Africa
The librarian
Religious materials for discipleship and pastoral education can be difficult to come by in parts of Africa. This is particularly true in areas where Christianity is not a major religion. When even owning a page of the Bible is illegal — punishable by prison time — finding a commentary is nearly impossible.
However, one believer, who was a schoolteacher by training, took it as his mission to start a Christian library in every city with at least seven underground churches. “The Librarian,” as he has been nicknamed, began the first library in 1995. Due to his passion and commitment, many underground pastors and Bible teachers were able to have materials to study and share with their members.
Unfortunately, as often happens in countries were the Word of Life is not welcomed, in 2011 the Librarian’s secret library was discovered and destroyed. The Librarian, himself, escaped death by fleeing in a vehicle as militants shot at him. Another believer was captured at this same time and eventually martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.
For most believers this would be the end of the story, but not so with the Librarian. His passion and calling were not stamped out, and in fact, he became all the more enthusiastic to share Christian materials with those who had little access.
In 2014, the Librarian was able to start another library. Today, that library is 100 percent digital with high-speed internet access, 15 laptops, nine tablets, and eight iPods all loaded with valuable published materials in multiple languages. This digital library is only available to church leaders who have been vetted and have proven their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. In the unlikely event this library is discovered by enemies of the Church, they will not be able to access the materials on these laptops, tablets, and iPods because they are highly secured and password protected. If the wrong password is put in these devices three consecutive times, the entire contents saved on the devices are deleted with no possibility of recovery.(Engage Magazine}
"The Librarian" by Rev. LMA
Unfortunately, as often happens in countries were the Word of Life is not welcomed, in 2011 the Librarian’s secret library was discovered and destroyed. The Librarian, himself, escaped death by fleeing in a vehicle as militants shot at him. Another believer was captured at this same time and eventually martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.
For most believers this would be the end of the story, but not so with the Librarian. His passion and calling were not stamped out, and in fact, he became all the more enthusiastic to share Christian materials with those who had little access.
In 2014, the Librarian was able to start another library. Today, that library is 100- percent digital with high-speed internet access, fifteen laptops, nine tablets, and eight iPods all loaded with valuable published materials in multiple languages. This digital library is only available to church leaders who have been vetted and have proven their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. In the unlikely event this library is discovered by enemies of the Church, they will not be able to access the materials on these laptops, tablets, and iPods because they are highly secured and password protected. If the wrong password is put in these devices three consecutive times, the entire contents saved on the devices are deleted with no possibility of recovery.
We praise the Lord that technology has given the Church a way for believers and pastors to study God’s Word in areas of the world where paper versions of the Bible are a liability.
Religious materials for discipleship and pastoral education can be difficult to come by in parts of Africa. This is particularly true in areas where Christianity is not a major religion. When even owning a page of the Bible is illegal — punishable by prison time — finding a commentary is nearly impossible.
However, one believer, who was a schoolteacher by training, took it as his mission to start a Christian library in every city with at least seven underground churches. “The Librarian,” as he has been nicknamed, began the first library in 1995. Due to his passion and commitment, many underground pastors and Bible teachers were able to have materials to study and share with their members.
Unfortunately, as often happens in countries were the Word of Life is not welcomed, in 2011 the Librarian’s secret library was discovered and destroyed. The Librarian, himself, escaped death by fleeing in a vehicle as militants shot at him. Another believer was captured at this same time and eventually martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.
For most believers this would be the end of the story, but not so with the Librarian. His passion and calling were not stamped out, and in fact, he became all the more enthusiastic to share Christian materials with those who had little access.
In 2014, the Librarian was able to start another library. Today, that library is 100 percent digital with high-speed internet access, 15 laptops, nine tablets, and eight iPods all loaded with valuable published materials in multiple languages. This digital library is only available to church leaders who have been vetted and have proven their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. In the unlikely event this library is discovered by enemies of the Church, they will not be able to access the materials on these laptops, tablets, and iPods because they are highly secured and password protected. If the wrong password is put in these devices three consecutive times, the entire contents saved on the devices are deleted with no possibility of recovery.(Engage Magazine}
"The Librarian" by Rev. LMA
Religious materials for discipleship and pastoral education can be difficult to come by in parts of Africa. This is particularly true in areas where Christianity is not a major religion. When even owning a page of the Bible is illegal — punishable by prison time — finding a commentary is nearly impossible.
However, one believer, who was a schoolteacher by training took it as his mission to start a Christian library in every city with at least seven underground churches. “The Librarian,” as he has been nicknamed, began the first library in 1995. Due to his passion and commitment, many underground pastors and Bible teachers were able to have materials to study and share with their members.Unfortunately, as often happens in countries were the Word of Life is not welcomed, in 2011 the Librarian’s secret library was discovered and destroyed. The Librarian, himself, escaped death by fleeing in a vehicle as militants shot at him. Another believer was captured at this same time and eventually martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.
For most believers this would be the end of the story, but not so with the Librarian. His passion and calling were not stamped out, and in fact, he became all the more enthusiastic to share Christian materials with those who had little access.
In 2014, the Librarian was able to start another library. Today, that library is 100- percent digital with high-speed internet access, fifteen laptops, nine tablets, and eight iPods all loaded with valuable published materials in multiple languages. This digital library is only available to church leaders who have been vetted and have proven their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. In the unlikely event this library is discovered by enemies of the Church, they will not be able to access the materials on these laptops, tablets, and iPods because they are highly secured and password protected. If the wrong password is put in these devices three consecutive times, the entire contents saved on the devices are deleted with no possibility of recovery.
We praise the Lord that technology has given the Church a way for believers and pastors to study God’s Word in areas of the world where paper versions of the Bible are a liability.
Quincy, Massachusetts
ENC announces new initiatives in place of Trevecca merger
Eastern Nazarene College’s Board of Trustees voted last month to endorse new initiatives in place of a merger with Trevecca Nazarene University.
Immediate implementation includes plans to enact a strategic vision, complete a budget reset, expand an enrollment strategy focused on Nazarene youth, establish an aggressive adult education program with increased online offerings, and extend progressive and transparent reporting to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and key stakeholders.
“This plan will preserve the best of ENC’s historic past, refine current practices, and imagine a future that will excite the Church of the Nazarene and alumni alike,” said Russ Long, board chair. “We are stepping into the future with a refocused vision that centers on ENC’s Christian identity, our commitment to liberal arts and job preparation, and a more vibrant relationship with the Church of the Nazarene and the greater Boston area.”
The new plan came after more than a year of exploration and careful consideration of a potential merger with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We express our appreciation to Trevecca for its belief in ENC and its partnership for the past year,” Long said. “We regret that a merger could not occur within the parameters of Massachusetts educational policy in a way that would serve the best interests of both institutions. Our sister university has made us better by her deep investment, and we are a much stronger school today than a year ago.”
Long stressed that the partnership between the two institutions would continue in several areas, providing cost-savings and enhanced student experiences for students of both schools.
The board emphasized that the plan is more than an attempt to operate efficiently.
“It is not enough that ENC presents itself as preserving the best of its past or operating more efficiently,” Long said. “ENC is being revitalized. The future of the college was affirmed in the hearts and minds of its trustees in the March meeting and will be supported by each upcoming decision.”
ENC has begun the process of selecting its next president. In the interim, Timothy Wooster, has been asked to serve as chief executive officer until the election of a new president.
“It has been a delight to work with Dr. Wooster and other ENC leaders. I anticipate the continuation of their strong leadership into the future,” said Dan Boone, Trevecca president. Boone also served ENC as president-elect this year.
Boone will step away from his ENC role as a requirement of Trevecca’s accrediting association. Permission to serve both institutions was conditioned on the likelihood of a merger.
“I am very thankful to Dr. Boone for his leadership and guidance throughout this last year,” Wooster said. “In addition to the input and support of Trevecca’s cabinet members and staff, we are blessed by the devoted investment of ENC faculty and staff. They have embraced the opportunity to innovate and collaborate toward revitalized methods of educating students for careers, character, and Christian service."
Boone expressed confidence in the board’s endorsement while calling for prayer and a renewed passion for ENC’s mission among its constituents.
“We humbly ask all who love ENC to join your leaders as they envision and lead toward a future that will glorify God, serve students, and enable the entire ENC family to be proud of their college,” Boone said. (Eastern Nazarene College)
Eastern Nazarene College’s Board of Trustees voted last month to endorse new initiatives in place of a merger with Trevecca Nazarene University.
Immediate implementation includes plans to enact a strategic vision, complete a budget reset, expand an enrollment strategy focused on Nazarene youth, establish an aggressive adult education program with increased online offerings, and extend progressive and transparent reporting to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and key stakeholders.
“This plan will preserve the best of ENC’s historic past, refine current practices, and imagine a future that will excite the Church of the Nazarene and alumni alike,” said Russ Long, board chair. “We are stepping into the future with a refocused vision that centers on ENC’s Christian identity, our commitment to liberal arts and job preparation, and a more vibrant relationship with the Church of the Nazarene and the greater Boston area.”
The new plan came after more than a year of exploration and careful consideration of a potential merger with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We express our appreciation to Trevecca for its belief in ENC and its partnership for the past year,” Long said. “We regret that a merger could not occur within the parameters of Massachusetts educational policy in a way that would serve the best interests of both institutions. Our sister university has made us better by her deep investment, and we are a much stronger school today than a year ago.”
Long stressed that the partnership between the two institutions would continue in several areas, providing cost-savings and enhanced student experiences for students of both schools.
The board emphasized that the plan is more than an attempt to operate efficiently.
“It is not enough that ENC presents itself as preserving the best of its past or operating more efficiently,” Long said. “ENC is being revitalized. The future of the college was affirmed in the hearts and minds of its trustees in the March meeting and will be supported by each upcoming decision.”
ENC has begun the process of selecting its next president. In the interim, Timothy Wooster, has been asked to serve as chief executive officer until the election of a new president.
“It has been a delight to work with Dr. Wooster and other ENC leaders. I anticipate the continuation of their strong leadership into the future,” said Dan Boone, Trevecca president. Boone also served ENC as president-elect this year.
Boone will step away from his ENC role as a requirement of Trevecca’s accrediting association. Permission to serve both institutions was conditioned on the likelihood of a merger.
“I am very thankful to Dr. Boone for his leadership and guidance throughout this last year,” Wooster said. “In addition to the input and support of Trevecca’s cabinet members and staff, we are blessed by the devoted investment of ENC faculty and staff. They have embraced the opportunity to innovate and collaborate toward revitalized methods of educating students for careers, character, and Christian service."
Boone expressed confidence in the board’s endorsement while calling for prayer and a renewed passion for ENC’s mission among its constituents.
“We humbly ask all who love ENC to join your leaders as they envision and lead toward a future that will glorify God, serve students, and enable the entire ENC family to be proud of their college,” Boone said. (Eastern Nazarene College)
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Argentina youth share gospel through games, songs
More than 30 youth from across the Central Patagonia District gathered at Puerto Madryn Church of the Nazarene 29 to 31 March for the first Maximum Mission of the year.
Every afternoon, the youth shared the gospel through games and songs that helped children hear the Good News. Through this, several couples made the decision to follow Christ.
"We believe that God will use this tool to bless the different districts of Argentina and these communities with the gospel put into action," said Leandro Barreto, Argentina Maximum Mission coordinator. "One of the fundamental bases of Maximum Mission is the call to missions. We thank God for the six youth who accepted the challenge of being light to the nations through mission work.
"We saw hearts on fire for the mission of God and we are convinced that they will be used for the Kingdom in their churches and communities. Several Maximum Mission events are coming in the year and we wish that you would pray, invest, and participate."
The youth also helped paint classrooms in a school where the pastor teaches. (Church of the Nazarene South America.)
More than 30 youth from across the Central Patagonia District gathered at Puerto Madryn Church of the Nazarene 29 to 31 March for the first Maximum Mission of the year.
Every afternoon, the youth shared the gospel through games and songs that helped children hear the Good News. Through this, several couples made the decision to follow Christ.
"We believe that God will use this tool to bless the different districts of Argentina and these communities with the gospel put into action," said Leandro Barreto, Argentina Maximum Mission coordinator. "One of the fundamental bases of Maximum Mission is the call to missions. We thank God for the six youth who accepted the challenge of being light to the nations through mission work.
"We saw hearts on fire for the mission of God and we are convinced that they will be used for the Kingdom in their churches and communities. Several Maximum Mission events are coming in the year and we wish that you would pray, invest, and participate."
The youth also helped paint classrooms in a school where the pastor teaches. (Church of the Nazarene South America.)
Somoto, Nicaragua
Nazarenes donate 126 water filters to rural Nicaragua communities
The Church of the Nazarene partnered with Casa Unida Foundation to donate 126 water filters to families in the rural communities of San Antonio de Padua and Motuse in Los Ranchos in the city of Somoto, Nicaragua, from 28 February to 2 March.
Prior to delivering the water, the pastors of the each of the local churches involved led a devotional time where they welcomed the donations and thanked God for the generosity of those who donated.
"Thank you very much [brothers and sisters] for making this delivery, because with this project they come to help us improve our health, especially that of our children, by being able to drink pure and clean water," said Santo López Casco, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in San Antonio.
Bob Moore, president of the Casa Unida Foundation, also spoke during the devotional.
"With this simple system of filters you will drink pure water, better than that taken from Somoto or other cities," Moore said. "We deliver this gift in the name of Jesus, because He loves you, and we love you too. Take care of this project." (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
The Church of the Nazarene partnered with Casa Unida Foundation to donate 126 water filters to families in the rural communities of San Antonio de Padua and Motuse in Los Ranchos in the city of Somoto, Nicaragua, from 28 February to 2 March.
Prior to delivering the water, the pastors of the each of the local churches involved led a devotional time where they welcomed the donations and thanked God for the generosity of those who donated.
"Thank you very much [brothers and sisters] for making this delivery, because with this project they come to help us improve our health, especially that of our children, by being able to drink pure and clean water," said Santo López Casco, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in San Antonio.
Bob Moore, president of the Casa Unida Foundation, also spoke during the devotional.
"With this simple system of filters you will drink pure water, better than that taken from Somoto or other cities," Moore said. "We deliver this gift in the name of Jesus, because He loves you, and we love you too. Take care of this project." (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Orlando, Florida
Holiness Today receives national award
The Evangelical Press Association awarded Holiness Today second place in the Cause of the Year category during the EPA convention in Orlando, Florida, USA, 6 April. This award was for an article featured in their commemorative Reformation issue for the months of September and October 2017.
The judges' comments include: “The friendly, neighbor-like tone serves the purpose of the article perfectly. It was an unexpected, but highly effective editorial choice to have a Catholic priest express ecumenical optimism in Holiness Today. You are also to be commended for the creative use of illustrations and the excellent timeline. Well done!”
Holiness Today is grateful for the opportunity to represent the Church of the Nazarene and to share stories of God at work in the world through our network of writers and readers.
To read the award-winning article, visit holinesstoday.org. Additional copies of the Reformation issue are also available to order at cambeywest.com. (Holiness Today)
The Evangelical Press Association awarded Holiness Today second place in the Cause of the Year category during the EPA convention in Orlando, Florida, USA, 6 April. This award was for an article featured in their commemorative Reformation issue for the months of September and October 2017.
The judges' comments include: “The friendly, neighbor-like tone serves the purpose of the article perfectly. It was an unexpected, but highly effective editorial choice to have a Catholic priest express ecumenical optimism in Holiness Today. You are also to be commended for the creative use of illustrations and the excellent timeline. Well done!”
Holiness Today is grateful for the opportunity to represent the Church of the Nazarene and to share stories of God at work in the world through our network of writers and readers.
To read the award-winning article, visit holinesstoday.org. Additional copies of the Reformation issue are also available to order at cambeywest.com. (Holiness Today)
Catholics and the Protestant Reformation
The 500th anniversary of the Reformation calls for soul-searching among all Christians.
“Oh, really?” is a common reply I hear when I tell another Catholic that this October will mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. They respond as if it’s something they are supposed to know, don’t, and aren’t sure whether to feel out of the loop or just curious about why I would even mention it. For many of us Catholics, the anniversary is not even on the radar.I’ll ask, “Do you remember the story of Martin Luther nailing 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg cathedral?” “Sure.” But that is as far as it goes with many of us. What did those theses state? How many of them are now commonplace in the Catholic Church?
Silence…
The last Sunday of October on the Catholic liturgical calendar is usually something like the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. It is a celebration no bigger than the Twenty-Ninth or the Thirty-First Sunday: just another autumn day.
The Reformation is not something we Catholics celebrate. As an understanding Lutheran colleague recently noted, “It’s both a birth and a divorce. It’s hard to know how to feel.”
The landscape of feelings encompasses disinterest, prejudice, and hope. No one is content with the divisions of Christianity. It is hard to find common ground even in regard to where to walk next.
I grew up amid the unfettered enthusiasm of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The Catholic Church rallied under the popular Pope John XXIII and embraced the possibilities of a vision-broadened future. Twin developments stirred my young heart: the ecumenical renewal and the liturgical renewal. I grew up in a family proud of its Catholic heritage and active in the local church and school. We lived in a kind of Catholic ghetto - a higher proportion of Catholic families with kids on our block than in the rest of the city. Still, in an age of growing racial tolerance, my parents opened the hearts of their children to ecumenical tolerance as well.
I took an early interest in church music and became a parish organist even while in grade school. As the liturgical changes invigorated our parish, I found myself near the center of many lively conversations. I did not realize it at the time, but the liturgical renewal and the ecumenical renewal intertwined. The ecumenical vision opened up new possibilities for the liturgy, and the liturgy became the ultimate destination where Christians hoped one day to gather as equals.
Unexpected crops surfaced in both the ecumenical and liturgical fields over the past two decades. A new generation of post-Vatican II church leaders seemed to be putting the brakes on ecumenism and throwing the liturgical renewal into reverse. It was disorienting and dispiriting to some people of my generation who had experienced the hope and excitement of the previous years. But others welcomed what they regarded as much-needed clarifications.
Ecumenism was never as widespread as many Americans thought. In Latin America, for example, the ecumenical movement never gained much ground. The Catholic Church had long succeeded in efforts of evangelization, but the recent increased presence of other Christian groups led to competition. The success of many evangelicals, for example, probably relates to a different worship style that attracts people imbued in the more charismatic framework of indigenous religions. As liturgical practices diverged, so did Christian unity.
Even in the United States the same competition divides Hispanic Christians. Spanish-language radio stations, for example, have become a battleground for misrepresentation of the positions of Catholics and other Christians, and a venue for convincing one group of Christians that another group is misguided. Ministerial alliances that forge strong friendships in urban and rural America are hard to find among Hispanic pastors. Cooperation yields to competition.
Consequently, Catholics hold a variety of opinions pertaining to ecumenism in general and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in particular. Formal dialogue between us and the different branches of Christianity continues. Every so often some news breaks about theological developments that offer hope. But no Catholic representatives riding this merry-go-round have yet grasped the golden ring of sharing communion.
Few other Christian churches take the hard line that we do. We restrict communion in Catholic services to those Catholics eligible for communion and we ask Catholics attending the services of other Christians not to commune. These practices remain the most dramatic symbols of separation.
Not all Catholics support the idea. Many of us feel awkward telling our non-Catholic guests at mass that they are welcome to pray but not to eat and drink. When we attend a service in a non-Catholic Christian church down the street, if the minister says something like, “All who believe in Jesus are invited to receive communion today,” it puts us in a tough spot. If we receive communion, we disobey the rules of our own church. If we do not receive, it telegraphs the untruth that we do not believe in Jesus.
Outside the walls of the churches, Catholics maintain strong friendships with our neighbors, coworkers, and colleagues, no matter their system of belief. Sometimes the best of neighbors go to different churches on Sunday. When friendships thrive on shared Christian values pertaining to a biblically-based belief in Christ, the pursuit of virtue, the avoidance of sin, and the imperative to serve, many ordinary Catholics wonder why they cannot also share communion with people they know and love, and whose faith seems so familiar.
Whereas the non-sharing of communion makes many Catholics feel awkward, it makes many of our non-Catholic friends feel pain. Even Catholics sympathetic to ecumenical advances do not fully appreciate the pain that other Christians experience.
The 500th anniversary of the Reformation calls for soul-searching among all Christians.
The sobering realization of separation, though, should not becloud the vision of the strong communion that already exists. Over the past centuries we Christians have grown in our abilities to communicate, in our experience of shared beliefs, and our common hope in Christ. Greater unity can and will come about not just because of theological dialogue between church leaders, but because of basic human friendships that find their foundation in Christ.
Father Paul Turner is pastor of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri.
Flags of the Nations: NicaraguaThe national flag of Nicaragua has three equal horizontal bands of blue, white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band. The coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words Republica de Nicaragua on the top and America Central on the bottom.
Since September 1, 2009, each week the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag 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: Nicaragua
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Nicaragua in 1937.
Nicaragua had a population of 6,025,951 in 2017. That same year, Nicaragua reported 195 Churches of the Nazarene, 186 of which had been officially organized. Nicaragua has 15,662 total members.
Located on the Mesoamerica Region, Nicaragua has two Phase 3 districts, one Phase 2 district, and one Phase 1 district. For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 9-13 April 2018.
Kenneth Bennett, 85, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, passed away 4 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Merlene Bennett.
Robbie Johnson, 92, of Garland, Texas, passed away 6 March. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister William Johnson, who served in Texas and Oklahoma. William Johnson passed away in 2004.
Claude Joyner, 67, of Temple Hills, Maryland, passed away 5 April. He was the lead pastor of Grace Church of the Nazarene in Capital Heights, Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Dolores Joyner, who is currently serving as the administrative pastor at Grace Church of the Nazarene.
Joseph Nielson, 92, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 11 April. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Esther Nielson.
Joseph F. Nielson, age 92, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at his home.
He is the son of John and Estella Becktold Nielson, was born Nov. 10, 1925 in Bristol, PA.
He is survived by his wife of 69 ½ years, Esther; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and David Erwin; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Joan Nielson; grandchildren Erin Rexroth (husband Phil), Kristen Hill (husband Brandon), Scott, Ben (wife Sarah) and Courtney Nielson; and five great grandchildren Haley, Harper, and Finley Rexroth and Maddex and Hayes Hill.
Preceding him in death are his three brothers, John, David, Robert, and two sisters Marion and Alice.
Dr. Nielson is a World War II veteran having served in the infantry on the front line in the Battle of the Bulge. He was then transferred to the military police where he became a first sergeant at the age of 19. He entered the military as a Christian teenager but came home a Christian man. He never wavered from trusting Christ while serving in the war.
After the war, he attended Olivet Nazarene College (University) where he met his wife, Esther. Upon graduation, he pastored 20 years serving Nazarene churches in Fredericktown and Bucyrus, Ohio and Saginaw and Mason, Michigan. While serving in Mason he participated in several civic activities such as recruiting medical doctors for the community. Under his direction, three medical doctors set up practice in Mason. During his time in Mason he completed a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in sociology from Michigan State University.
In 1969, Joseph became a professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Olivet Nazarene College (University). During his time at Olivet, he created two programs for pastors— a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling and a Master’s degree in church management. Both of these programs not only provided educational opportunities for pastors and lay people from the Nazarene denomination, but also inter-denominational churches of the protestant faith. In 1974 and 1979, he was voted Teacher of the Year and in 1975 he was selected “Who’s Who” in the Midwest. Furthermore, he co-authored books and several articles for the Nazarene Publishing House.
As a layperson, he was very involved in his church, College Church of the Nazarene, located in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He served on the church board for over 20-plus years, taught both adult and young adult Sunday school classes, and while his son was in middle school, he served as a Caravan leader. He also served on several church district committees and boards. Finally, he was a member of the Kankakee County Training Center, was on the village board of Bourbonnais, and he was a member of the Juvenile Division State of Illinois.
Joe was a committed Christian and loving father to his children and grandchildren, but more importantly husband to his wife, Esther. On June 16 of 2018 he would have celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Friends may call on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene. A service will follow, beginning at 10 a.m., with Rev. Scott Sharpes officiating. Burial, with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veteran’s Council, will follow in Mound View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene (16001 Glen Rd. Mount Vernon, OH 43050) or to: Olivet Nazarene University, Endowment Fund, 1 University Ave. Bourbonnais, IL 60914).
To send the family a condolence online visit: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral home is honored to serve the family of Joseph F. Nielson.
Robert Patterson, 81, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away 12 March. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, retired minister and evangelist France Patterson, who served in Pennsylvania.
Kenneth Salyers, 82, of Como, North Carolina, passed away 7 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Eunice Salyers.
Reuben "R.V." Schultz, 98, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 9 April. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, and California. R.V. Schultz was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Schultz, who passed away in 1998. He is survived by second wife, Pat Schultz.
Raymond Teston, 69, of Nolanville, Texas, passed away 11 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Louisana and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Teston.
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)
Kenneth Salyers, 82, of Como, North Carolina, passed away 7 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Eunice Salyers.
Reuben "R.V." Schultz, 98, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 9 April. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, and California. R.V. Schultz was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Schultz, who passed away in 1998. He is survived by second wife, Pat Schultz.
Raymond Teston, 69, of Nolanville, Texas, passed away 11 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Louisana and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Teston.
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)
Human ResourcesGMC employment opportunities
People 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
Video Production Manager (Full-time)
Global Nazarene Communications
Description: This person is responsible for video acquisition, shooting, editing, and all related responsibilities for productions of varying lengths. Additional responsibilities include knowledge of production-related software and equipment, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
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
Video Production Manager (Full-time)
Global Nazarene Communications
Description: This person is responsible for video acquisition, shooting, editing, and all related responsibilities for productions of varying lengths. Additional responsibilities include knowledge of production-related software and equipment, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
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.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at JFHP, see the following job openings. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office. 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, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.Read more
Olathe, KansasJFHP job openings
JESUS Film Harvest Partners is currently seeking applicants for four open positions: three full-time and one part-time.
Assistant field services coordinator (Full-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, works with the Field Services coordinator to manage and facilitate the operations of the JESUS Film ministry. It acts as a liaison to the Regional JESUS Film coordinators and works with various ministries to coordinate requests for support and reporting.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in business or communications. A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, excellent verbal and written communication skills are also required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who are bilingual in English and Spanish or French.
Development associate: Event specialist (Full-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, works in the Development Department, cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors through regular communication. It assists in the planning, execution, and follow-up of various fundraising events. Some travel within the U.S. will be required.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality. A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and excellent verbal and written communication skills are also required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative.
Development officer (Full-time)
This position is responsible for raising approximately US$1.5 million annually by building relationships with new high-capacity investors, growing existing donors, and re-engaging inactive donors. It is also responsible for organizing three World Challenge fundraising events per year with an emphasis on obtaining new donors/constituents.
Qualified candidates possess a bachelor’s degree. Priority consideration is given to applicants who possess a master’s degree and/or CFRE/ACFRE certification. At least five years of relevant development experience preferred. They will have the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, a high degree of self-initiative, strong relationship-building skills, ability to host Partner Investment Trips to mission fields, and the ability to travel at least 50-percent of the year.
Receptionist (Part-time)
This position, on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office, facilitates the daily operations of the administrative director and assists by providing ministry support as needed. Primary tasks include reception duties, data management, and regular communication with constituents.
A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Attention to detail and accuracy are imperative.
Candidates for all four positions should also share the organization's conservative Christian values.
Please submit resumes to info@JFHP.org.
For more information about JESUS Film Harvest Partners, visit jfhp.org. (JESUS Film Harvest Partners)
Copyright © 2018 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network in Lenexa, Kansas, United States
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT US
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.5 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
Phone: (913)577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
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