Kerala, India
India monsoon causes worst flood in a century
India’s Kerala state experienced its worst flood in a century after monsoon storms dumped more than a year’s worth of rain on the area in just a few short weeks. More than 400 were killed in the floods, and more than one million people fled to relief camps.“Dams and water reservoirs became full,” said Abraham Daniel, a Church of the Nazarene pastor in Kerala. “On August 14, the government gave alerts, and in the night many places had landslides, earthquakes. [Kerala] was under water for [nearly] 10 days. People lost their clothes, documents, houses – all their possessions.”
In mid-August, a Nazarene leadership team visited five districts in Kerala to bring compassionate support. The group included Daniel, India Field Strategy Coordinator Sunil Dandge, and Nazarene Compassion Ministries India Field Coordinator Trisha Das. The team handed out clothes and food to 1,000 families.
“We visit them every day to pray and comfort [them],” Daniel said. “Yesterday, I visited two villages that so far nobody had visited. Still, there are people nobody has reached. We need people who can contribute, money, clothes, utensils, mattresses, school bags, etc.”
Several Nazarene districts are sending financial support to the relief efforts in India.
“We know there are many non-government organizations and government agencies, but we, the Church of the Nazarene, have a great part here,” Daniel said. “People and the government have acknowledged our presence here.”
After the water subsided, Kerala began facing new problems.
The state is on high alert due to a leptospirosis outbreak — a bacterial disease also known as rat fever — and a severe drought.
Local rivers, lakes, and wells that were affected by the floods are now drying out due to the damaged landscape.
Many plants and animals have been killed in the process, leaving local farmers concerned for the future.
The outbreak has taken the lives of 12 people so far, with more than 300 confirmed cases of the disease and more than 700 suspected cases.
Kerala will remain on high alert for at least another week. Das is planning to conduct a second phase of relief and redevelopment work soon. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia) Read more
North Carolina, USA, after Hurricane Florence made landfall (Photo credit: Reuters)
Disaster response underway as Florence, Mangkhut make landfall
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina, USA, early on 14 September, with 90 mph winds less than a day before Typhoon Mangkhut hit the Philippines. So far, Florence has caused half-million homes and businesses to lose power, and hundreds of people have already been rescued from rising floodwaters. A mother and her daughter were killed when a tree fell on their home. At least one other person was reported killed as of mid-afternoon local time Friday.
Florence is expected to drop as much as 40 inches of rain in some areas along the U.S. East Coast. Greg Mason, district superintendent for North Carolina, said there is already widespread flooding within the state, which is expected to get much worse.
The Church of the Nazarene began preparing in advance for Florence with Nazarene Disaster Response teams mobilized from non-coastal churches. Additional churches are partnering with Heart to Heart International and World Hope to respond once the damage is clear. The church is also poised to distribute Crisis Care Kits to areas of greatest need; currently, 1,500 are stored in North Carolina, and the South Texas District is delivering 3,000 more.
Typhoon Mangkhut, the most powerful typhoon this year with sustained winds of more than 127 mph and gusts of 158 mph, hit the Philippines on 14 September. Its enormous raincloud band is about 560 miles wide, so there is a high concern for flooding and mudslides. More than 5 million people are at risk from the storm. The typhoon comes five years after Typhoon Haiyan killed 6,300 people in the Philippines.
Mangkhut strengthened after hitting the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana islands overnight on Monday, tearing down trees and power lines and leaving hundreds of people homeless.
The Church of the Nazarene has a well-formed disaster response in the Philippines and was mobilizing in anticipation of the storm. Leody Tan Echavez III, the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries field coordinator in the Philippines, said local churches are working to coordinate updates and keep communications lines open. They have also put Crisis Care Kits and other relief goods in easily accessible areas. Churches in the Philippines also set up safe spaces for families and children during disasters.
“We ask for your prayers as the whole country brace for this Typhoon that might make landfall today or tomorrow,” Echavez said. “Please pray for protection, and may the Lord spare the country from an impending disaster.”
How You Can Help
Pray
Please pray for those facing the devastation left by the storms and the ensuing floods. Pray for those who have lost loved ones and homes. Pray for those who are most vulnerable during and after the storm, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for the swift delivery of the supplies and care they need, and pray for the months of recovery ahead. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Emergency Relief: 2018 Storm Response. Donations will be used for immediate needs, such as water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116, United States
Be sure to put 132634 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5
Be sure to put 132634 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Emergency Relief: 2018 Storm Response. (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries) Read more
The two eloped against the wishes of her family, but Nirmala returned home when the marriage ended after only six months.
She still loved him despite his faults and destructive habits, and she felt no one understood her.
“I never used to share what I was going through with anyone,” Nirmala said. "But I expected that somebody should know, even if I didn’t say anything to them.”
One night, as she sat weeping in the rain outside her parents’ home, she remembered her sister talking about Jesus.
Her sister had been very ill, and none of the treatments she received had worked. A neighbor urged the family to take the girl to a nearby Christian church for healing prayer. The family felt out of options, so they agreed despite the fact they were not Christians.
After the church prayed for her, the girl fully and miraculously recovered and began attending church regularly. She soon gave her life to Jesus and talked about Him to her family.
Her parents were unhappy with her new spiritual path, which contradicted the religious views of the family and community. They were even more unhappy when she began bringing other family members to the church.
Nirmala was angry as well.
“I used to beat or kick them and [even] kicked them out of our home,” Nirmala said. “I burned their Bible, too.”
Now, broken and alone, Nirmala prayed to Jesus.
“Then I cried, ‘Jesus, if You really are my savior, if You really are my creator, please help me and show me the way,’” Nirmala said. “’Because people are saying You are the wrong way.’”
God reminded her of a story in which two men were clinging to a mountain, about to fall to their deaths. The first man called out to several gods and goddesses, but none answered, and he fell. The second called out to Jesus, and he was rescued. Nirmala sensed that through this story, Jesus was telling her He is her Savior.
“I feel like I got peace in my heart,” Nirmala said. “The love I was expecting from my husband I found in Jesus Christ.”
Filled with new joy and purpose, Nirmala carried evangelistic tracts and Bibles with her to work. If anyone opened up to her about their problems, she told them about Jesus and gave the items to those who were interested in learning more.
Four months later, her ex-husband showed up asking her to return to him.
“It’s OK that you came back, but now I am a Christian,” Nirmala said.
He replied that he could not be with her if she was a Christian, and he gave her an ultimatum — choose him or Jesus.
Nirmala told him that she wanted both of them, but her husband said it was not possible.
She realized since he had left her once he might leave her again, but she knew without a doubt that Jesus would never leave her. So, she told her husband, “I choose Jesus Christ.”
Her husband left again, but Nirmala held out hope that Jesus might change his heart and bring them back together.
While she waited, she focused her life on discerning God’s purpose for her and growing closer to Him. She prayed for direction and believed God gave her the verse Isaiah 49:6: “I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Her passion for serving God only deepened, so Nirmala took a year to train in missions with Operation Mobilization, a Christian missions agency. The group sent her out to other areas of Nepal where she visited villages and shared the gospel.
Around that time, her husband remarried. Although she was heartbroken, she found guidance in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which urges all believers to praise God no matter their circumstances. So, she chose to move forward in her faith.
Nirmala studied theology at South India Biblical Seminary, which has a partnership with Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College and went on to teach theology.
Though she loved what she did, she sensed a calling to missions and often remembered Isaiah 49:6, the verse God had given her earlier.
When she returned to Nepal from India, she spoke about her call with Dilli, the Nepal district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. He told her that the church's Eurasia Region was planning a cross-cultural volunteer training in Kathmandu in May 2017 called M+Power.
This regional program identifies Nazarenes across the region who have sensed a calling to cross-cultural service, trains them for ministry, and deploys them to missions fields. Nirmala attended the training, and her call to missions was confirmed.
Today, she serves as a cross-cultural volunteer in the western part of Nepal where she has been leading a child development center established by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. She also leads a literacy program that helps children, youth, and elderly people learn English and teaches an English class to housewives in the community.
After her second year, Nirmala hopes to serve in missions fields outside of Nepal. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Read more
Irene and Miguel Garita, Mesoamerica Family Care Ministries coordinators, were asked to organize a workshop after Regional Director Carlos Saenz saw the need for the region-wide program. The event drew counselors and psychologists to San Jose, Costa Rica, 5-9 September to develop the initiative. The 15 workshop participants currently work in counseling throughout Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico.
“I thank God because this plan was inspired by God and for the commitment of all participants that came to the gathering,” Miguel said. “We met eight hours per day for three days, and everybody was happy throughout the duration of the meeting.”
During the event, the team modeled a two- to three-year program that will train counselors throughout the region. The program is designed to address eight key issues that families in the region face:
• Violence
• Infidelity
• Addictions
• Finances
• Communication
• Parenting
• Physical health
• Mental health
To be accepted into the training program, applicants must be active Nazarene pastors or leaders currently involved in a family ministry.
The team also committed to developing family centers throughout the region to provide mental and spiritual support for those in need.
“This [training] will be a great blessing for many families,” Miguel said. “We want to see families thrive, and for that reason we want to equip them with the right tools to help them deal with problems and difficulties they may be going through.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
Florence is expected to drop as much as 40 inches of rain in some areas along the U.S. East Coast. Greg Mason, district superintendent for North Carolina, said there is already widespread flooding within the state, which is expected to get much worse.
The Church of the Nazarene began preparing in advance for Florence with Nazarene Disaster Response teams mobilized from non-coastal churches. Additional churches are partnering with Heart to Heart International and World Hope to respond once the damage is clear. The church is also poised to distribute Crisis Care Kits to areas of greatest need; currently, 1,500 are stored in North Carolina, and the South Texas District is delivering 3,000 more.
Typhoon Mangkhut, the most powerful typhoon this year with sustained winds of more than 127 mph and gusts of 158 mph, hit the Philippines on 14 September. Its enormous raincloud band is about 560 miles wide, so there is a high concern for flooding and mudslides. More than 5 million people are at risk from the storm. The typhoon comes five years after Typhoon Haiyan killed 6,300 people in the Philippines.
Mangkhut strengthened after hitting the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana islands overnight on Monday, tearing down trees and power lines and leaving hundreds of people homeless.
The Church of the Nazarene has a well-formed disaster response in the Philippines and was mobilizing in anticipation of the storm. Leody Tan Echavez III, the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries field coordinator in the Philippines, said local churches are working to coordinate updates and keep communications lines open. They have also put Crisis Care Kits and other relief goods in easily accessible areas. Churches in the Philippines also set up safe spaces for families and children during disasters.
“We ask for your prayers as the whole country brace for this Typhoon that might make landfall today or tomorrow,” Echavez said. “Please pray for protection, and may the Lord spare the country from an impending disaster.”
How You Can Help
Pray
Please pray for those facing the devastation left by the storms and the ensuing floods. Pray for those who have lost loved ones and homes. Pray for those who are most vulnerable during and after the storm, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for the swift delivery of the supplies and care they need, and pray for the months of recovery ahead. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Emergency Relief: 2018 Storm Response. Donations will be used for immediate needs, such as water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116, United States
Be sure to put 132634 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5
Be sure to put 132634 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Emergency Relief: 2018 Storm Response. (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries) Read more
Nepal
Nepal woman chooses Christ after failed marriage
Nirmala had fallen in love with a man who drank, smoked, and did many other things she didn’t like. Optimistic, she thought she would be able to change him after they were married.The two eloped against the wishes of her family, but Nirmala returned home when the marriage ended after only six months.
She still loved him despite his faults and destructive habits, and she felt no one understood her.
“I never used to share what I was going through with anyone,” Nirmala said. "But I expected that somebody should know, even if I didn’t say anything to them.”
One night, as she sat weeping in the rain outside her parents’ home, she remembered her sister talking about Jesus.
Her sister had been very ill, and none of the treatments she received had worked. A neighbor urged the family to take the girl to a nearby Christian church for healing prayer. The family felt out of options, so they agreed despite the fact they were not Christians.
After the church prayed for her, the girl fully and miraculously recovered and began attending church regularly. She soon gave her life to Jesus and talked about Him to her family.
Her parents were unhappy with her new spiritual path, which contradicted the religious views of the family and community. They were even more unhappy when she began bringing other family members to the church.
Nirmala was angry as well.
“I used to beat or kick them and [even] kicked them out of our home,” Nirmala said. “I burned their Bible, too.”
Now, broken and alone, Nirmala prayed to Jesus.
“Then I cried, ‘Jesus, if You really are my savior, if You really are my creator, please help me and show me the way,’” Nirmala said. “’Because people are saying You are the wrong way.’”
God reminded her of a story in which two men were clinging to a mountain, about to fall to their deaths. The first man called out to several gods and goddesses, but none answered, and he fell. The second called out to Jesus, and he was rescued. Nirmala sensed that through this story, Jesus was telling her He is her Savior.
“I feel like I got peace in my heart,” Nirmala said. “The love I was expecting from my husband I found in Jesus Christ.”
Filled with new joy and purpose, Nirmala carried evangelistic tracts and Bibles with her to work. If anyone opened up to her about their problems, she told them about Jesus and gave the items to those who were interested in learning more.
Four months later, her ex-husband showed up asking her to return to him.
“It’s OK that you came back, but now I am a Christian,” Nirmala said.
He replied that he could not be with her if she was a Christian, and he gave her an ultimatum — choose him or Jesus.
Nirmala told him that she wanted both of them, but her husband said it was not possible.
She realized since he had left her once he might leave her again, but she knew without a doubt that Jesus would never leave her. So, she told her husband, “I choose Jesus Christ.”
Her husband left again, but Nirmala held out hope that Jesus might change his heart and bring them back together.
While she waited, she focused her life on discerning God’s purpose for her and growing closer to Him. She prayed for direction and believed God gave her the verse Isaiah 49:6: “I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Her passion for serving God only deepened, so Nirmala took a year to train in missions with Operation Mobilization, a Christian missions agency. The group sent her out to other areas of Nepal where she visited villages and shared the gospel.
Around that time, her husband remarried. Although she was heartbroken, she found guidance in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which urges all believers to praise God no matter their circumstances. So, she chose to move forward in her faith.
Nirmala studied theology at South India Biblical Seminary, which has a partnership with Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College and went on to teach theology.
Though she loved what she did, she sensed a calling to missions and often remembered Isaiah 49:6, the verse God had given her earlier.
When she returned to Nepal from India, she spoke about her call with Dilli, the Nepal district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. He told her that the church's Eurasia Region was planning a cross-cultural volunteer training in Kathmandu in May 2017 called M+Power.
This regional program identifies Nazarenes across the region who have sensed a calling to cross-cultural service, trains them for ministry, and deploys them to missions fields. Nirmala attended the training, and her call to missions was confirmed.
Today, she serves as a cross-cultural volunteer in the western part of Nepal where she has been leading a child development center established by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. She also leads a literacy program that helps children, youth, and elderly people learn English and teaches an English class to housewives in the community.
After her second year, Nirmala hopes to serve in missions fields outside of Nepal. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Read more
San Jose, Costa Rica
Mesoamerica Region develops family counselor training program
The Church of the Nazarene's Mesoamerica Region recently began developing a family counseling program to address a variety familial issues.Irene and Miguel Garita, Mesoamerica Family Care Ministries coordinators, were asked to organize a workshop after Regional Director Carlos Saenz saw the need for the region-wide program. The event drew counselors and psychologists to San Jose, Costa Rica, 5-9 September to develop the initiative. The 15 workshop participants currently work in counseling throughout Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico.
“I thank God because this plan was inspired by God and for the commitment of all participants that came to the gathering,” Miguel said. “We met eight hours per day for three days, and everybody was happy throughout the duration of the meeting.”
During the event, the team modeled a two- to three-year program that will train counselors throughout the region. The program is designed to address eight key issues that families in the region face:
• Violence
• Infidelity
• Addictions
• Finances
• Communication
• Parenting
• Physical health
• Mental health
To be accepted into the training program, applicants must be active Nazarene pastors or leaders currently involved in a family ministry.
The team also committed to developing family centers throughout the region to provide mental and spiritual support for those in need.
“This [training] will be a great blessing for many families,” Miguel said. “We want to see families thrive, and for that reason we want to equip them with the right tools to help them deal with problems and difficulties they may be going through.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
Hammond, Indiana
Indiana pastor discovers path to financial freedom
U.S. pastors face many challenges while serving the church, including paying off personal debt and student loans. For some, this can be a lifelong battle.
Robbie Cansler, a 2007 Olivet Nazarene University alumnus and pastor at The Mission Church of the Nazarene in Hammond, Indiana, recalls feeling overwhelmed after her call to ministry.
“Being called into ministry felt like a burden as a teenager,” Cansler said. “Our family couldn’t afford to pay for my education, and so when I attended orientation at Olivet Nazarene University, I sat in the quad filled with dread. What did I do with such a clear call to study ministry and no money to do so with?”
This story is common among ministers seeking ministry training. Quality education is expensive, and despite the vast amount of financial support Nazarene schools offer emerging pastors, they often are left with thousands of dollars in student debt.
“My sophomore year, after moving into my dorm room, I [found out] I would have to leave if a payment was not received,” Cansler said. “My heart sank, and my anxiety skyrocketed. I kept being told that God would provide, but it felt like there was no way for me to pursue my degree to become a pastor.”
Through guidance from her university and by taking out student loans, Cansler was able to finish her education at Olivet.
“As an adult, with great sacrifice, I have faithfully paid on my loans every month,” Cansler said. “Ministry has never paid a large salary, and I have never chosen a job based solely on income but rather on the leading of the Holy Spirit. This always meant struggling to make ends meet, and at times I had to choose to buy groceries over paying more than a few dollars on my student loans.”
Cansler faced yet another financial challenge when God called her to plant a church.
“When I felt a call to church planting, this burden felt compounded,” Cansler said. “Having large bills each month makes it difficult to pick up and move to a new place knowing that no income is available. Doing ministry with another full-time job just to pay down debt makes life overly busy and leads quickly to burn out.”
That is when Cansler heard about The COMPASS Initiative, a three-year program led by the Church of the Nazarene to address the financial challenges facing U.S. pastors today, at a young clergy conference.
“It felt like an answer to my prayers,” Cansler said. “My mom tells me often that ‘if God owns the cattle of a thousand hills, He can sell one to pay off your student loans.’ I really felt like this might be God’s way of selling a cow.”
The program has helped Cansler’s husband as well.
“Our participation in online learning and financial study have helped us feel more prepared not only to pay off our existing debt but to set up college savings for our son so he never feels like he has to choose between God’s call and financial stability,” Cansler continued.
After only a few months in the program, Cansler is already seeing long-term results.
“We have already paid off two student loans completely and are prepared to pay off another within the next couple of months,” Cansler said. “When we chart out our financial future, with the help of The COMPASS Initiative, we have noted that we will be completely debt free by 2021.”
Cansler is grateful for the program and the Church of the Nazarene’s continued support.
“[We are on] a great journey to being better stewards,” Cansler said. “[We are] encouraged that it wasn’t a mistake to follow the call of God, even if it’s been difficult at times. God is faithful, and that faithfulness often shines through the ways the church gives and invests in us as we seek to love and lead the church.”To learn more about The COMPASS Initiative, click here. Read more
Africa
The national flag of Benin consists of two horizontal yellow and red bands on the fly side and a green vertical band at the hoist. The yellow and green allude to the northern savannas and palm groves located in the south of the country, while the red symbolizes the blood shed by those who fought for Dahomey. The yellow, green, and red are also the Pan-African colors.
“Being called into ministry felt like a burden as a teenager,” Cansler said. “Our family couldn’t afford to pay for my education, and so when I attended orientation at Olivet Nazarene University, I sat in the quad filled with dread. What did I do with such a clear call to study ministry and no money to do so with?”
This story is common among ministers seeking ministry training. Quality education is expensive, and despite the vast amount of financial support Nazarene schools offer emerging pastors, they often are left with thousands of dollars in student debt.
“My sophomore year, after moving into my dorm room, I [found out] I would have to leave if a payment was not received,” Cansler said. “My heart sank, and my anxiety skyrocketed. I kept being told that God would provide, but it felt like there was no way for me to pursue my degree to become a pastor.”
Through guidance from her university and by taking out student loans, Cansler was able to finish her education at Olivet.
“As an adult, with great sacrifice, I have faithfully paid on my loans every month,” Cansler said. “Ministry has never paid a large salary, and I have never chosen a job based solely on income but rather on the leading of the Holy Spirit. This always meant struggling to make ends meet, and at times I had to choose to buy groceries over paying more than a few dollars on my student loans.”
Cansler faced yet another financial challenge when God called her to plant a church.
“When I felt a call to church planting, this burden felt compounded,” Cansler said. “Having large bills each month makes it difficult to pick up and move to a new place knowing that no income is available. Doing ministry with another full-time job just to pay down debt makes life overly busy and leads quickly to burn out.”
That is when Cansler heard about The COMPASS Initiative, a three-year program led by the Church of the Nazarene to address the financial challenges facing U.S. pastors today, at a young clergy conference.
“It felt like an answer to my prayers,” Cansler said. “My mom tells me often that ‘if God owns the cattle of a thousand hills, He can sell one to pay off your student loans.’ I really felt like this might be God’s way of selling a cow.”
The program has helped Cansler’s husband as well.
“Our participation in online learning and financial study have helped us feel more prepared not only to pay off our existing debt but to set up college savings for our son so he never feels like he has to choose between God’s call and financial stability,” Cansler continued.
After only a few months in the program, Cansler is already seeing long-term results.
“We have already paid off two student loans completely and are prepared to pay off another within the next couple of months,” Cansler said. “When we chart out our financial future, with the help of The COMPASS Initiative, we have noted that we will be completely debt free by 2021.”
Cansler is grateful for the program and the Church of the Nazarene’s continued support.
“[We are on] a great journey to being better stewards,” Cansler said. “[We are] encouraged that it wasn’t a mistake to follow the call of God, even if it’s been difficult at times. God is faithful, and that faithfulness often shines through the ways the church gives and invests in us as we seek to love and lead the church.”To learn more about The COMPASS Initiative, click here. Read more
The national flag of Benin consists of two horizontal yellow and red bands on the fly side and a green vertical band at the hoist. The yellow and green allude to the northern savannas and palm groves located in the south of the country, while the red symbolizes the blood shed by those who fought for Dahomey. The yellow, green, and red are also the Pan-African colors.
Flags of the Nations: Benin
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: Benin
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Benin in 1998.
Benin had a population of 11,038,805 in 2017. That same year, Benin reported 1,243 Churches of the Nazarene, 884 of which had been officially organized. Benin has 60,349 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Benin has three Phase 2 districts. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene. Read more
Asia-Pacific
They prayed for the pastors and the leaders in the area, for their district, the Mesoamerica Region, the missionaries and participants of the Genesis Project, and for the Mexican government.
The event was organized by Nazarene Missions International in the Veracruz Centro area and took place at Casa de Oración, a church-type mission. Each church prepared food, and at the end of the event, they had breakfast and fellowship together.
"We thank God for the opportunity he gave us to carry out this event that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters [in Christ]," said Carlos Quijano, Mesoamerica representative to the NMI Global Council. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
More than 90 people attended the first conference, held 24-25 August in Panama, while 70 people attended the second conference, held 31 August-1 September, in El Salvador. District superintendents, pastors, ministry leaders, and other local leaders were invited to the events.
The conferences focused on integrating coaching techniques — defined as ongoing, intentional conversations — into youth leadership roles. Regional NYI Coordinator Milton Gay and International Leadership Trainer Felix Ortiz led the trainings.
“NYI wants to enhance transformational leadership in its leaders so that they can learn how the role of coaching helps us to enhance and empower new generations,” said Odily Diaz, North Central Area NYI coordinator. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Read more
South America
This week: Benin
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Benin in 1998.
Benin had a population of 11,038,805 in 2017. That same year, Benin reported 1,243 Churches of the Nazarene, 884 of which had been officially organized. Benin has 60,349 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Benin has three Phase 2 districts. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene. Read more
Asia-Pacific
Bali, Indonesia
Asia-Pacific academic leaders encourage discipleship in education system
Mesoamerica
A group of academic deans and presidents from Church of the Nazarene educational institutes across the denomination's Asia-Pacific Region gathered 21-25 August in Bali, Indonesia, to brainstorm ways to better incorporate discipleship into the regional educational system.
Despite the geographical and cultural differences between the educational institutions, the meeting allowed for everyone’s voices and ideas to be heard and shared.
Regional Education Coordinator John Moore organized the event. Presenters included International Board of Education Commissioner Dan Copp, Regional Director Mark Louw, and Maggie Bailey, executive director of Higher Education Board and Strategy Development.
Dick Eugenio, academic dean of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, said that though they acknowledged the trials ahead, the leaders were inspired and ready to tackle the future.
“The meeting was overall hopeful in tone,” Eugenio said. “Armed with a radical optimism of grace, the delegates went back to their respective areas of responsibilities with greater passion and conviction of the integral role of theological education in the disciple-making mission of the church.” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific) Read more
Veracruz, Mexico
Mexico churches unite in prayer for country
More than 50 members from six Churches of the Nazarene met 1 September in Veracruz, Mexico, for a prayer meeting.They prayed for the pastors and the leaders in the area, for their district, the Mesoamerica Region, the missionaries and participants of the Genesis Project, and for the Mexican government.
The event was organized by Nazarene Missions International in the Veracruz Centro area and took place at Casa de Oración, a church-type mission. Each church prepared food, and at the end of the event, they had breakfast and fellowship together.
"We thank God for the opportunity he gave us to carry out this event that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters [in Christ]," said Carlos Quijano, Mesoamerica representative to the NMI Global Council. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
Panama, El Salvador youth ministries utilize coaching strategies
Mesoamerica Nazarene Youth International recently held two leadership events for pastors and leaders in Panama and El Salvador.More than 90 people attended the first conference, held 24-25 August in Panama, while 70 people attended the second conference, held 31 August-1 September, in El Salvador. District superintendents, pastors, ministry leaders, and other local leaders were invited to the events.
The conferences focused on integrating coaching techniques — defined as ongoing, intentional conversations — into youth leadership roles. Regional NYI Coordinator Milton Gay and International Leadership Trainer Felix Ortiz led the trainings.
“NYI wants to enhance transformational leadership in its leaders so that they can learn how the role of coaching helps us to enhance and empower new generations,” said Odily Diaz, North Central Area NYI coordinator. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Read more
South America
Chile
Conferences strengthen women’s ministries in Chile
The Chile women’s ministry team held two conferences where more than 200 women participated.The first conference was held 25 August in Arica for the Northern District, while the second was held 1-2 September in Hualpén for the Central, Lagos, and Biobio districts. Each event featured times of worship, fellowship, and workshops.
Workshop presenters included Ana Mardones, Mirtha Aburto, Angela Sepúlveda, Olga Sepúlveda, Priscila Bahamondes, Elizabeth Soto, and Lorena Moya.
“We thank God for such beautiful and blessed moments of worship during the workshops and preaching times,” said Débora Acuña, Central District Women’s Ministry coordinator. “God was present at all times, in every detail, building up our lives and giving us the tools to be whole women.” (Church of the Nazarene South America) Read more
US News & World Report ranks Nazarene schools among best in nation
Once again, U.S. News & World Report named several Nazarene institutions of higher education among "America's Best Colleges." The publication recently released their rankings for 2019.
Rankings are broken down into specific categories. The first 75 percent of schools in each category are given individual rankings. The next group of schools is in a "rank not published" section listed in alphabetical order, followed by an "unranked" section.
National Universities
Schools in the National Universities category, such as Harvard University and Princeton University, offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master's, and doctoral degrees. These colleges are also committed to producing ground-breaking research.
One Nazarene school was placed in the National Universities category (click on the school's name for U.S. News profile):
Trevecca Nazarene University (Rank No. 230-301; Nashville, Tennessee; Dan Boone, president)
Regional Universities
Regional Universities offer a full range of undergrad programs and some master's programs but few doctoral programs. Regional Universities include Villanova University, The Citadel, Butler University, and Gonzaga University.
These rankings are split into four regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.
Seven Nazarene universities were placed in this category (click school for U.S. News profile):
Eastern Nazarene College (North No. 142-187; Quincy, Massachusetts; Timothy Wooster, chief executive officer)
MidAmerica Nazarene University (Midwest No. 88; Olathe, Kansas; David J. Spittal, president)
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Midwest No. 84; Mount Vernon, Ohio; Henry W. Spaulding II, president)
Northwest Nazarene University (West No. 52; Nampa, Idaho; Joel Pearsall, president)
Olivet Nazarene University (Midwest No. 53; Bourbonnais, Illinois; John C. Bowling, president)
Point Loma Nazarene University (West No. 17; San Diego, California; Bob Brower, president)
Southern Nazarene University (West No. 96-127; Bethany, Oklahoma; Keith Newman, president)
For more information, see usnews.com.
For the publication's methodology in creating their 2019 rankings, click here.
For more information on Church of the Nazarene schools in the U.S. and around the world, visit the denomination's International Board of Education website: nazarene.org/iboe.
Read more
National Universities
Schools in the National Universities category, such as Harvard University and Princeton University, offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master's, and doctoral degrees. These colleges are also committed to producing ground-breaking research.
One Nazarene school was placed in the National Universities category (click on the school's name for U.S. News profile):
Trevecca Nazarene University (Rank No. 230-301; Nashville, Tennessee; Dan Boone, president)
Regional Universities
Regional Universities offer a full range of undergrad programs and some master's programs but few doctoral programs. Regional Universities include Villanova University, The Citadel, Butler University, and Gonzaga University.
These rankings are split into four regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.
Seven Nazarene universities were placed in this category (click school for U.S. News profile):
Eastern Nazarene College (North No. 142-187; Quincy, Massachusetts; Timothy Wooster, chief executive officer)
MidAmerica Nazarene University (Midwest No. 88; Olathe, Kansas; David J. Spittal, president)
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Midwest No. 84; Mount Vernon, Ohio; Henry W. Spaulding II, president)
Northwest Nazarene University (West No. 52; Nampa, Idaho; Joel Pearsall, president)
Olivet Nazarene University (Midwest No. 53; Bourbonnais, Illinois; John C. Bowling, president)
Point Loma Nazarene University (West No. 17; San Diego, California; Bob Brower, president)
Southern Nazarene University (West No. 96-127; Bethany, Oklahoma; Keith Newman, president)
For more information, see usnews.com.
For the publication's methodology in creating their 2019 rankings, click here.
For more information on Church of the Nazarene schools in the U.S. and around the world, visit the denomination's International Board of Education website: nazarene.org/iboe.
Read more
Ric Brockmeier appointed VP for marketing, enrollment at MNU
MidAmerica Nazarene University President David Spittal announced the appointment of Ric Brockmeier as vice president for marketing and enrollment, effective 24 September. In this newly created position, he will oversee traditional admissions, marketing, and professional and graduate admissions.
“Ric Brockmeier’s expertise in marketing strategy, his affinity for Christian higher education, and his record of generating growth in revenue makes him uniquely qualified for this position,” Spittal said. “He loves the Lord and his desire to make an impact at MNU is particularly inspiring.”
Brockmeier has extensive experience in marketing and advertising with a focus on strategic planning, integrated digital marketing, and performance data analytics. He has also served as adjunct professor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Rockhurst University in strategic management, business leadership, marketing, and marketing research.
With early career experience at Hallmark Cards, Kraft Foods, and American Italian Pasta Co., Brockmeier moved to the agency side of marketing. He became senior vice president of marketing strategy at Barkley Advertising, then marketing strategy officer for Bernstein-Rein Advertising. His most recent position is as principal for Precision Marketing in Mission Woods, Kansas.
Brockmeier earned his MBA from Harvard University. As an undergraduate he studied mathematics, graduating summa cum laude from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. (MidAmerica Nazarene University) Read more
“Ric Brockmeier’s expertise in marketing strategy, his affinity for Christian higher education, and his record of generating growth in revenue makes him uniquely qualified for this position,” Spittal said. “He loves the Lord and his desire to make an impact at MNU is particularly inspiring.”
Brockmeier has extensive experience in marketing and advertising with a focus on strategic planning, integrated digital marketing, and performance data analytics. He has also served as adjunct professor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Rockhurst University in strategic management, business leadership, marketing, and marketing research.
With early career experience at Hallmark Cards, Kraft Foods, and American Italian Pasta Co., Brockmeier moved to the agency side of marketing. He became senior vice president of marketing strategy at Barkley Advertising, then marketing strategy officer for Bernstein-Rein Advertising. His most recent position is as principal for Precision Marketing in Mission Woods, Kansas.
Brockmeier earned his MBA from Harvard University. As an undergraduate he studied mathematics, graduating summa cum laude from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. (MidAmerica Nazarene University) Read more
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 10-14 September 2018.Jerry VanNatter, 76, of Gaston, Indiana, passed away 9 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth VanNatter, in 2002.
L. Dale Wanner, 85, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away 8 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, and Vermont. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Wanner.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News) Read more
Human Resources
GMC 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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Candidate Development Specialist (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will assist with missionary candidate development, coordinate and assist with events, work independently and with a team, and perform a wide variety of responsibilities with high confidentiality.
Helpdesk Technician (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: This person will be responsible for providing training, support and guidance to technology users.
Interpretation & Translation Liaison/District Records Assistant (Full-time)
General Secretary’s Office
Description: This person will be responsible for facilitating requests for translation of documents and event interpretation. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with the reviewing and posting of global district journals. Preferred candidates will be multi-lingual.
Project Manager (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International (NYI)
Description: This person will be responsible for facilitating connection to district, national, field, and regional NYI leadership and the distribution of resources to support the mission of NYI. This person will support the NYI core values of evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development (“BE, DO, GO”) by emphasizing youth ministry throughout the Church of the Nazarene and sharing the stories of local youth and youth workers and will manage the day-to-day and long-term connection projects of NYI.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at the JFHP, visit jfhp.org. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office. Recent openings: Full-Time Assistant Field Services Coordinator.
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.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus. 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
Freedom Sunday highlights anti-trafficking efforts
On Sunday, 23 September 2018, thousands of churches around the world will join in Freedom Sunday. This unique service is specifically set aside for congregations to pray for, learn about, and support church-led anti-trafficking efforts.Churches will plan Freedom Sunday services, which aim to inform and unite congregations in prayer. They are also encouraged to discuss action steps they can take as congregations, both globally and locally.
An estimated 40.3 million people are currently being trafficked. That includes labor and sex trafficking, adults and children, and people from all over the world. The multi-billion dollar industry is truly a global tragedy.
The Church of the Nazarene participates and spearheads anti-trafficking efforts globally, including projects in Moldova, Germany, India, and the Philippines.
Plan a Freedom Sunday service with the worship planning guide and bulletin inserts. To sign up to host a Freedom Sunday event and find more resources, visit ncm.org/freedom-sunday.
To learn about the Church of the Nazarene’s involvement in anti-trafficking movements, visit ncm.org/antitrafficking. (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries)
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Copyright © 2018 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
Material created and owned by The Global Nazarene Communication Network 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 30,000 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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