Friday, April 1, 2016

Around The Region News of the Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Asia Pacific Region of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, April 2, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 12...From Easter Praises in Thailand to Awesome Kids Place in the Philippines, New Global Update Video and Report on Fiji Rebuild Efforts, Conference Early-Bird Rate ends April 14! Plus - Prayer, Praises, Requests, and more!

Around The Region News of the Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Asia Pacific Region of Manila, Philippines for Saturday, April 2, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 12...From Easter Praises in Thailand to Awesome Kids Place in the Philippines, New Global Update Video and Report on Fiji Rebuild Efforts, Conference Early-Bird Rate ends April 14! Plus - Prayer, Praises, Requests, and more!



Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Africa:
Eurasia:
Mesoamerica:
South America:
USA / Canada:
Collegiate:
Passings:
NMI Highlight

NMI is thrilled to announce that the 2016-2017 mission education materials are available inElectronic form for adults/teens on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks on iTunes now. They cost 99 cents per book! Also, Nazarene Publishing House is making PDF versions of the reading books available free
www.livingmission.comby April 4, 2016. Clickhere to learn about the licensing for the PDF books. In other electronic news, MP3 versions of the books are available for free download by clicking here. (These will also be on the Living Mission site by April 4.)

"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"5 Marks of a Total Quality Life"
Many people live well below their potential. It's not that they don't want a better life or do nothing to gain one-they simply don't put their energy in a clear, consistent direction.
Maybe this describes you.
Perhaps you begin a new project with enthusiasm but easily become discouraged. Or you have exciting goals, but never seem to have the time to advance them. Everything winds up being "good enough" but never outstanding.
If you understand what I'm talking about, then here's help. Focus on the following core attributes of a total quality life, and you will begin to make progress toward your dreams.
1. Effort
Expending effort doesn't necessarily guarantee success, but not expending effort guarantees failure. Remember the old saying, "If it is to be, it's up to me!"
What will you do today to make progress on your goals?
2. Enthusiasm
If you don't feel excited about your project or idea, why would anyone else be? You cannot depend on others to motivate you or drum up interest in your next objective. You must generate the excitement and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
What are you excited about today?
3. Encouragement
Here's the truth: you need others. And they need you. Alone, you won't get far, but with the help and encouragement of others, you can accomplish amazing things! The best way to gain encouragement is to be an encourager. Spread positive energy wherever you go. Catch people doing something right.
Who can you encourage, inspire, or reward today?
4. Effectiveness
Hard work alone doesn't bring results. You must put your energy in the right direction and do you work with efficiency and skill. The most obvious thing to do is not always the most effective, and the "way you've always done it" is almost certainly the least effective.
What one change could you make that would result in a 50 percent difference in your work?
5. Excellence
Whatever your goal is, pursue it with excellence. You don't have to be the best, just do your best. Be done with excuse making, procrastination, and complaining. Read 1 Corinthians 12:30 and be reminded of a "most excellent way." Also, consistently put forth your best effort, and the results will amaze you!
Where do you need to improve the quality of your work right now?
You have dreams and goals, and I know you can achieve them. Give your best effort, encourage and inspire others, and do your work well. You will make it. I believe in you![Stan Toler]
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Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region

Asia-Pacific
This week we look at how the Central Panama district is committed to reaching out. We also head to the Middle East to explore an evangelistic program being aired on a secular Arabic television station. But first we visit the First Yurt of the Nazarene in Mongolia!
Check out this week's new WMC News and share with your church, family, and friends!

Click here to watch this video and for the download link - be sure to share!
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/160051193" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>WMC NEWS: FIRST YURT OF THE NAZ, EVANGALISTIC PROGRAM IN MIDDLE EAST, AND MORE!
WMC News: First Yurt of the Naz, Evangalistic Program in Middle East, and more! from Asia-Pacific Nazarene on Vimeo.
Awesome Kids Space Opened at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Manila, Philippines

On February 16th, 2016, just after the final chapel service for Dr. Im, everyone went to the second floor of the Nielson Center for Education and Evangelism (NCEE) building to witness the ribbon cutting for the newly establish Awesome Kids; a child-friendly space (CFS) designed for kids to enjoy, learn, explore and discover.
See how Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is training some of the youngest seminary students!
Read more about this wonderful new addition to APNTS! Click here!

APNTS, BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA
AWESOME KIDS SPACE OPENED AT ASIA-PACIFIC NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
Manila, Philippines: On February 16th, 2016, just after the final chapel service for Dr. Im, everyone went to the second floor of the Nielson Center for Education and Evangelism (NCEE) building to witness the ribbon cutting for the newly establish Awesome Kids; a child-friendly space (CFS) designed for kids to enjoy, learn, explore and discover.APNTS PRESIDENT DR. IM, ELECTED TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF KOREA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY.
Present for the ribbon cutting were Dr. Im-Seung An, Dr. Floyd T. Cunningham, Dr. Kafoa, guest, visitors and other dignitaries.
The concept of a CFS dates back to 1991 when Dr. John Nielson was still president. Over the years, the passion was passed on and APNTS students created a temporary CFS called Awesome Kids Club. Once a week, kids around the campus were gathered in one of the class rooms of the institution and were taught Bible lessons, fed and enjoyed games.
This year, inspired by their passion for kids, led by Dr. Nativity Petallar in partnership with APNTS and Mrs. Aisling Zweigle, a permanent CFS was established.
Designed after the Reggio Emilia approach, the Awesome Kids is a place where kids are safe to ask questions and learn with the guidance of volunteer Holistic Child Development students. Furthermore, the space is designed to keep children safe from physical harm.
Originally, the CFS space was only for children of APNTS students, but now it is being made available for children from both on and off the campus.
Many have supported and donated to make this possible and Dr. Nativity Petallar on behalf of APNTS, would like to thank everyone who helped in their own unique way. If it wasn’t for the help of many the Awesome Kids would not have come to reality.
The Awesome Kids is open every day of the week from morning till afternoon. Contact APNTS front desk for details and reservations.[Submitted: Terence Lustaña]
A Special Easter Service in Bangkok - Prayer Requested.
Bangkok, Thailand

Combined Easter Service of Burmese House Churches
Easter Sunday saw the Burmese house churches in Thailand gathering together at Bangkok First Church of the Nazarene to celebrate our Risen Savior together for the first time.
DS Bill Kwon has a vision to see all of the Burmese house churches in Thailand gathering together to worship the Lord and encourage each other by their presence and common belief.
But wait...why Burmese churches in Thailand? Good question! It is estimated that there are 1.5 million Burmese in Thailand alone. See here how the Nazarene church has a vision to reach these diaspora Burmese who are scattered around the world.
Follow this link for the complete story and prayer requests.

BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
A SPECIAL EASTER SERVICE IN BANGKOK – PRAYER REQUESTED
Bangkok, Thailand: It was a very special Easter Sunday in Bangkok. For the first time ever, four of the newly formed home churches, Bangphli, Bangpla, Onnut 39 and Onnut 80, gathered together to celebrate this most special day. The celebration was held at the Bangkok First Church of the Nazarene.
“It was great because it was the first time in 16 months that we were able to gather our small house churches made up of people from the nation of Myanmar in one place,” said Bill Kwon, Myanmar Country Coordinator. “Although it was only 4 churches meeting this time, I praise God for His presence in our midst. We wish to invite other home churches like Nontaburi, Mahachai, Phetburi, for future gatherings. I also offer special thanks to Rev. Lamp Tanongsak and his church members for hosting us.”
According to a September 2015 report by Australian AID, Myanmar conducted their first comprehensive census in thirty years in 2014, concluding that more than 2 million of their citizens are living overseas, many as foreign workers. Of those 2 million, nearly 70.2% (1.5 million) are living in Thailand. *
MORE: Reaching from Asia to the U.S.A. to touch Burmese lives for the Kingdom!
The Church of the Nazarene has a vision of reaching out to this immigrant population through Burmese-Speaking churches.
Bill Kwon provides the following prayer requests. Please pray for:
The seven Myanmar house churches in Bangkok. God is definitely moving and we are praying that two more house churches will be opened soon.
The upcoming Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC) Course for Burmese pastors and leaders to be held in Bangkok. The 3rd class is scheduled for April 13-17, 2016.
The first baptismal service for our Burmese new members. At the end of the SEANBC class, we will be holding a baptismal service for new believers.
The Yangon zone convention held March 31- April 3. Discipleship and house church planting strategies will be taught.
Spiritual outbreak amongst Nazarene churches in the nations. It is our vision to reach many more Myanmar people who are scattered throughout the nations of Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the USA.[Submitted: Bill Kwon, Country Coordinator – Myanmar.]
*http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—asia/—ro-bangkok/documents/briefingnote/wcms_424764.pdf
The Necessity of Spiritual Matters.
Board of General Superintendents

JGS David Graves recently visited and preached at several educational institutions on the Asia-Pacific Region. He was impressed with the quality and quantity of young leaders who are studying to be pastors. He also came away with a deeper recognition of the need for more than just quality professors.
Dr. Graves maintains the need for spiritual mentors like Priscilla and Aquila as found in Acts 18 who will come alongside young leaders. This is key in helping to prepare the next generation of church leadership, helping them to recognize their God-given potential, and investing time and energy in helping them flourish.
See the full story from Dr. Graves!

BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL MATTERS
On a recent trip to the Asia-Pacific Region, I was impressed by the number and quality of young leaders I found there. I had the opportunity to preach in chapel at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, Philippine Nazarene College in Baguio City, Philippines, South East Asia Nazarene Bible College in Bangkok, and the Nazarene Bible School in northern Myanmar. At each of these educational institutions, I found sharp and passionate young adults who are preparing to be pastors in the Church of the Nazarene. I was challenged by their lives and love for the Lord.
David W. Graves, General Superintendent
I was left impressed with the great need for professors, pastors, and district superintendents to mentor the next generation of leaders. We need modern day leaders like Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18). They formed the first known husband and wife ministry team in the Christian church. They appear to have already been Christians when Paul met them in Corinth. When he left Corinth, the couple accompanied him as far as Ephesus, where they remained at his request. No doubt, they continued to stir the interest Paul had evoked in the synagogue (verse 19), but it is their mentoring of Apollos (verses 24–26) that Luke identifies as their most significant contribution in Ephesus.
Apollos was from Alexandria, which had one of the largest Jewish communities outside Syria-Palestine and where many Jews made it their business to know and appreciate Greek culture. Apollos came to Ephesus with two great strengths. He was a “learned man” (Acts 18:24)—that is to say, he was formally skilled in rhetoric. This skill, combined with thorough knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, made him a powerful speaker in the synagogue (Acts 18:25–26). He was a believer in Jesus but had limited knowledge of Him and His teaching. Recognizing Apollos’ potential, Priscilla and Aquila mentored him. With a firmer grasp of the gospel, Apollos moved to Achaia where he fulfilled a highly effective ministry as a teacher of new converts (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Mentoring young leaders is still a vital ministry today. To recognize God-given potential in new Christians and then to invest time and energy in helping them flourish remains a key element in preparing the next generation of church leadership. I encourage you, whether you are a pastor, layperson, or district leader, to think of a young Christian with leadership potential. Ask God to show you how you might help that person become useful to God and His kingdom. This will be one of the most rewarding uses of your time and energy. I am grateful for those who have mentored me at various times in my life—my parents, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, professors, district superintendents, brother, and other pastors. It is my desire to encourage and mentor the next generation of leaders. May God help us as we work together.[Dr. David W. Graves, General Superintendent]
Some Wounds Will Heal...Some...Never Will... NCM Update from Fiji.
Fiji, South Pacific

Weeks after cyclone Winston ravaged the island nation of Fiji, work continues as the people rebuild their homes and other structures.
Very little infrastructure has been untouched by this storm.
Nazarenes in bright reflective vests work to help neighbors rebuild. Much has been accomplished, but much more still needs to be done.
Read the update here of lives touched by this horrific storm and how Compassionate Nazarenes make an impact!
BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, MELANESIA SOUTH PACIFIC, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, NEWS
SOME WOUNDS WILL HEAL…SOME…NEVER WILL… NCM UPDATE FROM FIJI.
Fiji, South Pacific: The effects of tropical cyclone Winston are widespread on Fiji’s island of Viti Levu. In our time of driving to circumnavigate the five hundred kilometers of island, hour after hour we passed through large swaths of bare forests, stripped and twisted.
The path that this storm took was very, very wide. The force of the winds must have been incredible. In the villages between the inland mountains and the coast, very little infrastructure has been left untouched by the cyclone. Some concrete walls have fared marginally better than wooden ones. Most metal roofs are curled or gone. Roof trusses stand naked or are missing altogether. Power lines are down and tangled. In some places the croplands are fiercely ravaged, though thankfully other crops and lands emerged reasonably intact.
People are out and about…quietly gathering, stacking, fixing, nailing, covering and searching. A lot of cleanup has been accomplished already. There is a lot that yet needs doing.
Some Nazarenes are very much engaged in the needed “doing.” We visited a work site where a Nazarene team from local Fijian churches was reconstructing a house that flew away in the storm. There was gentle camaraderie as concrete was mixed and lumber was prepared.
We drove further around the island. There was another work team – resplendent in their reflective safety vests.
In this location, where the eye of the storm passed directly overhead, our Nazarene pastor fled his home in the height of the storm. He was able to usher his family to a more solid shelter nearby. His own house disappeared up into the storm. His neighbor across the road not only lost his entire house but he also lost his life when the house disintegrated around him. Sobering. There are faces and names and personal stories amongst the details of account of tropical storm Winston.
Some of the destruction from cyclone Winston will heal quickly as tropical climates typically promote rapid re-growth of vegetation. Some wounds will take much longer to heal as the afflicted slowly reconstruct and re-establish. Some hurts may never heal.
At the end of a worship service in a small Church of the Nazarene in one of Fiji’s major cities, we were introduced; she and her husband had been in the city before the cyclone and had returned to their coastal village ahead of Winston’s arrival.
When the cyclone hit, the rising ocean storm surge and the disintegrating concrete and wooden structures in the intense wind forced their fellow villagers to flee inland. The wind, water and flying objects overwhelmed her husband. He did not survive. There are faces and names and personal stories amongst the details of account of tropical storm Winston. They touch us all.
Thank you for your prayer and financial support, together we are making a difference!

[Submitted: John Watton, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Asia-Pacific Region]
Following Jesus Into the Margins!
Engage Magazine

Organizing a temporary learning space for 70-80 children who are from the lowest and most outcast tribe in the Philippines is the primary project for one young Philippine graduate. He came to this assignment upon request by his church, to help with the 10,000 relocated people in the Mampang transitory site after the battle 8 months earlier that left more than 60,000 people displaced.
He describes life in the transitory site with a single word: hard. Yet amidst such hurt and heartache there is hope. Read how God is touching lives through this team who is bringing hope amidst this difficult situation!
BLOG, CHILDREN & YOUTH, CURRENT, FEATURE, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES,NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
FOLLOWING JESUS INTO THE MARGINS
Southern Philippines (Engage Magazine): In May 2014, I moved to Zamboanga City, a 12-hour bus ride from my hometown in the Philippines. I had just graduated from university. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but my church had asked me to go and I said yes.
Eight months earlier, Zamboanga had experienced a 20-day battle between the Philippine military and a separatist organization that had left more than 60,000 people displaced. I was sent to work in the Mampang transitory site where 10,000 people had been relocated.
Most of the people I work with are from the Badjao tribe, an ethnic group who live in the seaside areas of the city. They’re sometimes called “sea gypsies” or “sea dwellers.” They are peace-loving people yet are considered the lowest and most outcast in the Philippine context.
My job is to organize and lead a temporary learning space in one section of the site where a few volunteers and I teach math, basic writing, proper hygiene, and personal values. In general, about 70 to 80 children—mostly Badjao—attend if they’re in the mood. Sometimes they aren’t in the mood, and only 20 to 30 children attend. Education is generally not considered a priority, and some parents do not even allow their children to attend, preferring they go to work fishing or go begging in the streets instead.
A mix of heartache and hope…
After almost two years working here, I can describe life in the transitory site in one word: hard. Finding a stable source of income is very hard, and finding daily food for survival is like climbing a mountain with no trails. The temperature is hot, and there are no trees for shade.

Almost 10 trucks of water are delivered to the site each day, but still it is not enough to meet the needs of almost 10,000 individuals. Water is precious, like money. For this reason, whenever a strong rain comes, people stock barrels of water. The water is not safe, though, and there is a lot of diarrheal disease.
Even though education is difficult in this context, many children have shown a lot of determination. There is a girl named Rita* who has consistently attended our activities. She is quiet and shy, but what strikes me most is her dedication to learning. Although she is 14 years old, she was never taught how to write. But given a little education, she has already learned so much, including how to write her name and other basic literacy skills. There are many kids here like Rita.
The girls are very vulnerable. Here in Zamboanga, there are men paying girls 20 pesos (42 cents USD) for sex. Children are being exploited. Girls tell us that many men are coming to the transitory site. Because of their extreme poverty, these girls are coerced and forced to engage in this kind of activity.
In spite of the heartache, there are hopeful moments, too. The most rewarding aspect is personal interactions. Badjao people are often misunderstood and looked down on, but our team has the privilege to talk to children and their parents and to really know their stories.
There are many people who have said to us, “You’ve changed our lives and helped us,” but I tell them, “You’ve changed our lives. Look how resilient and strong you are!”
God is using our presence here. Many organizations offer assistance, but they don’t necessarily offer love. People ask us, “Why are you different? Why do you talk to us? Why do you hug us? Why do you eat with us?” We tell them, “We love you because God loves you—Jesus loves you.”
God has worked in my life here, too. When I was a student, I was happy-go-lucky. I didn’t care about what was happening around me. I didn’t care about social issues or about people in need. When I was a kid, I saw people begging, and I didn’t care about them. Now, I understand their situation and their pain, and I cannot neglect them. I speak to them on Jesus’ behalf and advocate on their behalf. Some friends tease me and ask me why I speak up for those considered outcasts, but the Lord has given me this burden.
God has transformed me and molded me through this ministry in the margins.
*Children’s names are changed for their protection.[Leody Eschavez lives in Zamboanga City, Philippines, where he serves as the field team leader for the Nazarene church’s disaster response team.]
These stories and more are available on Engage Magazine’s Website.
Justice Movement Invites Participation in Just Water Weekend!
Global

The Just Water campaign, launched in July 2015, has sparked students to action. In less than a year's time, The Justice Movement has raised more than $36,000 for clean water. Two holistic water projects in Sri Lanka will be implemented through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and Nazarene Youth International starting April 1.
What is the Justice Movement? How are Nazarene's getting involved? See who is already involved? See what they are doing. Visit this great story and the associated links to see how Nazarenes are making a significant Kingdom impact through life-sustaining water!
Are you willing to accept the "Just Water Challenge?" Many others around the globe are doing just that!
Check it out - see what it's all about - click here!
Warning - Wave of Ransomware Infected Emails Surfacing in Europe, North America, Australia and Japan!
Regional Announcement

Multiple internet security companies including ESET, McAfee Labs, and Norton, are issuing alerts regarding the increased incidence of ransomware infected emails in circulation.
While many firewalls are screening for these emails containing malicious code attachments, they still have the potential of getting through.
Awareness and action is necessary on your part to protect your equipment and data.
Please don't be caught unaware. Take a moment to read this notice and review the action steps for your protection!
New Early Bird Rate Ends April 14th. Register Today!
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Because of the overwhelming response to the global Compassion Conference, we've extended the 20% discount through Thursday, April 14, to allow time for those of you who may still be working this through scheduling and approval processes.
The Church of the Nazarene, through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, is hosting Compassion ConferenceJuly 14-16, 2016, at Olivet Nazarene University.
If you are a Regional Director or a Field Strategy Coordinator, you will receive complimentary admittance to the conference, plus lodging and meals, at no cost to you. To register, you will need a special promotional code. Please contact us atinfo@ncm.org to obtain that code.
For other participants, the following discounts are available:
* International Discount: We are offering a special discount of 50% off for conference participants traveling from outside the United States and Canada. This discount is available through June 1, but if you register before April 14, you will receive 50% off the discounted Early Bird price. Use this promotional code: INTL0827
* Early Bird Discount: Register before April 14 and receive Early Bird pricing - $100 off the regular price. No promotional code is necessary.
* Group Discount: For groups of 10 or more from USA/Canada, register using the Group option and save an additional 10%. No promotional code is necessary.
Please contact us if you have additional questions at info@ncm.org.
Follow the link to find out more and how to register!
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Highlights

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.
Don't delay in finding out more information!
Click here for the brochure and curriculum inclusions.
Around the Region News Archive
Asia-Pacific

Do you remember seeing a particular story in one of our weekly newsletters?
Are you wishing you could send a copy of a previous newsletter to a friend? Be sure to check out the Around The Region Weekly Newsletter Archive.
Click here to find out more about the Archive.
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).
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Ortigas Avenue Extension
Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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