Being Confident of His Saving Grace
Over the years of my ministry, I have had the privilege of leading people to the Lord, to His saving grace and sanctifying grace. It has always been a joy to see the change in a person’s life when he/she acknowledges Jesus as his/her Lord and Savior. I recall talking with a lady who […]
The Countdown to General Assembly and the NDI General Convention Continues!
We are officially one year away from gathering together in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 30th General Assembly! It is hard to believe how far we have come and how close we are to finally meeting together. While you are anxiously awaiting additional details, please enjoy this testimonial from one who has had the opportunity to […]
Children’s Bible Quizzing: The Right Tool at the Right Time!
Have you ever started a project but don’t have the right tool? You try to forge ahead and adapt. However, many times not only does it not work but you end up doing more damage by trying to use something that wasn’t made for that purpose. In a season where there are so many questions […]
How Do We Disciple Lost Persons until They Repent and Believe in Jesus?
It is important for each Christ-follower to be engaged in a lifelong journey of being and making Christlike disciples. Christians need to be highly committed to inviting lost persons to become Christ-followers. Hal Perkins’ book, Walk with Me, challenges us with searching questions like, “In my daily walk, am I ‘baptizing’ unbelievers in Christlike character, […]
A Temporary Farewell to a Greatly Valued NDI Ministry Leader
On Friday, March 4, 2022, Dr. Linda Hardin, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family after her months-long struggle with cancer. Linda’s ministry efforts and accomplishments are well known to those who served with her at the Church of the Nazarene’s headquarters and the Global Ministry Center. For nearly 30 years of […]
Understanding and Blessing Blended Families in Your Church
Blended, bonus, and step are a few of the words associated with a blended family. These families are not the same as first-time marriages where two people get married, grow together for a few years, and then eventually have children. Blended/bonus families usually become instant families right from the beginning. Every blended family is created […]
Floyd’s Journey from Friendship to Faith
It was a Thursday evening service of camp meeting on the Southwestern Ohio District when Floyd made his way to the altar and surrendered his life to the Lord. What a night of celebration! Floyd was a man who had battled alcohol for decades, leading to numerous other problems as well; but the prevenient grace […]
My Journey of Grace
I’m Marcial Banda Rafael and have been a pastor for 24 years. Currently I am a district superintendent and coordinator of NDI in the South America Region. I am married to Zoila Cieza Garcia, and our two children, Mateo and Mariagrazia, are gifts from God. Since my childhood, our loving God has surrounded me with […]
Easter – Moving forward in Our Journey with God
This year, Ash Wednesday was on 2 March, marking the beginning of Lent on the Christian calendar. Its origin is from an eighth century practice of marking Christians’ foreheads with ashes. Sometimes the ashes were obtained by burning the palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. This practice is also rooted in the Old Testament […]
The Holy Spirit’s Nudge
I woke up with a song in my head, not a hymn or chorus I was familiar with but a new song. I got up and started to write the verses, the chorus, and a bridge of that song. I was encouraged by what was written; it may never be shared by anyone, but it […]