Churches respond to food crisis in East AfricaExtreme drought, violent conflict, and scarcity have created a food crisis that is making it nearly impossible for people in East Africa to get the food they need to survive.
Famine has already been declared in South Sudan. Severe drought in other countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, has created severe food shortages that will lead to famine if the situation is not addressed quickly.
More than 20 million people in this region are in need of urgent food assistance.
In East Africa, Church of the Nazarene leaders are working with local congregations to provide food for families and individuals who are vulnerable to extreme hunger.
Nazarenes in South Sudan have been greatly affected by the famine. Many have fled to neighboring countries, including Uganda and Ethiopia, to seek food and protection from violence. Others who are still in South Sudan are in urgent need of assistance. Church communities in neighboring countries in East Africa are also being affected by severe hunger and the food crisis.
Throughout the affected areas, many farmers are beginning to abandon their farms and homes in search of food in refugee camps that are hundreds of kilometers from their villages. Displacement would have profound negative impacts on these farmers and their families.
In 2011, the last time a famine threatened this region, nearly 260,000 people died from starvation and malnutrition. Half of those who died were children under age 5.
Church leaders are requesting prayer for those who are hungry and resources for local churches in East Africa as they seek to assist their neighbors.
How to help
Pray
Please pray for the people affected by this hunger emergency. Pray for rain in the region to help relieve drought. Pray for government and international organizations to respond with compassion and urgency. Pray for the local churches in the affected areas as they offer a tangible expression of Jesus’ love to their neighbors.
Give
You can support the emergency relief efforts of local churches in East Africa through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries by giving to the Africa Disaster Relief Fund.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put 127362 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put 127362 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Africa Disaster Relief Fund.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Famine has already been declared in South Sudan. Severe drought in other countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, has created severe food shortages that will lead to famine if the situation is not addressed quickly.
More than 20 million people in this region are in need of urgent food assistance.
In East Africa, Church of the Nazarene leaders are working with local congregations to provide food for families and individuals who are vulnerable to extreme hunger.
Nazarenes in South Sudan have been greatly affected by the famine. Many have fled to neighboring countries, including Uganda and Ethiopia, to seek food and protection from violence. Others who are still in South Sudan are in urgent need of assistance. Church communities in neighboring countries in East Africa are also being affected by severe hunger and the food crisis.
Throughout the affected areas, many farmers are beginning to abandon their farms and homes in search of food in refugee camps that are hundreds of kilometers from their villages. Displacement would have profound negative impacts on these farmers and their families.
In 2011, the last time a famine threatened this region, nearly 260,000 people died from starvation and malnutrition. Half of those who died were children under age 5.
Church leaders are requesting prayer for those who are hungry and resources for local churches in East Africa as they seek to assist their neighbors.
How to help
Pray
Please pray for the people affected by this hunger emergency. Pray for rain in the region to help relieve drought. Pray for government and international organizations to respond with compassion and urgency. Pray for the local churches in the affected areas as they offer a tangible expression of Jesus’ love to their neighbors.
Give
You can support the emergency relief efforts of local churches in East Africa through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries by giving to the Africa Disaster Relief Fund.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put 127362 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put 127362 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Africa Disaster Relief Fund.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Read more
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Versailles, France
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Versailles, France
Food opens community doors for Versailles churchAs a teenager on the Caribbean island of Martinique, Jocelyn first learned to cook from his mother. It later became his career and 42 years later, Jocelyn is cooking for his community and for the Lord.
Jocelyn left the tropical forests of his French-speaking home in 1999 to make a new home in France. One of his prayers was to find a church close to his home.
One day, as he walked down a street close to the Palace of Versailles, Jocelyn noticed a chapel-like building. He saw a cross and English writing on a cornerstone and became a member after meeting the pastor.
Although the Versailles Church of the Nazarene has existed in this historic community for many years, it seemed to be invisible to the people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Many people didn’t even know it was there until the church recently began hosting community concerts.
In February 2015, the church became a food distribution center for the needy in Versailles. The idea came from José Monteiro, a Nazarene pastor in Paris who is also a former supermarket supervisor. He knew many supermarkets throw away food and household items that are slightly marred or have passed the expiration date but are still useable. He formed a nonprofit organization in order to secure contracts with several stores so they could donate these items to his Nazarene church instead. The church began a formal food distribution ministry in Paris that has attracted hundreds of economically struggling people. The Versailles church became interested in their successful model.
“At first, we were not sure that the vehicle of food distribution would work for our context,” said Brian Ketchum, a Nazarene missionary. “Versailles has always been regarded as an affluent area with a large percentage of its population seen to be members of high society. We began slowly as an additional distribution site for the compassionate ministry started in Paris, testing the waters to see if it would work. Within a short time we realized that not only did the need exist, but more revealing, we did not know our neighbors.”
Every Thursday, volunteers arrive at 11 a.m. to prepare the distribution. They stay until 3 p.m. when it finishes. Due to the timeframe, Jocelyn and Brian noticed that many of the volunteers would either not eat lunch until after 3, or would bring their lunch from home. Not wanting the volunteers to go hungry while they were feeding others, the team decided to prepare sandwiches for them.
As the volunteer group grew, Jocelyn felt he should do something more. So, he started preparing meals for all the volunteers. What began as simple meals like soup and salad evolved to full course meals, allowing volunteers to gather around the table and enjoy fellowship.
Through the distribution, awareness of the church’s presence in the community has grown in the past year. People who would go through the church’s door with the sole purpose of being served started helping the small group of volunteers, and soon became part of the team.
“One of the fruits that we have seen is the way we have gotten to know people that we never would have seen before,” Jocelyn said.
By opening the church for food distribution, the church members met about 20 people from the community who came to receive help. None of these people had ever considered attending a worship service at the church.
“They came through this ministry of food distribution,” Jocelyn said. “And in cooking for them, while getting to know them and inviting others to come to a meal, it has become a place where we get to easily know each other.”
The distribution ministry is meeting the needs of about 20-30 families or individuals.
“What we are finding is that those people, because they have become a part of the family on the Thursday distribution, are coming in on Sunday and continuing that journey with us,” Brian said.
Since Jocelyn got involved with the food distribution, he has become more open to people on the street and invites them to the Thursday distributions. Some accept the invitation and others do not, but it has become a way to share with people what the church is doing.
Brian says the meal and distribution ministry “has sparked a desire to find more ways to creatively identify and meet the needs of the community."
"The church has regained purpose and a sense of identity as a body called to serve others and put into practice the love we profess to have for our neighbor,” he said.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]
Jocelyn left the tropical forests of his French-speaking home in 1999 to make a new home in France. One of his prayers was to find a church close to his home.
One day, as he walked down a street close to the Palace of Versailles, Jocelyn noticed a chapel-like building. He saw a cross and English writing on a cornerstone and became a member after meeting the pastor.
Although the Versailles Church of the Nazarene has existed in this historic community for many years, it seemed to be invisible to the people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Many people didn’t even know it was there until the church recently began hosting community concerts.
In February 2015, the church became a food distribution center for the needy in Versailles. The idea came from José Monteiro, a Nazarene pastor in Paris who is also a former supermarket supervisor. He knew many supermarkets throw away food and household items that are slightly marred or have passed the expiration date but are still useable. He formed a nonprofit organization in order to secure contracts with several stores so they could donate these items to his Nazarene church instead. The church began a formal food distribution ministry in Paris that has attracted hundreds of economically struggling people. The Versailles church became interested in their successful model.
“At first, we were not sure that the vehicle of food distribution would work for our context,” said Brian Ketchum, a Nazarene missionary. “Versailles has always been regarded as an affluent area with a large percentage of its population seen to be members of high society. We began slowly as an additional distribution site for the compassionate ministry started in Paris, testing the waters to see if it would work. Within a short time we realized that not only did the need exist, but more revealing, we did not know our neighbors.”
Every Thursday, volunteers arrive at 11 a.m. to prepare the distribution. They stay until 3 p.m. when it finishes. Due to the timeframe, Jocelyn and Brian noticed that many of the volunteers would either not eat lunch until after 3, or would bring their lunch from home. Not wanting the volunteers to go hungry while they were feeding others, the team decided to prepare sandwiches for them.
As the volunteer group grew, Jocelyn felt he should do something more. So, he started preparing meals for all the volunteers. What began as simple meals like soup and salad evolved to full course meals, allowing volunteers to gather around the table and enjoy fellowship.
Through the distribution, awareness of the church’s presence in the community has grown in the past year. People who would go through the church’s door with the sole purpose of being served started helping the small group of volunteers, and soon became part of the team.
“One of the fruits that we have seen is the way we have gotten to know people that we never would have seen before,” Jocelyn said.
By opening the church for food distribution, the church members met about 20 people from the community who came to receive help. None of these people had ever considered attending a worship service at the church.
“They came through this ministry of food distribution,” Jocelyn said. “And in cooking for them, while getting to know them and inviting others to come to a meal, it has become a place where we get to easily know each other.”
The distribution ministry is meeting the needs of about 20-30 families or individuals.
“What we are finding is that those people, because they have become a part of the family on the Thursday distribution, are coming in on Sunday and continuing that journey with us,” Brian said.
Since Jocelyn got involved with the food distribution, he has become more open to people on the street and invites them to the Thursday distributions. Some accept the invitation and others do not, but it has become a way to share with people what the church is doing.
Brian says the meal and distribution ministry “has sparked a desire to find more ways to creatively identify and meet the needs of the community."
"The church has regained purpose and a sense of identity as a body called to serve others and put into practice the love we profess to have for our neighbor,” he said.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]
Read more
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GMA, Philippines
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GMA, Philippines
Philippines church changes children's livesMarvin, Princess, Joshua, and AltheaThe GMA Church of the Nazarene ministers to almost 200 children each week in the impoverished barangay (village) where the church is located. More than 10 percent of the children have been abandoned by their parents, including Marvin (age 10), Princess (age 9), Joshua (age 7), and their cousin, Althea (age 11).
These four children live with an elderly grandmother who is no longer able to work. In order to buy food and needed items, the children beg on the street and give the money they receive to their grandmother.
"You can imagine the life that these children had on the street every day," said Stephen Gualberto, field strategy coordinator for Philippines-Micronesia. "They were rude, filthy, and malnourished. But that all changed when the GMA church started to minister to them in January 2016. That’s when they began to come by the church after service on Sunday mornings to beg."
When church members learned their story, they stepped in to help by donating clothes and feeding the children twice a day. The church even provided a place for them to take a shower every day. Beyond physical needs, they invited them to join a Sunday school class and an after-school tutorial program along with other children’s ministries. Church members have also stepped in to help with medical expenses. The children do still beg from time to time, but their major needs are taken care of by the church and they are learning about Jesus.
In January, the church began to promote the upcoming Alabaster Offering by educating the children about the purpose of the offering and what the money goes toward. They encouraged all the children at the church to participate, and one church member bought dinosaur coin containers for the four children to collect their Alabaster Offerings in.
Alabaster Sunday came and these four children put on their best clothes to place their offering in the basket.
"This is truly a story of transformation," Gualberto said. "Over the course of just one year, their lives have been radically changed by the love of Jesus, shown to them by a compassionate church. And now they are learning the joys of giving and not just receiving."
The church praises God for the doors He has opened for them to make a Kingdom impact in their barangay, and they continue to pray for the needed resources to be able to help even more children and families in their area.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific]
These four children live with an elderly grandmother who is no longer able to work. In order to buy food and needed items, the children beg on the street and give the money they receive to their grandmother.
"You can imagine the life that these children had on the street every day," said Stephen Gualberto, field strategy coordinator for Philippines-Micronesia. "They were rude, filthy, and malnourished. But that all changed when the GMA church started to minister to them in January 2016. That’s when they began to come by the church after service on Sunday mornings to beg."
When church members learned their story, they stepped in to help by donating clothes and feeding the children twice a day. The church even provided a place for them to take a shower every day. Beyond physical needs, they invited them to join a Sunday school class and an after-school tutorial program along with other children’s ministries. Church members have also stepped in to help with medical expenses. The children do still beg from time to time, but their major needs are taken care of by the church and they are learning about Jesus.
In January, the church began to promote the upcoming Alabaster Offering by educating the children about the purpose of the offering and what the money goes toward. They encouraged all the children at the church to participate, and one church member bought dinosaur coin containers for the four children to collect their Alabaster Offerings in.
Alabaster Sunday came and these four children put on their best clothes to place their offering in the basket.
"This is truly a story of transformation," Gualberto said. "Over the course of just one year, their lives have been radically changed by the love of Jesus, shown to them by a compassionate church. And now they are learning the joys of giving and not just receiving."
The church praises God for the doors He has opened for them to make a Kingdom impact in their barangay, and they continue to pray for the needed resources to be able to help even more children and families in their area.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific]
Read more
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Chile districts gather for youth event#Inspira17, the first national Church of the Nazarene youth event for Chile in 12 years, was held last month for 230 young people. Each day featured workshops on topics such as adolescents and marriage, as well as recreational activities and the first national Bible Quizzing competition with a team from each district.
Led by Nazarene Youth International Chile Coordinator Jaime Román Araya, a team began working on the event more than a year ago. The last national NYI event in February 2005 was attended by 150 young people from all over Chile, as well as youth from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.
"This is a new season for the NYI and the Church of the Nazarene in Chile," said Jimmy De Gouveia, regional NYI coordinator, on the first night of the conference.
Pastors and leaders from the region attended, including Anna Melva Chavez (Argentina), Adiel Teixeira (regional NYI president), Juan David Herrera (NYI Colombia coordinator), and Lucas Nunes (South America regional communications coordinator).
Bands from the Estación Central (Central District), Villa Cap (Bío Bío), and Altos del Pilar (Argentina) churches led worship for the event.
"It was five days where God—through the Holy Spirit—inspired, reconciled, healed, and called many of the young people who were present," said David Huanca, communications coordinator for Chile.
In a meeting with representatives from each district, leaders decided to make a second version called #Inspira19. The Bio Bio District will host and expects to double the number of attendees.[Church of the Nazarene South America]
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Chile districts gather for youth event#Inspira17, the first national Church of the Nazarene youth event for Chile in 12 years, was held last month for 230 young people. Each day featured workshops on topics such as adolescents and marriage, as well as recreational activities and the first national Bible Quizzing competition with a team from each district.
Led by Nazarene Youth International Chile Coordinator Jaime Román Araya, a team began working on the event more than a year ago. The last national NYI event in February 2005 was attended by 150 young people from all over Chile, as well as youth from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.
"This is a new season for the NYI and the Church of the Nazarene in Chile," said Jimmy De Gouveia, regional NYI coordinator, on the first night of the conference.
Pastors and leaders from the region attended, including Anna Melva Chavez (Argentina), Adiel Teixeira (regional NYI president), Juan David Herrera (NYI Colombia coordinator), and Lucas Nunes (South America regional communications coordinator).
Bands from the Estación Central (Central District), Villa Cap (Bío Bío), and Altos del Pilar (Argentina) churches led worship for the event.
"It was five days where God—through the Holy Spirit—inspired, reconciled, healed, and called many of the young people who were present," said David Huanca, communications coordinator for Chile.
In a meeting with representatives from each district, leaders decided to make a second version called #Inspira19. The Bio Bio District will host and expects to double the number of attendees.[Church of the Nazarene South America]
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Africa
Flags of the Nations: MaliThe flag of Mali is a tricolor made up of green, gold, and red. The green stands for fertility of the land, gold means purity and mineral wealth, and red symbolizes the blood shed for independence from the French.
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: Mali
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Mali in 2010.
Mali had a population of 17,467,108 in 2016. Mali has not yet reported any Churches of the Nazarene.
Mali is on the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.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.
The group was challenged to listen and respond to God’s call through individual workshops, testimonies, and times of group reflection. They were also advised about the tools the church offers to respond to the ministerial challenge.
Worship was led by Holiness, the district music ministry, which is made up of members from eight churches on the district.
“Again the Lord does wonders with our [youth]," said Gladybell Rivera, communications coordinator for the Puerto Rico East District. "We continue to pray for our youth and to work for them and with them so that God will fulfill His purpose in their lives. We thank God for the blessing our youth received as they were ministered by the district’s women’s pastoral group. We thank Pastor Ivelisse Valentín, Pastor Mariel López, and Sister Malen Soto Ralat for ministering the Word of God along with Pastor José Medero."[Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica.]
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Africa
Flags of the Nations: MaliThe flag of Mali is a tricolor made up of green, gold, and red. The green stands for fertility of the land, gold means purity and mineral wealth, and red symbolizes the blood shed for independence from the French.
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: Mali
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Mali in 2010.
Mali had a population of 17,467,108 in 2016. Mali has not yet reported any Churches of the Nazarene.
Mali is on the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.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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Mesoamerica
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico East District held a holiness retreat 27-29 January for 100 youth and leaders, titled “Shadows.” The goal of the retreat was to motivate a response to God’s call to serve, as well as to strengthen women’s ministry.-------
Mesoamerica
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
The group was challenged to listen and respond to God’s call through individual workshops, testimonies, and times of group reflection. They were also advised about the tools the church offers to respond to the ministerial challenge.
Worship was led by Holiness, the district music ministry, which is made up of members from eight churches on the district.
“Again the Lord does wonders with our [youth]," said Gladybell Rivera, communications coordinator for the Puerto Rico East District. "We continue to pray for our youth and to work for them and with them so that God will fulfill His purpose in their lives. We thank God for the blessing our youth received as they were ministered by the district’s women’s pastoral group. We thank Pastor Ivelisse Valentín, Pastor Mariel López, and Sister Malen Soto Ralat for ministering the Word of God along with Pastor José Medero."[Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica.]
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USA/Canada
Waverly, Tennessee
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USA/Canada
Waverly, Tennessee
Tennessee church sends love to prisoners through ValentinesIt all started about 10 years ago when Tish Ladd, a member of Waverly, Tennessee, Church of the Nazarene, told Pastor Daron Brown, “I feel like I need to go to the jail.” His shocked expression caused her to quickly add, “I feel like God is nudging me to go pray with the women.”
Thus a jail ministry began every Tuesday night with the women in the Humphreys County Jail. Other ladies joined Tish and for eights years they faithfully went every week to pray and share God’s Word. God blessed the ministry, and Pastor Brown was asked to baptize six of the women. It wasn’t possible to do it at the jail, but the administrator allowed the women to be taken to the church on a weekday to use the baptistery. It was no doubt a poignant moment as women in their shackles testified to being freed from their chains of sin.
Tennessee church sends love, through Valentines, to prisoners by Carol Anne Eby
It all started about 10 years ago when Tish Ladd, a member of Waverly Church of the Nazarene, told Pastor Daron Brown, “I feel like I need to go to the jail.” His shocked expression caused her to quickly add, “I feel like God is nudging me to go pray with the women.”
Thus a jail ministry began every Tuesday night with the women in the Humphreys County Jail. Other ladies joined Tish and for eights years they faithfully went every week to pray and share God’s Word. God blessed the ministry, and Pastor Brown was asked to baptize six of the women. It wasn’t possible to do it at the jail, but the administrator allowed the women to be taken to the church on a week day to use the baptistery. It was no doubt a poignant moment as women in their shackles testified to being freed from their chains of sin.
When Tish stepped down from the role in preparation to move to another part of the state, God provided a new leader: Annetta Turner Sykes came on as director. Annetta and the ladies wanted to do something special for the inmates. However, all the holidays seemed to be covered by other churches and non-profit organizations. Then Annetta thought of Valentine’s day. That was acceptable to the jail staff, but the men inmates had to be included, too.
The Waverly congregation got busy baking cookies, and the children made Valentine cards. Very strict regulations covered the Valentine making: No staples or gluing allowed. One little boy wrote in his valentine: “Make good choices, Man.”
The bags were distributed to the inmates, and in the months that followed, many letters of appreciation came to the church. One man wrote, “This is the only contact we had on this special day to know that someone loved us.”
Perhaps the greatest blessing from this endeavor was that it initiated interest among the men of the church to begin a ministry with the male inmates. A weekly Thursday night Bible study and prayer time has begun at the jail.
When Valentine’s Day 2017 arrived, Annetta said, “No one gets beyond the need of being told they are remembered and loved. Let’s do it again.”
The entire congregation got involved. Thirty-two people were needed to bring two dozen cookies each. Forty-two signed up. Children again made Valentines. Senior citizens came to assemble 100 bags, each including M&Ms and a tract entitled, “Father’s Love Letter”.
Because of the church’s generosity, in addition to the 73 inmates, jail staff received bags. A large container was also sent to the local police station. The inmates did not know the church teams were coming, so they were delighted to see familiar faces bringing lovely treats to their cells.
The church is now working on a follow-up program called “Establish for Life” for those who will be released and need mentoring and coaching to face life on the outside. Annetta is teaching classes for church members to be ready to serve them as life coaches and mentors.
The church has also prepared a list of resources to give to the inmates as they leave the jail.
Waverly Church is in a building program, and Annetta hopes that perhaps a coffee bar can be included in the plans for the new church, where people can come to hang out and fellowship in a safe and positive environment. In their small town, only the bar stays open after 8 p.m. A coffee bar might give released inmates a place they can feel they are part of a new community.
“. . .I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Waverly Church of the Nazarene heard Jesus’s call and Valentines and cookies made it all the sweeter.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
Thus a jail ministry began every Tuesday night with the women in the Humphreys County Jail. Other ladies joined Tish and for eights years they faithfully went every week to pray and share God’s Word. God blessed the ministry, and Pastor Brown was asked to baptize six of the women. It wasn’t possible to do it at the jail, but the administrator allowed the women to be taken to the church on a weekday to use the baptistery. It was no doubt a poignant moment as women in their shackles testified to being freed from their chains of sin.
Tennessee church sends love, through Valentines, to prisoners by Carol Anne Eby
It all started about 10 years ago when Tish Ladd, a member of Waverly Church of the Nazarene, told Pastor Daron Brown, “I feel like I need to go to the jail.” His shocked expression caused her to quickly add, “I feel like God is nudging me to go pray with the women.”
Thus a jail ministry began every Tuesday night with the women in the Humphreys County Jail. Other ladies joined Tish and for eights years they faithfully went every week to pray and share God’s Word. God blessed the ministry, and Pastor Brown was asked to baptize six of the women. It wasn’t possible to do it at the jail, but the administrator allowed the women to be taken to the church on a week day to use the baptistery. It was no doubt a poignant moment as women in their shackles testified to being freed from their chains of sin.
When Tish stepped down from the role in preparation to move to another part of the state, God provided a new leader: Annetta Turner Sykes came on as director. Annetta and the ladies wanted to do something special for the inmates. However, all the holidays seemed to be covered by other churches and non-profit organizations. Then Annetta thought of Valentine’s day. That was acceptable to the jail staff, but the men inmates had to be included, too.
The Waverly congregation got busy baking cookies, and the children made Valentine cards. Very strict regulations covered the Valentine making: No staples or gluing allowed. One little boy wrote in his valentine: “Make good choices, Man.”
The bags were distributed to the inmates, and in the months that followed, many letters of appreciation came to the church. One man wrote, “This is the only contact we had on this special day to know that someone loved us.”
Perhaps the greatest blessing from this endeavor was that it initiated interest among the men of the church to begin a ministry with the male inmates. A weekly Thursday night Bible study and prayer time has begun at the jail.
When Valentine’s Day 2017 arrived, Annetta said, “No one gets beyond the need of being told they are remembered and loved. Let’s do it again.”
The entire congregation got involved. Thirty-two people were needed to bring two dozen cookies each. Forty-two signed up. Children again made Valentines. Senior citizens came to assemble 100 bags, each including M&Ms and a tract entitled, “Father’s Love Letter”.
Because of the church’s generosity, in addition to the 73 inmates, jail staff received bags. A large container was also sent to the local police station. The inmates did not know the church teams were coming, so they were delighted to see familiar faces bringing lovely treats to their cells.
The church is now working on a follow-up program called “Establish for Life” for those who will be released and need mentoring and coaching to face life on the outside. Annetta is teaching classes for church members to be ready to serve them as life coaches and mentors.
The church has also prepared a list of resources to give to the inmates as they leave the jail.
Waverly Church is in a building program, and Annetta hopes that perhaps a coffee bar can be included in the plans for the new church, where people can come to hang out and fellowship in a safe and positive environment. In their small town, only the bar stays open after 8 p.m. A coffee bar might give released inmates a place they can feel they are part of a new community.
“. . .I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Waverly Church of the Nazarene heard Jesus’s call and Valentines and cookies made it all the sweeter.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
Read more
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Nazarenes in the News
(My City Magazine, 1 March) Forge Flint is connecting people together to help the city move forward. Matthew Soulia, Executive Director and Founder of the non-profit organization, is fulfilling a calling by helping to make that happen.
Soulia grew up in the Flint area and studied ministry at Olivet Nazarene University in Chicago. He participated in church mission trips and helped with many service projects. He came back to his hometown because he believes he has a calling here.
“I’ve always loved Flint,” he says. “A special seed was planted in my heart to become engaged in my hometown.” Soulia is also the lead pastor at West Flint Church of the Nazarene.
For the rest of the story, click here.
After 50 years, this ONU professor still makes a difference
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Dr. Max Reams, chairman of the Olivet Nazarene University Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, works with students during a final exam lab in the fall. (The Daily Journal photo)
(The Daily Journal, 14 March) It only took one class with Dr. Max Reams, head of the Chemistry and Geosciences Department at Olivet Nazarene University, for Levi Gambill to decide to major in geology.
"I remember sitting in [Dr. Reams's] class thinking, 'How can someone be so passionate about rocks?'" Gambill said.
Dr. Reams, who will retire after 50 years of teaching at ONU this spring, is a passionate professor who cares about each student he encounters. He not only shares his knowledge with his students at Olivet, he also is an author, mentor, adviser, counselor and friend to his students.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Michigan church joins with community to assist residents
Flint, Michigan
Forge Flint photo(My City Magazine, 1 March) Forge Flint is connecting people together to help the city move forward. Matthew Soulia, Executive Director and Founder of the non-profit organization, is fulfilling a calling by helping to make that happen.
Soulia grew up in the Flint area and studied ministry at Olivet Nazarene University in Chicago. He participated in church mission trips and helped with many service projects. He came back to his hometown because he believes he has a calling here.
“I’ve always loved Flint,” he says. “A special seed was planted in my heart to become engaged in my hometown.” Soulia is also the lead pastor at West Flint Church of the Nazarene.
For the rest of the story, click here.
After 50 years, this ONU professor still makes a difference
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Dr. Max Reams, chairman of the Olivet Nazarene University Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, works with students during a final exam lab in the fall. (The Daily Journal photo)
(The Daily Journal, 14 March) It only took one class with Dr. Max Reams, head of the Chemistry and Geosciences Department at Olivet Nazarene University, for Levi Gambill to decide to major in geology.
"I remember sitting in [Dr. Reams's] class thinking, 'How can someone be so passionate about rocks?'" Gambill said.
Dr. Reams, who will retire after 50 years of teaching at ONU this spring, is a passionate professor who cares about each student he encounters. He not only shares his knowledge with his students at Olivet, he also is an author, mentor, adviser, counselor and friend to his students.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 13-17 March 2017.
Sharleen (Ketterling) Archer, 66, of Gregory, South Dakota, passed away 13 March. She was the wife of minister Royal Archer, who serves on the Prairie Lakes District.
Merleen Cook, 72, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away 11 March. She was the wife of retired minister Daniel Cook, who served in Indiana and Ohio.
Nancy Ford, 84, of Escondido, California, passed away 14 March. She was the widow of retired minister Bryon Ford, who served in California. Bryon Ford passed away in 2007.
D. Richard May, 88, of Rancho Cordova, California, passed away 8 March. He was a retired minister, serving in California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine May, in 1995.
Don McBride, 88, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 12 March. He was a minister, previously serving in Idaho and Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Edith McBride.
Paulina McLane, 91, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 9 March. She was the widow of minister Bernard Gill, who previously served in Michigan. Bernard Gill passed away in 1974. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Glen McLane.
David Radcliffe, 87, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 16 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Helen Radcliffe. David's son, Jim, is a Nazarene missionary.
Maxine (Russell) Rines, 86, of Hartford, Maine, passed away 13 March. She was the widow of retired minister Paul Rines, who served in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Paul Rines passed away in 1994.
Wilmer Watson, 87, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away 16 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Carol Watson.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 13-17 March 2017.
Sharleen (Ketterling) Archer, 66, of Gregory, South Dakota, passed away 13 March. She was the wife of minister Royal Archer, who serves on the Prairie Lakes District.
Merleen Cook, 72, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away 11 March. She was the wife of retired minister Daniel Cook, who served in Indiana and Ohio.
Nancy Ford, 84, of Escondido, California, passed away 14 March. She was the widow of retired minister Bryon Ford, who served in California. Bryon Ford passed away in 2007.
D. Richard May, 88, of Rancho Cordova, California, passed away 8 March. He was a retired minister, serving in California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine May, in 1995.
Don McBride, 88, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 12 March. He was a minister, previously serving in Idaho and Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Edith McBride.
Paulina McLane, 91, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 9 March. She was the widow of minister Bernard Gill, who previously served in Michigan. Bernard Gill passed away in 1974. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Glen McLane.
David Radcliffe, 87, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 16 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Helen Radcliffe. David's son, Jim, is a Nazarene missionary.
Maxine (Russell) Rines, 86, of Hartford, Maine, passed away 13 March. She was the widow of retired minister Paul Rines, who served in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Paul Rines passed away in 1994.
Wilmer Watson, 87, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away 16 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Carol Watson.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Human Resources
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Human Resources
GMC employment opportunitiesPeople are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 162 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)
General Editor/Organizational Risk and Compliance
Description: This position will provide secretarial and administrative support to the general counsel and general editor, with an emphasis in proofreading and editing support for all documents and correspondence.
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).
Benefits Technician (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position carries out various customer service tasks, including benefit application processing, benefit verifications, benefit distributions, and processing miscellaneous service requests. Additional duties include assisting in coordinating/completing cyclical and annual focus projects. Requires familiarity with employee benefits and an awareness of how insurance and pension plans work.
Spanish Translation Specialist (Full time)
Nazarene Communications/Global Nazarene Publications
Description: This position is will serve as the in-house Spanish translator for Web pages and digital content for a growing global digital audience. Additionally, this person will provide editorial assistance for Global Nazarene Publications, including both print and digital content, along with other duties as assigned.
Tour/Hospitality Coordinator (Full time)
Business Center
Description: This position will be the primary contact and coordinator for Tours and Caterings. Correspondence, scheduling, GMC kitchen oversight, mail center, and front desk receptionist back-up will also be responsibilities of this position. Other duties include tasks in the Business Center as assigned.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Nazarene Bible College
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)
General Editor/Organizational Risk and Compliance
Description: This position will provide secretarial and administrative support to the general counsel and general editor, with an emphasis in proofreading and editing support for all documents and correspondence.
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).
Benefits Technician (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position carries out various customer service tasks, including benefit application processing, benefit verifications, benefit distributions, and processing miscellaneous service requests. Additional duties include assisting in coordinating/completing cyclical and annual focus projects. Requires familiarity with employee benefits and an awareness of how insurance and pension plans work.
Spanish Translation Specialist (Full time)
Nazarene Communications/Global Nazarene Publications
Description: This position is will serve as the in-house Spanish translator for Web pages and digital content for a growing global digital audience. Additionally, this person will provide editorial assistance for Global Nazarene Publications, including both print and digital content, along with other duties as assigned.
Tour/Hospitality Coordinator (Full time)
Business Center
Description: This position will be the primary contact and coordinator for Tours and Caterings. Correspondence, scheduling, GMC kitchen oversight, mail center, and front desk receptionist back-up will also be responsibilities of this position. Other duties include tasks in the Business Center as assigned.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Nazarene Bible College
The following positions are available at the NBC Administrative Offices located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas:
Location of Global Ministry Center 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.
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
- Director of Admissions, Student Success, and Financial Aid
- Admissions Counselor
- Academic Advisor
- Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management
- Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Location of Global Ministry Center 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.
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The Global Church of the Nazarene Communications Network
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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, United States
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
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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, United States
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
-------
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