It was a day to remember in a creative access nation in South Asia as the first local church was officially organized with 26 members.

One of those members shared how she had some hesitation about becoming a Nazarene until the final membership class when South Asia Field Strategy Coordinator Joel Mullen was teaching about holiness, entire sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For the first time, it became clear to her what God desired from her, and she finally understood beyond any doubt that the Church of the Nazarene is a church that deeply believes in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

“It’s just not true!” she said with passion in her voice. “My friend told me that the Nazarene church doesn’t believe in the Holy Spirit. But it’s just not true!”

Although names, places, and other details cannot be shared because of the creative access context, this general sentiment was echoed among all the new members that day. These believers are passionate about their faith and desire to live the holy life God has prepared for them. They have sacrificed much to follow Jesus, but they have no regrets.

Mullen was honored to be with them very recently to celebrate this special day and organize the church. The day was filled with worship, prayer, and celebration. Later in the day, the new church members issued nine new local minister’s licenses to their most significant leaders. In addition, a church plant from this newly organized church was recognized in a nearby town.

“We believe this new church plant will keep growing and soon become the second organized church in the country,” Mullen said.

“This is a historic day for the Nazarene church in my country,” the pastor said joyfully.
“We have long awaited this day, and God is giving us a vision for reaching other parts of the country for Christ!”

For security reasons, the ministry in this place is as paperless as possible. So, instead of giving the new members a membership certificate, each was given a coffee mug imprinted with the phrase: “treasures in jars of clay.” 

“These believers indeed contain within their hearts a priceless treasure,” Mullen said. “And they don’t want to keep it just for themselves. Instead, they long to share it with others. They deeply desire more and more people to know the hope they have found in Jesus!”

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region