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In Memoriam: 19 July 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 15-19 July 2024.

Hortence Balibanga, 54, of Yaounde, Cameroon, passed away 16 July 2024. She was a missionary, serving the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon since 2018. She is survived by her husband, Jacques.

Jimmie Chapman, 86, of Pegram, Tennessee, passed away 13 July 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Chapman, who passed away in 2021.

Grover Deskins, 90, of Hockessin, Delaware, passed away 4 July 2024. He was a chaplain, evangelist, and minister who served in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Deskins.

Debra Fightmaster, 70, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away 9 July 2024. She was the wife of Jonathan Fightmaster, a retired minister who served in Ohio, Indiana, and Kansas.

Ronald Miller, 84, of Hesston, Pennsylvania, passed away on 10 July 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Miller.

Loretta Reinhart, 83, of Canton, Ohio, passed away 9 July 2024. She was the wife of Larry Reinhart, a retired minister and educator who served in Ohio and Illinois.

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

Celebrating the life, ministry of Hortence Balibanga

Nazarene News Staff

Hortence Balibanga, 54, of Yaounde, Cameroon, passed away 16 July 2024. She was a missionary, serving the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon since 2018.

“On behalf of the whole Global Missions family, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Hortence on her sudden passing,” said Global Missions Director Jim Ritchie. “She was a wonderful missionary, and her loss will be keenly felt in our Global Missions family. She leaves a powerful legacy of love and faithfulness to Jesus and his church. We are so thankful for her ministry and service and we continue to pray for her dear husband and family at this time. We also thank our Lord Jesus for the salvation and eternal reward, which our sister now enjoys in his nearer presence.”

Hortence was born 24 September 1969 and raised in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. She met her husband and ministry partner, Jacques Balibanga, in 1985, and they married in August 1989.

Hortence and Jacques have served in a variety of roles in Africa.

"Mrs. Hortense was a devoted wife and mother, a prayer warrior, and an unwavering supporter of our pastors and leaders' families," said Africa Regional Director Dany Gomis. "She was always present, offering her strength and wisdom in both joyous and difficult times. A gifted counsellor, she was there for anyone in need of guidance."

Her heart was to reach orphans, and she had a passion for women’s ministry. She especially enjoyed working with pastors’ wives and vulnerable women. Her ministry efforts focused on those areas as well as compassionate ministries as she and Jacques worked to continue to grow the church in Cameroon.

Jacques has been a Sunday school teacher, worship leader, Bible school teacher, and worked in district offices. He has served as a minister for over 20 years and spent 18 years as a district superintendent.

Both Hortence and Jacques had a passion for church planting. Together, they planted churches in Rwanda and Burundi and have developed the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon since 2018. They were commissioned as missionaries in 2022.

Hortence was preceded in death by her son, Lebon. Hortence is survived by her husband, Jacques; sons Peter, Gedeon, Pascal, John, Jonathan, and Josue; and daughters Merylou, Carla, and Abigail.

Missions team makes impact in Philippines churches, communities

Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

More than 15 students and leaders from Point Loma Nazarene University embarked on a missions trip to the Philippines in May, partnering with local church leaders and Nazarenes. The team of students, led by Nazarene Missions Teams coordinators Kevin and Janet Wilkins, spread God’s love and served in various communities.

The team visited and served in several locations.

The team spent four days with Pastor Jeffrey at Isla Verde Church of the Nazarene. This young, passionate, fun-loving pastor leads this missional church and has made deep connections in the community. Six others from the Southern Tagalog District joined the Point Loma team, and deep bonds were formed. It was a beautiful place but a challenging context, as there was no electricity without a generator and limited water supply.
At Gintong Aral and River of Life Churches of the Nazarene, the team worked in the preschool, participated in a community cleanup day, met with community leaders, and helped at a medical mission day. They led Sunday school and enjoyed a fantastic worship service and a youth worship jam session.
At Shechem, a children’s home for kids rescued from online sexual exploitation, the team spent time with the children and learned about the trauma-informed care they receive while learning about the love of Jesus.
At GMA Church of the Nazarene and Lingap Bata Child Development Center, the team was welcomed with song, encouragement, gifts, and prayer. They learned about poverty through personal homestays and participated in a prayer walk to the local schools.

The church leaders thank the PLNU team for the love they displayed over various ministry participation in Philippines Churches of the Nazarene.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

Arizona church sews thousands of dresses annually for young girls

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

Young girls around the world are receiving dresses and the message that God loves them thanks to Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene's "Dress a Girl" sewing group. What originally started in 2012 as the passion project of a small group of women at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene has grown to 100 people.

According to the group's leader, Sandra Moore, the Oro Valley Dress a Girl group has made over 15,000 dresses that have been delivered to girls across the Africa, Asia-Pacific, Mesoamerica, and South America regions. Moore notes that it's the first time some children have ever received or worn brand-new clothes.

"The children love it," Moore said. "It's a big event. They each get special attention. We put the dresses on over their other clothes, make them feel special, and then pray over them. It's heartwarming."

The team began in 2012 after a couple of the church members heard of the Dress a Girl Around the World organization, with whom Oro Valley works. Initially, the church made the dresses and sent them to a local distributor, who found missions teams worldwide to send them to. However, in 2018, as the quantity of dresses and the team grew, they were challenged by the church's then missions pastor, Bill Graham, to take the dresses themselves through missions trips organized by the Oro Valley church.

The core team of 100 meets monthly with Moore, who shares highlights of the church's distributions on various missions trips around the world. Together, they pray for each other, pray over the dresses, and continue sewing. The group is intergenerational and consists of young adults with kids and retirees.

The church also began a sew-a-thon, held annually on the first Saturday in November. In 2023, over 400 women from around the community and church participated. Moore said some sew-a-thon attendees have joined the church, thanks to the activity. In a single day, the group puts together more than 1,500 dresses.

"The ladies there working are the happiest," Moore said. "They're thrilled to be part of something bigger than themselves."

Despite being a member of another church in the area, Lee Ette Jungblom attended last year's sew-a-thon and brought her entire quilting group along. She said they have already blocked out 2024's date to make sure to participate again.

"To be a part of something so beautiful for the Lord and these sweet children we were sewing for is overwhelming," Jungblom said.
According to current missions pastor David Hillis, missions are at the heart of everything the Oro Valley church does. He estimates 400-500 people from the congregation will go on a missions trip in 2024, spread out over 14-15 different teams. Their passion for missions comes directly from the church’s mission statement.

“If we’re not engaging people right where they are with the gospel — locally and globally — if we’re not empowering our people to be the ones doing that, then we’re not going to continue to be a church that thrives,” Hillis said. “The moment we turn inward and we focus on ourselves and what we need and not focus outward, we’re gonna slowly start dying as a church.”

More than 800 Peruvians attend National Congress of Nazarene Women

Church of the Nazarene South America

More than 800 women from Peru met in Chiclayo for the National Congress of Nazarene Women of Peru, held 28-30 June. The event was organized by the Ministry of Women with the motto "Renewed for the Race."

Delegations representing various areas, such as the mountains, the coast, and the jungle, paraded into the auditorium in a colorful display. A delegation from the districts of Awajun communities in the Amazonas region also performed in their native languages.

A worship team comprised of women from churches near the event location led the attendees in song.

Some of the topics covered in the plenary sessions and workshops were “Principles of Blessing,” “Pastors' Wives,” “My Mental Health and Myself,” “The Power of Forgiveness in my Life,” and “Stress in my Life and How to Overcome It,” among others.

In addition to the worship and workshop activities, medical professionals helped set up diabetes and blood pressure screening for women.

“It has been gratifying to see how women have decided to be stewards of their spiritual and physical health,” said Dr. Rosanna Serrano, a surgeon.

The congress concluded with the celebration of the Holy Communion followed by a time of testimony. The women shared what they learned and said it was worth the cost to be present, some of them having traveled several days since Peru is huge geographically and includes 16 districts.

“As women, there are often situations that can destabilize us or paralyze us, forgetting that God has placed something special in us, an invisible crown that often seems like it can fall from our heads,” Serrano said. “But we must take the time to stop and place the crown on our head, allowing God to renew our strength to continue the race ahead of us.”

“This congress has been a renewal for me as a woman, as a daughter of God, and as a professional,” Serrano continued. “I long expectantly to see how my sisters continue walking upright every day, renewing themselves in the strength of our Lord.”

Bety Espinoza, the national coordinator of Women’s Ministries, was grateful for the support they received from the Peru North Marcial Banda superintendent for the use of district facilities and many others who helped piece together the various parts of the congress.
“As a national leader, it has been a great and beautiful experience for me to see the hand of God at all times for the realization of this congress,” Espinoza said.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

In Memoriam: 12 July 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 8-12 July 2024.

Jack Barnes, 90, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away 12 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Barnes.

Patsy Brown, 73, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away 7 July 2024. She was the wife of W. Preston Brown, a retired minister who served in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.

Frederick Brucker, 49, of Sanford, North Carolina, passed away 28 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Kelly Brucker.

Florence Edwards, 101, of Pasadena, California, passed away 19 June 2024. She was the widow of Laurel Edwards, a retired minister who served in Idaho and Arizona. Laurel passed away in 2002.

Evelyn Fischer, 97, of Saint Albans, West Virginia, passed away 4 July 2024. She was the widow of Norbert Fischer, a retired minister who served in Iowa and West Virginia. Norbert passed away in 1993.

Elsie Justice, 91, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away 7 July 2024. She was the widow of Ronald Justice, a retired minister who served in Ohio and Indiana. Ronald passed away in 2023.

S. Jane Kissee, 91, of Belton, Missouri, passed away 3 July 2024. She was the widow of John Kissee, a retired minister who served in California, Missouri, and Colorado. John passed away in 2019.

Donald MacNeil, 92, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, passed away 27 January 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth MacNeil, who passed away in 2012.

Allan Parker, 76, of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away 3 July 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Sara Parker.

Leta Rhodes, 92, of Bakersfield, California, passed away 27 June 2024. She was the widow of Bert Rhodes, a minister who served in California. Bert passed away in 1988.

Samuel Stewart, 91, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away 5 July 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Stewart, who passed away in 2011.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Water and Life helps develop rural Argentina church and its community

Church of the Nazarene South America

On June 28 and 29, the Noroeste Argentino District, the Maximum Missions program, and the district youth carried out the Water and Life project.

The project was carried out in the village of Azogasta, in the interior of the Santiago del Estero province. The region has no electricity or drinking water, is poverty-stricken, and lacks essential resources. But there, the Church of the Nazarene is present under the pastoral leadership of Jorge Lencina.

Through a joint initiative, water tanks were installed on the land where the church building is being built, benefiting more than 15 families with free drinking water through an alliance between the Church of the Nazarene and the municipal government.

"I thank God for the Agua y Vida project, because it has had a high impact on the community," Lencina said. "We are very happy and very grateful as local pastors of this place, because the people, the neighbors of the community are very grateful; nowadays, they go and draw water in their buckets, they draw water in their canteens, they draw water in jerry cans, and in this way they can enjoy this benefit."

The project was made possible after a year of planning by Lencina, along with help from Antonio Marcos, pastor of Igreja do Nazareno Nova Europa, and Marcos Lopes, pastor of Igreja do Nazareno Vila União, both located in Campinas, Brazil. In addition, Pastor Esteban Pertusatti from Neuquén, Argentina, and missionaries Edivaldo Júnior and Cinthia Galván contributed to the project.

Construction of the local church building also resumed, progress was made on the building’s foundation, and structures were created to place the church roof. A service of thanksgiving to God for the provision of water was held and attended by neighbors from other towns. Among these neighbors, several declared Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.

Please pray for the completion of the new church building in Azogasta, for the set up of electricity, and for neighbors to know Jesus Christ so that God's kingdom will be expanded in the area through the work of the Church of the Nazarene.

--Church of the Nazarene South America Region

Church of the Nazarene growing in south Madagascar

Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

It was 4 a.m., and the Toyota truck was the only vehicle bouncing through the darkness. Out of the city of Taolagnaro, on the southern coast of Madagascar, the truck headed to Ambovombe.

Ambovombe has over 20 new Nazarene churches in the zone. Several years ago, a famine impacted the whole south of the island, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries responded to the need along with other organizations.

Through this impact of love, several churches were started. Along with District Superintendent Georges Patrice, the local leaders have been passionate about church planting, and now, just three years later, there are 20 small churches in this region.

Three days of training were planned for the 20 leaders in the area. The teaching included sessions on discipleship, healthy church planting, and a demonstration on using JESUS Film equipment. Furthermore, there were film showings planned in three nearby communities.

In the village of Etsila, the film had only begun when Soanavosotse came to the lead pastor, Vola, and requested prayer. Soanavosotse said that she had been tormented by nightmares where a large black snake entered their home and would wrap itself around her body to crush her. She was terrified, as the dream repeated.

The people of this area worship their ancestors through traditional ceremonies and many rituals and practices that keep people living in fear of the spirits. For generations, they have lived in bondage and darkness.

Those from the training gathered around her to pray for her protection, encouraging her to confess her faith in Jesus Christ to protect her against the enemy. The pastor asked her to show them her home; they went to the house and prayed, anointing the home to protect against evil spirits.

As the film ended that night, 35 children and 18 adults came forward to pray the sinner's prayer and express their faith in Christ.

“Truly, the Lord is using the message of hope and love to touch the lives of these villages,” Patrice said.

Continue to pray for the work in the south of Madagascar. There is new work beginning in each of the six provinces of the island. However, much is still left to be done: materials translated into their local languages, training of pastors and leaders, and further development of effective methods of discipleship and evangelism.

The Africa Region requests prayer for Patrice and his team as they work hard to evangelize across Madagascar and for missionaries Milly and Agnes Ibanda as they train pastors, helping to develop the work.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Rescatados camp reaffirms God’s call on young peoples’ lives

Church of the Nazarene South America

From 24-26 May 2024, the "Rescatados" Camp (Rescued Camp) reaffirmed values and God’s call on the lives of young people.

The event, aimed at young people who have completed high school, university students, and singles, took place at the Los Cerros Camp in Montecristi, Ecuador. Organized by the Nazarene Youth International of the Church of the Nazarene in Pindo, Rescatados was a great success.

During the three days of activities and recreation, the young people had the opportunity to explore fundamental themes such as leaving behind past wounds, discovering their calling, the importance of sexual purity, and the power of forgiveness.

Under the leadership of event organizer Paola Quezada and her team, the Rescatados Camp became a transcendental initiative for local youth.

"Some young people experienced a personal reconciliation with the Lord, while others embraced their calling to serve God through the ministries of the local church," Quezada said.

The camp was attended by pastors Jenny Arroba, Any Martínez, and Josué Franco, who shared key plenary sessions with enthusiasm and dedication. Franco highlighted the importance of making the best use of time, helping young people to let go of bad habits and instead choose healthy practices based on the Bible.

"I feel honored by the opportunity to influence this generation of college students and singles, who will later be fathers and mothers,” Franco said. “But above all, they will be children of God who will assume their divine assignment."

Saturday night was a special occasion at the camp, highlighting a Hawaiian theme, where the youth dressed in white, symbolizing purity. During the evening, competitions were held, and they enjoyed the pool and beach. In addition, they shared moments of camaraderie around a campfire.

Camp Rescatados left an indelible mark on the participants. They returned home with a renewed passion for their faith and a clear vision of their purpose in life.

East, West Mindanao districts celebrate milestone

Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

The East and West Mindanao districts of the Church of the Nazarene celebrated a milestone 50th anniversary from 21-23 June 2024 at Mt. Moriah Camp in Malaybalay City, Philippines. The three-day event, Sidlak Mindanao (or Shine Mindanao), brought together Nazarenes across Mindanao to celebrate 50 years of God's faithfulness and provision for the church.

The celebration featured fun-filled activities, including a fair with booths and games for all ages on the first day.

The second day included a community engagement event at the Malaybalay Church of the Nazarene, the first Nazarene church in Mindanao. Participants helped in the wall painting and mural activities. Children participated in face painting and a session in the child-friendly space.

The celebration was graced with powerful plenary messages from honored guests. Regional Compassionate Ministries Coordinator Leody Tan Echavez III's sermon, "We Are Connected," emphasized the importance of being connected as a church. Philippines-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Arnel Piliin highlighted the significance of the core value, "We Are Holiness," and encouraged the participants to live a life of holiness. On the final day, Global NMI President Christine T. Mosuela challenged participants to live a missional life.

The event culminated in a Communion service led by district superintendents Erene Pastor and Dan Balayo. A commissioning service followed, where Piliin anointed and prayed for the district superintendents of East and West Mindanao and the assistant superintendent of West Mindanao. The district superintendents then anointed and prayed for each pastor, and each pastor did the same for all the members present.

Sidlak Mindanao was a heartwarming celebration of God's faithfulness and a call to action for Nazarenes in Mindanao to sidlak for Jesus and inspire the next generation to do the same, spreading the light of Christ to those around them.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region