VOLUME 6, ISSUE 09 MAY 25, 2018
Join Us In PrayerRegional Prayer Requests PageYou Can Always Find Current Global Prayer Requests and Praises on the
NMI Prayer Mobilization Line
Since last Friday, the global Church of the Nazarene has been united in prayer for the Nazarene church in Cuba and the Mesoamerica Region. “We grieve with the families of those who lost their loved ones,” the Board of General Superintendents wrote in a statement released 21 May. “May the Lord carry the children of these mothers and fathers, surrounding them with His all-embracing peace and love that transcends our understanding.”
As we on the Asia-Pacific Region join with our brothers and sisters around the world in prayer, please keep in mind those affected most by this tragedy:
- The families of the more than 100 people who lost their lives in the crash.
- The families of the ten couples who lost their lives, particularly the children who lost their parents in this tragedy.
- The East Cuba District and District Superintendent Rev. Luis Batista, and Mesoamerica Regional Director Rev. Carlos Saenz and the Mesoamerica Region, as they navigate this time of grief.
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The term “cruciform” simply means cross-shaped. However, when used about the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) it takes on much deeper meaning and significance. This moves beyond just saying that Jesus was crucified. It speaks of the motivation behind his actions and, therefore, of his very character. Jesus was motivated by love for all of his creation and his actions reveal that self-giving love, humble power, and relational holiness are part of who he is. Moreover, it is not just part of who Jesus is, Jesus reflects the heart of the Father and the Holy Spirit in all he is and all he does (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:5-11). In other words, we do not just have a cruciform Christ, we have a cruciform Father and a cruciform Spirit; we have a cruciform God!
This image was spoken about in many ways at the Global Theology Conference. For some, it was an affirmation of what they already understood about this God. However, for others, it was a struggle to think of God in this way. They preferred a resurrected and exalted God over a crucified one, or at least the balance of these two realities. After all, Scripture absolutely does evidence the power and victory of God, and we live in the hope of the resurrection and restoration of all creation. However, this is somewhat to miss the point; no one is really trying to deny these truths. It is rather to focus on how God accomplished this victory, which helps us better understand who this God is and who we as the church are called to be as a result. God accomplished salvation not by wielding his power but by wielding his love. In other words, God’s love defines his power and how he uses it.
Similarly, the church is called to reflect this cruciform God by living in and living out God’s self-giving love, humble power, and relational holiness (Matthew 5:43-48; 22:37-40; John 15:9-17; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:8, 19-21). It is as we become a cruciform church that we evidence God’s love and character to the world. In the words of the Apostle Paul: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body” (2 Corinthians 4:10-11). In this, the world sees a different God than they expected, and the Holy Spirit moves mightily.
This conference reminded us of the importance of our understanding of Christ. A proper Christology (understanding of Christ) gives us a proper Theology (understanding of the Triune God) and moves us toward a proper ecclesiology (understanding of the church) and missiology (understanding of the Church’s mission in the world).
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Announcements
The 2017-2021 Church of the Nazarene Manual is now available! Your choice of soft cover, hard cover, or leather.
Hiring English Teachers for Malaysia – INQUIRE NOW!Dynamic Language Centre is accepting applications for full-time language teachers in their English language center in Penang, Malaysia. The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 15 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus. If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
Candidates should be:
Teaching Opportunity in Malaysia!
Name *
Email *
Qualifications: *
I verify that: 1) English is my First Language, 2) I have a 4-year university degree, 3) I have had experience teaching children, 4) I am TESOL Certified.Yes, I have the above qualifications.
Additional comments
ATR Newsletter *
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Articles
Local Leaders Work Faithfully in Myanmar
Under the direction of local leaders coordinating with church planting evangelists, the Church of the Nazarene is starting schools and churches in eastern Myanmar. Joining this trend, Rev. Ro Ding Liana was inspired to open a new house church in his home this May which will also serve as an extension of South East Asia Nazarene Bible College.
Last December 2017, Nazarenes in Myanmar sent Rev. Liana and NMI coordinator Saya Tana to investigate potential church planting in cooperation with both villages and evangelists and to learn how best to reach this area for Christ. Bumpy bus rides, hundreds of flies, chickens, pigs met the men as they landed in the villages. In January 2018 an agreement was signed that launched the thrust to the east.
Much remains to be done. Leaders in the area ask for prayer in the following areas:
Under the direction of local leaders coordinating with church planting evangelists, the Church of the Nazarene is starting schools and churches in eastern Myanmar. Joining this trend, Rev. Ro Ding Liana was inspired to open a new house church in his home this May which will also serve as an extension of South East Asia Nazarene Bible College.
Last December 2017, Nazarenes in Myanmar sent Rev. Liana and NMI coordinator Saya Tana to investigate potential church planting in cooperation with both villages and evangelists and to learn how best to reach this area for Christ. Bumpy bus rides, hundreds of flies, chickens, pigs met the men as they landed in the villages. In January 2018 an agreement was signed that launched the thrust to the east.
Eastern Myanmar has recently seen an emphasis on education, including a literacy program started by the government in 2015. However, many villages still do not have schools. Some of these villages have requested Nazarenes to start elementary schools and to start churches as well. 
There have been promising signs already. “New Christians have remained strong in spite of attacks from local villagers,” said Rev. Liana of those who have been served by the new house church. “Our new believers are strong in their faith.”Much remains to be done. Leaders in the area ask for prayer in the following areas:
- Communication can be limited in this area of Myanmar, so pray for the means to stay in touch across distances.
- Pray for protection from local resistance to the Gospel.
- Pray for the leaders who are boldly sharing the Gospel in new areas.
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A Testimonial From TEACH Child Development Center
This article was contributed by TEACH graduate Noren Grace Cailing.
My life was strongly impacted by being sponsored through the child development center TEACH, (Training, Equipping A Child Holistically). TEACH provided me with wonderful opportunities from a young age. As I grew in the program, I learned more and more about God through my 3-4 hours of teaching each week. However, I resisted a deeper relationship with God until the first time I attended District Camp in December of 2014. There my eyes, mind, and heart were opened to God’s call: TEACH was more than an opportunity to further my studies, but was also a call to know God deeper.
I am so thankful to the many people who spoke into my life during my time at TEACH. My life is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, shown to me through my sponsor Linda Roberts, then continued by my teachers, the District Advisory Board, and all of the spiritual guides throughout my life. There are children all over the Asia-Pacific Region who are like I was, ready to be nurtured in their education and their faith. Will you be the one to answer God’s call?
For more information on how you can participate in child sponsorship and other compassionate ministries, visit NCM
Articles and BlogsThis article was contributed by TEACH graduate Noren Grace Cailing.
My life was strongly impacted by being sponsored through the child development center TEACH, (Training, Equipping A Child Holistically). TEACH provided me with wonderful opportunities from a young age. As I grew in the program, I learned more and more about God through my 3-4 hours of teaching each week. However, I resisted a deeper relationship with God until the first time I attended District Camp in December of 2014. There my eyes, mind, and heart were opened to God’s call: TEACH was more than an opportunity to further my studies, but was also a call to know God deeper.
While I spent over ten years in TEACH, I was blessed not just financially but also with the opportunity to be physically fit. I got to play basketball, learn instruments such as guitar and ukulele, and learn confidence to speak in front of large crowds and new people. The TEACH staff was available to help me with my studies and projects. I was able to visit different cities, even getting to ride a plane for the first time! TEACH made it possible for me to attend Nazarene Youth Congress in Baguio City in 2016, as well as the iLead Children Leadership Training in Cebu City in April 2017. This is in addition to other district camps throughout summer vacations. Most of all, my time in the program had a deep impact not just on me, but on my family as well.
Now I have returned to TEACH, as an Assistant Teacher to sponsored children, grades 5-7, as well as a teacher to children in the Outreach program. In addition, I work in the planning and preparing of events at TEACH, such as Sportsfest, Project Anniversary, and our Christmas party. I know there will be more opportunities to give back to the community that shaped me so profoundly.I am so thankful to the many people who spoke into my life during my time at TEACH. My life is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, shown to me through my sponsor Linda Roberts, then continued by my teachers, the District Advisory Board, and all of the spiritual guides throughout my life. There are children all over the Asia-Pacific Region who are like I was, ready to be nurtured in their education and their faith. Will you be the one to answer God’s call?
For more information on how you can participate in child sponsorship and other compassionate ministries, visit NCM
Jesus and the Church: Reflections from the Global Theology Conference 2018
A CRUCIFORM GOD AND A CRUCIFORM CHURCH
Rev. Dr. Rob Fringer is Principal and Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages at Nazarene Theological College in Brisbane, Australia.The term “cruciform” simply means cross-shaped. However, when used about the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) it takes on much deeper meaning and significance. This moves beyond just saying that Jesus was crucified. It speaks of the motivation behind his actions and, therefore, of his very character. Jesus was motivated by love for all of his creation and his actions reveal that self-giving love, humble power, and relational holiness are part of who he is. Moreover, it is not just part of who Jesus is, Jesus reflects the heart of the Father and the Holy Spirit in all he is and all he does (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:5-11). In other words, we do not just have a cruciform Christ, we have a cruciform Father and a cruciform Spirit; we have a cruciform God!
This image was spoken about in many ways at the Global Theology Conference. For some, it was an affirmation of what they already understood about this God. However, for others, it was a struggle to think of God in this way. They preferred a resurrected and exalted God over a crucified one, or at least the balance of these two realities. After all, Scripture absolutely does evidence the power and victory of God, and we live in the hope of the resurrection and restoration of all creation. However, this is somewhat to miss the point; no one is really trying to deny these truths. It is rather to focus on how God accomplished this victory, which helps us better understand who this God is and who we as the church are called to be as a result. God accomplished salvation not by wielding his power but by wielding his love. In other words, God’s love defines his power and how he uses it.
Similarly, the church is called to reflect this cruciform God by living in and living out God’s self-giving love, humble power, and relational holiness (Matthew 5:43-48; 22:37-40; John 15:9-17; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:8, 19-21). It is as we become a cruciform church that we evidence God’s love and character to the world. In the words of the Apostle Paul: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body” (2 Corinthians 4:10-11). In this, the world sees a different God than they expected, and the Holy Spirit moves mightily.
This conference reminded us of the importance of our understanding of Christ. A proper Christology (understanding of Christ) gives us a proper Theology (understanding of the Triune God) and moves us toward a proper ecclesiology (understanding of the church) and missiology (understanding of the Church’s mission in the world).
Read more.
Announcements
Candidates should be:
- Native English speakers
- 4-year University degree holders
- Experienced in teaching children
- TESOL certified
Teaching Opportunity in Malaysia!
Name *
Email *
Qualifications: *
I verify that: 1) English is my First Language, 2) I have a 4-year university degree, 3) I have had experience teaching children, 4) I am TESOL Certified.Yes, I have the above qualifications.
Additional comments
ATR Newsletter *
May we include you in our weekly Around The Region email newsletter? It is released each Saturday with updated Praise Reports, Prayer Requests, and inspirational stories of God working on the region.Yes please!No thank you.I am already a subscriber.
Verification
Please enter any two digits *Example: 12 Read More
Links You Might Like!
Articles
- Cuba: Support option information
- Loss felt by global family: BGS statement on Cuba tragedy
- Nazarenes provide medical services in Panama
- 2 countries, 1 body: Congregations come together through shared need for ministry space
- Olivet offers new cybersecurity defense concentration
- Free VBS curriculum now available
- Stories Volume 2 - 2018 now available
- In Memoriam
- 2017-2021 Manual of the Church of the Nazarene
- Articles of Faith
- Engage Magazine
- Holiness Today
- JESUS Film Harvest Partners
- Mission Corps - Global Volunteer Mission Opportunities
- Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
- Nazarene Essentials
- Nazarene Missions International
- Church of the Nazarene (Official Global Site)
- Nazarene Safe
- Nazarene Youth International
- Preacher's Magazine
- Sunday School Discipleship Ministries
- Work and Witness
The Global Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific
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Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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