1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

January 09, 2015
Volume 1501
Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
NCN News
Top Stories for the week of January 09, 2015
General Board 2016 to be held in Netherlands
For the first time in its history, a Church of the Nazarene General Board meeting will be held outside the USA.
The 93rd Session of the General Board will take place 19 to 22 February 2016 in Ede, Netherlands, near
Amsterdam.
Convening in late February each year, the General Board has governing responsibility for the international
Church of the Nazarene between general assemblies. The board is made up of more than 50 ministers and lay
leaders elected by the regional caucuses at the denomination's largest quadrennial event, General Assembly.
Recently released 2014 statistics show there are 2,295,106 church members in 159 world areas, with 71
percent living outside the USA and Canada.
For this reason, a non-USA location has been a longtime dream of many Nazarenes, including General
Secretary David P. Wilson.
"Ever since I've been general secretary, people have been asking me, 'Are we going to do a general assembly
outside of the United States?' and my response has been, 'We need to start with something a little bit simpler,'
so we began thinking about taking General Board outside the United States," Wilson said.
Elected general secretary in 2007, Wilson and his staff are responsible for logistics and legislation at the
annual meeting.
The team began seriously considering the idea of General Board in another country about a year and a half
ago.
"The first invitation we received was from the Netherlands, from General Board member Rob Kegel," Wilson
said. "We were encouraged by the Board of General Superintendents to consider other possibilities as well."
In the end, Amsterdam proved to be the most cost-effective location considered, making the dream of hosting
a General Board meeting outside the USA a reality.
"It signals a wonderful message to the rest of the world that we can do something of this magnitude outside of
the United States," Wilson said. "It takes us in a good direction."
The 2016 General Board meeting will be held at Hotel Belmont in Ede.
"It is a four-star hotel owned by The Salvation Army," Wilson said. "This location choice is very much a
partnership. The mission that they have at the Belmont is incredible. They grow their own organic crops for the
hotel and train recovering alcoholics and addicts on how to farm. They also train them in the hospitality
industry, so through this partnership, we are contributing to their mission and they are contributing to our
mission."
The Salvation Army and the Church of the Nazarene are both members of the Global Wesleyan Alliance.
The Netherlands may be the first non-USA site for General Board, but it likely won't be the last.
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"My dream would be that we would be able to do one General Board meeting per quadrennium outside the
United States," Wilson said. "We've already had invitations from other world areas to host General Board."
The 92nd Session of the General Board is scheduled to convene in Overland Park, Kansas, USA, 20 to 23
February 2015.
Top stories of 2014
Before we begin stories for 2015, here's a look back at some of 2014's most-shared Nazarene news stories on
ncnnews.com:
Prayers answered, pastor released (November 14)
A Nazarene pastor kidnapped and held for ransom was released from his captors. (read more)
NTS elects Carla Sunberg president (January 6)
Nazarene Theological Seminary elected Carla Sunberg as its 10th president on January 3. Sunberg is the first
woman president in the school's history.
Nazarene Theological Seminary to remain in Kansas City (October 10)
The Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees met last week in Kansas City for its fall meeting, during
which they addressed the issue of relocation.
Nazarenes respond to US border crisis by providing care for immigrating children
As many as 400 vulnerable children cross the U.S.-Mexico border each day. The Church of the Nazarene
partnered with organizations meeting the needs of these children.
Dates announced for General Assembly 2017 (January 8)
Dates were recently finalized for the Church of the Nazarene's next General Assembly, to be held in
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, in 2017.
Viral UPS video features Colorado Nazarene (December 19)
Ernest Lagasca, or Mr. Ernie as he's referred to in the viral UPS video "Driver for a Day," has been a member
of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for more than 30 years. (video)
Continued prayer is requested for:
Liberia pastor dies from Ebola just days after wife passes (October 13)
Joe Sonkpah, pastor of the Grace Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Liberia, passed away October 10 from
Ebola days after his wife, Hannah, perished from the same disease.
A Statement from the Board of General Superintendents on Racial Tension (December 9)
Daily news headlines from Ferguson, Missouri, USA, to Damascus, Syria, remind us that we live in a world
divided by many political, ethnic, racial, and cultural issues.
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Missing Maryland pastor found dead (June 13)
Roy Flowers, an associate pastor at the Damascus, Maryland, Church of the Nazarene, was found dead in his
car on June 9 after going missing two days earlier. (read more)
Nazarene youth pastors involved in multiple fatality accident (March 6)
Nathan and Hannah Capen from the Missoula, Montana, Church of the Nazarene were on their way to an NYI
fundraiser on February 22 when they were involved in a head-on collision. (read more)
The NCN Global News Summary contains the latest Nazarene news and is delivered to inboxes every Friday.
For your complimentary subscription, go to ncnnews.com/subscribe.
800 gather to welcome Radcliffes back to Papua New Guinea
Missionaries Jim and Kathy Radcliffe were greeted by an estimated 800 local residents upon their return from
home assignment in the USA.
Jim, who is the chief surgeon at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, began experiencing heart problems last summer. In
June, the family traveled to the USA, where it was discovered that Jim had a defective heart valve and an
enlarged aorta that required open heart surgery. During pre-surgery tests, a tumor was found on his adrenal
gland.
PNG residents responded with an outpouring of support through prayer and finances after hearing about Jim's
medical problems, including paying for all expenses not covered by insurance.
The news of his successful heart surgery, the report that the adrenal tumor was benign, and the news that he
would return to PNG brought great rejoicing to the area, but the biggest celebration was reserved for
December 31 as the Radcliffes returned to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital.
The rural road leading to the hospital was lined with well-wishers. Others joined in and made an impromptu
parade of vehicles. Earlier in the day, residents borrowed the local road grader to even out the normally
challenging road.
Although tired from the long trip, the Radcliffes spent time greeting those who had prayed for them and
sacrificed on their behalf.
The Radcliffes began serving as missionaries to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in 1985.
Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, founded in 1967, has nearly 200 staff members in addition to seven missionary
doctors and other missionaries. The hospital on average sees more than 52,000 outpatients each year and
completes more than 600 major surgeries per year, not including the many cesarean sections.
--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Registration opens for M15 pre-conferences, mega seminars
The USA/Canada Regional Office invites Mission 2015 Conference (M15) attendees to register for special preconference events and mega seminars. Two pre-conferences will be held February 9, and three mega
seminars are scheduled for February 10 and 11.
M15 registration is also ongoing. The regular rate of $39 per person will increase to $49 January 16. Click here
to complete your M15 registration today.
Worship Pre-Conference
A one-day pre-conference called "Worship, Preaching, and the Mission of God" will be held at the Kansas City
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Convention Center on Monday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include plenary and workshop
sessions on a variety of topics, as well as special music. T. Scott Daniels, who serves as both senior pastor
of Pasadena, California, First Church of the Nazarene and dean of Azusa Pacific University's School of
Theology, will be the main plenary speaker. Karen Westerfield-Tucker, professor of worship at Boston
University, will lead a special workshop on worship in the Wesleyan tradition for today's worship leader and
planner. To register for this pre-conference, click here.
Organic Church Pre-Conference
The Nazarene Organic Church Network Pre-Conference will feature two workshops that focus on missional
community; non-traditional, coffee shop, or creative-type ministries; starting a home cell church, and more.
The conference will be held Monday, February 9 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown
(adjacent to the convention center).
During the "Your Story—Our Story" portion of the event, moderators Matt Price and John Huddle will guide
participants through a series of round table discussions designed to help them exchange ideas, celebrate
victories, and connect with other network leaders. The session will close with a time of worship.
In the next portion, presenters John Huddle and Chuck Russ's "Tension in the Turn" workshop will address
how organic church leaders may feel discouraged and inadequate when faced with ever-changing cultures and
new environments in ministry.
To register for the Organic Church Pre-Conference, click here.
New Church Development Mega Seminar
The New Church Development Mega Seminar, hosted by the Nazarene Association of Church Planting, will
gather on Tuesday, February 10 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. All M15 attendees are invited to bring their own lunches
to Bartle Hall Room 2215 C in the Kansas City Convention Center to be inspired and become better
acquainted with the resources available for church planting.
General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter will encourage participants by sharing how God is working through a
church planting multiplication movement on the USA/Canada Region.
Porter will be joined by the following special guests:
Bill Wiesman, director of Evangelism & New Church Development
Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada regional director
Carla Sunberg, president of Nazarene Theological Seminary
Chuck Russ, director of Nazarene Organic Church Network
Mark Bane, coordinator of Church Planting Assessment Centers
Paul Becker, founder and president of Dynamic Church Planting International
Rob McDonald, director of Nazarene Cowboy Church Network
Scott Evans, founder and president of Outreach, Inc.
Although registration is not required, attendees are encouraged to register to ensure sufficient seating is
provided. To register for the New Church Development Mega Seminar, contact Joy Wilson at
[email protected].
Mega Seminar: Family & Intergenerational Ministry
This February 10 seminar will focus on family and intergenerational ministry. Diana Garland, author of Family
Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide, will speak about ministry possibilities that transform both the family and the
church into disciple-making communities.
No registration is required. While a meal is not provided, participants may bring food to this lunchtime event.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Mega Seminar: When Bad Churches Happen to Good Pastors
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"When Bad Churches Happen to Good Pastors," led by best-selling authors David and Lisa Frisbie, will take
place February 11. The speakers will discuss destructive stress patterns and explore paths to better, healthier
ministry.
Registration is not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch to this midday session. More
information will be released as it becomes available.
SDMI USA/Canada Region District Leadership Conference
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International's 2015 District Leadership Conference will be held at
the Kansas City Convention Center in conjunction with M15 in order to offer a broader range of educational
and equipping opportunities.
The leadership conference will open at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 9 with a dinner and special multimedia
presentation. Tom Nelson, pastor and author of five books, including Work Matters: Connecting Sunday
Worship to Monday Work, will serve as guest speaker. Nelson has pastored Christ Community Church, a
multi-campus congregation in the Kansas City, Missouri, for more than 20 years. During that time, he
developed a unique approach to discipleship that challenges laity to minister in and through their vocation.
Nelson will share his journey as a pastor and tell how he helped the laity of his church rediscover the joy of
discipleship. All participants will receive a free copy of Work Matters.
The registration fee for district leaders and spouses is $65 per person until February 1. This fee includes
dinner on Monday evening and conference materials. Click here to register.
To register for M15 or learn more, visit m15conference.org or contact M15 Logistics Coordinator Loretta Cloud
at [email protected].
--Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada
Lydia Howard remembered
Retired missionary Lydia (Wilke) Howard, 107, passed away December 28. She served 34 years in Swaziland
and Cabo Verde.
Born February 3, 1907, in Hazard, Nebraska, Howard graduated from Bethany Peniel College (now Southern
Nazarene University) in 1934. She obtained her nursing degree from the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of
Nursing in Edmonton, Alberta, graduating in 1938.
Howard received her missionary appointment from the Church of the Nazarene and was posted to Swaziland
in 1939. She worked primarily with children, meeting their educational and medical needs. In 1949, Lydia was
transferred to the Cabo Verde islands, where she worked with missionaries Everette and Garnet Howard.
Lydia retired from active missionary service in 1960 and opened a Christian bookstore in Kearney, Nebraska.
Twelve years later she moved to Casa Robles Nazarene Missionary Retirement Center in Temple City,
California. She married her longtime friend Everette Howard, who was a widower, in 1979.
In 1989, Lydia and Everette became residents of the Episcopal Home (Kensington) in Alhambra, California.
After Everette's death in 1999, Lydia continued her active life, which extended beyond her 100th birthday. She
learned to paint, wrote and published a book ("Living Through My Century"), and maintained an active Internet
communication relationship with friends all over the world.
Only within the last five years did Lydia require any living assistance. She transferred from the Kensington to
Atherton Baptist Home to receive skilled nursing care three years ago.
"Finally, in answer to our many prayers, the Lord has now graciously taken her home," wrote Forrest and Jo
Cunningham, Lydia stepdaughter and son-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 9 at the Atherton Baptist Home, 214 S. Atlantic
Blvd., Alhambra, CA 91801.
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Condolences may be directed to Forrest and Jo Cunningham through the Atherton Baptist Home, or:
12604 Oak Valley Dr.
Olathe, KS 66061
[email protected]
Donations may be made in Lydia's name to:
Kansas City Rescue Mission Women's Center
1520 Cherry St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
--NCN News submissions
Christmas parcels: A token of love in Romania
Eurasia Communications recently received the following update from Dorli Gschwandtner of Helping Hands
Germany (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries):
"Thank you so much for this Christmas parcel — but thank you even more for you!" Juliana, sitting on the edge
of her bed in her one-room apartment, smiles at us. "I will pray for you — you are more precious than this
present!" She indicates the brown package balanced on top of a drawer which she knows contains a number
of good things: coffee, chocolate, hand lotion, and a variety of other food and hygiene items that she would
never be able to afford with her meager pension. Then she points at the Helping Hands employees that visited
her two years ago. "I remember you, and I've been praying for you ever since you came! This package you
bring, it's from Jesus Christ. May God bless you!"
Juliana is one of a few dozen elderly people that the Sighisoara-based Veritas foundation, which grew out of
Nazarene ministry in Romania, ministers to. Some attend "elderly clubs" that meet in different locations across
the town several times each week. Others, like Juliana, are too frail to go to club meetings and are regularly
visited by Veritas staff who bring them lunch every second day, spend time with them, arrange doctor visits,
and listen to their stories. It is a simple ministry, but makes an enormous difference for these people who are
neglected by society, lonely and in need. Every sign of love and care is accepted with an overwhelming
gratitude: like the Christmas parcels, that every member of the elderly clubs and house-bound elderly
connected with the Veritas foundation receives: a token of love at Christmas.
For many years now, Helping Hands Germany has been sending Christmas parcels to Eastern Europe. The
parcels contain food and hygiene items and are given to people connected with Nazarene ministries in Vidrare,
Bulgaria, and surrounding villages, as well as Bucharest and Sighisoara, Tigmandru, Viscri, and Bunesti in
Romania. This year, the Christmas shipment included 864 Christmas parcels that had been packed by
individuals, families and groups all over Germany. Two Helping Hands employees and three volunteers were
able to travel to Romania in December to join the distribution.
Many of the recipients in Bulgaria and Romania are elderly people who survive on a very small pension and
can often barely afford essential food items or fuel for heating. But there are also many needy families with
children who are grateful to receive a parcel with good things to cheer up their Christmas celebration. Some of
these live in a Roma community at the outskirts of Sighisoara, where we visit after we have taken leave of the
elderly.
When we arrive, we are immediately surrounded by children asking for their picture to be taken, grabbing
hands, dancing through the muddy street. A few of them are holding tiles to their ears and talk excitedly
— imitation smart phones: poverty is creative. It is almost dark and the abject poverty and poor sanitation in the
community is not as visible as during the day. A young couple walks past — the girl, clearly pregnant, looks as
if she is about 11 years old.
We knock on doors, evade dogs, hand out parcels and watch worry dissolve into joy as people accept this gift
of love at Christmas. It is astonishing to see what happiness can be found in places that, seeing them, make
us want to weep. We visit a family who, two years ago, was in despair about a parent's near-fatal injury.
Today, only laughing faces meet us in this home, and the little sad-faced girl we remember from before is now
a beaming whirlwind of Christmas cheer. As we turn to leave, we can see her taking the parcel into her arms,
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dancing with it in a circle and laughing happily. It is a simple ministry — just a brown package with food and
hygiene articles. But for the people who receive the Christmas parcels, they make an enormous difference: the
difference between being forgotten and being loved.
--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
25 graduate from NTS-Peru
Nazarene Theological Seminary-Peru held a graduation ceremony for 25 Bachelor of Theology students
December 4 in the Peru Central District facilities.
The 2014 class was named "Centennial Roger S. Winans" in memory of the first missionary who came to Peru
100 years ago.
Attendees included Peru Field Strategy Coordinator Segundo Rimarachín, Church of the Nazarene
Association of Peru President Oscar Medina Guzmán, district superintendents, pastors, and members of local
churches. The special speaker was Regional Education Coordinator Jorge L. Julca.
As part of the ceremony, Rector Evelio Vásquez Malca presented a brief report about the seminary, which
serves Peru through license, diploma, and bachelor's programs in theology.
The ceremony also included the sending of students that completed their third year of theological studies.
These students will travel to different districts in 2015 to complete their year of practical ministry.
--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
Related: "NTS-Peru rector to continue for additional year"
Myanmar pastor's wife passes away
South Korea missionary Bill Kwon and South Asia Nazarene Bible College Academic Dean Jubilee Thanga
shared the following information regarding a pastor's family in Mynamar.
Our lay pastor's wife, Daw Nan Hti (34 years) passed away yesterday (December 24). She was the wife of
Pastor Tin Aung Naing, who pastors the Shalom Church of the Nazarene.
Daw Nan Hti died of cancer, leaving three young children and her husband. The funeral service will be held in
Natgyi Chaung by the leadership and members of the Yangon First Church of the Nazarene.
Please pray for Pastor Tin Aung Naing and the three little children who will be mourning the loss of their
beloved spouse and mother.
--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Moving Ministers: December 2014
Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of
Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received from December 1 to
December 31, 2014.
To view the December report, click here.
For previous reports, see nazarene.org.
2015 tax books for ministers, treasurers now available
Nazarene ministers and church treasurers can now access and download electronic editions of the 2015 tax
booklets from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. These guides include Preparing Tax
Returns for Clergy (with two completed clergy federal income tax returns) and Reporting Procedures for
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Congregations (with forms that must be filed by congregations in the coming weeks).
The booklets are prepared by Dan Busby, J. Michael Martin, and John Van Drunen of the ECFA and are
provided as a complimentary member service.
The resources are based on the two full-size books The 2015 Zondervan Minister's Tax & Financial Guide and
the 2015 Zondervan Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide, which may be purchased on Amazon.
Pensions and Benefits USA is grateful to Busby and staff for making these resources available.
--Pensions and Benefits USA
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 from December 20, 2014, to January 9, 2015.
Muriel (Ashcroft) Ablard, 72, of Sheridan, Ohio, passed away December 31. She was a retired minister,
serving in Arizona and Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister Gilbert Ablard,
who served in Arizona and Oregon. Gilbert Ablard passed away in 2008.
Carolee (Carr) Albert, 71, of Staples, Minnesota, passed away December 18. She was the widow of retired
minister James Albert, who served in Minnesota. James Albert passed away in 2013.
Steven Boze, 60, of Griggsville, Illinois, passed away December 20. He was a minister, serving at Griggsville,
Illinois, Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Mestel) Boze.
Elizabeth (McKenney) Chavier, 87, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, passed away December 20. She was the
widow of retired minister Manuel Chavier Sr., who served in Massachusetts. Manuel Chavier Sr. passed away
in 2006.
W. Leon Davis, 86, of New Castle, Indiana, passed away January 2. He was a retired minister, serving in
Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Doris (Groves) Davis.
Livernier Doreus of Haiti passed away January 4. He was superintendent of the Haiti Lower Northwest
District. More information will be posted as it is made available.
James Edwards, 85, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, passed away January 5. He was a retired minister, serving in
Arkansas and Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Edwards.
Geneva (Woodlee) Hendrick, 91, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away December 30. She was a retired
minister, serving in Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hendrick, in 2005.
Lydia (Wilke) Howard, 107, of Alhambra, California, passed away December 28. She was a retired
missionary, serving in Swaziland and Cabo Verde. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired
minister, missionary, and district superintendent Everette Howard, who served in Kansas, Missouri, Cabo
Verde, and on the Central Latin American District. Everette Howard passed away in 1999.
Daw Nan Hti, 34, of Myanmar, passed away December 24. She was the wife of Pastor Tin Aung Naing, who
pastors the Shalom Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar. (story)
Charles Huffman, 76, of Straughn, Indiana, passed away December 25. He was a lay leader in the Greenfield
First Church of the Nazarene, serving as a minister of music, on the church board and building committee, and
as a Sunday School teacher. He is survived by his wife, Naomi (Greene) Huffman.
Vera (Jones) Kester Evans, 89, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away December 28. She was the widow of retired
minister George Evans, who served in Idaho, California, and Nevada. George Evans passed away in 2013.
She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Kester.
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Sung Shim Kim, 78, of Houston, Texas, passed away December 20. She was the wife of retired minister Sam
Kim, who served in Texas and Louisiana.
Faye Martin, 80, of Land O' Lakes, Florida, passed away December 24. She was the widow of retired minister
Aubrey Martin, who served in Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Florida. Aubrey Martin passed away in
1996.
Elmer Pannier, 97, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away January 3. He was a retired minister, serving in
Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (Shaw) Pannier, in 2003.
David Prater, 78, of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, passed away December 23. He was a retired minister
and district superintendent who served in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and led the Eastern Kentucky
District. He is survived by his wife, Martha (Wolfe) Prater.
Mary Lou (Steward) Riley, 84, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed away December 24. She was a retired
missionary, serving in South Africa and Zimbabwe. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired
minister and missionary Jack Riley, who served in California, Colorado, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Jack
Riley passed away in 1984. (story)
Emma Rushing, 81, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away December 22. She was the widow of retired minister
and evangelist Charles Rushing, who served in California, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, Missouri, Florida,
Oklahoma, and Mississippi. Charles Rushing passed away in 2011.
Troy Slay, 86, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away December 28. He was a retired minister, serving in
Tennessee and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Marie Slay.
Sabrie (Bertram) Stout, 93, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away December 27. She was a member of the
Muncie, Indiana, First Church of the Nazarene, for more than 60 years. She taught Sunday School and
chaired the LINKS missionary program. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Stout Sr.
Bethel (Davis) Swanson, 91, of Nashville, North Carolina, passed away January 1. She was the widow of
retired minister, chaplain, and evangelist Carl Swanson, who served in Illinois and North Carolina. Carl
Swanson passed away in 2008.
Anna Taylor, 79, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away December 24. She was a retired minister, serving in
Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio.
Twyla Williams, 89, of Middletown, Ohio, passed away January 1. She was a lay leader at Middletown First
Church of the Nazarene, where she was a church board member and Sunday School teacher, as well as
missionary president for both the church and the district.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with 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 [email protected].
--Compiled by NCN News
Longtime missionary to Africa Region passes away
Retired missionary Mary Lou Riley, 84, passed away December 24. Mary Lou and her late husband, Jack,
served as missionaries in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Mary Lou was born October 16, 1930, to Jessie and Aleda B. (Carter) Steward in Monroe, Iowa. She attended
Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) with Jack, whom she married in 1951. Jack served
as a missionary for 24 years until his passing in 1984, and Mary Lou served for 31 years.
She is survived by three sons and their wives, Michael L. Riley, Daniel E. Riley, and Jonathan C. Riley; and a
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daughter, Lucinda "Cindy" L. Tennyson.
A funeral service was held December 30 at New Hope Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be sent to
the church at 4330 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64116, or in care of
Rev. Daniel Riley
8518 N.W. Beech St.
Kansas City, MO 64153
--Global Mission
Malawi college holds graduation for extension students in Zimbabwe
Nazarene Theological College-Central Africa held its first off-campus graduation 13 December at Avondale
Church of the Nazarene in Harare, Zimbabwe. Africa Southeast Field education leadership, including Field
Education Coordinator Gary Sidle, NTC-Central Africa Principal Joe Lilema, Academic Dean Benson Phiri, and
Chaplain Oscar Dama, attended along with Field Strategy Coordinator Paul Mtambo.
A crowd of nearly 200 showed their support for the eight Diploma in Ministry students graduating. The
Zimbabwe East District presented certificates to 27 students who completed the Road to Emmaus, which is an
introduction to ministry course that prepares students to enter the extension education program and minister in
the local church.
Mtambo spoke and served communion as a part of the ceremony and worship time. Afterward, lunch was
served for the graduates, families, and friends.
"The atmosphere was festive," said Sidle. "The entire event was deemed a success with the large crowd
attending and positive feedback by the field and district leadership."
The following day, field leaders attended local churches pastored by the graduates and churches involved with
the extension education program.
--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Flags of the Nations: Guinea-Bissau
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: Guinea-Bissau
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Guinea-Bissau in 2004.
Guinea-Bissau had a population of 1,693,398 in 2014. The country has not yet reported any Churches of the
Nazarene.
Guinea-Bissau is a part of the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit
africanazarene.org.
Previous flags featured:
Argentina
Aruba
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Germany
Ghana
Guam
Guatemala
Mali
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Paraguay
Peru
Senegal
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Cameroon
Guinea
Canada
Guinea-Bissau
Cape Verde
Guinea-Conakry
Chile
Guyana
Colombia
Haiti
Côte d'Ivoire
Ireland
Cuba
Israel
Dominican
Italy
Republic
Liberia
Ecuador
Madagascar
Equatorial Guinea
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Additional World
Areas
NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working
there.
* = 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.
Kudjip Nazarene College of Nursing seeks instructor
The Nazarene College of Nursing in Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, is in need of an additional nursing instructor.
Asia-Pacific Region Personnel Coordinator Dave Hane recently interviewed missionary Staci Rutledge, a
current nursing instructor at the Nazarene College of Nursing, to find out more about her experiences.
Hane: Please give us some background information about yourself.
Rutledge: My name is Staci Rutledge. I grew up in Illinois and gave my life to Christ at 5. I then felt a call to
missions at 16 when I went to a Nazarene Youth Congress.
Unsure of where God wanted me to go at that time, I pursued my other calling of nursing and graduated
from Olivet Nazarene University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My first "mission field" was the
[U.S.] Army, where I served as an officer in the Nurse Corps for four and a half years and then returned home.
It was during this time back in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, USA, that God was really working in the life of our
church and the Northwest Illinois District. A lot of emphasis was being given to prayer, discipleship, and church
planting. It was then that God called me to come to Papua New Guinea. After eight months of preparation, I
came to PNG in January of 2013. I have just finished my second year of nursing instruction at Nazarene
College of Nursing with plans to stay for at least another year.
Hane: How did God lead you to this assignment?
Rutledge: At 16, God had just told me to go and did not say where specifically. The path He laid out for me
since then has mainly been just one more step at a time, each of them preparing me to say "yes."
One night in 2012, He woke me up early in the morning after an evening prayer meeting and brought to mind
many pictures I had seen at a recent mission night. The Thompsons (current missionaries to PNG) had visited
my church. I wasn't really sure what all of that meant but I got online at 2 a.m. and went to the website of the
Nazarene hospital in PNG. There, on the Nursing College page, was a little notice that tutors where needed
and to contact the college president. I sent off an email to him and was then able to fall back to sleep. Waking
up three hours later I had a reply and a clear leading that PNG was where God wanted me to go.
Hane: What has been most rewarding part of this assignment? When have you felt most energized?
Rutledge: The most rewarding times are with the students, anything from our Wednesday night fellowship
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worship times to being with the students on the wards, helping them do procedures for the first time; and I've
been with them for a lot of procedures! From taking vital signs to delivering numerous babies, it's their
enthusiasm or sometimes their nervousness that inspires me to keep going. I also love classroom instruction
times, especially when we can do hands-on things and I am able to see the students really understand the
information.
Hane: Tell us about one situation that has impacted you greatly since you have been in this assignment.
Rutledge: I was asked to place the towels on the students who were baptized this year after they came up out
of the river at our special Independence Day baptism service.
In all, 11 students were baptized and 13 joined the church that day (out of our 92 students).
Having this bird's eye view of their baptisms and hearing their testimonies of God's work in their lives blessed
my heart so much that day. It is now a memory I go back to when the challenges seem overwhelming. These
students have overcome so much more than I can even imagine.
Hane: How has this assignment changed your view of our mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations?
Rutledge: Being here has enhanced my feelings of what discipleship is all about. After a study on Daniel my
first year here, one idea that really stood out to me was "influence the influential."
There are PNG nursing leaders, administrators, and pastors here that have been influenced by one or two
prior missionaries or Christians and they have gone on to build churches, to build up the college of nursing, to
send Christian nurses out all over the country, and many other things. I don't know if their predecessors saw
them as the "influential" or not at the time, but they certainly have become so.
These nursing students are all going to be influential. It's the nature of their job, and getting to influence them
for Christ on a daily basis has been my goal. It doesn't have to be hard work (as some would view
discipleship), but it is often intentional. Building relationships, asking the hard questions in love, being fair with
rules and standards, but also extending grace when needed — all of these things have become means of
discipleship for me.
Hane: What is one challenge God has helped you to overcome?
Rutledge: When I came here I thought I was going to be a tutor, in the U.S. version of that word, meaning
someone who helps small groups of people in an area where they need additional help, and in a sense,
coaches them. So, I had quite a big surprise that first day when they began to explain I was not going to be
assisting another teacher but becoming the PNG version of the word "tutor!"
Here tutor means instructor, professor, the one in charge of 45 first-year students for 10 hours a week, with
lessons to create in the remaining hours! I've never been much for public speaking, but loved one-on-one and
small group interactions. God helped me through creating and giving each one of those lessons these past two
years. Now I actually can say I prefer the classroom time with the students (on most days) to being on the
ward supervising students. Both give me joy, but on the classroom days, I'm with all the students, not just a
few.
Hane: What would you tell someone who is considering a mission assignment?
Rutledge: Make sure wherever or whatever it is, it is what God wants for you. You will have challenges, you
will have joys, you will experience hardships and frustrations, you will see many things that change your
perspective for the better. You will not feel qualified for some things required of you, you will have wonderful
days, and days you wish you could forget. You will mess up the language, you will make people laugh
(hopefully you can laugh too), but as long as you have a clear sense that this place is where God has called
you to, or the task He has for you, you can rest assured and face the day with Him, having faith He will help
you through.
To view this mission opportunity, click here. Learn more about Rutledge's ministry by reading her blog.
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--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film
Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Guatemala
"I was a slave to alcohol most of my life," said 24-year-old Edilser in Guatemala. "I became a follower of Christ
at a JESUS film presentation. I wanted freedom from my bondage. I am encouraged to learn more about
Christ through the discipleship classes."
JESUS Film - Haiti
"I live with a woman and we are not married," said the man in Haiti. "We have several children, but I never
thought it was important to be married. I was interested in knowing Jesus, but did not understand the message
until I heard it from a JESUS Film team. I felt power in the message of Christ shared by the brothers. I have
accepted the Lord as my Savior. I am going to marry the mother of my children as soon as possible! Please
pray for us."
JESUS Film - Philippines
"Give our youth knowledge of Jesus," said Romy in the Philippines. "The young people were playing basketball
when the JESUS film projection began. I encouraged them to watch the film. I was so impressed by what I
saw, I invited the team to show the film in other locations for more young people to learn about the Lord."
PRAYER REQUESTS
Re-Entry Camp
This week, high school students serving cross-culturally with their parents on the Asia-Pacific Region are
participating in a weeklong camp to prepare them for re-entry into their home cultures.
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Rodolfo Betiwan
Mindanao East District Superintendent Nicolas Cacho requests prayer for Rodolfo Betiwan, who had gall stone
surgery on December 26. The surgery was successful and Betiwan is recovering, but hospital bills threaten to
overwhelm the family.
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or
JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here.
To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer
Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
GMC employment opportunities
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator
The person in this position will lead NCM's development team in developing and maintaining NCM's Web
applications, systems, and websites.
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Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Inc —Mentoring Coordinator
The person in this position is responsible for the NCMI Compassion Kids Mentoring Initiative and will support
the expansion of mentoring and youth development activities across the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
network. For a full description of the position, click here. Applicants should send a resume or CV to
[email protected].
Pensions & Benefits USA — Technology Specialist
This position will assist the technology supervisor in coordinating the technology resources available to each
department within the Pensions and Benefits USA office by making sure internal and external
education/training efforts are meeting P&B requirements. This includes benefit plan system development, Web
development, document storage/retrieval, and equipping staff with the necessary computer/phone equipment.
About
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the
denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. To obtain additional
information, please call (913) 577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons
regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran
status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership
in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are
smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited
number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those
individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the
open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for
which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for
entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by
mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, emailing [email protected], 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 Central Time. Completed
applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here.
MVNU awards community service scholarships
Mount Vernon Nazarene University presented the 2014 Helen E. Zelkowitz Scholarship Awards to MVNU
seniors Rachel Benedetti and McKenzie Cellar. The memorial scholarships recognize MVNU students from
Knox County who have made community service a priority in their lives.
Benedetti, a lifelong Mount Vernon resident, has been involved in community service through the American
Red Cross, AmeriCorps, church groups, and a tutoring program for elementary school students.
She is thankful for the scholarship.
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"It came to me unexpectedly during a time of need," Benedetti said. "I am so grateful for this scholarship; it
takes the financial stress away from school and allows me to focus on my classes and grades."
Cellar, originally from Centerburg, has served the Mount Vernon community through her work with the
Salvation Army, MVNU CoSMo outreach groups, Upward Sports coaching opportunities, and a tutoring
program for elementary school students.
She expressed her gratitude for the award.
"God has blessed me through this scholarship," Cellar said. "When I received the news, I could not help but
smile at God's provision in my life."
Helen E. Zelkowitz, the namesake of the Zelkowitz Scholarship Award, was actively involved in the Knox
County Food for the Hungry drive, as well as a number of other outreach programs and community service
organizations. The impact of her life of service continues through this award. Her willingness to support the
academic goals of young Knox County residents has enabled many to receive a life-changing education at
MVNU.
--Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Olivet receives Apple Distinguished Program designation
Olivet Nazarene University's School of Music received the Apple Distinguished Program designation for 2014
through 2016 for its iLearn@Olivet initiative, which provides iPads to every member of the Marching Tigers
and all music majors, as well as faculty and staff members.
The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that demonstrate a clear vision of
exemplary learning environments and meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.
Using iPads for music scores and formation diagrams greatly reduces the number of items band members
have to carry with them. The Coaches' Eye app allows directors to video the band's performance with an iPad.
The directors then use the video to give feedback to the students and isolate sections on the field for drills.
Practices can also continue later into the evenings because the screens light the music.
Olivet is partnering with the creators of Drill Book to make it fully available on iPad. The ease of this new
technology and the convenience of having new drills sent directly to each band member's device are benefiting
students and directors.
Olivet's School of Music uses iPads for all band, orchestra, choral, and instrumental ensemble music scores,
ebooks, note-taking, and email. Other applications include vocal coaching and recording apps and solutions.
Through the use of AirTurn Bluetooth page turning devices paired with iPad, students can focus on their
instruments while turning the pages of their music wirelessly with the use of a foot pedal.
To enhance iPad usage, Larsen Fine Arts Center — home of the School of Music — has tripled the number of
WiFi access points throughout the building.
"The selection of Olivet's School of Music as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights our success as an
innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of
academic accomplishment," said Don Reddick, dean of the School of Music. "Working with our Information
Technology specialists, we determined that iPad is the best technology available for transforming the teaching
and learning experience for our students and faculty. Having the iPad in the hands of our school's faculty, staff,
and students is fundamentally transforming the higher education experience for everyone."
--Olivet Nazarene University
Trevecca begins Build a Stable Campaign
At Trevecca Nazarene University, an animal stable is more than a nativity prop to be tucked away with the
Christmas decorations. As temperatures drop into the single digits, a stable is a very real need for Trevecca's
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urban farm and its ever-increasing herd of animals.
The university began raising funds in late 2014 to construct a stable for its 28 miniature "fainting" goats, seven
pigs, two dogs, and 30 heritage chickens. A stable is especially critical for Trevecca's working goats because
water in the air penetrates the fibers in the goats' coats.
Following the example of other environmentally friendly organizations, Trevecca uses its goats in an effort to
renew and preserve abandoned properties in communities near the campus. Workers on the urban farm use a
covered goat trailer to take the goats to derelict real estate, set up a solar-powered mobile fence, and allow the
goats to graze. The goats love broadleaf food and eat vegetation and brush while leaving grass alone.
Trevecca's goats have turned ugly, rough inner-city lots into beautiful and productive green spaces without
damaging the environment through toxic chemicals, herbicides, or carbon-powered, noisy machinery. Other
cities have used goats to clean up similar kinds of real estate.
Trevecca's goats and land-reclamation work were the subjects of a video segment aired December 15 on
News Channel 5, Nashville's CBS affiliate. To give or learn more about the Build a Stable Campaign, contact
Trevecca's Office of External Relations at 615-248-1451.
--Trevecca Nazarene University
Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church
members.
Oregon church set to rebuild after fires, vandalism
Arlington, Oregon
(East Oregonian, December 23) A year after its historic building was burned to the ground, Arlington Church of
the Nazarene is ready to rebuild.
The Rev. David Gossett began his sermon Sunday, Dec. 14 by lighting the third candle of the traditional
Advent wreath, otherwise known as the Candle of Joy.
There is a difference between feelings of happiness and real joy, Gossett explained to the congregation at
Arlington Church of the Nazarene. Joy is more than just happy thoughts and getting what you want, he said.
It’s something that comes from the inside out, from going through a struggle and knowing Christ is there in
suffering.
This last year was, without question, a time of suffering at the church. A still-at-large arsonist burned their
historic building to the ground on Nov. 12, 2013, destroying the landmark that was for more than a century a
place of worship and memories in the small community of about 600 people.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Illinois church surprises pizza deliverers with generous tips
Ottawa, Illinois
(Ottawa Times, December 26) On Christmas Eve at Crossbridge Community Church, two delivery people
came bearing pizza, instead of frankincense, but left with more than they expected.
A week before, a pastor asked church members to bring at least one dollar each to the Christmas Eve
services, but were not told the reason. At the two services that night, the pastor announced pizza was to be
ordered and the money brought to the church was to be given as tips to the delivery drivers. The first driver, a
woman, received $1,544 and the second, a man from another pizza business, received $1,100.
For the rest of the story, click here.
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Church begins ministry for 'special abilities' children
Manteno, Illinois
(Russell Publications Online, December 18) Thanks to the vision held by the Domont family, special children in
the Manteno area now have a very special ministry all their own.
It's called Safe Harbor, and it's offered at Manteno Church of the Nazarene for "special abilities" children.
It started with two loving parents, whose son, Chad, has "special abilities."
Sharilyn Domont and Shari Domont now are the key leaders in the Safe Harbor program, said Sara Matson,
Children's Pastor at Manteno Nazarene.
"We prefer to describe these children as having 'special abilities' rather than having 'special needs,'" Matson
explained.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Small New Mexico church serves immigrant community through food, legal help
Pajarito Mesa, New Mexico
(Albuquerque Journal, December 25) Graciela Chavez remains surprised that life has brought her to this
windswept mesa 10 miles southeast of Albuquerque to pastor a church built from two transport containers.
Her Christmas message seems in keeping with this harsh place where an estimated 1,200 people live off-thegrid, lacking paved roads, electricity or water lines.
"This time of year, all we think about is me, me, me," Chavez, 44, said in Spanish to about 40 people packed
into the tiny Pajarito Mesa Community Church of the Nazarene.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Nebraska pastor retires 32 years after starting church
Fremont, Nebraska
(Fremont Tribune, December 26) When he retires, the Rev. Tom Shaw isn't just passing the baton.
He's passing lots of them.
The pastor who started the Fremont Church of the Nazarene plans to distribute plastic, yellow batons — one to
each family — with the urging to continue the work that God called him to in July 1982.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to [email protected].
--Compiled by NCN News
Cougars select new golf coach
The Mount Vernon Nazarene University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Mike King was
selected as the next head coach of the men's and women's golf programs.
"We are excited to have Mike join us on staff as our golf coach," MVNU Director of Athletics Keith Veale said.
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"He has a long association with Mount Vernon Nazarene University as a former student and assistant coach.
His understanding of the mission of MVNU and our athletic department will serve him well as he continues to
build our men's and women's golf programs. I have known Mike to be a hard worker with a heart for Jesus and
a heart for people."
King is currently a math instructor at the Knox County Career Center in Mount Vernon and has extensive
experience in coaching. King previously served as the head golf and baseball coach at Highland High School
and was an assistant baseball coach at MVNU from 1998-2008. King graduated from MVNU in 1985 with a
Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and earned his Masters of Education in Sports Science degree from Ashland
University in 1998.
For more information on the MVNU men's and women's golf programs, fans can click on the following links:
Men's Golf
Women's Golf
--MVNU Athletics
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