Church of the Nazarene Africa Region newsletter | September 2015
Table of contents
Africans gather for second regional conference in Kenya
Missionaries share what it's like to retire after spending decades in Africa
Regional Director Dr. Filimao Chambo reflects on visit to Guinea-Bissau
Swaziland's annual pastors retreat 'sharpens the saw' of leadership
Africa South-East Field launches women's conference
Annual men's retreat gains momentum
Prayer requests
Africans gather for 2nd regional conference, are called to "Prepare the Way" of the Lord
Hundreds of people from around the Africa East and Central fields gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, in August for the region's second regional conference of the year. (Photos from LuVerne Ward) by Monica Carr, Africa West Field
What happens when close to 600 Nazarenes from 12 countries in East and Central Africa, along with people from countries around the world, meet for prayer, worship and study from God's Word? The stirrings of revival, that's what! At the Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya, where the second Africa Regional Conference was celebrated on the 16th-21st of August, a sense of the presence of God's Holy Spirit pervaded.
Sunday morning, before the official opening of the conference, Nazarene Theological Seminary President Dr. Carla Sunberg challenged listeners to change the world for Christ. As we love Christ, we will love others and want to serve them as Christ did, leading to Christ-like transformation of self and society.
Serving Christ through engaging fully in ministry was also a theme followed by General Superintendent Dr. Eugénio Duarte, keynote speaker, at the East Africa field ordination service. Giving a moving personal testimony of how he passed up a coveted engineering scholarship to pastor a local church in Cape Verde, and contrasting the actions of Judas and Peter when faced with confusion in ministry, he reminded his listeners that ministers of the gospel do well to keep an attitude of gratitude, maintain fellowship and take advantage of opportunities to nourish the soul.
The regional conference opened with a Sunday evening service, where Regional Director Dr. Filimao Chambo shared from Isaiah 52:10, "...Prepare the Way of the Lord..." His testimony of his grandmother's frequent prayer at the breakfast table reminded his audience of how we should be thankful for a godly heritage, as well as challenged us not to grow complacent. As Romans 10:13-15 reminds us, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?"
This key idea of sending and going that we might make Christ-like disciples in the nations was infused in teaching throughout the week, from Dr. Sunberg's session on the need for discipleship, to workshops lead by discipleship ministries coordinator Rev. Daphne Mathebula and others, to inspiring personal testimonies of African missionaries like Rev. Friday Ganda, called to "Prepare the Way of the Lord" in new areas of Africa, to panel discussions focused on missions led by East Field Coordinator Rev. Don Gardner, and in brainstorming sessions headed by Global Missions Director Dr. Verne Ward.
Rev. Daniel Gomis, Africa West Field strategy
coordinator, led the preaching at the regional conference.
During early morning and late night prayer, during the worship music of the Africa East Field and Rwanda's New Generation worship teams, in the dance of the Maasai, and during the powerful, spirit-filled holiness messages shared by West Field Coordinator Rev. Daniel Gomis, over and again the cry was raised for Africans to go out and reach other Africans for Jesus. As Rev. Gomis shared, our time is now. Like David, we are to come in the name of the Lord. Though the devil tries to make believers think they are still slaves, we have been liberated. We are no longer like a caged lion, but a lion roaming free, ready to go and share the good news with others, ready to sing a redemption song so that others, too, might know of Christ's perfect and transforming love.
Returning home to a foreign country
Missionaries share what it's like to retire after serving in Africa
Missionaries David and Rhoda Restrick bid farewell to friends in Maputo, Mozambique, where they served for almost 20 years before retirement. (Photo from the Restricks) by Holly Beech, Out of Africa
If you look around the home of David and Marquita Mosher in northeast Oklahoma, you'll see remnants of Africa all around.
"A part of your life and your heart is still there - mine is," Marquita said. The couple served in Africa from the early 1980s until last year, when they reached retirement age and returned to the United States. Missionary service in The Church of the Nazarene is structured so that missionaries generally retire from the field when they reach the retirement age of their country of origin.
For Mike and Julie Shalley, even though they grew up in the states, moving back after more than 30 years of living in Africa was like coming home to a foreign country. "We were so assimilated to the cultures in Namibia, that when you come back to the states ... it's like walking into a whole different world," Julie said. "It's not like the America we left, it's a different America."
Returning missionaries often experience culture shock in their own cultures. They say it's strange to see so many choices at the grocery store, or to hear unfamiliar slang or see strange clothing - things that make them feel out of place.
Social norms are different, too. "One of the things that we got used to (in Mozambique) was you could just drop in on people...and sit and visit as long as you needed," said retired missionary David Restrick, who now lives near Boston, Massachusetts. "And here you never drop in on anybody. You have to make an appointment."
David and Marquita Mosher
(Photo from the Moshers)
Returning to the states felt like starting over, Marquita Mosher said. There are a lot of logistics to think about, such as finding and furnishing a home, getting a car, renewing your driver's license, finding doctors, and navigating things like Social Security and Medicare. "When you come back, there's no property, there's nothing to begin to work from, so you do start from square one," Mike Shalley said.
The Nazarene Global Mission office reaches out to missionaries two to three years before retirement to help them start thinking about the logistics and mentally preparing for the transition, Missions Services Coordinator Glynda Wesley said. The Church provides counseling sessions for retiring missionaries to help them debrief and prepare for the next stage in life.
For David and Rhoda Restrick, the year of deputation that retiring missionaries undergo - when they visit churches in their home country to talk about their missionary experience - was therapeutic. They said they intentionally made deputation a time to reflect on their time in Mozambique while learning to transition to the U.S. They also treated it like an adventure, Rhoda said, by making fun tourist stops and visiting family.
But even after two years of being back in the states, longing for Africa still hits, David Restrick said. "Sometimes missing Africa blindsides us, and in a moment that we least expect it, it all just comes over us," he said. The feeling might be triggered by something on TV, he said, or the song of a bird outside, or a smell drifting through the air.
Many retiring missionaries say the hardest part of retiring is saying goodbye to the people they served alongside. "It was the most difficult that I ever had to do, to say goodbye, because they had become family," Julie Shalley said. "The Bible promises if you leave one side - father, mother, children, sister, brother, whatever - He's going to give you a hundredfold on the other side, and that's exactly what He did."
The Lord continues to provide when you return home, retiring missionaries said.
"The Lord has been faithful. The Church has been very good to us," Marquita Mosher said. "People all around the world have contributed to our lives, and we appreciate that."
NEXT STEP
Retirement is an adjustment for anyone, no matter what profession you were in, Wesley with Global Mission said. A positive thing for retired missionaries, she said, is they have such valuable experiences and perspective to contribute to their home churches.
It was scary to leave missionary work and jump into the unknown, Rhoda Restrick said. "Our biggest fear, I think, was to be kind of useless after being so busy," she said. "I think that's what a lot of people do, their biggest fear: 'What am I going to do? Am I finished now? Doesn't the Lord have anything more for me?' And we felt like He must have, but we could not see what it might be for a while."
The Restricks are now active in their church, and David teaches at Eastern Nazarene College.
Mike and Julie Shalley
(Photo: NMI Prayer Mobilization Line)
Several missionaries agreed that retiring is a lesson in trusting the Lord.
"He's still working. He's got a plan, and we just have to discover what His plan for us is in this next segment of our lives," Mike Shalley said. "It's still a faith journey. Just because (you spent) 36 years in Africa, it doesn't give you an automatic pass."
Julie Shalley said she is learning to transfer her call of serving in Africa to her new call of serving in the U.S. "There is always a part of you that remains in... Africa. It'll never stop," she said.
What helped her, though, was a prayer she prayed right before leaving Namibia. She asked God, "What does this do to your call? You put a very specific call on my heart, and it's as strong as ever, maybe even stronger. Now what am I supposed to do with that?' And His reply to me was, 'Do you think I only gave you that call for Namibia?'
"That helped me a great deal," Julie said, "the fact that...He is helping me to transfer that call to the United States."
About the missionaries in this story:
David & Marquita Mosher
Church district: Northeast Oklahoma
Missionary service:
2010 to 2014: Malawi
2008 to 2010: Zambia
2001 to 2008: Sao Tome and Principe
1994 to 2001: Mozambique
1983 to 1994: Swaziland
Mike & Julie Shalley
Church district: Northeastern Indiana
Missionary service:
1984 to 2015: Namibia
1979 to 1984: South Africa
David & Rhoda Restrick
Church district: New England
Missionary service:
1992 to 2013: Mozambique
1989 to 1992: Home assignment, Swaziland, Portugal (language study)
1985 to 1989: South Africa
1975 to 1978: David was a Peace Corps volunteer in Swaziland
1973 to 1978: Rhoda was a nurse in Swaziland
Sources: The Church of the Nazarene missionary profiles and Engage magazine
Africa Regional Director: The Church is planted and growing in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau
(Photo from Wikimedia Commons)
Africa Regional Director Dr. Filimao said he had a "blessed and busy" visit to Guinea-Bissau in West Africa in July."The Church of the Nazarene is indeed planted and is expanding and maturing in this nation," he said.
Dr. Eugénio R. Duarte, a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene, was also in Guinea-Bissau during Dr. Chambo's trip. Dr. Duarte preached on Nazarene Essentials - materials that help believers understand the heart of the Church's beliefs - and dedicated a new church building constructed with Alabaster funds.
Dr. Eugénio Duarte preaches alongside a translator at a new church building in Guinea-Bissau in July. (Photo from Dr. Filimao Chambo)
Dr. Chambo outlined the following highlights from his visit:
Church dedication - dedication of a new building paid for with Alabaster funds. I am thankful for a global and generous Church! This building will also be used as a Child Development Center. In fact, we already have a Nazarene school for children in this community. The community has expressed appreciation to a Church that cares about the poor. The community leader said that the church is making an amazing impact in the lives of the people.
Organization of two local churches. Dr. Duarte organized the first congregations in Guinea Bissau - Church of the Nazarene Coqueiro and Aeroporto. The people's faces were radiant with amazing joy and beautiful smiles.
Baptism. Rev. Adérito Ferreira, the field strategy coordinator for the Africa Lusophone Field, baptized 22 people.
New Nazarenes. Dr. Duarte received new members into the Church of the Nazarene in Coqueiro and Aeroporto.
Compassionate ministry. Missionaries Mario and Irma Martinez established a center for literacy training for people who cannot read or write. Someone said, "I now know how to write my name, I can read my Bible and other things because of this ministry. Thank you." Mario and Irma are excellent leaders with wonderful gifts to pioneer the work of the Church in this nation.
"The Church is well and alive in Guinea-Bissau," Dr. Chambo concluded. "There is still work to be done. Some of the needs include theological education, discipleship, and resources for evangelism, discipleship and compassionate ministry activities."
Swaziland's annual pastors retreat 'sharpens the saw' of leadership
by Stanley M. Ngqwane with Southern Africa Nazarene University 
Forty-six pastors and their spouses from the Swaziland North District gathered in July and August for the month-long Pastors Long Quarter, an annual time of rest and continuing education, at the Lutheran Farmers Training Centre.
"Pastors were motivated to understand that theirs was not an insignificant role."
The theme for the Long Quarter was "A Pastor as Administrator and Development Facilitator." Pastors were challenged to embrace the importance of creating an environment that promotes good and healthy relationships among church members. The highlight of the presentation was that church is about the people, not the programmes. Good and well-developed programmes promote unity and spiritual growth among the congregants. The growth of the Church is premised upon such principles of developing programmes that are people-based.
Pastors were motivated to understand that theirs was not an insignificant role. They may be surrounded by congregants of different professions, but that should not threaten them. Pastors should acquaint themselves with best practices in leadership, organizational and people skills to maximize their opportunities for church growth and development. With good organizational and people skills, pastor should be able to harness their congregants' professional skills and abilities for the benefit of the Church. The Church must be dynamic and relevant to the contemporary generation, but remain founded and passionate about the true biblical message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Friday Fakudze, senior pastor at Piggs Peak Church of the Nazarene in the Swaziland North District, was the main preacher at the Pastors Quarter. One of his sermons highlighted that pastors should fuel their gifts. He exhorted pastors, telling them to continue to labour and pay less attention to challenges. He said that the temptation for many was to pause and try to get challenges out of their way to the neglect of the higher calling. Pastors responded to the message by having a time of prayer to God for spiritual renewal and to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
Rev. Philemon P. Dlamini, the district's superintendent, thanked pastors for their attendance and issued certificates of attendance. The Pastors Quarter was appreciated by the pastors as informative and reviving. There was an evident willingness to allow a paradigm shift amongst the pastors, moving from traditional single-focus on preaching but to embrace a good balance of the pulpit ministry with best practices in administration.
Africa South-East Field launches women's conference
by Grace Shelby, Africa South-East Field officeOver 350 women from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia traveled to Kabwe, Zambia, to attend the first ever Africa South-East Field's Women's Conference, held from the 19th to the 23rd of August. What started as a dream progressed to a committee spearheaded by Mrs. Beatrice Mtambo, wife of Field Strategy Coordinator Rev. Paul Mtambo. The conference theme, "Women of Vision," was taken from Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
Women connected with old friends and made new ones. They learned life-changing lessons in workshops. Rev. Samantha Chambo, wife of Africa Regional Director Dr. Filimao Chambo, graced several of the meetings, bringing a fresh word to the ladies. There was an abundance of beautiful worship, ministry and healing that took place over the course of the week.
Also available on site was a mobile health clinic from "CRESCO MINISTRIES." Women were given health screenings for hypertension, diabetes and HIV. Essential medications were provided for those who required them. This clinic was well-attended, demonstrating the need for treating and healing the body as well as the soul.
On Sunday morning, District Superintendent Rev. William Banda brought a teaching on Holy Communion. In the following service, FSC Rev. Paul Mtambo started by recognizing former and current district superintendents' wives. He appreciated their steadfast commitment to the Lord and the continuing role they play in the church. Many other women were recognized and acknowledgements were made to these women of vision and dedication. The service ended with Holy Communion celebration.
Annual men's retreat gains momentum
by Stanley M. Ngqwane and Ben Simelane 
A former army barracks in South Africa's Drakensburg Mountains was abuzz with excitement last month as 63 men braved subzero temperatures for the annual Swaziland East Nazarene District (SEND) men's retreat. This year's attendance grew by 15 men and included SEND Superintendent Rev. Timothy T. Dlamini and SDMI Superintendent Mrs. Londiwe V. Twala.
Every year in July, men from the Swaziland East District convene at a designated venue for corporate worship and lessons on topics ranging from spiritual to socioeconomic issues. The retreat allows men to slow down and take a break from their hectic routine and work schedules.
Highlights from retreat include:
Inspirational Sermons
Rev. Nkhosinathi Dlamini, pastor of Manyeveni Church of the Nazarene in the Swaziland East District, called men to own up to the command to lead with integrity. He highlighted that men's leadership role was key to the success of the family institution. For successful leadership at home, men were called to start by having a living relationship with God. The retreat ended on a very high note as men had a time of prayer to rededicate themselves to the Lord and seek guidance to becoming champions of godly fatherhood in a perverse generation.
hallenging Lessons - 'Plan for your Future'
The theme for the weekend was "Plan for the Future." Ms. Maxine LaNgwenya, a renowned and seasoned prosecutor and attorney in Swaziland, challenged the men to leave a legacy when they pass on. It has been noted that in African families, given that most are extended families, there is little stewardship and duty of care when the head of the family passes on. Men need to guide the handling of their estates for when they pass on and establish provision for their families such as trust funds. This was an eye-opener, as men responded positively to these lessons and the call to plan for the future.
Motivation from the D.S.
District Superintendent Rev. Timothy T. Dlamini gave an informative presentation that highlighted the purpose of establishing a vibrant men's ministry at the local church level. The D.S. mentioned that unity and togetherness was key to the development of a vibrant men's ministry. Men from different local churches in the East District endorsed the call, and the development of a local men's ministry became a priority.
Health Matters - Non-Communicable Diseases
Little attention is paid to non-communicable diseases, yet a number of people fall victim to such. Mr. Samson Mndawe and Dr. Dumsani Mngoma, a medical doctor, both from Simunye Church of the Nazarene, addressed men on non-communicable diseases. The duo raised awareness about diabetes as an example of a non-communicable disease. They encouraged men to be conscious about their health and were encouraged to do regular medical checkups.
The Swaziland East Nazarene District men's ministry continues to pledge support to local churches as they develop their men's ministries. The president of SEND men's ministry, Mr. Gustavio Madau, sent men back home with a challenge. Men should bring development to other churches by becoming cheerful givers and being involved in church development projects.
Next year's men's retreat will be held in Cape Town, South Africa. For more information email Stanley M Ngqwane (ngqwanes@gmail.com) or Ben Simelane (BenS@rssc.co.sz).
PRAYER REQUESTS
Betty Joan (Sawyer) Hazlip passed away on August 27 in Oklahoma. Betty was the mother of recently retired missionary Marquita Mosher, and the grandmother of missionary to Africa, LeCrecia Ali. Thank you for keeping the family in prayer during this time. (From the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line)
From missionary Sarah Reed: Following the Africa Regional Conference in Kenya, we had a training for the Africa East Field District Children's Ministry Directors. On his way home to Uganda, one of our very impassioned directors was hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle taxi. He was hospitalized after the accident with multiple fractures, and several of his belongings were stolen. Please keep him in your prayers.
Remember to prayer for and encourage our retired pastors, missionaries and leaders around the world.
We praise God for the way He impacted lives at the Africa Regional Conference in August. Please prayer for the region's third conference, set in West Africa in the spring of 2016.
ABOUT THE REGION
The Nazarene Church is in 42 countries in Africa, with more than 600,000 members in six fields.
What would you like to see in Out of Africa?
Email us at news@africanazarene.org.
English / Français/ Português 
@NazAfrica
Holly Beech, editor
17 Botes Street
What would you like to see in Out of Africa?
Email us at news@africanazarene.org.
English / Français/ Português @NazAfrica Holly Beech, editor
17 Botes Street
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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