Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of the Global Church of the Nazarene in Rizal, Manila, Philippines' Around The Region News...AP Region's Newest Mobile App Released, Fire Damages Church in Taiwan, Team Member Victim of Coordinated Theft - Please Read, Be Aware, Be Vigilant. for Saturday, July 30, 2016 Volume 4 / Issue Number 27
Nazarene News from Around the Globe
Africa:
Eurasia:
- Retired Pastor Holds Services in English Pub
- Kosovar-U.S. Mission Team Arrives in Time to Save Project from Disaster
- Danish Nazarene Ministers to 'Hardcore' Bikers
South America:
- Ecuador Church Opens Hostel after Earthquake
- Venezuela Churches Begin Food Programs During National Shortage
- Southwest Indiana Elects New District Superintendent
- Come to the Park: Ohio Church Creates Change Through Relationships
- Annual USA/Canada Region Haitian Convention Held in Montreal
- Nazarenes in the News
- Prayer Requested After MNU Coach's Daughter Killed in Accident
- SNU Receives 3-year Science Research Grant
Passings:
- Prayer Requested After MNU Coach's Daughter Killed in Accident
- In Memoriam
- MNU Alumnus Killed in Line of Duty
- NMI Highlight
International Ministry, Bible Schools & Seminaries
The South Carolina District NMI and NYI Conventions agreed to sponsor Russian as the sixth site language on the The Wesleyan-Holiness Digital Library. This tremendous online resource has 5 other languages into which the entire site is translated and documents in 64 languages.
Global Nazarene Publications assists with the translation of literature (digital and hard copy) into 64 languages, serving all 6 world regions in the Church of the Nazarene, and averages 4 new publications per week. Including reprints, brochures, and booklets, they average 5 unique titles daily.
All of this is made possible by your participation in the World Evangelism Fund and special donations.
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"Developing Leaders" by Stan Tole
"4 Ways to Lead like Jesus"Surprising Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ
Much of the advice you'll hear on leadership has to do with technique. We spend lots of time figuring out how to do leadership.
Leadership, however, is more art than science. It's mostly about who you are.
For lessons on how to be a leader, there's no better place to turn than to the life of Jesus. Here are four great life lessons from the master leader of all time.
1. Be True to Your Purpose
The first test of Jesus' leadership was not a challenge in casting vision or managing for results. It was a personal conflict that had to do with his ability to remain true to himself and the mission he'd been given by the Father.
Matthew records the story of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Three times the tempter tried to pull Jesus off mission by appealing to his personal needs. Three times Jesus refused to give in to temptation.
Jesus had a strong sense of who he was and what he was doing. How about you?
2. Be Strong in the Face of Criticism
If you think your vision or leadership meets tough opposition, I assure you it's nothing compared to the ministry of Jesus. His critics wanted to kill him! (John 11:45-47)
Jesus refused to allow the critics to influence his actions or control his agenda. He either ignored them or silenced them with his superior wisdom, but he never allowed them to pull him off message.
If you don't have any critics, you're probably not attempting much. If you listen to your critics, you're probably not accomplishing much.
3. Be kind to yourself
It surprises some people to learn that Jesus was good at what we now call self-care. He knew what it took to refuel himself physically and spiritually, and he often frustrated both fans and critics by wandering away for some private time (Luke 5:16).
4. Be Passionate about Your Mission
Most of us have drawn a line in the sand, somewhere in the back of our minds. We have placed a limit on the level of risk we'll accept to accomplish our mission.
While it's true that we must practice self-care to lead for the long haul, you'll never get far with a governor on your engine.
Jesus was willing to sacrifice his life, as we know. He was also willing to sacrifice a comfortable lifestyle, the good opinion of his family and many other things that we take for granted.
What will you give up to achieve your goal? If the answer is "Nothing I'm not already giving," then you've gone as far as you're likely to go.[Stan Toler]
Share The Story!
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer RequestsAsia-Pacific Region
- Fire Damages New City Church in Metro Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Asia-Pacific Global Missionaries on Home Stretch- Please Pray.
- Aparri Church of the Nazarene Requesting Prayer for Rain
- Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
INITIAL PUBLIC LAUNCH!
Does engaging the Word of God truly lead to life transformation?
The Center for Bible Engagement has surveyed more than 200,000 people, ages 8-80, across 20 countries, 75 denominations and most major religions.
What did they find?
The Power of 4 EffectAPNaz Connect is the Asia-Pacific Region's Mobile Application to help you and those whom you are discipling, actively engage the Word! An included spiritual assessment will customize the app to deliver scriptures that speak to you personally. Sign up for a specialized devotional track on a topic of interest like Anger, Worry, When Life Hurts, Growing Spiritually, Engaging the Scriptures, and more.
Take a moment and find out what the Power of 4 Effect is and how to download the app by clicking here!
Fire Damages New City Church in Metro Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Taiwan
On Wednesday, July 27th, 2016, fire broke out in the second story office area of the New City Church of the Nazarene in Metro Kaohsiung, Taiwan, pastored by Zhu Shanshan (Esther). The preliminary investigation indicates that the fire most likely started in an electrical device.
We are praising God that no one was hurt in the fire. Clean up is underway as the church comes together to salvage what they can and begin making repairs.
The office equipment was badly damaged and the second floor sustained significant smoke damage. Water from the sprinkler system, while extinguishing the fire, caused significant water damage to much of the building and contents.
Please pray for our brothers and sisters as they work hard to clean up the building and salvage as much as they can. Pray for unity as they move forward and continue to be a light for Christ in this city.
Follow the link for more photos and a video of the fire and recovery from New City Church.
BLOG, CHINESE MINISTRIES, CURRENT, FEATURE, TAIWAN DISTRICT
FIRE DAMAGES NEW CITY CHURCH IN METRO KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN
Taiwan: On Wednesday, July 27th, 2016, fire broke out in the second story office area of the New City Church of the Nazarene in Metro Kaohsiung, Taiwan, pastored by Zhu Shanshan (Esther). The preliminary investigation indicates that the fire most likely started in an electrical device.
Drying out sound equipment damaged by water.
Smoke damage was seen throughout.
The church members are coming together to help clean up and salvage contents of the church.
Smoke damage was significant on the second floor.
We are praising God that no one was hurt in the fire. Clean up is underway as the church comes together to salvage what they can and begin making repairs.
Video of the fire and recovery from New City Church.
The office equipment was badly damaged and the second floor sustained significant smoke damage. Water from the sprinkler system, while extinguishing the fire, caused significant water damage to much of the building and contents.
Please pray for our brothers and sisters as they work hard to clean up the building and salvage as much as they can. Pray for unity as they move forward and continue to be a light for Christ in this city.[Download Fire Damages New City Church in Metro Kaohsiung, Taiwan as PDF]
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Security Advisory - Be Aware Of Your Surroundings, Avoid Becoming A Victim!
Regional Advisory
Recently, with security officers patrolling and security cameras present, it was a place where it would be all too easy to "let down one's personal guard," and become a victim. Even though the mission team member has had excellent training, the ruse was performed so quickly and effectively, that by the time the member was realizing something was not quite right, the theft had already occurred.
Please read this article to help you keep aware of your surroundings and ever vigilant as you travel and go out and about, no matter where you live. We don't want you to travel fearfully - but rather travel carefully!
Take a few minutes to read this great article with several ideas of how to avoid becoming a victim!
CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SECURITY ADVISORY – BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!Regional Advisory: Over the past week, one of our mission personnel experienced the theft of items from their backpack while they were carrying it, shopping at one of the more modern malls.
With security officers patrolling and security cameras present, it was a place where it would be all too easy to “let down one’s personal guard,” and become a victim. While this team member has had excellent training, the ruse was performed so quickly and effectively, that by the time our member was realizing something was not quite right, the theft had already occurred.
Here is how it happened:
Team member was looking at items on a stand in the middle of the department store with another friend.
She realized that things had become “tight” i.e. there were several people around her.
In fact, it was very tight. A review of CCT cameras revealed that it was actually a group of 6 people working together. Four individuals were at the four corners surrounding the team member, effectively “keeping watch.” A fifth unzipped the bag which was on the team member’s side, and a sixth grabbed the contents. The entire group then quickly separated just as quickly as they had formed.
These events happened over the course of seconds.
Below are some safety tips from blogger Rick Steves.
Be Prepared
Fire most likely started in an electrical device.
We are praising God that no one was hurt in the fire. Clean up is underway as the church comes together to salvage what they can and begin making repairs.
Video of the fire and recovery from New City Church.
The office equipment was badly damaged and the second floor sustained significant smoke damage. Water from the sprinkler system, while extinguishing the fire, caused significant water damage to much of the building and contents.Please pray for our brothers and sisters as they work hard to clean up the building and salvage as much as they can. Pray for unity as they move forward and continue to be a light for Christ in this city.[Download Fire Damages New City Church in Metro Kaohsiung, Taiwan as PDF]
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Security Advisory - Be Aware Of Your Surroundings, Avoid Becoming A Victim!
Regional Advisory
Recently, with security officers patrolling and security cameras present, it was a place where it would be all too easy to "let down one's personal guard," and become a victim. Even though the mission team member has had excellent training, the ruse was performed so quickly and effectively, that by the time the member was realizing something was not quite right, the theft had already occurred.
Please read this article to help you keep aware of your surroundings and ever vigilant as you travel and go out and about, no matter where you live. We don't want you to travel fearfully - but rather travel carefully!
Take a few minutes to read this great article with several ideas of how to avoid becoming a victim!
CURRENT, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SECURITY ADVISORY – BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!Regional Advisory: Over the past week, one of our mission personnel experienced the theft of items from their backpack while they were carrying it, shopping at one of the more modern malls.
With security officers patrolling and security cameras present, it was a place where it would be all too easy to “let down one’s personal guard,” and become a victim. While this team member has had excellent training, the ruse was performed so quickly and effectively, that by the time our member was realizing something was not quite right, the theft had already occurred.
Here is how it happened:
Team member was looking at items on a stand in the middle of the department store with another friend.
She realized that things had become “tight” i.e. there were several people around her.
In fact, it was very tight. A review of CCT cameras revealed that it was actually a group of 6 people working together. Four individuals were at the four corners surrounding the team member, effectively “keeping watch.” A fifth unzipped the bag which was on the team member’s side, and a sixth grabbed the contents. The entire group then quickly separated just as quickly as they had formed.
These events happened over the course of seconds.
Below are some safety tips from blogger Rick Steves.
Be Prepared
Before you go, you can take some steps to minimize your loss in case of theft.
Make photocopies of key documents — your passport, rail pass, car-rental voucher, itinerary, prescriptions (for eyewear and/or medicine), and more — to bring along. For a backup, leave a copy with loved ones, too, in case you lose your copy and need to have one faxed to you. You could also bring a couple of extra passport pictures.
If you have expensive electronics (camera, tablet, smartphone, etc.), consider getting theft insurance. Take a picture of your pricey gear and store the picture at home, in case it’ll help you settle an insurance claim. As you travel, back up your digital photos and other files frequently.
Leave your fancy bling at home. Luxurious luggage lures thieves. The thief chooses the most impressive suitcase in the pile — never mine.
Avoiding Theft
If you exercise adequate discretion, stay aware of your belongings, and avoid putting yourself into risky situations (such as unlit, deserted areas at night), your travels should be about as dangerous as hometown grocery shopping. Don’t travel fearfully — travel carefully.
Here’s some advice given to me by a thief who won the lotto.
Wear a money belt. A money belt is a small, zippered fabric pouch on an elastic strap that fastens around your waist, under your pants or skirt. I never travel without one — it’s where I put anything I really, really don’t want to lose.
Leave your valuables in your hotel room. Expensive gear, such as your laptop, is much safer in your room than with you in a day bag on the streets. While hotels often have safes in the room (or at the front desk), I’ve never bothered to use one, though many find them a source of great comfort. Theft happens, of course, but it’s relatively rare — hoteliers are quick to squelch a pattern of theft. That said, don’t tempt sticky-fingered staff by leaving a camera or tablet in plain view; tuck your enticing things well out of sight.
Establish a “don’t lose it” discipline
Travelers are more likely to inadvertently lose their bags than to have them stolen. I’ve heard of people leaving passports under pillows, bags on the overhead rack on the bus, and cameras in the taxi. Always take a look behind you before leaving any place or form of transport. At hotels, stick to an unpacking routine, and don’t put things in odd places in the room. Run through a mental checklist every time you pack up again: money belt, passport, phone, electronic gear, charging cords, toiletries, laundry, and so on. Before leaving a hotel room for good, conduct a quick overall search — under the bed, under the pillows and bedspread, behind the bathroom door, in a wall socket…
When you’re out and about, never idly set down any small valuable item, such as a camera, ereader, wallet, or rail pass. Either hold it in your hand or keep it tucked away. At cafés, don’t place your phone on the tabletop where it will be easy to snatch — leave it in your front pocket (then return it to a safer place before you leave). Make it a habit to be careful with your things; it’ll become second nature.
Secure your bag
Make photocopies of key documents — your passport, rail pass, car-rental voucher, itinerary, prescriptions (for eyewear and/or medicine), and more — to bring along. For a backup, leave a copy with loved ones, too, in case you lose your copy and need to have one faxed to you. You could also bring a couple of extra passport pictures.
If you have expensive electronics (camera, tablet, smartphone, etc.), consider getting theft insurance. Take a picture of your pricey gear and store the picture at home, in case it’ll help you settle an insurance claim. As you travel, back up your digital photos and other files frequently.
Leave your fancy bling at home. Luxurious luggage lures thieves. The thief chooses the most impressive suitcase in the pile — never mine.
Avoiding Theft
If you exercise adequate discretion, stay aware of your belongings, and avoid putting yourself into risky situations (such as unlit, deserted areas at night), your travels should be about as dangerous as hometown grocery shopping. Don’t travel fearfully — travel carefully.
Here’s some advice given to me by a thief who won the lotto.
Wear a money belt. A money belt is a small, zippered fabric pouch on an elastic strap that fastens around your waist, under your pants or skirt. I never travel without one — it’s where I put anything I really, really don’t want to lose.
Leave your valuables in your hotel room. Expensive gear, such as your laptop, is much safer in your room than with you in a day bag on the streets. While hotels often have safes in the room (or at the front desk), I’ve never bothered to use one, though many find them a source of great comfort. Theft happens, of course, but it’s relatively rare — hoteliers are quick to squelch a pattern of theft. That said, don’t tempt sticky-fingered staff by leaving a camera or tablet in plain view; tuck your enticing things well out of sight.
Establish a “don’t lose it” discipline
Travelers are more likely to inadvertently lose their bags than to have them stolen. I’ve heard of people leaving passports under pillows, bags on the overhead rack on the bus, and cameras in the taxi. Always take a look behind you before leaving any place or form of transport. At hotels, stick to an unpacking routine, and don’t put things in odd places in the room. Run through a mental checklist every time you pack up again: money belt, passport, phone, electronic gear, charging cords, toiletries, laundry, and so on. Before leaving a hotel room for good, conduct a quick overall search — under the bed, under the pillows and bedspread, behind the bathroom door, in a wall socket…
When you’re out and about, never idly set down any small valuable item, such as a camera, ereader, wallet, or rail pass. Either hold it in your hand or keep it tucked away. At cafés, don’t place your phone on the tabletop where it will be easy to snatch — leave it in your front pocket (then return it to a safer place before you leave). Make it a habit to be careful with your things; it’ll become second nature.
Secure your bag
Thieves want to quickly and unobtrusively separate you from your valuables, so even a minor obstacle can be an effective deterrent. If you’re sitting down to eat or rest, loop a strap of your daypack around your arm, leg, or chair leg. If you plan to sleep on a train (or at an airport, or anywhere in public), clip or fasten your pack or suitcase to the seat, luggage rack, or yourself. Even the slight inconvenience of undoing a clip deters most thieves. While I don’t lock the zippers on my bag, most zippers are lockable, and even a twist-tie, paper clip, or key ring is helpful to keep your bag zipped up tight — the point isn’t to make your bag impenetrable, but harder to get into than the next guy’s.
Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions.
Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions.
Go on instant alert anytime there’s a commotion; it’s likely a smokescreen for theft. Imaginative artful-dodger thief teams create a disturbance — a fight, a messy spill, or a jostle or stumble — to distract their victims.
Crowds anywhere, but especially on public transit and at flea markets, provide bad guys with plenty of targets, opportunities, and easy escape routes.
Be on guard in train stations, especially upon arrival, when you may be overburdened by luggage and overwhelmed by a new location. Take turns watching the bags with your travel partner. Don’t absentmindedly set down a bag while you wait in line; always be in physical contact with your stuff. If you check your luggage, keep the claim ticket or locker key in your money belt; thieves know just where to go if they snare one of these. On the train, be hyper-alert at stops, when thieves can dash on and off — with your bag.
Use your web browser and search, “Avoiding Pickpockets” for many more excellent resources.
Crowds anywhere, but especially on public transit and at flea markets, provide bad guys with plenty of targets, opportunities, and easy escape routes.
Be on guard in train stations, especially upon arrival, when you may be overburdened by luggage and overwhelmed by a new location. Take turns watching the bags with your travel partner. Don’t absentmindedly set down a bag while you wait in line; always be in physical contact with your stuff. If you check your luggage, keep the claim ticket or locker key in your money belt; thieves know just where to go if they snare one of these. On the train, be hyper-alert at stops, when thieves can dash on and off — with your bag.
Use your web browser and search, “Avoiding Pickpockets” for many more excellent resources.
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Peace and Love Amid Tribal Fighting in Papua New Guinea
Engage Magazine
The Dooley Family 
The scent of burnt wood, grass, flesh, and various debris filled the air in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea in September 2015. It was Independence weekend, but tribal war in this Pacific Island nation is still a reality. A death the day before tragically had triggered tribal rivals' revenge, burning many homesteads, animals, and destroying other property. It left nothing but ashes and brokenness behind.
In Wahgi Valley, there are two conflicting communities- Kudjip and Banz. Sadlly, disputes between them have led to tribal violence, out of each side's desire to seek vengeance. Legal systems do not function very effectively in these areas, leaving more devastation and pain between them.
Who will come between these two communities to build bridges of healing and peace?
Meet the Dooley family. They live at the Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip. Dr. Scott Dooley is the hospital's administrator, where he was involved with relief efforts in areas affected by the tribal fighting.
Find out more about Dr. Dooley's role and how Nazarene Health Ministries in Papua New Guinea is being used by God as an instrument of compassion and reconciliation.
Click here!
Peace and love amid tribal fighting in Papua New Guinea by Kaitlyn Williams
The scent of burnt wood, grass, flesh, and various debris filled the air in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea in September 2015. It was Independence weekend, but tribal war in this Pacific Island nation is still a reality. A death the day before tragically had triggered tribal rivals’ revenge, burning many homesteads, animals, and destroying other property. It left nothing but ashes and brokenness behind.
On the grassy hillsides of the Wahgi Valley are the communities of Kudjip and Banz. Nearby, live people who for centuries have worked the ground, and built their lives there. Out of vengeance for a man’s death in a fight, one tribe burned about 200 homes in the other area. In a setting where legal systems struggle to effectively solve conflict, many people still resort to tribal violence, often destroying all that people have built.
With so much hurt on both sides of the conflict, there needed to be some sort of relief and help. During the next several months, Nazarenes came alongside both the families and communities, and even the men in prison, trying to build bridges of peace.
The Dooley family -- Dr. Scott Dooley, Gail Dooley, and their three daughters -- live at the Nazarene Hospital at Kudjip (and the Kuma tribe). The Dooleys are just 10 kilometers from the Banz tribe. Dr. Dooley is the Nazarene Hospital administrator. Along with many from churches and Nazarene Health Ministries, he was involved with relief efforts in areas affected by the tribal fighting.
Dr. Dooley said there are four branches of Nazarene Health Ministries in Papua New Guinea: The first is the hospital in Kudjip. Many doctors there are missionary doctors, and many on staff live near where the devastation took place. Second, is the Nazarene College of Nursing, which offers a three-year diploma program. Graduates not only receive degrees, but they also receive a certificate of lay ministry from the Nazarene Bible college. Third is Primary and Rural Health, which runs several clinics, specifically in remote areas. Fourth is Community-Based Health Care. It is community holistic training, which disciples people while influencing and teaching them to work together and learn how to better take care of themselves.
It has been a priority of these Nazarene institutions to spread the love of God to the people impacted by these recent events. It has especially been an emphasis of the hospital because it is so close to the areas impacted. The town of Banz and the men who fought are some of the hospital employees' nearest neighbors.
Funds from a variety of places have been raised to help with rebuilding. Some hospital staff contributed, along with people involved with the National Women’s Meeting. Missionaries have followed up in the places affected, and a local Nazarene church, Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, had a particularly large impact on the relief and rebuilding efforts.
Baru Dirye, the Nazarene National Health Secretary, and his wife, Christina, felt the Lord asking them to start a church about five years ago. They lived in a house on stilts, so the church met in the open space beneath the house. Over time, it has grown to almost 300 people, has a new building, and is still growing. Meanwhile, because it is so close to the devastation, Cornerstone has partnered with families and has been reaching out to help. They were even invited by that community to plant another church nearby.
Nazarenes recognized that people on both sides of the conflict needed help and ministry, so Dr. Dooley, other doctors on staff (photo right), and the hospital chaplain began meeting with the men in prison. The chaplain even had the opportunity to preach to all prisoners. The inmates began Bible studies twice a day; it was evident Christ was working.
“Many said they’d given their lives to Christ while in prison,” Dooley said. “They are now being followed up with for encouragement.”
The men were imprisoned about four months, then were released because no charges had been made officially, and no trial was scheduled. Since their release, however, more peace and change has occurred. The missionaries and hospital staff remain involved in Bible studies and spiritual growth for those who gave their lives to Christ.
Many on both sides of the conflict have been amazed that people would be so willing to help after so much violence, while sometimes even close family members would not. This has helped relationships between the hospital and the Kuma tribe grow, as well as the people of Banz.
As tension lessens and the love of Christ and a tentative peace rise up to take their place, prayers still are needed for rebuilding and renewing the town of Banz. Many of the people have gone through, and continue to go through, hard times, simply trying to survive day to day. They need prayers for endurance in their faith.
“We just pray that we’ll continue to be able to follow up with people and show them how Christ can really change who we are and how we react to situations,” Dr. Dooley said, “and when situations come up like this, people will truly learn something and really learn to turn to God for the life that only He can give us.”
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Board of General Superintendents Calls for Time of Reflection as Thank Offering Approaches
Global Ministry Center
When you look around, you can't help but notice it: God has blessed us in so many ways. The psalmist calls on us to "sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy" (Psalm 107:22). When we give back, we recognize God as the giver of all good things. We remember now so that we never forget: it's All From Him.
"All From Him" is the theme for the 2016 Thanksgiving, or Thank, Offering. Together, we join in prayer and preparation for this annual emphasis in the Church of the Nazarene. As our gifts come together through the World Evangelism Fund, we make Christlike disciples in the nations. We remember God's generosity toward us and respond by giving back and spreading the gospel around the world.
Don't miss out! Read the rest of the Board of General Superintendents' message by clicking here!BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
BGS CALLS FOR TIME OF REFLECTION AS THANK OFFERING APPROACHESGlobal Ministry Center: When you look around, you can’t help but notice it: God has blessed us in so many ways. The psalmist calls on us to “sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy” (Psalm 107:22). When we give back, we recognize God as the giver of all good things. We remember now so that we never forget: it’s All From Him.
“All From Him” is the theme for the 2016 Thanksgiving, or Thank, Offering. Together, we join in prayer and preparation for this annual emphasis in the Church of the Nazarene. As our gifts come together through the World Evangelism Fund, we make Christlike disciples in the nations. We remember God’s generosity toward us and respond by giving back and spreading the gospel around the world.
As you prepare for this important offering, remember these verses from Deuteronomy 8:
“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:11, 16-18).
Prepare your church for this offering emphasis by reflecting together on your blessings, praying for ministry around the world, and remembering that God is the great giver.
The offering will be received on 9 October 2016 in Canada and 20 November 2016 globally. Please note that this date may vary for some, depending on the calendar of each field or district.
Resources will be available at nazarene.org/generosity in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Korean. If you have questions, contact Stewardship Ministries at 1-800-544-8413 or stewardship@nazarene.org.
Yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
The letter is also available in:
Español
Français
한국어 (Korean)
Português
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Are You Unequally Yoked? 7 Types Of Partnership In Cross-Cultural Ministry.
Craig Greenfield
Everyone loves "participation" and "empowerment". A lot of people talk a good "partnership" game.
But there is partnership. And then there is partnership.
A lot of what we do in ministry superficially looks like partnership or empowerment. But when you scratch the surface, it is really just plain old manipulation or even DISempowerment.
To unpack this problem, Professor Jules Pretty, of the University of Essex has come up with a Typology of Participation - which lists 7 levels of participation. Gena Thomas, a former missionary in Mexico, has adapted his typology to apply it to Short Term Mission trips in her brand new book, A Smoldering Wick.
Read on to see Craig's slightly edited version of the 7 types of partnerships. Take a look through and see if any of these types of partnership resonate with you...
Click here to read the rest of the article including the 7 quick tips Craig suggests for your cross-cultural church partnerships!
CURRENT, EDITORIAL, FEATURE, PARTNERSHIPS
ARE YOU UNEQUALLY YOKED? 7 TYPES OF PARTNERSHIP IN CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY
Craig Greenfield:
Everyone loves “participation” and “empowerment”. A lot of people talk a good “partnership” game.
But there is partnership. And then there is partnership. You know what I mean?
A lot of what we do in ministry superficially looks like partnership or empowerment. But when you scratch the surface, it is really just plain old manipulation or even DISempowerment.
To unpack this problem, Professor Jules Pretty, of the University of Essex has come up with a Typology of Participation – which lists 7 levels of participation. Gena Thomas, a former missionary in Mexico, has adapted his typology to apply it to Short Term Mission trips in her brand new book, A Smoldering Wick.
Here’s my slightly edited version. Take a look through and see if any of these types of partnership resonate with you…
1. Passive Participation
People “participate” by being told what has already been decided or has already happened.
Example: Your church has a plan to send a team of 15 people, young and old to Mexico. The plan is for the team to paint houses because it is one of the only projects all 15 members can participate in, and allows the trip to span a wide age gap. The Mexican pastors say, “It would be great if you could do this instead…” Your church leader redirects the conversation and says all they can offer at this time is a house-painting team.
2. Token Participation
Participation is token or simply a pretense.
Example: Your church tells a church in Mexico it plans to send a team to paint houses over the summer. Your church asks the Mexican church to come up with a list of ten people’s houses they can paint. Your church never asks if there are other needs within the church’s community or if painting these houses will address any need at all. They simply ask for the list of ten houses and plan the trip accordingly. The pretense is that the Mexican church is “participating” by choosing the ten.
“Who believes in empowering, not overpowering?” “We do!”
3. Superficial Participation
People participate by being superficially consulted, without being offered an equal partnership in decision-making.
Example: Your church already has the 15-member house-painting trip in mind, but when it calls Mexico, it asks the Mexican church what it needs most. Instead of really listening and then responding to that need, your church still plans to paint houses.
4. Incentivized Participation
People participate by contributing resources, for example labor, in return for food, cash or other material incentives, without any stake in leadership or decision-making.
Example: Your church asks the Mexican church to have those who want their houses painted to contribute to the labor of their house being painted, whether by cooking for the team or by painting themselves.
5. Functional Participation
People participate in shared decision making, but only after major decisions have already been made by outsiders. At worst, local people may simply be co-opted to serve external goals.
Example: Your church asks the Mexican church to form groups within the church to help paint houses. One of the goals of the project is to form deeper bonds between the locals in these groups. Those groups contribute to buying the paint, paintbrushes, rags, and rollers.
6. Interactive Participation
People participate in joint analysis of the needs and development of plans. As locals take control over decisions and determine how available resources are used, so they have a stake in maintaining the ongoing activity.
Example: Your church has invested in relationships with members from the Mexican church prior to this trip. The two groups have decided that there is a real need for house painting among a group of church members. The two churches work together equally throughout the planning, implementing, and evaluating of this house-painting project. Together they determine who should get their house painted and why, so that when neighbors ask why they can’t have their house painted, the locals have a good reason, and jealousy is minimized.
7. Self-Mobilization
People take leadership initiative independently of outsiders. They develop contacts with outsiders for supplementary resources and any technical advice they need, but retain control over how those resources are used.
Example: A group of teenagers from the Mexican church’s youth group have already started reaching out to the elderly in the congregation by painting their houses, usually painting 1-2 a weekend. Your church already has a relationship with this Mexican church and has asked the youth pastor if they can send a team down to partner with, and learn from, this house-painting group.
So, where do you see your partnership? Do any of these categories ring a bell? How could you go deeper into a more meaningful level of partnership?
To help spark ideas, here are 7 quick tips for your cross-cultural church partnerships:
Consider ways you can learn from each other. Don’t just come in as the “experts”.
Rather than offering direct training, consider how you might “Trainer the Trainers” – so that the teaching can continue on after you leave.
Use terms like “Vision Trip” or “Learning Exchange” instead of “Short Term Mission Trip” so that participants go with a different posture.
As a group brainstorm where your activities lie on the spectrum between working “with” local people and working “for” them. Consider ways to move closer to “with”.
Commit to have leaders from your church visit more than once over several years and build a strong mutual relationship with the leaders of the partner church.
Whenever possible, seek to stay with local host families, rather than in a hotel or guesthouse, so that you can learn from them.
Commit to meeting together as a team multiple times AFTER your return home to hold each other accountable for ongoing learning and change.[This article has been re-printed here with permission from Craig Greenfield.
Click here for more articles from his blog. -- Download Are You Unequally Yoked? 7 Types of Partnership in Cross-Cultural Ministry as PDF]
-------
APNTS Career Opportunities
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Click here for more information on their website!
-------
General Assembly Just One Year Away. Will You Help Us? We Need to Hear from You!
Regional Announcement
As General Assembly 2017 draws closer and planning increases by the day, the Church of the Nazarene's General Secretary's Office requests opinions from Nazarenes around the world on their expectations for the event.
The denomination's 29th General Assembly and Conventions are 21-30 June 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
To submit your thoughts and ideas
click here!
-------
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).
Strategic Partners Ltd
Peace and Love Amid Tribal Fighting in Papua New Guinea
Engage Magazine
The Dooley Family The scent of burnt wood, grass, flesh, and various debris filled the air in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea in September 2015. It was Independence weekend, but tribal war in this Pacific Island nation is still a reality. A death the day before tragically had triggered tribal rivals' revenge, burning many homesteads, animals, and destroying other property. It left nothing but ashes and brokenness behind.
In Wahgi Valley, there are two conflicting communities- Kudjip and Banz. Sadlly, disputes between them have led to tribal violence, out of each side's desire to seek vengeance. Legal systems do not function very effectively in these areas, leaving more devastation and pain between them.
Who will come between these two communities to build bridges of healing and peace?
Meet the Dooley family. They live at the Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip. Dr. Scott Dooley is the hospital's administrator, where he was involved with relief efforts in areas affected by the tribal fighting.
Find out more about Dr. Dooley's role and how Nazarene Health Ministries in Papua New Guinea is being used by God as an instrument of compassion and reconciliation.
Click here!
Peace and love amid tribal fighting in Papua New Guinea by Kaitlyn Williams
The scent of burnt wood, grass, flesh, and various debris filled the air in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea in September 2015. It was Independence weekend, but tribal war in this Pacific Island nation is still a reality. A death the day before tragically had triggered tribal rivals’ revenge, burning many homesteads, animals, and destroying other property. It left nothing but ashes and brokenness behind.
On the grassy hillsides of the Wahgi Valley are the communities of Kudjip and Banz. Nearby, live people who for centuries have worked the ground, and built their lives there. Out of vengeance for a man’s death in a fight, one tribe burned about 200 homes in the other area. In a setting where legal systems struggle to effectively solve conflict, many people still resort to tribal violence, often destroying all that people have built.
With so much hurt on both sides of the conflict, there needed to be some sort of relief and help. During the next several months, Nazarenes came alongside both the families and communities, and even the men in prison, trying to build bridges of peace.
The Dooley family -- Dr. Scott Dooley, Gail Dooley, and their three daughters -- live at the Nazarene Hospital at Kudjip (and the Kuma tribe). The Dooleys are just 10 kilometers from the Banz tribe. Dr. Dooley is the Nazarene Hospital administrator. Along with many from churches and Nazarene Health Ministries, he was involved with relief efforts in areas affected by the tribal fighting.
Dr. Dooley said there are four branches of Nazarene Health Ministries in Papua New Guinea: The first is the hospital in Kudjip. Many doctors there are missionary doctors, and many on staff live near where the devastation took place. Second, is the Nazarene College of Nursing, which offers a three-year diploma program. Graduates not only receive degrees, but they also receive a certificate of lay ministry from the Nazarene Bible college. Third is Primary and Rural Health, which runs several clinics, specifically in remote areas. Fourth is Community-Based Health Care. It is community holistic training, which disciples people while influencing and teaching them to work together and learn how to better take care of themselves.
It has been a priority of these Nazarene institutions to spread the love of God to the people impacted by these recent events. It has especially been an emphasis of the hospital because it is so close to the areas impacted. The town of Banz and the men who fought are some of the hospital employees' nearest neighbors.
Funds from a variety of places have been raised to help with rebuilding. Some hospital staff contributed, along with people involved with the National Women’s Meeting. Missionaries have followed up in the places affected, and a local Nazarene church, Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, had a particularly large impact on the relief and rebuilding efforts.
Baru Dirye, the Nazarene National Health Secretary, and his wife, Christina, felt the Lord asking them to start a church about five years ago. They lived in a house on stilts, so the church met in the open space beneath the house. Over time, it has grown to almost 300 people, has a new building, and is still growing. Meanwhile, because it is so close to the devastation, Cornerstone has partnered with families and has been reaching out to help. They were even invited by that community to plant another church nearby.
Nazarenes recognized that people on both sides of the conflict needed help and ministry, so Dr. Dooley, other doctors on staff (photo right), and the hospital chaplain began meeting with the men in prison. The chaplain even had the opportunity to preach to all prisoners. The inmates began Bible studies twice a day; it was evident Christ was working.
“Many said they’d given their lives to Christ while in prison,” Dooley said. “They are now being followed up with for encouragement.”
The men were imprisoned about four months, then were released because no charges had been made officially, and no trial was scheduled. Since their release, however, more peace and change has occurred. The missionaries and hospital staff remain involved in Bible studies and spiritual growth for those who gave their lives to Christ.
Many on both sides of the conflict have been amazed that people would be so willing to help after so much violence, while sometimes even close family members would not. This has helped relationships between the hospital and the Kuma tribe grow, as well as the people of Banz.
As tension lessens and the love of Christ and a tentative peace rise up to take their place, prayers still are needed for rebuilding and renewing the town of Banz. Many of the people have gone through, and continue to go through, hard times, simply trying to survive day to day. They need prayers for endurance in their faith.
“We just pray that we’ll continue to be able to follow up with people and show them how Christ can really change who we are and how we react to situations,” Dr. Dooley said, “and when situations come up like this, people will truly learn something and really learn to turn to God for the life that only He can give us.”
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Board of General Superintendents Calls for Time of Reflection as Thank Offering Approaches
Global Ministry Center
When you look around, you can't help but notice it: God has blessed us in so many ways. The psalmist calls on us to "sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy" (Psalm 107:22). When we give back, we recognize God as the giver of all good things. We remember now so that we never forget: it's All From Him.
"All From Him" is the theme for the 2016 Thanksgiving, or Thank, Offering. Together, we join in prayer and preparation for this annual emphasis in the Church of the Nazarene. As our gifts come together through the World Evangelism Fund, we make Christlike disciples in the nations. We remember God's generosity toward us and respond by giving back and spreading the gospel around the world.
Don't miss out! Read the rest of the Board of General Superintendents' message by clicking here!BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
BGS CALLS FOR TIME OF REFLECTION AS THANK OFFERING APPROACHESGlobal Ministry Center: When you look around, you can’t help but notice it: God has blessed us in so many ways. The psalmist calls on us to “sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy” (Psalm 107:22). When we give back, we recognize God as the giver of all good things. We remember now so that we never forget: it’s All From Him.
“All From Him” is the theme for the 2016 Thanksgiving, or Thank, Offering. Together, we join in prayer and preparation for this annual emphasis in the Church of the Nazarene. As our gifts come together through the World Evangelism Fund, we make Christlike disciples in the nations. We remember God’s generosity toward us and respond by giving back and spreading the gospel around the world.
As you prepare for this important offering, remember these verses from Deuteronomy 8:
“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:11, 16-18).
Prepare your church for this offering emphasis by reflecting together on your blessings, praying for ministry around the world, and remembering that God is the great giver.
The offering will be received on 9 October 2016 in Canada and 20 November 2016 globally. Please note that this date may vary for some, depending on the calendar of each field or district.
Resources will be available at nazarene.org/generosity in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Korean. If you have questions, contact Stewardship Ministries at 1-800-544-8413 or stewardship@nazarene.org.
Yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
The letter is also available in:
Español
Français
한국어 (Korean)
Português
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Great Missions Moment Service Opener
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Are You Unequally Yoked? 7 Types Of Partnership In Cross-Cultural Ministry.
Craig Greenfield
Everyone loves "participation" and "empowerment". A lot of people talk a good "partnership" game.
But there is partnership. And then there is partnership.
A lot of what we do in ministry superficially looks like partnership or empowerment. But when you scratch the surface, it is really just plain old manipulation or even DISempowerment.
To unpack this problem, Professor Jules Pretty, of the University of Essex has come up with a Typology of Participation - which lists 7 levels of participation. Gena Thomas, a former missionary in Mexico, has adapted his typology to apply it to Short Term Mission trips in her brand new book, A Smoldering Wick.
Read on to see Craig's slightly edited version of the 7 types of partnerships. Take a look through and see if any of these types of partnership resonate with you...
Click here to read the rest of the article including the 7 quick tips Craig suggests for your cross-cultural church partnerships!
CURRENT, EDITORIAL, FEATURE, PARTNERSHIPS
ARE YOU UNEQUALLY YOKED? 7 TYPES OF PARTNERSHIP IN CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY
Craig Greenfield:
Everyone loves “participation” and “empowerment”. A lot of people talk a good “partnership” game.
But there is partnership. And then there is partnership. You know what I mean?
A lot of what we do in ministry superficially looks like partnership or empowerment. But when you scratch the surface, it is really just plain old manipulation or even DISempowerment.
To unpack this problem, Professor Jules Pretty, of the University of Essex has come up with a Typology of Participation – which lists 7 levels of participation. Gena Thomas, a former missionary in Mexico, has adapted his typology to apply it to Short Term Mission trips in her brand new book, A Smoldering Wick.
Here’s my slightly edited version. Take a look through and see if any of these types of partnership resonate with you…
1. Passive Participation
People “participate” by being told what has already been decided or has already happened.
Example: Your church has a plan to send a team of 15 people, young and old to Mexico. The plan is for the team to paint houses because it is one of the only projects all 15 members can participate in, and allows the trip to span a wide age gap. The Mexican pastors say, “It would be great if you could do this instead…” Your church leader redirects the conversation and says all they can offer at this time is a house-painting team.
2. Token Participation
Participation is token or simply a pretense.
Example: Your church tells a church in Mexico it plans to send a team to paint houses over the summer. Your church asks the Mexican church to come up with a list of ten people’s houses they can paint. Your church never asks if there are other needs within the church’s community or if painting these houses will address any need at all. They simply ask for the list of ten houses and plan the trip accordingly. The pretense is that the Mexican church is “participating” by choosing the ten.
“Who believes in empowering, not overpowering?” “We do!”
3. Superficial Participation
People participate by being superficially consulted, without being offered an equal partnership in decision-making.
Example: Your church already has the 15-member house-painting trip in mind, but when it calls Mexico, it asks the Mexican church what it needs most. Instead of really listening and then responding to that need, your church still plans to paint houses.
4. Incentivized Participation
People participate by contributing resources, for example labor, in return for food, cash or other material incentives, without any stake in leadership or decision-making.
Example: Your church asks the Mexican church to have those who want their houses painted to contribute to the labor of their house being painted, whether by cooking for the team or by painting themselves.
5. Functional Participation
People participate in shared decision making, but only after major decisions have already been made by outsiders. At worst, local people may simply be co-opted to serve external goals.
Example: Your church asks the Mexican church to form groups within the church to help paint houses. One of the goals of the project is to form deeper bonds between the locals in these groups. Those groups contribute to buying the paint, paintbrushes, rags, and rollers.
6. Interactive Participation
People participate in joint analysis of the needs and development of plans. As locals take control over decisions and determine how available resources are used, so they have a stake in maintaining the ongoing activity.
Example: Your church has invested in relationships with members from the Mexican church prior to this trip. The two groups have decided that there is a real need for house painting among a group of church members. The two churches work together equally throughout the planning, implementing, and evaluating of this house-painting project. Together they determine who should get their house painted and why, so that when neighbors ask why they can’t have their house painted, the locals have a good reason, and jealousy is minimized.
7. Self-Mobilization
People take leadership initiative independently of outsiders. They develop contacts with outsiders for supplementary resources and any technical advice they need, but retain control over how those resources are used.
Example: A group of teenagers from the Mexican church’s youth group have already started reaching out to the elderly in the congregation by painting their houses, usually painting 1-2 a weekend. Your church already has a relationship with this Mexican church and has asked the youth pastor if they can send a team down to partner with, and learn from, this house-painting group.
So, where do you see your partnership? Do any of these categories ring a bell? How could you go deeper into a more meaningful level of partnership?
To help spark ideas, here are 7 quick tips for your cross-cultural church partnerships:
Rather than offering direct training, consider how you might “Trainer the Trainers” – so that the teaching can continue on after you leave.
Use terms like “Vision Trip” or “Learning Exchange” instead of “Short Term Mission Trip” so that participants go with a different posture.
As a group brainstorm where your activities lie on the spectrum between working “with” local people and working “for” them. Consider ways to move closer to “with”.
Commit to have leaders from your church visit more than once over several years and build a strong mutual relationship with the leaders of the partner church.
Whenever possible, seek to stay with local host families, rather than in a hotel or guesthouse, so that you can learn from them.
Commit to meeting together as a team multiple times AFTER your return home to hold each other accountable for ongoing learning and change.[This article has been re-printed here with permission from Craig Greenfield.
Click here for more articles from his blog. -- Download Are You Unequally Yoked? 7 Types of Partnership in Cross-Cultural Ministry as PDF]
-------
APNTS Career Opportunities
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Click here for more information on their website!
-------
General Assembly Just One Year Away. Will You Help Us? We Need to Hear from You!
Regional Announcement
As General Assembly 2017 draws closer and planning increases by the day, the Church of the Nazarene's General Secretary's Office requests opinions from Nazarenes around the world on their expectations for the event.
The denomination's 29th General Assembly and Conventions are 21-30 June 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
To submit your thoughts and ideas
click here!
-------
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).
Strategic Partners Ltd
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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