Friday, November 18, 2016

The Asia Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene in Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines with The Around The Rregion News... Earthquake Rocks New Zealand, Nazarene History Made in Guadalcanal, New Missionaries in Philippines, Plus Praises, Prayer Requests and More! for Saturday, November 19, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 42

The Asia Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene in  Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines with The Around The Rregion News... Earthquake Rocks New Zealand, Nazarene History Made in Guadalcanal, New Missionaries in Philippines, Plus Praises, Prayer Requests and More! for Saturday, November 19, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 42


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Misioneros peruanos en Ecuador traen transformación a una aldea by Shirley Fischer and Gina Grate Pottenger
Cuando Alex tenía 12 años de edad, él dejó su relación con Dios y comenzó a beber alcohol.
Él odiaba a su padre, quien era alcohólico y maltrataba a su madre. Aún así, desde su infancia Alex había comenzado a seguir los pasos de su padre rumbo al alcohol.
Cuando se hizo mayor, Alex estudió para ser chef durante los días de la semana y se dedicó a beber desmedidamente durante los fines de semana. Él pudo dejar a un lado el alcohol luego de que un amigo lo invitara a jugar fútbol semi profesional, de modo que su motivación por mantenerse sobrio fue su ambición por convertirse en un jugador hábil.
Él llegó a su punto quiebre espiritualmente cuando visitó a su familia en la ocasión del 60 aniversario de bodas de sus abuelos. Mientras que visitaba, su madre lo invitó a ir a la iglesia, diciéndole que él estaba llevando una mala vida. El oir esto esto lo hirió profundamente.
Esa misma noche, su tío sufrió un grave accidente. Sacudido por los eventos, Alex fue a una reunión de la iglesia y le entregó su vida a Dios. Rápidamente, Alex comenzó a hacer cambios positivos en su vida, e hizo amigos que lo apoyaban en cuanto a sus nuevas decisiones. Él comenzó a estudiar para ser mecánico electricista y empezó a asistir a la iglesia en forma regular. También le pidió perdón a su padre por su mal relacionamiento.
Un día, mientras que estaba sentado en la iglesia esperando a que otros llegaran para dar comienzo al servicio, Alex le dijo a Dios, “Siento tu Espíritu cada mañana. ¿Qué es lo que quieres de mí?”
Por su mente pasaron tres diferentes accidentes de los que él había podido escapar con vida. Entonces Dios le dijo, “Yo estaba contigo.” Alex preguntó una vez más, “¿Qué es lo que quieres de mí?” La respuesta de Dios fue: “Sírveme.”
Alex decidió asistir a una escuela cristiana. A pesar de que su padre jamás apoyó nada de lo que él hacía, eventualmente él expresó su apoyo en cuanto a la decisión de Alex de recibir educación teológica. El resto de su familia se vio muy contenta.
A los 18 años, Alex conoció a Cynthia, quien era secretaria de la escuela cristiana. Ellos establecieron una buena amistad.
Como hija de pastor, Cynthia siempre se opuso a la idea de ser esposa de un pastor, ya que ella deseaba ser misionera desde temprana edad. Su primer encuentro con misioneros fue al conocer a unos amigos de la familia, quienes tradujeron la Biblia en Quechua, y ella los admiraba grandemente.
A pesar de que sus padres eran cristianos fuertes, ellos intentaron persuadirla de no convertirse en misionera ya que sabían que sería una tarea ardua con poca compensación financiera. Ellos le sugirieron que consiguiera un título, así que se dedicó a estudiar arte. Luego de conseguir su título, ellos continuaron oponiéndose a su ambición por ser misionera, así que se dedicó a enseñar en la escuela durante dos años para luego convertirse en secretaria.
Después de haber conocido a Alex por algún tiempo, Dios cambió su corazón y ella se interesó por un ministerio con la iglesia local. Su amistad se tornó romántica y en el año 2013 ellos se casaron.
Ellos comenzaron su ministerio en la iglesia local donde Alex servía como pastor de líderes y predicaba. Debido a que su inexperiencia lo frustraba, Alex a menudo pensó en renunciar. La seguridad del llamado de Dios fue lo que lo ayudó a perseverar.
Alex comenzó a sentir que Dios lo llamaba a dejar su país natal de Perú y a estudiar en un seminario en Ecuador. A pesar de que completaron todo el papeleo necesario para ser aceptados y para mudarse a Ecuador, el liderazgo de la iglesia no apoyó su deseo de hacerlo. Así fue que ellos esperaron.
Entonces, Mario Paredes, superintendente de distrito, se comunicó con ellos para decirles que estaba en busca de pastores para plantar iglesias en Ecuador. Mientras que ellos oraban en cuanto a esta oportunidad, les llegó una carta del primo de Cynthia. Dentro del sobre había un dinero que su primo dijo era para que pudieran ir a Ecuador. Así fue que sintieron la confirmación de Dios para ir. En pocos días, ellos tomaron el autobús hacia Ecuador.
Paredes describió la estrategia de su distrito, en la cual se asocia con International Compassion Ministry ("ministerio internacional de compasión" en español, o ICM), una organización no gubernamental, para realizar obras de compasión en áreas desprivilegiadas dentro del distrito. A través de estas obras de compasión, las personas aceptan a Cristo y de esta manera se forman iglesias. Paredes quería enviar a Alex y Cynthia a San Miguel, una pequeña aldea en las montañas, para plantar una iglesia. Él les dio los nombres de 200 niños locales que habían sido descalificados para participar en el proyecto de ICM en esa localidad.
Como parte de este proyecto, existe un pequeño personal que sirve alimentos a los niños dos días a la semana y que ofrece clases para apoyar el desarrollo de su vida espiritual, emocional y cognitiva.
Tres viernes al mes se ofrecen clases para padres, en las que se les enseña cómo cuidar de sus hijos, en cuanto a su bienestar, disciplina, y el criar a los niños en un hogar cristiano. También se ofrece educación bíblica. A veces se presentan 140 padres a estas clases, las cuales se llevan a cabo en el patio de un hotel cercano.
Los padres también participan de clases de discipulado los domingos. El grupo ha crecido de 18 a 40 o 50 por semana.
El primer año fue muy difícil, pero la breve experiencia de Cynthia en el ámbito escolar le fue de ayuda. Algunos padres se opusieron al programa por diversas razones, tales como objeciones religiosas o porque le quitaba a los niños tiempo de trabajo en sus casas.
El segundo año pudieron ganarse la confianza del 90 por ciento de los padres y miembros de la comunidad. Alex conoce a casi todos los 400 niños de San Miguel por nombre, y siempre que camina por las calles para hacer mandados, él ora por ellos.
Los niños de San Miguel se enfrentan a grandes obstáculos al crecer. Cuatro por ciento de ellos son víctimas de abuso físico. Alex y Cynthia creen que cerca del 40 por ciento de ellos son abusados emocionalmente. Algunos de ellos reciben poca alimentación en sus casas. El año pasado tres padres de estos niños fallecieron debido a problemas de salud, así que Alex y Cynthia trajeron a un psicólogo profesional para ayudarlos.
Los padres han visto cambios significativos en el comportamiento de sus niños, y han dicho, “¡Mi hijo ha cambiado por completo!” Si bien muchas familias no son cristianas, los niños aprenden a orar en la escuela de ICM, y ellos oran ante sus padres en la noche. Es una gran manera de testificar.
A pesar de que Kevin, de 11 años de edad, es muy grande para calificar para el programa, él a menudo frecuenta la escuela atraído por la presencia de otros niños y las actividades en las que participan. Sin embargo, él solía buscar peleas, usaba mal lenguaje y generalmente causaba problemas. En lugar de tratar de mantener a Kevin alejado, Alex comenzó a pasar tiempo con el niño y a incluirlo en algunos de los juegos y actividades. Gradualmente, el comportamiento de Kevin comenzó a mejorar, y él ha aprendido a pedir perdón cuando se porta mal. Él le dice a sus padres, “El pastor dice que debo hacer esto y que no debo hacer aquello.”
Todos los niños son apadrinados, y ellos les escriben cartas. Cuando Kevin preguntó quién era su padrino, Alex se rió y le dijo, “Yo te apadriné.” Así que Kevin le dice a todos con entusiasmo, “¡El pastor es mi padrino!”
Cuando Jimmy llegó al programa por primera vez, él solía morder a su maestra. Él sufría de problemas de comportamiento porque su madre lo había maltratado antes de que sus padres se separaran. Ahora lo criaban sus abuelos.
En cierta ocasión, a las 11 de la noche, Jimmy llegó a la casa de Alex y Cynthia queriendo jugar. Ellos lo llevaron de regreso a su abuela y le urgieron que cuidara más de cerca al niño. Con el paso del tiempo, el mal comportamiento de Jimmy ha disminuido enormemente y ahora tiene una actitud más recta, deseando hacer lo correcto.
Hace poco tiempo, un equipo de Trabajo y Testimonio de Peoria, Illinois (EE. UU.) vino para ayudar a construir una nueva iglesia. El equipo colocó un techo en el segundo piso de la estructura, trabajó en la instalación eléctrica y colocó bombillas de luz en todos los salones.
A pesar de que Cynthia había abierto su corazón a un ministerio local en lugar de convertirse en misionera, Dios combinó ambos llamados al dirigir a esta pareja a Ecuador.
“Ellos AMAN a los niños y genuinamente se preocupan por ellos y por sus padres,” dijo la misionera Shirley Fischer, quien junto con su esposo llevó el equipo de Trabajo y Testimonio a San Miguel este verano. “La comunidad los ama. Nosotros nos quedamos en un hotel junto con el equipo de trabajo, y los dueños del hotel permiten que Cynthia y Alex lleven a cabo sus clases para padres en su hermoso patio. Ellos son creativos en la manera en que ministran y hacen que el ministerio funcione efectivamente. Por sobre todo, ellos aman al Señor y están comprometidos con su llamado.”
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Peruvian missionaries to Ecuador bring transformation to a village by Shirley Fischer and Gina Grate Pottenger
When Alex was 12 years old, he walked away from his relationship with God and began drinking.
He hated his father, who was an alcoholic and mistreated his mother. Yet, even as a child Alex was beginning to follow in his father’s footsteps with alcohol.
When he was older, Alex studied to be a chef on the weekdays, followed by drinking away his weekends. He managed to put aside the alcohol when a friend invited him to play semi-professional soccer, and Alex was motivated to be sober by his ambition to be a skilled player.
He reached a spiritual turning point when he visited his family for his grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary. While home, his mother invited him to church, telling him he was leading a bad life. Her assessment hurt him deeply.
That same night, his uncle was in a bad accident. Shaken by these events, Alex visited a church service and gave his life to God. He quickly made positive changes in his life, and found friends who were supportive of his new decisions. He began to study to be an electric mechanic and attended church regularly. He also asked his father’s forgiveness for his part in their poor relationship.
One day, while sitting in church waiting for others to arrive and begin the service, Alex told God, “I feel your Spirit every morning. What do you want of me?”
Memories flashed through his mind of three different accidents he’d walked away from. God then said, “I was with you.” Alex asked again, “What do you want of me?” God’s answer: “Serve me.”
Alex decided to attend a Christian school. Although his father had never supported anything he did, eventually his father gave his approval to Alex’s theological education. And the rest of his family was very pleased.
At the age of 18, Alex met Cynthia, who was secretary at the Christian school. They established a good friendship.
A pastor’s kid herself, Cynthia had always been opposed to the idea of being a pastor’s wife, because she dreamed of being a missionary from a young age. Her first encounter with missionaries were family friends who translated the Bible in Quechua, and she admired them greatly.
Even though her parents were strong Christians, they tried to discourage her interest in a future as a missionary because they knew it would be hard work with little financial compensation. They counseled her to get a degree, so she studied art. After earning her degree, they still opposed her ambition toward missions, so she taught school for two years, then became secretary at the school.
After she’d known Alex for some time, God changed her heart toward local church ministry. Their friendship became romantic, and in 2013 they were married.
They began their ministry in the local church, where Alex served as the youth pastor and preached. Because inexperience undermined his confidence, often he wanted to give up. The assurance of God’s call kept him going.
Alex began to sense God leading him to leave their native Peru and study at a seminary in Ecuador. Although they filed all the appropriate paperwork to be accepted and move to Ecuador, the church leadership did not support their desire to move. So they waited.
Then, Mario Paredes, a district superintendent, contacted them saying he was looking for pastors to plant churches in Ecuador. While they prayed about this opportunity, a letter came in the mail from Cynthia’s cousin. Inside was money that her cousin said was so they could go to Ecuador. They felt this confirmed God’s leading to go. Within days they boarded a bus for Ecuador.
Paredes described his district’s strategy, in which it partners with International Compassion Ministry (ICM), a non-governmental organization, to start compassionate works in disadvantaged areas in the district. Through these compassionate works, people accept Christ and thus churches form. Paredes wanted to send Alex and Cynthia to San Miguel, a small village in the mountains, to plant a church. He gave them the names of 200 local children who had been qualified to participate in the ICM project there.
As part of this project, a small staff serve the children meals on two days a week, and provide classes in which their spiritual life, emotional, social and cognitive development are supported.
On three Fridays a month, there are also classes for the parents which teach them how to care for their children, from well-being to discipline and raising children in a Christian home. There is some Bible teaching, also. Sometimes as many as 140 parents show up for the classes, which are held on the patio of a nearby hotel.
The parents also participate in discipleship classes on Sundays. The group has grown from 18 to 40 or 50 each week.
The first year was very difficult, but Cynthia’s brief experience with school teaching helped. Some parents opposed the program for a variety of reasons, such as religious objections or because it took their children away from housework.
By the second year, they had won the confidence of 90 percent of the parents and community members. Alex knows nearly all 400 children of San Miguel by name, and whenever he walks through the village to run errands, he prays for them.
The children of San Miguel face huge obstacles as they grow up. Four percent are physically abused. Alex and Cynthia believe that as many as 40 percent are emotionally abused. Some are undernourished at home. This past year, three of the children’s fathers died of health problems, so Alex and Cynthia brought in a professional psychologist to help them.
The parents have noticed the significant behavioral improvements in their children, saying, “My child has completely changed!” While many families are not Christian, the children are taught to pray at the ICM school, and they pray in front of their parents at night – a great witness.
Although Kevin, at the age of 11, is too old to qualify for the program, he often hung around the school, attracted by the presence of other children and the activities they were doing. However, he tended to pick fights, use bad language and generally cause problems. Rather than try to keep Kevin away, Alex began to spend time with the boy and include him in some of the games and activities. Gradually, Kevin’s behavior has improved and he has learned how to ask forgiveness when he misbehaves. He tells his parents, “The pastor says I need to do this, and shouldn’t do that.”
The children all have sponsors and write letters to them. When Kevin asked who his sponsor is, Alex laughed and said, “I’m your sponsor.” So Kevin excitedly tells everyone, “The pastor is my sponsor!”
When Jimmy first came to the program, he would bite his teacher. He suffered behavioral problems because his mother had mistreated him before his parents separated. Now he is being raised by his grandparents.
Once, at 11 p.m. Jimmy came to Alex and Cynthia’s house to play. They returned him to his grandmother and urged her to keep a better watch on the boy. Over time, his misbehavior has greatly diminished and he now has an attitude of wanting to do what is right.
Recently a Work & Witness team from Peoria, Illinois, USA, came to help build the new church. The team put a roof on the second story structure, worked on the electricity and put in lightbulbs in all the classrooms.
Although Cynthia had opened her heart to local ministry rather than being a missionary, God combined both her callings when He led the couple to Ecuador.
“They LOVE the children and genuinely care about them and the parents,” said missionary Shirley Fischer, who along with her husband brought the Work & Witness team to San Miguel this summer. “The community loves them. We stayed at a hotel when we had the work group there and the hotel owners are allowing Cynthia and Alex to have the parent classes on their beautiful patio in their hotel. They are creative in the ways they minister and help to make the ministry run effectively. More than anything they love the Lord and are committed to their calling.”

The Church of the Nazarene's annual Thank Offering for the World Evangelism Fund is an opportunity to celebrate the gifts God has given us. Not only do we look back and remember what God has done, but we move forward as we return to God that which He entrusted to us.
Throughout history, you can see the evidence. From the Israelites to the modern Church, it's impossible to deny. God is faithful to provide. Out of thankfulness, we give back through the World Evangelism Fund, sharing the gospel in schools, church plants, mission hospitals, and more places. We remember now so that we never forget: it's All From Him.
Questions? Comments? Click here. I love to hear feedback!
"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
"4 Tests of Sincere Communication"
As a leader you are known by your words as well as your actions. Words are powerful and versatile. They can turn into bombs as well as bouquets or blessings. Your choice of words in print, online, or in person are like ripples in a pond. They can't be undone and they travel uncontrollably. So, you'd better think again before you speak once.
You've heard a lot of words that were as insincere as a dozen plastic roses purchased at the last minute from the counter of a convenience store. And you've heard a few words spoken with such sincerity that they have shaped your life to this point. I think you can put words through a very simple "sincerity filter" in your mind and heart before you toss them into the mix of a strategic conversation.
First, are they honest without being petty?Conversations that start innocently can end in a disaster. Honesty is still one of the best policies, as long as it is tempered with gracefulness. Honest words can be said in a way that allows leg room instead of cutting off at the knees.
Second, will they help or hurt? Most people already know their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. If your words put pressure on either, they'll feel pain and ignore principle. Criticism without a plan is a "grammar grenade"- it destroys EVERYTHING for the sake of SOMETHING.
Third, how will they make you feel? How would you feel after someone said what you intend to say? How would the other person feel? If you feel your words won't make things better, you'd "better" not say them.
Fourth, will they teach positively? A conversation is often a classroom where life lessons are learned sentence by sentence. What can be taught by these words? What can be learned? You're not just speaking, you're building or bulldozing. Be a builder.
Napoleon Hill said, "Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." Now, that's a good word![Stan Toler]
Please continue to pray for Stan's battle with cancer - for more information click here.
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Asia-Pacific Region
7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks New Zealand. Update Received From Local Nazarene Churches!
New Zealand: In the early hours of Monday morning 14 November 2016, an earthquake measuring 7.5 shook the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, and was felt as far north as Auckland in the North Island.
The epicentre was located in a rural area, almost 100kms north of Christchurch. Christchurch was devastated by a major earthquake in 2011, when almost 200 residents were killed.
Photo Credit: AP/SNPA: David Alexander
To date there have been two fatalities, the east coast’s major state highway has been cut off due to a major landslide, and at least 400 aftershocks have continued to be of concern. A tsunami alert was lifted, with a coastal and marine warning remaining in place.
Australia New Zealand’s Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Dr. John Moore, was briefed by New Zealand’s District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Neville Bartle, just hours after the incident. Dr Bartle indicated that our churches and congregations in Christchurch and Wainuiomata (an outer suburb of the nation’s capital, Wellington, in the North Island) were relatively unaffected by the quake.
Image Credit: www.facebook.com/quakefeed
Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Australia New Zealand’s co-ordinator, Rev. David Harris, is liaising with the local pastors in Christchurch and Wainuiomata to determine what, if any response may be implemented to support residents. The 2011 quake provided an opportunity for the local congregations in Christchurch, in partnership with the district, field, region and global church, to extend their hands in assisting local residents with clean-up crews, providing a charging station for mobile phones, as well as access to clean drinking water.
Prayer is requested for victims of the quake, for those areas across the country that will continue to experience aftershocks in the days, weeks, and likely months to follow. Pray also that God will grant wisdom and grace, as Nazarenes reach out to family, friends, neighbors… and strangers, offering Christlike compassion.
DS. Dr. Neville Bartle also requests prayer for those pastors and families who have been impacted. They are safe, but obviously a bit shaken by the experience: Premda, Beena, Lesniaks, Andrew, Emi, Pele, Leonor and family, Matt and family.[Submitted: Rev. David Harris, NCM Coordinator, Australia / New Zealand Field, Feature Image Credit: www.newsradio.lk]
Michigan District Church of the Nazarene VICTORY WEEK!
This has been one of the most remarkable weeks of our lives - John successfully completed 6 weeks of radiation and chemo therapy and his beloved Cubs won the World Series !! Cubs' president Theo Epstein may believe That the 17 minute rain delay in Game 7 was "divine intervention," but we KNOW John's "side-effects-free" treatment definitely was the result of the intervening grace of God in response to your prayers, and we are immensely grateful !! I am including some pictures this week, so you can share in John's "ringing of the bell" ceremony on Friday! We saw a new radiologist who was Also surprised at how well he is doing - she was obviously startled to Find That while His blood counts Had Been stable Throughout treatment, the one Wednesday of this week was the best one he'd had since this Began! When a doctor's eyes widen in amazement, and she gets a big smile on her face, we know we sono stati given another opportunity to talk about your unwavering support in prayer AND God's faithfulness! Admittedly, this was probably the most exhausting week of John's treatment - not Because of the radiation and chemo, but Because of the nerve-racking, late nights watching the Cubbies make history! We ate "Chicago Mix" popcorn (caramel and cheddar cheese - YUMMY, but definitely not on His list of healthy foods!), And we are still SO excited, we can hardly stand it !! We had the most wonderful time with family last weekend, even though the Cubs lost Both games we watched together ... we promised each other we would never do that again! One of the surprises That continues to delight my heart is the pure joy and bright laughter That has marked These Days! We are living Psalm 126 verses 2-3: "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, 'What amazing things the Lord has done for them.' Yes, what amazing things the Lord has done for us! What joy! " John now begins a month of rest and recuperation During Which time we will not only celebrate THANKSGIVING together, but we will Also welcome the newest member of the family - Baby Seaman is two November 19th, and, no, we do not know yet Whether it's a boy or girl! Haverty and Channing are rooting for a little sister - we're just hoping Lauren does not name him / her or Zobrist Rizzo! Wednesday, November 30th, John will have the enhanced MRI, then he has appointments with all three of His doctors. Please join us in praying That this MRI will show absolutely no trace of cancer in John's brain. We have been praying Throughout His treatment the cancer That would be "obliterated," but one of its synonyms Also happens to be one John's favorite words - "Eradicated," so let's go with that !! "To God be the glory - great things He has done !!" John and Linda for the family

Southeast Asia Field Welcomes New Family to the Team!
Southeast Asia: The Southeast Asia Field is excited to be welcoming a new family! While new to the Nazarene team, Joel and Marvel Vander-Kooi are definitely not new to their field of mission in Thailand.
The Vander-Koois have been ministering in Thailand since June of 2008, where they have been developing Christian schools and producing Bible-centered materials in the Thai language. Recently, while on a year-long Home Assignment in the United States, the Lord impressed upon their hearts the idea that being part of a team would result in much greater ministry impact.
As Joel and Marvel met with field leadership it became apparent that their passion and training, strong Thai language skills, experience in curriculum development and ability to bring projects to completion, would be tremendous assets to the Southeast Asia Field team.
Please join us in welcoming and praying for Joel, Marvel, and their three children: Daisy age 12, whom they are in the process of adopting, Kirsten age 11 and Hezekiah who is 9. The family is very active and participates in sporting events with Joel and Marvel serving as coaches for cross country and soccer. They officially joined the SEA Team on September 1, 2016.
The Vander-Koois will be on home assignment in June and July of 2017.
Please commit to pray for their family, ministry, and the new working relationship with the SEA Team. May there be great Kingdom impact and harvest![Submitted by: Southeast Asia Field]
Prayers for NHM Secretary and His Battle Against Cancer!
New Guinea: Baru Dirye is the National Health Secretary for Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM). He is not only a top administrator in the health care ministry, but he and his wife Christina, have led a hugely successful Nazarene church plant. What initially started as a simple house church a few years ago eventually led to the single biggest baptism in the church’s history in PNG- with 75 people baptized in one service!
Some months ago, Baru developed a limp. Later they found out that a bone cyst was causing the problem. The cyst was so large that it required a hip replacement, with the assistance of Dr. Jim Radcliffe and another missionary surgeon from another hospital. Sadly, the pathology came back and revealed that this growth was only a symptom of a bigger problem –cancer. Baru has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.
Baru was started on some treatment but the cancer has not responded so far. The best treatment is not available in Papua New Guinea and would be very expensive in a more developed country. NHM is trying to source other medicines as well. We trust God can do miracles in whatever way possible.
We ask for prayers from our brothers and sisters around the world – for God to touch and heal Baru physically, to give he and his wife and children peace and strength, to guide doctors and treatment, provide what is needed not only for his treatment but also for the running of the health care ministry.[Submitted by: Dr. Scott Dooley]
New Zealand
In the early hours of Monday morning 14 November 2016, an earthquake measuring 7.5 shook the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, and was felt as far north as Auckland in the North Island.
Australia New Zealand's Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Dr. John Moore, was briefed by New Zealand's District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Neville Bartle, just hours after the incident. Dr Bartle indicated that our churches and congregations in Christchurch and Wainuiomata (an outer suburb of the nation's capital, Wellington, in the North Island) were relatively unaffected by the quake.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Australia New Zealand's co-ordinator, Rev. David Harris, is liaising with the local pastors in Christchurch and Wainuiomata to determine what, if any response may be implemented to support residents.
Solomon Islands

Nazarene history was made on the historic island of Guadalcanal, infamous in history for its place in the WWII Pacific Rim Theatre. For the first time in 20 years, a "Solomon Islander" became the District Superintendent of the Solomon Islands.
But except by the grace of God, Dickson Manongi nearly missed the moment as medical personnel at the nearby hospital struggled to insert an IV into his severely dehydrated arm as a result of suffering from possible malaria. During the morning session, the assembly not expecting that he would be released from the hospital, prayed fervently for his health.
Linda paints a word picture that creates the feeling of being present in the assembly as they celebrate not only the ordinations, but the new District Superintendent, and how he was able to be present for the occasion thanks to the grace of God.
Nazarene History Made on Guadalcanal
Solomon Islands: Nazarene history was made on the historic island of Guadalcanal, infamous in history for its place in the WWII Pacific Rim theatre. For the first time in 20 years, a “Solomon Islander” became the District Superintendent of the Solomon Islands.
But except by the grace of God, Dickson Manongi nearly missed the moment as medical personnel at the nearby hospital struggled to insert an IV into his severely dehydrated arm as a result of suffering from possible malaria. During the morning session, the assembly not expecting that he would be released from the hospital, prayed fervently for his health.
As the people began to gather for the evening service, Dickson and his wife Doris, to the joy of the crowd, arrived – still bearing the IV shunt in his wrist, with the promise to return to the hospital as soon as the service was over. Dickson, along with 5 others, was ordained in a moving ceremony by Dr. David Graves.
Spontaneous celebration began as Dr. Graves then announced the appointment of Dickson Manongi as the new District Superintendent of the Solomon Islands. It is no surprise that not even severe illness could keep Rev. Manongi away from the assembly.
Over the last couple of decades he has worked tirelessly beside others to establish the work of the Church of the Nazarene, and to develop and encourage its leaders in the Solomon Islands, while also working full-time as secretary to the Minister of Health and Medicine. During this last year he has visited each circuit pastor to help develop leadership skills and to hear each pastor’s heart.
His vision for the district is clear – aggressively expanding healthy Nazarene churches in the Solomon Islands and beyond. He firmly believes that their mission as a district must extend beyond their own country. As an example, the Solomon Island District, though not financially strong, in March raised a significant sum of money for disaster relief in the country of Fiji, which had been devastated by Cyclone Wilson
God is at work in the Solomon Islands, and I had the privilege of seeing it first hand!
Prayer Points:
Please pray for DS Rev. Manongi’s complete recovery.
Pray for the ongoing growth and ministry of the Church in the Solomon Islands.[Story submitted by Linda Louw, wife of the Asia-Pacific Regional Director]
Manila, Philippines
The 15th of November was an exciting day as a familiar family re-joined the team in the Philippines! The Ackerman's, (David, Rhonda and their daughter Shan) are not new to Missions or to the Philippine-Micronesia field. They served the Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines as Global Missionaries from 1999 to 2008.
David was recently appointed as the Philippine-Micronesia Field Education Coordinator.
A lot has changed since the Ackermans left the Philippines eight years ago. People they knew have moved, housing arrangements have changed, and it feels almost as if it is a completely new place for them.
David's primary objective as Field Education Coordinator is to update the educational curriculum for Pastors and Bible Colleges, partner with local leaders and find additional educational resources. Meanwhile, Rhonda will work to help integrate a much-needed ministry of combined pastoral and health care in the local churches.
The Ackermans believe that, "Whoever we are, wherever we come from, whatever we have and whenever, God can use us for His glory!"
New Field Education Coordinator For Philippines-Micronesia
Manila, Philippines: The 15th of November was an exciting day as a familiar family re-joined the team in the Philippines! The Ackerman’s, (David, Rhonda and their daughter Shan) are not new to Missions or to the Philippine-Micronesia field. They served the Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines as Global Missionaries from 1999 to 2008. David was the New Testament Professor at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) while Rhonda served part time as the campus nurse and was involved in several other ministries. The family spent 7½ years in the Philippines building relationships and impacting the lives of students and of those around them. Their time in the Philippines was cut short due to critical health issues with their daughter Shan, requiring them to return to the US for specialized care.
In spite of the challenges, David and Rhonda never stopped serving the Lord! David served as pastor of the Sheridan, Wyoming, Church of the Nazarene. While there he began teaching regular online courses for Nazarene Theological Seminary, Nazarene Bible College, Indiana Wesleyan University, as well as occasional courses for Northwest Nazarene University, Simpson University, and George Fox Evangelical Seminary. Rhonda worked as a nurse at several elementary schools. In 2011, they returned to Idaho to pastor the Buhl Church of the Nazarene. David continued teaching online courses and Rhonda worked at the St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center as an acute care medical nurse. In 2014, David became a full-time hospice chaplain.
“We witnessed people breathing their last breath right in front of us and having no words to say to their family was a humbling experience. But we just had to be there for them, praying quietly in our hearts, and that was enough. This is what we described to be a ministry of presence.”[David Ackerman]
As Shan’s health concerns became more stable, and their son Joel started college at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), it wasn’t long until the family expressed their desire to return to missions once again. After updating their online missions profile, David received a prompt response from Dr. John Moore, Asia-Pacific Regional Education Coordinator, who shared with him the current need for an Education Coordinator on the Philippine-Micronesia Field. The couple prayed intently asking the Lord for wisdom before they took the next step. Their prayer, “Lord, we are willing to go where You want us to go.”
The Lord heard that prayer and just one month later, opened the Field Education Coordinator opportunity. Just as they had done once before, the Ackerman’s packed up their family, minus their son Joel, and moved back to the Philippines!
A lot has changed since the Ackermans left the Philippines eight years ago. People they knew have moved, housing arrangements have changed, and it feels almost as if it is a completely new place for them.
David’s primary objective as Field Education Coordinator is to update the educational curriculum for Pastors and Bible Colleges, partner with local leaders and find additional educational resources. Meanwhile, Rhonda will work to help integrate a much-needed ministry of combined pastoral and health care in the local churches.
The Ackermans believe that, “Whoever we are, wherever we come from, whatever we have and whenever, God can use us for His glory!”
David received his bachelor’s degree in Theology at Northwest Nazarene University in 1989. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1992, and Doctorate in Theology at Denver University, 2000. Recently his commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus was published in the New Beacon Bible Commentary series.
Rhonda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Compassionate Ministries in 1989, from Northwest Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992, from Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing. She is a Registered Nurse and recently completed a certificate in Parish Nursing. Both Rhonda and David are ordained elders in the Church of the Nazarene.
What a joy to have the Ackerman’s working with us! Their vision is to see the church strengthened and the gospel preached through trained and dedicated leaders. The Asia-Pacific Region and Philippine Micronesia Field gladly embrace and welcome them.
Please join us in prayer for the Ackermans. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they begin this new chapter of their lives and ministry. Pray for their children, Shan who is with them and Joel who is at NNU.[Interview and Story by Terence Lustana, MACC Student at APNTS.]
Engage Magazine
When Steve Jones sensed God calling him into full-time ministry from his career as a machinist, he assumed that it would be as pastor of a church. But God had something else in mind.
After completing his studies in the fall of 2011, Jones was ordained the next year at age 58. He began sending his resume out to Nazarene Districts in Ohio and Indiana but received no response.
Through a series of injuries and illnesses, Jones tried hard not to question his call.
After getting back on his feet he
stopped by the middle school to watch the girls' softball team practicing. He introduced himself to Coach Herb Bergman. After some conversation, the coach said, "How would you like to come and pray with my team before their game?"
At that moment, Jones found his ministry. Or . . . his ministry found him.
Jones began meeting with the team, not only for prayer but also for times of devotions.
Jones now ministers to a volleyball team, football team, boys' and girls' basketball teams, a cheerleading squad and the softball team.
When God has a different plan by Richard Gammill
OSSIAN, INDIANA -- When Steve Jones sensed God calling him into full-time ministry from his career as a machinist, he assumed that it would be as pastor of a church. But God had something else in mind.
Before he turned his life over to God at age 30, Jones had sought pleasure in rock music, barhopping and heavy drinking. All that changed when Jesus came into his heart and gave him a greater purpose for living.
Years later, when he felt God calling him into ministry, he had doubts about himself. He was a machinist; what did he know about professional ministry? He taught a Sunday school class of senior adults and ministered in nursing homes, but felt God leading him to do more. He told his pastor about his call and in 2003, the church granted him a local preacher’s license.
Jones enrolled in the Northeast Indiana District School of Ministry and began his studies. Over the next eight years, he completed 24 courses while working full time. When his wife suffered a stroke, he took several months off to care for her, and then resumed his studies. The goal was always before him: to qualify for pastoral ministry.
He completed his studies in the fall of 2011 and was ordained the following year. Now, at age 58, he sent his résumé out to the Nazarene districts in Ohio and Indiana. He waited in vain for a response.
Several months passed by. Jones tried hard not to question his call and keep himself from being discouraged. Then began a series of major setbacks.
At work in January 2013, a steel pipe hit him in the head. An initial medical examination revealed nothing, but a week later, he was overcome with dizziness and vomiting. Further examination indicated a concussion and diabetes. He began insulin treatments, changed his diet, and was off work for eight weeks. He shed 46 pounds of weight. His doctor soon declared that he no longer needed either blood pressure medicine or insulin. Feeling healthy once again, he sent out another round of résumés. Still no response.
At a Prime Time retreat early in 2014, he asked the general superintendent, “How can I get a church to pastor?”
The superintendent responded, “Unfortunately, being trained and ordained does not guarantee that you will receive a call to a church.”
A month later, he suffered a stroke and the doctor found a blood clot on his brain, apparently the result of the head injury. Another eight weeks of rehab.
After Jones got back on his feet, he stopped by the middle school to watch the girls’ softball team practicing. He introduced himself to Coach Herb Bergman. After some conversation, the coach said, “How would you like to come and pray with my team before their game?”
At that moment, Jones found his ministry. Or . . . his ministry found him.
Jones began meeting with the team, not only for prayer but also for times of devotions.
Encouraged by the team’s response, Jones offered his services to other school teams. Cautious about any potential controversy in having a Christian minister involved in a publicly tax-funded school, they initially declined. Then in November, both a boys’ and a girls’ basketball team invited Jones to begin meeting with them. Now he was ministering to some 50 athletes.
In October 2015, he attended an awards banquet for a girls’ basketball team and the coach asked, “Can you come and lead my team in devotions?” During a game, a woman came up to him with a request: “Would you meet for prayer with my cheerleading squad?”
In May 2016, a new football coach invited Jones to pray with his team in the upcoming season. In August, Jones attended a fundraiser and was asked to begin meeting with the volleyball team.
As his sports ministry grows, Jones says, “Can you believe this? I am in ministry but I don’t have to worry about church budgets, meeting with church boards, maintaining a building, or any of that. I can focus on being a friend to these young people and investing in their lives before they graduate from high school.”
Jones bought his first cell phone to make himself always available to any troubled student who needed someone to talk with. By then he was ministering to a volleyball team, football team, boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, a cheerleading squad and the softball team.
His pastor at Ossian Church of the Nazarene, Bob Miller, said, “Nothing gets in the way of Steve’s ministering to these kids. He is passionate about this young generation and reaching them while he has the opportunity. Many of these kids don’t attend church. Steve is an avid student of the Word, and he brings it to these young athletes. He wants to make his mark on them now.”
Coach Herb Bergman said, “I expected him to just pray with my softball team, but he goes beyond that with devotions and friendship. He really cares about all these students. For certain reasons, I can’t call him a chaplain, but that is the role he fills.”
"He is a great model for ministry outside the box. He is genuine in his love for the kids and we are all very proud of him," said Dr. David Roland, Northeast Indiana District superintendent.
In January of this year, the engine in his car blew, forcing him to buy a new one. Then in October, his company downsized and eliminated his job. Now he is looking for new employment that will not interfere with his sports ministry. The Nazarene pastor in Pleasantville passed away and Jones is making the 50 mile round trip each Sunday to serve as interim pastor.
Steven Jones prepared himself to answer the call to ministry. When the opportunities came, they were not what he expected, but they are what God ordained. He finds joy and fulfillment doing what God set before him.
The Discipleship Place
Free webinar, Friday 9 December 2016,
2:00am - 3:00am CST
Click here for link to Show in You Time Zone
In this webinar, Brad Huddleston will replace your confusion, hesitancy, and fear as it relates to the digital world with the facts that can make you and your family safer and more secure.
Whether it's gaming, pornography, cyberbullying, or the decline in grades, you'll get a look inside your wonderful, God-designed brain so that you will understand how it interacts with the exploding world of digital communication and how you can keep your family safe.
Your smartphone, tablet, and computer can be powerful tools to help you . . . or not. The choice is yours. Brad's work gives you the power to make that choice.
If you are a pastor, you can receive Lifelong Learning credit for this webinar. If you watch with laity in your church you can receive 50% more Lifelong Learning credit.

Church's Unique Ministry, Recovery for
Typhoon Victims,
Seminary's Welcome Surprise for New
President and Wife
Great Missions Moment / Service Opener
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Halil's* father was kidnapped in Syria. His mother fled to Lebanon to protect Halil and his brother. There, a Nazarene church reached out to his family and gave the boys a way to attend school. "I love my father, and I am missing him every day," Halil says. Still, he is working hard and says that the Nazarene school gives him hope.
Halil has also found hope in his newfound faith. "I know Jesus, and I took Him as a personal savior," he says.
Halil is one of the ones who have been reached...yet there are still many children who face an uncertain future.
What if more children like Halil could experience hope in the midst of loss?
This year, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) invites you to make a difference in the lives of these children, through their Christmas Project.
* Name has been changed.
Resources

Excitement is growing as Nazarenes from around the world anticipate gathering for worship, fellowship, and business next summer in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, at the 2017 General Assembly and Conventions. Housing and event registration is now open.
The General Assembly is the "supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene" (Manual, 300). The General Assembly and auxiliary conventions (Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International) convene every four years, bringing together Nazarenes from around the globe.
Australia

Manila, Philippines
Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season! Please invite your friends, family, and church to the APNTS Choral Christmas Cantata on November 25th. Printed flyers will be available at the reception desk on Friday. Take what you need to distribute them this weekend.
Asia-Pacific Region
Has God gifted you with a passion for teaching English? Has God also been touching your heart, perhaps calling you to experience taking your passion for English into a cross-cultural setting?A school on the Asia-Pacific Region is now accepting applications for part-time and full-time English teachers for 2017 and 2018. Applicants must be native English speakers, have teaching experience, a university degree, and a love for teaching children!
Manila, Philippines
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is inviting leaders to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministry Symposium that will be held on November 30, 2016.
The focus of the symposium will be Contextual Ministry Among Traditional Peoples. APNTS has invited Dr. Darrell Whiteman as the event's guest speaker, where he will share his extensive experience in cross-cultural missions.
It will be an exciting day of worship, presentation and meaningful discussion!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best and connect with others who share the same interest!
Nazarene Youth International

The countdown to the Global NYI Convention continues.... We are 10 months away! Each district NYI convention should be electing youth, lay, and ministerial delegates and alternates at this time. The deadline to elect NYI delegates is 31 March 2017.
Each month leading up to the Global NYI Convention, we are highlighting various aspects of the convention to help delegates prepare. The focus of this highlight is on resolutions.
Learn more about the 10 important things about resolutions, and access more information on the NYI website and Facebook page!
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.
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.
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.
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to:
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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The Asia-Pacific Region of The Global Church of the Nazarene in Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines with the Around The Region News... New is the theme this week! From WMC News Video, to PNG District, Wheelchairs in Tonga, and SEA Team Members, plus other great stories from Around The Region! for Saturday, November 12, 2016 - Volume 4 / Issue Number 41

Engage Magazine:

Sunday, 13 November 2016
As we move from the focus of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, onto the Thank Offering, let us keep our focus on prayer.
The Thank Offering goes to support the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) which is the framework that the Church of the Nazarene uses to send missionaries, assist with Bible Schools and Seminaries that train leaders to go to many of the places where the Church is persecuted.
The WEF was set up many years ago as a way to consolidate the various requests of funds for mission projects. This framework has proven successful over the years, but it needs your support to maintain.

Questions? Comments? Click here. I love to hear feedback!
"Developing Leaders" by Stan Toler
5 Ways To Get Along With Just About Everybody
It seems too simple, but the best way to get ahead is to get along. Rebels, with or without a cause, are still rebels-and they usually spend more time outside the corporate boardroom than inside.
Charlie Brown's famous punch line, "I love mankind, it's people I can't stand!" hits too close for comfort for many leaders. One of the most challenging things about leading a team is getting along with the team.
I determined long ago that I would rather get along. And here are some of the "by-laws" of my commitment to do just that.
1. Choose your battles based on the overall good. I've known some capable people who have played "King of the Mountain" in their office, only to find themselves at the top looking down on empty desks and chairs. They won the battle but lost the troops. Choose battles based on mission and values, rather than personal gain.
2. Yield your opinion to the wisdom and experience of others. Experience doesn't always come with the reserved parking space. Sometimes your team members will have the advantage of being around longer, and knowing more about its work, than you. Make room for their opinion and you'll be making "room for improvement" in your leadership skills.
3. Consciously accept the best practices of others. A leader is always a learner, even in their own organization. You not only look AROUND for examples of best practices, you look INSIDE. Reward innovation. Praise perfection. Encourage trial and error. You didn't reach the top of the ladder by skipping the rungs. A team approach to problem solving makes a stronger team. Sometimes when the "light goes on" it's in the hands of another.
4. Learn to keep still when your first impulse is to speak out. The most expensive running shoe looks silly with its tongue hanging out! In the heat of the race the tongue of the shoe is laced up. I think the same principle works in an organizational setting. In the heat of the moment, the first impulse is often to let the tongue hang out. Keep it laced up. Listen. Learn. Think. The first response is to speak. The best response is to be still-and then speak knowledgeably.
5. Put the needs of the mission and team ahead of your wants. When you put the mission first, the team second, and yourself last-you'll LAST. The coach makes the game plan based on the objective, and then communicates the game plan to the players based on their training and understanding of the plan. The next step is to put the players on the field and the coach on the sideline-cheering, correcting, and affirming. The players may not execute plays the way the coach would, but the objective is the win-not making the coach a MVP.
Getting along is often a lonely task, but the end result is an efficient team that counts you as a friend as well as a boss.[Stan Toler]
Please continue to pray for Stan's battle with cancer - for more information click here.
Share The Story!
Papua New Guinea is a country of wild beauty and warm people, a place steeped in tradition and superstition.
Tribalism and family lines invariably inform life decisions. In the midst of all of this, the Western Highland's District Assembly again proved that the business of God's kingdom is more important than any lines we draw or personal kingdoms we may develop.
As people gathered both inside and outside the double tents erected on the open ground in the shadow of Kudjip Hospital, the mood was celebratory as the District Assembly opened Friday night with a passionate call to emotional and spiritual healing. Prayers and tears flowed freely.
This was the scene of the 3-day District Assembly at the Western Highlands District this past weekend. At this historic Assembly, they voted to not only create a new district, the Jiwaka North District, but to change the name of the first district in Papua New Guinea from Western Highlands to Jiwaka South District to better represent who they are with the newly created national province.
Linda Louw does a wonderful job of using words to paint a picture of not only the setting but the mood and the spirit of this historic assembly.
God’s Kingdom Is More Important Than Any Lines We Draw
Western Highlands Papua New Guinea: Papua New Guinea is a country of wild beauty and warm people, a place steeped in tradition and superstition.
Tribalism and family lines invariably inform life decisions. In the midst of all of this, the Western Highland’s District Assembly again proved that the business of God’s kingdom is more important than any lines we draw or personal kingdoms we may develop.
The spirit of the crowd which gathered for the three days both inside and outside the 
double tents erected on the open ground in the shadow of Kudjip Hospital was celebratory. The District Assembly opened Friday night with a passionate call to emotional and spiritual healing. Prayers and tears flowed freely. On Saturday the Assembly voted to change their historic name as the first district in Papua New Guinea from Western Highlands to Jiwaka South District to better represent who they are in respect to the newly established national province. Moments later, enthusiastic applause and praises broke out when delegates voted unanimously to create the new Jiwaka North District by ceding four of their circuits (zones) to this new district. This was not the idea of the moment but the culmination of years of planning and dreaming to birth a new district, as they have successfully accomplished several times before.
Later that evening thirty men and women were ordained. Sunday morning over 6,000 men, women and children gathered together under the tents and sitting in the backs of trucks and under trees and umbrellas in the hot tropical sun to celebrate the birth of the new district. Dr. David Graves, General Superintendent in Jurisdiction, preached a powerful sermon of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, giving us power, purity and a witness to proclaim the name of Jesus.
Newly Appointed DAB – Jiwaka North District
Afterwards, representatives of both districts, clergy and lay leaders, humbly spoke of the process that brought them to the formation of the new daughter district and the future of both. Representatives of the mother district, Jiwaka South, spoke in terms of having protected and nurtured this new district but the time had come to trust them to lead their people in making and growing Christlike disciples. Following the speeches, four lit candles were presented by District Superintendent Andrew Akus to the pioneer leaders of the new district who in turn passed them to the four circuit pastors of the newly formed district. In addition a Bible was given symbolizing the centrality and purity of God’s Holy Word reminding them to guard against heresy being preached in the local churches.
Looking around I saw looks of pride, joy and hope on faces belonging to both the mother and daughter districts. Tears streamed down smiling faces. People from both districts came forward to hug each other, laughing and crying at the same time. I was moved to tears as I saw the Kingdom of Heaven played out in this little corner of the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea.[Story submitted by Linda Louw, wife of the Asia-Pacific Regional Director]
Joel and Marvel Vander-Kooi and Family
The Southeast Asia Field is excited to be welcoming a new family! While new to the Nazarene team, Joel and Marvel Vander-Kooi are definitely not new to their field of mission in Thailand.
The Vander-Koois have been ministering in Thailand since June of 2008, where they have been developing Christian schools and producing Bible-centered materials in the Thai language.
Please join us in welcoming and praying for Joel, Marvel, and their three children: Daisy age 12, whom they are in the process of adopting, Kirsten age 11 and Hezekiah who is 9.
Member Care
Good question. While stress is a factor in missionary longevity and resilience, I often wonder if we haven't over emphasized an inevitable fact of life?
According to stress research, scores over 200 are more likely susceptible to long-term health problems. Anything over 300 is considered dangerous and the person is at high risk. "The amazing fact is that most missionaries DO adapt and work effectively in spite of killing levels of stress."
What's the Problem?
The problem, as I see it, is not stress, culture shock, or even eventual burnout. When the cross-cultural worker becomes overly focused on ministry and enculturation demands, they tend to neglect their intra and inter-personal spiritual formation. The result of such neglect is a lack of purpose, vitality, endurance, effectiveness, and in some cases, the worker leaves the field altogether. In order to thrive and succeed, on-the-field workers need to take responsibility in facilitating mutual growth amongst themselves-both personal and spiritual.
Why talk about missionary stress? (Especially when others are talking about it)
Good question. While stress is a factor in missionary longevity and resilience, I often wonder if we haven’t over emphasized an inevitable fact of life? Granted, on a common scale used for measuring stress “… cross-cultural workers experience about 600 points of stress per year. The level may peak as high as 1500 points in some circumstances, and drop merely to ‘normal’ for people who are in long-term, stable situations.”‡ And why is that significant, you might ask? Note the chart below:
According to stress research, scores over 200 are more likely susceptible to long-term health problems. Anything over 300 is considered dangerous and the person is at high risk. “The amazing fact is that most missionaries DO adapt and work effectively in spite of killing levels of stress.”
Struggle is a part of life. For the missionary, factors including cultural adjustment, financial pressure, loneliness, spiritual dryness, separation from family, unusual illnesses, and apparent limited job success contribute to a higher sense of stress than the average person. Missionary stressors also come in the guise of language learning, loss of the familiar, climate changes, and family problems. Another researcher adds culture shock, discouragement, burnout, and depression. Actually the list goes on: natural disasters, life endangerment, news of injury/death, and serious accidents, broken relationships on and off the field, constant demand on one’s time, inadequate medical care, overwhelming work load, pressure to be a good Christian both on and off the field, confusion over one’s role, a lack of privacy, and infrequent breaks from the 24/7 job.
The data of greater concern for many researchers is the cross-cultural worker’s susceptibility to secondary posttraumatic stress as well as those who already show symptoms of PTSD.[1] For others, myself included, while the numbers are alarming, effective service is a far more important concern. Back in 1983, Myron Loss estimated that only one in four cross-cultural workers function at a level one would call normal. He indicates that the factors that cause one in four to leave the field prematurely also cause as additional two out of four to limp at a reduced efficiency.[2] Though significantly old by research standards, I think Loss’s research appropriately raises the question whether research hasn’t focused on the wrong group. Only recently (relatively speaking) has any research thought been given to those who remain in their field of service, whether flourishing or floundering.[3]
What’s the Problem?
The problem, as I see it, is not stress, culture shock, or even eventual burnout. When the cross-cultural worker becomes overly focused on ministry and enculturation demands, they tend to neglect their intra and inter-personal spiritual formation. The result of such neglect is a lack of purpose, vitality, endurance, effectiveness, and in some cases, the worker leaves the field altogether. In order to thrive and succeed, on-the-field workers need to take responsibility in facilitating mutual growth amongst themselves—both personal and spiritual.
What can be done about it?
The problem facing every cross-cultural agency has been variously defined. Mine is one of many. Member care, as a growing discipline, has been attempting to address the dilemma in its multi-faceted expanse. As a discipline, member care is the on-going investment of resources by agencies, churches, and service agencies for the nurture and development of cross-cultural workers. And because the goal is overall nurture and development of the workers, key players in the member care field agree that it is the responsibility of everyone in cross-cultural work to participate in cultivating godly character, inner strength, and developing the necessary skills for the worker to remain effective in their work.[4] In other words, care is everyone’s responsibility (more on this in a later post).
Kelly & Michele O’Donnell suggest four basic approaches to member care that agencies can provide:
1. Prevention. Prevention seeks to decrease the incidence of potential stressors. The goal is to eliminate problems before they arise. For example, making sure of a good fit between the person and his or her field assignment is likely to decrease work frustrations.
2. Development. Development helps missionaries to acquire and improve certain essential skills so they can better cope with the demands of missionary life. For instance, training in conflict resolution will help team members to work through the inevitable tensions that arise from working together. Or, pre-field training in language-learning techniques will help them more readily to master the new language and thus reduce their stress.
3. Support. Support means direct involvement with people undergoing stress. One example is the group discussion we had with our Amsterdam team. They talked about their struggles and some of their strategies for managing stress. This mutual care giving helped them to affirm each other and to know that they were not alone.
4. Restoration. Restoration reduces the effects of stress and consequent problems. This would mean, for example, sending a crisis intervention team to places where missionaries need immediate care. The team may not be able to undo damage already done, but it could limit the effects of any remaining problems.[5]
‡Note per the Dodd’s citation: The original study revealed that 200 points of stressful life events caused 50% of people to become seriously ill (cancer, heart attack, etc.) within the subsequent two years of the stressful situation. With 300 points, 90% became ill.
[1] Robert W. Bagley, “Trauma and Traumatic Stress among Missionaries,” Journal of Psychology and Theology 31, no. 2 (2003).
[2] Myron Loss, Culture Shock: Dealing with Stress in Cross-Cultural Living (Middleburg, PA: M. Loss, 1983)
[3] William D. Taylor, “Revisiting a Provocative Theme: The Attrition of Longer-Term Missionaries,” Missiology 30, no. 1 (2002): 79.
[4] See Kelly O’Donnell, “Member Care on the Field: Taking the Longer Road,” in Too Valuable to Lose: Exploring the Causes and Cures of Missionary Attrition, ed. William David Taylor (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1997), 287
[5] O’Donnell, Kelly and Michele O’Donnell. “Stress Can Be Managed.” Evangelical Missions Quarterly 27, no. 1 (1991): 40-45.
Kingdom of Tonga from Engage Magazine
Who knew that a simple wheelchair would not only bring physical relief to the disabled, but a sense of emotional and spiritual rejuvenation as well?
Blessings were upon the disabled and their families in the Kingdom of Tonga! Thanks to the efforts of numerous groups spearheaded by Fred Faith, 115 wheelchairs were sent to the island.
Faith was deeply touched by the ministry of the Kims when he went to Tonga to help build a house for the mission. He returned home to Alabama and shared the need to the current NMI President and others who got on board and helped make this possible.
Engage Magazine Features a Story of Provision & Generosity in Tonga!
Kingdom of Tonga: Who knew that a simple wheelchair would not only bring physical relief to the disabled, but a sense of emotional and spiritual rejuvenation as well?
Blessings were upon the disabled and their families in the Kingdom of Tonga! Thanks to the efforts of numerous groups spearheaded by Fred Faith, 115 wheelchairs were sent to the island.
Fred Faith is a former Nazarene Missions International (NMI) President for the Alabama North District. During his prior trip to Tonga to help layman Donald Hunter in building a missionary house, he met In-Kwon Kim and his wife Jeong-Seok, directors of The Mango Tree Centre.
The Mango Tree Centre was founded in 2005. The facility provides rehabilitative therapy, vocational and social training, and spiritual formation to help the disabled and their families in Tonga.
In-Kwon told Faith about what they do on the island, and the ministry touched Faith deeply. In-Kwon also mentioned to him the need for more wheelchairs on the island. According to him, the Kims’ dedication in serving the people challenged him to do more.
When Faith returned home, he shared the need for more wheelchairs with Casey Faulkner, current district NMI president.
Faith also continued his communications with In-kwon. They were able to secure a partnership with Joni and Friends, the Christian ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic who is an international advocate for people with disabilities. The organization happily donated refurbished wheelchairs through an educational program at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen, Washington.
Now that there are available wheelchairs, next on the list is raising funds to ship them. And how God provided! Alabama North District Assembly received offerings. A corporate friend of Faith’s matched the offering received. Alabama children also contributed by holding fundraisers and selling candy. God’s Spirit was upon the shipping company as well- when they found out what the shipping was for and who it would help, they sent a $250 check to Faith for added funds! Not only were there enough resources to ship the wheelchairs, there were also adequate funds for Hunter to stay in Tonga to complete the construction of the missionary home!
The wheelchairs were donated to various recipients.
God has indeed put the puzzle pieces together to make this project possible. And blessings keep pouring in for the community! SangAmDong Church in Korea sent a team to conduct a wheelchair workshop building. Specialists from the Australia New Zealand field came to help people to fit in their chairs. An anonymous Nazarene from the Asia-Pacific Region donated funds to buy a wheelchair van. We are hoping for more to come!
We are truly praising God for his provision to the disabled in Tonga. We continue to pray that more people will be touched to extend their helping hand to make a difference in the lives of those in need in the island.[Story and Photos from Engage Magazine]
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Rolling toward hope: Wheelchair ministry in Tonga changes livesBy Carol Anne Eby
One-hundred and 15 wheelchairs recently rolled off a ship at the Island of Tonga, changing lives for disabled people across the island, thanks to a partnership between numerous groups initiated by a Nazarene mission leader in Alabama, U.S.
Fred Faith, former president of Nazarene Missions International (NMI) for the Alabama North District, visited Tonga to help layman Donald Hunter in building a missionary house there. During the trip he met with Nazarene missionaries In-kwon Kim and his wife Jeong-Seok Kim, directors of The Mango Tree Centre, which provides rehabilitative therapy, vocational and social training, and spiritual formation to help not only the disabled but their families in Tonga.
In many South Pacific Island cultures, disabilities are traditionally viewed as punishment from God. Additionally because of rampant diabetes, many have lost their legs. Founded in 2005 after more than 11 years of service to the disabled of Tonga by retired Nazarene missionaries Duncan “Doc” and Charmayne Old, today The Mango Tree Centre brings together physical therapists, doctors and other workers to serve the precious people who have been pushed to the fringes of society and burdened with undeserved shame. The Kims became directors in 2007.
“The ministry touched me [deeply] and the Kims’ dedication to serve these people challenged me to do more,” Faith said.
Rev. Kim told Faith about the need for more wheelchairs for disabled people on the island, and Fred returned home to share the need with current district NMI president Casey Faulkner and her leadership team. They began praying.
Faith and Rev. Kim started communicating with Joni and Friends, the Christian ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic who is an international advocate for people with disabilities. Once the organization received the application and saw the need, they were happy to partner with the Church of the Nazarene Mango Tree Center. The chairs were used but refurbished like new through an educational program at the Stafford Correction Center in Aberdeen, Washington.
“The inmates were very helpful and thankful to be a part of helping others,” said Faith.
The chairs were each packaged with a Bible. So raising the funds required to ship them became a top priority. The district wanted to raise funds to keep Hunter in Tonga to complete the construction of the missionary home, as well as raise funds to ship the chairs. God provided in various ways. While Hunter was building in Tonga, volunteers were also remodeling a home for a disabled child locally. The Alabama North District Assembly received offerings, and a corporate friend of Fred’s matched the offering received. There was enough to complete both projects and some to add to the shipping fund.
Alabama children also contributed by selling candy and holding other fundraisers to ship the chairs. The port for shipping the chairs was only 20 miles from the Stafford Correctional facility. Additionally, when the shipping company learned what the shipment was for and who it would help, they sent Faith a check for $250 to help.
When the shipment of 115 chairs arrived in Tonga, the Kims donated 50 of them for adult patients at the Vaiola Hospital, relieving a shortage there. They will continue distributing the wheelchairs to those in need throughout the year, with a portion given to people during the Special Wheelchair week in 2017.
“I believe that whenever wheelchairs are given to the disabled, the love of Jesus is shown and the Good News is spread,” Rev. Kim said.
Maneo and Misa are living testimonies of this. Maneo lost both his legs a tragic factory accident. He did not lose hope though, and from his wheelchair he began taking computer classes at the Centre. He is now employed at one of the leading network providers in Tonga and is a man of faith.
Misa, a pastor, came to the Centre only a few days ago and requested a chair for an elderly man she was caring for who was homeless and couldn’t walk. She submitted a photo, and by measuring the man’s body size through the photo, they were able to send him a chair. Misa cried tears of joy. Pastor Kim said this was made possible thanks to the donations from Wheels for the World, the fundraising from children in Alabama and the Church of the Nazarene in America. All of this was possible because Jesus tells us to love one another.
So many pieces came together for God’s plan of hope to go rolling on. SangAmDong Church in Korea sent a team to build a wheelchair workshop building. An anonymous Nazarene from the region donated funds to purchase a wheelchair van.
Specialists have come from New Zealand and Australia to help fit people to their chairs. The Korean government provided support to construct a building for teaching Braille classes. The Japanese government also made it possible to construct a therapy building.
Ongoing needs include additional physical therapists to join the staff, and sufficient, ongoing financial support. And, of course, prayer that God will enable Mango Tree Centre to continue to serve those who are living in darkness and bring them to the light of hope.
Resources

Stewardship Ministries will host a free School of Stewardship webinar, "Generosity Fever: It's Contagious," November 15 at 2PM.
Committed givers have the power to pass along generosity throughout their church family, creating a church culture that is immune to consumerism and nurtures generosity and tithing. Mark Lail will teach attendees to steward God's most beloved resource: His people.
Time will be reserved at the end for attendee questions. All eligible persons will receive one lifelong learning hour.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Halil's* father was kidnapped in Syria. His mother fled to Lebanon to protect Halil and his brother. There, a Nazarene church reached out to his family and gave the boys a way to attend school. "I love my father, and I am missing him every day," Halil says. Still, he is working hard and says that the Nazarene school gives him hope.
Halil has also found hope in his newfound faith. "I know Jesus, and I took Him as a personal savior," he says.
Halil is one of the ones who have been reached...yet there are still many children who face an uncertain future.
What if more children like Halil could experience hope in the midst of loss?
This year, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) invites you to make a difference in the lives of these children, through their Christmas Project.
* Name has been changed.
Resources

Excitement is growing as Nazarenes from around the world anticipate gathering for worship, fellowship, and business next summer in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, at the 2017 General Assembly and Conventions. Housing and event registration is now open.
The General Assembly is the "supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene" (Manual, 300). The General Assembly and auxiliary conventions (Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International) convene every four years, bringing together Nazarenes from around the globe.
Australia

Manila, Philippines

Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season! Please invite your friends, family, and church to the APNTS Choral Christmas Cantata on November 25th. Printed flyers will be available at the reception desk on Friday. Take what you need to distribute them this weekend.
Asia-Pacific Region
Has God gifted you with a passion for teaching English? Has God also been touching your heart, perhaps calling you to experience taking your passion for English into a cross-cultural setting?
A school on the Asia-Pacific Region is now accepting applications for part-time and full-time English teachers for 2017 and 2018. Applicants must be native English speakers, have teaching experience, a university degree, and a love for teaching children!
Manila, Philippines 
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary is inviting leaders to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministry Symposium that will be held on November 30, 2016.
The focus of the symposium will be Contextual Ministry Among Traditional Peoples. APNTS has invited Dr. Darrell Whiteman as the event's guest speaker, where he will share his extensive experience in cross-cultural missions.
It will be an exciting day of worship, presentation and meaningful discussion!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best and connect with others who share the same interest!
Nazarene Youth International

The countdown to the Global NYI Convention continues.... We are 10 months away! Each district NYI convention should be electing youth, lay, and ministerial delegates and alternates at this time. The deadline to elect NYI delegates is 31 March 2017.
Each month leading up to the Global NYI Convention, we are highlighting various aspects of the convention to help delegates prepare. The focus of this highlight is on resolutions.
Learn more about the 10 important things about resolutions, and access more information on the NYI website and Facebook page!
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.
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.
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.
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: 
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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