Croatia
Young couple escapes persecution, finds home in CroatiaEven though Mahdi* was young, experiencing persecution for his faith was nothing new to him. He and Amira* had just married. Although from different countries in the Middle East, they shared a common faith in Christ. Mahdi and Amira lived and ministered in her home country of Syria in an area that was originally relatively safe.
In 2015, they made a trip to Mahdi’s country to visit family. On the way home, their crowded passenger bus was pulled over and boarded by armed men. This was not a random military check, but a kidnapping. The driver and passengers were forced to drive for several hours on back roads to a predetermined destination. As they unloaded, the men and women were separated.
Though treated roughly and locked into one small room together, the women were not abused. However, throughout the night, they could hear the tortured cries of the men in the next room. In the early hours of the next morning, the captors grew tired and the beatings stopped. Amira had no idea if Mahdi was alive or dead, but prayed without ceasing that God would somehow deliver both of them.
Soon after the sun rose, the door of the women’s room scraped open, and a captor called out her name. With a shaking hand, she acknowledged her name, silently praying for strength and deliverance. Rough hands dragged her through the door and threw her at ragged feet. When she lifted her head, she saw her husband. Mahdi grabbed Amira’s arm, and they began to limp into the landscape toward freedom.
She was hardly able to register what was happening as her husband pulled her painfully forward. Although Mahdi had been beaten throughout the long night, Amira was thankful he was alive. Cold, hungry, and wounded, they walked for hours. They refused to stop, frightened that at any moment their captors would come for them. As the day wore on and the distance grew, they felt a burgeoning sense of safety. Eventually, they stopped in a village, where they asked for help.
Many months later, Amira told her story while gathered with a group from various nationalities, all sipping tea in a home in Croatia, where she and Mahdi landed after fleeing from Syria. Amira sighed and her shoulders drooped.
“We have no idea what happened to the rest of the passengers on the bus, nor do we know why they let us go,” she said.
The kidnapping was the event that catapulted the couple into escaping Syria in the fall of 2015. Unlike many other refugees who were also beginning the journey to Western Europe to flee violence and persecution, Mahdi and Amira determined to make Croatia their destination.
When they arrived, they joined a refugee community housed in temporary living situations and attended free English classes in their dormitory. After realizing that their English teachers were Christians, the couple became eager to join in on worship gatherings. They later began to find many others within the refugee community who were hungry to know more about Christ.
Opportunities for them to speak about the Lord were suddenly all around them. Through their English teacher, Amira and Mahdi connected with a local church in their new city. Their story took another exciting turn one Sunday morning when Amira noticed the Nazarene logo being displayed on a video. She was acquainted with a Nazarene pastor back home, and she knew the denomination. Neither she nor Mahdi had realized that the English teacher, the pastor, and the congregation were part of the Church of the Nazarene until that moment.
Soon after, the couple received word that their three-year resident visas had been approved by the Croatian government. That meant that they could call this country, this congregation, and this community home. With stability for the future settled, Mahdi and Amira approached the church leaders who had been such a long part of their journey to ask if they could volunteer officially to help other refugees the way they had been helped. Mahdi also indicated a desire to fulfill his call as a pastor through the Church of the Nazarene.
Today, Mahdi and Amira are learning the language and culture of their new host country, and Mahdi is working his way toward ordination. They have found community through the church in Croatia.
*Names have been changed for protection and security. [Republished with permission from the Summer 2017 edition of NCM Magazine]
In 2015, they made a trip to Mahdi’s country to visit family. On the way home, their crowded passenger bus was pulled over and boarded by armed men. This was not a random military check, but a kidnapping. The driver and passengers were forced to drive for several hours on back roads to a predetermined destination. As they unloaded, the men and women were separated.
Though treated roughly and locked into one small room together, the women were not abused. However, throughout the night, they could hear the tortured cries of the men in the next room. In the early hours of the next morning, the captors grew tired and the beatings stopped. Amira had no idea if Mahdi was alive or dead, but prayed without ceasing that God would somehow deliver both of them.
Soon after the sun rose, the door of the women’s room scraped open, and a captor called out her name. With a shaking hand, she acknowledged her name, silently praying for strength and deliverance. Rough hands dragged her through the door and threw her at ragged feet. When she lifted her head, she saw her husband. Mahdi grabbed Amira’s arm, and they began to limp into the landscape toward freedom.
She was hardly able to register what was happening as her husband pulled her painfully forward. Although Mahdi had been beaten throughout the long night, Amira was thankful he was alive. Cold, hungry, and wounded, they walked for hours. They refused to stop, frightened that at any moment their captors would come for them. As the day wore on and the distance grew, they felt a burgeoning sense of safety. Eventually, they stopped in a village, where they asked for help.
Many months later, Amira told her story while gathered with a group from various nationalities, all sipping tea in a home in Croatia, where she and Mahdi landed after fleeing from Syria. Amira sighed and her shoulders drooped.
“We have no idea what happened to the rest of the passengers on the bus, nor do we know why they let us go,” she said.
The kidnapping was the event that catapulted the couple into escaping Syria in the fall of 2015. Unlike many other refugees who were also beginning the journey to Western Europe to flee violence and persecution, Mahdi and Amira determined to make Croatia their destination.
When they arrived, they joined a refugee community housed in temporary living situations and attended free English classes in their dormitory. After realizing that their English teachers were Christians, the couple became eager to join in on worship gatherings. They later began to find many others within the refugee community who were hungry to know more about Christ.
Opportunities for them to speak about the Lord were suddenly all around them. Through their English teacher, Amira and Mahdi connected with a local church in their new city. Their story took another exciting turn one Sunday morning when Amira noticed the Nazarene logo being displayed on a video. She was acquainted with a Nazarene pastor back home, and she knew the denomination. Neither she nor Mahdi had realized that the English teacher, the pastor, and the congregation were part of the Church of the Nazarene until that moment.
Soon after, the couple received word that their three-year resident visas had been approved by the Croatian government. That meant that they could call this country, this congregation, and this community home. With stability for the future settled, Mahdi and Amira approached the church leaders who had been such a long part of their journey to ask if they could volunteer officially to help other refugees the way they had been helped. Mahdi also indicated a desire to fulfill his call as a pastor through the Church of the Nazarene.
Today, Mahdi and Amira are learning the language and culture of their new host country, and Mahdi is working his way toward ordination. They have found community through the church in Croatia.
*Names have been changed for protection and security. [Republished with permission from the Summer 2017 edition of NCM Magazine]
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Cavite, Philippines
Philippines church disciples children through sports
Cavite, Philippines
Philippines church disciples children through sports
Pastor Stephen Gualberto of the GMA Church of the Nazarene in Cavite, Philippines, has taken incorporating children and youth into his church to a whole new level.
His approach is simple: Involve the youth in a sport with the following plan for each team.
“Every player is a disciple, every coach is a catalyst and every court a church,” Gualberto said.
Teams are encouraged to meet during the week for practice, team building exercises, and fellowship, as well as one-on-one discipleship. Saturdays are reserved for worship, study of the Word, and fellowship along with the games. They call this samba-laro (worship and game).
To be sure that all coaches are equipped to disciple their players, attendance in a weekly discipleship coaching group is a must, which includes the church’s Child Protection Policy training.
Gualberto’s church now has six basketball teams and is planning to start at least two volleyball teams next month with this same model.
In addition to pastoring, Gualberto is the field strategy coordinator for the Philippines and Micronesia. He putting his “game plan” into practice in his own church and community, as well as encouraging those on his field to do the same. By doing this, he hopes to demonstrate the effectiveness of such an approach while inviting the churches across the field to engage in similar approaches to intentionally involve and disciple children and youth. Gualberto plans to roll this model out through Nazarene Youth International across his field soon. [Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific]
His approach is simple: Involve the youth in a sport with the following plan for each team.
- 1 coach – A young leader that is mature in his/her faith with a love for a specific sport.
- 1 assistant coach – An emerging leader being mentored by the coach.
- 6 players – Individuals who are unchurched, non-Christian, or pre-Christian.
“Every player is a disciple, every coach is a catalyst and every court a church,” Gualberto said.
Teams are encouraged to meet during the week for practice, team building exercises, and fellowship, as well as one-on-one discipleship. Saturdays are reserved for worship, study of the Word, and fellowship along with the games. They call this samba-laro (worship and game).
To be sure that all coaches are equipped to disciple their players, attendance in a weekly discipleship coaching group is a must, which includes the church’s Child Protection Policy training.
Gualberto’s church now has six basketball teams and is planning to start at least two volleyball teams next month with this same model.
In addition to pastoring, Gualberto is the field strategy coordinator for the Philippines and Micronesia. He putting his “game plan” into practice in his own church and community, as well as encouraging those on his field to do the same. By doing this, he hopes to demonstrate the effectiveness of such an approach while inviting the churches across the field to engage in similar approaches to intentionally involve and disciple children and youth. Gualberto plans to roll this model out through Nazarene Youth International across his field soon. [Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific]
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Indianapolis, Indiana
Southern Florida District partners with Nazarene Theological Seminary of Haiti
The Southern Florida District and Nazarene Theological Seminary of Haiti formed a partnership 22 June to enhance the ministerial training program of both entities. Through video conferencing, STNH professors will assist in teaching modular courses for ordination credit in Southern Florida and qualified faculty on the Southern Florida District will assist teaching STNH students in Haiti.
STNH provides a certificate program, a diploma, and a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. The partnership may also provide an initial pathway to a Bachelor of Arts for those who complete the Modular Course of Study and also meet the entrance requirements for the STNH B.A. program.
Approximately one third of Southern Florida’s 100 Nazarene churches are French and Creole speaking, pastored by pastors of Haitian descent. The partnership also seeks to improve the French and Creole bibliographical offerings to students, as well as improve STNH facilities in Port-au-Prince and provide teacher training opportunities.
The Southern Florida District is establishing 10 teleconference classrooms across the district to provide greater accessibility to all students.
The signing took place in the General Assembly Exhibit Hall at the Mesoamerica Region booth. Present for the signing were STNH President Jean Robert Maitre, Haiti Field Strategy Coordinator Pierre Antoine Jacques and his wife, Mesoamerica Regional Education Coordinator Ruben Fernandez, USA/Canada Region Haitian Ministries Coordinator Pascal Permis, Southern Florida District Superintendent Brian Wilson, and Southern Florida District Ministerial Board Chairman Dan Cupp.
An additional partnership is in the works between STNH and the USA/Canada Region Multicultural Ministries Office to offer Bachelor of Arts courses in French and Creole to USA/Canada Region students. [Church of the Nazarene Southern Florida District]
Indianapolis, Indiana
Southern Florida District partners with Nazarene Theological Seminary of Haiti
The Southern Florida District and Nazarene Theological Seminary of Haiti formed a partnership 22 June to enhance the ministerial training program of both entities. Through video conferencing, STNH professors will assist in teaching modular courses for ordination credit in Southern Florida and qualified faculty on the Southern Florida District will assist teaching STNH students in Haiti.
STNH provides a certificate program, a diploma, and a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. The partnership may also provide an initial pathway to a Bachelor of Arts for those who complete the Modular Course of Study and also meet the entrance requirements for the STNH B.A. program.
Approximately one third of Southern Florida’s 100 Nazarene churches are French and Creole speaking, pastored by pastors of Haitian descent. The partnership also seeks to improve the French and Creole bibliographical offerings to students, as well as improve STNH facilities in Port-au-Prince and provide teacher training opportunities.
The Southern Florida District is establishing 10 teleconference classrooms across the district to provide greater accessibility to all students.
The signing took place in the General Assembly Exhibit Hall at the Mesoamerica Region booth. Present for the signing were STNH President Jean Robert Maitre, Haiti Field Strategy Coordinator Pierre Antoine Jacques and his wife, Mesoamerica Regional Education Coordinator Ruben Fernandez, USA/Canada Region Haitian Ministries Coordinator Pascal Permis, Southern Florida District Superintendent Brian Wilson, and Southern Florida District Ministerial Board Chairman Dan Cupp.
An additional partnership is in the works between STNH and the USA/Canada Region Multicultural Ministries Office to offer Bachelor of Arts courses in French and Creole to USA/Canada Region students. [Church of the Nazarene Southern Florida District]
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Indianapolis, Indiana
OHMH: Service project meets spiritual, emotional needsDecatur, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene team (Facebook photo)
Shauna Bohlmann, a member of Decatur, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene, was one of the more than 1,200 Nazarenes who participated in the weeklong One Heart – Many Hands service project in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bohlmann recently shared her first-hand account of the trip:
Our team arrived at her home bright and early on Monday morning at 8 a.m. As we pulled up, the big, brown, chipped paint all over the beast of a house seemed to mock us and promise hours of hard work and labor to take off and cover — and that was just the outside. We had a huge job waiting for us inside as well. At this point, most of us were feeling a bit overwhelmed and started secretly wondering what we had agreed to take on.
Tanya came to the door with her hands on her hips and eyes that darted around, sizing us up and seeking for someone to connect with. Leading us into the kitchen, she showed us the other area we would be working in. She must have sensed our shock at the amount of work to be done because for a moment in time, everyone fell awkwardly silent as we let our eyes absorb the deterioration and our minds began mentally tallying each step that would need to happen over the next five days.
The silence was broken when Tanya locked eyes with me, pointed at my hair in long pigtail braids, and asked, "Do you know how to braid?"
"Yeah, a little bit," I replied sheepishly, wondering what a "yes" would get me into.
"Well, could you braid my hair?"
"Um, sure. Let me see..."
Tanya came closer to show me what she wanted (a French braid) and I saw that a hair wash would be helpful as well.
Another one of my teammates (also named Tonya) and I got to work finding shampoo, conditioner, and Tanya's other hair products she wanted us to use. For the next 20 minutes or so, that dilapidated kitchen turned into a friendly beauty parlor with us three ladies chatting, swapping stories, and connecting.
After that, and over the following days, God provided many other opportunities for me and my teammates to meet Tanya's social, emotional, and spiritual needs through prayers, conversations, laughter, inside jokes, and nicknames (Tanya couldn't remember our real names so she would make them up). The physical needs were also met through a series of hard work, determination, and fantastic leadership.
By the end of the week, the house was painted, the kitchen was redone, and all items from the list (as well as several that were added) were finished. But the biggest and most important outcome was that we gained a new sister in Christ. Tanya had been thinking about being baptized and had several different groups of people pouring into her life, leading her to the Lord. It was two days after we arrived home when I received a picture and a simple text that read: "Check this out." It was a picture of Tanya getting baptized! I called her right away and congratulated her!
This was my first mission trip I have ever been on, and I am so amazed at how God worked things out for our team, for Tanya, and for One Heart – Many Hands. It is awesome to be a part of something so special and life changing — on this side of heaven and beyond.
Indianapolis, Indiana
OHMH: Service project meets spiritual, emotional needsDecatur, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene team (Facebook photo)
Shauna Bohlmann, a member of Decatur, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene, was one of the more than 1,200 Nazarenes who participated in the weeklong One Heart – Many Hands service project in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bohlmann recently shared her first-hand account of the trip:
Our team arrived at her home bright and early on Monday morning at 8 a.m. As we pulled up, the big, brown, chipped paint all over the beast of a house seemed to mock us and promise hours of hard work and labor to take off and cover — and that was just the outside. We had a huge job waiting for us inside as well. At this point, most of us were feeling a bit overwhelmed and started secretly wondering what we had agreed to take on.
Tanya came to the door with her hands on her hips and eyes that darted around, sizing us up and seeking for someone to connect with. Leading us into the kitchen, she showed us the other area we would be working in. She must have sensed our shock at the amount of work to be done because for a moment in time, everyone fell awkwardly silent as we let our eyes absorb the deterioration and our minds began mentally tallying each step that would need to happen over the next five days.
The silence was broken when Tanya locked eyes with me, pointed at my hair in long pigtail braids, and asked, "Do you know how to braid?"
"Yeah, a little bit," I replied sheepishly, wondering what a "yes" would get me into.
"Well, could you braid my hair?"
"Um, sure. Let me see..."
Tanya came closer to show me what she wanted (a French braid) and I saw that a hair wash would be helpful as well.
Another one of my teammates (also named Tonya) and I got to work finding shampoo, conditioner, and Tanya's other hair products she wanted us to use. For the next 20 minutes or so, that dilapidated kitchen turned into a friendly beauty parlor with us three ladies chatting, swapping stories, and connecting.
After that, and over the following days, God provided many other opportunities for me and my teammates to meet Tanya's social, emotional, and spiritual needs through prayers, conversations, laughter, inside jokes, and nicknames (Tanya couldn't remember our real names so she would make them up). The physical needs were also met through a series of hard work, determination, and fantastic leadership.
By the end of the week, the house was painted, the kitchen was redone, and all items from the list (as well as several that were added) were finished. But the biggest and most important outcome was that we gained a new sister in Christ. Tanya had been thinking about being baptized and had several different groups of people pouring into her life, leading her to the Lord. It was two days after we arrived home when I received a picture and a simple text that read: "Check this out." It was a picture of Tanya getting baptized! I called her right away and congratulated her!
This was my first mission trip I have ever been on, and I am so amazed at how God worked things out for our team, for Tanya, and for One Heart – Many Hands. It is awesome to be a part of something so special and life changing — on this side of heaven and beyond.
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Gastonia, North Carolina
North Carolina pastor chose souls over computersJoe Bell pastors the Eastside Church of the Nazarene in Gastonia, North Carolina (The Gaston Gazette photo).
Joe Bell is passionate about his job.
As pastor at the Eastside Church of the Nazarene, his job description implies that he preaches on Sundays, but it doesn’t stop there. To him the job is a lot more than the sermons he delivers. He’s using his role to try and create unity within Gastonia.
With Bell’s help, Eastside Church of the Nazarene has become one of Gastonia’s biggest supporters of the Hispanic community. They’ve established an additional congregation for Spanish-speaking members.
Bell first saw a need for a Hispanic congregation during the church’s free after-school tutoring program, Gaston Hope in Christ. He realized that some of the parents couldn’t speak English and either hadn’t found a church or had been mistreated.
“There were churches that charged people to come in and made people start off by cleaning the toilets when they became members and things that were just demeaning,” Bell said. “That’s not what the church is suppose to be.”
The church, Dios de Amor y Paz Iglesia del Nazareno, has around 30 members.
Bell is also working with a group of pastors to plan Bible studies based on reconciliation of different races and denominations.
Working with these pastors is just one of the ways he strives to create collaboration between the local churches.
Eastside is planning a large Thanksgiving service for the fall. In years past, they’ve had four or five churches join in. This year, they want all of the local churches involved.
“We believe we’re one church. We’re not a bunch of different churches,” Bell said.
From observing his commitment to his job, you wouldn’t be able to tell that Bell had never planned to become a pastor.
While studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Bell had mentally committed himself to a life working with computers. He was ready to accept one of multiple job offers, where he’d make a good salary.
“I really had people saying ‘you get your degree and we’ve got you hired,’” Bell said.
Everything changed when he was told he was going to be a great pastor, by another pastor.
“I really turned around wondering who he was talking to,” Bell said. “Over the course of about a year, many different things happened that said ‘this is God’s path for you.’”
Looking back, Bell says he couldn’t imagine himself in the career he had originally planned.
“For me, having people learn about God and having them learn about loving each other, man, that’s a high,” Bell said.
When Bell first arrived in Gastonia, he thought he’d only be in town for two weeks. When his plans to leave for another job fell through, he stayed. A few years later, he accepted the role of pastor. Eastside celebrated Bell’s 20th anniversary at the church last month.
Also last month, he received the Church of Nazarene’s Timothy Award, given to him for his work at summer camps, where he influenced the lives of hundreds of children.
“I was humbled. I know the other people in our state who have gotten it and they’re great, godly people,” Bell said.
But he says his most rewarding moment as a pastor was helping his son receive his local minister’s license. This summer, his son is home from college and interning at the church.
With roughly 100 members, the church is a collection of all different ages, ethnicities, and political views. Bell describes the church community as “different.”
“They’re allowed to be themselves here,” Bell said. [Republished with permission from The Gaston Gazette]
Gastonia, North Carolina
North Carolina pastor chose souls over computersJoe Bell pastors the Eastside Church of the Nazarene in Gastonia, North Carolina (The Gaston Gazette photo).
Joe Bell is passionate about his job.
As pastor at the Eastside Church of the Nazarene, his job description implies that he preaches on Sundays, but it doesn’t stop there. To him the job is a lot more than the sermons he delivers. He’s using his role to try and create unity within Gastonia.
With Bell’s help, Eastside Church of the Nazarene has become one of Gastonia’s biggest supporters of the Hispanic community. They’ve established an additional congregation for Spanish-speaking members.
Bell first saw a need for a Hispanic congregation during the church’s free after-school tutoring program, Gaston Hope in Christ. He realized that some of the parents couldn’t speak English and either hadn’t found a church or had been mistreated.
“There were churches that charged people to come in and made people start off by cleaning the toilets when they became members and things that were just demeaning,” Bell said. “That’s not what the church is suppose to be.”
The church, Dios de Amor y Paz Iglesia del Nazareno, has around 30 members.
Bell is also working with a group of pastors to plan Bible studies based on reconciliation of different races and denominations.
Working with these pastors is just one of the ways he strives to create collaboration between the local churches.
Eastside is planning a large Thanksgiving service for the fall. In years past, they’ve had four or five churches join in. This year, they want all of the local churches involved.
“We believe we’re one church. We’re not a bunch of different churches,” Bell said.
From observing his commitment to his job, you wouldn’t be able to tell that Bell had never planned to become a pastor.
While studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Bell had mentally committed himself to a life working with computers. He was ready to accept one of multiple job offers, where he’d make a good salary.
“I really had people saying ‘you get your degree and we’ve got you hired,’” Bell said.
Everything changed when he was told he was going to be a great pastor, by another pastor.
“I really turned around wondering who he was talking to,” Bell said. “Over the course of about a year, many different things happened that said ‘this is God’s path for you.’”
Looking back, Bell says he couldn’t imagine himself in the career he had originally planned.
“For me, having people learn about God and having them learn about loving each other, man, that’s a high,” Bell said.
When Bell first arrived in Gastonia, he thought he’d only be in town for two weeks. When his plans to leave for another job fell through, he stayed. A few years later, he accepted the role of pastor. Eastside celebrated Bell’s 20th anniversary at the church last month.
Also last month, he received the Church of Nazarene’s Timothy Award, given to him for his work at summer camps, where he influenced the lives of hundreds of children.
“I was humbled. I know the other people in our state who have gotten it and they’re great, godly people,” Bell said.
But he says his most rewarding moment as a pastor was helping his son receive his local minister’s license. This summer, his son is home from college and interning at the church.
With roughly 100 members, the church is a collection of all different ages, ethnicities, and political views. Bell describes the church community as “different.”
“They’re allowed to be themselves here,” Bell said. [Republished with permission from The Gaston Gazette]
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Dunfermline, Scotland
Scotland church experiences rebirthWhen then-District Superintendent Philip McAlister arrived at the Headwell Church of the Nazarene on Easter Sunday 2015, he hoped to bring encouragement to the small, struggling congregation.
Through difficult times, the congregation had been whittled down to almost nothing, but several were still faithful. On that day, just two were in town for worship.
A woman and her son walked in 30 minutes late. She said that she had once known the Lord, but walked away from Him. However, the Spirit had awoken her that morning with conviction that she should be in church, so she had come.
“Their presence showed us that the Lord was still interested in His church in Dunfermline,” McAlister said. “The original two said they would do what they could to help. Without them there would be no congregation there today.”
Although there had been discussion among the British Isles North District Advisory Board about closing Headwell, the group visited the church. The district’s “Church Planting Dream Team,” a separate group of visionary pastors selected to assist in strategic church planting, also visited Headwell. Everyone agreed the church should get another chance.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
District support, partnership help replant small church in Scotland
Gina Grate Pottenger
Dunfermline, Scotland – When then-District Superintendent Philip McAlister arrived at the Headwell Church of the Nazarene on Easter Sunday, 2015, he hoped to bring encouragement to the small, struggling congregation.
Through difficult times, the congregation had been whittled down to almost nothing, but several were still faithful. On that day, just two were in town for worship.
A woman and her son walked in 30 minutes late. She said that she had once known the Lord, but walked away from Him. However, the Spirit had awoken her that morning with conviction that she should be in church, so she had come.
“Their presence showed us that the Lord was still interested in His church in Dunfermline,” says McAlister. “The original two said they would do what they could to help. Without them there would be no congregation there today.”
Although there had been discussion among the British Isles North District Advisory Board about closing Headwell, the group visited the church. The district’s “Church Planting Dream Team,” a separate group of visionary pastors selected to assist in strategic church planting, also visited Headwell. Everyone agreed the church should get another chance.
Sammy Robinson (center in photo below), a young Nazarene from Northern Ireland, was just graduating from a Bible college in Belfast, preparing for pastoral ministry. McAlister asked the young man to consider taking the church as his first official ministry assignment.
“I didn’t want it, to be perfectly honest,” Robinson said. “There was definitely at least one more option on the table which was a lot more attractive, but I told him I’d go away and pray about it. It was the best and worst thing I ever did,” he added with a smile.
In August 2015, Robinson began as part-time pastor, with Pastor Nick Daldry who would serve as co-pastor alongside him for one year.
The two focused on helping the church begin a healing process, and rediscover its Nazarene Wesleyan-Holiness identity. After the first year, Robinson has continued alone as part-time pastor.
“With God’s help I’m really trying to instill a culture of prayer and mission into it, but that’s hard graft,” he said. “There appeared a definite need to return to those Nazarene Wesleyan-Holiness and Early Church values right from the outset.”
Slow rebirth
During the careful process over the past two years, the church has experienced a rebirth, with average attendance growing from a handful to between 15 and 20.
“I wouldn’t say we’re numerically strong, but we are definitely spiritually strong and very healthy,” Robinson said. “That’s formed a foundation. When people start coming in now, it’s a lovely atmosphere and a congregation that love each other and in this way are living out the love of Christ.”
Cathie Johnstone felt led to the church in 2015, following a vision she believed God had given her many years before, that God was going to do a great work among those who didn’t yet know him. When she met Robinson and heard his calling to and vision for the church, she said “how my heart burned when it turned out to be the same vision I’d had for all these years.”
“During the months that followed, almost everyone expected people to flock to the church, but that didn’t happen,” Johnstone added, “and thankfully it didn’t, because it would have been chaotic. We were reminded that our God is a God of order and there were things that still needed to be organised and put in place before the people came into the church.”
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Dunfermline, Scotland
Scotland church experiences rebirthWhen then-District Superintendent Philip McAlister arrived at the Headwell Church of the Nazarene on Easter Sunday 2015, he hoped to bring encouragement to the small, struggling congregation.
Through difficult times, the congregation had been whittled down to almost nothing, but several were still faithful. On that day, just two were in town for worship.
A woman and her son walked in 30 minutes late. She said that she had once known the Lord, but walked away from Him. However, the Spirit had awoken her that morning with conviction that she should be in church, so she had come.
“Their presence showed us that the Lord was still interested in His church in Dunfermline,” McAlister said. “The original two said they would do what they could to help. Without them there would be no congregation there today.”
Although there had been discussion among the British Isles North District Advisory Board about closing Headwell, the group visited the church. The district’s “Church Planting Dream Team,” a separate group of visionary pastors selected to assist in strategic church planting, also visited Headwell. Everyone agreed the church should get another chance.
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
District support, partnership help replant small church in Scotland
Gina Grate Pottenger
Dunfermline, Scotland – When then-District Superintendent Philip McAlister arrived at the Headwell Church of the Nazarene on Easter Sunday, 2015, he hoped to bring encouragement to the small, struggling congregation.
Through difficult times, the congregation had been whittled down to almost nothing, but several were still faithful. On that day, just two were in town for worship.
A woman and her son walked in 30 minutes late. She said that she had once known the Lord, but walked away from Him. However, the Spirit had awoken her that morning with conviction that she should be in church, so she had come.
“Their presence showed us that the Lord was still interested in His church in Dunfermline,” says McAlister. “The original two said they would do what they could to help. Without them there would be no congregation there today.”
Although there had been discussion among the British Isles North District Advisory Board about closing Headwell, the group visited the church. The district’s “Church Planting Dream Team,” a separate group of visionary pastors selected to assist in strategic church planting, also visited Headwell. Everyone agreed the church should get another chance.
Sammy Robinson (center in photo below), a young Nazarene from Northern Ireland, was just graduating from a Bible college in Belfast, preparing for pastoral ministry. McAlister asked the young man to consider taking the church as his first official ministry assignment.
“I didn’t want it, to be perfectly honest,” Robinson said. “There was definitely at least one more option on the table which was a lot more attractive, but I told him I’d go away and pray about it. It was the best and worst thing I ever did,” he added with a smile.
In August 2015, Robinson began as part-time pastor, with Pastor Nick Daldry who would serve as co-pastor alongside him for one year.
The two focused on helping the church begin a healing process, and rediscover its Nazarene Wesleyan-Holiness identity. After the first year, Robinson has continued alone as part-time pastor.
“With God’s help I’m really trying to instill a culture of prayer and mission into it, but that’s hard graft,” he said. “There appeared a definite need to return to those Nazarene Wesleyan-Holiness and Early Church values right from the outset.”
Slow rebirth
During the careful process over the past two years, the church has experienced a rebirth, with average attendance growing from a handful to between 15 and 20.
“I wouldn’t say we’re numerically strong, but we are definitely spiritually strong and very healthy,” Robinson said. “That’s formed a foundation. When people start coming in now, it’s a lovely atmosphere and a congregation that love each other and in this way are living out the love of Christ.”
Cathie Johnstone felt led to the church in 2015, following a vision she believed God had given her many years before, that God was going to do a great work among those who didn’t yet know him. When she met Robinson and heard his calling to and vision for the church, she said “how my heart burned when it turned out to be the same vision I’d had for all these years.”
“During the months that followed, almost everyone expected people to flock to the church, but that didn’t happen,” Johnstone added, “and thankfully it didn’t, because it would have been chaotic. We were reminded that our God is a God of order and there were things that still needed to be organised and put in place before the people came into the church.”
Since then, two women accepted Christ through the church and were baptized. Those who are coming are “just so hungry for the Word of God,” Robinson said. “A few of them have said that they’ve never been so close to Jesus.
Most of the current attenders are elderly, reflecting the neighborhood’s relatively large shut-in demographic, but at least one young family from the nearby working class estate has begun to attend, and is inviting friends to visit, as well.
Johnstone said neighbors now receive church members warmly when they have knocked on doors and chatted with people over Easter and Christmas seasons.
Strength from partnership
Headwell’s new health is due in part to the support and partnership of the Trinity Church of the Nazarene, which is just a 30-minute drive away in Perth. Trinity has taken Headwell under its wing by sending musicians to lead worship, because it has more talented musicians than it can use each Sunday. Lending them to Headwell on a rotation is a win-win for both churches. Robinson is also on the Trinity staff part-time, under lead pastor Jim Ritchie, who is also the district’s current superintendent, and who was on the “dream team” that helped decide to keep Headwell open.
“The situation in Dunfermline is one of the creative gospel opportunities which we as a district are pursuing to support a church community in the Kingdom mission God has called them to,” Ritchie said. “The appointment of Pastor Sammy Robinson, with the support and encouragement of the church in Perth, gives us the opportunity to build a strong link between two locations with very different contexts and resources, but with one heart for Jesus. It is a partnership of mutuality in Christ, which I honestly believe gives us strength to rebuild and is a model I anticipate we will follow in other places in our district.”
Despite the victories, the path to healing and rebirthing Headwell has not been easy.
“I’ve learned church planting is hard,” Robinson said. “I’ve learned that the days you want to quit the most is whenever God is just about to do something. He is on the move and certainly not finished with us yet!”
Most of the current attenders are elderly, reflecting the neighborhood’s relatively large shut-in demographic, but at least one young family from the nearby working class estate has begun to attend, and is inviting friends to visit, as well.
Johnstone said neighbors now receive church members warmly when they have knocked on doors and chatted with people over Easter and Christmas seasons.
Strength from partnership
Headwell’s new health is due in part to the support and partnership of the Trinity Church of the Nazarene, which is just a 30-minute drive away in Perth. Trinity has taken Headwell under its wing by sending musicians to lead worship, because it has more talented musicians than it can use each Sunday. Lending them to Headwell on a rotation is a win-win for both churches. Robinson is also on the Trinity staff part-time, under lead pastor Jim Ritchie, who is also the district’s current superintendent, and who was on the “dream team” that helped decide to keep Headwell open.
“The situation in Dunfermline is one of the creative gospel opportunities which we as a district are pursuing to support a church community in the Kingdom mission God has called them to,” Ritchie said. “The appointment of Pastor Sammy Robinson, with the support and encouragement of the church in Perth, gives us the opportunity to build a strong link between two locations with very different contexts and resources, but with one heart for Jesus. It is a partnership of mutuality in Christ, which I honestly believe gives us strength to rebuild and is a model I anticipate we will follow in other places in our district.”
Despite the victories, the path to healing and rebirthing Headwell has not been easy.
“I’ve learned church planting is hard,” Robinson said. “I’ve learned that the days you want to quit the most is whenever God is just about to do something. He is on the move and certainly not finished with us yet!”
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South America
Flags of the Nations: VenezuelaThe Venezuela flag is a tricolor with yellow, blue, and red stripes from top to bottom with a coat of arms and an arc of eight stars at the center. The flag is modeled after the one used by the liberation leader, Francisco de Maranda. Blue represents independence from Spain, red symbolizes courage and the centered stars are symbolic of the seven provinces that supported the revolution.
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: Venezuela
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Venezuela in 1982.
Venezuela had a population of 30,912,302 in 2016. That same year, Venezuela reported 88 Churches of the Nazarene, 86 of which had been officially organized. Venezuela has 9,103 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Venezuela has one Phase 3 district, three Phase 2 districts, and one Phase 1 district. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
South America
Flags of the Nations: VenezuelaThe Venezuela flag is a tricolor with yellow, blue, and red stripes from top to bottom with a coat of arms and an arc of eight stars at the center. The flag is modeled after the one used by the liberation leader, Francisco de Maranda. Blue represents independence from Spain, red symbolizes courage and the centered stars are symbolic of the seven provinces that supported the revolution.
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: Venezuela
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Venezuela in 1982.
Venezuela had a population of 30,912,302 in 2016. That same year, Venezuela reported 88 Churches of the Nazarene, 86 of which had been officially organized. Venezuela has 9,103 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Venezuela has one Phase 3 district, three Phase 2 districts, and one Phase 1 district. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
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USA/Canada
Jim Real, who recently started the Journey Church of the Nazarene in Louisburg, Missouri, competes against Shelley Haines during a Louisburg Rotary meeting. (The Miami County Republic photo)
(The Miami County Republic, 5 July) Jim Real is a man who believes in second chances, as he has had his share of his own — a second chance with his wife, a second chance with his true calling and a second chance with his life.
“I was called to preach when I was 16,” Real said. “I walked away from that call and lived a double life for many years. God and I reconciled some years later.”
Real and his wife, Joni, started the Journey Church of the Nazarene this spring in Louisburg. The church has Sunday morning services in the choir room at Louisburg Middle School. The couple also hosts Bible study on Wednesday nights in their home.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Ohio prison garden allows inmates to give back to community
Toledo, Ohio
Jason Ahlers, left, Johnnie Slover, and Ron Matney weed the raised tomato and lettuce beds of the garden at Toledo Correctional Institution. The hydroponic section, much of which was donated by Hope Community Church of the Nazarene, is in the background. (The Toledo Bladephoto)
(The Toledo Blade, 5 July) It’s a quiet day punctuated by a pleasant wind on a recent visit to the Toledo Correctional Institution.
The sun peeked out from behind a cloud as water sprayed plants in a designated area just inside the entrance of the prison’s grounds.
“Let there be water!” said Johnnie Slover, who is serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter. He was walking between rows of plants being showered by an overhanging water system as part of the new garden program implemented at the city’s prison.
For several years, Kenneth Koontz, correctional officer at the institution, sought approval from the Environmental Protection Agency to build a garden on the prison’s grounds.
After receiving donations such as barrels from SeaGate Food Bank of Northwest Ohio, a Verti-Gro gardening system from Hope Community Church of the Nazarene, and plants and seeds from Toledo GROWs, his idea to establish a garden on the prison’s grounds came to life this summer.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Oklahoma church opens center to aid immigrants
Yukon, Oklahoma
Arlita Harris and Gary Reynolds are shown in the front hallway at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene, which has launched a new ministry called The Immigration Center. (The Oklahoman photo)(The Oklahoman, 17 June) Led by a strong desire to help the "stranger among us," an Oklahoma City church has opened a center offering consultation and assistance to immigrants.
The Immigration Center at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene opened June 1 at 7901 NW 16, near the intersection of NW 16 and Council Road.
Western Oaks church member Arlita Harris and the Rev. Gary Reynolds, senior pastor of Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, operate the center, along with Angelica Escobedo Miranda.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
USA/Canada
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Personal struggles help Missouri pastor help others
Louisburg, Missouri
Nazarenes in the NewsJim Real, who recently started the Journey Church of the Nazarene in Louisburg, Missouri, competes against Shelley Haines during a Louisburg Rotary meeting. (The Miami County Republic photo)
(The Miami County Republic, 5 July) Jim Real is a man who believes in second chances, as he has had his share of his own — a second chance with his wife, a second chance with his true calling and a second chance with his life.
“I was called to preach when I was 16,” Real said. “I walked away from that call and lived a double life for many years. God and I reconciled some years later.”
Real and his wife, Joni, started the Journey Church of the Nazarene this spring in Louisburg. The church has Sunday morning services in the choir room at Louisburg Middle School. The couple also hosts Bible study on Wednesday nights in their home.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Ohio prison garden allows inmates to give back to community
Toledo, Ohio
Jason Ahlers, left, Johnnie Slover, and Ron Matney weed the raised tomato and lettuce beds of the garden at Toledo Correctional Institution. The hydroponic section, much of which was donated by Hope Community Church of the Nazarene, is in the background. (The Toledo Bladephoto)
(The Toledo Blade, 5 July) It’s a quiet day punctuated by a pleasant wind on a recent visit to the Toledo Correctional Institution.
The sun peeked out from behind a cloud as water sprayed plants in a designated area just inside the entrance of the prison’s grounds.
“Let there be water!” said Johnnie Slover, who is serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter. He was walking between rows of plants being showered by an overhanging water system as part of the new garden program implemented at the city’s prison.
For several years, Kenneth Koontz, correctional officer at the institution, sought approval from the Environmental Protection Agency to build a garden on the prison’s grounds.
After receiving donations such as barrels from SeaGate Food Bank of Northwest Ohio, a Verti-Gro gardening system from Hope Community Church of the Nazarene, and plants and seeds from Toledo GROWs, his idea to establish a garden on the prison’s grounds came to life this summer.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Oklahoma church opens center to aid immigrants
Yukon, Oklahoma
Arlita Harris and Gary Reynolds are shown in the front hallway at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene, which has launched a new ministry called The Immigration Center. (The Oklahoman photo)(The Oklahoman, 17 June) Led by a strong desire to help the "stranger among us," an Oklahoma City church has opened a center offering consultation and assistance to immigrants.
The Immigration Center at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene opened June 1 at 7901 NW 16, near the intersection of NW 16 and Council Road.
Western Oaks church member Arlita Harris and the Rev. Gary Reynolds, senior pastor of Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, operate the center, along with Angelica Escobedo Miranda.
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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Lenexa, Kansas
Stewardship Ministries announces scholarship winnersThe office of Stewardship Ministries has announced the 2016-2017 winners of the Stewardship Sermon Scholarship. The award is given to those students whose sermons are judged most effective in exploring biblical stewardship in the contemporary context of the local Nazarene church.
This year, two winners were chosen for submitting excellent stewardship sermons: Rachael Reichley, attending Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; and Sam Bartolome, attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their continued pastoral development.
Stewardship Ministries began sponsoring the scholarship in 2008, thanks to a generous legacy gift. Funds are awarded annually to Religion and Christian Education students who are currently enrolled at a USA or Canada Nazarene institution of higher education.
“The scholarship program shows our Nazarene students how to preach and teach about stewardship,” said Mark Lail, Stewardship Ministries director. “Knowing how to talk about money and God’s thoughts on it is an essential skill for any pastor.”
This year’s scripture assignment was Deuteronomy 8:17-18. Applicants for the scholarship were challenged to explore holiness in tithing and living generously, while addressing money as it relates to funding the mission of the Church of the Nazarene: “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.”
The sermons submitted by Reichley and Bartolome offered insightful, challenging calls to biblical stewardship. Stewardship Ministries would like to congratulate both winners on their excellent work. Their sermons are available as a free resource download on the Stewardship website.
Information about the upcoming 2017-2018 Stewardship Sermon Scholarship competition will be released on the Stewardship Sermon Scholarship webpage soon. Additional questions or comments can be directed to Stewardship Ministries at stewardship@nazarene.org.[Stewardship Ministries]
Lenexa, Kansas
Stewardship Ministries announces scholarship winnersThe office of Stewardship Ministries has announced the 2016-2017 winners of the Stewardship Sermon Scholarship. The award is given to those students whose sermons are judged most effective in exploring biblical stewardship in the contemporary context of the local Nazarene church.
This year, two winners were chosen for submitting excellent stewardship sermons: Rachael Reichley, attending Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; and Sam Bartolome, attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their continued pastoral development.
Stewardship Ministries began sponsoring the scholarship in 2008, thanks to a generous legacy gift. Funds are awarded annually to Religion and Christian Education students who are currently enrolled at a USA or Canada Nazarene institution of higher education.
“The scholarship program shows our Nazarene students how to preach and teach about stewardship,” said Mark Lail, Stewardship Ministries director. “Knowing how to talk about money and God’s thoughts on it is an essential skill for any pastor.”
This year’s scripture assignment was Deuteronomy 8:17-18. Applicants for the scholarship were challenged to explore holiness in tithing and living generously, while addressing money as it relates to funding the mission of the Church of the Nazarene: “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.”
The sermons submitted by Reichley and Bartolome offered insightful, challenging calls to biblical stewardship. Stewardship Ministries would like to congratulate both winners on their excellent work. Their sermons are available as a free resource download on the Stewardship website.
Information about the upcoming 2017-2018 Stewardship Sermon Scholarship competition will be released on the Stewardship Sermon Scholarship webpage soon. Additional questions or comments can be directed to Stewardship Ministries at stewardship@nazarene.org.[Stewardship Ministries]
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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 3-7 July 2017.
Robert Brown, 75, of Dublin, Georgia, passed away 4 July. He was a minister, previously serving in Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Brown.
Edgar Campbell Jr., 90, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 6 July. He was a retired minister, serving in Florida, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Campbell.
Roy Carnahan, 90, of York, Pennsylvania, passed away 1 July. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and leading the Washington District. He is survived by his wife, Doris (Jackson) Carnahan.
Joyce Doan, 84, of Hanson, Kentucky, passed away 28 June. She was the widow of retired minister William Doan, who served in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. William Doan passed away in 2014.
Ruth Green, 93, of Battle Ground, Washington, passed away 1 July. She was the widow of retired minister Roy Green, who served in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Roy Green passed away in 2002.
Lloyd Harold Johnston, 93, of Orange, California, passed away 18 June. He was a member of Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene, where he played the piano and led singing groups. Johnston also wrote "Heavanly Father King Eternal," for the Nazarene hymnal, "Sing to the Lord."
Herbert Nugent, 88, of Blacklick, Ohio, passed away 3 July. He was the husband of minister and educator Geraldine "Gerri" Nugent, who pastors One Hope Community Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Genelle (Scofield) Nugent.
Gene Shelton, 84, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away 4 July. He was a retired minister, serving in Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Shelton, who passed away in 2015.
Raymond Smith, 84, of Lemoore, California, passed away 20 June. He was a retired minister, serving in Idaho and California. He is survived by his wife, Margie Smith.
Jimmie Tracy, 82, of Chula Vista, California, passed away 2 July. He was a retired minister, serving in California, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Delma Tracy.
Charles Wheeler, 87, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away 6 July. He was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania and New York. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Wheeler, who passed away in 2013.
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]
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 3-7 July 2017.
Robert Brown, 75, of Dublin, Georgia, passed away 4 July. He was a minister, previously serving in Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Brown.
Edgar Campbell Jr., 90, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 6 July. He was a retired minister, serving in Florida, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Campbell.
Roy Carnahan, 90, of York, Pennsylvania, passed away 1 July. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and leading the Washington District. He is survived by his wife, Doris (Jackson) Carnahan.
Joyce Doan, 84, of Hanson, Kentucky, passed away 28 June. She was the widow of retired minister William Doan, who served in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. William Doan passed away in 2014.
Ruth Green, 93, of Battle Ground, Washington, passed away 1 July. She was the widow of retired minister Roy Green, who served in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Roy Green passed away in 2002.
Lloyd Harold Johnston, 93, of Orange, California, passed away 18 June. He was a member of Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene, where he played the piano and led singing groups. Johnston also wrote "Heavanly Father King Eternal," for the Nazarene hymnal, "Sing to the Lord."
Herbert Nugent, 88, of Blacklick, Ohio, passed away 3 July. He was the husband of minister and educator Geraldine "Gerri" Nugent, who pastors One Hope Community Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Genelle (Scofield) Nugent.
Gene Shelton, 84, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away 4 July. He was a retired minister, serving in Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Shelton, who passed away in 2015.
Raymond Smith, 84, of Lemoore, California, passed away 20 June. He was a retired minister, serving in Idaho and California. He is survived by his wife, Margie Smith.
Jimmie Tracy, 82, of Chula Vista, California, passed away 2 July. He was a retired minister, serving in California, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Delma Tracy.
Charles Wheeler, 87, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away 6 July. He was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania and New York. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Wheeler, who passed away in 2013.
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
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
There are currently no open positions posted for the Global Ministry Center.
Church of the Nazarene Foundation
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene Foundation Offices located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas:
Accounting Clerk
Nazarene Bible College
To learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are 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 162 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.
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
There are currently no open positions posted for the Global Ministry Center.
Church of the Nazarene FoundationThe following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene Foundation Offices located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas:
Accounting Clerk
Nazarene Bible CollegeTo learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are 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 162 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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Indianapolis, Indiana
GA Daily Summaries available onlineComplimentary copies of the General Assembly Daily Summary newsletters are now available online. Click to view or download.
Wednesday 21 June
Thursday 22 June
Friday 23 June
Saturday 24 June
Sunday 25 June
Monday 26 June
Tuesday 27 June
Wednesday 28 June
Follow news and updates with #GA2017 on social media or watch the plenary session live stream at nazarene.org/galive.
For more information about General Assembly, visit the event's official site at nazarene.org/ga.
Indianapolis, Indiana
GA Daily Summaries available onlineComplimentary copies of the General Assembly Daily Summary newsletters are now available online. Click to view or download.
Wednesday 21 June
Thursday 22 June
Friday 23 June
Saturday 24 June
Sunday 25 June
Monday 26 June
Tuesday 27 June
Wednesday 28 June
Follow news and updates with #GA2017 on social media or watch the plenary session live stream at nazarene.org/galive.
For more information about General Assembly, visit the event's official site at nazarene.org/ga.
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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
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Material created and owned by The Global Nazarene Communication Network 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
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Terms of Use — ECFA Member
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