Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The Global Church of the Nazarene News: "New APNTS president" The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..." Volume 1631 for Friday, 5 August 2016

The Global Church of the Nazarene News: "New APNTS president" The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..." Volume 1631 for Friday, 5 August 2016
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APNTS announces new president
The Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees announced that Bruce Oldham accepted his election as university president for the next four years. Read more

APNTS announces new president
Manila, Philippines


The Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees announced that Bruce Oldham accepted his election as university president for the next four years.
Oldham has been serving Nashville, Tennessee, USA, First Church of the Nazarene as senior associate pastor since 2012. Prior to this, he was dean of the School of Christian Ministry & Formation at MidAmerica Nazarene University from 2010 to 2012. He took on several roles at Mount Vernon Nazarene University from 1991 to 2010, such as vice president for enrollment management, director of Admissions, executive assistant to the president, and chair/full-time professor in Christian education.
“His years of leadership in higher education and as a pastor, as shown in his credentials and in the process of getting to know Bruce following the selection process, is something that APNTS is prayerfully anticipating, as this shows his preparedness to take on this very important role in APNTS for the global church,” said Kafoa Muaror, APNTS Board of Trustees chair. "Dr. Oldham has been described by church leaders who have known and worked with him as an efficient and effective administrator, and one who is able to cast vision and communicate that vision effectively while working collaboratively with colleagues in an institution of higher education or the local church. He affirms others in their leadership and is an encourager. He enjoys seeing people develop their capacities and calling.”
Oldham holds an undergraduate degree in religion and communications (1978) from Trevecca Nazarene University. He also earned a Master of Arts from his alma mater in 1989 with additional graduate work at Nazarene Theological Seminary and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He obtained his Doctor of Education in higher education administration degree from Vanderbilt University in 2005.
His wife, Peggy, is also part of Nazarene higher education. Her doctorate degree is in higher education leadership and her master’s degree is in counseling.
“The dynamics of Bruce and Peggy’s gifts will be very good for the church,” said Dan Boone, Trevecca Nazarene University president. “I could not be happier. You are getting two remarkable people in one election. I am glad for the board’s leadership that will welcome them.”
General Superintendent Emeritus Jesse C. Middendorf was also pleased with the selection.
"What a great choice," he said. "Bruce and Peggy are so well equipped for this assignment.”
Bruce's election followed a new process prescribed by the APNTS Board of Trustees. This process involved openly advertising the vacant position, seeking input from multiple stakeholders both on and off campus, and a screening process via interviews and consultation about the competency of the applicant, all followed by times of prayerful consideration.
Members of the board’s Search and Nominating Committee repeatedly expressed appreciation for the prayers, time, and counsel offered during this process by the faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the seminary.
The Oldhams have two adult children, Scott and Lyndsey. Bruce and Peggy will arrive on the APNTS campus by November 1.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]

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California church mourns loss of pastor
Ron Salsbury, senior pastor of Pismo Beach, California, New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, died July 31 after a long battle with cancer. He was 66. Read more

California church mourns loss of pastor
Pismo Beach, California


Facebook photo
Ron Salsbury, senior pastor of New Life Community Church of the Nazarene in Pismo Beach, California, died peacefully July 31 surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. He was 66.
Pismo Beach New Life Community Church is one of the largest Nazarene churches on the USA/Canada Region.
As a communicator, "Pastor Ron" inspired thousands of believers on California's Central Coast and around the world with his positive and inspiring messages. This came out of his own experience with cancer. Diagnosed in 2004 with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, he survived several years only to be diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 2013. He believed God was using his personal trial to help others see God as the giver of life.
“One of the blessings for me was seeing how God changed our church family," he said in a 2014 interview. "When I first announced, people were freaked out. The first reaction was fear and loss. That’s when God gave me the battle cry ‘Faith not Fear.’”
Salsbury started his ministry as part of the “Jesus Movement” of the 1970s. He was a pioneer in Christian rock music and the leader of the band “Ron Salsbury and the J. C. Power Outlet.” As a singles pastor at Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene he felt the call to preach and later moved to Lancaster, California, where he served as pastor of the Lancaster Church of the Nazarene. In 1993 he came to the Central Coast as pastor of New Life Community Church. His ability to make complex theology simple and to make Christ’s message of love and hope relevant was part of what enabled him to take a church of a few hundred and grow it to a megachurch with well over 2,500 people in weekend services.
His ministry roots also gave him a heart for the needy, so he used his influence and the resources of New Life to support many ministries, including Captive Hearts, the Association of Amputee Surfers, Teen Challenge, and Brighten a Corner, among many others.
“Because Pastor Ron continually promoted South County People’s Kitchen, New Life is one of its most involved churches,” said Betsy Ehrler, president of its board.
One year when the Salvation Army bell-ringers were not allowed in front of a major area store, he shared with the congregation that the majority of the money Salvation Army receives to support local families came from bell-ringers and he challenged the church to “make up the difference.” On one weekend they gave more than $60,000.
Pastor Ron’s heart for those in need extended “across the street and around the world.” In 2006 he was challenged to meet the needs of children from the lowest castes and poorest families of India.
“I’ll never forget the moment Pastor Ron saw the opportunity, turned to me and said, ‘Should we buy this land?’” said Mike Sparrow, a longtime supporter of the project.
As a result of Salsbury's efforts, New Life provided the funds to purchase land and build the buildings for the Prince of Peace School. It now educates more than 1,000 students daily, providing clothing and food for many. Salsbury was also instrumental in launching a child development center and micro-business program for women in Bangladesh, as well as bringing clean water to villages in Africa.
Because Salsbury's vision for the church extended beyond New Life, he was catalytic in bringing pastors on the Central Coast together.
“He had a great love and respect for the larger Body of Christ and wanted every church to be successful," said Sparrow, who pastors Agape Church. "So he was constantly encouraging other pastors with calls, resources, and prayer.”
A memorial service to celebrate Pastor Ron's life and ministry will be held at 11 a.m. August 20 at New Life Church.
Please continue to pray for Cathi, Jeff, Sara, and the other family members during this time.[New Life Community Church of the Nazarene]

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Ukraine church ministers to families displaced by political violence
The newest residents in the seaside resort town of Odessa, Ukraine, are some of the 1.4 million people displaced by violence in eastern Ukraine. A local Church of the Nazarene is assisting those living in an abandoned sanitorium, including children with disabilities and senior adults with significant physical challenges. Read more

Ukraine church ministers to families displaced by political violence
Odessa, Ukraine


The seaside city of Odessa, Ukraine, is known as a resort town. Its health sanatoriums were designed to be places of rest and recovery, where residents could relax, recreate, and in some cases receive short-term medical services. But in the gray winter months of 2016, one sanatorium outside the city felt more like “the setup of a horror movie,” said Iryna Galisevych, child development coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene's Commonwealth of Independent States field.
Its new residents aren’t on vacation; instead, they’re some of the 1.4 million people displaced by violence in eastern Ukraine after the Ukrainian political revolution and the subsequent Russian Federation annexation of Crimea in March 2014. Nearly all of the internally displaced persons at the camp outside Odessa are part of families with children, many of whom have disabilities and, now, no resources.
When volunteers from the Odessa Church of the Nazarene visited the camp, they were struck by the range of needs among the residents, from children with disabilities to senior adults with significant physical challenges.

“I’ve never seen so many disabled people of different ages gathered in the same place,” says Andriy Takhtay, coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the CIS field. “Back home [in Kyiv], many of the children had a chance to be a part of groups for children with [specific needs] and were provided specialized quality help, but now all those children were just gathered together as one large group.”
The sanatorium rooms, which had been abandoned for years, have no stoves or refrigerators. For a while, food was provided in the dining hall, but with decreases in government funding, residents now have to pay for their food and accommodations — a challenge when jobs are nearly impossible to come by and the small amount of state support each family receives barely covers children’s education and medical needs.
The children take a bus to Odessa for school, but they have no access to the sports clubs, music education, or other activities that could support their overall development. Children with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy to autism do not receive the medical or professional services they need.
“The need is great, and people are left hopeless there,” Takhtay says.

In response, Nazarene churches in Ukraine are exploring how to help with a range of groups, including those with psychological needs, residents who are blind or visually impaired, children with general needs, children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, and senior adults.
Volunteers from churches in Ukraine are installing kitchens, providing social services, partnering with Christian medical ministries that can support the specialized needs of many of the camp’s residents, and facilitating a Kids’ Club for children that includes games, crafts, music, and Bible stories. Volunteers with experience working with children with disabilities are traveling more than 10 hours round-trip every couple of weeks to assist with the ministry.
Volunteers have also been holding weekly Bible studies for residents of the camp. When Bible study participants became interested in attending church, Pastor Nabil Babbaisiy began to hold a weekly worship service at the camp in addition to the service at the church in Odessa. Then on Easter Sunday 2016, members of the Odessa church all journeyed to the camp and, with more than 165 gathered, celebrated Christ’s resurrection — and the promise of new life — together.[Republished with permission from the Summer 2016 edition of NCM Magazine]

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Nazarene Essentials available in 18 Eurasia languages
Since the release of Nazarene Essentials one year ago, translators on the Eurasia Region have been working rigorously to complete 18 additional language versions. Read more

Nazarene Essentials available in 18 Eurasia languages
Eurasia Region


“Church of the Nazarene? Never heard of it. What kind of church are you? How are you different from other denominations?”
Many Nazarenes know what it is like to be asked these questions by friends and acquaintances who are curious about what kind of church they belong to. People often want to know what Nazarenes believe and stand for. In order to help answer these questions, Nazarene Essentials was produced. Nazarene Essentials,which describes the DNA of our global church, is a new document explaining the basics of the Church of the Nazarene's teaching, history, theology, mission, funding, and connections.
"Nazarene Essentials is a resource available to all churches to help deepen our people's understanding of who we are and what we believe," said David Graves, Church of the Nazarene general superintendent. "It is one of the most exciting resources that has been developed for the global church."
In the year since the Board of General Superintendents released Nazarene Essentials, translators on the Eurasia Region have been working rigorously to complete 18 translations of the publication. Although the denomination was first planted in India more than 100 years ago and spread across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia over the past century, rapid growth in certain areas of the region over recent years means many members – laity and clergy – are new Christians and/or new to the denomination's doctrines and beliefs, particularly about scriptural holiness.
Written in plain language, Nazarene Essentials is a timely document to help new generations of Nazarenes and new believers understand what the church believes and why.
The translations now available to Eurasian Nazarenes are:
Completed, printed, and available on the Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library
  • Albanian
  • Croatian
  • French
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
Completed and available digitally on the Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library (to be printed)
  • Armenian
  • Bulgarian
Completed and soon to be on the Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library (to be printed)
  • Hindi
  • Marathi
  • Telugu
  • Kannada
  • Oriya
  • Tamil
  • Gujrathi
  • Punjabi
Italian is complete and in the editing process. The document was originally released as the March/April 2015 edition of the denomination’s magazine Holiness Today. For questions about upcoming translations on the Eurasia Region, write to office@eurasiaregion.org.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region]

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South America

Flags of the Nations: Bolivia
Each week, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center proudly flies a flag of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. This week's flag: Bolivia, South America Region. Click "read more" for information on the country, including what year the denomination entered Bolivia and how many Nazarenes are there today. Read more

Flags of the Nations: Bolivia


The national flag of Bolivia is a red, yellow, and green horizontal tricolor with the Bolivian coat of arms in the center. Red represents the blood shed by heroes for the birth and preservation of the Republic; yellow represents wealth and resources, and green represents the richness of natural areas as well as hope.
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Bolivia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Bolivia in 1945.
Bolivia had a population of 10,800,882 in 2015. That same year, Bolivia reported 244 Churches of the Nazarene, 225 of which had been officially organized. Bolivia has 13,333 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Bolivia has two Phase 3 districts, one Phase 2 district, and three Phase 1 districts. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

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USA/Canada

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: Kentucky congregation supports Church Without Walls ... Illinois churches partner for mobile food pantry ... Arizona church donates unused preschool supplies ... Nebraska church to celebrate 100 years.Read more

Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.


Pastor Kevin Campbell delivers a message of hope to about 100 local residents during Church Without Walls' weekly service. (The Daily Independent photo)
Kentucky congregation supports Church Without Walls
Ashland, Kentucky
(The Daily Independent, July 31) Evelyn Sacks shared a free breakfast of biscuits and gravy with her 11-month-old grandson while the pastor delivered a message of hope on a cool Saturday morning in Central Park.
For local residents like Sacks, who receive little to no income, Saturdays at the park basketball court serve as a godsend.
Church Without Walls is the ministry providing that blessing. The church feeds the hungry with hot breakfast and bag lunches every week, rain or shine. It also gives clothes and other basic necessities to those in need.
Pastor Kevin Campbell leads the sermons and organizes the services. But naturally, the mission needs help from other local churches and nonprofits to cover costs. This weekend, the Worthington Church of the Nazarene extended a financial crutch.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Illinois churches partner for mobile food pantry
Decatur, Illinois
(Herald & Review, July 29) It's a rare thing when a food pantry comes to you rather than the other way around.
And as Hopeful Heart Ministries has continued to roam Decatur for the past 3 1/2 years, its characteristic green school bus has started picking up more support and using it to help more people.
“Every little bit helps us so immensely,” said April Norman. “We don't have to stress so much about running out.”
Norman is a member of Oak Grove Church of the Nazarene, which along with sister churches Parkway, Trinity, and West Side, have operated the mobile food ministry since November 2012 with money they raise themselves and with food they purchase from the Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Arizona church donates unused preschool supplies
Sedona, Arizona
(Verde News, August 1) Talk with Sonia Feldtkeller and you will find yourself becoming very enthused about the new Sedona Integrated Preschool at Big Park Community School. This will be the only preschool in the area which assimilates children with special needs into a mainstream classroom, with a director certified in Preschool Special Education. "This setting is best for the children, both conventional and special education," said Feldtkeller.
Sonia is excited about the new International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Big Park and its benefits for her young charges. She said that all of Big Park's teachers will become IB trained for ages 3-12, which means eventually she and her staff will be integrating all of their preschoolers into the IB program. Unlike the daycare currently operating at Big Park, this new preschool is an official part of the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Nebraska church to celebrate 100 years
Beatrice, Nebraska
(Beatrice Daily Sun, August 4) A Beatrice church is celebrating its 100th anniversary with games, activities, and music this weekend.
The Church of the Nazarene in Beatrice is also changing its name this year to Finish Line Church of the Nazarene.
"The name change went into effect in June, but we haven't changed signage yet," said Janece Wheeler, the wife of the church's pastor, Rob Wheeler. "The name comes from First Corinthians, chapter 9, verses 24 through 27. It's a verse about running the race to completion and reaching the finish line."
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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Moving Ministers: July 2016
Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region. Read more

Moving Ministers: July 2016

Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received from July 1 to July 31, 2016.
To view the July report, click here.
Moving Ministers As of: 7/29/2016 from 7/1/2016 to 7/31/2016
Rev. Fredrick E. Agee from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Springfield Grace
Springfield MO
Rev. Daniel E. Alexander from Pastoral Service
Anderson Parkview
Anderson IN to
Pastoral Service on 6/1/2016
Martinsville First
Martinsville IN
Rev. Travis A. Barnett from Unassigned
Northeastern Indiana
Marion IN to
Pastoral Service on 5/2/2016
Martinsville First
Martinsville IN
Rev. William J. Bean from Pastoral Service
Indianapolis South Side
Indianapolis IN to
Pastoral Service on 5/2/2016
United Community
Plainfield IN
Rev. Angie Brasfield from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Joplin Hope Community
Joplin MO
Rev. Robert S. Brooks from Pastoral Service
Topeka Wanamaker Woods
Topeka KS to
Pastor on 8/7/2016
Tehachapi
Tehachapi CA
Rev. William Timothy Brown from Unassigned
Prairie Lakes
Fergus Falls MN to
Pastor on 6/1/2016
Riverton First
Riverton WY
Rev. Nathan A. Burns from Pastor
Owasso Silver Creek
Owasso OK to
Pastor on 6/19/2016
Leesburg
Leesburg VA
Rev. Scott M. Collins from Pastoral Service
New Life
Oak Ridge TN to
Pastor on 4/25/2016
Knoxville First
Knoxville TN
Rev. Andrea N. Covert from Pastoral Service
Muncie South Side
Muncie IN to
Pastoral Service on 7/6/2016
Countryside Community
Lebanon OH
Rev. Jerrod C. Covert from Pastoral Service
Muncie South Side
Muncie IN to
Pastoral Service on 7/6/2016
Countryside Community
Lebanon OH
Rev. Daniel S. Cramer from Pastoral Service
Village
Indianapolis IN to
Pastoral Service on 5/2/2016
Indianapolis Grace Pointe
Indianapolis IN
Rev. Matthew S. Delp from Pastor
Castle Rock The Connection
Castle Rock CO to
Pastor on 6/5/2016
Sacramento Arden
Sacramento CA
Rev. Raymond E. Driskill from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Joplin First
Joplin MO
Rev. Joshua Embrey from Student
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Seymour
Seymour MO
Rev. M. Keyko Flores from Unassigned
South Texas
Cypress TX to
Pastoral Service on 5/18/2016
Emanuel Iglesia del Nazareno Pasadena
Rev. Aaron C. Gay from Pastor
Pixley
Pixley CA to
Pastor on 7/17/2016
Everett First
Everett WA
Rev. Calvin E. Green from Pastoral Service
Grove City
Grove City OH to
Pastoral Service on 7/10/2016
Pickerington
Pickerington OH
Rev. Travis S. Greene from Pastoral Service
Orlando Center Pointe Community
Orlando FL to
Pastoral Service on 6/19/2016
Midland Valley Community
Graniteville SC
Rev. John E. Gundrum from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Ozark First
Ozark MO
Rev. Alan B. Harp from Pastor
Norwood Countryside
Norwood MO to
Pastor on 7/3/2016
Park Hills
Park Hills MO
Rev. Benjamin Hobbs from Student
Mid-Atlantic
Glen Burnie MD
Pastoral Service on 4/11/2016
Mount Airy New Beginning
Mount Airy MD
Rev. Bob D. Holmes Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Springfield Grace
Springfield MO
Rev. T. Wayne Holmes from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Springfield One Life
Springfield MO
Rev. Jared M. Horne from Student
Southwest Indiana
Bedford IN to
Pastoral Service on 7/5/2016
Mobile First
Mobile AL
Rev. Michael G Jones from Pastoral Service
Seymour
Seymour MO to
Student on 6/3/2016
Joplin
Carthage MO
Rev. Daniel H. Joubert from Student
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Springfield One Life
Springfield MO
Rev. Rachel M. Joubert from Student
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Springfield One Life
Springfield MO
Rev. Ashley M. Lawter from Pastoral Service
Washington Mosaic
Washington DC to
Student on 4/11/2016
Mid-Atlantic
Glen Burnie MD
Rev. James K. Lester from Pastoral Service
Meridian Valley Shepherd
Meridian ID to
Pastor on 8/1/2016
Nampa Fairview
Nampa ID
Rev. Amanda Lewis from Pastoral Service
Connersville First
Connersville IN to
Pastoral Service on 5/2/2016
Richmond First
Richmond IN
Rev. Randy M. Samayoa López from Pastoral Service
Springfield Scenic Hispanic
Springfield MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Neosho Casa Jaziel
Neosho MO
Rev. Carlos A Lopez Cruz from Pastoral Service
Pittsburg Hispanic
Pittsburg KS to
Pastor on 6/3/2016
Webb City Hispanic
Webb City MO
Rev. Sean C. O'Connor from Pastoral Service
Dallas First
DeSoto TX to
Pastor on 7/31/2016
Carrollton
Carrollton TX
Rev. John M. Paulus from Pastor
Britt Zion
Britt IA to
Pastor on 7/1/2016
Market Street Square
Chesaning MI
Rev. John M. Paulus from Pastor
Christian Care Center
Garner IA to
Pastor on 7/1/2016
Market Street Square
Chesaning MI
Rev. Virgil E. Peck III from Pastoral Service
Carthage First
Carthage MO to
Pastor on 6/1/2016
Fort Scott
Fort Scott KS
Rev. Kevin B. Plain from Pastoral Service
Springfield Scenic
Springfield MO
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Branson Citizens
Branson MO
Rev. Kevin B. Plain Pastoral Service
Springfield Scenic
Springfield MO to
Pastor on 6/3/2016
Nixa Organic
Nixa MO
Rev. Michael W. Powers Unassigned
Alaska
Nikiski AK
Pastoral Service on 4/22/2016
Juneau
Juneau AK
Rev. Richard R. Prideaux from Pastor
Columbus
Columbus KS to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Girard Living Faith
Girard KS
Rev. Kelly D. Riggan Pastor
Friendship
Mora MN
Pastor on 6/5/2016
Ellendale
Ellendale ND
Rev. Richard J. Rosewicz from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Camdenton New Life
Camdenton MO
Rev. Sherwin R. Rulloda from Pastoral Service
Marysville
Marysville WA
Pastor on 8/21/2016
Bremerton
Bremerton WA
Rev. R. John Sadler Pastor
Meridian Northside
Meridian MS to
Pastor on 8/1/2016
Rock Hill First
Rock Hill SC
Rev. Rick A. Sales Pastoral Service
San Diego First
San Diego CA
Pastoral Service on 8/7/2016
Kansas City Central
Lenexa KS
Rev. Mark K. Sanford from Pastor
Cornerstone
Cullman AL to
Pastor on 2/5/2017
The Vineyard
Fayetteville AR
Rev. Matthew N. Sheets from Pastor
Anchorage Hillcrest
Anchorage AK to
Student on 4/22/2016
Alaska
Nikiski AK
Rev. Suzette Slade from Unassigned
Indianapolis
Camby IN to
Pastoral Service on 5/2/2016
Indianapolis Grace Pointe
Indianapolis IN
Rev. Jack D. Smith from Pastoral Service
Euless First
Euless TX to
Pastor on 7/4/2016
Prairie Point
Prairie Point TX
Rev. Timothy C. Smith from Pastor
Hermosa Beach Cities Christian
Fellowship
Hermosa Beach CA
Pastor on 5/16/2016
Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest CA
Rev. William A. Somsel Unassigned
South Central Ohio
Grove City OH to
Pastoral Service on 4/1/2016
Logansport First
Logansport IN
Rev. Jason A. Stevens from Pastor
Waynesville
Waynesville MO
Pastor on 8/7/2016
Avon Parkside
Avon IN
Rev. Marshall L. Trisler Pastoral Service
Crossroads
Ocean Springs MS to
Pastor on 7/10/2016
Gloster
Gloster MS
Rev. Rodney Wayne Tucker from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Lebanon Freedom
Lebanon MO
Rev. Jennifer Lynn Turner Unassigned
Canada Atlantic
Moncton NB
Canada to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
O'Leary, PE
O'Leary PE
Canada
Rev. Walter B. West from Unassigned
Joplin
Carthage MO to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Springfield Dayspring
Springfield MO
Rev. Scott C. Wilson from Unassigned
Canada Atlantic
Moncton NB
Canada to
Pastoral Service on 6/3/2016
Summerside, PE
Summerside PE
Canada
Rev. James M. York Jr. from Pastor
Washington New Hope
Washington PA to
Pastor on 6/13/2016
Saginaw Swan Valley
Saginaw MI
Rev. Peter Michael Zerphy Jr. from Pastor
Hagerstown Hope Bridge
Hagerstown MD to
Pastoral Service on 4/11/2016
Dover The Cross
Dover DE
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

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PLNU student to compete in 2016 Olympic Games
Former Point Loma Nazarene University track & field student-athlete Jordan Mageo will represent the university and American Samoa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. Read more

PLNU student to compete in 2016 Olympic Games
San Diego, California


Former Point Loma Nazarene University track & field student-athlete Jordan Mageo will represent the university and American Samoa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.
Mageo, who was a member of the Sea Lions' track & field team as a freshman in 2016, will compete in the prelims of 100-meter dash on August 12 at 11:55 a.m. (PST). The next rounds of the event will be later that day and on August 13.
The San Diego native attended Scripps Ranch High School, where she earned four letters in track & field. Mageo competed in nine meets with PLNU this year. She ran both the 100m and 400m hurdles, in addition to competing in the high jump, long jump, shot put, and javelin throw.
She will be one of four athletes representing American Samoa and the only PLNU Sea Lion at the 2016 Olympic Games.[Point Loma Nazarene University]

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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 August 1-5, 2016.​ Read more

In Memoriam: August 5, 2016

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received August 1-5, 2016.
Verna (Milliken) Cahill, 74, of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, passed away July 31. She was a retired minister, serving in Maryland, Florida, and Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband, retired minister Thomas Cahill Sr., who served in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Harold Carlisle, 87, of Moody, Texas, passed away July 31. He was a retired minister, serving in Texas and New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Carlisle.
Ronald Salsbury, 66, of Arroyo Grande, California, passed away July 31. He was a minister, serving as senior pastor of Pismo Beach New Life Community Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Cathi Salsbury.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join 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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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
Donor Services — Donor Services Manager (Full time)
Office: Financial Services
Ministry: Donor Services
Title: Donor Services Manager
Description: This financial ministry position leads the Donor Services staff in the function of receiving, crediting, depositing, and receipting all funds donated to the ministries of the Church of the Nazarene, Inc., through the General Treasurer’s Office, including the administration of applicable supporting systems and reporting.
Financial Services — Senior Administrative Assistant (Full time)
Office: Financial Services
Title: Senior Administrative Assistant
Description: This position works under the direction of the general treasurer/financial officer and provides administrative and clerical support to the general treasurer/financial officer, the Nazarene Financial Services administrative director/Donor Services manager, and the Global Treasury Services administrative director/controller (as directed).
Mission Personnel — Temporary (Full time)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: Mission Personnel
Title: Temporary
Description: The responsibilities for this position include assisting with missionary administration and research projects, as well as assisting with mobilization with various tasks relating to application, screening, and training of volunteers and/or candidates.
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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BGS calls for time of reflection as Thank Offering approaches
When we give back, we recognize God as the giver of all good things. Through this fall's Thank Offering, we remember now so that we never forget: it’s All From Him. Read more
BGS 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.
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 soon at nazarene.org/generosity in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Korean. If you have questions, contact Stewardship Ministries at 1-800-544-8413 orstewardship@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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Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Asia-Pacific Region of the Global Church of the Nazarene in Rizal, Philippines' Around The Region News...New Seminary President Announced, Latest Breaking News Video, APNTS Technological First for Global Church, Clean Water Evangelism, 5 Tips for Renewal, and Much More! for Saturday, August 6, 2016, Volume 4 / Issue Number 28



Nazarene News from Around the Globe
(Bold Items - Latest News)
Africa:
Liberia Pastor Reaches Tens of Thousands
Africa Region Requests Continued Prayer For South Sudan
Eurasia:
Ukraine Church Ministers to Families Displaced by Political Violence
Nazarene Essentials Available in 18 Eurasia Languages
South America:Ecuador Church Opens Hostel after Earthquake
USA / Canada:
Southwest Indiana Elects New District Superintendent
Nazarenes in the News
Collegiate:
ENC Selects New Men's Soccer Head Coach
Resources:
BGS Calls for Time of Reflection as Thank Offering Approaches
Moving Ministers: June 2016
General Assembly 2017 Website Now Available
GMC Employment Opportunities
Global Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Passings:
In Memoriam
NMI Highlight

LINKS
The LINKS program of the Church of the Nazarene is a network of personal connections between missionaries and Nazarenes around the world. Missionaries are assigned to districts and, then on the district level, connected to local churches. This gives each church an opportunity to become personally acquainted with the missionary family and their field of service.
In return, the churches feel a sense of involvement with the global mission enterprise of the church through regular correspondence from the missionaries, updates from their field, and even through deputation services while the missionaries are on home assignment. The missionaries are encouraged, knowing people care and pray for them. The relationships built over time personalize names and faces that both the missionaries and their LINKS churches value highly.
For more information on how your church can connect with a missionary, click here.
Developing Leaders by Stan Toler
5 Practical Ways to Renew Yourself as a Leader
How to Recharge, Refresh and Be More Effective

People tell me that I'm a high-energy leader, and that's probably true. For most of my life, I've been able to work hard and if there's an energy gene, I may have it!
Yet all of us have seasons when we're less enthusiastic, more frustrated, and possibly a bit run down spiritually or physically. Whatever the cause, there are times in every leader's life when he or she needs to rest and be encouraged.
If you're like most leaders, there are few people around you who feel the responsibility to make sure you're okay. After all, you're the leader!
That means you must find practical ways to renew yourself as a leader. Here are five that will help you get started.
1. Take a Full Weekend Off Most of us work a bit more than we should, and being constantly connected only increases the pace and ups the pressure. Unplug for an entire weekend, Friday evening through Sunday evening. Don't check messages; leave your laptop in the bag, and do something that refuels you.
Tip: You may need to get away, literally, to accomplish this. Consider taking an overnight trip.
2. Get Some Exercise
This one is counter intuitive because when you're tired, physical exertion is the last thing on your mind. But exercise releases endorphins, natural hormones that reduce pain, increase energy, and can even produce a mild euphoria. That's why you feel better after a walk on the treadmill, a good run, a bike ride, or a swim.
Tip: Aim to up your heart rate for at least 20 minutes. If you haven't exercised recently, take it a bit easier.
3. Pray Prayer was Jesus' secret weapon for recharging his spiritual batteries, and it will work for you too. Prayer may not change your circumstances (though it might!), but it's guaranteed to change your frame of mind.
Tip: If you have difficulty thinking of what to pray, recite the Lord's Prayer slowly and meaningfully.
4. Check Your Diet
Most of us resort to comfort food when we're stressed, but that always backfires. A high-carb, high-sugar diet will give you a momentary feeling of satisfaction but leave your body drained of energy. Think about what you've been eating for the last few weeks. Is it time for a change?
Tip: Eat fresh foods and avoid heavily processed foods to improve your health.
5. Spend Time with Friends There's something therapeutic about being with family and close friends, even if you're just sharing a meal or relaxing. Being around the positive people who love you most is almost guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Tip: Don't over-program your time with friends. Part of the joy is just being together.
If you're feeling discouraged, frustrated, or just plain tired, don't wait for a change to come. Make your own change by doing the things that will elevate your mood, refresh your spirit, and recharge you physically.[Stan Toler]
Share The Story!

Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region


BLOG, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
DISEASE TAKES LIVES OF CHILDREN IN MYANMAR–PRAYERS NEEDED
Myanmar: In less than 2 months, more than 30 children have died from an unknown disease in northern Myanmar. The disease gives difficulty in breathing and has been reported as being contagious. Most of the children who were affected have been 5 years old or younger.
The Church of the Nazarene has significant work in Myanmar.
Please pray for Myanmar, the families of the children and that the Lord will provide in this time of need.[Download Disease Takes Lives of Children in Myanmar--Prayers Needed as PDF]

NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
APARRI CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE REQUESTING PRAYER FOR RAIN ***UPDATE- ANSWERED PRAYER!
Members from the Aparri Church of the Nazarene in the Northern Philippines, are requesting prayer for rain. They are reporting that there has been a drought since the month of May. This is especially difficult in the provinces where so much depends upon gardens.
Please lift this area of the Philippines in prayer.
_________________________________
Update as of 01-August 2016:
Our prayers have been answered! Typhoon Nida entered the Philippines over the weekend, passing through Northern Luzon, particularly Isabela and Cagayan. Aparri is part of Cagayan province.
Image courtesy of PAGASA
There were no major damages or casualties reported, but the typhoon brought rain that the people badly needed. You might say that the typhoon was a blessing in disguise!
Let us continue to pray for more rain to come to Aparri, and for the workers in their church as they continue to disciple the people in the community.[Download Aparri Church of the Nazarene Requesting Prayer for Rain ***Update- Answered Prayer! as PDF]


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.
Fire most likely started in an electrical device.
Much work to be done in salvaging equipment.
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]

Latest WMC News Video
Pastor Reaches Thousands, Church Opens Hostel, Taiwan Church Damaged by Fire!

Great Missions Moment Service Opener
Download now - click here
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Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Announces New President
Manila, Philippines
Dr. Bruce Oldham
The Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) Board of Trustees (BOT) is pleased to announce that Bruce E. Oldham, Ed. D. has accepted his election as president of APNTS for the next four years.
Dr. Oldham brings with him many years of rich experiences in administration, education and ministry. Together with his wife Peggy, they are set to arrive on campus by November 1, 2016.
The election process for the position was not an easy task! It required rigorous and in-depth procedures, with every step of the way filled with prayerful consideration.
Get to know Dr. Oldham more and read the testimonies of his friends and colleagues. Surely, after reading this story you will recognize why God chose him to lead the campus.
Congratulations Dr. Oldham! We continue to pray for you and your family, and we look forward to welcoming you soon!
Click here to find out more!


APNTS, BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, FEATURE, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASIA-PACIFIC NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
Manila, Philippines:
The Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) Board of Trustees (BOT) is pleased to announce that Bruce E. Oldham, Ed. D. has accepted his election as president of APNTS for the next four years.
Dr. Oldham has been serving the Nashville First Church of the Nazarene as Senior Associate Pastor since 2012. Prior to this, he was Dean of the School of Christian Ministry & Formation at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) from 2010-2012. He took on several roles at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) from 1991-2010, such as Vice President for Enrollment Management, Director of Admissions, Executive Assistant to the President, and Chairman/Full time professor in Christian Education.
Bruce with his wife Peggy
“His years of leadership in higher education and as a pastor, as shown in his credentials and in the process of getting to know Bruce following the selection process, is something that APNTS is prayerfully anticipating, as this shows his preparedness to take on this very important role in APNTS for the global church,” says Rev. Atty. Kafoa Muaror, Board Chairman, on the new president’s qualifications.
Dr. Oldham has been described by church leaders who have known and worked with him as an efficient and effective administrator, and one who is able to cast vision and communicate that vision effectively while working collaboratively with colleagues in an institution of higher education or the local church. He affirms others in their leadership and is an encourager. He enjoys seeing people develop their capacities and calling.”
Dr. Oldham holds an undergraduate degree in religion and communications (1978) from Trevecca Nazarene University. He also earned an M.A. from his alma mater in 1989, with additional graduate work at Nazarene Theological Seminary and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He obtained his Ed. D., Higher Education Administration degree from Vanderbilt University, Peabody College in 2005.
His wife, Dr. Peggy Oldham, is herself, very much a part of the system of Nazarene Higher Education. Her doctorate degree is in Higher Education Leadership and her master’s degree is in Counseling.
“The dynamics of Bruce and Peggy’s gifts will be very good for the church,” says Dr. Dan Boone, President of Trevecca Nazarene University. “I could not be happier. You are getting two remarkable people in one election. I am glad for the Board’s leadership that will welcome them.”
Emeriti GS Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf says of this election,” What a great choice! Bruce and Peggy are so well equipped for this assignment.”
The election of Dr. Oldham to serve as president followed a new process for the seminary, which was prescribed by the Board of Trustees. This process involved openly advertising the vacant position, seeking of input from multiple stakeholders both on and off campus, in-depth analysis, and a screening process via interviews and consultation about the competency of the applicant, all bathed in significant times of prayerful consideration.
Members of the board’s Search and Nominating Committee repeatedly expressed appreciation for the prayers, time and counsel offered during this process by the faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the seminary.
The Oldhams have two children: Scott, 31 (Trevecca Nazarene University, BA ’07 and MA ’13) and Lyndsey, 27 (Mount Vernon Nazarene University, BA ’11).
Oldham Family (Lyndsey, Bruce, Peggy, Scott)
Dr. Bruce Oldham and Peggy are set to be on campus by November 1, 2016. We are prayerfully committing them to the Almighty as they work on transitional matters, and are looking forward to their becoming a part of our regional community.
Join us in welcoming Dr. Bruce and Peggy Oldham, and commit to keeping them in your prayers as they, in partnership with the Board, take on this important role of leading APNTS in accomplishing its mission for the church. We are most grateful and can only rejoice![Submitted by: Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees]
[Download Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Announces New President as PDF]
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Tube Well Initiates "Clean Water Evangelism" at 4 Mile Church!
Karen, Myanmar

For the longest time, the community of 4 Mile Church of the Nazarene has been praying for an accessible and stable clean water supply. In June 2016, their prayers were finally answered.
In cooperation with Nazarene Compassionate Ministry (NCM), the Church was able to successfully install a tube well in the community.
For the community of 4 Mile Church, the tube well is not only providing the people clean water, it has also given them the chance for more ministry opportunities! More than physical nourishment, it is also being used to quench the spiritual thirst of the people!
Catch more of "Clean Water Evangelism" by following this link


BLOG, CURRENT, FEATURE, NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
TUBE WELL INITIATES “CLEAN WATER EVANGELISM” AT 4 MILE CHURCH!
Karen, Myanmar:
For the longest time, the community of 4 Mile Church of the Nazarene has been praying for an accessible and stable clean water supply. In June 2016, their prayers were finally answered.
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” -John 7:38
In cooperation with Nazarene Compassionate Ministry (NCM), the Church was able to successfully install a tube well in the community. In the past, the community had only a hand dug-well on the church campus, which unfortunately dries up every summer. As a result, people around the church had to collect water for drinking and cleaning from distant wells. Some even had to buy water from sellers. With the new tube well, the community has easily accessible access to clean water!
Now that there is readily available water, 4 Mile Church can now host more church ministries and events, especially during the summer. Since the church is able to provide the local people access to clean water, they are able to reach out to them better. This is leading to better relationships, something that is very vital for ministry!
Rev. Jubilee Thanga, Zone Coordinator in Yangon, happily shared that the well is now open to everyone in the village. Many are coming to the well to get drinking water.
“I hope and pray that Pastor Ma Wah and the 4 Mile Church leaders will have a wider contact with new people and plant small groups to plant churches in Taungoo Area. I am planning to help the church in their strategy of ‘Clean Water Evangelism’ and to conduct outreach programs in this very well.”- Ptr. Jubilee Thanga
God is active in Myanmar! Miracles are happening in our churches.
The Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar is very grateful to God for blessing them with people who made the water project possible.
Let us continue to pray for the 4 Mile Church of the Nazarene, that they may always have clean water and that they use that blessing to spread God’s love in their community.[Submitted by: Jerome Ro T. Liana][Download Tube Well Initiates "Clean Water Evangelism" at 4 Mile Church! as PDF]
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Prayer Requested for Peace and Wisdom
Thailand

Let us all lift Thailand in prayer, as citizens participate in a very important political event this coming weekend.
The repercussions of this event are considered critical to the economic and political conditions of the nation. With this in mind, the country has imposed stricter security measures to ensure that the event will go smoothly and peacefully. People are also advised to stay alert and exercise precaution.
Please pray for wisdom for the participants to make decisions, that they may be guided by God's will. Pray for the safety of everyone.
May peace and compassion will prevail in the hearts of the people.
Read the full story on our website!


BLOG, CURRENT, EVENTS, FEATURE, SOUTHEAST ASIA, URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAYER REQUESTED FOR PEACE AND WISDOM
Thailand:
Let us all lift Thailand in prayer, as citizens participate in a very important political event this coming weekend.
The repercussions of this event are considered critical to the economic and political conditions of the nation. With this in mind, the country has imposed stricter security measures to ensure that the event will go smoothly and peacefully. While violence is not expected, gatherings and demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful might turn confrontational and escalate. Citizens and tourists are advised to stay alert and exercise caution. They are asked to avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings or security operations. Instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities must be strictly followed.
Please pray that the event will be peaceful, and its result would lead to the betterment of Thailand. May God guide and give wisdom to the participants as they make life-changing decisions that will shape their nation’s future. May they be instruments of peace and compassion during this time of uncertainty. Pray for the protection of everyone- citizens and tourists alike.

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APNTS First Nazarene Institution to Launch GNECsis Student Information System
Manila, Philippines

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is proud to be the first Nazarene Institution to install GNECsis, (pronounced Genesis).
Developed by the International Board of Education, it is our Nazarene student information system provided to Nazarene institutions globally. It will be a huge game changer for Nazarene higher education.

And APNTS is the first to receive it!
This installation of this new system would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the people behind this project. Find out who they are and how they have helped take this system from being out of reach to a reality!
Read all about them here!


APNTS, BLOG, CURRENT, EDUCATION, NEWS, PHILIPPINE-MICRONESIA
APNTS FIRST NAZARENE INSTITUTION TO LAUNCH GNECSIS STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Manila, Philippines:
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is proud to be the first Nazarene Institution to install GNECsis, (pronounced Genesis). Developed by the International Board of Education, it is our Nazarene student information system provided to Nazarene institutions globally. It will be a huge game changer for Nazarene higher education. And APNTS is the first to receive it!
Kinda providing orientation on the use of GNECsis
Up to this point, this type of system has been considered by the International Board of Education to be out of reach of the resources for most of our institutions. But thanks to the cooperative efforts between the Nazarene Global Information Technology department (Global IT) and APNTS in conjunction with Asia-Pacific Resource Center, this has become a reality.
Read: APNTS announces election of new president!
Jeff Beam training APRC IT Specialist Joseph Budol
In July and August, Jeff Beam, Director of Information Technology at the Global Ministry Center and Kindra Bible, software writer for the Church of the Nazarene, spent three weeks in the Philippines installing the system and training those that will be using it.
There is great excitement about the new system.
We want to thank all those who have participated in making this dream a reality.[Download APNTS First Nazarene Institution to Launch GNECsis Student Information System as PDF]

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Looking Forward in Hope
Board of General Superintendents
Dr. David A. Busic
The last few months have been exceedingly difficult for the global family. News of violence, racism, terrorism, suffering, and great tragedy seem to be daily occurrences. With so much bad news, what does it mean to be a people of hope? More specifically, what is Christian hope, and how does it change our perspective?
Christian hope is based on a person and it looks forward to a promised future.

By looking forward in hope, it changes our behavior; it changes our purpose.
If hope is indeed a powerful force that drives us to move forward despite life's setbacks, imagine what hope rooted in Christ can do!
You do not want to miss Dr. Busic's uplifting message. Read on!


BLOG, CURRENT, EDITORIAL, FEATURE
LOOKING FORWARD IN HOPE b
y David A. Busic
Dr. David A. Busic
The last few months have been exceedingly difficult for the global family. News of violence, racism, terrorism, suffering, and great tragedy seem to be daily occurrences. With so much bad news, what does it mean to be a people of hope? More specifically, what is Christian hope, and how does it change our perspective?
Christian hope is based on a person.
Christian hope is not the power of positive thinking. It is not based on circumstances, either good or bad. It is not new and better ideas, utopian philosophies, or reformed politics. Christian hope is objectively focused on the person of Jesus Christ who has been revealed to us as “the grace of God,” “the salvation of all people,” and our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:11–13, NIV). Hope in anything else will not give us what we are looking for. Jesus is the only one who can satisfy the deep hunger of our hearts.
Christian hope looks forward to a promised future.
The way we handle our present life is completely determined by what we believe our future will be. If our hope is rooted and grounded in a future that is far greater and better than where we find ourselves today, it is possible to face tremendous hardships and great difficulties with peace and joy. When we put our hope in a promised future that we know will not fail, even the greatest sacrifices can be endured and found meaningful.
Our hope in Jesus Christ is the hope that there is coming a day when God will make all things that are wrong in the world right again. Our hope is that God will remake the world the way He intends it to be. Our hope is that we will live a resurrected life with Jesus and the family of God for eternity in heaven. Christian hope looks forward to a better future.
That hope changes us.
Looking forward in hope changes our behavior. Suddenly we find ourselves acting very differently and thinking very differently. “It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions” (Titus 2:12a, NIV). The old way of life does not have the same pull on us that it used to.
Looking forward in hope changes our purpose. Our priorities change. Our passions are redirected. “It teaches us … to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12b, NIV). We begin to live today as though God’s promised future were already at hand.
C. S. Lewis once said, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought most of the next.”
Looking forward with hope means we see God’s vision of a world with no more poverty, no more war, no more violence, no more injustice. And because that is a picture of what our future hope looks like, as citizens of the kingdom of heaven and as people who believe that God always keeps His promises, we start working toward that vision right now, here on earth. We begin to long for, pray for, and work for a time where there is justice and peace, where hungry people can eat, and where diseased people can be made well. We begin to live toward the time when there is no hatred, no prejudice, no unjust systems, and no racism. We live today the way God wants His world to be tomorrow.
Hope is the trade language of all Christian work and ministry. Because we have a promised future, it gives us the courage to risk much more than if we did not have it. “All things becoming new” is the eschatological hope of God’s tomorrow and gives us the strength to pray, “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”

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Asia-Pacific Region
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 Effect
APNaz 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!

CURRENT, DISCIPLESHIP, FEATURE, NEWS, REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW MOBILE APPLICATION CONNECTS THE WORD WITH YOU…AND YOUR HEART!
Asia-Pacific Region: 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 Effect
A key discovery from the CBE research is that the life of someone who engages scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.

In response to this research, the Asia-Pacific Region has partnered with Back to the Bible and goTandem, in developing a mobile application that brings the Word of God to you each daily, through scripture that is personally relevant to where you are in your spiritual journey.
How does it work?
Sign up and open an account.
Select the frequency and time of day when you would like scripture delivered.
Personalized scripture will come to you via the app.
Read the scriptures, reflect on the questions, make notes about your thoughts right in the app.
Select one of the many devotional tracks that are available.
Track your engagement statistics.
Download the APNaz Connect Mobile application from either the iOs App Store or the Android Play Store.
  • Set up an account
  • Answer a short survey (this is personal and confidential) no one from our organization has access to the results. This survey will give you a spiritual profile, identifying strengths and areas for growth. Scripture will then be selected and sent to you that is related to your spiritual assessment.
  • Choose when you would like to receive scripture and how often. From once to multiple times a day.
  • Select a track!
Tracks are special devotional or training content that will be delivered to you daily referencing specific topics. Currently there are tracks on:
  • Anger
  • Engaging the Bible
  • Spiritual Growth
  • When Life Hurts
  • Worry
More tracks will be coming soon!
Do you have a friend you are discipling? Have them sign up and then they too will receive scripture each day, designed specifically for them! Walk with them through one of the tracks! Share with your friends on social media from the app, your thoughts and insights! Track your personal engagement statistics!
Engage the Word today through
APNaz Connect![Download New Mobile Application Connects the Word with You...and Your Heart! 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
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.
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.

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APNTS Career Opportunities
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary

Click here for more information on their website!
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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!
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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.
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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: Ingrid Kiper, Laurice Maggay
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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