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In Memoriam: 31 January 2025

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 27-31 January 2025.

Elizabeth Alsbrooks, 94, of Sumter, South Carolina, passed away 28 January 2025. She was the widow of Jasper Alsbrooks, a minister who served in South Carolina. Jasper passed away in 1991.

Amy Catron, 52, of Inez, Kentucky, passed away 27 January 2025. She was the wife of Derek Katron, who pastors Turkey Creek Church of the Nazarene. Derek has also pastored in Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Florida, and Ohio.

Kenneth Johnson, 94, of Monroeville, Alabama, passed away 8 January 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Johnson, who passed away in 2021.

Roy Jones, 89, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away 14 January 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Missouri, Texas, Montana, and Alaska. He is survived by his wife Lorraine Jones.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

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

Rizalina Dialing becomes first woman district superintendent on Phillippines-Micronesia Field

Seth Iguis for Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

Rizalina Dialing was appointed District Superintendent for Mindanao West District on 15 January 2025. She is the first woman to hold the role of district superintendent on the Philippines-Micronesia Field. She currently serves as pastor of Cagayan de Oro Church of the Nazarene.

This marks a significant milestone on the field, inspiring women to rise and lead with faith and courage. Her leadership paves the way for more women to break barriers and fulfill their God-given calling.

Dialing was raised in a Christian family with strong faith foundations. She began her ministry by leading Sunday School for children in her home church in Iloilo. Her early pastoral journey took her to Panay, where she served as a church pastor.

Actively seeking leadership opportunities, she attended numerous conferences and trainings that contributed significantly to her development and readiness for the role of District Superintendent.

Dialing expressed her sense of peace at the District Assembly, trusting that her life was in God’s hands and that His plan was unfolding as intended. She described the appointment as both humbling and challenging but remained steadfast in her belief that the Lord has great plans for her and the Mindanao West District.

She views this opportunity as a chance to expand ministry efforts within the district and strengthen her service to the local church and the broader community.

“This opportunity empowers me to serve not only my local church but the entire district,” Rev. Dialing said. “It is a testament to how our church recognizes and values women’s leadership gifts.” She emphasized that her leadership will be guided by faith and the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that she is a mere instrument in fulfilling God’s will.

Dialing envisions a more connected district, as geographical distances have challenged the church’s fellowship and unity. She also plans to prioritize pastoral education, believing equipping pastors with knowledge and resources is crucial to strengthening God’s Kingdom in Mindanao. Furthermore, she focuses on discipleship across all age groups, children, youth, and adults, ensuring a strong foundation for the next generation to continue the Lord’s ministry.

“This past year, God has opened multiple doors of partnership, enabling us to reach out to the ‘last, the least, and the lost,’” she stated. “This journey is not mine alone but belongs to the entire district as we grow together in God’s calling.”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

Remembering Frances White

Nazarene News Staff

Frances White, age 98, of Whitesburg, Georgia, passed away 6 December 2024. She served as a missionary in Swaziland (now Eswatini) for 15 years.

Frances was born in Carroll County, Georgia on June 08, 1926—daughter of Oliver and Nettie Lively.

She attended college, received her nursing training at the Georgia Baptist Hospital, and later worked in Shawmut, Alabama, where she cared for many in her community.

Her journey into missionary work began when Comer Johnson invited her to her local Nazarene Church, which connected her with Nazarene Missions. With their support, Frances applied to serve as a missionary.

1956 Frances was called to Swaziland, where she served faithfully as a missionary from 1956 to 1971. Both joy and challenge marked her time there as she faced illness, including a bout with hepatitis, yet she never wavered in her dedication to the people of Swaziland. After her time in Swaziland, she earned college credits through the University of Alabama before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, where she continued her service and faith.

Frances married Ray Levans in 1971, and the two shared 15 years of marriage. Together, they lived in an apartment until Ray’s retirement, after which they relocated to Glendale, Arizona. Ray passed away peacefully in his sleep while a missionary friend was staying with them. Frances found comfort in knowing her friend was present during that time.

After Ray’s death, she moved back to Georgia, searching for a Nazarene church and finding the Church of Nazarene in Douglasville, Georgia. She met J.W. White at the church, and they married in September of 2000. They were happily married for 19 years until his passing. They enjoyed gardening and spending time together.

In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her two husbands, Ray Levans and J.W. White; three sisters, Margaret Patterson, Mozelle Waldrop, and Olivia Harper.

Frances is survived by her daughter Cher White; and sister, Helen Welden. Additionally, she leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Trinidad and Tobago church launches child development center

Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

The Church of the Nazarene in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, officially launched the child development center, “Center of Hope,” in late 2024.

The Center of Hope is a space primarily created to facilitate the integration of children from Spanish-speaking migrant communities into primary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. With 16 children currently enrolled in the program, this event marked a milestone in the local church’s efforts to address one of the most urgent needs of these communities.

Political and economic crises in some countries have significantly increased migration to Trinidad and Tobago. Migrant children face numerous challenges, including language barriers, lack of documentation, and limited educational opportunities. Although the government of Trinidad and Tobago allows minors under 18 to access public schools, many children are unable to benefit due to documentation issues, leaving them in a vulnerable situation.

When the church in Arima began offering Spanish-language worship services in 2019, the church dreamed of meeting the educational needs of local children. Before the pandemic, the church had already made its facilities available to a local agency to establish a space dedicated to children. Today, this dream has become a reality thanks to the work of missionaries Timothy and María Nelly Bertrand, assigned to the Trinidad and Tobago District, and local program coordinator Jennifer Leach.

The Child Development Center takes a holistic approach to addressing the full range of children’s needs. In addition to providing quality education, the program includes activities focused on spiritual development, Christian education, and cocurricular learning in art, music, physical education, values, and character formation.

A typical day at the center includes:

Morning worship
Classes focused on English, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics
Snack breaks
A full midday meal

The center’s team comprises tutors and volunteer assistants, including retired teachers with experience in the local school system. Volunteers also help with meal preparation and co-curricular activities.

The community’s response has been very positive. Many children, aged five to 12, had never experienced a formal academic environment before.

At the first parents’ meeting, held two weeks after classes began, attendees expressed gratitude and enthusiasm. Several shared how their children had started singing songs in English at home, demonstrating the progress achieved in a short time.

The Center of Hope seeks to provide formal education and create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can reach their full potential. Active collaboration with parents is key to achieving this goal and ensuring that every child receives the necessary support in all areas of his or her development.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica

Holy Land holds first District Assembly since war

Eurasia Region Church of the Nazarene

In mid-January, The Church of the Nazarene in the Holy Land held its first District Assembly since the war, eliciting a powerful moment of worship, healing, and unity for the churches in the country.

The assembly, a long-awaited gathering after over a year of unrest, was filled with God's presence and marked by moments of revival and celebration.

A unique service was held the first evening at a newly established preaching point. Khalil Halaseh, East Mediterranean field strategy coordinator and the speaker for the weekend, reflected on this moment:

"I spent almost two hours praying with people after the meeting was over. Somehow, a revival started among them as they are thirsty for the Lord."

The second day included a gathering for women, where Pastor Khalil was invited to speak on healing. The service became a deeply personal time of prayer and restoration for all in attendance.

District Superintendent Pastor Nizar Touma shared with us that on the third day, Nazarene churches from across the district came together in worship, making it a great and blessed time. While reports are usually a key part of assemblies, the focus shifted to worship and celebration this year. The highlight of the day was the licensing of 11 emerging leaders who answered God's call to ministry, a testimony to the church's resilience and commitment to raising up the next generation.

"God allowed me to implement his Word in the Body of Christ, focusing on opening our eyes to see the young generation and raising them up to serve God," Khalil said. "It is a privilege to share the gospel and serve the Body of Christ."

The assembly concluded with a youth service and a Sunday morning gathering. The weekend was a testament to God's faithfulness and the church's strength in the Holy Land.

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

Ahmed's testimony: A story of transformation in Sierra Leone

Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

The following is a testimony of a man named Ahmed from Sierra Leone. He shares how he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a recent JESUS Film showing.

My name is Ahmed Tejan, and I am 63 years of age. I am divorced, but I have four children. I am an ex-soldier and fought in Sierra Leone’s eleven-year civil rebel war. Throughout those years of bloody war, I [vehemently used] charms and amulets, which I believed served as a means of protection from bullets and any other attack from enemies.

I believed in those charms so much, and they were very easy to use because my previous faith permitted their use, so I have been into them since I was young. I strongly believed that [those objects] had been protecting me from harm and danger from the enemy until I reluctantly watched the JESUS Film.

I was invited to a JESUS Film showing by one of the pastors. I didn’t want to attend, and I challenged them that watching the movie would not change me into becoming a Christian, informing them that I was loyal to my religion. At the show, I was amazed at how Jesus Christ performed extraordinary miracles I had never seen. That ignited my spirit, and I realized God is my only protector.

I was so touched by the instance where God saved the disciples in that terrifying storm. I realized that the charms I had been using were not what protected me but the love God had for me. So, when the pastor gave an altar call, I went out and gave my life to Jesus Christ, who is the protector of my life. From that moment on, I have been living in peace and confidence that I have a God who can protect me without rubbing or hanging charms around my waist for protection.

Please pray for God to give me the strength to reconcile myself with my family and that I will be a testimony that God not only saves but also protects.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

In Memoriam: 24 January 2025

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 20-24 January 2025.

Darlene Joe, 70, of Saint Michaels, Arizona, passed away 15 January 2025. She was a minister who served in Arizona. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Joe.

Wensell MacLeod, , of Stratford, Prince Edward Island, Canada, passed away 16 January 2025. He was a retire minister who served in Ontario, and Nova Scotia, Canada.

Bonnie Miller, , of Pleasanton, Kansas, passed away 15 January 2025. She was the widow of Gerald Miller, a retired minister who served in Iowa and Kansas. Gerald passed away in 2020.

Clarence Moorhouse, 89, of Mount Morris, Michigan, passed away 14 January 2025. He is a retired minister who served in Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Moorhouse.

Lee Pate, 70, of Ogden, Kansas, passed away 19 January 2025. He was a minister who served in Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Janice Pate.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Feature film based on Armenian Nazarenes' story releases Sunday

Eurasia Region Church of the Nazarene

Between Borders is a feature film set to release in the United States on 26-28 January that tells the true story of the Petrosyans — a Nazarene family— and their journey to faith and safety. The following is an adapted version of a story published by the Church of the Nazarene Eurasia featuring interviews with the film’s producers, one of the lead actors, and the Petrosyans themselves.

Between Borders shares the harrowing tale of the Petrosyan family—Violetta, Ivan, and their two young daughters, Julia and Olga—as they flee violence in Azerbaijan in the late 1980s. In their search for safety and a sense of home, they meet Jesus in a budding Russian Church of the Nazarene.

When Connie and Lonnie Norris moved their family from the United States to Volgograd, Russia, in 1993 as volunteer Nazarene missionaries, they soon crossed paths with Violetta and Ivan, ardent atheists and exhausted parents trying to build a life for their family in yet another country.

The Petrosyan family skeptically visited a worship service after Violetta’s mother began attending a church planted by the Norrises. Initially, Violetta stopped by to listen to English but found herself returning, drawn to the message of hope and healing in Jesus.

“I always say that my life started when I accepted Jesus,” Violetta remembers. “Everything changed from that day.”

Her daughter Olga also recognized something different upon meeting the church members for the first time.

“I’d never seen joy that much on display,” she said. “They wanted to know me,” she said, adding that “it was such a big thing to feel loved by people.”

“And then realizing why they’re so different than people just across the street—oh my, it’s Jesus. I want to know that Jesus,” she remembers thinking. “That’s why the hunger for Christ came because I saw that.”

Every Sunday after, the family returned, finding peace and warmth amid a violent, unwelcoming world.

“That was the place I ran because I felt loved and accepted by others,” Olga said.

“People need each other,” adds Lonnie, who spent seven years planting churches with Connie in and around Volgograd. “Hospitality is one of the things that’s noted in the Bible that we crave. It’s an inner need. It also gives us an opportunity, in the community, to work out the Scripture, interpret the Scripture, and make it practical. It’s in a community that we encourage one another.”

Community in Christ—the tragedy when it’s missing and the safety net it weaves—is a focal point of Between Borders.

“It is a story that reminds us to be good to each other, to love each other—especially those who are on the outside of society, or ‘othered’ or rejected,” actress Elizabeth Tabish said. “It’s a beautiful story of what can happen when you take care of each other.”

Through the eyes of the Petrosyans, Between Borders explores racism, displacement, and human suffering, as well as humility, hope, and trust.

“It’s important to tell stories that represent complex issues that Christians should wrestle with,” said producer Isaac Norris—son of Connie and Lonnie.

He also emphasizes the film’s deep Nazarene roots.

“The Nazarene church’s global mentality and focus on compassionate ministries are so evident throughout the film,” he said.

Between Borders is available in select movie theaters in the United States from January 26-28. For more information on where you can see the movie, click here.
To read the full version of the interview on the Eurasia Region website, click here.

Youth in action: Service project impacts more than 200 in Guatemala

Mesoamerica Region Church of the Nazarene

Nazarene Youth International of the Guatemala West District carried out a community service activity called 4×4 Todo Terreno (All Terrain), which took place over 10 days from 23 December 2024 to 1 January 2025 in Palmarcito, Retalhuleu.

This event, driven by the district's ministry Missions Mobilization, brought together a team of approximately 20 people, including teenagers, young adults, and the pastoral family of the Church of the Nazarene in Palmarcito. This act of love and service impacted more than 200 community members.

The activity benefited 130 children and 75 adults through various initiatives led by the missionary group. The main activities included:

Painting of community and residential spaces: The team painted the interior and exterior of a church member's house and repainted a pedestrian walkway.
Home visits: The team provided prayer support to individuals with various needs.
Activities with children and teenagers included discipleship sessions, where one young person received follow-up, and two teenagers began lessons.
Faith decisions: Five young people decided to renew their relationship with Jesus, marking a significant moment.

The initiative also extended to nearby communities:

Vacation Bible School in Las Marías: Over three days, 70 children participated in special activities in this community, where Palmarcito has a missions presence.
Evangelism in Los Ángeles: The team conducted house-to-house visits and children's activities, with 40 children attending on the first day. This effort led to the establishment of a new preaching point. The church has committed to supporting this community through regular visits and pastoral care.

The initiative also fostered spiritual growth and a commitment to missions among the participants and the host church:

Training sessions: Meetings emphasized supporting missionaries and preparing for missionary service.
Bonfire night: This gathering for worship, prayer, and reflection concluded the event with challenges of faith for the future. Many attendees made personal and ministerial commitments.

"A culture of missionary care was developed in the local church, and the lives of young people willing to serve were impacted," said Jhosselyn González, Missionary Mobilization coordinator for the Western District. "The pastoral family got involved and cared for the participating youth, who developed skills and affirmed that God calls them to engage in his mission."

This 4×4 Todo Terreno (All Terrain) not only transformed lives in Palmarcito but also left an indelible mark on the participants' hearts, reaffirming that service and love for others are the true reflection of a church united in action.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica

Philippines-Micronesia Nazarene Youth Conference encourages youth to make a difference

Seth Iguis for Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

The Philippines-Micronesia Nazarene Youth Conference made history as it was held for the first time on the island of Mindanao in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

From 26 to 29 December, approximately 150 young leaders from across the field gathered for the event, marking the culmination of the Philippine-Micronesia Nazarene Youth International’s activities for the year.

With the theme “MOTION: Moving Generation,” the conference symbolized the vibrant journey of young people striving to follow Christ and make a difference in the world. Participants engaged in various impactful activities, including powerful plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, community service projects, and dynamic engagements with the local communities of Malaybalay. These interactions allowed the youth to live out the conference’s theme, inspiring them to become active agents of transformation.

The event also served as a platform for leadership development. Attendees participated in specialized sessions designed to empower young leaders within the church, fostering a spirit of collaboration and vision. Additionally, the conference facilitated a business meeting where the field NYI’s charter and ministry plans were finalized, setting a solid foundation for the organization’s future endeavors.

Young leaders shared how the conference impacted their lives. Angela Villagonza from the Central Visayas District reflected, “This experience reminded me that obedience is the key to receiving God’s promise. It’s a call to live a life that is both missional and holy.” Gia Padohinog from the Metro Manila District described the conference as “a reaffirmation of God’s calling, a time to embrace that calling and step into servanthood.” Jasmin Hipolito from the Mindanao East District added, “This NYC reignited my commitment to lead NYI in my district. The Lord reminded me that he will never leave my side no matter what happens.”

The conference celebrated the vibrant faith and energy of Nazarene youth and equipped them to return to their local communities as leaders ready to inspire and serve. With hearts full of purpose and a renewed vision, these young leaders embody the theme MOTION: Moving Generation, advancing God’s mission with courage and faith.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific