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Discover Missions helps over 100 young adults with call to missions

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

Over 150 students, leaders, and translators from 42 different countries joined for the 2024 Discover Missions event, held 7-19 June in Nairobi, Kenya. Discover Missions is an immersive experience designed for young adults to discern God’s call to the missions field on their life.

“This was an intentional international learning event,” said Brent Hulett, Missions Mobilization director. “Our goal was for young adults to make a decision to step into full time missions much earlier in their career.”

Discover Missions intentionally invited mobilization coordinators and missionaries from each region. After spending almost two weeks living, learning, and doing ministry together, the students now have personal relationships with missions leaders who can support them along their missions journey.

The event included a mix of education and hands-on experiences. Each day started with breakfast and a personal devotional time using a guided devotional attendees received.

“On-campus” days were filled with workshops on a variety of topics such as mental health, creative access missions, cross-cultural conflict, and reaching unreached people groups. They also included a missionary panel and Q&A sessions on topics such as personal social media usage and steps to apply for current missionary openings.

“One workshop presenter really challenged us to ask, ‘What are the needs where I am now? What is in my hands already that can help?’” said one participant from the United States. “It made me realize my city is really broken and has large needs. I can be serving now.”

The creative access missions workshop was so popular that a second Q&A time with CAA missionaries was created. Over 40 young adults reported a call to creative access missions.

“God really used this event to confirm my call to creative access missions,” said one participant from the Mesoamerica Region.

“Off-campus” days sent the young adults out in groups to serve with three different organizations, pulled from a pool of ten in the Nairobi area. They included orphanages, schools, compassionate ministry sites, and Nazarene for She, which provides education and sanitary products for young girls. The ministry sites introduced the students to a variety of ministry models that serve a community’s needs in innovative ways.

“I always had an interest in missions but never felt called to be a traditional missionary,” said another participant from the United States. “God has given me a passion for reconciliation work in the world. At Discover, I learned there is a place for me to do these kinds of ministries in missions.”

Leaders and organizers hope that the young adults who attended were able to discern God’s call on their life and that they are more equipped to be effective ministers of the gospel in cross-cultural contexts.

“I came to Discover after a really hard time in my life,” said a participant from Africa. “This event really gave me hope and vision for the future. I know God had me here on purpose.”

Missionaries give hope, share gospel with Shuar children

Church of the Nazarene South America

In a touching act of love and faith, a group of students from Point Loma Nazarene University in California, USA, were led on an evangelistic day for the boys and girls of the Shuar community in Pimpints near Taisha, Ecuador.

The Shuar are an indigenous group native to the Amazon region in Ecuador.

The initiative, filled with games, music, and joy, aimed to highlight the importance of the identity of each boy and girl, reminding them how much God loves and honors them. Bracelets were given to children and dresses to girls, seeking to instill them with value and security in God.

The dresses were made by a group of women from Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene in Arizona, USA. Once a year, these women make roughly 2,000 dresses and ship them around the world through a program called “Dress a Girl.” The idea is to pass those dresses to girls and talk with them about their identity in Christ. As each girl receives a dress, someone prays individually for them.

Celeste, a missions team member, couldn't hold back the tears and recounted how the Holy Spirit showed her the pain of each girl who has suffered harm and the joy of knowing they are being loved.

Belen Ramos and her husband, Isaac Almendaris, have pastored the Church of the Nazarene in Taisha for five years. During her participation, Ramos shared with the girls the value and dignity God grants them. Almendaris shared about the importance of self-esteem and the children’s identity in Christ.

Ramos expressed her deep gratitude to Cindy Orellana, Lady Yumbla, and Johana Yumbla for their valuable contribution and support. These women, who received discipleship in the local church, have become an inspiration and light to others.

"We must learn to express love within our families, especially to boys and girls,” said Johana Yumbla, coordinator of the Oikos sponsorship ministry at Taisha Church. “In this evangelism, we hug the girls, tell them about Jesus, and remind them how much he loves them."

This evangelistic day was carried out in the hopes of establishing a church in the community. The team asked for continued prayer for these children and their families so that they may find hope, strength, and protection in their walk of faith.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Fellowship strengthens bonds in Metro Manila District pastors’ kids

Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

The Metro Manila District held a gathering of over 70 pastors’ kids of all ages for their annual fellowship and gathering. This full-day event, held 12 June 2024, was a testament to the strong camaraderie and enduring bonds among these young individuals, fostering a supportive and nurturing community within the district.

The event’s theme, “Reality Check,” draws inspiration from Psalms 37:23. The primary objectives of this event are to affirm the identity of pastors’ kids (PKs) and equip them with the resilience needed to navigate the unique challenges they face both within their Christian communities and in the broader world.

This initiative is well-known within the district, rooted in the 2007 PK summit at Philippine Nazarene College. Over the years, summit attendees have formed a tight-knit support network, sharing experiences and providing mutual encouragement. As they have matured, these former participants are eager to extend their support to a new generation of PKs.

This motivation has led them to organize the current event, aiming to foster the same spirit of camaraderie and resilience among younger pastors’ kids. This event is also the initiative of the district’s PK coordinator, Grace Cardinal, who gathered the pastors’ kids with the most experience to spearhead the event.

Sam Tamayo, the head pastor of MX Messiah, shared about his journey as a pastor’s kid and how the Lord has guided his path, particularly in his success in motocross. He highlighted how God has used this sport as a unique platform for ministry. In his message, Tamayo emphasized key points: remembering one’s identity in Christ, trusting that the Lord establishes one’s steps, and boldly stepping out in faith. He encouraged the children to pursue their dreams with intelligence and authenticity, thriving in their endeavors while remaining true to their Christian values. He also reminded them of their role as salt and light in the world, inspiring others to see God through their actions and lives.

“They (your parents) will never have money, you understand? Because you are their treasure,” Tamayo said. “How? The Lord blessed them through blessing you with talents, skills, and opportunities... You must understand that when you fight your battles, you encourage your parents, who also have large and significant battles.”

After the breakout sessions, the afternoon was filled with fun activities, and church leaders provided support and love through their presence.

Pray is requested as the children walk on their faith journey and serve the church with their parents.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

South Carolina church uses soccer league to serve community

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

A new soccer league is bringing families to Greenville First Church of the Nazarene while signaling that the church seeks to serve its community.

Andy Barnette, family ministries pastor at Greenville First, moved to the South Carolina church roughly a year ago and began looking for ways to support the community around them.

"Greenville is such a diverse community [and] soccer is a universal language," Barnette said. "When you start talking about soccer, you've got multiple people from numerous cultures whose ears perk up."

Thanks to a grant from the Blessing Our Community initiative of the USA/Canada Region, Greenville could purchase all of the soccer equipment — goals, balls, shinguards, cleats, and uniforms — and partner with multiple refugee resettlement organizations in the Greenville area to provide soccer league scholarships for children.

To bring the league to another level, multiple life groups (small groups) "adopted" a team by cheering them on during weekly games and providing snacks. The adoption concept was so impactful that a mother of a child on the team began texting a member of Greenville First before every match to see if they would be coming to cheer on the team and her child again.

Barnette doesn't want the church’s efforts to be considered a church growth strategy. "It's just us providing a service for the community, saying, 'Hey, there's a need in the community,'" Barnette said. "There are families in our surrounding area that need community, need to interact with other families, and are looking for a place for their kids that will teach great values."

Greenville First isn't the only Church of the Nazarene that has partnered with Upward in the last year. Greenville First received a start-up grant with Upward, which has partnered with the USA/Canada Region's Blessing Our Community initiative. The grant agreement is available to churches in the United States until 31 December 2024.

"Seeing the outreach mechanism of Blessing our Community and then making disciples… that is something we love to be a part of, to stand beside the church, to reach the community, find family, share the gospel, and hopefully, in time, [participants] plug into your church," said Kristen McCraw, marketing and partnerships manager for Upward Sports.

Upward Sports is a faith-based organization that provides support and operations systems for local churches to start sports leagues and sports-based ministries. Upward Sports supports over 1,500 churches nationwide with over 300,000 participating athletes.

"As a region, we are grateful for Upward and the generosity they are giving to our local churches that want to begin utilizing sports ministry to engage with their neighbors," said Kristi Senica, a missionary for the USA/Canada Region.

"Not only is Upward providing financial incentives to churches that might not have a large budget to get started with a new type of outreach ministry, but it is evident that they care about championing the local church to be a blessing in their communities, to build relationships with their community, and ultimately to be able to share the gospel with those that God places in their proximity."

For more information on the partnership between Upward and the USA/Canada Region, click here.

ENC develops plan for closure

Nazarene News Staff

The Board of Trustees of Eastern Nazarene College today announced it has voted unanimously to begin the process of closing ENC and transitioning it into a new educational enterprise that will carry on ENC’s legacy of providing a transformational education that equips diverse students to lead and serve the world as agent of Christ’s love and truth.

Like all small, private, liberal arts colleges, Eastern Nazarene has faced significant financial headwinds in recent years. During that time, the board and multiple presidents have pursued numerous alternatives to closure. While these efforts produced fruit that enabled ENC to continue operating until now, the underlying challenges have intensified. It has become clear that transitioning to a new educational enterprise is the only viable path for continuing ENC’s mission of providing transformational education.

“As we enter this season of transition, the board and President Derr are focused on three priorities: caring for the present, honoring the past, and ensuring a vibrant future,” said David Bowser, chair of the Board of Trustees of ENC. “Our top priority in the coming weeks is caring for those most directly affected by this decision: our students, faculty and staff.”

The Board of the General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene expressed gratitude for the more than 120 years of educational excellence that ENC has provided in a statement.
“During its 124 years, ENC has held a vital position in the development of the Church of the Nazarene, providing exceptional academic preparedness in an environment that nurtures ever-deepening Christian faith,” the Board of General Superintendents said. “ENC graduates have long been known for their lives of service as pastors, educators, doctors, social workers, and many other qualified and committed professionals. Many have served on the mission field, both at home and across the globe. Eastern Nazarene College changed the lives of its students, who went on to change their corners of the world. This honorable legacy of service will continue forward in the coming generations.”

To read the full statement from the Board of General Superintendents, click here.

ENC’s goal, pending the commitment of a critical mass of students and faculty, is to continue serving undergraduate and graduate students who are on track to graduate by the end of the year. Administrators have arranged teach-out agreements with three institutions – Gordon College, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Trevecca Nazarene University – to provide streamlined transfer options for all other students. ENC will also provide job placement support and access to counseling resources for faculty and staff affected by the closure.

“We know many in our community will have questions about immediate next steps and long-term term plans for ENC’s programs and assets,” said ENC President Colleen Derr. “While the outcome of this process is known, the process to get there remains fluid. We are committed to communicating with our stakeholders in a timely and transparent way to ensure those most affected by this transition have the information and support they need. We are also committed to close collaboration with state and federal officials, our accreditor, and our partners in the Church of the Nazarene to ensure we are serving our community and our neighbors well during this process.”

ENC has communicated directly with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to make them aware of this decision, and ENC staff will also be reaching out to these stakeholders to provide direct support based on their unique situations. More information for students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, partners and the community will be made available on ENC’s website (www.enc.edu/closure) in the coming days.

“We know this news will come as a shock and disappointment to many, especially those whose lives have been transformed by their affiliation with Eastern Nazarene College through its rich history,” Bowser said. “We look forward to creating opportunities to celebrate this rich history and preserve ENC’s legacy moving forward. Taking this step now will ensure the continuation of ENC’s mission to provide a transformational education through annual scholarships that empower students living in our region to attend other Nazarene schools.”

In Memoriam: 21 June 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 17-21 June 2024.

Donald Johnson, 61, of Fairmount, Illinois, passed away 18 June 2024. He was a minister who served at Ogden Church of the Nazarene in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Johnson.

Arlie Kyzer, 87, of Atlanta, Texas, passed away 16 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Ora Kyzer.

Patricia Hutchens, 88, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 18 June 2024. She was the widow of Michael Hutchens, a retired minister who served in Ohio. Michael passed away in 1991.

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

Fitness classes open door for evangelism, discipleship at Missouri church

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

A Missouri Church of the Nazarene is opening its doors for evangelism and discipleship through a free fitness class offered to women in the community.

Pastor Denise Anderson started Holy Barre classes at Ferguson Church of the Nazarene last year due to her passion for holistic ministry. She initially wanted to get women from the church involved, but an open invitation for community members to participate free of cost has brought in women who are not involved with the church.

Denise pastors at the Ferguson church alongside her husband, Phil. After arriving as pastor in November, Denise learned about barre classes, which combine Pilates, yoga, and ballet, from a parishioner.

Denise went online to learn more and found Holy Barre, which brings Scripture, worship music, and prayer into the class. She asked the parishioner if she’d be willing to help start a program at the church.

“I asked her if she wanted to get certified and if she wanted to teach classes and offer them free to the community,” Denise said. “She loved the idea, so we got trained.”

The church currently offers two weekly classes, one in the morning and one at night. Due to the demand for the evening class, Denise's team plans to offer back-to-back evening classes.

The class begins with Scripture reading and then transitions into 45 minutes of exercise. Denise exclusively plays Christian music and encourages class members to use it as a time of worship. They close with a time of discussion and prayer.

One of Holy Barre’s selling points is its price point—free. Some Barre studio memberships cost upwards of $180 a month.

Thanks to a grant from the USA/Canada Region’s Blessing our Community initiative, Ferguson Church of the Nazarene can offer the Holy Barre classes at no cost, making them easily accessible for a community with a 24 percent poverty rate—one and a half times the national average.

“When I saw the grant opportunity, I thought, ‘Well, I would love to have all the mats and equipment so that there are no barriers for people to come,’” Denise said.

Many women from the congregation have become regular attendees, and the class has created a place for discipleship and fellowship. Denise noted that many community members have also started attending regularly.

A woman who lives across the street from the church called herself a “heathen” when talking with Denise at her first class. As the woman continued to attend Holy Barre, she became more comfortable during closing prayer and discussion. Eventually, she shared that her husband had cancer.

“She asked if I could pray for him, and she was tearful while I was praying,” Denise said.

That interaction exemplifies what Denise and Ferguson Church of the Nazarene hope to do: connect with community members who are searching for Jesus and a place to belong. Using exercise to accomplish that goal was a no-brainer for Denise.

“I’m exercising every day anyway,” Denise said. “Why not do it with people and have it be an opportunity for them to come into the church?”

Venezuela church opens children's playground

South America Region Church of the Nazarene

Iglesia del Nazareno Familia de Dios, located in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, celebrated the opening of its new playground on 7 June 2024. The space was created with love and dedication for the enjoyment of the congregation's youngest members.

The celebration began inside the church sanctuary, where pastors, leaders, representatives of the Northern Andean Field (Juan Carlos Soto, Roberto Quinatoa, and Danny Castro), children, guests, and other attendees gathered. The Nazarechicos, the church's children's ministry, created a joyous atmosphere that delighted those present with choreography, prayers, and words of gratitude.

Attendees went to the playground, where the children officially opened the long-awaited space. Between laughter and games, the little ones enjoyed the swings, slides, and other attractions while the adults shared moments of fellowship. Attendees were offered various snacks, drinks, and other delicacies.

The construction of the playground has been possible thanks to the joint work of the community and the church.

"The construction of this park is a dream come true for us," said Any De La Colmenzarez, leader of Nazarechichos. "Knowing that it will be a blessing for the children of the church and the community fills us with great joy, and for that, we are grateful."

The church expresses its deepest gratitude to God for his infinite goodness and allowing them to carry out this project. They also thank the efforts of Nazarene Missions Teams for their support and all those who have contributed to the construction of the playground.

This new space will be a fun place where children can learn, grow, and strengthen their faith in God. The Iglesia del Nazareno Familia de Dios is proud to have made this dream come true and hopes that the playground will be a blessing for all the children of the congregation and the Andrés Bello community in Cuji, Venezuela.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Meet Vanuatu's first native district superintendent

Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

The Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu reached a significant milestone when Gideon Iawaki was appointed the first native Vanuatu district superintendent.

The church began in 2003 with pioneer missionaries from the United States of America, David and Sylvia Potter. In 2006, Peter and Jenny Isaac from Papua New Guinea heard the call for missions to come to Vanuatu. The Potters and the Isaacs worked together with the people of Vanuatu to help grow the church. In 2007, the first district assembly was held with General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf appointing Peter Isaac as missionary district superintendent. Peter served as DS until 9 November 2023.

During the district assembly this past year, Peter joyfully passed the mantle of leadership to his local counterpart, Gideon Iawaki. Iawaki shared his journey and how God had been at work in his life:

[The name] Iawaki is given to the paramount chiefs in my village, and I was named after the paramount chief. My principal responsibility was to prepare Kava (a ceremonial drink drank during every ceremony) for the elders in the Nakamel (a place for men to gather).

The chief I was named after said, “My namesake, you will not go to school and continue. You will only go to school to learn to write your name; when you know that, that is enough for you.”

I went to school and reached class three, and after that, my chief told me that was enough. So I finished my education, and for the rest of my life, I stayed at home.

However, I realized that life needs education and work when I grew up. I looked for a job in town, but most employers asked for a resumé and my education level. I was feeling hopeless and useless. I thought I was not suitable for any job. But I thank God because he has a plan for me. One time, my dad gave me a Bible and a notebook. He wanted me to read the Bible and, at the same time, take note of anything I read that applies to my life. My father gave me a Bible verse, Jeremiah 1:5. “God told Jeremiah, I knew you before you were formed in the womb. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Reading that passage, I knew God had a plan for me. I heard the call of God to do God’s work in 2005, but my life was not strong.

In 2007, my father was invited to attend the Black Sand Church of the Nazarene in Port Vila. My father also invited all my siblings and me to attend. Soon, we were taken as members of the church. In early 2008, I was enrolled in South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC). I was also appointed Nazarene Missions International president of the local church. In 2009, I received my local preaching license.

I just want to thank my spiritual mentors. I regard them as my spiritual mom and dad, and they are the missionaries the Potters and Isaacs. They have done well in mentoring and nurturing me with the Word of God so that I can become more mature in my relationship with God. Thank you, my global Church of the Nazarene family, for your prayers and support for the people or church in Vanuatu. I have faced many challenges, but I thank God for everything he has done because you have been praying for me and my people.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

Ukraine ministers experience renewal

Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

This is a firsthand account from missionary Crystal Gibbons about a week of prayer, teaching, and encouragement for ministers from the Ukraine District.

Returning to Ukraine after two long years away was a bittersweet journey. The city of Lviv, rich with history and resilience, felt like a mix of joy and sorrow. As our train pulled away from the station in Przemysl, Poland, and headed to the border, my heart swelled with anticipation and trepidation.

My husband, Chad, and me — missionaries for the Eurasia North Field — had called Kyiv our home before the war, and we were anxious to return. Our friends, Svitlana Kleschar (Ukraine district superintendent) and her daughter, Zee Gimon, were among the first to greet us, picking up right where we left off, as close friends and colleagues usually do. Soon after, pastors and leaders from all over Ukraine started to arrive, and there were hugs and tears all around!

The gathering in Lviv was a significant one. Reverend Chuck Sunberg, along with other Eurasia North Field leaders, had organized a week of prayer, teaching, and encouragement for the pastors of the Ukraine District. It was more than a meeting; it was a lifeline for those of us who had been scattered and scarred by conflict.

Throughout the week, we had morning devotionals led by Sunberg. His teachings challenged us to follow in the footsteps of the first disciples of Jesus and to "suffer well" for the Kingdom. This will be the testimony of God's faithfulness to the world.

During the day, we walked the cobblestone streets of Lviv, a bustling city that makes it easy to feel like all is back to normal. Normal, until a single trumpet player brings the city to a halt, some to their knees, in complete silence. Trucks bring the bodies of those who died in the war through the streets. It's a reminder that under the surface of this beautiful city lies the pain and trauma of a country at war.

Evenings were filled with lively conversations and planning for the future. We prayed fervently for the district, the church, the country, and each other. Leaders shared their journey, and their words are a testament to the enduring spirit of the church in Ukraine.

As the week came to a close, we gathered one last time. There was a palpable sense of renewal, a commitment to rebuild and support one another and the district and its leaders. We anointed each pastor with oil, taking time to pray and lay hands on each one individually.

Boarding the train on Friday to cross back into Poland, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. These pastors are not just survivors of war but bearers of a hope that comes only from the Holy Spirit. They are the light in the darkness of their communities, and they are testaments of Christ's followers, determined to suffer well for the glory of God!

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region