William Sawyer selected as chief administrative officer
The Board of General Superintendents announced that William Sawyer, vice president for Financial Services at TransUnion and senior pastor of Santa Ana, California, First Church of the Nazarene, will serve as chief administrative officer of the Global Ministry Center. Read more
William Sawyer selected as chief administrative officer
Global Ministry Center
The Board of General Superintendents (BGS) announced that William Sawyer, vice president for Financial Services at TransUnion and senior pastor of Santa Ana, California, First Church of the Nazarene, will serve as chief administrative officer (CAO) of the Global Ministry Center (GMC).
The CAO position was created in response to recommendations from the Nazarene Future Study Group and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute.
“I have a burden for the Church of the Nazarene and I’m honored to be able to serve the church,” Sawyer said. “I would have never dreamed that the Lord would bring me to this spot, but I’m really thrilled for the privilege of serving Christ and the church.”
As CAO, Sawyer will provide on-site leadership, establishing a clear direction for the Global Ministry Center and promoting a collaborative culture with open lines of communication among all levels of employees, in addition to overseeing various non-ecclesiastical, administrative tasks currently assigned to the Board of General Superintendents.
“I am really looking forward to working at the GMC,” Sawyer said. “I have a collaborative and open leadership style that I am trusting will be used by the Lord to help others as they endeavor to use their gifts and fulfill their calling for the church.”
The BGS enlisted the help of Tommy Thomas and Laura Coverstone, executive recruiters from SIMA International, in the search for qualified applicants.
“From the outset, we were impressed with these individuals, their personal integrity, and their commitment to identifying candidates appropriate to our need,” said Gustavo Crocker, BGS secretary. “Out of 99 people that Tommy and Laura spoke with, there were 40–50 who expressed interest and who approximated the criteria and 28 who actually applied for the position. After much prayer and study, five of these were invited to meet the board and pursue a conversation about the position.”
Sawyer started at TransUnion nearly 18 years ago in an entry-level position, eventually becoming vice president of Financial Services.
“It was probably about three years ago that I really felt like the Lord was saying ‘You’ve been in business now for a number of years and I want you to serve the church,’” Sawyer said. “I wasn’t sure how that was going to work out and what that meant, but the biggest desire for my wife, Nancy, and I is that we would be in the center of God’s will. We have been through a long process with the Board of General Superintendents and with their executive recruiter. After prayerful consideration, it has become very apparent to us that this is the Lord’s will.”
At age 7, Sawyer gave his heart to the Lord and was entirely sanctified in high school, when he told God he would follow His will, but the specifics weren’t always clear.
“I was a very shy kid and so I thought for a long time that maybe the Lord just wanted me to be willing as a servant and minister and that maybe he didn’t really have a specific call on me and my life,” he said. “I majored in business at MidAmerica Nazarene University and went to work for a Fortune 100 company for a few years. I really got the call to ministry settled when I was there and we left all of that and I went back to seminary.”
Sawyer earned a Master of Arts in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary while pastoring New Hope Church of the Nazarene in California. He is currently in his final semester of classes for a Doctor of Philosophy in organizational leadership from Regent University.
Before accepting a position with TransUnion, he pastored Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Nancy and I grew up in the Kansas City area and were married on the campus of MidAmerica,” Sawyer said. “We have family in the area so we’re excited to be near our family.”
The family has deep ties with the denomination.
“My parents and grandparents were all involved in the Nazarene church,” Sawyer said. “My uncle, C. William Ellwanger, was a pastor at Kansas City First Church for a number of years and my dad, Robert Sawyer Sr., taught at MidAmerica. He was at Southern Nazarene University when it was Bethany and taught at Nazarene Theological Seminary prior to that.”
Sawyer is grateful for his parents’ example.
“My parents set a wonderful example for me in prayer and in the ministry of God’s word,” he said.
The Sawyers, who have eight children, strive to be a similar example in prayer and the love for God’s Word at home, in the church, and now the Global Ministry Center.
“We are delighted to welcome Bill to the ministry team at the GMC,” said David A. Busic, BGS chair. “His professional experiences combined with his deep love for the Church of the Nazarene will be a tremendous asset to a flourishing GMC.”
Sawyer begins his new position April 27.
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Preparing the Way: Africa Region holds conference in Côte d'Ivoire
Nearly 500 representatives from countries across West Africa gathered in Grand Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, for the Africa Region's third conference. The event included attendees from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone who were formerly restricted from travelling outside their countries because of the Ebola epidemic. Read more
Preparing the Way: Africa Region holds conference in Côte d'Ivoire
Grand Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire
Flags waved, voices rang out in song, and people from countries across West Africa and beyond danced down aisles in colorful, traditional attire. In Grand Bassam, just outside of Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire where the deaths of a recent terrorist attack are still being mourned, nearly 500 representatives gathered from March 31 to April 3 to celebrate the third Africa Regional Conference.
Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo opened the conference with a message on the conference theme, "Prepare the Way," taken from Isaiah 57:14. After four days of inspiring worship, prayer, preaching, and workshops, the conference culminated in a ceremony in which 43 pastors from countries across West Africa were ordained. Africa West Field Strategy Coordinator Daniel Gomis described the conference as "a demonstration of God's faithfulness and love for His church."
The conference was especially meaningful because it included Christian brothers and sisters from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone who were formerly restricted from traveling outside their countries because of theEbola epidemic.
Liberia Monrovia District Superintendent Daniel Johnson explained what the conference meant to him and his fellow Liberians.
"Although we had many difficulties like bad roads (some traveled by bus for three to four days) and hassles at checkpoints, the trip was well worth it," he said. "The morale of the church members was strengthened through fellowship with others from all over the region. For many, it was their first time out of Liberia and they got to see a broader perspective of the church. They are used to seeing the church from a local and district level but now see that our church is an international church and that we are one. Despite language barriers, we are unified ... We felt the joy of the Lord and hope to come again."
Pastor Moise Toumoudagou from Benin described a similar experience of unity.
"For many, it was their first trip out of the country, and it was a real joy to see so many different people worshipping the same God," he said. "We are not alone, but part of a large family. I am not alone in my country, but my country belongs to many countries."
He described how many on his district are new in their faith, and the week's messages, which challenged listeners to live Christlike lives of loving service to God and others, inspired his people to grow stronger in their faith, in fellowship, and in their relationships. He also said the daily workshops were extremely helpful.
"The church did not invest in vain, for a seed was planted in each of us," Toumoudagou said.
Pastor William Grant from the South East Liberia District said the message by General Superintendent Eugenio R. Duarte "... challenged us and opened our eyes on the subject of holiness." Gomis also enjoyed Duarte's message, saying he would "personally remember Dr. Duarte's inspiring and prophetic words to the Church in Africa: 'What are we supposed to do with His Truth? ... There is a lot of food on the roadside. But, there is no need for us (Nazarenes) to go after the roadside food. We have good food.' May we continue to eat the good food and grow in Christlikeness in such a time like this."
The previous two Africa Region conferences were held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in March 2015 (the first regional conference held since 2003), and Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2015.[Church of the Nazarene Africa Region]
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Australia team visits Greece for vision prayer tour
A team of 11 Nazarenes from Australia, Portugal, and Spain traveled across Greece for a vision prayer tour in March as the Church of the Nazarene attempts to establish a registered ministry there. Read more
Australia team visits Greece for vision prayer tour
Greece, Eurasia Region
A team of 11 Nazarenes from Australia, Portugal, and Spain traveled across Greece for a vision prayer tour in March as the Church of the Nazarene attempts to establish a registered ministry there.
The Australia/New Zealand Field has long been connected to Greece.
“[The trip] was slowly born from a dream and a concern that was planted many years before as Greek immigrants left their homeland and settled in Australia, giving the island continent one of the largest expatriate Greek communities in the world," said John Moore, field strategy coordinator. "At one time, there were more Greeks living in Melbourne than in Athens. Over the decades, many Greek Churches of the Nazarene were planted in Australia, and a thirst developed to take this gospel of holiness back to the land from which it had first been preached. When the Australia South District learned of the possibility of Nazarene missionaries being sent to Greece, the plan got underway to go to Greece to offer assistance as it would be useful.”
Moore and his wife, Vicki, were joined on the trip by Satish Manmothe, Australia South district superintendent; Harry Malos, an Australia South District pastor; Steve Kasambalis, Melbourne team coordinator; Gretchen Freeman, a Global Serve partner working in Australia; Bruce McKellips, Western Mediterranean field strategy coordinator; Charlton and Christine Kerr, visiting Greek Australians, and Joshua and Shannon Herndon, missionaries to Spain who were recently appointed to start the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Greece.
During the visit, the team spent time in prayer and discussion with people and organizations who could help establish a registered Church of the Nazarene in Greece. They met with Evangelical leaders from various denominations and consulted with pastors, legal representatives, nongovernmental organizations, Christian humanitarian organizations, and a Orthodox humanitarian organization. They visited places of biblical and archeological significance, including Athens, Corinth, Thessaloniki, Philippi, and Mikri Volvi.
The team also visited Idomeni, where they assisted refugees trapped in “no man’s land” located at the border of Former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia and Greece.
Greece's economy, political situation, and the influx of millions of refugees have caused the people to become fearful and despondent, making it a country of urgency for Nazarene mission work. A recent census showed 88.3 percent of the population are Christians, but during the team’s visit they found that church attendance is low and it seems that the Greeks’ personal relationship with God is not well understood.
The Church of the Nazarene, with its holistic message of Christ’s salvation, compassionate and humanitarian assistance, is an ideal match to meet the needs of modern Greeks.
The city of Thessaloniki, as in the days of Apostle Paul, was selected for future Nazarene work because of its strategic position in the Balkans as a gateway city to Asia, Europe, and Africa.
This trip is only the beginning of a longterm partnership as the Australian church seeks to assist the blossoming efforts of the Herndons, their children, and the Church of the Nazarene in Greece.
“As the Church of the Nazarene prepares to enter the ancient land of Greece, it was a historic moment for us to walk in the footsteps of the great apostle Paul when he preached the message of holiness to the church in Greece about 2,000 years ago by saying, ‘For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life’ (1 Thessalonians 4:7)," Manmothe said. "What a privilege it is for our missionaries to be Christ’s ambassadors to implore the people of Greece to be reconciled to God!”
The team members enjoyed witnessing how God is opening the doors for the Church of the Nazarene in Greece and would like to thank the people who partnered with them in prayer.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]
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Mid-Atlantic District elects new superintendent
General Superintendent David W. Graves announced the election of David Bowser as superintendent of the Mid-Atlantic District. Read more
Mid-Atlantic District elects new superintendent
Glen Burnie, Maryland
General Superintendent David W. Graves announced the election of David Bowser as superintendent of theMid-Atlantic District.
Elected April 11 on the first ballot, Bowser replaces Kenneth Mills, who spent nearly 19 years in the position.
"Dr. David Bowser was elected on the first ballot with an outstanding vote after a thorough survey of the district, profile development, and interviews of potential leaders," Graves said. "He is no stranger to the Mid-Atlantic District and he and his wife, Diane, are already respected, loved, and appreciated. He is a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College and a native of the Northeast. I had the privilege of installing him at the closing of the assembly."
Bowser currently pastors the West Flint Church of the Nazarene in Michigan. He will begin his new assignment May 11.
“We are grateful for the confidence expressed by the Mid-Atlantic District family and believe that in this moment of grace, the call of God and the call of the church have intersected," Bowser said. "We look forward to serving as we passionately live out the story of Jesus Christ on the Mid-Atlantic District.”
Prior to accepting the West Flint pastorate in 2000, Bowser pastored churches in Manchester, Connecticut; Landsdale, Pennsylvania; Westminster, Maryland, and New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Nazarene College and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary.
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NTC-Manchester faculty member attends UK prime minister's Easter celebration
Phil Rawlings, co-founder of the Manchester Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam at Nazarene Theological College-Manchester, was invited to attend an Easter celebration hosted by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Read more
NTC-Manchester faculty member attends UK prime minister's Easter celebration
London, United Kingdom
Phil Rawlings (left) is pictured with UK Prime Minister David Cameron (right).
When Phil Rawlings received an invitation to visit No. 10 Downing Street, the iconic address for the United Kingdom prime minister’s office, Rawlings was understandably skeptical. He called the phone number provided and was surprised to learn the invitation was real.
So, 23 March from 2 to 4 p.m., he joined more than 100 other religious leaders at No. 10 for a reception celebrating Easter.
Rawlings is co-founder and co-director of the Manchester Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam at Nazarene Theological College-Manchester, which provides training for Christians in how to love and engage relationally with Muslims. He is also the interfaith officer for the Church of England in Oldham, a borough of Greater Manchester where Muslims make up about 20 percent of the residents. In this role, he also provides training for local Christians in how to communicate with Muslims and build relationships with them.
It is because of his interfaith work, Rawlings later learned, that he received the invitation to join the prime minister’s gathering for Easter. Most of the others attending were Christian leaders in the UK, such as the head of the Coptic Church, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Britain, the first woman bishop in the Church of England, the Archbishop’s interfaith advisor, among others. There were also at least half a dozen Muslim leaders who attended.
“It was a fascinating experience,” Rawlings said. “I met some of the prime minister’s advisors who are very committed Christians … which I found really encouraging.”
The invitees mingled over finger foods and drinks, an a cappella group sang Christian hymns, then Cameron arrived and spoke for 10 to 15 minutes about his own Christian faith, also describing Britain as a Christian country.
“He said we needed to affirm Christian values at the heart of the nation,” Rawlings said. “He affirmed Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar.”
According to a Bloomberg report of the event, Cameron, who spoke positively about the role of faith in public life, urged the Christian leaders to “reach out to Muslim communities and offer support in fighting extremism.”
Rawlings said the reception created opportunities for leaders in the faith community in the UK to become acquainted with each other.
“There are a number of contacts there which should produce significantly fruitful relationships in the future," Rawlings said. "It’s the sort of thing you can email somebody and say, ‘We met at No. 10.’”
The Manchester Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam is designed to equip people and churches at the grassroots, both within and beyond the Church of the Nazarene denomination, to seek out encounters with Muslims in their own communities. Co-founder Dwight Swanson has been a senior lecturer in biblical studies for nearly 20 years at NTC-Manchester.
The centre develops specialist classes and programmes to more firmly and deeply root Christians in the tenets of their biblical faith while at the same time preparing them for participating in informed, respectful, and loving dialogue with Muslims.
MCSCI is available to Nazarenes on the Eurasia Region and globally who would seek out learning, dialogue, and equipping for interaction with their Muslim neighbors. For more information, visit mcsci.org.uk.[NTC-Manchester]
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Africa
Africa Region announces new education coordinator
Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo announced the appointment of Gabriel J. Benjiman as coordinator for Education and Clergy Development effective June 1. Read more
Africa Region announces new education coordinator
Johannesburg, South Africa
Gabriel and Mary Benjiman
Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo announced the appointment of Gabriel J. Benjiman as coordinator for Education and Clergy Development effective June 1. He replaces Greg Crofford, who accepted a teaching position at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya. Gabriel's wife, Mary, will replace Amy Crofford as the administrative assistant for education and clergy development.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Crofford for his leadership in the past 3+ years," Chambo said. "Greg's passion to develop writers and critical thinkers and also to create opportunities for upcoming African scholars to be exposed to and participate in international/global discourse is applauded. I am confident that he will continue to do this through ANU. I congratulate both Greg and Amy for their new assignments."
Benjiman is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene with a heart set on Christ and the believing community. For two decades, he has served two local churches in full-time ministry. He serves as a mentor to pastors both locally and abroad.
"Gabriel regards himself as a student for life," Chambo said. "He has done theological and leadership training for over 20 years through various institutions. He graduated with distinction from Nazarene Theological College–South Africa in 1995 with a bachelor's in theology. He has also served on the board of Nazarene Theological College–South Africa. In 2015, he earned an M.A. (with distinction) from Northwest Nazarene University and was given the Outstanding Student Award."
Benjiman has contributed three scholarly papers in books authored by Nazarene scholars. He is passionate about networking with church leaders, outreach, leadership and social development, and empowerment.
"He communicates with excellence and passion both on the radio and in person," Chambo said. "He has given many presentations on issues of social justice. Recently, he was the speaker for Holiness Week at Africa Nazarene University."
Benjiman took part in all three Africa regional conferences, co-leading the morning prayer times with Africa Central Field Strategy Coordinator Stéphane Tibi at the events in Nairobi and Abidjan.
"Gabriel is keen to equip laity and clergy in various ministries including evangelism, Christian education, leadership, preaching, and administration," Chambo said. "To this end, he has developed a Christian leadership training school on the campus of the Morningside Community Church. Gabriel loves leading volunteers and considers this to be effective and challenging. He has a strong desire to partner with pastors to effectively equip their church leadership.
"I am confident that Rev. Benjiman will provide excellent leadership to our education and clergy development system on the region."
Gabriel and Mary have two daughters, Karris Shalom and Eden Kelita.[Church of the Nazarene Africa Region]
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After Ebola: A volunteer's perspective
Ronny Beech, a Mission Corps volunteer serving at the Africa Regional Office, shares about his experience collecting stories from Ebola-ravaged countries on the Africa West Field. Read more
After Ebola: A volunteer's perspective
Africa West Field
Liberia Monrovia District Superintendent Daniel Johnson takes a photo with a family of Ebola survivors.
Ronny Beech, a Mission Corps volunteer serving at the Africa Regional Office, recently traveled across the Africa West Field to collect stories from areas ravaged by the Ebola virus.
"During the month of March, I was able to spend time in the countries of Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in West Africa, where I had the privilege to work with another videographer from the States documenting personal stories of those who found themselves in the middle of the recent Ebola crisis," he said.
Beech described the experience as surreal.
"I don't take for granted the opportunity to actually set foot on the same soil and the opportunity to talk to the same people for whom Ebola was a reality," he said. "What was once a topic that we only saw flash across news headlines in most countries was now being experienced from the source. It was someone's personal story, and to hear it right from their own mouth had an impact that cannot compare with simply hearing about it.
Beech visited Ebola burial sites in each country, an Ebola treatment center in Sierra Leone, several areas of highly concentrated Ebola outbreaks, and homes where people were quarantined for multiple weeks. Many of the stories were difficult to hear.
"It was a devastating time for them," Beech said. "Pastors, district superintendents, laymen, community members, and health workers all had their own story to tell."
The local church faced the situation head on, embracing the sick and stigmatised.
"They helped with the little resources they had, and when physical recourses were not there, spiritual resources were still abundant," Beech said. "It was inspiring to hear how God helped these people face the fear of Ebola and continue to go and help those who were infected when others would not. It is hard to imagine how they were feeling, knowing that any person they came into contact with could very well be infected and, in turn, infect them."
While the Ebola outbreak is over, the affected countries are still dealing with the virus' aftermath.
"There are many orphans, the local economy has been devastated, and many survivors are still stigmatised," Beech said. "In spite of these lingering challenges, the people are still thankful that they can now shake hands and embrace their loved ones without the fear of spreading sickness. They can go out into public without living in constant fear. They faced a great challenge and are now on the other side. For that reality, they praise God."[Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa]
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USA/Canada
Alberta prisoners raise funds for projects beyond the walls
A group of men in a discipleship program at their prison in Alberta, Canada, felt led to give to those who are less fortunate. Since then, they have raised funds to support an orphanage in war-torn Sri Lanka, rebuild a school destroyed by a typhoon in the Philippines, and dig wells in 10 rural villages of earthquake-stricken Nepal. (via Engagemagazine) Read more
Alberta prisoners raise funds for projects beyond the walls by Carol Ann Eby
Innisfail, Alberta, Canada
Crosses rise over churches, orphanages, and rural medical clinics. Funds are sent to support an orphanage in war-torn Sri Lanka. A school is rebuilt after being destroyed in typhoon-devastated Philippines. Wells are installed in 10 rural villages of earthquake-stricken Nepal. These are amazing results of compassionate caring and giving. But what is more amazing is that the initiators of these projects are men incarcerated in a Canadian correctional institution who never go beyond their prison yard!
William "Bud" Sargent was the pastor of the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene, which was only a few miles down the highway from Bowden Institution, a federal correctional facility in central Alberta, Canada. The Bowden Institution is a medium institution with over 600 inmates, fulfilling sentences ranging from a couple of years to “lifers” who will die there. There is also a minimum annex to the institution where 125-130 inmates live in a group home setting, preparing them for release. Sargent became involved in prison ministry as a volunteer.
“I never really thought about ministry inside prisons and the impact chaplains might have upon offenders,” Sargent said. “But I was challenged to change my thinking and was invited by the chaplain to attend a few Sunday evening worship services at the prison to see what God was doing behind the fence.”
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
Sending love beyond the walls by Carol Anne Eby
Crosses rise over churches, orphanages, and rural medical clinics. Funds are sent to support an orphanage in war-torn Sri Lanka. A school is rebuilt after being destroyed in typhoon devastated Philippines. Wells are installed in 10 rural villages of earthquake-stricken Nepal. These are amazing results of compassionate caring and giving. But what is more amazing is that the initiators of these projects are men incarcerated in a Canadian correctional institution who never go beyond their prison yard!
Crosses rise over churches, orphanages, and rural medical clinics. Funds are sent to support an orphanage in war-torn Sri Lanka. A school is rebuilt after being destroyed in typhoon-devastated Philippines. Wells are installed in 10 rural villages of earthquake-stricken Nepal. These are amazing results of compassionate caring and giving. But what is more amazing is that the initiators of these projects are men incarcerated in a Canadian correctional institution who never go beyond their prison yard!
William "Bud" Sargent was the pastor of the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene, which was only a few miles down the highway from Bowden Institution, a federal correctional facility in central Alberta, Canada. The Bowden Institution is a medium institution with over 600 inmates, fulfilling sentences ranging from a couple of years to “lifers” who will die there. There is also a minimum annex to the institution where 125-130 inmates live in a group home setting, preparing them for release. Sargent became involved in prison ministry as a volunteer.
“I never really thought about ministry inside prisons and the impact chaplains might have upon offenders,” Sargent said. “But I was challenged to change my thinking and was invited by the chaplain to attend a few Sunday evening worship services at the prison to see what God was doing behind the fence.”
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
Sending love beyond the walls by Carol Anne Eby
Crosses rise over churches, orphanages, and rural medical clinics. Funds are sent to support an orphanage in war-torn Sri Lanka. A school is rebuilt after being destroyed in typhoon devastated Philippines. Wells are installed in 10 rural villages of earthquake-stricken Nepal. These are amazing results of compassionate caring and giving. But what is more amazing is that the initiators of these projects are men incarcerated in a Canadian correctional institution who never go beyond their prison yard!
Rev. William (Bud) Sargent was the pastor of the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene, which was only a few miles down the highway from Bowden Institution, a federal correctional facility in Central Alberta, Canada. The Bowden Institution is a medium institution with over 600 inmates, fulfilling sentences ranging from a couple of years to “lifers” who will die there. There is also a minimum annex to the institution where 125-130 inmates live in a group home setting, preparing them for release. Sargent became involved in prison ministry as a volunteer.“I never really thought about ministry inside prisons and the impact chaplains might have upon offenders,” Sargent said. “But I was challenged to change my thinking and was invited by the chaplain to attend a few Sunday evening worship services at the prison to see what God was doing behind the fence.”
After that experience, Sargent said, “I was hooked! I couldn’t believe sitting in chapel with 60 to 70 inmates worshipping God from the bottom of their hearts. I saw them with tears in their eyes as they came to receive the Eucharist. They understand fully how much love and mercy has been extended to them. Those who have been forgiven much understand God’s grace.”
Sargent became a regular volunteer and led services when the chaplain was absent. Soon an opening came available for a full-time chaplain and Sargent applied. He has served five years in that position, where he says, “I am blessed every day to see God at work.”Chaplains are not government employees but are contracted by the federal government to provide chaplaincy services inside of prisons. However, Sargent is actually employed by the Canada West District Church of the Nazarene. He serves with four other full-time chaplains: two Roman Catholics, two Protestants, one Muslim and a Wiccan/Pagan, a range intended to cover the diversity of the inmates beliefs. Also, more than 100 volunteers come inside the walls to provide a variety of ministry events.
Men who are incarcerated often tell Sargent that coming to prison was one of the best things to happen in their lives. Prior to coming to prison, they say, their lives were out of control. Incarceration has given them time to reflect on their lives and by reading the Bible and good books, and coming to know Christ as their personal savior, they find new purpose in life.
Many of these men realize they have taken so much out of society and created victims through their self-acts, and now that God has forgiven them, they have a burning desire to give back—pay it forward, if you will.
They found a way to do that after completing a study called Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God,created by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King.
One chapter of that study asked participants to consider ways in which each of them, as believers, could join God’s redemptive mission in the world. The inmates prayerfully sought a way to overcome their circumstances and make a difference in the lives of others who were suffering. They prayed, asking if a group of Christian men behind a prison fence could impact the world. That prayer has been wonderfully answered in the last three years.
One of the inmates worked for CORCAN, which stands for “Corrections Canada,” a government owned company that runs manufacturing operations within prisons to provide meaningful employment and apprenticeship opportunities to inmates. Working there, the inmate came up with the idea of constructing crosses that could be sent all over the world.
The company agreed to let the prisoners use the metal shop in the prison to build the crosses. Sargent guided them in designing the cross, Nazarene churches donated the materials and the inmates as well as staff members worked through coffee breaks and downtimes to finish the crosses. The crosses were then shipped free of charge by CANEXPRESS to Victoria to the Compassion Resource Warehouse run by Victoria Church of the Nazarene, and staff included a cross with shipments of clothing, medical and school supplies they were sending to developing countries. To date, 20 crosses have been sent to six countries in Africa, to Thailand, Burma, and the Philippines. Dell Marie Wergeland, president of the Compassionate Resource Warehouse, said in a CORCAN article, “Our ‘friends on the inside’ are blessing the world and infusing hope in many communities around the world.”In the spring of 2013, some of the inmates asked themselves how they might raise money for those less privileged than themselves. They came up with the idea of a walk-a-thon, and with financial support from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Canada, have successfully organized three walk-a-thons through which they raised over $20,000 to support development projects around the world. They’ve supported orphanages, rebuilt schools and partnered with Nazarene Youth International members in Nepal to dig wells for villages that don’t have access to clean water. The walk-a-thon has turned into a much anticipated event with the entire prison population looking on in the exercise yard. During the 2015 fundraiser, over 300 inmates and volunteers walked 4,162 laps equaling 1,388 miles, urged on by the cheers of clapping inmates. Games, prizes and music from the chapel band add to the excitement.
This year’s walk-a-thon will be held September 10 and money will be raised to support a Syrian refugee family relocated in Canada.
The Bowden institution has been supportive of all these projects. The staff sees that when men start making positive changes—faith, morality, integrity, forgiveness—the tension within the prison reduces.
“The staff see that although some offenders will always be ‘cons’, and there will always be those who claim to have ‘found Jesus’ in prison, there are many more who truly experience transformation,” Sargent said. “The testimony of a changed life inside a prison setting is the best example of what God does.”
Inmate *B.R. testifies that, “If we are going to be the men of God we are called to be, we can’t depend solely on the odd Sunday sermon to grow our faith. Being a man of God requires us to not only have faith but to believe that God is with us every step of the way.” He said the Experiencing God series and other Bible studies have shown him God has a purpose for his life.
He also said, “I have had the privilege of witnessing an incredible transformation in men who were broken, had no place to turn, and had lost everything.” Because of the grace of God, B.R. went on, “We are becoming better fathers, better husbands, better brothers. . . men of God. We are building a legacy of faith, and we owe our transformed lives to our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
The inmates of Bowden join in David’s cry from Psalm 18:29 “. . .with my God I can scale a wall!” Compassion, gratitude, and grace know no boundaries.
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Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members. In the news this week: Point Loma Nazarene University students entertain passengers on delayed flight ... NBC grad nominated as general superintendent for The Wesleyan Church ... Former Church of the Nazarene director chosen as president for World Gospel Mission. Read more
Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Point Loma Nazarene University students entertain passengers on delayed flight
(San Diego 7, April 9) Delayed on a flight heading to San Francisco, a San Diego-area university choir decided to take a moment to help pass the time, doing what they do best: singing.
The Point Loma Nazarene University choir was heading to San Francisco Friday when their Southwest flight was delayed on the tarmac in San Diego.
For a video of the performance, click here.
NBC grad nominated as general superintendent for The Wesleyan Church
(wesleyan.org, March 16)The Wesleyan Church is pleased to announce that Dr. Wayne Schmidt and Rev. Isaac Smith have both been nominated by the General Board for the office of General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church. They are recommended to the General Conference for its prayerful deliberation and election of a single General Superintendent in June 2016. Current General Superintendent Dr. Jo Anne Lyon has chosen not to seek re-election.
On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, the two nominees were interviewed by the General Board. In addition, documents, references, and other sources of information contributed to a thorough basis for discussion and prayer. Dr. Lyon commented afterward that the full board had an unmistakable sense of God's anointing on both men. There was strong support for both of them as leaders who could guide the denomination very well going forward. By the end of the session, there was a consensus that the Spirit was leading the board to place this decision in the hands of the entire General Conference in June.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Former Church of the Nazarene director chosen as president for World Gospel Mission
(WGM.org, March 18) World Gospel Mission is pleased to announce that Dr. Dan Schafer has been appointed the organization’s new president, effective July 1, 2016.
“After an extensive search, we are grateful that God led us to select Dan Schafer,” said David Engbrecht, board chair and senior pastor of Nappanee Missionary Church. “Not only is he a critical thinker, he comes to us with a passion for wanting to help others discover their God-given cause in the Great Commission. I appreciate that he has experience to match what we need for the next season of World Gospel Mission.”
Schafer brings a combination of leadership, mission, and business experience from more than 15 years in executive roles, serving the last two years with Shepherd Community, Inc., and Olivet Nazarene University. Schafer has experience as the director of Global Mission Finance for the Church of the Nazarene.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Africa Nazarene University students reach top 10 in Hult Prize competition
A team of four students from Africa Nazarene University traveled to Dubai last month to compete in the Bill Clinton Hult Prize regional finals. Read more
Africa Nazarene University students reach top 10 in Hult Prize competition
Nairobi, Kenya
A team of four students from Africa Nazarene University traveled to Dubai last month to compete in the Bill Clinton Hult Prize regional finals. The team, called Taka Smart ("smart waste"), was chosen after winning the intracampus quarterfinals competition, hosted on the university's main campus November 28, 2015.
“It was amazing to witness teams from different regions of the world come up with good ideas to solve a common problem," said Kevin Nderitu, a Taka Smart team member. "Their passion was an inspiration to me.”
The Hult Prize seeks to empower students to solve world challenges through the development of business startup ideas that will address societal challenges that cripple the world’s economy. It is one of the most globally recognized student competitions around the world.
“I don’t think the Hult Prize is just a competition but an effective driver to get young people thinking about world problems," said Clement Habinshuti, another Taka Smart member.
Taka Smart was one of 55 teams selected as finalists from various colleges and universities around the world and as the only team representing Kenya. The ANU students presented their waste management business startup idea for a chance to win US$1 million in seed capital.
"Without the Hult Prize, there would still be considerable waste management issues affecting our countries; there would not be a Taka Smart," Habinshuti said. "All it took was a trigger, a spark under the guise of a race for a million dollars."
Securing a win as one of the top 10 finalists, Taka Smart asserts the competition has deepened their resolve to transform the world with their business, starting with neighboring Ongata Rongai, where they have initiated a pilot project in partnership with the county government.
“Hult Prize Regionals gave us more than we sought to get: a rare opportunity to be counted among world-changers," said Jessica Celeste Ninteretse of Taka Smart. "They will soon hear about Taka Smart because we are motivated more than ever.”
The team believes that with the continued support of the university support and the involvement of the county government of Kajiado, Taka Smart is going to revolutionize waste management in Kenya and Africa at large.
“Thanks to Africa Nazarene, Taka Smart is no longer just a dream; it is a revolution, a solution to waste management and a key step to attaining our global goals," said Taka Smart member Saruni Maina. "We may not have won the Hult Prize Regionals, but we did leave a mark, an African print on the hearts of everyone who was present.”[Africa Nazarene University]
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MNU sets fundraising record at President's Honors
The President's Honors Gala, MidAmerica Nazarene University's premier annual fundraising event to benefit student scholarships, raised more than $650,000. Read more
MNU sets fundraising record at President's Honors
Olathe, Kansas
The President's Honors Gala, MidAmerica Nazarene University's premier annual fundraising event to benefit student scholarships, raised more than $650,000 April 8. Over the last five years, donors contributed more than $2.5 million through this event, which includes sponsors, live and silent auctions, and donations to the Scholarship Challenge.
The McIntire family
Honorary co-chairs for the event were the Larry and Donna McIntire family of Joplin, Missouri. McIntire is chairman of the Board of Trustees for MNU and a longtime supporter of Christian higher education at MNU.
Edgar and Maron Moore were honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Having generously supported many community and educational organizations in their lifetime, the couple provided for MNU in their estate planning. In December 2015, shortly after the passing of Maron, the university learned it would be the recipient of $9.5 million in assets from the Moore estate. This is the largest one-time gift in university history.
MNU President David Spittal expressed his gratitude for this commitment from the Moores.
“I’m humbled by the tremendous sacrifice and investment that Edgar and Maron Moore have made,” Spittal said. “On the eve of our 50th anniversary as a university, the Moores have ensured that MNU’s future is brighter than ever.”
Among the sponsors of The President’s Honors gala were:
Legacy Sponsors
The Otto Theel Family
Presenting Sponsors
Tim and Gail Buchanan
The Dr. Larry and Donna McIntire Family
Platinum Sponsors
Barkman Honey
D. Ray and Elaine Cook Foundation
Olathe Medical Center
Gold Sponsors
Fry Orthodontic Specialists
Dr. H. Chris and Janet Halvorson
Dr. Gary and Vickie Morsch
Pioneer College Caterers, Inc.
Plexpod (Gerald and Dianna Smith)
Ruckus Group (Ryan Chamberlin/Matt Johnson)
Next year’s President’s Honors is set for April 7, 2017. More information may be found at mnu.edu/giving. A gallery of photos from the 2016 event is available on Flickr.[MidAmerica Nazarene University]
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NNU student’s cardiac arrest demonstrates value of CPR training
Andrew Holston, a sophomore at Northwest Nazarene University, went into cardiac arrest during a Sunday morning service at Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Meridian, Idaho. Read more
NNU student’s cardiac arrest demonstrates value of CPR training
Nampa, Idaho
Andrew and Rachel Holston
Andrew Holston doesn’t remember January 16, 2016, but those who were with him will never forget that day.
Holston, 19, was attending church with his parents and other family members. It was the Sunday before the start of a new semester at Northwest Nazarene University, where Holston is a sophomore. His parents had traveled from Enumclaw, Washington, to bring him back to school and planned to return home later that afternoon.
“Andrew doesn’t know his story, so he isn’t aware of the difference it made in our lives,” said his mother, Cindy Holston.
Until Andrew Holston collapsed, the only thing unusual about that day was that he had decided to sit with his parents instead of his friends when they all went to church together. Cindy Holston figured it was because school hadn’t started yet and most of his friends hadn’t returned from the winter break. Later she realized it was fortunate.
“I watched him fold over in front of me,” Cindy Holston said.
Several rows ahead, Teresa Smith, a registered nurse and St. Luke’s Treasure Valley Stroke Program manager, turned around when she heard abnormal breathing. Smith saw people gathering around someone, and when she got closer she realized someone had collapsed. Like others, including Holston’s family, Smith initially thought he had fainted.
But moments later, after Smith had checked Holston’s pulse and a group moved him into another room, the teen’s heart stopped beating.
A group of people began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while Smith prepared the automated external defibrillator (AED). Dr. Fred Fender, a physician at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, began CPR and Smith placed the AED pads on Holston. Christy Altman, a Women’s Unit nurse at St. Luke’s Boise, ran to her car to get a “pocket mask” to help provide ventilations.
Personnel from Meridian Fire and Ada County Paramedics soon arrived, took over resuscitation efforts and transported Holston to St. Luke’s Meridian. It was Dr. Heather Crane, who works in the St. Luke’s Meridian emergency department, who got his heart to beat again 40 minutes after he collapsed.
“The thing that amazed me the most was the level of calmness and how well we worked together,” Smith said. “It was incredible teamwork.”
At St. Luke’s Meridian, critical care, pulmonology, and cardiology teams induced “therapeutic hypothermia” to preserve Holston’s brain function. His core body temperature was deliberately reduced, slowing his metabolism to reduce cell damage from lack of oxygen and allowing his brain to gradually return to normal.
Once he was stable, and able to speak and breathe on his own, Holston underwent repeated testing, including a cardiac MRI. Dr. Josh Mozes, a specialized cardiologist known as an electrophysiologist, implanted a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) under Holston’s skin. The ICD tracks Holston’s heart rate and will deliver an electric shock to get his heart back into rhythm, if needed.
“Andrew’s cardiac function is normalized and he’s had a full neurological recovery,” said Dr. Brian Nolan, a St. Luke’s cardiologist who helped care for Holston. “He had an excellent outcome because people all along the way did the right things, from those who started chest compressions at the church to the paramedics and the hospital staff. They saved him from what would have been a catastrophic loss of brain function.”
Dr. Fender has attended the church since 1984 and doesn’t remember another event like the one Holston experienced in January. The congregation of about 500 people is fortunate to have a few members with healthcare experience. But Dr. Fender believes no one should rely on chance when it comes to lifesaving techniques.
“Not everyone can have an AED, but at least know who to call and know the basics of CPR,” said Dr. Fender. “Hands-on CPR is good for everyone to be able to do. You don’t absolutely have to give someone respirations to give CPR.”
Smith was a member of the church’s safety committee three years ago and suggested they acquire two AEDs. She also helped ensure that people within the building knew how to use the devices and offered training sessions.
Dr. Fender believes anyone who gathers in a large group on a regular basis should have some type of action plan. This includes knowing who to call, identifying anyone who has experience in health care, and having basic first aid equipment. According to U.S. statistics, of the 300,000 to 400,000 Americans who die of cardiac arrest each year, 25 percent could be saved with the use of CPR/AEDs.
“This has spurred us on,” said church administrator Gary Seaton. “The way it happened, the timing was perfect because there were people there who knew what to do. But if that had happened in a different setting, no one would have known what to do.”
A teacher who is a member of the congregation and was at church that day told Andrew Holston she plans to have her students take first aid training. The church has increased its first aid supplies, acquiring a patient transfer board and a respiration mask. Smith said there is interest in offering additional AED and CPR training sessions at the church.
“It definitely made me more aware of training,” Holston said. “It reminds me how much it should be taught universally and very much solidified my interest in entering the field of medicine.”
Doctors still aren’t sure what caused Holston’s cardiac arrest. For now, he continues to recover at home in Washington until he returns to NNU in the fall. He is currently a biology major, and now he is interested in pre-medicine as his focus of study.
“You just don’t know the impact it will have,” Cindy Holston said. “It’s like the rock in the lake. The ripples go out and you don’t know how it will touch people.”[Republished with permission from St. Luke's Health System]
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PLNU professor's underwater expedition reveals thousands of red crabs
A team of scientific researchers, including Point Loma Nazarene University's assistant professor of biology, Walter Cho, discovered an unusual swarm of thousands of tuna crabs on a seamount off the coast of Panama. (video) Read more
PLNU professor's underwater expedition reveals thousands of red crabs
Panama
Walter Cho, assistant professor of biology at Point Loma Nazarene University, helped discover this swarm of thousands of tuna crabs on a seamount off the coast of Panama.
A team of scientific researchers, including Point Loma Nazarene University's assistant professor of biology, Walter Cho, discovered an unusual swarm of thousands of tuna crabs on a seamount off the coast of Panama. Typically found only along the coast of California, Baja California, and the Gulf of California, this swarm of red crabs discovered at the Hannibal Seamount represents a new southernmost range for the species. The team’s findings were recently published in PeerJ, an online academic journal dedicated to biological and medical sciences.
Formed by volcanic processes, underwater seamounts rise hundreds to thousands of feet underwater from the seafloor and form ecological hotspots that provide a home to many communities of unique species.
However, less than 1 percent of these seamounts have been studied. To discover more about the ecosystem surrounding the Hannibal Seamount, Cho joined team of scientists on a month-long expedition aboard theM/V Alucia in April 2015. They utilized two manned submersibles and an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to collect biological samples, map the seafloor, and collect images of the seamount.
"This study is an example of how we can effectively use the multiple tools now available to study the deep-sea habitat," Cho said. “The fact that we could combine the use of submersibles to explore, observe, and sample, and then use an AUV to follow-up those observations of the crab aggregation and get quantitative data is really powerful."
As part of PLNU’s summer research program, student researchers for PLNU also played a role in discovering more about the red crabs and the seamount. Led by Cho, a team of students helped analyze seafloor images of these crabs from the Hannibal Seamount.
“The ocean is still a mysterious place,” said Kelsey Miller, a PLNU researcher and senior biology major. “I’m thrilled to be a part of a constantly expanding field that discovers new things every day. Not many students get an opportunity to be this involved in research.”
The researchers of the Hannibal seamount expedition hope to return to the hotspot to further learn why high levels of biodiversity exist in these types of areas. Together with his team of students, Cho plans to continue his research on seafloor communities of marine organisms this summer.
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received April 11-15, 2016. Read more
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received April 11-15, 2015.
Larry Brinkley, 72, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away April 6. He was a retired minister, serving in Missouri and Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Brinkley, in 2006.
Iral Dickey, 90, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away April 11. He was a retired minister, serving in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Dickey.
Richard "Rick" Funderburk, 62, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away April 7. He was a retired minister, serving in North Carolina and Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Susan Funderburk.
James Hazelwood, 86, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away April 7. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean (Ragland) Hazelwood.
Geraldine "Geri" (Cobb) Shomo, 77, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away April 4. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist Richard Shomo, who served in Virginia and North Carolina. Richard Shomo passed away in 2014.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section 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 news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Global praise reports and prayer requests
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners. Included this week: Africa drought ... Easter suicide bombing. Read more
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - South Asia
“I went to jail for beating a JESUS Film team member,” said Himanshu in South Asia. “I was a drunkard and bad person. For no reason, I beat a man who tried to share Good News with me. The team member did not turn me in, but someone else did. When the team member heard I was in a jail, he immediately came to seek my release. My life was changed because of his attitude. After I saw the JESUS film, I understood the heart of the team member better. I came to know about the love of Jesus Christ. Please pray for me.”
JESUS Film - Paraguay
“I did not think there was help for me,” said John in Paraguay. “I have been in prison four years. After seeing the JESUS film, I believed the Lord could change me and my situation.”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Africa drought
The Africa Region requested prayer for the drought conditions that persist in southern Africa. Certain areas have declared a state of disaster. Additionally, Ethiopia is experiencing its worst drought in decades, with more than 10 million people needing emergency aid.
Bombing
A suicide bombing was carried out in a Pakistan park on Easter Sunday as worshippers gathered to celebrate the risen Christ. Please keep people affected by acts of terror in your prayers, as well as the churches that provide hope and healing to people wounded and scarred by this violence.
India fireworks explosion
During a local new year's celebration last weekend, at least 100 people were killed and more than 200 people were injured in Kerala, India, when a fireworks explosion caused a building to collapse and started a fire.
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
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the Church of the Nazarene's ministries in 159 world areas. The following positions are available: Read more
Human Resources
A team of scientific researchers, including Point Loma Nazarene University's assistant professor of biology, Walter Cho, discovered an unusual swarm of thousands of tuna crabs on a seamount off the coast of Panama. Typically found only along the coast of California, Baja California, and the Gulf of California, this swarm of red crabs discovered at the Hannibal Seamount represents a new southernmost range for the species. The team’s findings were recently published in PeerJ, an online academic journal dedicated to biological and medical sciences.
Formed by volcanic processes, underwater seamounts rise hundreds to thousands of feet underwater from the seafloor and form ecological hotspots that provide a home to many communities of unique species.
However, less than 1 percent of these seamounts have been studied. To discover more about the ecosystem surrounding the Hannibal Seamount, Cho joined team of scientists on a month-long expedition aboard theM/V Alucia in April 2015. They utilized two manned submersibles and an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to collect biological samples, map the seafloor, and collect images of the seamount.
"This study is an example of how we can effectively use the multiple tools now available to study the deep-sea habitat," Cho said. “The fact that we could combine the use of submersibles to explore, observe, and sample, and then use an AUV to follow-up those observations of the crab aggregation and get quantitative data is really powerful."
As part of PLNU’s summer research program, student researchers for PLNU also played a role in discovering more about the red crabs and the seamount. Led by Cho, a team of students helped analyze seafloor images of these crabs from the Hannibal Seamount.
“The ocean is still a mysterious place,” said Kelsey Miller, a PLNU researcher and senior biology major. “I’m thrilled to be a part of a constantly expanding field that discovers new things every day. Not many students get an opportunity to be this involved in research.”
The researchers of the Hannibal seamount expedition hope to return to the hotspot to further learn why high levels of biodiversity exist in these types of areas. Together with his team of students, Cho plans to continue his research on seafloor communities of marine organisms this summer.
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received April 11-15, 2016. Read more
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received April 11-15, 2015.
Larry Brinkley, 72, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away April 6. He was a retired minister, serving in Missouri and Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Brinkley, in 2006.
Iral Dickey, 90, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away April 11. He was a retired minister, serving in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Dickey.
Richard "Rick" Funderburk, 62, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away April 7. He was a retired minister, serving in North Carolina and Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Susan Funderburk.
James Hazelwood, 86, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away April 7. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean (Ragland) Hazelwood.
Geraldine "Geri" (Cobb) Shomo, 77, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away April 4. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist Richard Shomo, who served in Virginia and North Carolina. Richard Shomo passed away in 2014.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section 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 news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
---------------------
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners. Included this week: Africa drought ... Easter suicide bombing. Read more
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - South Asia
“I went to jail for beating a JESUS Film team member,” said Himanshu in South Asia. “I was a drunkard and bad person. For no reason, I beat a man who tried to share Good News with me. The team member did not turn me in, but someone else did. When the team member heard I was in a jail, he immediately came to seek my release. My life was changed because of his attitude. After I saw the JESUS film, I understood the heart of the team member better. I came to know about the love of Jesus Christ. Please pray for me.”
JESUS Film - Paraguay
“I did not think there was help for me,” said John in Paraguay. “I have been in prison four years. After seeing the JESUS film, I believed the Lord could change me and my situation.”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Africa drought
The Africa Region requested prayer for the drought conditions that persist in southern Africa. Certain areas have declared a state of disaster. Additionally, Ethiopia is experiencing its worst drought in decades, with more than 10 million people needing emergency aid.
Bombing
A suicide bombing was carried out in a Pakistan park on Easter Sunday as worshippers gathered to celebrate the risen Christ. Please keep people affected by acts of terror in your prayers, as well as the churches that provide hope and healing to people wounded and scarred by this violence.
India fireworks explosion
During a local new year's celebration last weekend, at least 100 people were killed and more than 200 people were injured in Kerala, India, when a fireworks explosion caused a building to collapse and started a fire.
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
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the Church of the Nazarene's ministries in 159 world areas. The following positions are available: Read more
Human Resources
People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 159 world areas.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email bsikes@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
General Secretary's Office — Sr. Administrative Assistant/Office Manager (Full time)
Office: General Secretary
Ministry: General Secretary's Office
Title: Sr. Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Description: This position offers a wide variety of management duties for the General Secretary’s Office with increasing responsibility for General Board and General Assembly. Tasks for managing the office include oversight of the responsibilities charged to the General Secretary. Time clock management, personnel reviews, morale, and training are among the other duties. Training during GA 2017 will be provided and this person will be hands-on with the planning. Housing for GA 2017 will be a large part of the involvement with GA 2017.
General Superintendents' Office — Administrative Director (Full time)
Office: General Superintendents
Ministry: General Superintendents' Office
Title: Administrative Director
Description: Responsibilities for this position include to serve the Board of General Superintendents by coordinating all activities of the office, keeping superintendents informed about all matters as appropriate. Serve as liaison between the general superintendents and Global Ministry Center personnel, college presidents, and regional personnel. Confidentiality required.
Information Technology — Telecomm/Helpdesk Technician (Full time)
Office: General Secretary's Office
Ministry: Information Technology
Title: Telecomm/Helpdesk Technician
Description:The primary responsibilities for this position are rendering assistance and consultation to technology users. Incumbents are responsible for handling, programming, researching, and networking to maintain our current Cisco phone system. They will also assist with helpdesk and system updates as required.
To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Location of our Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
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. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
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 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
---------------------
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The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email bsikes@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
General Secretary's Office — Sr. Administrative Assistant/Office Manager (Full time)
Office: General Secretary
Ministry: General Secretary's Office
Title: Sr. Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Description: This position offers a wide variety of management duties for the General Secretary’s Office with increasing responsibility for General Board and General Assembly. Tasks for managing the office include oversight of the responsibilities charged to the General Secretary. Time clock management, personnel reviews, morale, and training are among the other duties. Training during GA 2017 will be provided and this person will be hands-on with the planning. Housing for GA 2017 will be a large part of the involvement with GA 2017.
General Superintendents' Office — Administrative Director (Full time)
Office: General Superintendents
Ministry: General Superintendents' Office
Title: Administrative Director
Description: Responsibilities for this position include to serve the Board of General Superintendents by coordinating all activities of the office, keeping superintendents informed about all matters as appropriate. Serve as liaison between the general superintendents and Global Ministry Center personnel, college presidents, and regional personnel. Confidentiality required.
Information Technology — Telecomm/Helpdesk Technician (Full time)
Office: General Secretary's Office
Ministry: Information Technology
Title: Telecomm/Helpdesk Technician
Description:The primary responsibilities for this position are rendering assistance and consultation to technology users. Incumbents are responsible for handling, programming, researching, and networking to maintain our current Cisco phone system. They will also assist with helpdesk and system updates as required.
To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Location of our Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
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. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
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 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
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The Global Church of the Nazarene Communications Network
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene Communications Network News
Material created and owned by The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene Communications Network News
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
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