Friday, February 19, 2016

Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Asia-Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Manilla, Philippines' Around the Region News for Saturday, February 20, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 7 - ATR News...Overcoming Cancer! Prayer needed for an MK. A Unique Love Story. First-Ever Conference of its type. Cyclone Winston headed for Tonga. 4 Leadership Tools to Throw Away - Now! Prayer Highlights & More!

Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Asia-Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene of Manilla, Philippines' Around the Region News for Saturday, February 20, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 7 - ATR News...Overcoming Cancer! Prayer needed for an MK. A Unique Love Story. First-Ever Conference of its type. Cyclone Winston headed for Tonga. 4 Leadership Tools to Throw Away - Now! Prayer Highlights & More!


Saturday, February 20, 2016  Volume 4 / Issue Number 7

In This Issue:

Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Passings:

Sunday, February 28 - Saturday, March 5, 2016
The Nazarene World Week of Prayer is an annual event occurring during the week that includes the World Day of Prayer (the first Friday in March).
During this week Nazarenes dedicate themselves to interceding for our church and our world. Special requests are provided for a regional prayer plan.
Coordinating with the interdenominational World Day of Prayer (Friday, March 4), the Nazarene World Week of Prayer was begun with hopes that this event would re-ignite prayer flames, deepen commitment to prayer and fasting, and precipitate revival in our churches and lives.
Join with Nazarenes around the world in praying for God to move in each of the regions in the Church of the Nazarene.
Specific prayer requests for each region will be featured on the Prayer Mobilization Line during the Nazarene World Week of prayer
For more info click Here

"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"4 Leadership Tools that are No Longer Effective"
The first telephone I ever saw was not a smart phone, a flip phone, or even a rotary dial phone. The very first phone I ever saw was made out of wood, had a crank on one side, an earpiece hanging on the other, and a mouthpiece that looked like a trumpet.
That antique telephone was the only way to make a call in some parts of West Virginia when I was a boy, and it worked pretty well for its day.
Now those old phones are nothing but conversation pieces. They may have worked well at one time, but they're obsolete now.
Leadership tools are a bit like any piece of technology. They have a limited lifespan. What worked well a decade ago may now be a waste of time.
Culture changes, expectations change, and good leaders know the difference between a vintage leadership tool and cutting edge technique. Here are four leadership tools that simply don't work anymore-and four things to use in their place.
1. Management by Decree
At one time it was possible to make decisions with your senior leaders, then announce them to the team and expect everyone to get in line. No more. Top-down leadership simply doesn't work. People want-and demand-a voice in decision making.
Open your decision making process to input. Even if you don't take the suggestions of your team, your clients, or the public, people will be more satisfied knowing they've been heard.
2. Mass Communication
Newspaper ads and television commercials used to be the best way to get a message to everyone. That is no longer true. Fewer people read newspapers, and the television market is so fragmented that it's impossible to create one message that will reach everyone.
Use relational networks to get your message out. If you haven't discovered the power of social media, information sharing, and giving away content in attracting an audience, don't waste another minute. The best advertising has always been word-of-mouth, and that's both free and easier than ever to generate.
3. Standing Meetings
By standing I mean meetings that are regularly scheduled regardless of agenda. This is the Tuesday all-staff meeting that's been going on for decades in your organization. Everybody takes an hour off work to listen to the same announcements as last week, even when there's nothing important to decide or communicate.
Call meetings only for the purpose of making a decision, and then do your best to make them "standing" meetings-where everyone remains standing. The meeting will take less time and be far more productive.
4. Fear as a Motivator
Being called on the carpet was once the most feared experience in business. Even worse was the threat of being singled out for poor performance in front of the team. Motivation by fear was once a powerful, if undesirable, tool.
That no longer works. Employees have more options than ever on where to work, and people will not stay in an environment where they are not respected. Substitute positive perks for negative motivators. Lead your team with compliments, praise, and highlighting the positive.
Times change, business culture changes, and leaders must change with them. What leadership techniques have you seen fall by the wayside, and what new tools have taken their place? I'd love to hear about it! Share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.[Stan Toler]
Share The Story!

Asia-Pacific Region
Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Winston Headed for Tonga
Kingdom of Tonga

Melanesia South Pacific Field leadership is keeping a close eye on Tropical Cyclone Winston, which has been churning in the South Pacific over the past week.
Given the current trajectory, which has been quite unpredictable over the past few days, Cyclone Winston is forecast to be arriving onshore in the islands of the Kingdom of Tonga over the weekend, while also bringing strong winds and rain to neighboring Fiji.
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NAZARENE DISASTER RESPONSE, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
TROPICAL CYCLONE WINSTON REACHES CATEGORY 4/5 STATUS – NOW HEADED DIRECTLY FOR FIJI!Kingdom of Tonga: Melanesia South Pacific Field leadership is keeping a close eye on Tropical Cyclone Winston, which has been churning in the South Pacific over the past week.
Situation Updates Added to the End of the Story
Live Storm Updates – Click Here
Given the current trajectory, which has been quite unpredictable over the past few days, Cyclone Winston is forecast to be arriving onshore in the islands of the Kingdom of Tonga over the weekend, while also bringing strong winds and rain to neighboring Fiji.
The storm currently has sustained average winds of 195km (105 mph) with peak gusts to 260km (163 mph). Alerts have been issued for damaging wind, rain, and ocean storm swells.
Some quick facts on Kingdom of Tonga:
Population: 105,000 (2013)
Made up of 177 islands, 52 inhabited.
Spread across 700,000 square kilometres (270,000 sq mi) of the southern Pacific Ocean.
Work of the Church of the Nazarene began in Tonga in 1998.
Current Nazarene Ministry is the Mango Tree Respite Center.
*** Friday Night Update, 19-Feb-2016
News was received late this night from Melanesia South Pacific Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Harmon Schmelzenbach, reporting that Cyclone Winston had reached the highest category possible, Cat 5, and was passing north of Tonga, on a direct course for Fiji.
“This is by far one of the most erratic [cyclones] we’ve tracked here in 16 years, breaking all the normal paths, so there’s really no telling how this will go down,” said Schmelzenbach.
Please be in prayer for the people of the Kingdom of Tonga and Fiji during this time as the storm approaches.
Click here for live storm tracking / updates.
17-Month-Old Daughter of Regional Team Members Headed for Heart Procedure- Please Pray!
Manila, Philippines

Audrey Riggins
Please pray for Audrey Riggins as she will soon be undergoing a heart procedure in Manila, Philippines, to close a PDA (patent ductus arteriosus).
Audrey is the 17-month-old daughter of Asia-Pacific Regional Finance Coordinator Scot and Jill Riggins, who live and serve in the Philippines.
She will have an echo (echocardiogram) on Friday, February 19 to determine the size of the PDA as well as if/how it is affecting her heart. If she is completely healthy, she will have a catheter procedure on Saturday, Feb. 20 to close the PDA.
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
17 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER OF TEAM MEMBERS HEADED FOR HEART PROCEDURE – PLEASE PRAY! *** UPDATE
Manila, Philippines: Please pray for Audrey Riggins as she will soon be undergoing a heart procedure in Manila, Philippines, to close a PDA (patent ductus arteriosus).
Update at end of story
Audrey is the 17 month old daughter of Asia-Pacific Regional Finance Coordinator Scot and Jill Riggins, who live and serve in the Philippines.
She will have an echo (echocardiogram) on Friday, February 19 to determine the size of the PDA as well as if/how it is affecting her heart. If she is completely healthy, she will have a catheter procedure on Saturday, Feb. 20 to close the PDA.
Pray with us that:
She will be able to have the procedure without complications,
That her heart will be found to be healthy,
That her recovery will be quick.
The Riggins write, “We have had peace through this journey, and we are so thankful for the prayers of many. We have sensed them, been encouraged by them, and see that they are making a difference for us!”
*** Friday afternoon update – 19-Feb-2016
The echocardiogram was successfully completed today. It has revealed a small PDA and a slightly enlarged left side of the heart. Unfortunately, Audrey was congested so the procedure to correct the PDA has been postponed until March 8th. Please continue to pray for the Riggins family.
Riggins Profile
Click on the link to find out how you can pray for Audrey and the Riggins family.
Our God is a God of Healing! David Phillips is Now Cancer-Free!
Ohio

David and Naomi Phillips
God continues to work miracles in the lives of our Nazarene brothers and sisters on the Asia-Pacific Region!
Half a year ago, Southeast Asia Field Strategy Coordinator Rev.David Phillips was diagnosed with Stage 3c Cancer. The succeeding months meant a series of Chemo treatments. It was indeed an emotional and challenging time for David and his wife Naomi, but through your prayers they remained strong and faithful to what God has in store for them.Just this week, David shared this fantastic update on his Facebook page.
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
OUR GOD IS A GOD OF HEALING! DAVID PHILLIPS IS NOW CANCER-FREE!
Ohio: God continues to work miracles in the lives of our Nazarene brothers and sisters on the Asia-Pacific Region!
Half a year ago, Southeast Asia Field Strategy Coordinator Rev. David Phillips was diagnosed with Stage 3c cancer. The succeeding months meant series of Chemo treatments. It was indeed an emotional and challenging time for David and his wife Naomi, but through your prayers they remained strong and faithful to what God has in store for them.Read the early updates here.
Just this week, David shared this fantastic update on his Facebook page:

Good news! The CT Scan is clear! I am done with Chemo and there is no evidence of cancer. Thank you all for praying and for keeping up with us!
I will have some lingering numbness for about 1 to 2 months but that should be declining now on a weekly basis.
I also need to start exercising on a regular basis to rebuild my physical strength.
Our sincerest thanks to everyone who prayed with us for Rev. David’s recovery!
Follow the link to read all about the wonderful news!
Team Member Back in Action After Cancer Treatments - Praise God!
Manila, Philippines

Liza doing what she loves alongside Fatima
Many of you have been following Liza Halbrooks' journey over the past year, a literal life and death battle with cancer.
You have prayed and on January 22nd, celebrated with us as we received the report that Liza was in remission! Here at the Asia-Pacific Resource Center and World Mission Communications offices, we have been eagerly waiting the day when we would see Liza "back in the saddle" or back, daily doing what she loves to do, assisting those in ministry with their technical needs.
We are overjoyed as we see this happening. Each day Liza looks better and better, and has increased stamina. One thing has never changed throughout the journey; her beautiful smile and warm greetings, and "keep going" attitude! BLOG, CURRENT, MEMBER CARE, NEWS, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
TEAM MEMBER BACK IN ACTION AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS – PRAISE GOD!
Manila, Philippines: Many of you have been following Liza Halbrooks’ journey over the past year, a literal life and death battle with cancer.
Click here for the journey
Liza and husband Brooks after 1st round of chemo
You have prayed and on January 22nd, celebrated with us as we received the report that Liza was in remission! Here at the Asia-Pacific Resource Center and World Mission Communications offices, we have been eagerly waiting the day when we would see Liza “back in the saddle” or back, daily doing what she loves to do, assisting those in ministry with their technical needs.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”[Romans 12:11-12 (NIV)]
We are overjoyed as we see this happening. Each day Liza looks better and better, and has increased stamina. One thing has never changed throughout the journey; her beautiful smile and warm greetings, and “keep going” attitude!
Thank you Lord for Liza’s healing and the inspiration that she brings to so many. May you receive the glory in her healing!
Follow the link to see her journey!
Brought Together Across the Continents
Carol Anne Eby (Engage Magazine)

Anderson and Jana Godoy
Some people say the Internet is not a good platform for real relationships. But Ánderson and Janary Godoy might argue that point -- that's where they met and formed a deep friendship.
But way before that, God began preparing this Filipino, Tagalog-speaking girl and Spanish-speaking, Colombian boy for the marriage and ministry He would eventually lead them to. Today, they are serving together in Japan.Brought together across the continents by Carol Anne Eby
Some people say the Internet is not a good platform for real relationships. But Ánderson and Janary Godoy might argue that point -- that’s where they met and formed a deep friendship. But way before that, God began preparing this Filipino, Tagalog-speaking girl and Spanish-speaking, Colombian boy for the marriage and ministry He would eventually lead them to. Today, they are serving as missionaries in Japan.
Christianity was nothing new to Janary, also known as Jana. “You can call me a third generation Nazarene since my grandparents became Christians through the missionaries of the Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines,” she explained.
But being church members was not enough for Janary’s family. Jana was in high school when God called her engineer father into the pastorate. He then served as a professor at the Luzon Nazarene Bible College, but now pastors a church in Bremerton, Washington, U.S.
In stark contrast, Ánderson, from Bogota, Colombia, was born into a non-traditional, non-Christian family that included four children who had three different mothers. Ánderson recalls that the family life was stressful while he was growing up.
“My mother used to work 10 hours a day to get money to buy food for my sister and me.”
He often suffered from depression as a child and teen, turning to violence and thoughts of suicide. He felt empty and alone.
_________________________________
As a pastor’s kid, naturally Janary was very involved in the church as a youth leader and children’s worker. In her teen years, she sensed the Lord calling her to be a pastor. However, she saw how difficult it was for a family to live on a pastor’s salary. So she became interested in seeking a ministry role that would provide more income. She was very interested in performing arts, so after high school, instead of going to Bible school to study theology, she enrolled in the University of the Philippines to study theater arts, hoping to use that for ministry.
However, during her first year of study she felt overwhelming guilt for disobeying God’s call to the pastorate. She left the university to study at Faith Bible College.
______________________________
Despite his difficult family situation, Ánderson excelled in his studies and was considered by many colleges for a scholarship.
“I took the admissions exam to a prestigious college, the National College of Colombia. Although I was only 16 years old, I entered the college and began to study pure chemistry,” Ánderson recalled.
His increasing knowledge, however, did not fill a void in his heart and, thanks to the invitation of a high school friend, he began attending a Church of the Nazarene.
On December 14, 2004, he committed his life to Christ and immersed himself in studying the Bible. He told Engage magazine in 2009, “God’s Word was so real for me, like the air that I breathe and the blood that runs through my veins.”
In August 2005, Ánderson accepted the opportunity to study at South America Nazarene Theological Seminary. He began preparing for the ministry, although he didn’t know the exact shape of his calling.
Gradually Ánderson sensed a call to missions. Since childhood he’d felt a keen interest in Japan, and when he discovered that fewer than 1 percent of Japan’s population was Christian, he yearned to change those statistics. He graduated and returned to his church to work with teenagers, teach, lead Bible studies, and participate in evangelism and missions. During this time Ánderson also experienced the joy of seeing his family respond to the gospel: His mother and sister became Christians, and his father began visiting the church occasionally.
______________________
Back in the Philippines, in 2007 Janary’s dad left the pastorate to become a professor at Luzon Nazarene Bible College, and the church elected Janary to be their new pastor. She enrolled at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) in Manila to seek more training.
This was Janary’s first exposure to different cultures, since the seminary hosts so many international students—she quickly noted the differences in students’ food, worldviews, and practices. In 2010, the seminary held a mission week. Janary prayed about serving in another country, even though she had never imagined herself doing anything besides pastoring a Philippine church.
In 2012, Janary joined 12:7 Serve, a youth leadership initiative sponsored by the Mesoamerica Region and Global Nazarene Youth International (NYI). This program was designed for 12 young people from nine different countries to serve seven different ministry sites over six months.
“It was a crazy time of being stretched,” Janary said. “We were trying to adjust in a new environment since we moved sites every three weeks, and some districts every three days, while we were also adjusting with each other. We took turns preparing food and had to work as one despite our differences.”
The last site the team visited was Panama, where the Mesoamerica Region was holding a Nazarene Youth Conference. At the end of one service, an altar call was given for young people who wanted to be missionaries.
“After all my experiences with 12:7 Serve, the burden God laid on my heart to go into missions was so great, and I went forward to surrender myself, praying, ‘Here I am, send me.’ Peace filled my heart. My affirmation came of my call to the mission field.”
__________________________
The next step in Ánderson’s journey was when a professor suggested that if he wanted to be a missionary in Japan, perhaps he should transfer to APNTS since it was in an Asian setting. So in 2010, as his first step, Ánderson began to reach out to APNTS students. One of his contacts was a friend of Jana’s—she encouraged Ánderson to become “friends” with Jana on Facebook.
Their friendly conversations turned into attraction. After enjoying a long-distance relationship for 15 months, the two young people met for the first time in 2011 when Ánderson arrived at APNTS.
In November of 2013, they were married at the seminary. “Jana has been a great complement for my life because we have very different personalities, but we both are called by God and want to do our best for Him,” Ánderson said.
________________________
In July 2014, Brian and Julie Woolery, missionaries in Okinawa, told the Godoys about a chaplaincy need in their son’s school, and God opened doors for them to go to Okinawa Christian School International.
Though he never dreamed of becoming a teacher, Ánderson now teaches high school science and Bible classes. Jana serves as elementary chaplain and a high school Bible teacher. About 80 percent of the students in this Christian school come from non-Christian backgrounds, so it’s truly a mission field.
“Many of my students don’t have a relationship with Jesus and some never read the Bible until they came to my class,” Jana said. “Whenever I read their journal entries on our weekly lessons, I know God is working in their hearts—and that is exciting to see their growth from unbelief to belief.”
Ánderson and Jana have also worked in several churches. In 2015 they joined with an Urasoe Church of the Nazarene mission trip to serve the Yorokobi Church of the Nazarene in Hokkaido, Japan. Ánderson and Jana helped with the church’s summer school, an English program for elementary students. The church also held an international party where people of different nationalities met, shared food, and practiced their English. This led to relationships being built and the gospel eventually being shared. The church is growing as it captures the interest of the community and attracts young people.
Currently the couple attend the Urasoe church in Okinawa where they continue to study the language and culture. Ánderson was ordained in the Japan District in 2015. They have also ministered in the Woolerys' congregation, Keystone Church of the Nazarene.
Japan is one of the Nazarene denomination’s oldest mission fields. The country has deep roots in Buddhism and Shintoism, but Ánderson and Jana feel that Japan is not closed to the gospel. Instead, the country is becoming more open to spiritual influence, especially in regards to helping the emerging young leaders. This couple has found the best way to share the gospel is to assist the Japanese Christians who have invested many years in mission labor.
Can different cultures really meld together successfully? Ánderson and Janary Godoy assert that with God, they can. After all, their ministry, and even their marriage, are beautiful examples of how God can partner differences to build His kingdom.
Read more about this inspiring love story of how God brought Ánderson and Jana together. Click here!
First Ever Meeting of Association of Nazarene Educational Systems of Asia-Pacific!

"This gathering of educators from thirteen Nazarene schools is the first of its kind on the Asia-Pacific Region and may well be a quantum leap forward in the mission of the Church of the Nazarene," said Dr. John Moore, Regional Education Coordinator. "Educators unanimously affirmed the value of this strategic collaboration and are making plans to follow up with a later conference to follow though with implementation, accountability and strategic planning.
We invite our friends to pray with us over the future of education on the AP region!"BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, EVENTS, FEATURE, NEWS, UNCATEGORIZED
FIRST EVER MEETING OF ASSOCIATION OF NAZARENE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS ASIA-PACIFIC HELD IN MANILA.
Manila, Philippines: During the second week of February, 45 delegates, speakers, and guests from across the Asia-Pacific Region and internationally, joined in person and through video conference in Manila.
The event brought together Nazarene school chancellors, principals, presidents, academic deans, Field Strategy Coordinators, Field Education Coordinators, and Regional leaders.
This cooperative effort addressed crucial areas including a review of the Regional Course of Study Council’s curriculum work, which has been in process for over a year, review of global education and clergy development, and significant time focused on emerging trends and challenges / opportunities facing education on the Region.
Delegates and guests came from across the Region.
“This gathering of educators from thirteen Nazarene schools is the first of its kind on the Asia-Pacific Region and may well be a quantum leap forward in the mission of the Church of the Nazarene,” said Dr. John Moore, Regional Education Coordinator. “Educators unanimously affirmed the value of this strategic collaboration and are making plans to follow up with a later conference to follow though with implementation, accountability and strategic planning. We invite our friends to pray with us over the future of education on the AP region!”
Guest presenters included Dr. Dan Copp, Global Education Commissioner, Dr. Tammy Condon, Administrative Director International Board of Education, Dr. Bob Brower President of Point Loma Nazarene University and Dr. Kerry Fulcher PLNU Provost. John Haines, Eurasia Region Education Coordinator presented an interactive session via internet.
Find out what was happening in Manila. Click here!
Prayer for Rain in Papua New Guinea Answered... To Overflowing!
Papua New Guinea

You may recall that back in August of 2015, we were asking for focused prayer for rain in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. A significant drought was causing major concerns.
Missionary Doctor Erin Meier brought this recent report. Summary...if you are still praying for rain...you should consider that prayer... ANSWERED! BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS
PRAYER FOR RAIN IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA ANSWERED…TO OVERFLOWING!
Papua New Guinea: You may recall that back in August of 2015, we were asking for focused prayer for rain in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. A significant drought was causing major concerns.Drought Impacts Papua New Guinea - Please Pray!
The river that normally flows abundantly over the hydroelectric dam had been reduced to a small stream by the drought back in August.
Missionary Doctor Erin Meier brought this recent report. Summary…if you are still praying for rain…you can stop praying now!
“We have gotten a lot of rain recently. In the first 11 days of February we were up to 9 inches of rain, which is quite the contrast to 6 months ago when we were getting little to no rain.
We are definitely thankful for the rain, as the gardens are growing, the grass is green and the tanks are full. However, too much rain can also be a problem. With all the rain recently, the river has turned into something that looks more like chocolate milk. The reservoir has been so full, water has just been rushing over the dam. Trees have washed up and over the dam, some going further downstream and some staying on the dam itself. The gates which help to filter out debris have been so full, that there have been times when we can’t run the hydro plant because the water can’t get down the canal and the workers employed to clean them can’t keep up.
I don’t fully remember what took out our old dam, but I would guess it had to be something similar to what we have been experiencing recently. Definitely thankful for the new dam and the work we did recently to fight against the erosion that was happening. There were even workers out there, during the rain, adding more cement to some areas to help prevent the erosion.
If you are still praying for rain for us here in the Highlands, it would be okay to stop praying…for more rain that is.”
Thank you to Dr. Erin Meier for her contributions. Visit her blog for short video clips of the water rushing over the dam.
From drought to abundance! Follow this link to read this answered prayer!
He Knows
Board of General Superintendents

Dr. Eugénio R. Duarte
We are trained to acquire information because it is important that we are knowledgeable. There is much that we really do want to know. In all areas of our lives, knowledge energizes and motivates us to make changes that without it, we are not willing to make. Likewise, without diminishing the importance of the greater quests for knowledge, we refuse to neglect critical things, even if they require little effort to know, such as our accounts, contacts, and passwords.
We are also trained to determine what we really want to know, what we do not need to know, and what we do not want to know. We internalize what we really want to know; we avoid what we do not need to know. The things we do not want to know put us on alert and force selectivity (television, books, conversations) because this knowledge can be hurtful and because we constantly face the question of what to do with the information.
Would it also be important to answer the question of what to do about what we do not know? 

BLOG, EDITORIAL, FEATURE
HE KNOWS by Eugénio R. Duarte
General Superintendent Dr. Eugénio R. DuarteWe are trained to acquire information because it is important that we are knowledgeable. There is much that we really do want to know. In all areas of our lives, knowledge energizes and motivates us to make changes that without it, we are not willing to make. Likewise, without diminishing the importance of the greater quests for knowledge, we refuse to neglect critical things, even if they require little effort to know, such as our accounts, contacts, and passwords.
We are also trained to determine what we really want to know, what we do not need to know, and what we do not want to know. We internalize what we really want to know; we avoid what we do not need to know. The things we do not want to know put us on alert and force selectivity (television, books, conversations) because this knowledge can be hurtful and because we constantly face the question of what to do with the information.
Would it also be important to answer the question of what to do about what we do not know?
In Matthew 6:7–8 (ESV) Jesus says, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father KNOWS what you need before you ask him” (emphasis mine). Our approach to the need to know, as well as to the option of not knowing, speaks of our values, principles, character, and mission.
Writing to a church that was facing so many unknowns, the apostle Paul speaks about what to do with the things we know as well as those we do not know:
“For WE KNOW that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO PRAY FOR as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And HE WHO SEARCHES HEARTS KNOWS what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:22–27, emphases mine).
He knows.
Will we trust our “knowns” as well as our “unknowns” to the One who knows?
Such a great read! Follow this link to find out more!
WARNING - CYBER SECURITY ALERT FROM THE REGION - 2 ALERTS
Regional Announcement

ALERT 1:The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has issued a bulletin this week regarding a malicious code that is utilizing Skype in order to gain access to computers. The Asia-Pacific Resource Center, Global IT Team, and World Mission Communications team have spent a significant amount of time researching this issue.
Click here for a summary of the research!
ALERT 2: A malicious email is circulating and has already infected at least three computers of personnel on the Asia-Pacific Region. The email will look legitimate because it has your friend's name and the header shows that it is sent from the legitimate email account. The message will pass through filters undetected because it has all the security signatures of the originating mail server.
Click here for a look at the signature / format!
See What's Happening Around the World with the Latest WMC News Release
Asia-Pacific
Did you realize that shoes are a major concern for refugees fleeing through the Balkans. They are walking hundreds of miles with insufficient or no shoes, in many cases through freezing mud. Watch the video to see how you can help.
This month's highlights include:
Prayer is requested for Taiwan after the earthquake that left at least 55 dead and many more still missing in the rubble.
The refugee crisis in Eurasia is a prominent concern.
320 Youth attend Consencrated 2016 in Argentina.
The JESUS Film being produced in the Cabécar Language in Costa Rica.


Click here to watch this video and for the download link - be sure to share!
NTC 2016 Enrichment Courses
Brisbane, Australia

Click here to learn more!
JFHP Seeks Communications Coordinator
JESUS Film Harvest Partners

JESUS Film Harvest Partners currently has an opening for a communications coordinator. This position is responsible for developing and implementing consistent short-term and long-term communications strategies, as well as for ensuring consistent JESUS Film Harvest Partners branding in all communications, including the website, mobile apps, and promotional materials. This position will also develop and manage an effective social media presence for the organization.
This full-time position will be on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Follow this link for more information!
Schedule of Asia-Pacific Region District Assemblies
Asia-Pacific

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
March 2016
8 Sealands Java-Bali
8-9 Japan Japan
12-13
Sealands
Papua
March 2016  
8SealandsJava-Bali
8-9JapanJapan
12-13
Sealands
Papua

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, BLOG, EVENTS, FEATURE, JAPAN DISTRICT, KOREA DISTRICT,MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, SEALANDS, SOUTHEAST ASIA,TAIWAN DISTRICT
SCHEDULE OF ASIA-PACIFIC REGION DISTRICT ASSEMBLY DATES
ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
District Assembly Schedule 2015-2016
November 2015
Field
District
7
ANZ
New Zealand
7-8
Melanesia
South Coast
8-9
Melanesia
Enga
9-10
Melanesia
Middle Ramu
9-10
Melanesia
Islands
12-13
Melanesia
Simbu/ EHD
13-14
Melanesia
Hagen
13-14
Melanesia
Western Highlands
14-15
Melanesia
East Sepik
15-16
Melanesia
Sandaun
19-20
Melanesia
Bromley Memorial
20-21
Melanesia
North Coast
20-21
Melanesia
Southern Highlands
24-25
South Pacific
Solomon Islands
26-27
South Pacific
Vanuatu
27-28
South Pacific
Samoa
29-30
South-Pacific
Fiji
December 2015
 Field
 District
30
Philippines
Bicol
January 2016
 Field
 District
2
Philippines
Southern Tagalog
8
Philippines
Mindanao East
9
ANZ
Australia North & West
13
 Philippines
 Mindanao West
16
Philippines
Metropolitan Luzon
16
Southeast Asia
Northern Thailand
19
Philippines
Negros
20 or 21
Philippines
Luzon
 20 Southeast Asia Cambodia
 23 ANZ Australia Southern
 23 Philippines Metro Manila
 23 Southeast Asia CAA #3
 26 Southeast Asia Thailand
 27 Southeast Asia CAA #1
 28Philippines Panay
 29 Philippines Eastern Visayas
 30 (Tentative) Philippines Central Visayas
 March 2016
 Field
 District
 8 Sealands Java-Bali
 8-9 Japan Japan
 12-13 Sealands Papua
 17 Sealands C. Kalimantan
 14-18 CMF Taiwan
 20 CMFHongkong
 22-23 Korea Korea National
Follow this link to see the rest of the schedule!
Global Compassion Conference Announced!

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries announces the Compassion Conference, to be held July 14-16, 2016, at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, USA.
We can no longer turn our heads in our communities. Compassion is the church in action. And the time is now to go deeper.
Follow this link to find out more, and how you can register!
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights

APNTS Announcing GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in Intercultural Studies!
The Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies (15 credits) is intended both for those preparing for cross-cultural service and for those already in cross-cultural ministry who would be helped by continuing education.
All subjects are offered for 3-hours graduate credit that may be transferred to other APNTS programs.
The Certificate program starts with the foundational course, "The World Mission," which is offered on-line from  January 5 to March 31.
Don't delay in finding out more information, only 16 days left until the program starts.
Click here for the brochure and for contact information.
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
Writers: Laurice Maggay, Rebecca Moisio
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 ph
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