Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary Volume 1512 for Friday, March 27, 2015 of the Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States
Vanuatu churches minister in aftermath of Cyclone Pam
Vanuatu, Asia-Pacific Region
In Vanuatu, the Church of the Nazarene has been working to meet needs following the devastation created by Cyclone Pam.
After the category 5 cyclone crashed into the island nation on March 13, local Nazarene churches and Nazarene missionaries immediately began to respond. There are officially eight Nazarene congregations and preaching points in the islands of Vanuatu. The missionaries and members are working to provide for immediate needs, including shelter, food, water, and other supplies, as well as helping to clear debris and start to rebuild homes.
Thousands of people lost their homes in the storm, and entire villages were blown away.
Meriam and David, co-pastors of a Nazarene church in the community of Vila North, lost their home, as did others in their community.
"I thank God for prayers, and I have seen the hand of God's protection," Meriam said. "No matter which direction I turned, the wind was hitting us. … The first wall lifted. Then the next wall. Then the roof. … There was [only] one shelter that didn't get blown away. Our house was strong but it got blown away."
Meriam, David, and their children survived by running to a nearby cave for shelter.
"We thank everyone for your prayers," Meriam said. "I have seen the power of God. I wasn't sure how I would get the yard cleaned of fallen limbs. This week some boys from Ohlen came and helped clean the yard, then the small congregation from Vila North came today to do some more work. I just thank the Lord for the local church. … I knew that we couldn't do it alone. But God has provided."
In Prima, a man named Jimmy from a Nazarene church plant shared that most of the structures in his community were not strong enough to withstand the winds, including his own home and the building where their congregation had been meeting.
During the storm, Jimmy helped several children find shelter in a nearby concrete building. After the storm passed, the church helped with clean-up and shared some rice, water, and tarps with other members of the community.
"The chief of the [Prima] village expressed his deep gratitude to God and to the church for the needed provisions that arrived at a key time in the life of his community," said John Watton, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Jimmy and others from the church have also helped people restore the roofs on their homes.
"Our local church members have been involved in helping restore their own communities," Watton said. "[For example,] the people up at the Snake Hill preaching point sent a big sack of vegetables down to the people at the Prima church."
Nazarene churches and individuals from around the world have provided financial support to help the local churches in Vanuatu meet immediate needs in their communities.
Seul, another church leader in Vanuatu, said, "Thank you to the Church of the Nazarene, who have provided food and water in this disaster."
The church will continue to respond in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam through long-term rebuilding efforts.
"These are key times for the church to be the church," Watton said.
How to help
To support Nazarene disaster response efforts through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, you can give to the Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief Fund.
To send donations by mail, make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put ACM1200 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put ACM1200 in the Memo area.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Dr. Dudley Powers remembered
In Vanuatu, the Church of the Nazarene has been working to meet needs following the devastation created by Cyclone Pam.
After the category 5 cyclone crashed into the island nation on March 13, local Nazarene churches and Nazarene missionaries immediately began to respond. There are officially eight Nazarene congregations and preaching points in the islands of Vanuatu. The missionaries and members are working to provide for immediate needs, including shelter, food, water, and other supplies, as well as helping to clear debris and start to rebuild homes.
Thousands of people lost their homes in the storm, and entire villages were blown away.
Meriam and David, co-pastors of a Nazarene church in the community of Vila North, lost their home, as did others in their community.
"I thank God for prayers, and I have seen the hand of God's protection," Meriam said. "No matter which direction I turned, the wind was hitting us. … The first wall lifted. Then the next wall. Then the roof. … There was [only] one shelter that didn't get blown away. Our house was strong but it got blown away."
Meriam, David, and their children survived by running to a nearby cave for shelter.
"We thank everyone for your prayers," Meriam said. "I have seen the power of God. I wasn't sure how I would get the yard cleaned of fallen limbs. This week some boys from Ohlen came and helped clean the yard, then the small congregation from Vila North came today to do some more work. I just thank the Lord for the local church. … I knew that we couldn't do it alone. But God has provided."
In Prima, a man named Jimmy from a Nazarene church plant shared that most of the structures in his community were not strong enough to withstand the winds, including his own home and the building where their congregation had been meeting.
During the storm, Jimmy helped several children find shelter in a nearby concrete building. After the storm passed, the church helped with clean-up and shared some rice, water, and tarps with other members of the community.
"The chief of the [Prima] village expressed his deep gratitude to God and to the church for the needed provisions that arrived at a key time in the life of his community," said John Watton, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Jimmy and others from the church have also helped people restore the roofs on their homes.
"Our local church members have been involved in helping restore their own communities," Watton said. "[For example,] the people up at the Snake Hill preaching point sent a big sack of vegetables down to the people at the Prima church."
Nazarene churches and individuals from around the world have provided financial support to help the local churches in Vanuatu meet immediate needs in their communities.
Seul, another church leader in Vanuatu, said, "Thank you to the Church of the Nazarene, who have provided food and water in this disaster."
The church will continue to respond in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam through long-term rebuilding efforts.
"These are key times for the church to be the church," Watton said.
How to help
To support Nazarene disaster response efforts through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, you can give to the Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief Fund.
To send donations by mail, make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put ACM1200 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put ACM1200 in the Memo area.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Dr. Dudley Powers remembered
Bethany, Oklahoma
Dr. Joseph Dudley Powers, the founding administrator of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital and a former Church of the Nazarene General Board president, passed away March 22. He was 87.
Powers was born April 13, 1927, in Upland, California, to Ruby Mae (King) and Hardy C. Powers, who later served as a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene (1944-1968). Dudley attended high school at Olivet Academy from 1943 to 1945. When he turned 18, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served from April 1945 through June 1946. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at Olivet Nazarene College (now University) from 1946 to 1948.
Due to his father's heavy travel schedule in his position as a general superintendent, Dudley moved back to Dallas, Texas, to help his mother with the care of his younger twin sisters. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Methodist University in 1951. Smitten by an Olivet student from Ohio, he made 11 round trips from Dallas to Kankakee, Illinois, on two-lane highways to court her.
On June 8, 1951, he married his wife of 63 years, Mary Joan Clester in Ironton, Ohio. They moved back to Dallas for him to attenddental school. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery fromBaylor University College of Dentistry in 1956. Following his graduation, he served on the faculty of the Baylor University College of Dentistry before entering medical school. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1962, where he was awarded the Gold-Headed Cane Award, the highest clinical award granted to a graduating senior.
In 1965, he was appointed by the Church of the Nazarene to serve as a medical missionary and became the founding administrator of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Powers served there until 1969 when he returned to Bethany, Oklahoma, and established a private medical practice. His commitment to serve the Lord Jesus Christ was reflected in the compassionate care he provided to families for three decades in the Bethany community, until his retirement in 1999. His concern for both body and soul was evident. He was a physician with a pastor's heart.
Powers was active in the broader medical community in the Oklahoma City area, serving as a board member of Deaconess Hospital and Bethany General Hospital. He served terms as the chief of staff at both hospitals. He was a lifetime member of the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the Oklahoma County Medical Society, and he received the Governor's Commendation for 50 years of dedicated service in the medical community.
Raised in a Nazarene parsonage, Powers was a lifelong churchman. He served the Church of the Nazarene in a variety of capacities: he was elected for several quadrennium as a member of the denomination's General Board, including serving one term as the board's president; elected as a lay delegate nine times to the General Assembly; served for more than 20 years on the Board of Trustees of Nazarene Theological Seminary; served on the Northwest Oklahoma District Advisory Board, and as a board member at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.
An avid student of the Bible, Powers taught the Bethel Bible Series for more than 20 years and was the founding teacher of the Reach Out Sunday school class at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.
He was also listed in Who's Who in Religion and Who's Who in the South and Southwest.
Powers is survived by his wife, Joan, and their four children and their spouses: Bradford and Debby (Ruggles) Powers, Peter and Shannon (McGowan) Powers, Elizabeth and James Fitzgerald, Stephani and Richard Cochran; nine grandchildren, Joshua Powers and wife, Kristina; John Powers and wife, Kathryn; Anne Powers; Devon Powers; Colin Powers; Erin Cox and husband, Philip; Kaitlyn Fitzgerald; Anna Fitzgerald; Richard Cochran, Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Jane Verity Powers and James Powers; sister, Geneva McCullough and husband, Melvin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hardy Carrol and Ruby Mae (King) Powers, and siblings Hardy, John Powers, Nona Jane Kelley, and Judy Kaye Cole.
A funeral service was held at March 26 at Bethany First Church.
Donations in honor of Dr. Powers may be made through Global Mission directed to support the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea, or the scholarship established in the name of his father, Rev. Hardy C. Powers, at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.--NCN News submissions
New York pastor passes away
Dr. Joseph Dudley Powers, the founding administrator of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital and a former Church of the Nazarene General Board president, passed away March 22. He was 87.
Powers was born April 13, 1927, in Upland, California, to Ruby Mae (King) and Hardy C. Powers, who later served as a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene (1944-1968). Dudley attended high school at Olivet Academy from 1943 to 1945. When he turned 18, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served from April 1945 through June 1946. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at Olivet Nazarene College (now University) from 1946 to 1948.
Due to his father's heavy travel schedule in his position as a general superintendent, Dudley moved back to Dallas, Texas, to help his mother with the care of his younger twin sisters. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Methodist University in 1951. Smitten by an Olivet student from Ohio, he made 11 round trips from Dallas to Kankakee, Illinois, on two-lane highways to court her.
On June 8, 1951, he married his wife of 63 years, Mary Joan Clester in Ironton, Ohio. They moved back to Dallas for him to attenddental school. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery fromBaylor University College of Dentistry in 1956. Following his graduation, he served on the faculty of the Baylor University College of Dentistry before entering medical school. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1962, where he was awarded the Gold-Headed Cane Award, the highest clinical award granted to a graduating senior.
In 1965, he was appointed by the Church of the Nazarene to serve as a medical missionary and became the founding administrator of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Powers served there until 1969 when he returned to Bethany, Oklahoma, and established a private medical practice. His commitment to serve the Lord Jesus Christ was reflected in the compassionate care he provided to families for three decades in the Bethany community, until his retirement in 1999. His concern for both body and soul was evident. He was a physician with a pastor's heart.
Powers was active in the broader medical community in the Oklahoma City area, serving as a board member of Deaconess Hospital and Bethany General Hospital. He served terms as the chief of staff at both hospitals. He was a lifetime member of the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the Oklahoma County Medical Society, and he received the Governor's Commendation for 50 years of dedicated service in the medical community.
Raised in a Nazarene parsonage, Powers was a lifelong churchman. He served the Church of the Nazarene in a variety of capacities: he was elected for several quadrennium as a member of the denomination's General Board, including serving one term as the board's president; elected as a lay delegate nine times to the General Assembly; served for more than 20 years on the Board of Trustees of Nazarene Theological Seminary; served on the Northwest Oklahoma District Advisory Board, and as a board member at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.
An avid student of the Bible, Powers taught the Bethel Bible Series for more than 20 years and was the founding teacher of the Reach Out Sunday school class at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.
He was also listed in Who's Who in Religion and Who's Who in the South and Southwest.
Powers is survived by his wife, Joan, and their four children and their spouses: Bradford and Debby (Ruggles) Powers, Peter and Shannon (McGowan) Powers, Elizabeth and James Fitzgerald, Stephani and Richard Cochran; nine grandchildren, Joshua Powers and wife, Kristina; John Powers and wife, Kathryn; Anne Powers; Devon Powers; Colin Powers; Erin Cox and husband, Philip; Kaitlyn Fitzgerald; Anna Fitzgerald; Richard Cochran, Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Jane Verity Powers and James Powers; sister, Geneva McCullough and husband, Melvin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hardy Carrol and Ruby Mae (King) Powers, and siblings Hardy, John Powers, Nona Jane Kelley, and Judy Kaye Cole.
A funeral service was held at March 26 at Bethany First Church.
Donations in honor of Dr. Powers may be made through Global Mission directed to support the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea, or the scholarship established in the name of his father, Rev. Hardy C. Powers, at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.--NCN News submissions
New York pastor passes away
Plattsburg, New York
By NCN News staff
L. Duane Lum, pastor of the Plattsburgh, New York, Church of the Nazarene, passed away March 20. He was 58.
Lum was born May 10, 1956, to Leonard and Lillian (Leach) Lum.
He began pastoring in 1991, serving at the Lake Houston, Texas, Church of the Nazarene. Lum pastored the Glenpool, Oklahoma, Church of the Nazarene for eight years before moving to New York to pastor the Plattsburgh church with his wife, Rebecca.
Lum was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in 2014 after being previously treated for colon cancer. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; their children, Kevin (Charla) Lum and Elizabeth (Dan) Hale, and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. March 27. The service will be broadcast through the church's Ustream channel.
Memorials may be made to:
Plattsburgh Church of the Nazarene
187 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901
Prayer is requested for the Lum and Plattsburgh church families.
Ghana youth promote gender equality
By NCN News staff
L. Duane Lum, pastor of the Plattsburgh, New York, Church of the Nazarene, passed away March 20. He was 58.
Lum was born May 10, 1956, to Leonard and Lillian (Leach) Lum.
He began pastoring in 1991, serving at the Lake Houston, Texas, Church of the Nazarene. Lum pastored the Glenpool, Oklahoma, Church of the Nazarene for eight years before moving to New York to pastor the Plattsburgh church with his wife, Rebecca.
Lum was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in 2014 after being previously treated for colon cancer. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; their children, Kevin (Charla) Lum and Elizabeth (Dan) Hale, and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. March 27. The service will be broadcast through the church's Ustream channel.
Memorials may be made to:
Plattsburgh Church of the Nazarene
187 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901
Prayer is requested for the Lum and Plattsburgh church families.
Ghana youth promote gender equality
Ghana, Africa Region
In parts of northern Ghana, it's common for a man to pay a bridal price of cows to the family of the woman he wants to marry. In some situations, young teenage girls are placed in marriages with men four times their age.
"These girls are forced into marriages and they become not really wives, they become servants," said Frank Mills, a Nazarene district superintendent who was recently selected as justice coordinator for Nazarene Youth International on the Africa Region.
Elsie, a single woman in her early 20s from Ghana, was determined to go to school. But tuition, even for high school students, is expensive, and her parents weren't willing to help pay.
"The parents don't really see the need of investing in their (daughters), because whether they are educated or not, you get your cows," Mills said. "Four cows, one girl."
Elsie continued to study and resisted pressure from her family and community to get married. She finished high school and got accepted into nursing school. She got involved in a social justice youth club at church. The church raised money to put Elsie through nursing school.
Churches are supporting other young women like Elsie by raising money for their education and taking in girls who have been disowned by their families, Mills said. Girls who have turned to selling sex to pay for school are now receiving financial and emotional support from a loving church family.
Elsie is about to graduate as a nurse, and she goes around her rural community providing blood pressure checks, treating wounds, and offering medical advice.
"In the past, this was all done by guys," Mills said. "In her area, she's the only girl who has gone to nursing school."
Elsie has become the leader of her youth club, working alongside young men and women to promote respect and dignity for both genders.
Some of the women in a youth club have approached their village chief to ask for a piece of land to farm, Mills said. They told him if they could grow and sell crops, they wouldn't have to bother their parents for money. The chief agreed, and the women are now raising crops to support their endeavors.
Mills also shared about a young church member from Nigeria who is studying counseling so that he can help improve the health of families in his community. Premarital counseling is rare in that area, Mills said, and families struggle with domestic abuse and mistreatment.
These young leaders are changing mindsets in their communities, Mills said. Young men are committing to only one spouse. Young women are empowered to continue their education.
Mills plans to train more church members across Africa who can lead social justice efforts at the local level.
"Some people are really living with people ... who are mistreated and marginalized, but they don't really notice," he said. "So I just want to bring awareness. Don't just look inward, but outward, look around. What is happening? How are other people being treated? The Bible says we should treat others as we would like others to treat us. So we need to ask ourselves, is everyone OK?"
Nazarene youth are helping to lead the way in addressing these questions.
"We can't do it individually, but as a team, we can do it," Mills said.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Pastor in Asia-Pacific shares gospel through homeless shelter, tutoring
In parts of northern Ghana, it's common for a man to pay a bridal price of cows to the family of the woman he wants to marry. In some situations, young teenage girls are placed in marriages with men four times their age.
"These girls are forced into marriages and they become not really wives, they become servants," said Frank Mills, a Nazarene district superintendent who was recently selected as justice coordinator for Nazarene Youth International on the Africa Region.
Elsie, a single woman in her early 20s from Ghana, was determined to go to school. But tuition, even for high school students, is expensive, and her parents weren't willing to help pay.
"The parents don't really see the need of investing in their (daughters), because whether they are educated or not, you get your cows," Mills said. "Four cows, one girl."
Elsie continued to study and resisted pressure from her family and community to get married. She finished high school and got accepted into nursing school. She got involved in a social justice youth club at church. The church raised money to put Elsie through nursing school.
Churches are supporting other young women like Elsie by raising money for their education and taking in girls who have been disowned by their families, Mills said. Girls who have turned to selling sex to pay for school are now receiving financial and emotional support from a loving church family.
Elsie is about to graduate as a nurse, and she goes around her rural community providing blood pressure checks, treating wounds, and offering medical advice.
"In the past, this was all done by guys," Mills said. "In her area, she's the only girl who has gone to nursing school."
Elsie has become the leader of her youth club, working alongside young men and women to promote respect and dignity for both genders.
Some of the women in a youth club have approached their village chief to ask for a piece of land to farm, Mills said. They told him if they could grow and sell crops, they wouldn't have to bother their parents for money. The chief agreed, and the women are now raising crops to support their endeavors.
Mills also shared about a young church member from Nigeria who is studying counseling so that he can help improve the health of families in his community. Premarital counseling is rare in that area, Mills said, and families struggle with domestic abuse and mistreatment.
These young leaders are changing mindsets in their communities, Mills said. Young men are committing to only one spouse. Young women are empowered to continue their education.
Mills plans to train more church members across Africa who can lead social justice efforts at the local level.
"Some people are really living with people ... who are mistreated and marginalized, but they don't really notice," he said. "So I just want to bring awareness. Don't just look inward, but outward, look around. What is happening? How are other people being treated? The Bible says we should treat others as we would like others to treat us. So we need to ask ourselves, is everyone OK?"
Nazarene youth are helping to lead the way in addressing these questions.
"We can't do it individually, but as a team, we can do it," Mills said.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Pastor in Asia-Pacific shares gospel through homeless shelter, tutoring
Asia-Pacific Region
In a sensitive area on the Asia-Pacific Region, many workers from the countryside move to the city to gain employment in the booming construction activities, but getting their children into the public schools can be next to impossible.
A local pastor recognized this need for education. He and his wife intentionally located themselves in the community, purchased land, and with the help of family, constructed a two-story house. This was the beginning of the Love Class ministry.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, a group of six to 10 children from the local squatter community come to the pastor's house for tutoring in subjects like math and spelling. The lessons are led by six high school students who live at the Happy Shelter, a facility for homeless boys that started 10 years ago in a neighboring community.
Last year the boys were moved to the pastor's home in order tocontinue their education. The Happy Shelter offers evening tutoring in Bible, math, sciences, music, and more. Several of the boys are participating in providing music for Sunday worship services.
The Happy Shelter boys have also been involved in Vacation Bible School outreaches to other communities in hard-to-reach places.
One of the boys shared the following about his experience at the shelter:
I am T., and this year I am 17 years old. Before, the situation of my family was one of great difficulty. My father went to dig a lake and my mother sold lotto tickets to feed us three kids. My father had a drinking problem and whenever he came back to us, he would get drunk and beat my mother. At that time I was able to come here [Happy Shelter] to stay and be able to go to school because I couldn't stand the beatings of my father any more ... and my mother put all three of us kids out to take care of ourselves.
At that time I didn't know a thing about God. I had never even heard of Him ... here I have been able to have teachers show me the Word of the Lord, I have heard and read the Bible and I go to church. Here, I have the teachers who also show me basic things about culture. After that, I also accepted the Lord Jesus to be my Lord of my own life, and I studied the doctrine so that I could be baptized. The church also supported me to study keyboard and guitar to help with the worship service at the church. I also participate in some church activities like the youth group, and the heavenly looking glass group, and the choir every Sunday morning.
Because I was kind of old to start school with the regular morning classes, I had to study at night school in special classes. In my studies I have been given 'good student' awards.
I sincerely thank you and ask the Lord to bless you a lot.Continued prayer is requested for the Happy Shelter students and house parents.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
In a sensitive area on the Asia-Pacific Region, many workers from the countryside move to the city to gain employment in the booming construction activities, but getting their children into the public schools can be next to impossible.
A local pastor recognized this need for education. He and his wife intentionally located themselves in the community, purchased land, and with the help of family, constructed a two-story house. This was the beginning of the Love Class ministry.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, a group of six to 10 children from the local squatter community come to the pastor's house for tutoring in subjects like math and spelling. The lessons are led by six high school students who live at the Happy Shelter, a facility for homeless boys that started 10 years ago in a neighboring community.
Last year the boys were moved to the pastor's home in order tocontinue their education. The Happy Shelter offers evening tutoring in Bible, math, sciences, music, and more. Several of the boys are participating in providing music for Sunday worship services.
The Happy Shelter boys have also been involved in Vacation Bible School outreaches to other communities in hard-to-reach places.
One of the boys shared the following about his experience at the shelter:
I am T., and this year I am 17 years old. Before, the situation of my family was one of great difficulty. My father went to dig a lake and my mother sold lotto tickets to feed us three kids. My father had a drinking problem and whenever he came back to us, he would get drunk and beat my mother. At that time I was able to come here [Happy Shelter] to stay and be able to go to school because I couldn't stand the beatings of my father any more ... and my mother put all three of us kids out to take care of ourselves.
At that time I didn't know a thing about God. I had never even heard of Him ... here I have been able to have teachers show me the Word of the Lord, I have heard and read the Bible and I go to church. Here, I have the teachers who also show me basic things about culture. After that, I also accepted the Lord Jesus to be my Lord of my own life, and I studied the doctrine so that I could be baptized. The church also supported me to study keyboard and guitar to help with the worship service at the church. I also participate in some church activities like the youth group, and the heavenly looking glass group, and the choir every Sunday morning.
Because I was kind of old to start school with the regular morning classes, I had to study at night school in special classes. In my studies I have been given 'good student' awards.
I sincerely thank you and ask the Lord to bless you a lot.Continued prayer is requested for the Happy Shelter students and house parents.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Africa
Prayer requested during lockdown in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, Africa Region
Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma called for a three-day lockdown in the country as an effort to curb the spread of the Ebola virus. Citizens have been told to stay inside March 27 to 29 and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following three Saturdays: April 4, 11, and 18.
Vidal Cole, the Nazarene district superintendent in Sierra Leone, requested prayer.
"Please keep us in your prayers," he wrote. "The entire country will go through lockdown for the next three days, beginning tomorrow. No one is permitted to go out at all except health workers."
Sierra Leone has more than 11,750 confirmed cases of Ebola, the largest number of cases in West Africa, according to the World Health Organization. The virus has killed almost 3,700 people in Sierra Leone since May 2014.
The Church of the Nazarene in Sierra Leone and neighboring Liberia, which has also been seriously affected by the Ebola crisis, hasresponded to the crisis through prevention campaigns, hygiene education, and the distribution of tap buckets and chlorine to prevent the spread of the virus.
Recently, local churches in Sierra Leone and Liberia have also taken steps to fight the stigma connected with Ebola.
Anyone who has been potentially exposed to the virus is placed in quarantine for 21 days to eliminate risk of exposing others to the disease. A person is declared Ebola-free if no symptoms present themselves within the 21 days, yet even those who have been declared healthy still face the stigma associated with Ebola.
"People do not want to relate or interact with people who have come from quarantine," Cole said. "The victims feel rejected, they feel alone."
Thousands of children have been orphaned by the disease in both Sierra Leone and Liberia, and many of them have been left to fend for themselves.
In response, churches have launched a campaign called 21 and Free to educate their communities, pray for those affected by quarantine, and communicate their love and acceptance for individuals and families affected by the stigma.
Nazarene Youth International leaders in Sierra Leone organized youth from local churches in a community-wide educational campaign connected with 21 and Free.
"In preparation for the implementation, the youths observed three days of prayer and fasting for God to grace them as they embark on the task ahead," Cole said.
The youth visited homes of quarantined families, shared educational material in markets and other public venues, and even stopped to share the anti-stigma message with police officers.
One of the NYI leaders reported, "People appreciated us so much. Mr. John, a man in one of the quarantined homes said the message and prayers we shared with them was a revival of new hope in them and that hope will take them through the 21 days of quarantine."
Isata, a local businesswomen in the market, also appreciated the group's efforts.
"This is a church with a difference, a sanctuary of hope," she said.
How to help
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is calling on church members around the world to join the campaign's efforts and stand in solidarity with West Africa.NCM suggests these four ways to get involved:
PRAY. Quarantine lasts 21 days. Pray for those affected for 21 days. Click here for a prayer guide.
GIVE. Use your resources to support the church's efforts to respond to Ebola. Funds given to the Ebola Response Fund will go toward education programs prevention and hygiene supplies, and food and vitamins for people in affected communities.
WEAR. Make and wear a bracelet with 21 beads as a reminder to pray and as a conversation starter.
SHARE. Use your voice to fight the fear and stigma. Mobilize your church, youth group, or small group in making bracelets and praying together.--Nazarene Compassionate MinistriesFlags of the Nations: Niger
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital celebrates opening of second operating theatre
Kudjip, Papua New Guinea
Over the past several months, the sounds of hammers, grinding, pounding, and drilling have been common at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. Onlookers eagerly awaited the day when the blocks and cement would turn into the newest addition to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital — a second operating theatre.
The new theatre officially opened February 23 during a time of celebration as ministry workers and community members came together.
During the celebration, Kudjip's general surgeon, Dr. Jim Radcliffe, shared how the loving care of Nazarene Health Ministries impacts patients and how this is possible because of the Christians who are praying for and partnering with this ministry.
"This theatre is a great help to us as we love and serve our patients," said Dr. Scott Dooley, hospital administrator. "It is especially helpful now that Dr. Radcliffe's son, Dr. Ben Radcliffe, also a surgeon, has arrived to work at Kudjip."
During the celebration meal, some news was shared that caused even more rejoicing. While the theatre was being constructed, one of the local carpenters gave his heart to the Great Physician. The man's life changed from one of drugs, alcohol, and violence to growth in Christ.
The new theatre was immediately placed into service. While one major case was underway in the first operating room, an emergency C-section was completed in the new theatre.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific RegionSouth America
Ecuador church celebrates first anniversary
Ibarra, Ecuador
Open Door Church of the Nazarene in Ibarra, Ecuador, celebrated its one-year anniversary March 8 by honoring its local leadership and hosting community events.
The service was standing room only with more than 120 people in attendance. The anniversary, which fell on International Woman's Day, included balloons, cake, and flowers. Each ministry team presented its purpose, goals, and leaders. The ministries are in the process of training local leaders to take over the roles currently filled by missionaries in the church. Pastor Yoan Camacaro spoke about the church's progress and his goals and vision for the future of Ibarra.
During the week preceding the anniversary, the Extreme Nazarene Mission team planned and facilitated several events in the city. One such event was a children's festival held the day before the anniversary in a neighborhood within walking distance of the church. Thirty neighborhood children and church families joined together to sing, play, and learn.
Toward the end of the program, the missionary team performed a short skit depicting a child who was ignored because his parents were fighting. When the child was left alone, Jesus came to comfort, console, and encourage. Heyner Rufasto, one of the missionary team members, asked the children to describe how the child felt at various points in the skit and led them in a discussion about their own needs for encouragement and forgiveness.
To finish the morning, the missionary team prayed over the children, led them in a few more of their favorite songs, served a snack, and gave each child a flyer with the Open Door church's information.--Church of the Nazarene South America RegionUSA/Canada
Nazarenes in the News
Global Ministry Center
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Nazarene churches participate in Global Outreach Day
Millions of Christians around the world will mobilize on Global Outreach Day, May 30, to reach the people of their communities with the Word of God.
Through the day, organizers hope that every Christian will become a witness and reach someone else for Christ. During last year's G.O.D., more than 38 million tracts were distributed and hundreds of thousands accepted Christ in their lives.
For more information about the day and ideas to reach others, visit globaloutreachday.com.
ENC students hope to help hungry elementary schoolers
Quincy, Massachussetts
(Patriot Ledger, March 26) Students at Eastern Nazarene College are organizing a "buddy bag" program to help address the problem of childhood hunger. And they're starting with elementary school children in Quincy.
Eastern Nazarene sophomore Nathaniel Nutter said being hungry "can be stressful" for children, and the Eastern Nazarene students are "raising awareness of what's going on."
Nutter said the class plans to fill the bags with fruit and other food items.
"We don't have the bags yet. It's a semester-long (project). If all goes well, the delivery will be in early April."
The bags — perhaps 350 of them — are destined to go to Quincy's Snug Harbor Elementary School.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Missouri church member to be honored as Citizen of the Year
Piedmont, Missouri
(Wayne County Journal-Banner, March 19) The Piedmont Area Chamber of Commerce will honor Lonnie Montgomery as its Citizen of the Year during a Meet and Greet Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the Clearwater Elementary School Gymnasium. Cookies, tea, and coffee will be served at the reception.
The community is urged to stop by and congratulate Montgomery during the reception. He is a lifelong Piedmontian and is well known throughout the community. He is often seen walking through town or sitting peacefully looking at coins.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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 March 23-27, 2015.
Joan Bushman, 81, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away March 26. She was the wife of retired minister Jerald Bushman, who served in Arizona and Oklahoma.
Paula Cook, 65, of Rochester, New York, passed away March 25. She was the wife of chaplain Barry Cook Sr., who serves on the Upstate New York District.
L. Duane Lum, 58, of Plattsburgh, New York, passed away March 20. He was a minister, pastoring the Plattsburgh, New York, Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, minister Rebecca (Poe) Lum, who serves at the Plattsburgh church. (story)
Doris (Wheeler) McCumber, 93, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away March 20. She was the widow of retired minister, evangelist, and educator William McCumber, who served in Florida, Georgia, California, Massachusetts, and Kansas. William McCumber passed away in 2010.
Sherrye Milby, 66, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away March 22. She was the wife of minister Richard Milby, who pastors the Abundant Life Fellowship Church of the Nazarene in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Marie (Cooper) Porter, 90, of Maysville, Kentucky, passed away March 24. She was a lifelong member of the Maysville Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday school for more than 50 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Porter, in 1998.
J. D. Powers, 87, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away March 22. He was a lifelong churchman, serving as a missionary to Papua New Guinea, where he was the founding administrator of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital; a member of the Church of the Nazarene General Board, including one term as president; and in several other roles. He is survived by his wife, Joan Powers, and was preceded in death by his father, General Superintendent Hardy C. Powers. (story)
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 NewsGlobal 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 - Haiti
"I never wanted to go to church," shared a young Haitian girl. "I was always mad at every believer of Jesus I saw, even though I didn't know why. One night, I was lying in bed and could hear someone preaching. It sounded like they were talking only with me. After, I decided to go find them and accept Jesus. From that moment, I have been set free!"
JESUS Film - Malawi
"Andrew spent much of his life in beer halls," shared a team leader in Malawi. "Yet when we came with the JESUS film, he confessed his sins, accepted Christ, and was truly grateful his life had been changed. Now, he and his whole family are followers of Christ and attend church."
JESUS Film - Pakistan
"Drugs were destroying my life," Ilyas in Pakistan shared. "I did not know Jesus. Yet, the JESUS film showed me who He is, and what He can do for me. He really is my Savior, and I promise to leave my drugs behind."
PRAYER REQUESTS
Oklahoma tornado
Several tornadoes touched down near Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Wednesday night. At least one person was killed and dozens were injured. More than a thousand structures were damaged, including the Moore Church of the Nazarene, where the steeple was ripped from the building again. The church also lost the steeple in the 2013 Moore tornado.
"Of course, it's disheartening," Moore Pastor Rick West told The Tulsa World. "Seems like this area is ripe for tornadoes to develop. People say, 'Why don't you move?' But this is home. You want to rebuild and keep going. Church is more than a building."
The Northeast Oklahoma District reported all churches, pastors, and members were safe after the storms.
Request from Mexico Oaxaca District
Mexico Oaxaca District Superintendent Aner Ruiz requested prayer for the city of Matias Romero. He reported the area is closed in by road blocks, kidnapping, and assaults.
"Matias Romero has been besieged since Monday," he said.
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
District superintendent's son
Papua New Guinea South Coast District Superintendent Ako and his wife, Lilly, request prayer for their 7-year-old son, Ozka, who has been dealing with the lasting effects of a previous illness. They have been back and forth to the hospital several times.
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:
Financial Services — Administrative Assistant
This position works under the direction of the general treasurer, primarily providing administrative and clerical support.
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 — Senior Program Assistant
This position provides assistance to the USA/Canada New Church Development director with event planning, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, word processing, database maintenance, correspondence, 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 or email bsikes@nazarene.org.
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.
Kansas City, Missouri
Nazarene Theological Seminary announced Tim McPherson as the new dean for institutional advancement. This is a new position for the seminary.
"Over the last several months we have been working on a capacity-building project, which includes the addition of an Office of Advancement here at NTS," said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. "Rev. Tim McPherson brings with him a passion for the institution, as well as a drive for advancement. His nearly 30 years of pastoral experience will no doubt be a huge asset as we build our Office of Institutional Advancement and increase the seminary's capacity to prepare more and better preachers and more effectively serve as a resource to the Church. Tim will be working closely with Dr. Jerry Lambert, NTS director of Development."
McPherson comes to NTS after serving as pastor at Champion Church of the Nazarene in Warren, Ohio, since 2003. He also served in pastoral ministry roles in Uhrichsville, Ohio; Independence, Iowa; Athens, Ohio; Tampa, Florida; and Greenfield, Indiana. He served as district secretary and ministerial credentials secretary for nine years in East Ohio, where he also served for seven years as a member of the District Advisory Board.
McPherson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Ministry degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is currently a student in the Master of Divinity degree program at NTS.
"Tim is a dedicated minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ with a sincere heart for God, the church, and the lost," Sunberg said. "He has been recognized for his proficient administration, project management, and teamwork leadership style. We are incredibly excited to add him and his experience to our leadership team here at NTS."
He and his wife, Nancy, have two sons: Matt, who is a student at Nazarene Theological Seminary living in Kansas City with his wife, Lindsay; and Mikey, who is a junior at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.--Nazarene Theological SeminarySpring break means service for many Trevecca students
Nashville, Tennessee
Spring break is typically a time for students to relax before finishing out the spring semester. Some students spend the week at home with family, some unwind in a warmer location, but some spend the break ministering and serving others in need.
This year Trevecca had four student groups serving both domestically and abroad. The women's soccer team served in Jamaica, Trevecca's physician assistant program in Haiti, and those involved with Trevecca Around the Globe (TAG) worked in San Francisco, California. In addition, Trevecca's Jazz Band and Gospel Choir served in Washington, D.C.
Freshman Diana Corzine was one of 18 soccer players and four coaches who worked with Global Soccer Ministries to visit the Mustard Seed Community Orphanage for disabled children, Maxfield Park Children's Home, and Mona High School, where they played soccer with and loved on the students.
"I have a ton of favorite moments from the trip, but if I had to pick one specifically it would be walking into the classrooms on site at the Mustard Seed," Corzine said. "I was kind of terrified going into the week because I haven't interacted with kids a lot throughout my life so I didn't think I would be very good at it, but when we walked in to see these little four- and five-year-old Jamaican children, every one of them had huge smiles on their faces and were obviously just excited that we had come to visit them."
They also squeezed in time to compete.
"We played a game against a local club team called Waterhouse early on in the week and then went to the University of the West Indies to play their women's team on Wednesday," Corzine said. "We lost 1-2 and won 2-0, respectively."
Corzine, a communication studies major from Plant City, Florida, said she felt God encouraging her during the trip.
"This was my first ever missions trip so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I would say it was a huge success, not only because we got to share God's love with people of a different culture, but also because I think we saw a lot of God's love ourselves," Corzine said.
Sophomore Haley Whetstone was one of 10 students who served in San Francisco with TAG. They worked with an organization called Center for Student Missions.
"We stayed in Oakland, California, and each day, Monday through Friday, we visited one or two social service agencies in either Oakland or San Francisco," she said. "We also did two activities in areas of severe homelessness in order to expose ourselves to that way of life. One activity, Meet A Need, required our team to split up and explore the Mission area of San Francisco and get to know some of the homeless residents. A second activity was trying to find a meal in a similar area for $2 each."
Whetstone was most surprised by the homeless population.
"San Francisco has the largest homeless population per capita in America," she said. "San Francisco's population as a whole is just under a million, but on any given night there are 25,000 people on the streets without a permanent place to sleep. This number is staggering."
The agencies they worked with included serving at St. Vincent's Day Home, a day care for low-income families, delivering food to ill residents in San Francisco through Project Open Hand, preparing meals at the San Francisco Food Bank and St. Vincient's De Paul Dinning Room in Oakland, serving at the Bay Area Rescue Mission after school program, and serving the elderly at Laguna Honda Hospital.
The Trevecca Jazz Band and Gospel Choir explored Washington, D.C. and performed for a North Carolina Youth Rally at Elon Powerline Church of the Nazarene in Elon, North Carolina. The group also provided music for a school-wide chapel service at Tri-Cities Christian School in Blountville, Tennessee.
"I wish we had more time to explore D.C., but performing with Gospel Choir was extremely powerful and moving and the whole trip was a great experience," said Emma Covill, a sophomore student.--Trevecca Nazarene UniversityPLNU celebrates Tuition Freedom Day
San Diego, California
Point Loma Nazarene University celebrated the completion of 76 percent of the school year on Wednesday, March 25. More than a benchmark toward summer break, the day recognizes the fact that what students pay toward tuition only covers approximately 76 percent of his or her education costs. In fact, never in the history of the university has tuition covered the entire cost of a student's education.
This "tuition freedom," and the remaining 24 percent of the school year, is covered by gifts from alumni and other donors, churches, foundations, corporations, and additional revenue sources. Established in 2008 by the Alumni Association, this year marked the 7th annual Tuition Freedom Day. In partnership with Student Senate, the Associated Student Body Board of Directors, Sodexo, and Bartell Hotels, the celebration aims to increase awareness of the generous gifts offered to PLNU students and provides an opportunity for students to express their gratitude.
"Whether or not we realized it, each one of us who attended this university was helped by others who gave to subsidize the cost of our education," said Sheryl Smee, executive director of Alumni Relations at PLNU. "This has become an annual event to highlight the difference made in students' lives, through generous alumni support, and the impact we can make in the lives of countless future students through our faithful giving."
Students visited the Activities and Recreation Center after chapel to write a thank you note to donors, receive the latest TFD t-shirt, designed by PLNU senior Hannah Siu, and enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by Sodexo. Visit PLNU's Flickr to see pictures from Tuition Freedom Day 2014 and watch the 2015 video.
"Thank you so much for your contribution to my education," said Emily Strannigan, Class of 2015. "I wouldn't be able to be here without you. Because of you, I'm graduating in May with my B.S. in dietetics! Thanks again!"
For more information, visit PLNU's website.--Point Loma Nazarene UniversityNNU partners with NASA, American Semiconductor in space sensor research
Nampa, Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University's RockSat-X engineering team, in collaboration with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and Boise-based American Semiconductor, Inc. (ASI), will launch an experimental payload on a sub-orbital sounding rocket to 100 miles above the Atlantic Ocean on a half-hour flight Friday. The payload will parachute down into the Atlantic, where it will be recovered by ship and returned to the NNU research lab for post-flight data analysis by the team and their collaborators. The team is sponsored by ASI, JPL, and the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium.
The team's goals are to investigate new flexible electronics technologies from ASI and JPL, applied to the study of upper atmospheric weather, such as the jet stream over the Atlantic. Light-weight, helicopter-like 3-D printed aeroshells designed at NNU will be deployed from the rocket at the upper edges of the atmosphere and spin or flutter down slowly, all the while radio transmitting their sensor data back to the rocket and the ground (similar to an upside-down version of the sensors that were released upward into a tornado vortex in the movie Twister).
Meanwhile, a prototype of the STANLE printed electronic sensor sheets called "atmospheric confetti" designed at JPL and Xerox PARC will be operated on board the rocket platform. This confetti sensor concept may be used on future Mars orbiters to distribute sensors throughout the Martian upper atmosphere to gather scientific data or prior to a manned landing to thoroughly understand atmospheric conditions thus permitting a safe landing. These confetti sensors would slowly flutter down to the surface of Mars delivering weather/wind data back to an array of overhead orbiters. With such small mass and high surface area, these confetti sensors do not require expensive or complicated entry, descent, and landing equipment.
NNU students have created tiny 3-D-printed aeroshells, on whose curved surfaces sensors, controllers, radios, and antennas are either directly printed or stuck on like a stamp. Various aeroshell shapes will be dispensed into space in a carousel-like mechanism called "The Revolver." Video of each aeroshell's flight will be taken and compared, to determine the optimum shape. Tiny flexible plastic "stamps" with American Semiconductor's new FleXTM Silicon-on-Polymer flexible integrated circuits and heartbeat LEDs are attached to the curved wings of the aeroshells, allowing the first in-space flight test of this new technology. Other aeroshells contain temperature sensors and tiny ZigBee wireless network devices that communicate their data back to a receiver on the rocket. Some of this data is then sent via NASA radio signals to the ground, while the JPL STANLE data and the NNU video data are stored in onboard data recorders in watertight boxes to be studied after the experiment is recovered from the Atlantic and brought back home to Nampa.
ASI, the industry leader in flexible integrated circuits and flexible hybrid systems development as well as services provider to create flexible integrated circuits, recently released the FleXform-ADC™ Flexible Hybrid Development Kit, providing everyone access to the same technology used by NNU on the RockSat-X. Users can fabricate sensors directly on the FleXform-ADC flexible circuit board or attach pre-fabricated sensors for a system-level demonstration. For more information about ASI, which supports all aspects of flexible design and processing, visit americansemi.com.
American Semiconductor is a registered trademark of American Semiconductor, Inc. FleXform, FleXform-ADC, FleX, Silicon-on-Polymer, FleX-ADC, FleX-MCU and FleX-IC are trademarks of American Semiconductor, Inc.--Northwest Nazarene UniversitySenior Editor: Frank M. Moore
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us:
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17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220 United States
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
____________________________
Africa
Prayer requested during lockdown in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, Africa Region
Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma called for a three-day lockdown in the country as an effort to curb the spread of the Ebola virus. Citizens have been told to stay inside March 27 to 29 and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following three Saturdays: April 4, 11, and 18.
Vidal Cole, the Nazarene district superintendent in Sierra Leone, requested prayer.
"Please keep us in your prayers," he wrote. "The entire country will go through lockdown for the next three days, beginning tomorrow. No one is permitted to go out at all except health workers."
Sierra Leone has more than 11,750 confirmed cases of Ebola, the largest number of cases in West Africa, according to the World Health Organization. The virus has killed almost 3,700 people in Sierra Leone since May 2014.
The Church of the Nazarene in Sierra Leone and neighboring Liberia, which has also been seriously affected by the Ebola crisis, hasresponded to the crisis through prevention campaigns, hygiene education, and the distribution of tap buckets and chlorine to prevent the spread of the virus.
Recently, local churches in Sierra Leone and Liberia have also taken steps to fight the stigma connected with Ebola.
Anyone who has been potentially exposed to the virus is placed in quarantine for 21 days to eliminate risk of exposing others to the disease. A person is declared Ebola-free if no symptoms present themselves within the 21 days, yet even those who have been declared healthy still face the stigma associated with Ebola.
"People do not want to relate or interact with people who have come from quarantine," Cole said. "The victims feel rejected, they feel alone."
Thousands of children have been orphaned by the disease in both Sierra Leone and Liberia, and many of them have been left to fend for themselves.
In response, churches have launched a campaign called 21 and Free to educate their communities, pray for those affected by quarantine, and communicate their love and acceptance for individuals and families affected by the stigma.
Nazarene Youth International leaders in Sierra Leone organized youth from local churches in a community-wide educational campaign connected with 21 and Free.
"In preparation for the implementation, the youths observed three days of prayer and fasting for God to grace them as they embark on the task ahead," Cole said.
The youth visited homes of quarantined families, shared educational material in markets and other public venues, and even stopped to share the anti-stigma message with police officers.
One of the NYI leaders reported, "People appreciated us so much. Mr. John, a man in one of the quarantined homes said the message and prayers we shared with them was a revival of new hope in them and that hope will take them through the 21 days of quarantine."
Isata, a local businesswomen in the market, also appreciated the group's efforts.
"This is a church with a difference, a sanctuary of hope," she said.
How to help
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is calling on church members around the world to join the campaign's efforts and stand in solidarity with West Africa.NCM suggests these four ways to get involved:
PRAY. Quarantine lasts 21 days. Pray for those affected for 21 days. Click here for a prayer guide.
GIVE. Use your resources to support the church's efforts to respond to Ebola. Funds given to the Ebola Response Fund will go toward education programs prevention and hygiene supplies, and food and vitamins for people in affected communities.
WEAR. Make and wear a bracelet with 21 beads as a reminder to pray and as a conversation starter.
SHARE. Use your voice to fight the fear and stigma. Mobilize your church, youth group, or small group in making bracelets and praying together.--Nazarene Compassionate MinistriesFlags of the Nations: Niger
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: Niger
The Church of the Nazarene officiallyentered Niger in 2009.
Niger had a population of 17,466,172 in 2014. That same year, Niger reported one officially organized Church of the Nazarene. Niger has 115 total members.
Niger is part of the Benin/Togo District, a Phase 2 district on the Africa Region.
For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of thoseworking 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.
Asia-PacificThe Church of the Nazarene officially
Niger had a population of 17,466,172 in 2014. That same year, Niger reported one officially organized Church of the Nazarene. Niger has 115 total members.
Niger is part of the Benin/Togo District, a Phase 2 district on the Africa Region.
For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those
* = 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.
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital celebrates opening of second operating theatre
Kudjip, Papua New Guinea
Over the past several months, the sounds of hammers, grinding, pounding, and drilling have been common at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. Onlookers eagerly awaited the day when the blocks and cement would turn into the newest addition to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital — a second operating theatre.
The new theatre officially opened February 23 during a time of celebration as ministry workers and community members came together.
During the celebration, Kudjip's general surgeon, Dr. Jim Radcliffe, shared how the loving care of Nazarene Health Ministries impacts patients and how this is possible because of the Christians who are praying for and partnering with this ministry.
"This theatre is a great help to us as we love and serve our patients," said Dr. Scott Dooley, hospital administrator. "It is especially helpful now that Dr. Radcliffe's son, Dr. Ben Radcliffe, also a surgeon, has arrived to work at Kudjip."
During the celebration meal, some news was shared that caused even more rejoicing. While the theatre was being constructed, one of the local carpenters gave his heart to the Great Physician. The man's life changed from one of drugs, alcohol, and violence to growth in Christ.
The new theatre was immediately placed into service. While one major case was underway in the first operating room, an emergency C-section was completed in the new theatre.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific RegionSouth America
Ecuador church celebrates first anniversary
Ibarra, Ecuador
Open Door Church of the Nazarene in Ibarra, Ecuador, celebrated its one-year anniversary March 8 by honoring its local leadership and hosting community events.
The service was standing room only with more than 120 people in attendance. The anniversary, which fell on International Woman's Day, included balloons, cake, and flowers. Each ministry team presented its purpose, goals, and leaders. The ministries are in the process of training local leaders to take over the roles currently filled by missionaries in the church. Pastor Yoan Camacaro spoke about the church's progress and his goals and vision for the future of Ibarra.
During the week preceding the anniversary, the Extreme Nazarene Mission team planned and facilitated several events in the city. One such event was a children's festival held the day before the anniversary in a neighborhood within walking distance of the church. Thirty neighborhood children and church families joined together to sing, play, and learn.
Toward the end of the program, the missionary team performed a short skit depicting a child who was ignored because his parents were fighting. When the child was left alone, Jesus came to comfort, console, and encourage. Heyner Rufasto, one of the missionary team members, asked the children to describe how the child felt at various points in the skit and led them in a discussion about their own needs for encouragement and forgiveness.
To finish the morning, the missionary team prayed over the children, led them in a few more of their favorite songs, served a snack, and gave each child a flyer with the Open Door church's information.--Church of the Nazarene South America RegionUSA/Canada
Nazarenes in the News
Global Ministry Center
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Nazarene churches participate in Global Outreach Day
Millions of Christians around the world will mobilize on Global Outreach Day, May 30, to reach the people of their communities with the Word of God.
Through the day, organizers hope that every Christian will become a witness and reach someone else for Christ. During last year's G.O.D., more than 38 million tracts were distributed and hundreds of thousands accepted Christ in their lives.
For more information about the day and ideas to reach others, visit globaloutreachday.com.
ENC students hope to help hungry elementary schoolers
Quincy, Massachussetts
(Patriot Ledger, March 26) Students at Eastern Nazarene College are organizing a "buddy bag" program to help address the problem of childhood hunger. And they're starting with elementary school children in Quincy.
Eastern Nazarene sophomore Nathaniel Nutter said being hungry "can be stressful" for children, and the Eastern Nazarene students are "raising awareness of what's going on."
Nutter said the class plans to fill the bags with fruit and other food items.
"We don't have the bags yet. It's a semester-long (project). If all goes well, the delivery will be in early April."
The bags — perhaps 350 of them — are destined to go to Quincy's Snug Harbor Elementary School.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Missouri church member to be honored as Citizen of the Year
Piedmont, Missouri
(Wayne County Journal-Banner, March 19) The Piedmont Area Chamber of Commerce will honor Lonnie Montgomery as its Citizen of the Year during a Meet and Greet Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the Clearwater Elementary School Gymnasium. Cookies, tea, and coffee will be served at the reception.
The community is urged to stop by and congratulate Montgomery during the reception. He is a lifelong Piedmontian and is well known throughout the community. He is often seen walking through town or sitting peacefully looking at coins.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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 March 23-27, 2015.
Joan Bushman, 81, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away March 26. She was the wife of retired minister Jerald Bushman, who served in Arizona and Oklahoma.
Paula Cook, 65, of Rochester, New York, passed away March 25. She was the wife of chaplain Barry Cook Sr., who serves on the Upstate New York District.
L. Duane Lum, 58, of Plattsburgh, New York, passed away March 20. He was a minister, pastoring the Plattsburgh, New York, Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, minister Rebecca (Poe) Lum, who serves at the Plattsburgh church. (story)
Doris (Wheeler) McCumber, 93, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away March 20. She was the widow of retired minister, evangelist, and educator William McCumber, who served in Florida, Georgia, California, Massachusetts, and Kansas. William McCumber passed away in 2010.
Sherrye Milby, 66, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away March 22. She was the wife of minister Richard Milby, who pastors the Abundant Life Fellowship Church of the Nazarene in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Marie (Cooper) Porter, 90, of Maysville, Kentucky, passed away March 24. She was a lifelong member of the Maysville Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday school for more than 50 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Porter, in 1998.
J. D. Powers, 87, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away March 22. He was a lifelong churchman, serving as a missionary to Papua New Guinea, where he was the founding administrator of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital; a member of the Church of the Nazarene General Board, including one term as president; and in several other roles. He is survived by his wife, Joan Powers, and was preceded in death by his father, General Superintendent Hardy C. Powers. (story)
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 NewsGlobal 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 - Haiti
"I never wanted to go to church," shared a young Haitian girl. "I was always mad at every believer of Jesus I saw, even though I didn't know why. One night, I was lying in bed and could hear someone preaching. It sounded like they were talking only with me. After, I decided to go find them and accept Jesus. From that moment, I have been set free!"
JESUS Film - Malawi
"Andrew spent much of his life in beer halls," shared a team leader in Malawi. "Yet when we came with the JESUS film, he confessed his sins, accepted Christ, and was truly grateful his life had been changed. Now, he and his whole family are followers of Christ and attend church."
JESUS Film - Pakistan
"Drugs were destroying my life," Ilyas in Pakistan shared. "I did not know Jesus. Yet, the JESUS film showed me who He is, and what He can do for me. He really is my Savior, and I promise to leave my drugs behind."
PRAYER REQUESTS
Oklahoma tornado
Several tornadoes touched down near Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Wednesday night. At least one person was killed and dozens were injured. More than a thousand structures were damaged, including the Moore Church of the Nazarene, where the steeple was ripped from the building again. The church also lost the steeple in the 2013 Moore tornado.
"Of course, it's disheartening," Moore Pastor Rick West told The Tulsa World. "Seems like this area is ripe for tornadoes to develop. People say, 'Why don't you move?' But this is home. You want to rebuild and keep going. Church is more than a building."
The Northeast Oklahoma District reported all churches, pastors, and members were safe after the storms.
Request from Mexico Oaxaca District
Mexico Oaxaca District Superintendent Aner Ruiz requested prayer for the city of Matias Romero. He reported the area is closed in by road blocks, kidnapping, and assaults.
"Matias Romero has been besieged since Monday," he said.
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
District superintendent's son
Papua New Guinea South Coast District Superintendent Ako and his wife, Lilly, request prayer for their 7-year-old son, Ozka, who has been dealing with the lasting effects of a previous illness. They have been back and forth to the hospital several times.
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:
Financial Services — Administrative Assistant
This position works under the direction of the general treasurer, primarily providing administrative and clerical support.
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 — Senior Program Assistant
This position provides assistance to the USA/Canada New Church Development director with event planning, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, word processing, database maintenance, correspondence, 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 or email bsikes@nazarene.org.
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
NTS appoints new dean for AdvancementKansas City, Missouri
Nazarene Theological Seminary announced Tim McPherson as the new dean for institutional advancement. This is a new position for the seminary.
"Over the last several months we have been working on a capacity-building project, which includes the addition of an Office of Advancement here at NTS," said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. "Rev. Tim McPherson brings with him a passion for the institution, as well as a drive for advancement. His nearly 30 years of pastoral experience will no doubt be a huge asset as we build our Office of Institutional Advancement and increase the seminary's capacity to prepare more and better preachers and more effectively serve as a resource to the Church. Tim will be working closely with Dr. Jerry Lambert, NTS director of Development."
McPherson comes to NTS after serving as pastor at Champion Church of the Nazarene in Warren, Ohio, since 2003. He also served in pastoral ministry roles in Uhrichsville, Ohio; Independence, Iowa; Athens, Ohio; Tampa, Florida; and Greenfield, Indiana. He served as district secretary and ministerial credentials secretary for nine years in East Ohio, where he also served for seven years as a member of the District Advisory Board.
McPherson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Ministry degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is currently a student in the Master of Divinity degree program at NTS.
"Tim is a dedicated minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ with a sincere heart for God, the church, and the lost," Sunberg said. "He has been recognized for his proficient administration, project management, and teamwork leadership style. We are incredibly excited to add him and his experience to our leadership team here at NTS."
He and his wife, Nancy, have two sons: Matt, who is a student at Nazarene Theological Seminary living in Kansas City with his wife, Lindsay; and Mikey, who is a junior at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.--Nazarene Theological SeminarySpring break means service for many Trevecca students
Nashville, Tennessee
Spring break is typically a time for students to relax before finishing out the spring semester. Some students spend the week at home with family, some unwind in a warmer location, but some spend the break ministering and serving others in need.
This year Trevecca had four student groups serving both domestically and abroad. The women's soccer team served in Jamaica, Trevecca's physician assistant program in Haiti, and those involved with Trevecca Around the Globe (TAG) worked in San Francisco, California. In addition, Trevecca's Jazz Band and Gospel Choir served in Washington, D.C.
Freshman Diana Corzine was one of 18 soccer players and four coaches who worked with Global Soccer Ministries to visit the Mustard Seed Community Orphanage for disabled children, Maxfield Park Children's Home, and Mona High School, where they played soccer with and loved on the students.
"I have a ton of favorite moments from the trip, but if I had to pick one specifically it would be walking into the classrooms on site at the Mustard Seed," Corzine said. "I was kind of terrified going into the week because I haven't interacted with kids a lot throughout my life so I didn't think I would be very good at it, but when we walked in to see these little four- and five-year-old Jamaican children, every one of them had huge smiles on their faces and were obviously just excited that we had come to visit them."
They also squeezed in time to compete.
"We played a game against a local club team called Waterhouse early on in the week and then went to the University of the West Indies to play their women's team on Wednesday," Corzine said. "We lost 1-2 and won 2-0, respectively."
Corzine, a communication studies major from Plant City, Florida, said she felt God encouraging her during the trip.
"This was my first ever missions trip so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I would say it was a huge success, not only because we got to share God's love with people of a different culture, but also because I think we saw a lot of God's love ourselves," Corzine said.
Sophomore Haley Whetstone was one of 10 students who served in San Francisco with TAG. They worked with an organization called Center for Student Missions.
"We stayed in Oakland, California, and each day, Monday through Friday, we visited one or two social service agencies in either Oakland or San Francisco," she said. "We also did two activities in areas of severe homelessness in order to expose ourselves to that way of life. One activity, Meet A Need, required our team to split up and explore the Mission area of San Francisco and get to know some of the homeless residents. A second activity was trying to find a meal in a similar area for $2 each."
Whetstone was most surprised by the homeless population.
"San Francisco has the largest homeless population per capita in America," she said. "San Francisco's population as a whole is just under a million, but on any given night there are 25,000 people on the streets without a permanent place to sleep. This number is staggering."
The agencies they worked with included serving at St. Vincent's Day Home, a day care for low-income families, delivering food to ill residents in San Francisco through Project Open Hand, preparing meals at the San Francisco Food Bank and St. Vincient's De Paul Dinning Room in Oakland, serving at the Bay Area Rescue Mission after school program, and serving the elderly at Laguna Honda Hospital.
The Trevecca Jazz Band and Gospel Choir explored Washington, D.C. and performed for a North Carolina Youth Rally at Elon Powerline Church of the Nazarene in Elon, North Carolina. The group also provided music for a school-wide chapel service at Tri-Cities Christian School in Blountville, Tennessee.
"I wish we had more time to explore D.C., but performing with Gospel Choir was extremely powerful and moving and the whole trip was a great experience," said Emma Covill, a sophomore student.--Trevecca Nazarene UniversityPLNU celebrates Tuition Freedom Day
San Diego, California
Point Loma Nazarene University celebrated the completion of 76 percent of the school year on Wednesday, March 25. More than a benchmark toward summer break, the day recognizes the fact that what students pay toward tuition only covers approximately 76 percent of his or her education costs. In fact, never in the history of the university has tuition covered the entire cost of a student's education.
This "tuition freedom," and the remaining 24 percent of the school year, is covered by gifts from alumni and other donors, churches, foundations, corporations, and additional revenue sources. Established in 2008 by the Alumni Association, this year marked the 7th annual Tuition Freedom Day. In partnership with Student Senate, the Associated Student Body Board of Directors, Sodexo, and Bartell Hotels, the celebration aims to increase awareness of the generous gifts offered to PLNU students and provides an opportunity for students to express their gratitude.
"Whether or not we realized it, each one of us who attended this university was helped by others who gave to subsidize the cost of our education," said Sheryl Smee, executive director of Alumni Relations at PLNU. "This has become an annual event to highlight the difference made in students' lives, through generous alumni support, and the impact we can make in the lives of countless future students through our faithful giving."
Students visited the Activities and Recreation Center after chapel to write a thank you note to donors, receive the latest TFD t-shirt, designed by PLNU senior Hannah Siu, and enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by Sodexo. Visit PLNU's Flickr to see pictures from Tuition Freedom Day 2014 and watch the 2015 video.
"Thank you so much for your contribution to my education," said Emily Strannigan, Class of 2015. "I wouldn't be able to be here without you. Because of you, I'm graduating in May with my B.S. in dietetics! Thanks again!"
For more information, visit PLNU's website.--Point Loma Nazarene UniversityNNU partners with NASA, American Semiconductor in space sensor research
Nampa, Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University's RockSat-X engineering team, in collaboration with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and Boise-based American Semiconductor, Inc. (ASI), will launch an experimental payload on a sub-orbital sounding rocket to 100 miles above the Atlantic Ocean on a half-hour flight Friday. The payload will parachute down into the Atlantic, where it will be recovered by ship and returned to the NNU research lab for post-flight data analysis by the team and their collaborators. The team is sponsored by ASI, JPL, and the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium.
The team's goals are to investigate new flexible electronics technologies from ASI and JPL, applied to the study of upper atmospheric weather, such as the jet stream over the Atlantic. Light-weight, helicopter-like 3-D printed aeroshells designed at NNU will be deployed from the rocket at the upper edges of the atmosphere and spin or flutter down slowly, all the while radio transmitting their sensor data back to the rocket and the ground (similar to an upside-down version of the sensors that were released upward into a tornado vortex in the movie Twister).
Meanwhile, a prototype of the STANLE printed electronic sensor sheets called "atmospheric confetti" designed at JPL and Xerox PARC will be operated on board the rocket platform. This confetti sensor concept may be used on future Mars orbiters to distribute sensors throughout the Martian upper atmosphere to gather scientific data or prior to a manned landing to thoroughly understand atmospheric conditions thus permitting a safe landing. These confetti sensors would slowly flutter down to the surface of Mars delivering weather/wind data back to an array of overhead orbiters. With such small mass and high surface area, these confetti sensors do not require expensive or complicated entry, descent, and landing equipment.
NNU students have created tiny 3-D-printed aeroshells, on whose curved surfaces sensors, controllers, radios, and antennas are either directly printed or stuck on like a stamp. Various aeroshell shapes will be dispensed into space in a carousel-like mechanism called "The Revolver." Video of each aeroshell's flight will be taken and compared, to determine the optimum shape. Tiny flexible plastic "stamps" with American Semiconductor's new FleXTM Silicon-on-Polymer flexible integrated circuits and heartbeat LEDs are attached to the curved wings of the aeroshells, allowing the first in-space flight test of this new technology. Other aeroshells contain temperature sensors and tiny ZigBee wireless network devices that communicate their data back to a receiver on the rocket. Some of this data is then sent via NASA radio signals to the ground, while the JPL STANLE data and the NNU video data are stored in onboard data recorders in watertight boxes to be studied after the experiment is recovered from the Atlantic and brought back home to Nampa.
ASI, the industry leader in flexible integrated circuits and flexible hybrid systems development as well as services provider to create flexible integrated circuits, recently released the FleXform-ADC™ Flexible Hybrid Development Kit, providing everyone access to the same technology used by NNU on the RockSat-X. Users can fabricate sensors directly on the FleXform-ADC flexible circuit board or attach pre-fabricated sensors for a system-level demonstration. For more information about ASI, which supports all aspects of flexible design and processing, visit americansemi.com.
American Semiconductor is a registered trademark of American Semiconductor, Inc. FleXform, FleXform-ADC, FleX, Silicon-on-Polymer, FleX-ADC, FleX-MCU and FleX-IC are trademarks of American Semiconductor, Inc.--Northwest Nazarene UniversitySenior Editor: Frank M. Moore
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us:
Nazarene Communications Network
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220 United States
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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