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Philippines Luzon Highland District equips youth for media ministry

Jensen Galino and Christon Lopez for Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

The Luzon Highland District recently organized an audio and media workshop on 27 April 2024, held at Pico Church of the Nazarene in Benguet, Philippines. The event aimed to equip ministers and youth volunteers with foundational skills in sound engineering/mixing and media production to enhance their church services and outreach efforts.

The workshop was attended by 28 individuals hailing from various zones across the district, with attendees traveling from as far as Isabela and Ifugao. Divided into two distinct tracks — audio and media — the event offered training tailored to the specific needs of each group.

In the audio workshop, the participants were introduced to audio fundamentals and spent time familiarizing themselves with audio equipment. They then underwent training on practical application, from soldering cables for microphones and instruments to properly setting up basic audio systems, including properly running cables from the audio mixer to loudspeakers, microphones, and instruments such as acoustic guitars.

Furthermore, participants also learned the operation of the mixing console during performances through simulations. They were instructed on audio tech troubleshooting, which dealt with reducing feedback, minimizing background noise, and enhancing sound output from singers, speakers, and musicians. This exercise aimed to equip participants to handle technical problems head-on.

Simultaneously, the media workshop explored multimedia production, covering topics ranging from basic graphics application to photography composition and post-processing techniques. Attendees learned the intricacies of camera operations and understood how factors like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture influence the quality of their photos.

A hands-on activity challenged participants to collaborate in small groups, tasked with creating social media posters based on provided instructions. This exercise encouraged teamwork and provided a platform for participants to showcase their creativity and apply newfound skills in a practical setting.

Trainers offered personalized feedback and guidance, helping participants refine their designs and identify areas for improvement. The collaborative atmosphere fostered an environment of growth and learning, with attendees leaving the workshop equipped with the knowledge needed to elevate their ministry’s multimedia initiatives.

The audio and media workshop underscores the Luzon Highland District’s commitment to empowering its ministers and volunteers with the tools and skills necessary to effectively communicate the message of faith in the modern digital landscape. As participants return to their respective congregations armed with enhanced capabilities, the impact of this transformative workshop is expected to resonate far beyond its conclusion.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

EXPONAZ 2024 equips roughly 300 People on evangelism in Mexico

Mesoamerica Region Church of the Nazarene

EXPONAZ 2024 brought together roughly 300 people in Guadalajara, Mexico, to motivate and equip them in evangelism.

The event was held by the Mexico Field’s evangelism ministry, responding to the mission of the Church of the Nazarene to make Christlike disciples in the nations. During the event, there was an exhibition of various evangelistic resources, preaching, and workshops led by experienced leaders.

"EXPONAZ 24 was a time that God planned to remind us of the desire of his heart to go for those people who need it,” said Josías Pérez, an attendee. “The workshops confronted us and equipped us with resources to do better ministry for all generations."

Participants could visit 29 booths with resources from partners who work with the Church of the Nazarene and other organizations.

"The main focus of EXPONAZ is to ensure that each district and local church receives the resources that best adapt to the needs of the people they are evangelizing,” said Vanessa Maldonado, evangelism coordinator for the Mexico Field. “We understand that each place is different and needs different strategies.”

Ten lecturers who specialize in evangelism participated. Four preachers gave God’s word through plenary sessions: Milton Gay, regional evangelism coordinator; Carlos de la Cruz, FSC of the Central Field; Carlos Sáenz, Mesoamerica regional director; and Carlos Cordeiro, FSC for the North Central Field.

"We came away totally challenged to continue extending the kingdom of God on earth,” Maldonado said.

"God surprised us since we were equipped with strategies and materials, but above all, we were ministered through praise and preaching,” said attendee Julissa Contreras. “We promised that when we return to our planting points, we will have a new season…"

Vanessa Maldonado said EXPONAZ 2024 was an experience that exceeded the organizing team's expectations.

"We had never organized an event with this format before,” Maldonado said. “But it took place as God had already planned… We are looking forward to EXPONAZ 25 because we know this does not end here. This is just the beginning of something bigger that God is preparing, and that we have the enormous blessing of being part of it."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Remembering Beryl Adams

Nazarene News Staff

Beryl (Barron) Adams, 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away on 20 May 2024. She was a retired missionary who served in Brazil from 1981-2003.

She was born in Perth, Scotland on 18 January 1941. She gave her life to the Lord when she was 15 while attending the first Billy Graham Crusade in Scotland. At that time, she was sure God was calling her to be a missionary in Brazil.

She attended the Bible Training Institute of Glasgow, earning a diploma in theology. She applied to be a missionary in Brazil to serve God amongst the indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest.

Her call to the missions field came with further training, attending a linguistics course in London. It was there she met Brian Adams. There were only eight students enrolled in the course two-year course.

In 1967, she and Brian married, and they served as missionaries with the Unevangelized Fields Misson for eight years before being appointed as missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene.

Together, they began serving in Brazil, specializing in church planting in Paraná. One of their most significant accomplishments was the work of the Igreja do Nazareno Boqueirão, where they helped raise the congregation and helped construct the church building.

She and Brian both taught at the Bible Institute in Curitiba, and in 1986 they moved to the northeast of Brazil in Recife and organized the first family camp.

In a tribute to their service, Dejair Klug, pastor of Igreja do Nazareno Central de Paulínia, wrote in a social media post that Beryl and her husband, Brian, played a significant role in Church of the Nazarene in Brazil, reaching the State of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

They retired as missionaries in 2003 and lived in the United States to be with their sons.

Beryl is survived by her husband, Brian Adams; sons, Gavin Adams and Allaster Adams; and daughter, Luzianete Santana Adams.

In Memoriam: 24 May 2024

Nazarene News Stafff

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 20-24 May 2024.

John Abney, 93, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away 9 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, New York, Tennessee, Colorado, and Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Abney.

Beryl Adams, 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away on 20 May 2024. She was a retired missionary who served in Brazil from 1981-2003. She is survived by her husband, Brian Adams.

Christine Blankenship, 93, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away 17 May 2024. She was the widow of James Blankenship, a retired district superintendent who led the Northwestern Ohio and San Antonio Districts. He served as a minister in Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. James passed away in 2010.

Steven Gates, 74, of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away 10 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Arizona, Texas, Washington, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Deanna Gates.

Linda Gregory, 78, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away 16 May 2024. She was the widow of Ben Gregory, a retired minister who served in Ohio and Kentucky. Ben passed away in 2023.

Charles Lambert, 94, of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away 3 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lambert.

Donna Midgette, 86, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away 7 May 2024. She was the widow of Bobby Midgette, a retired minister who served in Illinois, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Bobby passed in February.

Jalileh Rihani, 82, of Arlington, Heights, Illinois, passed away 7 May 2024. She was the widow of Suleiman Rihani, a minister who served in Illinois. Suleiman passed away in 2001.

Ted Underwood, 79, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away 23 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Kansas and Florida.

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 Nazarene News

2024 USA/Canada commencement report

Nazarene News Staff

Nazarene News compiled the following list of spring commencement reports from each of the Nazarene institutions of higher education on the USA/Canada Region:

Ambrose University
President: Gordon Smith
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 26 April (Education), 4 May (Undergraduate and Seminary)
Commencement Speakers: Gordon Smith
Number of Graduates: 189
Fast Facts: Gordon Smith is retiring after 12 years of leadership as President of Ambrose University. He will be replaced by Bryce Ashlin-Mayo...Full story

Eastern Nazarene College
President: Colleen Derr
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Web: enc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3-4 May
Commencement Speakers: Richard Griffiths
Number of Graduates: 129
Fast Facts: The class of 2024 was comprised of 13 different nationalities, with a flag on stage to represent each one...Full story

MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speakers: David Busic

Number of Graduates: 402
Fast Facts: Eight 2024 graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing program at MNU have more in common than their studies. They all work for the University of Kansas Health System…Full story

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Carson Castleman
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speakers: Andrew Monnin
Number of Graduates: 456
Fast Facts: Brookstyn Black, an social work major, and Zach Ballenger, a religion major, were presented Service Above Self award...Full story

Nazarene Bible College
President: Scott Sherwood
Location: Lenexa, Kansas
Web: nbc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: Various
Number of Graduates:
Fast Facts: Since the 2022-2023 academic year, Nazarene Bible College no longer hosts an in person commencement celebration. Instead, NBC brings a commencement celebration to your local church...Full story

Northwest Nazarene University
President: Joel Pearsall
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Web: nnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speaker: Amy Ackley
Number of Graduates: 500
Fast Facts: Of NNU's 500 graduates, more than half graduated from the Graduate and Professional Studies program...Full story

Nazarene Theological Seminary
President: Jeren Rowell
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Web: nts.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speaker: Samantha Chambo
Number of Graduates: 44
Fast Facts: NTS Graduates and attendees recited a litany written by the late Professor Emeritus Paul Bassett...Full story

Olivet Nazarene University
President: Gregg Chenoweth
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Web: olivet.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 7 May
Commencement Speakers: Teresa Woodruff, Jasper Taylor
Number of Graduates: 846
Fast Facts: Following the conferring of the undergraduate degrees, five graduates were commissioned by Captain Brock Trexler as second lieutenants in the United States Army...Full story.

Point Loma Nazarene University
President: Bob Brower
Location: San Diego, California
Web: pointloma.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 6-7 May
Commencement Speakers: Jessica Matthews, Matthieu Rouffet
Number of Graduates: 744
Fast Facts: Bob Brower, who is retiring after leading Point Loma Nazarene University for the last 27 years, and his wife, Linda Brower, both received honorary doctorates for their service and leadership to the Point Loma community...Full story

Southern Nazarene University
President: J. Keith Newman
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Web: snu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 14 May
Commencement Speaker: Rod and Susan Riley
Number of Graduates: 335
Fast Facts: SNU honored Mike and Sheila Ingram as honorary alumni, recognizing their many years of faithful support of the university’s mission to make Christlike disciples through higher education...Full story

Trevecca Nazarene University
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speakers: Jonathan Burch
Number of Graduates: 980
Fast Facts: A large rainstorm drenched graduates and families during the undergraduate ceremony in the Trevecca Nazarene Univeristy quad...Video

El Salvador ministry brings hope to children, teens in crisis

Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Iglesia del Nazareno Las Peñas in Acajutla, El Salvador, opened its doors to about 130 children and adolescents who are missing one or two of their parents due to the emergency order that remains effective in the country.

The children and adolescents were left in the care of relatives or neighbors. The church became aware of their needs and decided to dedicate particular time for them once a week. The children listen to Bible stories, sing songs, play games, and receive snacks during this time.

One of the girls who attends the center, along with her 7-month-old brother, were left in the care of her 76-year-old great-grandmother after her mother and grandmother were taken away by the police. The church embraced this family and visited them to pray and bring food and other essential items. In addition, the church obtained psychological help for them.

With the support of the church members and their friends, the church has always been able to provide a snack, which the children and adolescents receive with great happiness and gratitude. An average of 75 children attend each week.

"Although the meeting starts at 6 p.m., the children have been waiting for this time since 4 p.m.," said Beatriz de Lara, coordinator of the center and wife of the pastor of Las Peñas. "It fills us with satisfaction to know that we can share the love of Jesus with the little ones."

Regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator Damaris Kellogg said that during a visit carried out with the coordinator of DINA (Comprehensive Development of Children and Adolescents), they were able to observe that the children and adolescents created an attachment to the pastors, facilitators, and teachers who support this project.

"It is a blessing to see the love of Jesus demonstrated through the church toward them," Kellogg said.

She also said that there are testimonies of transformation that are the result of constant work done with love and faith in God's provision.

Previously, NCM assisted this community in responding to disasters and is now working to create a comprehensive care project for children and adolescents.

"This beacon of light (the church) that shines with hope and love in this port community will continue to transform and leave its mark on the lives of these children and adolescents," Kellogg said.

Kellogg requests pray for all the volunteers, for the pastors, Fernando and Beatriz, and for the provision of all the necessary resources to continue blessing each home represented. She also requested prayer for God to continue to work in the face of this need that is present in other communities in El Salvador.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Africa region ministry helps to restore dignity for widows of martyrs

Africa Region Church of the Nazarene

The following is a first-person report from a missionary assigned to the Africa Region about an impactful ministry for martyrs' widows.

Imagine with me that you live in a country where having a different faith from the majority is illegal. Imagine that you are a Christian family in this country just trying to get by. As a husband and wife, you are doing your best to raise your children in the faith, but it is challenging. No one will employ you. Neighbors and family shun you if not outright persecute you and torment you.

Now, imagine you discover that your husband has been martyred for your faith and now you have to try and raise your children in the faith without a partner, a breadwinner, or a protector.

This scenario is the reality for two Nazarene widows in Africa. We cannot mention their names or locations for protection, but they shared with our leaders that life was tough. Their children could not go to school, their clothes became ragged, and on many days, they struggled to eat even one meal a day.

Yet through the generosity of Nazarenes to the project “Martyrs’ Widows’ Shop,” the Church of the Nazarene was able to provide these courageous women with the necessary goods to run small grocery shops. Local Nazarenes help cover the cost of rent for three months to enable these new shopkeepers to get started. They also helped build shelves to hold the merchandise.

Small local grocery stores are typical in this part of the world, and owning such a shop allows these widows to support their families without seeking employment from those who would persecute them.

One widow said, “I am eternally grateful to my Nazarene brothers and sisters. My kids will return to school, and we can now walk with heads held high.”

The other said, “Because of this shop, my kids will never go hungry again. I already registered them at the neighborhood school. I thank my fellow Nazarenes for their kindness; they have restored my lost dignity to me.”

To learn more about how you can support this ministry, click here.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Eurasia Nazarenes join other Wesleyan-Holiness traditions for conference

Nazarene News Staff

The Wesleyan Holiness Connection held its first European conference from 27-29 April at the New Life Wesleyan Church in Birmingham, England. Representatives from various denominations, all sharing in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, came together under the theme “Holiness for such a time as this.”

Participants from the Church of the Nazarene included 10 representatives from the Western Mediterranean Field of France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal and many participants from the British Isles South District.

“[I was] so thankful for this time of gathering,” said Pastor Ben-Oni Valentin from France. “What an opportunity to meet brothers and sisters from other denominations and countries who share the same Wesleyan-Holiness heritage. We’ve been reminded how much the deepness of the message of holiness from John Wesley is still relevant today.”

The three days consisted of prayer, worship, reflection, discussion, and connection.

Participants could participate in one of the four workshops, each answering the call to holiness in action. The workshops were:

Wesleyan Mission: The Oxygen Movement by Cassius Francis
Art and Creative Worship by NTC–Manchester Professor Louise Kenyon
How to Bless the Community Through Creative Engagement by Anji Barker
Collaborative Leaders in the Wesleyan Way with Denominational leaders and representatives.

Many came away from the workshops challenged, energized, and motivated by seeing the church working outside the box to minister in their communities and how they can go forth and do the same.

Keynote speakers included Deirdre Brower Latz, president of NTC–Manchester, Kevin Mannoia from the Free Methodist Church, and John Richardson, Wesleyan Holiness Connection Executive Director with devotionals given by Lemuel Thuston from Church of God in Christ and David White of New Life Wesleyan.

Mannoia reflected on how God is on the move, weaving people and the Kingdom together for God’s purpose. He reminded participants that differences in doctrinal background do not make one denomination better than another but rather allow us to look at holiness through the lens of others.

The topic opened the door for deep discussions in small groups around questions like “How do we envision the future of the Wesleyan-Holiness theology and its relevance?” and “How can we approach differences in interpretation or emphasis within the Wesleyan Holiness theology among leaders and congregations?”.

“This observation took us to what leaders need most, which is a ‘pure heart,’” Valentin said. “We must be rooted in the heart of God and at the same time reach as far as possible into culture in order to bring transformation.”

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

In Memoriam: 17 May 2024

Nazarene News Staff

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 13-17 May 2024.

DeLoss Conger, 84, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away 4 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Conger.

Sina Eang, 84, of Long Beach, California, passed away 11 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eng Kim. He is survived by his second wife, Siv Leang.

Gene Jackson, 76, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away 15 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Patty Jackson.

Larry Leonard, 78, of Casselberry, Florida, passed away 15 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Janet Leonard.

Bruce Paul, 63, of San Diego, California, passed away 12 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. He is survived by his wife, Mary Paul.

Ryan Pennington, 51, of Lewiston, Idaho, passed away 12 May 2024. He was a minister serving at Lewiston First Church of the Nazarene. He has served as a minister in Washington. He is survived by his wife, Tanisia Pennington.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Eastern Nazarene College announces three new fully online degree programs

Eastern Nazarene College

Eastern Nazarene College has received accreditation for three new, fully online programs, bringing the college’s online degree offerings to seven.

The newly accredited programs will begin 8 July 2024 and are approved for full online delivery. In addition to full accreditation, all online program offerings have recently lowered tuition, furthering the college’s commitment to removing the barriers to affordable, high-quality, faith-based education. ENC Online undergraduate program offerings are $390 per credit hour and graduate programs are $550.

Beginning 8 July, the college will offer an Associate of Arts degree in general studies, a Bachelor of Arts in management, and a Master of Science in management – information technology. These three programs join ENC’s existing four online degree programs and are conducted asynchronously.

Director of Online Enrollment Jennifer Adkins says she “could not be more thrilled about the NECHE approval of our new fully online degree offerings.”

“The Associate of Arts in general studies, the Bachelor of Arts in management, and the Master of Science in management – information technology programs open up incredible opportunities for students near and far,” Adkins said.

The demand for online and distance education programs has risen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrolled students and potential learners quickly realized the value of flexible education opportunities when colleges and universities began offering online courses.
“These programs allow working adults, parents, and others who may have faced barriers to access high-quality, Christ-centered education from an accredited institution,” Adkins said. “Our online formats provide the flexibility they need to balance work, family, and other commitments.”

Applications are open for all programs and cohorts.
--Eastern Nazarene College