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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

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.

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

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

Nazarenes respond to devastating floods in Brazil

Lucas Nunes for Nazarene News

Torrential rainfall in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has caused widespread flooding, resulting in significant displacement in several areas and leaving entire communities on alert. The rains began on 27 April, leading to a significant increase in river levels that flooded cities and villages.

According to Brazil's Civil Defense, 458 municipalities were affected by the floods, displacing more than 530,000 people and directly affecting more than 2 million. To date, 151 deaths have been confirmed. The Churches of the Nazarene in Canoas, Eldorado do Sul, Novo Hamburgo, Venâncio Aires, Alvorada, and Viamão were directly affected, and several houses in the region were invaded by water.

Local authorities have warned of the risk of landslides in mountainous areas and unstable slopes, further increasing concerns about the safety of the population. In addition to the immediate impacts on communities, the floods also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including damaged bridges, the closure of the region's main airport, and interruptions in the supply of electricity and drinking water.

The Church of the Nazarene in Brazil has come together to help respond to this crisis.

"Never has a verse been as current as Isaiah 41:6 (NIV), which says: 'They help each other, and say to their companions, 'Be strong','" said Manuel Lima, director of the denomination’s Brazil sub-region.

In response to this emergency, all districts in Brazil have been collecting donations of non-perishable food, cleaning materials, personal hygiene products, mineral water, bedding, and clothing in a joint effort called S.O.S Rio Grande do Sul, an arm of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Brazil that works to help in times of crisis.

While rains continue to fall in some regions, the population remains in a state of vigilance. Nazarene volunteers plan to distribute donations in three strategic locations, possibly extending to five locations in total. The distributions will begin as soon as the waters recede enough for travel to be possible.

The Gaúcho District covers the affected area of Rio Grande do Sul, home to more than 1,000 Nazarene members.

"The big challenge will be when the waters recede, and people return to their homes, some of whom won't even have their homes to clean," said District Superintendent Romero Moreira. "It is a bleak picture with many needs, but it is precisely the time to be the Lord's church in this region."

Daniel Antonio, logistics coordinator at S.O.S Rio Grande do Sul, wants to focus on the impact they can make in the community beyond just responding to the disaster.

"Our focus must be beyond the disaster and on the continuity of this work, helping these people to regain their dignity and their lives," Antonio said. "We see this as an excellent opportunity to bring the love of Christ to those who are suffering so much, thus showing the importance of the local church."

Please continue to pray for the people of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

If you wish to give to support relief efforts, visit ncm.org/brazilfloods.

Bradley Estep elected superintendent of Arizona District

Nazarene News Staff

Bradley Estep was elected superintendent of the Arizona District on 10 May 2024. He is currently the pastor of Sun City Church of the Nazarene in Arizona.

“I am humbled to be elected to serve as the next District Superintendent of the Arizona District," Estep said. "In every way, I will do my very best, with the help of the Spirit, to honor Christ and serve his kingdom purposes.”

Estep’s assignment is effective 10 June 2024. He will replace Douglas Pierce, who has served as superintendent of the Arizona District since 2012.

Brad attended Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. He earned a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1991 and a Master of Theology in 1992 from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary.

His first ministerial assignment was at Richmond Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Virginia, where he pastored from 1993 to 2000. In 2000, he moved to Florida, where he pastored St. Petersburg Victory Church of the Nazarene until 2002. In 2002, he began pastoring at Winter Haven First Church of the Nazarene, serving until 2008.

In 2008, he made the move to Kansas City, pastoring Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene in Missouri until 2017. Estep has pastored Sun City Church of the Nazarene in Arizona since 2017. He has also served as the district secretary for the Arizona District since 2020.

Brad and his wife, Dawn, currently reside in Surprise, Arizona.

Asia-Pacific NMI hosts Love for Missions event

Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

The Asia-Pacific Region gathered on 28 April 2024 for the third year of the Love for Missions celebration, which was held via Zoom. Since 2022, the regional Nazarene Missions International has continuously connected Nazarene missionaries to local churches and districts. It is the regional team's way of letting the missionaries know others are on the journey with them and that they are not alone in the field.

Missionaries were assigned by Global NMI to partner with the Asia-Pacific Region through the Links program. Links is a network of personal connections between missionaries and Nazarene districts worldwide. Participating missionaries are assigned to districts to help foster a personal connection with a local church.

Six missionary couples from various regions were introduced to their host region at the event: Errol and Rhonda Carrim (Africa), Miguel and Irene Garita (Costa Rica), Esteban and Dhariana Murillo (Panama), Tim and Michelle Eby (Africa), Pablo and Viviana Tello (Paraguay), and Joe and Amy Hall (USA/Canada).

David and Rhonda Ackerman led an engaging discussion with the Links missionaries through a question-and-answer session. The participants spent significant time getting to know them as they introduced themselves, their family life, and the kind of work they do, describing their call to missions and how it was confirmed. They also shared their current ministries and prayer requests.

Links Coordinator Debra Voelker welcomed the missionaries alongside David Hane, the Asia-Pacific regional personnel coordinator. Regional Director Mark Louw expressed his warm welcome and assured the missionaries that the Asia-Pacific Region loves them. Regional Missions Mobilization Coordinator Marcio Batista encouraged the participants to learn more about missions.

The Asia-Pacific Region aims to connect the local churches to missionaries in order to create awareness of the vast need to reach the unreached people groups, the lost, the last, and the least.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

Illinois church blesses senior adult community

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

When the Church of the Nazarene congregation in Manteno, Illinois, looked for ways to meet needs within its community, they started by simply looking outside. In less than one year, the church has started a program for senior adults that has brought much-needed service and support to the community seniors and revitalized the seniors within the congregation.

"If you stand out in our church parking lot and turn 360 degrees, 67 percent of the people you're looking at are age 55 and up," said MC Milestones Director Teddie Hill.

Four senior living communities are visible from the Manteno Church of the Nazarene building, and the town is home to two other assisted living facilities. Manteno Lead Pastor Ken Bushey issued a challenge to find a way to serve the people in those communities.

"Even though our church is very diverse age-wise, he saw that this was a need that was not being met," Hill said.

The MC Milestones team learned that one of the most significant issues facing the senior adults was the feeling of isolation and lonliness, so the church started offering events at its facility.

From free bunco game nights to a Christian comedy show, guest speakers, and singers, the events and accompanying meals have helped bring people into Manteno Nazarene. The church's latest "Lunch and Laugh" event was attended by 150 people, only a quarter of whom were from the church.

The events have led to connections with community members who opened the team's eyes to needs ranging from food insecurity to a lack of affordable medical equipment.

"We have a team of people that assist [seniors by connecting them] with the agencies we partner with," Hill said. "Or, if they fall through the cracks as some people do, we look and see what we can do."

In addition to the entertainment events, MC Milestones has also held educational talks on cybersecurity. Other outreaches include a group of senior care companions who visit homebound seniors and lead them in a Bible study.

MC Milestones is mostly self-funded with some help from donors. Recently, the team received a matching grant from the USA/Canada Region through the Blessing Our Community initiative.

While most of MC Milestones' efforts have been focused on the community, the church has intentionally sought to impact the senior adults who regularly attend Manteno Nazarene.

Hill noted how the church has evolved from what many members have grown up knowing it to be.

"This is not just for our church," Hill said. "But what has happened is that when you walk into our church, there is a revitalization with our seniors."

At every MC Milestones event, attendees can fill out an information card to receive birthday and anniversary cards and information about upcoming events. The card also has a space for prayer requests. Hill says that at their last event, ten people filled out the prayer request section, only one of whom is a regular attendee of Manteno Church of the Nazarene.

A group of retired ministers and spouses called the "Shepherds Sharing" prays over those cards. Community members often text and email Hill asking for prayer or help with odd jobs.

"Sometimes you gotta get down in the nitty gritty with people and show them Jesus," Hill said. "That's the bridge. You build the bridge from what we're doing to our community, and on that bridge is where we show them Jesus."

Brazil national NMI meeting challenges leaders

Church of the Nazarene South America Region

The fifth national meeting of the Nazarene Missions International (NMI) of Brazil took place in the city of Conde, Paraíba, with the theme: “Until He comes.”

The event, held 26-28 April 2024, was attended by approximately 200 mission leaders under the leadership of the mission coordinator for national NMI, Antônio Carlos.

Rubens Rodrigues, superintendent of the Northeast Central District, opened the meeting on Friday night with an inspiring message highlighting the responsibility and vocation of missionaries.

On Saturday morning, the church started with a speech from Alcimar Santos, superintendent of the Rio Grande do Norte District. After the devotional, Agatha Heap presented the attendees with training on the theme “Doing and living missional prayer,” followed by a talk from João Milesi on “Missionary profile.”

Saturday afternoon sessions included Sidney Xaxá’s rich testimonies from day-to-day experiences of the mission and Brian Heap’s thematic presentation of “Financing God's Mission,” addressing the importance of being financially organized to support God's mission.

José Pontes closed the afternoon lectures by addressing the topic “Caring for those who care,” which emphasizes the need to care for the physical and mental welfare of pastors, missionaries, and their families in order to have a healthy church. In the evening, there was another extraordinary service with special presentations of Brazilian northeastern culture and preaching by Alcimar Santos.

On Sunday morning, Felipe Fulanetto, national secretary of NMI, spoke on “Mobilization Strategies.” The event closed with a message from Manuel Lima, director of the Brazil sub-region, and the Communion that followed. Lima’s message challenged those in attendance to remain firm in God's mission.

Furthermore, all participants declared the commitment that “Until Jesus comes, we pray for the lost; until he comes, we announce Christ; until he comes, we sustain God's mission; until he comes, we care for those who are sent; and until he comes, we stay true to our Creator.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America Region

Africa West Francophone Field emphasizes ministry to children

Nazarene News Staff

Africa is called the “young continent” for a reason. According to a UNICEF report, by 2050, forty percent of the world’s children will be African.

“Children are not only the future of the church, but they are also the church of today,” said Celeste Chaguala, Africa Region NDI coordinator. “That’s why our responsibility to disciple them in the image of our Savior Jesus is urgent.”

Understanding the importance of introducing Christ to the little ones, the Africa Region Nazarene Discipleship International – Children’s Ministries held a training from March 19-23 on the Africa West Francophone Field in the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where three countries from this field were represented: Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Conakry, and Senegal.

The training was conducted in two districts, Cote d’Ivoire South and Central, with 115 participants.

The event aimed to equip children’s ministry leaders to present the gospel to the little ones better, both creatively and dynamically. In addition to the practical part of children’s discipleship, Patricia de Zuniga’s outstanding book “Abba” was presented.

“Abba” is a children’s Bible teaching material that presents God’s relationship with man through the Lord’s Prayer. By using this book, leaders are hoping to see children on the region grow in a deep and intimate relationship with God through prayer.

At the end of the training, the team carried out activities with children from the local churches and the trained teachers/leaders to practice everything they had learned. Approximately 200 children were present for these activities.

In addition to the participants, this training was attended by Celeste Chaguala; Rozzaria Mumba, regional children’s ministry facilitator; Lydie Gomis, Africa West Francophone Field children’s ministry coordinator; and Mrs Thaís Sitoe, Lusophone Field NDI coordinator.

Similar training will take place on all the fields in the Africa Region, and the printed book will be given to all Nazarene children in Africa, so they also can believe in our loving God, our Father.

-- Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

In Memoriam: 10 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 6-10 May 2024.

Tanya Brown, of Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada, passed away on 6 May 2024. She was the wife of Steven Brown, a minister who served in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

John Frierson, 82, of Irmo, South Carolina, passed away 6 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Alabama, Louisiana, and South Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Savon.

Joy Kunselman, 84, of Washington, West Virginia, passed away 9 May 2024. She was the wife of Daniel Kunselman, a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Billie Stearman, 96, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away 7 May 2024. She was the widow of Samuel Stearman, a retired minister who served in Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Samuel passed away in 2009.

James Tapley, 92, of Spokane, Washington, passed away 6 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Nebraska, Illinois, Washington, and Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Tapley, who passed away in 2021.

--Compiled by Nazarene News