I was holding each week, 4 students decided to follow Jesus.
I was so excited about that..."
Follow Grace's story as she shares what it has been like to teach in a foreign land, and to ..."lean all the more on my 'Sustainer' and 'Friend,' the One who keeps His promise to be with us to the ends of the age or the far corners of the earth."
Perhaps a mission experience like this is for you! 

BLOG, CREATIVE ACCESS AREAS, EDITORIAL, FEATURE, NEWS, OPEN POSITIONS
IN FAITH…SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE BOAT AND INTO CROSS-CULTURAL KINGDOM IMPACT!
JANUARY 29, 2015 TODD A
Asia-Pacific Region: Grace (name changed) is an English teacher who made the decision to step out in faith, following her Lord into cross-cultural ministry in a very special location on the Asia-Pacific Region. In a recent interview with Dave Hane, Regional Personnel Coordinator, she shared her journey…
“Never let fear stand in the way!”[Grace]
In general, how do you feel about your assignment and your accomplishments during this past year?
I am loving the work and loving all that is being accomplished in His name here in this location!
What do you consider to be your major accomplishments during this past year?
From the two Bible studies I was holding each week, 4 students decided to follow Jesus. I was so excited about that. We continued with our weekly study and discipling, and they also began attending a discipleship group with two of my teammates.
“From the two Bible studies I was holding each week, 4 students decided to follow Jesus. I was so excited about that. We continued with our weekly study and discipling, and they also began attending a discipleship group with two of my teammates.”[Grace]
Also, just a few weeks ago, a colleague with whom I’ve been sharing weekly evening meals and movies all year, of her own initiative, asked the Father for forgiveness. Very unexpected but very thrilling! I have about 5 other students, faithful to the Bible studies, that I believe may also be at the point of acceptance. Another student recently had a very earnest discussion with me about the Bible and plans to attend our studies during the fall term!
What has been the most rewarding part of this assignment? When have you felt most energized?

The fulfilling part centers around the above developments! I absolutely LOVE the times of study, sharing and discipling with these young ladies. They ask the greatest questions and share some wonderful discoveries they are making. Other activities – movie nights, Narnia book club, and office hours – allow continued connections to be made that I hope will lead to a number of other lives being changed next year.Narnia, Book Clubs, Food and Fellowship - Building Bridges on the Asia-Pacific Region. 

Tell us about one or two recent situations that have impacted you greatly.

I was very pleased to have my Narnia book study group over for Christmas Eve dinner and to watch “The Nativity” movie. Several said the evening was very meaningful.
Then last week, there was a fantastic response to the movie night when we showed, “God’s Not Dead.” Almost a third of the 20 or so students talked to me afterwards, sharing how it affected them. They wanted to get the names of songs and singers, to ask more questions, and to see about talking more later or seeing it again. Very, very pleased.
Share one situation that has caused you to cry out to God for His sustaining strength.
Traveling to this new place and new set of circumstances on my own has been pretty lonely, even stressful, at times; never more so than when pressing through a crowd of people speaking a language in which I still cannot communicate.
“I’m not very comfortable using public transportation when I can’t read a bus sign or talk to a taxi driver, so I walk alone down crowded sidewalks, and sometimes it gets to me. In those times, I have to lean all the more on my ‘sustainer’ and ‘friend,’ the One who keeps His promise to be with us to the ends of the age or the far corners of the earth. “[Grace]
Especially on special occasion days, when family is far removed, or when bad news comes from home, the temptation reoccurs to focus on myself and think that I am missing out or that I am alone in this. But, He is faithful to remind me that this path is one He has laid before me and He is with me and before me, preparing the way for me … and me for the way.
What would you tell someone who is considering a mission assignment?
Be open to the idea and never let fear stand in the way! If the Lord is the one directing your path, there is nothing that can stand in your way! Don’t let worry about money or fear of the unknown or even doubt from family hold you back if He is directing you forward. Our ‘guide’ is not bothered by your honest questions and it’s okay to take your time and seek clarity, but once you know, move forward boldly, focused on him!
One of the stories that led me here was Peter’s walk upon the waves. The storm came even when the disciples were obedient, but then they recognized His presence in the storm, just as I did in the storm that was taking place in my life at the time [I was searching for His will].
“That’s what I wanted, to step out of my safety zone and walk among the waves with Him, and I highly recommend it to anyone else who feels led to take the same step of faith.”[Grace]
Peter took time to discern between faith and foolishness, and asked if he should come out of the boat of safety and become a water-walker. I, too, sent out feelers to try and determine what my path should be. Peter faced his fear and grew because of it. The others were not disobedient, but they did not get as close to the Master in the waves as Peter did.
That’s what I wanted, to step out of my safety zone and walk among the waves with Him, and I highly recommend it to anyone else who feels led to take the same step of faith.
Please pray for Grace, for her students, and for the continued movement of the Holy Spirit in this very special place on the Asia-Pacific Region.
Take The Next Step...Out Of The Boat!

Rendezvous 2015, Your Partnership Made the Difference!
Asia-Pacific Region

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience "reverse culture shock?" To return to a "homeland" where you may have never really lived?
Teens of parents who serve in cross cultural overseas ministry face this every year. They head to college and in many cases, a foreign land.
God has incredible plans for them and an awesome future. Rendezvous is just the beginning.
Click on this link to see how your partnership has literally changed the lives of young adults venturing into an unknown world.

BLOG, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
RENDEZVOUS 2015, YOUR PARTNERSHIP MADE THE DIFFERENCE!
JANUARY 28, 2015 TODD A
Asia-Pacific Region: “As kids who are about to return to our ‘homelands’ it can be a real challenge to adapt to the cultures that we have always claimed as our own yet find so different and foreign from the ones we have lived in all our lives. In order to make a healthy transition, it is key that we learn to be vulnerable about our struggles and ask for help from trustworthy and wise individuals who understand our situations and desire to see us thrive wherever the Lord places us. It was a lesson that I needed to be reminded of, one that is especially pertinent to the path that I will soon be taking.” –Rendezvous 2015 participant

Rendezvous is by definition, “A coming together at a specific time and a specific place for a specific purpose.” The new year in Asia-Pacific started with exactly that, a specific coming together of high school age kids from the Church of the Nazarene whose parents are ministering cross-culturally on the region.

Many unique teaching sessions…

These teens have grown up in countries other than their passport countries and are preparing for the transition back to their “home” cultures. Nazarene leaders came together for the specific purpose of partnering in equipping these young people, not only for this significant transition but also equipping them for a life focused on glorifying God.

“Growing up overseas has prepared me for a lot in life. One thing it has not prepared me for though, is the transition back into my passport country. Now, after Rendezvous, I am not only prepared but also excited for the transition!”- Rendezvous Participant

Team building activities…

Through intense activities, joyous laughter, heartfelt tears, in-depth discussions, intentional small groups, and so much more, these amazing teens discovered some valuable tools that can be used to enable them to not only survive, but to truly succeed in the upcoming transition.

Break-out groups…

One Rendezvous 2015 participant reflected, “Rendezvous was an experience that I can’t even put into words. I learned many things, met amazing people and shared unique experiences. I loved everything from the sessions to free times, from small groups to sleepless nights. I’m so blessed to have had this amazing opportunity.”
“When talking with those from other organizations, they tell us how unique it is for a church to invest in our kids this way. Thank you again, I know it is times like these that are life changing moments for our kids.”– Parent of a Rendezvous participant

“We are indebted to you and so grateful for the investment and sacrifice you have made so that our kid’s could be encouraged, challenged and equipped.”- Parent of Rendezvous participant

Family…

Part of the costs of this biennial Rendezvous event were covered by partners. These individuals believe that equipping the students to effectively navigate their re-entry enables them to best engage their world. It is because of such generous partnership that Rendezvous 2015 became a reality.
Every amount makes a difference, if you would like to partner through investing in these young people for future Rendezvous events, please follow this link for an approved 10% missions special.
One parent shared the thought echoed by many parents whose children have had the opportunity of attending Rendezvous. “We are indebted to you and so grateful for the investment and sacrifice you have made so that our kid’s could be encouraged, challenged and equipped.”[Submitted: Sarah LeBaron]
Australian Hero of the Faith Moves to a Heavenly Home?
Capalaba, Australia.

On Sunday, January 18, 2015, Ivor Radnuz, a cherished member of the Capalaba Community Church of the Nazarene and a pillar of the faith in Australia, passed away after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.
Honored with a distinguished service award in 1993, Ivor was never far from the Church, where he served in many different capacities.
Follow this LINK to read about Ivor's life of service!

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUSTRALIA HERO OF THE FAITH MOVES TO HEAVENLY ADDRESS

JANUARY 29, 2015 TODD A

Capalaba, Australia:  On Sunday, January 18, 2015, Ivor Radnuz, a cherished member of the Capalaba Community Church of the Nazarene, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 91.

Ivor was born in Kingaroy, Queensland (QLD), Australia on August 27, 1923.  He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in November 1942 at the age of 19, but did not serve overseas. Ivor was posted to Townsville and later to 6 Aircraft Depot, a maintenance unit, at Oakey, QLD. Discharged in January 1946, Ivor reached the rank of Leading Aircraftman.

An experienced carpenter, joiner, and machinist, Ivor was introduced to the Lord and the Church of the Nazarene by the late Myrtle Johnson, while staying with her and her husband Jimmy “Johnno” Johnson.

Ivor was a faithful member of the Capalaba church, starting with his involvement more than 45 years ago when the church was located at Mt Gravatt. Ivor served the Lord as a member of the Mt Gravatt/Capalaba church board for more than 40 years, was chair of the Board of Trustees that built the church building, and was often the first person people would meet at the church due to his decades as a greeter.

Never married, Ivor also attended the Croydon Park church in Adelaide, and the Mt Waverley church in Melbourne .  When Pastor David Graham & his wife Vicki became pastor of the then Dominion Rd Church of the Nazarene (now All Nations) in Auckland, New Zealand, Ivor moved there for a few months to help them.

In November 1993, Ivor received a Distinguished service Award in recognition of his loyal sacrificial service to the Lord through the Capalaba church.

“While his church attendance was restricted during the last 2 years, it was a joy to celebrate his 90th birthday with him at our church in August 2013, and for him to visit several times in the following year as his health allowed,” shares pastor Steve Walsh.

Ivor’s memorial service was held at the the Capalaba Community Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, January 22, 2015.

The Australia New Zealand Field and the Asia-Pacific Region wish to honor this faithful servant.[Submitted:  Pastor Steve Walsh, Lead Pastor, Capalaba Community Church of the Nazarene.]

Unique Opportunity to Partner in Ministry...Today. It's Just One Click Away!
Asia-Pacific Region

Home to over 40% of the world's population, 30% of the global land mass, and more than 7,105 languages, the Asia-Pacific Region is the definition of "diverse."
Now complicate this picture with the fact that the Asia-Pacific Region has some of the most closed borders with regard to sharing of the Gospel.

In partnership with JESUS Film Harvest Partners, we have the opportunity, today...to take the Gospel beyond Borders and Barriers, but we need your help.
Papyrus Solar powered audio players allow us to share the Bible in some of the most difficult languages on earth!
"We have a request for 30 of these units for immediate deployment." - Field Personnel
The cost per unit is $75.00, but more than finances, we need prayer partners who will pray for the transformation of lives that are introduced to the Word!
"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."- Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Will you answer the call to partner in taking the Gospel beyond Borders and Barriers?
Answering is only a CLICK away!
Historic Australia District Assembly Held Simultaneously Across More than 3,600 Kilometers!
Australia

2015 began with a very historic event as the first District Assembly of the Australia North and West District was held simultaneously at two locations, spread more than 3,600 kilometers apart!

Definitely a time of celebration!

GS Dr. David Busic chaired the assembly from the Dianella Church of the Nazarene in Perth, Western Australia, while Dr. John Moore, Field Strategy Coordinator, facilitated the second venue at Nazarene Theological College, Brisbane.
Find out more about this first ever District Assembly of its kind on the Asia-Pacific Region.
The rest of the story and photos - just a click away!

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, EVENTS, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
HISTORIC AUSTRALIA DISTRICT ASSEMBLY HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY ACROSS MORE THAN 3,600 KILOMETERS!
JANUARY 30, 2015 TODD A
Australia: The New Year started with an historic event in the Church of the Nazarene in Australia, as the Australia Northern Pacific and Western Australia Districts came together to form the new Australia North and West District (ANWD). To celebrate this inaugural event and encourage new relationships across the newly merged district, a Pastors, Spouses and Leaders Conference (PALASCON) was held just before the historic district assembly.Board of General Superintendents Announces District Merger in Australia
The conference was held January 6-9, at a venue in Mooliabeenee, just outside of the capital city of Perth, Western Australia (WA).

General Superintendent, Dr. David Busic, was the guest speaker. He challenged participants to build up and support the new district through embracing the missional roots of the Church of the Nazarene.

Unity was definitely felt at the conference!

Field Strategy Coordinator Dr. John Moore and newly elected Missional Superintendent Dr. Bruce Allder, encouraged those who attended by addressing the benefits and synergy that could be gained through this merger. The unity of the newly formed ANWD was definitely evident in the warm fellowship during and after the conference.

Dr. Busic and Ordinands, along with Elders, providing congratulations!

On Saturday, January 10, the historic assembly of the new ANWD was conducted simultaneously at Dianella church in Perth, WA, chaired by Dr. Busic, and Nazarene Theological College in Brisbane (facilitated by Dr. Moore). This is a span of more than 3,600 Kilometers (2,200 miles) made possible through the use of video conferencing (VC) technology.

Dr. Moore at Nazarene Theological College, Brisbane, Queensland

Dr. Busic opened the event with a devotional message, inspiring churches to trust God’s abundance when ministry seems overwhelming. New members at the district assembly were recognized, including the youngest attendee Sovereign Aleki Livingston Kaivelata, the 4-day-old son of Sonia Po Ching Kaivelata.

Dr. Moore and youngest attendee of the assembly!

Thanks to the VC, some leaders who weren’t able to attend the assembly were able to send their greetings, all the way from the 3rd Wave Global Youth Leadership Conference in Costa Rica.

The assembly also served as a forum to introduce the Missional Superintendency Team. Dr. Allder will serve as the Missional Superintendent, Rev. Tim Burton as the Missional Team Facilitator, Mrs Emmy Hearn as the Pastor/Church Coordinator, and Rev. Steve Walsh as the District Business Administrator.

(LtoR) Dr. Bruce Allder, Hoonmoon & Mrs Lee, Peter & Mrs Seong, Dr. David Busic

The historic weekend finished on a very high note with an ordination service on Sunday, January 11th, at the Dianella Church of the Nazarene. Ordained were Hoonmoon Lee, Associate Pastor of the Pearsall Church of the Nazarene and WoongiGi “Peter” Seong, Associate Pastor, Dianella Church of the Nazarene and Pastor of Perth City Station Mission. District minister’s licenses were also granted to 10 others, including 7 for the first time, from Australia, USA, Korea, & New Zealand.

Dr. Bob Woodruff, Director of Global Educational Network, summed up the entire event well by saying, “The spirit of Christ and of warm fellowship among his people are extremely evident in this historic event. This is truly an exciting chapter in the life of the church and we are bathed in an atmosphere of joy. Praise be to God!” And all His people said, Amen![Submitted: Jade Chapman, Vicki Moore, Steve Walsh]
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This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
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Taytay, Rizal

Manila, 1920, Philippines
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