Mumbai, India
India church offers hope in a red-light area
In Mumbai, the largest city in India, red-light districts boom. Thousands upon thousands of women and children are exploited through prostitution. Many impoverished children and women from rural communities in other areas of India or nearby countries — those most vulnerable to offers of a “better” life that turn out to be lies — are trafficked here. Other women fall into this life out of the desperate need for sheer survival.
It’s here, in a red-light area of Mumbai, that a local Church of the Nazarene has opened a drop-in center. They call it Jivan Asha, or “Hope of Life.” And that is exactly what the church wants to give — true hope.
In the midst of this darkness, church leaders and members came together to create a safe place for women and children affected by the sex trade. The goal of Jivan Asha is to help women and children who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse experience God’s love and hope-filled lives.
The church was inspired by God’s words in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This past December, the Sharon Bethel Church of the Nazarene celebrated the opening of the Jivan Asha drop-in center.
Their initial goal is to minister to 300 families out of the 3,000 living in the neighborhood where the church is located. The main focus of the drop-in center will be to provide resources for both prevention and rehabilitation.
To give women the chance to leave brothels for good, the drop-in center is providing opportunities, including self-help groups, vocational and skills development training, micro-enterprise, and savings accounts. They can also come for counseling, medical referrals, training in child care, hygiene education, and spiritual care.
The drop-in center offers children an alternative to hanging out in the streets or the brothel areas. Children can come to a safe space to find stability, emotional support, education, nutrition, recreation, and spiritual nurturing.
Although they are still in the beginning phase, the church already has dreams to meet other needs through ministries such as a health clinic and a full rehabilitation center for women and children.
“Every woman in the red light area is God’s child, whether she is forced, trapped, or sold,” said Sanjay Gawali, who serves as district superintendent in Western Maharashtra, India. “God never planned for them to be in prostitution, but He does have plans for these women to have a wonderful life without harm and destruction, and [the church] could be a channel of help for these women to find prosperity in life.”
To learn more about or to support the ministry of Jivan Asha, click here. For more information about other church-led anti-trafficking efforts around the world, visit ncm.org/trafficking.[Nazarene Compassionate Ministries]Read more
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Belarus, Eurasia
Nazarene presence set for Belarus
When a group of Nazarene leaders visited Belarus in late 2015 to learn from local Christian leaders of other denominations regarding what it has taken to grow their churches in that former Soviet country, they heard a cautiously optimistic tale.
While established churches report expending enormous effort to plant even one church in a year, they sense God is doing something there, despite that 41 percent of the population report having no religious belief (U.S. State Department).
"One said, 'We’ve been praying and we sense that something new is happening in Belarus, and your coming is like evidence that God is starting something fresh here and we welcome you. We’ll work with you,'” recalls Scott Rainey, field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States Field, of which Belarus will be a part.
Davide and Tatiana “Tanya” Cantarella, who have been ministering in Moscow for the past decade (Davide for nine years as district superintendent and currently as district education coordinator; Tatiana was Moscow First Church of the Nazarene pastor for some time), will move to Belarus in early 2017 to establish the Church of the Nazarene’s presence there.
Davide said the idea began to form in his heart and mind a number of years ago.
“It was never a fully developed thought, it was just one of those things it would be a cool thing to do one day,” he said.
Then, he and Tanya began to sense they might move somewhere soon. They had become parents of Ilyana in early 2014, and Tanya had taken a one-year sabbatical, so they were already experiencing transition. They thought whatever came next would keep them in Moscow or somewhere in Russia, Tanya’s home country (Davide is from Sicily).
They began praying for direction. Several opportunities presented themselves to the family, but none seemed right. In May 2015, Rainey asked them to consider moving to Belarus. They and a few trusted friends prayed about the proposal for two months.
“Then we had a pretty good feeling this was something the Lord wanted us to do.”
Later that year, the Cantarellas went with Rainey to Belarus, accompanied by Hermann Gschwandtner, a retired regional missionary who helped open the work of the denomination in the former Soviet Union 30 years ago. They met with two established Christian groups to listen and learn.
“We had to come in with the attitude of learners," Davide said. "Share your knowledge and wisdom and recommendations.”
The two local leaders invited them warmly and expressed openness to cooperation.
The family made a second visit, visiting Christians in six main cities across the country. Again, they were received warmly, yet the leaders were honest about the challenges.
When the group got to Minsk, the capital, they met with a non-Christian woman who is an authority on sign language in the country. They were connected with her because Tanya has studied sign language and Moscow First Church had a longtime ministry with the deaf.
The woman was particularly impressed with how Tanya had trained Moscow couples in sign language so they could qualify to adopt 14 deaf children in an orphanage. Because of her efforts, 13 of the children were adopted.
“’When are you moving here? We want you here right now,’” Davide said the woman told them. “’Are you looking for an apartment? How about this area here? I want to help you.’ It was the most unbelievable meeting that we had.”
As fluent Russian speakers, the Cantarellas will have the advantage of moving to a country where everyone speaks Russian. Also, Tanya has a Russian passport, and Davide will soon have one. Although Belarus has somewhat restrictive religious freedom laws, the authorities favor churches that engage in social work.
“This is an avenue we will explore,” Davide said.
The move to Belarus is one of four new places where leaders in the CIS Field have chosen to establish a presence in the next 12 months. That bold plan is part of a larger that includes expanding from a presence in six CIS countries to 12 within the next 15 years.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]Read more
Belarus, Eurasia
Nazarene presence set for Belarus
When a group of Nazarene leaders visited Belarus in late 2015 to learn from local Christian leaders of other denominations regarding what it has taken to grow their churches in that former Soviet country, they heard a cautiously optimistic tale.
While established churches report expending enormous effort to plant even one church in a year, they sense God is doing something there, despite that 41 percent of the population report having no religious belief (U.S. State Department).
"One said, 'We’ve been praying and we sense that something new is happening in Belarus, and your coming is like evidence that God is starting something fresh here and we welcome you. We’ll work with you,'” recalls Scott Rainey, field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States Field, of which Belarus will be a part.
Davide and Tatiana “Tanya” Cantarella, who have been ministering in Moscow for the past decade (Davide for nine years as district superintendent and currently as district education coordinator; Tatiana was Moscow First Church of the Nazarene pastor for some time), will move to Belarus in early 2017 to establish the Church of the Nazarene’s presence there.
Davide said the idea began to form in his heart and mind a number of years ago.
“It was never a fully developed thought, it was just one of those things it would be a cool thing to do one day,” he said.
Then, he and Tanya began to sense they might move somewhere soon. They had become parents of Ilyana in early 2014, and Tanya had taken a one-year sabbatical, so they were already experiencing transition. They thought whatever came next would keep them in Moscow or somewhere in Russia, Tanya’s home country (Davide is from Sicily).
They began praying for direction. Several opportunities presented themselves to the family, but none seemed right. In May 2015, Rainey asked them to consider moving to Belarus. They and a few trusted friends prayed about the proposal for two months.
“Then we had a pretty good feeling this was something the Lord wanted us to do.”
Later that year, the Cantarellas went with Rainey to Belarus, accompanied by Hermann Gschwandtner, a retired regional missionary who helped open the work of the denomination in the former Soviet Union 30 years ago. They met with two established Christian groups to listen and learn.
“We had to come in with the attitude of learners," Davide said. "Share your knowledge and wisdom and recommendations.”
The two local leaders invited them warmly and expressed openness to cooperation.
The family made a second visit, visiting Christians in six main cities across the country. Again, they were received warmly, yet the leaders were honest about the challenges.
When the group got to Minsk, the capital, they met with a non-Christian woman who is an authority on sign language in the country. They were connected with her because Tanya has studied sign language and Moscow First Church had a longtime ministry with the deaf.
The woman was particularly impressed with how Tanya had trained Moscow couples in sign language so they could qualify to adopt 14 deaf children in an orphanage. Because of her efforts, 13 of the children were adopted.
“’When are you moving here? We want you here right now,’” Davide said the woman told them. “’Are you looking for an apartment? How about this area here? I want to help you.’ It was the most unbelievable meeting that we had.”
As fluent Russian speakers, the Cantarellas will have the advantage of moving to a country where everyone speaks Russian. Also, Tanya has a Russian passport, and Davide will soon have one. Although Belarus has somewhat restrictive religious freedom laws, the authorities favor churches that engage in social work.
“This is an avenue we will explore,” Davide said.
The move to Belarus is one of four new places where leaders in the CIS Field have chosen to establish a presence in the next 12 months. That bold plan is part of a larger that includes expanding from a presence in six CIS countries to 12 within the next 15 years.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]Read more
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Indianapolis, Indiana
OHMH encourages sign-ups as early registration deadline nears
One Heart – Many Hands is calling all past, present, and future volunteers to join in a Work & Witness project in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 18 to 23, 2017, the week prior to the denomination’s General Assembly and Conventions.
OHMH President George Sisler shared the following update about the project as the deadline for early registration nears:
Indianapolis, Indiana
OHMH encourages sign-ups as early registration deadline nears
One Heart – Many Hands is calling all past, present, and future volunteers to join in a Work & Witness project in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 18 to 23, 2017, the week prior to the denomination’s General Assembly and Conventions.
OHMH President George Sisler shared the following update about the project as the deadline for early registration nears:
Since 1993, One Heart – Many Hands has had the privilege to mobilize the best volunteers. Our volunteers have served with us in Indianapolis, Nashville, San Antonio, Columbus, Philadelphia, Orlando, Kansas City, Mexico, and Cuba. It's amazing what we have been able to accomplish through the power of volunteers!
Over the last two decades, as we planned for a One Heart – Many Hands project, people would look at us like we were a little crazy. When we told them we were going to be involved in over 100 projects within one week, with over 2,000 volunteers, folks really didn't believe us. Other times our volunteers worked in communities serving and helping build bridges of hope as we have done in Cuba for the past three years.
Our project in Indianapolis this summer will be no exception. We’ll work on the typical projects that our volunteers are accustomed to like roof repairs, installing new bathrooms and kitchens, and painting exteriors of homes. They’ll be increasing the quality of life by improving the homes and communities that people live in.
Once again our project this year is going to seem impossible, but with our volunteers we know we will be able to complete a project of this size. In addition to our traditional projects, this year we are partnering with the Fuller Center. This partnership will last for the next five years, and we’ll work to build 20 homes for those living in the 46201 ZIP code. We are kicking off this partnership this summer by building up to 10 new homes during the week of June 18 through the 23.
The project is perfect for volunteers of all ages and skill levels. The early registration discount ends at the end of the month. As long as registration packets are post marked by January 31, 2017, volunteers are able to register for $195/person. After that date, registration is $225/person.
Click here to request a service project information packet. For more information about General Assembly, visit nazarene.org/ga.[One Heart – Many Hands]Read more
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Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand pastors strive for high-quality theological education
With tears in his eye, Pastor Felix, an immigrant from Africa, said, “I never thought I would be able to earn a bachelor’s degree. You are making this dream possible.”
Pastor Felix is among a group of pastors who is seeing their dream of theological education come true, thanks to a new partnership to bring bachelor's and master's degrees in theology to Nazarenes in New Zealand.
Over 30 years ago, Neville Bartle, district superintendent of New Zealand, who was then a missionary in Papua New Guinea, wrote in his master’s thesis about the church in New Zealand’s need for a means of educating pastors.
“Without this education, the church will continue to limp along, becoming increasingly weaker with each passing generation.”
Thirty years later that warning still rings true.
“One of our needs for many years has been affordable and accessible theological education from a Wesleyan-Holiness perspective in New Zealand,” he said.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.Read more
New Zealand pastors strive for high-quality theological education by Carol Anne EbyAuckland, New Zealand
New Zealand pastors strive for high-quality theological education
With tears in his eye, Pastor Felix, an immigrant from Africa, said, “I never thought I would be able to earn a bachelor’s degree. You are making this dream possible.”
Pastor Felix is among a group of pastors who is seeing their dream of theological education come true, thanks to a new partnership to bring bachelor's and master's degrees in theology to Nazarenes in New Zealand.
Over 30 years ago, Neville Bartle, district superintendent of New Zealand, who was then a missionary in Papua New Guinea, wrote in his master’s thesis about the church in New Zealand’s need for a means of educating pastors.
“Without this education, the church will continue to limp along, becoming increasingly weaker with each passing generation.”
Thirty years later that warning still rings true.
“One of our needs for many years has been affordable and accessible theological education from a Wesleyan-Holiness perspective in New Zealand,” he said.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.Read more
With tears in his eye, Pastor Felix, an immigrant from Africa, said, “I never thought I would be able to earn a bachelor’s degree. You are making this dream possible.”
Pastor Felix is among a group of pastors who are seeing their dream of theological education come true, thanks to a new partnership to bring bachelor's and master's degrees in theology to Nazarenes in New Zealand.
Over 30 years ago, Neville Bartle, district superintendent of New Zealand, who was then a missionary in Papua New Guinea, wrote in his master’s thesis about the church in New Zealand’s need for a means of educating pastors.
“Without this education, the church will continue to limp along, becoming increasingly weaker with each passing generation. ”
Thirty years later that warning still rings true.
“One of our needs for many years has been affordable and accessible theological education from a Wesleyan Holiness perspective in New Zealand,” he said.Today, God has answered that need in several ways. First, He lay the burden of helping to train and equip pastors on a pastor’s heart when He sent Jaron and Elizabeth Graham and their son, Quentin, from Jaron’s hometown of Lovington, New Mexico, to serve as missionaries in New Zealand.
In New Mexico, for seven years they served as lead pastor (Jaron) and pastor to kids and families (Elizabeth), starting a non-profit after-school program, a summer care program, and developing a community-wide food coalition for feeding and meeting utility assistance needs.
They have always felt passionate about sharing Jesus through international relationships, so they eagerly accepted the call to serve as missionaries, pastoring the Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Hamilton, New Zealand. Hamilton is a city of 150,000 people on New Zealand’s North Island, a place where only a small percentage of people participate in a church community, teen suicide rates are high and pastoral education from a Wesleyan holiness perspective is limited.
The Grahams have only been in Hamilton for a little over a year, but have quickly learned to love their new country, finding New Zealand a fascinating culture. With its own “flair,” it is a “first world” culture that is quite different from American or European cultures. Almost 40 percent of the population of Auckland, the nation’s largest city, was born in another country. Many have come from India, Asia, Pacific islands, as well as Europe. This trend has certainly been reflected in the Nazarene churches. Of the 29 Nazarene churches, two pastors were born in New Zealand. The rest of the pastors were born in 19 different countries. Most of them are bi-vocational and, although they are skilled immigrants, they have had little access to theological education. The Grahams felt impressed that God was leading them to find a way to provide this education.“In order for the church to thrive, our pastors must be strong leaders to build strong churches,” Jaron said.
For the past nine months, Jaron has been working diligently to partner with Nazarene Theological College (NTC) in Brisbane, Australia, to provide accredited Wesleyan theological education for New Zealand. In the past, many potential students found it too difficult to participate at the college because most of the pastors are migrants, they face an up-hill financial battle trying to get established in New Zealand and do not have the funds to go to Australia to attend the college.
There is a need for contextual education, as the diversity of pastors brings very different learning styles, cultural norms, and educational experiences.
Taking all of this into account – to be accessible, affordable, contextual, have resources and support – a partnership being referred to as Nazarene Theological College-Auckland has been established so that students will be able to receive a bachelor’s or even master’s degree without ever leaving the country. This is done through distance classes that are facilitated locally. Many thanks go to NTC Principal Rob Fringer and the leadership across the Tasman Sea in Australia that is helping to make this partnership possible.
A pilot class took place in September 2016. Together, five course of study students: four bachelor’s students, one master’s student, and some auditing participants engaged in an intensive, nine-day pastoral theology course. Among this group were a fourth generation Nazarene pastor from India and a student who had formerly followed Hinduism. Jaron was the registrar, the librarian, the facilitator and the director for NTC-AKL. Elizabeth provided much academic support in reading the students’ papers, giving training in writing, and developing research skills. The students received the same material and were all together in the classroom but worked at their individual levels. This seemed to raise the bar for all as they sought to engage. And all passed the class.
The plan has also been blessed by Mid-America Nazarene University (Kansas), Nazarene Publishing House (Kansas), and the Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library (online), which together are helping to provide the beginnings of a library for the pastors. The Grahams would be very happy for anyone heading their way to bring a suitcase of books. NTC is also providing additional books for the library in the hopes that NTC-AKL might become a fully recognized teaching site in the future.
There has been a very positive response to this new plan for education.
Pastor Paul Talluri, of Auckland Telugu Church of the Nazarene, sees this opportunity for theological education not only as an improvement to pastors’ ministries, but also a means to develop strong lay leaders who might feel a call to ministry. Talluri says he struggles to find strong leaders in his church because most come from non-Christian backgrounds and are so occupied with full-time jobs, they have little opportunity for training. He believes NTC-AKL is an answer to his prayers, so much that the church board paid half the tuition for two students to enter the degree course. They finished the course and in Talluri’s words, “They are fired up and ready to do the next course.”
“Now we are excited about being able to offer four classes a year of the Bachelor of Ministry degree through Nazarene Theological College in New Zealand,” said Bartle. “This is a great step forward and something that the Nazarene Church in New Zealand has dreamed of for many years. Having Jaron and Elizabeth Graham to take the lead on this and getting it established is a big plus for the New Zealand District. This will make a significant difference in the years to come.”
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Eurasia
Glasgow, Scotland
Scotland church members journey with people displaced by refugee crisis
Most newspapers include stories of the war-ravaged Middle East and the millions of people displaced by violence. Readers will also find articles about refugee camps, border closures, and world leaders negotiating the numbers their nations can take. These issues have made their way into the world's collective awareness, and the stories of refugees weigh many peoples' hearts from afar. For many on the Eurasia Region, the refugee crisis is not just a distant sadness, it’s a present reality, a growing part of daily life in towns and villages.
Dave White lives on the east side of Glasgow in Scotland, and helps lead the Parkhead Church of the Nazarene’s efforts to minister to internationally displaced people in their community.
“East-enders tended to be very sort of ‘white working class, but over the last few years we’ve seen increasing numbers of people from other countries join us,” White said.
He describes an experience not at all uncommon to many, especially those across Europe.
“At one point, Glasgow was the only city in Scotland that took refugees; they were a growing portion of the population, and it was easy to see there were growing needs," White said. "Then, about two years ago, the pieces of an opportunity came together out of existing partnerships. A local doctor got in touch, explaining a need for English language training for adults. Another group was equipped to offer some training and needed a space and the Parkhead Church had space to offer.”
English language classes began, and the church building met a real need. But when the church people came face to face with the people of the “European refugee crisis,” they changed from a headline to human beings.
“We would classify it as re-humanisation,” White said, describing the range of needs the church and their partners began to be able to address.
Some needed shoes or warm clothes. Others needed help getting a doctor’s appointment. But the needs go even beyond the immediately apparent and practical.
“The need was for English, but a lot of these people come from cultures where hospitality is paramount,” White said. "We became more aware of a need for hospitality."
The re-humanization process goes far beyond basic clothing and language training; there was also a need for community. In the summer, when many programs wind down and people go on their holidays, the Parkhead Church decided to begin serving lunch in addition to the English classes. Then they started a monthly football match, which White says is a universal language. Volunteers began to advocate for those in the process of seeking asylum. Members of the class began volunteering, cooking meals for the rest of the group.
A common theme arising in the Parkhead Church’s work with displaced people is that sharing is not one-sided. Volunteering, they have found, is actually a way that some people can find new purpose and self-confidence while they wait in a new land. When Burns Night came around (a Scottish cultural celebration of the poet Robert Burns), the church organised a traditional celebration, but they resisted the temptation to make it about them. They invited everyone to bring their own dishes from their homelands, and together they ate and danced in a celebration much more authentic to the texture of the Scotland they find themselves in today.
The community that they have created is making a difference, and its impact is lasting.
“Even if they’ve been moved to another part of the city, having got their asylum claim, quite a few of them would still keep coming back even though it was a 40-minute journey on a bus because they had a connection here,” White said.
The work of welcoming outsiders has not come without challenges, including instances of cultural xenophobia. And beyond simple prejudices, there exists a complex tension of religions. Many displaced people bring their own religious practices with them, but they are not always able to find adequate facilities. At the same time, Christians who are faithfully working to welcome those in need find themselves struggling to find appropriate ways to share their own faith. But for now, all have been able to share the table, as well as the football pitch, and that’s something.
“If you look at Jesus in the Gospels, He’s constantly helping people stand on their own two feet, and giving them the dignity they’re due, and that is transformative,” White said.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]Read more
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Mesoamerica
Flags of the Nations: Guyana
Guyana's national flag has five symbolic colors. Green represents the agricultural and forested nature of Guyana, white symbolizes the rivers and water potential of the country, a golden arrow represents Guyana's mineral wealth, black portrays the endurance that will sustain the forward thrust of the Guyanese people, and red represents the zeal and dynamic nature of nation-building that lies before the young and independent Guyana.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: Guyana
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Guyana in 1946.
Guyana had a population of 735,909 in 2016. That same year, Guyana reported 50 Churches of the Nazarene, 49 of which had been officially organized. Guyana has 5,063 total members.
Located on the Mesoamerica Region, Guyana has one Phase 3 district and one Phase 2 district. For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.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.Read more
Mesoamerica
Flags of the Nations: Guyana
Guyana's national flag has five symbolic colors. Green represents the agricultural and forested nature of Guyana, white symbolizes the rivers and water potential of the country, a golden arrow represents Guyana's mineral wealth, black portrays the endurance that will sustain the forward thrust of the Guyanese people, and red represents the zeal and dynamic nature of nation-building that lies before the young and independent Guyana.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: Guyana
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Guyana in 1946.
Guyana had a population of 735,909 in 2016. That same year, Guyana reported 50 Churches of the Nazarene, 49 of which had been officially organized. Guyana has 5,063 total members.
Located on the Mesoamerica Region, Guyana has one Phase 3 district and one Phase 2 district. For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.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.Read more
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USA/Canada
El Paso, Texas
Multicultural Ministries hosts church planting training for Hispanic, Latino Nazarenes
USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries recently hosted a Church Planting Essentials training session specifically for Hispanic/Latino Nazarenes in El Paso, Texas.
The training, held in collaboration with USA/Canada Evangelism Ministries and New Church Development, was offered in English to equip Hispanic/Latino leaders for planting English congregations in order to reach 1.5 and second-generation immigrants and other English-speaking people in their communities. According to a 2014 Pew Research Center study, 60 percent of the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. is under 30 and growing particularly fast among the 1.5 and second+ generation.
Hispanic/Latino trainers of the 1.5 and second generation who understand the social and cultural background of these people groups led the event. Additional trainings will be offered for Hispanic/Latino men and women, particularly in areas where this demographic is growing rapidly, in order “to make Christlike disciples in the nations.”[USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries]Read more
USA/Canada
El Paso, Texas
Multicultural Ministries hosts church planting training for Hispanic, Latino Nazarenes
USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries recently hosted a Church Planting Essentials training session specifically for Hispanic/Latino Nazarenes in El Paso, Texas.
The training, held in collaboration with USA/Canada Evangelism Ministries and New Church Development, was offered in English to equip Hispanic/Latino leaders for planting English congregations in order to reach 1.5 and second-generation immigrants and other English-speaking people in their communities. According to a 2014 Pew Research Center study, 60 percent of the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. is under 30 and growing particularly fast among the 1.5 and second+ generation.
Hispanic/Latino trainers of the 1.5 and second generation who understand the social and cultural background of these people groups led the event. Additional trainings will be offered for Hispanic/Latino men and women, particularly in areas where this demographic is growing rapidly, in order “to make Christlike disciples in the nations.”[USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries]Read more
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Lenexa, Kansas
2017 tax guides now available for USA ministers, treasurers
The 2017 editions of tax preparation booklets for USA ministers and church treasurers are now available. They are Ministers’ Taxes Made Easy and Church Reporting Made Easy.
These resources are rich with information prepared by church tax specialists Dan Busby, J. Michael Martin, and John Van Drunen of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
The guides, which include the latest updates for the 2016 tax year, are designed to simplify the unique tax situations faced by ministers and churches. In particular, the guide for ministers includes examples of completed returns. The guide for church treasurers features forms that must be filed by congregations.
“For many years, ministers and treasurers have relied on these useful tax guides,” said Don Walter, director of Pensions and Benefits USA. “We are grateful to Dan Busby and the ECFA for continuing to make them available.”
Click here to download the booklets. [Pensions and Benefits USA]Read more
Lenexa, Kansas
2017 tax guides now available for USA ministers, treasurers
The 2017 editions of tax preparation booklets for USA ministers and church treasurers are now available. They are Ministers’ Taxes Made Easy and Church Reporting Made Easy.
These resources are rich with information prepared by church tax specialists Dan Busby, J. Michael Martin, and John Van Drunen of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
The guides, which include the latest updates for the 2016 tax year, are designed to simplify the unique tax situations faced by ministers and churches. In particular, the guide for ministers includes examples of completed returns. The guide for church treasurers features forms that must be filed by congregations.
“For many years, ministers and treasurers have relied on these useful tax guides,” said Don Walter, director of Pensions and Benefits USA. “We are grateful to Dan Busby and the ECFA for continuing to make them available.”
Click here to download the booklets. [Pensions and Benefits USA]Read more
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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 January 23-27, 2017.
Mae Bahan, 86, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, passed away January 13. She was the wife of retired minister and district superintendent William Bahan, who served in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta and led the Canada Atlantic District.
Naomi (Campbell) Bess, 89, of Cabin Creek, West Virginia, passed away January 8. She was the widow of retired minister James Bess, who served in West Virginia. James Bess passed away in 1996.
Willis Cook, 85, of Roseburg, Oregon, passed away January 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Montana and Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iris Cook, in November.
Jerry Emra of Oregon City, Oregon, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon. He is survived his wife, Pamela Emra.
Kenneth Hester, 76, of Rentz, Georgia, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Linda Hester.
Robert Lambert, 82, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away January 12. He was a retired minister, serving in California and Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lambert.
Joyce Lambert, 84, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away January 19. She was the widow of retired minister Robert Lambert, who served in California and Idaho. Robert Lambert passed away January 12.
Lois (Oberg) Rice, 88, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away January 18. She was the widow of retired minister Earl Rice, who served in Nebraska and Texas. Earl Rice passed away in 2005.
Robert Shepherd, 79, of Clarksville, Indiana, passed away January 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn (Albin) Shepherd and is survived by his wife, Sharon (Irick) Shepherd.
Jerry Skidgel, 75, of Sumner, Washington, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon, Washington, and California. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Skidgel.
Raymond Spence, 88, of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in the United Kingdom. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Spence.
Jerry Ulrich, 79, of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away January 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Michigan and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Anita Ulrich.
Chalmer Wiegman, 74, of Waco, Texas, passed away January 21. He was a retired minister, serving in Texas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Judith Wiegman.
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]Read more
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received January 23-27, 2017.
Mae Bahan, 86, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, passed away January 13. She was the wife of retired minister and district superintendent William Bahan, who served in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta and led the Canada Atlantic District.
Naomi (Campbell) Bess, 89, of Cabin Creek, West Virginia, passed away January 8. She was the widow of retired minister James Bess, who served in West Virginia. James Bess passed away in 1996.
Willis Cook, 85, of Roseburg, Oregon, passed away January 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Montana and Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iris Cook, in November.
Jerry Emra of Oregon City, Oregon, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon. He is survived his wife, Pamela Emra.
Kenneth Hester, 76, of Rentz, Georgia, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Linda Hester.
Robert Lambert, 82, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away January 12. He was a retired minister, serving in California and Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lambert.
Joyce Lambert, 84, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away January 19. She was the widow of retired minister Robert Lambert, who served in California and Idaho. Robert Lambert passed away January 12.
Lois (Oberg) Rice, 88, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away January 18. She was the widow of retired minister Earl Rice, who served in Nebraska and Texas. Earl Rice passed away in 2005.
Robert Shepherd, 79, of Clarksville, Indiana, passed away January 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn (Albin) Shepherd and is survived by his wife, Sharon (Irick) Shepherd.
Jerry Skidgel, 75, of Sumner, Washington, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon, Washington, and California. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Skidgel.
Raymond Spence, 88, of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, passed away January 23. He was a retired minister, serving in the United Kingdom. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Spence.
Jerry Ulrich, 79, of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away January 24. He was a retired minister, serving in Michigan and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Anita Ulrich.
Chalmer Wiegman, 74, of Waco, Texas, passed away January 21. He was a retired minister, serving in Texas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Judith Wiegman.
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]Read more
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Human Resources
Human Resources
GMC employment opportunities
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 jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This person will lead/manage special and cyclical projects, provide administrative assistance to the administrative director, coordinate education/training of internal staff and plan participants, ensure that appropriate resources and support are provided to complete projects, process customer services inquiries, and assist with monitoring and posting items to P&B USA social media outlets (Facebook/Twitter).
Communication Specialist (Full time)
Global Mission Administration
Description: This person provides insight and supports the work of the Global Mission administrative director; helps foster collaborative communication efforts between the regions and Global Mission team; advances the implementation and continuous improvement of the Global Mission communication strategy; collaborates on the improvement of existing and the creation of new initiatives, stories, and projects; and participates in and assist in the development of communication procedures and planning of meaningful gatherings for communicators.
Deputation/Home Assignment Coordinator (Full time)
Global Mission Personnel Office
Description: This person works directly with missionaries, creating and facilitating training to assure maximum effectiveness during home assignment. Other responsibilities include working with local and district church leaders in understanding and engaging missionaries while in their church(es), coordinating scheduling for deputation in churches and district events, and connecting local churches and districts with missionaries to encourage stewardship and relationship.
Senior Accounting Technician – Accounts Payable (Full time)
Global Treasury Services
Description: This position will review and process disbursements, process 1099s, maintain vendor files and carry out other related duties as assigned.
Senior Mail Technician (Full time)
Business Center
Description: This position will be responsible for a broad range of tasks in a fast-paced environment. Duties include processing incoming/outgoing mail and deliveries, dock oversight, customer service to Global Ministry Center employees, and working with vendors, couriers, and the USPS. Billing and related paperwork are daily parts of this job, as well as other tasks as assigned.
Software Developer (Full time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.
Technology Specialist (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position will assist the technology supervisor in developing and maintaining the technology resources available to the Pensions and Benefits USA office and its constituents. This will include Web content management, development of systems for document storage and retrieval, assistance with upkeep of other business databases, resolution of basic desktop issues, and assistance with technology-related communication and training.
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 humanresourcesgroup@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.Read more
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 jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This person will lead/manage special and cyclical projects, provide administrative assistance to the administrative director, coordinate education/training of internal staff and plan participants, ensure that appropriate resources and support are provided to complete projects, process customer services inquiries, and assist with monitoring and posting items to P&B USA social media outlets (Facebook/Twitter).
Communication Specialist (Full time)
Global Mission Administration
Description: This person provides insight and supports the work of the Global Mission administrative director; helps foster collaborative communication efforts between the regions and Global Mission team; advances the implementation and continuous improvement of the Global Mission communication strategy; collaborates on the improvement of existing and the creation of new initiatives, stories, and projects; and participates in and assist in the development of communication procedures and planning of meaningful gatherings for communicators.
Deputation/Home Assignment Coordinator (Full time)
Global Mission Personnel Office
Description: This person works directly with missionaries, creating and facilitating training to assure maximum effectiveness during home assignment. Other responsibilities include working with local and district church leaders in understanding and engaging missionaries while in their church(es), coordinating scheduling for deputation in churches and district events, and connecting local churches and districts with missionaries to encourage stewardship and relationship.
Senior Accounting Technician – Accounts Payable (Full time)
Global Treasury Services
Description: This position will review and process disbursements, process 1099s, maintain vendor files and carry out other related duties as assigned.
Senior Mail Technician (Full time)
Business Center
Description: This position will be responsible for a broad range of tasks in a fast-paced environment. Duties include processing incoming/outgoing mail and deliveries, dock oversight, customer service to Global Ministry Center employees, and working with vendors, couriers, and the USPS. Billing and related paperwork are daily parts of this job, as well as other tasks as assigned.
Software Developer (Full time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.
Technology Specialist (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position will assist the technology supervisor in developing and maintaining the technology resources available to the Pensions and Benefits USA office and its constituents. This will include Web content management, development of systems for document storage and retrieval, assistance with upkeep of other business databases, resolution of basic desktop issues, and assistance with technology-related communication and training.
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 humanresourcesgroup@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.Read more
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Global Ministry Center
Churches invited to unite against human trafficking on Freedom Sunday
Over the past three years, more than 400 Nazarene congregations in various countries around the world have participated in Freedom Sunday. The event is a day set aside for prayer, worship, and support around the issue of human trafficking, which enslaves as many as 45.8 million people globally, according to the 2016 Global Slavery Index.
This year, Nazarene churches are encouraged to participate in Freedom Sunday on September 24, 2017, the last Sunday of that month.
The Church of the Nazarene’s participation in Freedom Sunday began in 2014 in coordination with other denominations within the Wesleyan Holiness Connection (formerly Wesleyan Holiness Consortium). In the same year, the Church of the Nazarene's Board of General Superintendents endorsed the Declaration for Freedom, a document drafted by the Wesleyan-Holiness leaders, including Nazarene representatives.
In the past, the event took place on the first Sunday of Lent. This year, the Wesleyan Holiness Connection’s Freedom Network decided to move the date to the last Sunday in September. In part, the change was to allow churches that plan traditional Lenten services to participate, and in part it was to create greater momentum and unity as additional churches and organizations have begun to participate in Freedom Sunday events.
Congregations are encouraged to plan a Freedom Sunday at any time that works in their calendar. Freedom Sunday planning resources are available as free downloads through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org/freedomsunday.[Nazarene Compassionate Ministries]Read more
Global Ministry Center
Churches invited to unite against human trafficking on Freedom Sunday
Over the past three years, more than 400 Nazarene congregations in various countries around the world have participated in Freedom Sunday. The event is a day set aside for prayer, worship, and support around the issue of human trafficking, which enslaves as many as 45.8 million people globally, according to the 2016 Global Slavery Index.
This year, Nazarene churches are encouraged to participate in Freedom Sunday on September 24, 2017, the last Sunday of that month.
The Church of the Nazarene’s participation in Freedom Sunday began in 2014 in coordination with other denominations within the Wesleyan Holiness Connection (formerly Wesleyan Holiness Consortium). In the same year, the Church of the Nazarene's Board of General Superintendents endorsed the Declaration for Freedom, a document drafted by the Wesleyan-Holiness leaders, including Nazarene representatives.
In the past, the event took place on the first Sunday of Lent. This year, the Wesleyan Holiness Connection’s Freedom Network decided to move the date to the last Sunday in September. In part, the change was to allow churches that plan traditional Lenten services to participate, and in part it was to create greater momentum and unity as additional churches and organizations have begun to participate in Freedom Sunday events.
Congregations are encouraged to plan a Freedom Sunday at any time that works in their calendar. Freedom Sunday planning resources are available as free downloads through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org/freedomsunday.[Nazarene Compassionate Ministries]Read more
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The Global Church of the Nazarene Communications Network
nazarene.org/news
ForwardShareTweetShare+1Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.
The Global Church of the Nazarene Communications Network
nazarene.org/news
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT US
The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas, United States 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT USThe Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas, United States 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
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